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The Environmental Affairs Department oversees the Airports environmental protection practices, required reporting to regulatory agencies and corrective actions. In addition, Environmental Affairs assures compliance with federal environmental regulations, Airport policy and provides technical support to all Airport departments.
Planning and Policy
- (NEW) Public Notice – Code of Rules and Regulations
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) will be amending Chapter 6 of the DFW Code of Rules and Regulations to comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements for sanitary sewer discharge limitations. For more information, please contact Chris Hughes at 972 973 5571.
The Proposed Code Rules and Regulations will be presented to the DFW Airport Board during the monthly Board meeting on June 4, 2009. Click here for more information. - Environmental Management System (EMS)
- Environmental Compliance Review
The Planning and Policy Program includes the following elements and activities:
- Environmental Review
- Policy Development
- Environmental Master Plan Development
- Public Outreach
- Internal Support
- Airport Representation
- Tenant Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
The Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit TXR040000 requires DFW Airport to develop a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP), to reduce the pollutant loadings discharged in storm water runoff, to the maximum extent practicable (MEP). The Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) developed a Pollution Prevention Plan (P3) applicable to all Airport tenants and subtenants responsive to the implementation of DFW Airport’s SWMP. The P3 Program will require Airport tenants/subtenants to evaluate their occupancy, and develop non-structural controls (operational best management practices (BMPs), preventive maintenance activities, and good housekeeping practices) to be utilized throughout their term of occupancy by developing a P3 Plan. A copy of the Tenant Pollution Prevention Plan Policy, Manual, and BMP Guidance Document are provided below. Tenant Pollution Prevention Plan (P3) Policy Tenant Pollution Prevention PlanBMP Guidance Document
- Wash Water Management Plan
DFW Airport maintains a No Wash Policy for all exterior vehicle or equipment washing activities not conducted at designated wash facilities to ensure wash water is not discharged to the DFW Airport storm water collection system. EAD requires all airport tenants that conduct exterior aircraft, vehicle, and/or equipment washing activities to develop and submit a Wash Water Management Plan (WWMP). The purpose of the WWMP is to ensure that Airport Board personnel are familiar with the washing activities of each tenant and that tenants are developing and implementing best management practices specific to their individual operations. Guidance material on the WWMP is provided below. Tenant Wash Water Management Plan Standard Operating ProcedureTenant Wash Water Management Plan
Environmental Compliance Programs
- Underground and Above Ground Storage Tanks (UST/AST)
Underground Storage Tanks
DFW is mandated by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), title 30, Chapter 334 (Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks) and Chapter 115 (Air Quality-Gasoline Fuel Dispensing Facilities) to maintain compliance of USTs and ASTs at the Airport.
The Airport owns 59 USTs and 10 ASTs. Of those, 27 USTs are operated by Airport tenants. As mandated by the regulation, joint liability with the tenants ensures the tenants take responsibility for environmental compliance and for maintaining the USTs. There are additional USTs and ASTs owned and operated by other tenants such as the rental car facilities, the convenience store/gas stations and by the FAA. These tanks are the sole responsibility of those tenants.
Of the 59 USTs owned by the Airport, the Airport is registered as the operator of 29 of them. Of those 29, eight are active and 21 are registered as temporarily out of service. In addition, the Airport owns three USTs that are exempted from the state regulations. EAD provides release detection testing (monthly reconciliation) of Airport-operated USTs, as well as tightness testing, annual Stage II testing, and daily Stage II equipment inspections. EAD reports any suspected releases to the state environmental agency (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TCEQ) and ensures annual registration/self-certification requirements are met.
Certain Airport tenants are registered as the operator(s) of the remaining 27 USTs and are responsible for ensuring environmental compliance of those tanks. The tenants are the owners of the Stage II equipment and are responsible for compliance with applicable regulations for Stage II equipment.
EAD ensures compliance of all Airport Board owned USTs at the Airport through semi-annual tank inspections. Any compliance deficiencies noted at the time of inspection are corrected in an appropriate amount of time, and then re-inspected to ensure the corrections were completed. Results of all the inspections are then compiled into a Semi-Annual Underground Storage Tank Inspection Report and filed at EAD.
Any releases or suspected releases of hydrocarbons discovered during the tank inspections and review of daily inventory control and daily field observations by EAD staff are investigated and appropriate reports to the TCEQ are made.
USTs that are no longer utilized by the tenants or the Airport Board are either placed in Temporarily Out of Service Status or permanently removed from the ground. The UST removal is then followed by a written Closure Report to the TCEQ.
