Interim Report - Introduction - EASA

INTERIM REPORT – OPTIONS FOR CHANGE – ATTACHMENT B
EASA.2009.OP.21
determined based on the meteorological conditions, the type of aeroplanes to be treated, the
method of application of de-icing/anti-icing fluid, the type and capacity of the dispensing
equipment used, and the departure flow rates.
Note.— See the Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157), Part 2.
Environmental considerations
Note.— The excess de-icing/anti-icing fluid running off an aeroplane poses the risk of
contamination of ground water in addition to affecting the pavement surface friction
characteristics.
3.15.11 Recommendation.— Where de-icing/anti-icing activities are carried out, the surface
drainage should be planned to collect the run-off separately, preventing its mixing with the
normal surface run-off so that it does not pollute the ground water.
Doc 9640
De-icing/anti-icing facilities must be designed in accordance with local environmental
rules and regulations. Environmental factors that have to be considered are:
a) protecting the environment against toxic substances;
b) isolating and collecting used glycol and any other de-icing/anti-icing contaminants
to prevent run-off into the aerodrome storm drainage system; and
c) recycling the used glycol.
All of these criteria are “recommended” and not “required”, therefore there is no
encouragement for the development of new facilities which may enhance safety and improve
coordination. Instead decisions to “upgrade” will likely be taken mainly on commercial
grounds.
The list of what are items are included as facilities from Doc 9640 includes the de-icing / antiicing
vehicles, fluid storage etc. This is interesting if the aerodrome should be providing.
Even if the aerodrome allows third-parties to provide some of the facilities, it remains
responsible through Annex 14.
The environmental considerations (backed-up by local government regulations) to
recommend drainage will restrict some aerodromes to only conduct de-icing / anti-icing on
the Ramp, even though it may not be the most convenient or safe option. Moving operations
to a remote area may involve great expense.
The emphasis in Doc 9640 is different than in the Annex: ie facilities are required compared
to the Annex should be provided.
Doc 9640 contains an interesting recommendation that aerodromes should for two-step deicing
/ anti-icing for all operations, regardless of whether it is taken-up or not.
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