The main issues in respect of water quality relate to the management of potential pollutants such as aircraft fuel, de-icer and chemical bulk storage. These have the potential to cause harm to the aquatic environment, in the event of spillage. We continually monitor the quality of water that runs off our airports to ensure it complies with environmental standards. Airports encompass large areas of land and therefore give rise to large amounts of run-off, which has to be effectively managed prior to discharge.

Our approach
We are working to ensure that we maintain appropriate systems and infrastructure to handle surface water run-off effectively, and ensure storage facilities are properly managed in order to avoid potential pollution incidents. We are committed to meeting statutory water and land quality regulations and each airport has specific objectives to ensure that these commitments are met.

Working in partnership with local authorities and SEPA, we strive to maintain the high water quality standards expected by the regulator. Samples are taken from surface water inlets and outfalls on a monthly basis, with the results analysed to ensure quality standards are consistently met. At Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports, a biological monitoring programme is carried out to understand and analyse the impact of any discharges to the local water ecology. BAA Aberdeen also monitors the effect of chemical de-icing on the River Don by sampling at agreed points during discharge events, and continues to build up a picture of the subterranean
 water flows across the airfield through bore hole analysis.

Technologies continue to change, and through consultation with SEPA, we will strive to ensure best available techniques will be used to minimise any effect our airports have on watercourses. Engaging with the senior management team has been key to ensuring environmental compliance is adhered to across the airports. Managers from all aspects of our business have been actively involved in meeting our environmental obligations through an ongoing programme of health, safety and environment tours.