Above Ground Storage Tanks
The Airport owns 10 registered ASTs. EAD completes visual observations and inspections for all Airport-owned and operated ASTs, daily Stage II equipment inspections, and annual testing of vapor recovery systems. EAD reports any known or suspect releases and ensures annual registration requirements are met.
The tenants are registered as the owner/operators for their ASTs and maintain sole responsibility for compliance and maintenance of those ASTs.
- Stormwater
In order to address water pollution, Congress enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA) Amendments of 1987 which required the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a two-phase comprehensive regulatory program aimed at reducing water pollution produced from storm water discharges. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program was promulgated by the U.S. EPA on November 16, 1990, and authorized the discharge of storm water associated from medium and large municipalities, industrial activities associated with 11 industrial categories, and construction activities disturbing greater than five acres of land. Phase II of the NPDES program was promulgated on December 8, 1999, and expanded the previous regulatory program by requiring construction activities disturbing between one and five acres of land to obtain permit authorization, and requiring permit authorization from small municipalities.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), formerly the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, was delegated authority from the U.S. EPA to administer the NPDES storm water program on September 14, 1998; therefore, after September 29, 2000, when all NPDES permits expired, all industries covered under the NPDES program were required to apply for Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit coverage through the TCEQ.
- TPDES MSGP Permit
The TPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) authorizes storm water discharges associated with industrial activities. “Storm Water Associated with Industrial Activity” is defined as: Storm water runoff that exits any conveyance that is used for collecting and conveying storm water that is directly related to manufacturing, processing, material storage, and waste material disposal areas (and similar areas where storm water can contact industrial pollutants related to the industrial activity) at an industrial facility described by one or more of Sectors A through AD identified in the TPDES MSGP. DFW Airport is required to have a TPDES MSGP as result of the airport’s standard industrial classification (SIC) code of 4581.
The purpose of this program is to permit storm water and other allowable non-storm water discharges from industries identified as major contributors to storm water pollution. The Storm Water Industrial program evaluates how non-structural controls such as good housekeeping and Best Management Practices (BMPs) at Board and tenant facilities can be improved to reduce pollutants from being discharged to receiving waters. Additionally, this program also evaluates the effectiveness of structural controls such as, the deicing pads and the industrial wastewater collection system which can also impact the quality of storm water runoff.
- TPDES MS4 Permit
In addition to the MSGP, DFW Airport must also comply with the TPDES MS4 (TXR040000) regulation, which was issued on August 13, 2007 and provides authorization for storm water and certain non-storm water discharges from small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). DFW Airport is subject to this regulation because DFW Airport is considered a public entity (as established under the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 22), is located in an urbanized area, and holds jurisdiction over a system designed for collecting and disposing storm water to waters of the U.S. To comply with this regulation, DFW Airport must implement a storm water program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the MEP, protect the water quality, and satisfy appropriate water quality requirements of the CWA and the TPDES program. Small MS4s must develop and submit a SWMP, a comprehensive pollution prevention plan that incorporates both structural and non-structural pollution prevention and waste reduction protocols designed to manage and improve the quality of discharges entering the DFW Airport MS4 and receiving waters. As part of the rule, small municipalities are required to employ a program, which reduces the pollutant loadings in storm water runoff, which discharge to receiving waters to the maximum extent practicable (MEP). As part of the regulation, municipalities are required to implement a storm water program which addresses six minimum control measures (MCMs):
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Involvement and Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention
- Construction Site Runoff Control
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Post Construction Runoff Control
Expected benefits of the Phase II regulation include: reduced erosion on streambeds, improved aesthetic quality of waters, reduced eutrophication of aquatic systems, and improved habitats for wildlife and endangered species. - TPDES Individual Permit
On May 20, 2005, DFW Airport received authorization under TPDES Individual Permit No. WQ0001441000 to discharge first flush and other storm water to seven storm water outfalls: 001, 014, 019, 020, 023, 025, and 059. Storm water discharges at outfalls identified in the Individual Permit are authorized under the Individual Permit and not the TPDES MSGP for DFW Airport. Many of the outfalls authorized under the Individual Permit are located downstream of many of the major storm water outfalls supporting DFW Airport’s Central Terminal Area, or areas supporting industrial activity. All storm water outfalls located upstream of an Individually Permitted Outfall are also authorized under the TPDES Individual Permit. While, DFW Airport is not subject to the storm water monitoring and sampling requirements identified in the MSGP for outfalls covered under the Individual Permit, DFW Airport is still required to implement and maintain a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) which complies with the requirements of the TPDES MSGP.
