State DOTs Participate in Earth Day Cleanup Efforts

Around the country, state departments of transportation conducted or participated in a variety of pollution mitigation efforts on April 22 in honor of Earth Day.

[Above photo by KTRB]

Some 30 employees with the Tennessee Department of Transportation helped clean up areas around Chickamauga Lake along the Tennessee River.

The event – sponsored by the agency’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee public education campaign and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTRB) – deployed a 26-foot workboat to clean up shorelines and coves.

“There is a strong correlation between roadside litter and water quality,” noted Denise Baker, Tennessee DOT’s transportation program supervisor, in a statement. “What starts as litter on land, can make its way into our waterways.”

The agency also promoted a number of environmental-friendly resources on its website as part of its Earth Day campaign.

The Tennessee DOT and KTRB also recently teamed up with other partners to establish a network of 17 “Seabin” automated litter and debris removal devices across the Tennessee River watershed.

In addition, in April 2021, the agency helped fund a pair of new exhibits at the Tennessee Aquarium to illustrate how micro-plastics and other roadside trash can negatively affect the health of the ocean as well as rivers, lakes, and streams.

The new exhibits – housed in the Aquarium’s “River Journey” and supporting the Tennessee DOT’s “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” litter reduction campaign – includes actual debris taken from the banks of the Tennessee River: the focus of its current Seabin deployment project.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Transportation redoubled its litter collection efforts on Earth Day.

“Our research shows that accidental littering from unsecured loads and deliberate tossing of trash from vehicles contribute equally to what ends up along highways,” explained Chris Hughes, Ohio DOT District 1 deputy director, in a statement. “It’s especially visible at entrance ramps as vehicles enter the highway,” he said.

So far this year, Ohio DOT has collected 12,035 bags of litter along highways in the northwestern part of the state alone. Statewide, the agency said it spends approximately $4 million each year picking up about 400,000 bags of trash.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) held an Earth Day event underscoring the importance of reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector to improve air quality, improve health, and quality of life for residents.

In December 2021, Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed an executive order directing Connecticut DOT, DEEP, and all other state agencies to take meaningful actions to reduce carbon emissions. He has also proposed legislation (House Bill 5039) that seeks to adopt stronger emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, which his administration said accounts for as much as 53 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions, despite being only 6 percent of the on-road vehicle fleet. 

“We know that communities of color and other vulnerable communities have been the most impacted by harmful air pollution caused by transportation,” noted Connecticut DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti in a statement.

“[We are] committed to investing in sustainable solutions that protect the environment and keep communities healthy,” he added. “We are doing our part to create a cleaner, more equitable, and resilient transportation system.”

Wisconsin Study Supports Use of Liquid Brine

A new report recently released by the Traffic Operations and Safety or “TOPS” Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation found the use of liquid brine in winter highway maintenance cleared roadways faster and at a lower cost, while providing for better vehicle traction and reducing salt buildup in local waterways.

[Above photo via the Wisconsin DOT]

“Liquid brine” is a simple mixture of salt and water used to clear winter roads and, for this study, the lab’s researchers looked at data from 143 storms occurring in 10 counties across Wisconsin. It compared brine-cleared routes to those nearby cleared with a traditional granular rock-salt method.

The data showed that brine-treated roads were:

  • Clear (bare/wet condition) more than two hours faster on average.
  • More likely to show a higher roadway friction rating.
  • More efficient with material – reducing salt use on average by 23 percent.

“The data tells a very positive story for winter highway safety in Wisconsin,” said Andrea Bill, associate director of the TOPS Lab, housed in the UW-Madison College of Engineering. “Liquid brine is an effective tool, and along with training, education and technology, our storm fighters are making effective reductions in the amount of chloride on our roads and improving the performance of winter roads.”

[The winter operations podcast put together by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Snow and Ice Pooled Fund Cooperative Program, known as “SICOP,” recently produced an episode on Wisconsin’s brine study. To listen to it, click here.]

“With salt cost continuing to rise, it is imperative we work together to optimize supplies and deliver the most safe and effective service possible for the taxpayer,” noted Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson in a statement.

“Liquid brine is a great example of how we strive to implement sustainable and earth-friendly alternatives during winter highway maintenance,” he added. “We applaud county highway departments across the state for using liquid brine to maintain and clear Wisconsin roadways faster.”

[Editor’s note: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is currently seeking public feedback on ways to improve its winter operations via an online survey. “Winter operations are among our core services and our team takes pride in their mission,” explained said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian in a statement. “Through this survey, the public can help us measure expectations and identify education opportunities.”]

Wisconsin counties use liquid brine in a variety of ways to help “optimize” the use of salt in fighting winter storms:

  • Wetting roads with liquid brine before storms help prevent the bond of snow and ice to a driving surface.
  • Using brine to wet granular salt as it is distributed both helps the salt stick to a roadway and activates the chemical reaction that melts snow and ice.
  • Direct Liquid Applications or DLAs spray a brine solution directly to the roadway during winter events to break the bond between snow and the pavement.

The report found that, by creating a treatment option using less salt, brine can help stretch budgets and – by reducing salt usage – prevent the “bounce off” effect that increase granular salt build up in in lakes and streams.

Alaska DOT&PF Collaborating on Low Emission Ferry Project

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and the Southeast Conference plan to collaborate on a low emission ferry research project.

[Above photo by the Alaska DOT&PF]

Alternative fuel powered, low emission, and electric ferries could be a game-changer for Alaska’s Marine Highway System, the agency said, as it starts replacing aging ferry vessels in upcoming years.

Fuel-efficient ferries could increase the range and capacity of the fleet, potentially increasing service to communities and reducing AMHS operating costs, noted Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson, in a statement.

