Environmental management for the aviation sector

Given the complexities of Regulation 61 and the potential risks associated with non-compliance, airports require reliable support. We offer a comprehensive range of services to help airports navigate this regulatory landscape effectively.

Site surveys

Our expert team conducts thorough site surveys to identify potential hazards, assess infrastructure, and evaluate compliance with environmental regulations. This baseline information informs subsequent monitoring and corrective actions.

Screening procedures

We conduct detailed assessments of your airport's operations to identify potential sources of pollution and evaluate associated environmental risks. This information is used to develop strategies for mitigating these impacts and ensuring ongoing compliance.

Monitoring programmes

Regular monitoring is essential for maintaining compliance. Our programmes include surface water risk assessments to evaluate pollution potential and identify areas for improvement.

Compliance audits

Our compliance audits verify adherence to environmental regulations, identifying non-compliance areas and providing targeted recommendations for corrective actions.

Environmental management systems (EMS)

We assist airports in developing and implementing environmental management systems that meet international standards like ISO 14001. This EMS provides a structured approach to managing environmental risks and improving performance.

Staff training and awareness

Our tailored training programmes ensure staff understand environmental regulations, potential impacts, mitigation strategies, and emergency response.

Regulation 61 is a critical aspect of ensuring responsible airport operations. By understanding its requirements and seeking the right support, airports can effectively navigate the compliance landscape and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are committed to helping airports achieve their environmental goals while maintaining their important operations.

Airport expansion is a complex endeavour that requires careful planning and execution. As global travel continues to grow, airports face the challenge of balancing increased capacity with environmental responsibility. By incorporating sustainable practices and leveraging expert guidance, airports can ensure that their expansion projects are both beneficial and environmentally friendly.

One crucial aspect of airport expansion is the assessment of land conditions. Contaminated land can pose significant environmental risks and may require remediation before development can proceed. Our experts conduct thorough contaminated land assessments to identify potential issues and develop tailored remediation plans. This involves site investigations, risk assessments, and the creation of effective remediation strategies. Involving an Environmental expert like Adler and Allan at the outset can help de-risk land transactions if further purchase of land is required for expansion.

Preserving biodiversity is another key consideration in sustainable airport expansion. Our ecologists conduct comprehensive surveys to assess the ecological value of proposed expansion sites and identify sensitive habitats or species. These surveys include preliminary ecological appraisals and ecological impact assessments. By understanding the environmental implications of their projects, airports can implement measures to minimise negative impacts and even enhance biodiversity.

The construction of new infrastructure, such as runways, terminals, and fuel storage facilities, is often a necessary component of airport expansion. We provide expert services to ensure that this infrastructure is designed, installed, and maintained in a sustainable manner. This includes the design and installation of fuel infrastructure, grid connection for EV charging and high voltage connections, and the incorporation of sustainable design principles.

Obtaining necessary environmental permits and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulations is essential for successful airport expansion. We offer guidance and support throughout the permitting process and help airports develop effective environmental management systems. This involves assisting with permit applications, monitoring compliance, and implementing sustainable practices.

By incorporating sustainable practices and seeking expert guidance, airports can ensure that their expansion projects are both successful and responsible.

Effective water and drainage management is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of airports. Compliant drainage systems prevent flooding, erosion, and contamination, protecting both the environment and airport infrastructure. From runways to terminals, proper drainage ensures smooth operations, even in heavy rainfall. Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to strict regulations are essential to maintaining a safe and resilient environment for your airport.

Water quality monitoring is a vital aspect of airport drainage management. We help airports improve their environmental impact by providing evidence of compliance with discharge permits and assessing the impact of uncontrolled discharges. De-icer, a commonly used substance at airports during winter months, can pose a significant risk to water quality. Our monitoring programs can help airports track the quality of their discharges and the receiving watercourse, ensuring that environmental standards are met.

A well-designed drainage plan is essential for preventing flooding and ensuring the smooth operation of an airport. Our experts develop comprehensive drainage plans that take into account the specific needs and characteristics of each airport. This involves site assessments, design, and construction support.

Correctly designed water runoff areas are essential for airports. These areas prevent flooding, erosion, and contamination, safeguarding both the environment and airport operations. By effectively managing rainwater, we can protect critical infrastructure and minimise any disruption to airport operational activities. We provide services for the design and maintenance of runoff areas, as well as implementing measures to prevent erosion.

Effective drainage management is a vital component of sustainable airport operations. By investing in water quality monitoring, drainage planning, and water runoff management, airports can ensure the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of their operations.

