Airports and aviation activity can affect wildlife and natural habitats, both directly, through land use changes; and indirectly, through noise, light, air pollution, and water contamination. Protecting biodiversity supports healthy ecosystems and helps preserve the natural character of local areas. Many airports publish reports or strategic plans to address the impact on the local environment, which are available on their websites.
Biodiversity, wildlife and tranquillity
The CAA, as a public authority, has legal duties with respect to biodiversity when exercising its functions. These duties are as follows:
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In England, Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 sets a duty for the CAA to further the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in England in the exercise of the CAA’s functions in relation to England, so far as consistent with the proper exercise of its functions.
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In Scotland, Section 1 and Section 2A of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 sets a duty for the CAA to further the conservation of biodiversity so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of the CAA’s functions.
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In Wales, Section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 sets a duty for the CAA to seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity in the exercise of the CAA’s functions in relation to Wales, and in so doing promote the resilience of ecosystems, so far as consistent with the proper exercise of its functions.
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In Northern Ireland, Section 1 of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011sets a duty for the CAA to further the conservation of biodiversity so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of the CAA’s functions.
Some devolved administrations require the CAA to report on the actions it has taken in pursuance of these duties. These reports are published here
There is Government Guidance on safeguarding airports which covers planning issues, but for more information, please contact your local authority and airport. In addition, a growing number of airports have developed plans to manage biodiversity in and around their sites, which can be found on their websites.
There are a limited number of areas around the UK that, for civil aviation purposes, are officially designated as bird sanctuaries. Civilian pilots are then asked to avoid flying over these areas below a specified altitude. This is not mandatory, so designating the site a bird sanctuary does not make it a 'no-fly' zone. You can find a full list of designated sites in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (UK AIP), the standard information given to all civilian airspace users.
Tranquillity is often linked to engagement with the natural environment and aviation activity can impact on tranquillity. For more information on tranquillity, you may wish to consult the following:
Surface access
Every day, thousands of people travel to airports - not just passengers, but employees and suppliers too. The transport choices they make can have a significant effect on the environmental impact of the airport as a whole.
Some airports publish surface access strategies which can be found on their websites.
Waste
Aviation activity generates considerable waste that needs to be disposed of. This consists of:
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Waste generated on aircraft;.
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Waste generated at the terminal; and.
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Waste generated by constructing new airport infrastructure.
Waste is managed locally by airports and will involve a mixture of waste disposal methods. Like any other organisations, airports are being challenged to recycle and re-use waste wherever possible. Waste performance data is published by the UK's major airports and is often available in sustainability or 'corporate social responsibility reports'. Most of the UK's major airlines also have information on waste management which are also available online.
Water
Aviation fuel leaks and spillages can damage water quality. There are strict rules around storage and handling of fuels, which are set out in the CAA publication CAP 748: Aircraft fuelling and fuel installations management.
During the winter months, aircraft may need to be de-iced to allow their safe departure. De-icing fluid can impact water quality if not handled correctly.