- TPDES Construction
The Storm Water Construction Program core components include permitting, site inspections, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Erosion Control Plan (ECP) review, record keeping and training.
Within the regulations, construction activities (including clearing, grading and excavation activities) require TPDES permit for projects disturbing one or more acres of total land area, including small areas that are part of a larger common plan of development. The project is required to create a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3). In addition, the Airport requires smaller, independent projects less than an acre to create and follow an Erosion Control (ECP) similar to the regulated program.
EAD reviews the SWPPPs or ECPs submitted as part of the construction application process. EAD provides assistance on a daily basis to Airport personnel, tenants, and contractors regarding board policies and procedures for applying for a permit, preparing a pollution prevention plan, and applying for permit closure.
EAD performs periodic site inspections during the course of construction projects to ensure the contractor is operating in compliance with state and federal regulations and ensuring that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are being employed as stated in their SWPPP or ECP.
EAD maintains a storm water construction database, which is used to track all projects permitting information, inspection status and compliance status. EAD also has developed a course providing training on the TPDES Storm Water Construction Permit and is available to Airport staff, tenants and contractors.
- Pretreatment
The Airport is contracted with the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA), for the transportation and treatment of wastewater. The contractual agreement is guided by federal regulations 40 CFR 403 and the TRAs TPDES permit to discharge to the waters of the state.
The permit requires the Airport to administer, implement and enforce a Pretreatment Program. The Pretreatment Program includes procedures to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) that will interfere with its operation or will pass through the POTW inadequately treated into receiving waters. The program ensures the protection of the POTW.
EAD has developed rules, regulations and an enforcement plan in support of this permitted program. EAD Operations section conducts Industrial User Surveys/Inspections, provides a permitting process for tenants, and conducts compliance monitoring/ sampling. DFW operates a pretreatment plant that is permitted to discharge to Bear Creek under TPDES permit number 1441. The pretreatment plant treats first flush storm water runoff from airfield ramp areas.
- Watershed Management
The Airports Watershed Management Program:
- Establishes baseline conditions for the Airports receiving waters
- Measures the effectiveness of EAD Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Addresses federal and state surface water regulations
The watershed management approach establishes a holistic framework for assessing the effects of Airport operations on its receiving waters through the collection of numerical data at fixed monitoring stations within designated sub-watersheds. The numerical data is collected to establish a quantitative basis for levels of long-term impairments, if they exist, and a method for managing point and non-point source loading. Community Outreach Initiatives: Supporting Role in Graduate Studies With the University of North Texas
DFW invested $30,000 into graduate studies with the University of North Texas (UNT) for two separate projects. The environmental projects consisted of two deliverables to DFW: Biological and Habitat Assessment and Land-Satellite Maps that focused on hydrological and land-use issues. The money provided by DFW was strictly in support of educational research topics and supplemented the cost of materials and financial support for at least one full-time environmental graduate student and some part-time student assistants. The cooperation between DFW and UNT was made under an educational agreement that UNT would provide DFW with a quality deliverable and in return, a UNT graduate student performing the work under the guidance of a Ph.D. would use the research matter to produce a thesis or other scientific paper. Biological and Habitat Assessment The Biological and Habitat assessment was performed in 2004 and 2005. Each assessment included up to six stream reaches contained within, or adjacent to, Airport property. Macroinvertebrates were collected using EPA and TCEQ protocols at each location to assess the quality of the stream. The quality was translated into a numerical score. The habitat also was assessed for features such as percent of canopy cover, quality of channel slopes, quality of channel floor substrates and other parameters. This also was translated into a numeric score. These findings, along with conclusions and recommendations, were presented to DFW in two separate reports. A PowerPoint presentation and poster display highlighting research performed with DFW was presented by UNT in a National Benthic Society meeting in Canada. EAD has used the assessment performed by UNT to set metrics on the quality of streams and habitats on or around Airport property. This tool will be used in future assessments to measure improvements or degradations in DFWs riparian zones. This project is still continuing. In 2006, UNT came to DFW to collect some supporting data along Bear Creek. Additional funds are currently being sought to bring UNT back to DFW Airport in 2007 to continue the assessments in different areas. The Land-Satellite maps that are being developed by UNT have several potentials. The first is to look at all the land uses in the Bear Creek Watershed. By using the remote sensing tool we look at features such as high residential, forested, impervious cover, commercial, grassland and other parameters and accurately give these features a numerical value in the form of a percentage. This percentage can be used to identify possible threats to the watersheds and where extra efforts may be concentrated to continue the protection of water quality for DFWs receiving waters. This project has been left as an open-ended tool. Extra financing is being considered for 2007, to expand the map coverage in a greater distance to the east of Airport property. Watershed MapsDFW has been actively involved since 2004 in the Clean Rivers Program (CRP) administered by the Trinity River Authority (TRA). The CRP brings together stakeholders in the Trinity River Watershed to work in cooperation to solve water quality and quantity issues. In 2006, EAD hosted the representatives from the TRA, which administer the CRP. The day was spent touring Airport facilities and discussing various ways that DFW could most efficiently participate in the TRA program. The discussion included hosting water quality training classes at streams on Airport property and submitting data for research projects in special studies.