The aviation industry is undergoing a transformative shift as it seeks to reduce its environmental impact. One of the most promising avenues for achieving this goal is the adoption of new aviation fuels. These cleaner alternatives, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), offer a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. UK airports are at the forefront of this transition, investing in infrastructure and adopting new technologies to support the growing use of these environmentally friendly fuels.

The introduction of new aviation fuels, such as SAF, represents a major step towards a more sustainable aviation industry. These fuels are derived from a variety of renewable sources, including waste cooking oil, agricultural residues, and forestry by-products. By replacing traditional jet fuel with SAF, airports can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation.

To support the growing use of new aviation fuels, airports need to invest in new fuel infrastructure. This includes storage facilities, refuelling stations, and pipelines for alternative fuels like SAF and potentially hydrogen. By developing this infrastructure, airports can ensure that they have the capacity to handle these new fuels and meet the needs of airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

Fuel loading operations are a critical component of airport operations. By improving these processes, airports can increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability. New fuel loading skids, designed and built by our group company Flotech, offer advanced technology and improved safety features, enhancing fuel transfer processes and reducing the risk of spills. Investing in this essential infrastructure can help airports streamline operations and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry.

Many airports are setting ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions. To achieve this goal, airports must take a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions from aircraft operations, ground vehicles, and airport facilities. By investing in new aviation fuels and implementing energy-efficient practices, airports can make significant progress towards their sustainability goals.

We play a crucial role in supporting airports on their journey towards sustainability. Our services include energy audits, ESG consulting, infrastructure development, and compliance support. The transition to new aviation fuels represents a significant opportunity for the aviation industry to reduce its environmental impact.

As your airport continues to respond to rising demand for air travel, expansion projects must navigate environmental challenges including soil contamination, protected habitats, and legislative obligations. Understanding the complexities of geoenvironmental and ecological studies can help you to assess ground stability, identify pollutants, and understand local biodiversity.

There are many mandatory regulations (such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017) that require these assessments before further development can proceed. Biodiversity net gain provisions and complications from Sites of Special Scientific Interest will further shape planning outcomes.

We can move your expansion forward by completing land development studies that allow you to:

• Prevent legal disputes and costly remediation
• Comply with sustainability frameworks
• Gain clarity and confidence in land transactions
• Avoid negative media attention around sensitive ecological issues

Some of your infrastructure has been in operation for several years, and one that often gets overlooked is water treatment facilities. When these fail, it can compromise operational efficiency and environmental compliance. Blocked syphons, PFAS contamination, and outdated infrastructure pose significant risks and operational downtime for your airport. By investing in regular maintenance and testing, you can keep your systems running smoothly.

We support aviation operators by:

• Inspecting and cleaning syphons to prevent blockages
• Conducting effluent testing to detect PFAS contamination
• Ensuring compliance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations and the Water Framework Directive

These services help you to avoid fines, improve discharge quality, and extend infrastructure life, helping to support safe and sustainable airport operations.

Buried fuel and fire hydrant loops are vital for safe airport operations. But faulty valves, pressure drops, and hidden corrosion create costly risks and unnecessary airport downtime.

Seasonal extremes from saturated winter soils to summer heatwaves are affecting soil moisture and current flow, undermining pipeline integrity. Legacy infrastructure may also struggle to meet the demands of modern aviation requirements.

However, we can provide upgrades and inspections:

• Double block and bleed valves for fast, complete positive isolation which will reduce pipeline testing time from weeks to days depending on the length of pipeline
• Close interval potential and direct current voltage gradient surveys for pinpointing coating failures and underground corrosion
• Targeted pipework repairs to prevent fuel and fire system failures

Benefits for your site include:

• Minimise airfield disruptions
• Boost firefighting readiness
• Keep fuel delivery reliable
• Comply with environmental and safety standards

Effective drainage has never been more critical. With the UK experiencing more frequent and intense rain bursts, airports face increased risks of runway flooding, pavement erosion, and operational delays.

To safeguard airport operations, we deliver end-to-end drainage solutions:

• Hydrological assessments and rainfall run-off modelling to size channels and culverts correctly
• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) design, including attenuation basins, swales, and infiltration trenches
• High-capacity trench drains and geocellular storage crates for rapid water interception
• Permeable pavements and lined soakaways to reduce surface water runoff
• Regular inspection, CCTV drain surveys, and high-pressure jetting to maintain peak performance
• Real-time telemetry and remote monitoring for early warning of blockages or system overload

Our approach ensures compliance with the Flood and Water Management Act and The SuDS Manual (C753) from CIRIA, helping airports to minimise flood risk, protect infrastructure, and maintain uninterrupted flight schedules.