Environmental Assessment to Enclose Open Ditch #5, Area C at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Abstract
An environmental assessment (EA), Control of Migratory Birds along the Flight Line, was accomplished in 1999 by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WP AFB) that addressed potential actions to reduce bird aircraft strikes near the main runway in Area C. This EA analyzed several proposed actions to help reduce the number of birds frequenting the areas immediately surrounding the runway. The assessment determined that depredation in conjunction with pyrotechnics was the preferred method to accomplish the goal. Depredation activities employ the use of firearms to eliminate target species during predetermined shooting periods. Target species mainly include birds that are carnivorous. For controlling herbaceous species, a humane form of euthanasia is employed in conjunction with pyrotechnics to reinforce the threat of tills sound. These methods are currently in use. Based on a comparison of bird aircraft strike data from years 1995 through 2002 provided by the WP AFB Flight Safety Office, bird aircraft strikes have decreased since the implementation of the depredation measures and pyrotechnic activities. However, there are still enough bird aircraft strikes to warrant additional measures to reduce the number of bird aircraft strike hazards (BASH). An expansive open ditch (identified as Open Ditch #5) is located near the southwest side of the main runway in Area C, which attracts various species of birds to the area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 29, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA640269
Entities
People
- David Paul
- Matthew Garr
Organizations
- Aeronautical Systems Center