On Day 1 of Canadian Airports Safety Week (CASW), we will highlight the environmental risks involved in airport operations and the ways we must all work to mitigate them.
On-site activities
Toronto Pearson Safety Program Cash Cab
Make sure to watch out for the Safety Cash Cab around the airport and test your knowledge in person for cash prizes.
Moores Creek Stormwater Facility Tour
On September 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. we are offering the exciting opportunity to visit one of Pearson's stormwater facilities and to learn more about how stormwater is managed at our airport. There are only 20 spots available, and you can register here before September 16.
Online learning
On Day 1 of CASW, we are highlighting Environmental Awareness and Safety. Today's reminders will review Toronto Pearson’s approach to:
- Stormwater management
- Spill prevention
- Maintaining air quality
- Keeping runways and aprons clean
Once you have reviewed the day’s learning material, test your knowledge of Environmental Safety and Awareness by taking today’s quiz below.
Participants in today's quiz will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card. Read the Terms and Conditions here.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater management (SWM) is an important aspect of Pearson’s operations as well as its environmental program.
Creating hard surfaces for aircraft results in fewer permeable surfaces where rainwater can be absorbed into the ground. This can lead to flooding if not properly managed. As a responsible landowner, it is Pearson’s duty to avoid negatively impacting neighbouring land. Our stormwater facilities capture the first inch of rainfall to ensure that we are not flooding our infrastructure or the communities around us.
There are 4 SWM facilities and 11 ponds located within the airport lands that have been designed to provide water quality and control. These SWM areas include dry ponds, engineered wetlands, underground detention tanks and oil/water separators.
Combined, the four major SWM facilities can hold as much liquid as 65 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
SWM is a crucial part of safety at Pearson because some aviation-related activities present a potential risk for the release of a wide range of environmental pollutants such as jet fuel and other aircraft fluids (e.g., hydraulic and lavatory). Other activities which can produce pollutants include:
- Aircraft deicing and anti-icing
- Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression Systems
- Pavement deicing and anti-icing
- Vehicle maintenance and fueling
- Cargo operations of dangerous goods
- Construction projects (more runoff and increased erosion)
If these regular airport operations are not managed correctly, pollutants can enter the natural environment and be detrimental to aquatic life.
Spill Prevention
Spills involving fuel or hazardous substances can affect surface water, soil and groundwater. They can also cause fires or explosions and be harmful to human health, flora and fauna.
To prevent these spills and limit these risks:
- Always follow guidance on handling, preventing and mitigating releases of hazardous substances and ensure effective notification, cleanup and reporting.
- Do not allow a lavatory spill to be washed down the storm sewer. Toronto Pearson tenants operating lavatory trucks are to produce and post written policy and procedures for the cleanup of lavatory spills and maintain lavatory spill logs.
Air Quality
As air quality has significant impacts on human health, it is important for us all to take steps to maintain the air quality around the airport. We can do this by remembering to:
- Turn off the engine of your vehicle or equipment when not in use and don’t idle.
- Ensure that vehicles powered by gas or diesel undergo regular maintenance to reduce airborne contaminants generated from their operation.
- Follow the protocols outlined on signage posted around baggage roads and parking garages.
Keeping the Apron and Airfield Clean
Keeping our apron clean helps to prevent Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and reduces the amount of wildlife around the airport. The following are important ways we can work together to keep the airside clean:
- Avoid bringing waste outside onto the apron and place food and drink containers in designated bins.
- Put large items like palettes and carboard in a U-Pak container and secure the lid when closing.
- Coordinate the proper removal of hazardous waste (e.g., oil, skydrol containers or oil rags) through your carrier or operation for disposal through your maintenance facility.
Extra Credit
To learn more about how Toronto Pearson strives to be a leader in environmental management, take the Environmental Awareness course. Send a screenshot of your completed course to safety@gtaa.com for a chance to be entered in the daily prize draw.
After you take today’s quiz and complete the course, be sure to join us again tomorrow for another learning opportunity and chance to win a cash prize!