DFW Participated in the Irving World of Water Festival, 2006
In 2006 DFW participated in the city of Irving World of Water festival, which emphasized water quality education for the public. EAD set up a display focusing on the Watershed Management program and also set up tools used for collecting water quality data. EAD passed out educational pamphlets and discussed theories behind why DFW conducts a watershed program with interested participants.
DFW Is Participating in the Development of a Hydrology Map for Bear Creek
DFW is currently providing financial and logistic support to the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) to develop an intensive Bear Creek Watershed Map that will be used to identify potential hydraulic issues within the Bear Creek Watershed. Participants in the project include NTCOG, Halff Associates and all the cities that discharge into the Bear Creek Watershed.
DFW Participated in a Workshop Focused on Solving North Texas Water Quality Issues at the University of North Texas
DFW participated in the Water/Watershed Education Workshop at the University of North Texas in 2005. The initiative brought together government agencies, cities and municipalities to develop a Trinity River Partners Program and to discuss water quality issues in North Texas. The workshop divided individuals randomly into groups. The groups included individuals from federal and state agencies, local governments, private industry and environmental action groups to discuss different environmental topics. At the end of the day, the groups all came together to discuss the results of the discussions and what resolutions were developed. All the information that was gathered through the workshop was put into a survey that was distributed through water utilities companies for residents to take. The results of the survey were then redistributed to the workshop participants so they could have residential feedback on the best way to address water quality concern s in North Texas.
- Hydrogeology
The Hydrogeology Program provides for the collection of hydrogeological data, to include groundwater levels, groundwater quality, surface water quality sampling, soil sampling, subsurface investigations, Environmental Site Assessments, and interpretation of data. EAD has three groundwater monitoring programs at Terminal B, Terminal E and Northeast Cargo.
EAD provides the Airport Real Estate Department with Phase I site assessments for new tenant leases. The EAD Operations section also collects field water quality parameters from 18 outfalls weekly and collects daily water quality field parameters from four locations on Trigg Lake.
The field parameters collected are: weather conditions, water physical characteristics, pH, D.O., turbidity, water temperature, conductivity and salinity.
- Emergency Response
EAD provides a 24-hour emergency response program in the event of disasters, accidents and other incidents in support of the Airport Emergency Plan. Upon notification of an environmental incident or emergency response, EAD provides support and assistance to the incident commander or to the Department of Public Safety Airport Rescue and Firefighting Team. EAD provides a point of contact and interface with environmental regulatory agencies having jurisdiction, oversight or responsibility. EAD manages all Airport-related spills and releases, by providing containment materials, sample collection, material identification and/or characterization, disposal, and notifications to state and federal agencies. EAD also provides written follow-ups to state and federal agencies.
- Air Quality
The air quality program includes permitting of the Airport's air emissions sources, preparation of annual criteria pollutant (particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds) emissions inventory for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), General Conformity with the DFW State Implementation Plan, monthly calculation of air emissions from permitted sources, review of Airport and tenant construction permit applications for air quality impacts, emissions testing, special emissions inventories for TCEQ and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, aircraft emissions studies, and assessment of air quality impacts from future airport and tenant projects. The Airport currently operates the following permitted sources: six boilers at the Central Utility Plant, nine emergency generators, the Air Cargo Fumigation facility, 15 Petroleum Storage Tanks, nine degreasers, and the DPS Fire Training Facility.  Air Quality Program Milestones: DFW has reduced criteria air pollutant emissions by 87 percent since 1996. Oxides of nitrogen (a precursor to ozone formation) emissions have been reduced by 93 percent in the past decade. As of April 2004, DFW reduced emissions below regulatory thresholds and was no longer classified as a major source of pollution. In April 2005, DFW permanently shut down two incinerators resulting in further emissions reductions. 
