What specific environmental regulations govern the disposal of used de-icing fluid collected from the ramp area?

The disposal of used de-icing fluid collected from the ramp area is governed by a range of environmental regulations, primarily aimed at preventing water pollution and protecting aquatic life. In the United States, the Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law regulating the discharge of pollutants into waterways. Used de-icing fluid, which contains glycols and other additives, is considered a pollutant under the CWA. Airports are typically required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which sets limits on the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into waterways. The NPDES permit will specify requirements for collecting, treating, and disposing of used de-icing fluid. Many states also have their own environmental regulations that govern the disposal of used de-icing fluid. These state regulations may be more stringent than the federal regulations. Used de-icing fluid typically has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), meaning it consumes a large amount of oxygen as it decomposes. This can deplete the oxygen levels in waterways, harming aquatic life. Regulations often require airports to reduce the BOD of used de-icing fluid before it is discharged. This can be accomplished through various treatment methods, such as biological treatment, chemical treatment, or filtration. Some airports may choose to recycle used de-icing fluid. Recycling involves collecting the fluid, removing contaminants, and then reusing the fluid for de-icing purposes. This can reduce the amount of fluid that needs to be disposed of and conserve resources. Used de-icing fluid that cannot be recycled or treated to meet discharge limits must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Hazardous waste disposal is regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations require proper labeling, storage, transportation, and disposal of the hazardous waste. Airports are required to maintain detailed records of the amount of de-icing fluid used, collected, treated, and disposed of. These records are used to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations. Failure to comply with environmental regulations can result in significant fines and penalties. Airports should implement best management practices (BMPs) to minimize the environmental impact of de-icing operations. These BMPs may include using less de-icing fluid, collecting and treating used fluid, and preventing spills and leaks. The specific regulations and requirements may vary depending on the location of the airport and the type of de-icing fluid used. Airports should consult with environmental experts to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable regulations. In Europe, similar regulations exist under the Water Framework Directive and other EU environmental laws, requiring similar controls on the collection, treatment, and disposal of de-icing fluids.