Air QualityIf there's one thing that is obvious to everyone living on the Front Range (and beyond), it is that our air quality often leaves something to be desired. There are lots of contributors to this issue, including wildfire smoke from our ever-growing wildfire season, but there are factors within our control that contribute to our air quality issues. So far this summer, Denver has been on par with Beijing for multiple days, and that shows no signs of slowing.
Although much attention is paid to oil and gas operations, power generating stations, oil refineries, and landfills get a lot of attention for their contribution to greenhouse gases and poor air quality, aviation is a big contributor to the low air quality in the Front Range. General Aviation makes up 72% of airborne lead pollutants in Colorado as of 2017, and the number of GA flights only continues to grow year by year. |
Transportation, or mobile, emissions from trucks, trains, aeroplanes and all other motor vehicles comprise the largest single contributor to Denver’s air pollution. |
Environmental Impacts on Soil and Groundwater at Airports
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In addition to noise, air pollution and lead from AVgas, airports present yet another health threat to surrounding communities with soil and groundwater contamination. Studies have shown the main impacts from airports occur from:
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The contaminants with the highest risk are the perfluorochemicals, benzene and trichloroethylene, chemicals associated with superfund sites.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and special purpose environmental laws and regulations, require environmental impact analyses of proposed airport actions that are subject to FAA decision. The environmental review process must be completed before a project commences. The FAA provides a Desk Reference guide to assist airport managers in compliance with these standards. |