- Special/Hazardous Material Management
DFW is classified as a "Small Quantity Generator" of hazardous waste, generating no more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste in any calendar month. A hazardous waste is a discarded substance that meets one of four characteristics for determining hazardous waste: ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic.
EAD has identified hazardous waste streams generated from Airport operations. Waste streams were identified by laboratory analysis.
EAD is responsible for identification and collection of hazardous material, management of the material in the storage yard and the disposal of Airport-generated waste only. Tenants have and maintain their own hazardous waste programs.
EAD also is responsible for the handling and disposal of the Airports regulated wastes. Regulated wastes do not satisfy the definition of a hazardous waste but are required by state or federal agencies.
Regulated waste streams generated by the Airport are materials such as used oils, oil filters, used tires, asbestos-containing material and PCB-containing wastes.
EAD is responsible for record keeping, and completing and submitting the Annual Waste Summary and the annual TIER II report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Asbestos
The Airport and the Airport's tenants are required by 25 TAC Part 295.31 and 40 CFR Part 61 to properly locate and manage the asbestos containing material (ACM) on DFW Airport. Most of the buildings located on-Airport have been extensively sampled. Currently, EAD is performing a comprehensive asbestos survey of all Airport-owned and managed facilities. EAD performs physical assessments and/or bulk sampling for materials suspect of containing asbestos for Airport-related projects.
ACMs have been detected in insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, surface texturing, plumbing, HVAC, and other various construction adhesives and caulks. Once these materials are detected, they are managed and/or removed to prevent fiber exposure to building occupants.
An integral portion of EADs asbestos management program includes the Construction Application (CA) review. The reviews assist in determining whether the construction activity will disturb or impact ACM that may be located within the construction or renovation area. EAD also completes the required Demolition/ Renovation Forms for the Texas Department of State Health Services, monitors all asbestos abatement projects, and provides for the third-party air monitoring as required by 25 TAC 295.
EAD personnel and all contract employees are licensed by the state of Texas, and conduct work under an Asbestos Management Planner, licensed by the state of Texas.
- Hazardous and Regulated Waste Management Plan
- Pollution Prevention
DFW has reduced pollution and use of natural resources in many areas such as:
- Reduced 2.5 million cubic yards of excavated soil saving $1.5 million in material acquisition costs
- Recycled 355,000 tons of demolition debris for on-Airport cement production
- Recycled 180 tons of white paper per year
- Recycled 169 tons of cardboard per year
- Recycled 4,000 pounds of spent fluorescent light bulbs
- Recycled 6,000 gallons of used oil and seven cubic yards of spent oil filters annually
Additional pollution prevention Airport activities include the use of high-volume low-pressure paint spray guns to reduce paint usage and over-spray, and enclosed paint gun cleaners to reduce solvent usage and disposal. Product substitution also is being implemented as a means of source reduction.
- Construction Application
The Construction Application (CA) program was developed to:
- Ensure a timely and comprehensive review of environmental issues regarding proposed construction activity
- Provide notification to appropriate personnel of potential impact of environmental laws, rules and regulations on proposed activities
- Maintain information in a manner that will provide for convenient recordkeeping and retrieval
Upon the receipt of a CA, EAD reviews each application for potential environmental impacts. The review consists of potential impact to soil, water or air, as well as identification of requirements for permitting, notification, recordkeeping and/or other documents. After the review EAD prepares a written memorandum outlining the environmental requirements for the project. As a follow-up, EAD has developed a Closeout Checklist where the contractor certifies his compliance with the CA review and outline.
- Deicing
In 1999, the Airport implemented "Source Isolation Deicing," consisting of eight authorized designated deicing pads. With the completion of Terminal D, one additional deicing pad and four deicing zones were constructed and made available to permitted tenants. The deicing program requires the airlines and contractors conducting deicing and anti-icing activities at the Airport to obtain a deicing permit from EAD. A requirement within the permit is that each airline and contractor shall have an accredited supervisor to oversee all deicing activities.
EAD provides training and certification to individuals selected by their employer to become an accredited supervisor. During the deicing season EAD personnel conduct inspections throughout the Airport to ensure compliance with the deicing permits.
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