Aaron Bean: “As we debate H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, I want to highlight a critical flight safety and water…”

“As we debate H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, I want to highlight a critical flight safety and water quality issue--glycol recovery. As airports work to comply with existing and future stormwater requirements under the Clean Water Act, there is a critical need to find a cost-effective means of reducing the impact of deicing operations on water quality without compromising safety. Glycol recovery vehicles are an available, cost-effective solution that provides superior environmental protection. In its Source Water Protection Bulletin regarding airport deicing, the EPA states that 'vacuum vehicles are a cost-effective alternative to installing traditional drainage collection systems or deicing pads.' In addition, glycol recovery vehicles reduce airport delays by allowing deicing to occur at the gate rather than requiring planes to travel through a deicing facility. Unfortunately, there appears to be confusion among the airports as to whether the purchase of glycol recovery vehicles is an eligible expense under the AlP.”