water quality & management

Bristol International Airport is located on a limestone plateau at an elevation of approximately 180m above sea level. All the rainfall at the site falling onto the runway, taxiways and aircraft stands discharges into the ground through a series of petrol interceptors and penstocks, and into the ground through soakaways. The drainage systems therefore mimic the natural drainage of the surrounding area into groundwater.

There are a number of airport activities which have the potential to cause pollution to groundwater if not properly managed. These include:

• De-icing of aircraft and airside areas
• Vehicle and aircraft washing
• Aircraft and vehicle maintenance
• Spillages, and venting from aircraft refuelling
• Fire training (the RFFS are currently trialling a more environmentally friendly fire fighting foam).
• Spillages of domestic fuel oil

It should be noted that there is no aircraft washing on site. If required, the aircraft are dry-washed only.

A comprehensive investigation of the hydrogeology of the airport site and a risk assessment of the potential for pollution of groundwater was carried out in 2000 in conjunction with the development of a new fire training ground and extensions to the aircraft parking apron. This has resulted in the development of a water quality management strategy in conjunction with the Environment Strategy. Water quality is monitored at boreholes strategically sited around the airport and at soakaways to ensure that the agreed quality standards are maintained.

All development at Bristol International requiring surface water drainage is designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) as is agreed with the Environment Agency.