Environment
The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has integrated environmental policies and practices, business operations and asset management functions to ensure that sustainability is managed holistically.
Recycling
- Over 7800 pounds of paper, aluminum and other recyclables are collected monthly from offices and recycled.
- Last year, over 60 tons of newspaper and plastic were recycled from airport terminals.
- In 2008, the airport recycled approximately 247 tons of cardboard.
- Aircraft deicing fluid is collected, processed and resold. Last year, the airport sold over 92,000 gallons of glycol.
- Demolished asphalt and concrete are salvaged and stockpiled for re-use as road base or stabilization material in construction projects.
- In 2008, the airport reused or recycled approximately 63,000 cubic yards of construction debris.
- Vegetation disrupted by construction is converted to mulch and reused.
- 37 tons of Metal from demolition was sent to scrap metal facilities for recycling.
- 5,300 gallons of Used oil from the vehicle fleet and general aviation was recycled.
- 172 Used tires and 248 batteries were returned to suppliers for recycling.
Water conservation
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Since 2001, the airport has planted water conserving landscape that features plants that thrive in Utah’s high desert environment.
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A drip irrigation watering system has been installed for more efficient water use.
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Restrooms are now equipped with water conserving plumbing fixtures which reduces water consumption by half.
Alternative Fuels
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The airport’s shuttle buses run on clean burning natural gas.
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Light and medium duty vehicles have also been converted to natural gas.
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Electric vehicles and hybrids have been incorporated into the airport fleet.
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Tenants are offered incentives to use alternative fuel and there is a natural gas fueling station on the airport.
Use of Technology
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A Building Automation System (BAS) calculates the most efficient use of boilers, chillers, cooling towers and distribution loops. This conserves energy and reduces operating costs.
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The BAS also controls most of the lighting throughout the airport. Lighting is maximized through the use of daylight ambient sensors and time of day use.
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BAS controls outside radiant heaters saving electricity.
Management Practices
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Water based paint is now required replacing high emission producing oil based paints.
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The airport encourages tenant participation in recycling programs. Delta Air Lines recycles inflight waste.
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Maintains 450 acres of wetlands west of the airport.
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Currently, thousands of light fixtures are being replaced with more energy efficient, long lasting fixtures.
Wildlife Mitigation
The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has taken a proactive approach to managing the impact that wildlife can have on airport operations.
An extensive hazing program and habitat modification are the primary elements of the program. Airport Operations Officers patrol the runways, taxiways and associated area 20 hours daily. They are armed with shotguns with cracker shells that are used to scare away birds. The airfield is also equipped with bird cannons. These automated cannons fire randomly or can be remotely activated.
Airport personnel work closely with a full time staff biologist in identifying species, their preferred nesting areas and food sources. Then they eliminate the food, nesting areas and deploy other practices aimed at keeping the bird population low. Bird count surveys are taken twice daily at 13 sites to monitor activity. Salt Lake City International Airport encompasses over 7,000 acres.
Natural predators are low in urban areas and around airports. So, some natural predators are allowed to thrive in the environment.
In certain situations, birds and animals are trapped and relocated away from the airports. The Department also has a permit to use lethal control as necessary.
The process is constantly evolving. Bird populations rise and fall with weather changes, food supply and other natural conditions.
The Department keeps careful records of the types and numbers of birds and animals that are found on the airfield or are reported to have had collisions with aircraft.
In 2008, Salt Lake City International Airport conducted 400,000 take-offs and landings. Department records indicate there were 69 bird strikes that year with 2% of them resulting in significant aircraft damage.
The Department works closely with State of Utah and United States Department of Agriculture experts as well as other airports and aviation industry organizations to keep current on methods and share information.
Documents
These files are in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have an appropriate viewer installed, you can download Adobe Reader.
Environment
- Environmental Program Overview
- Airport Recycling Program
- Making the Business Connection to Airport Sustainability—Technical Report, January 23, 2007
Noise Monitoring
For Noise Compliants - please call (801)575-2824
- Noise Monitoring Program Overview
- 1998 Noise Contour Maps (FAR Part150)
- 2003 Noise Contour Maps (FAR Part150)
- Airport Noise Impact Map
- Land Use Map
