Enhanced Biological Attenuation of Aircraft Deicing Fluid Runoff Using Constructed Wetlands
Abstract
The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center partnered with Wetland Solutions Inc., Anteon Inc., University of Western Washington and University of Colorado have demonstrated the ability of a constructed subsurface flow (SSF) treatment wetland to reduce the negative environmental effects of aircraft deicing operations. The field-scale, 0.6 acre SSF wetland was designed to treat runoff from the application of aircraft deicing fluid (ADF) at Westover Air Reserve Base in Springfield, Massachusetts. While exact chemical composition of ADFs are proprietary, ADF consists of approximately 80 percent propylene or ethylene glycol, 18 percent water, and 2 percent of additives for improved functionality. Environmental impacts of ADF usage are the potential of high five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and low dissolved oxygen (DO) in receiving waters. Extreme conditions could create eutrophication, algal blooms, acute fish die-off, and ecological risks from both low DO and toxic additives in the ADF. The SSF wetland demonstrated the ability to reduce ADF discharge concentrations by 80 percent. The technology is safe for use at air facilities because it does not produce a desirable bird habitat since all flow is below ground surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429017
Entities
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center