“Revitalizing the Alaska Marine Highway System is so important to us,” he said. “Pushing forward to see if alternative fuels, low emissions, or electric ferries, could make our vessels more efficient, could potentially allow us to add service to our coastal communities.”

AMHS operates over more marine miles than any other ferry system in the United States, serving 35 communities with 10 ferries spread out over 3,500 marine miles.

The Southeast Conference will support this research project, which will include a detailed examination of the costs, benefits, and overall technical and financial feasibility of low-emission ferry operations within the AMHS service area.

Funding for the research comes from the new $500 million Electric/Low-Emission Ferry pilot program – established by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enacted in November 2021 – that seeks to spur the transition of ferry propulsion systems to low- or zero-emission technologies.

“Southeast Conference was formed in 1958 to work with the State of Alaska toward the formation of the Alaska Marine Highway System,” noted Robert Venables, the group’s executive director.

“The success of AMHS is still our passion and priority, and we are excited to continue our partnership with the State to pursue implementation of both the Reshaping Committee recommendations and the opportunities that have emerged in the new federal funding programs,” he added. “This pilot program is well-timed given Alaska’s need to plan for new vessels to replace the Alaska Marine Highway’s aging fleet.”

ETAP Podcast: Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging

In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Leslie Aguayo and Jeff Allen discuss the need for ensuring “equitable access” to a national electric vehicle EV charging network – especially for those without access to regular charging at home, people who live in apartments, and rideshare drivers who will need to charge each day.

[Above photo by the Maine DOT]

Aguayo serves as climate equity program manager for the Greenlining Institute: An organization founded in 1993 that seeks to build a “just economy” that is “inclusive, cooperative, sustainable, participatory, fair, and healthy.”

Meanwhile, Jeff Allen is the executive director of Forth – a firm that works in partnership with state and local governments, among others, to build “lasting program and policy models” to expand equitable access to electric transportation in the U.S. and elsewhere.

In this ETAP podcast episode, Aguayo and Allen discuss the potential roles state departments of transportation and their environmental practitioners potentially play in the movement to increase equity in EV charging. They also talk about how the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs ACT or IIJA – enacted in November 2021 – can help further equitable EV charging access goals.

To listen to this podcast, click here.

Environmental News Highlights- May 4th, 2022

A roundup of headlines curated for state transportation environmental professionals

FEDERAL ACTION
State DOTs Participate in Earth Day Cleanup Efforts – AASHTO Journal


2022 Environmental Excellence Awards – EPA


US Senate Transportation Leader Touts Biden Emissions Program – Transport Topics|


Will the $6 billion pledge to make transportation more sustainable be enough? Experts weigh in. – ABC News

A top energy regulator is in turmoil over climate rules – Washington Post


GSA outlines vision for sustainable federal building portfolio – Federal News Network
COVID-19
Why Public Transit’s Pandemic Recovery Is Complicated – New York Times


D.C. region’s disability community pushes to keep masks aboard transit – Washington Post
NEPA
In fight against Biden’s conservation plan, opponents bet on NEPA – E&E News
INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Report Offers Location Planning for EV Chargers – AASHTO Journal


Environmentalists, 16 states sue USPS over delivery-vehicle plans – Reuters


Experts discuss possible environmental challenges, concerns with tunnels planned for Central Texas – KVUE-TV


Sea Change hydrogen ferry to launch in San Francisco Bay next month – Hydrogen Fuel News


North Dakota utilizes UAS network to assist storm recovery efforts with drones – North Dakota Governor’s Office (Media release)
AIR QUALITY
FAA, FRA Launch “Net-Zero Emission” Efforts – AASHTO Journal


Preventing pollution or creating more greenhouse gases? Missouri debates ‘advanced recycling’ – Missouri Independent


Nearly 9 Million More Americans Impacted by Deadly Particle Pollution – American Lung Association (Media release)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Understanding The Link Between Racial Justice And The Fight Against Climate Change – NPR
NATURAL RESOURCES
New Jersey could be opening new front in war for clean water – Grist


How Cities Became Accidental Wildlife Havens – Bloomberg


Floating Wetlands Show Possibility of Inner Harbor Restoration – Baltimore Magazine


Port of Seattle and Seattle Aquarium Collaborate to Restore Kelp Forests in Elliott Bay – Port of Seattle
CULTURAL RESOURCES
The ridiculously simple way to make streets safer for pedestrians – Fast Company
HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Forest Service takes the lead in e-bike access – E&E News


Scientists sound alarm bells on noise pollution – Deutsche Welle


Lilly Endowment awards $25M for pedestrian, bicycle trails in Indiana – WISH-TV


New Sedona Shuttle service sees thousands of riders after just 2 weeks – KNAU Radio


City of San Diego apologizes to Rancho Penasquitos residents over controversial bike lanes – KFMB-TV


New I-74 bridge bike/pedestrian path now open – KWQC-TV


Active Transportation Summit panel ponders ways to make micromobility more accessible – Bike Portland
TRB RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
TRB Webinar: Collaborating to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions – TRB


Frameworks for Protecting Workers and the Public from Inhalation Hazards – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine


Beyond Skin Deep: The humble roadway is about more than asphalt and concrete. – Thinking Transportation (Podcast)
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES
Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Model Years 2024–2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks – NHTSA (Final rule)


Notice of Funding Opportunity for America’s Marine Highway Projects – Maritime Administration (Notice)


Draft General Conformity Determination for the California High-Speed Rail System San Francisco to San Jose – FRA (Notice; request for comment)

Report Offers Location Planning for EV Chargers

A new report compiled by The Ray and Geotab Inc. seeks to help state and local governments determine the optimal locations and design parameters for electric vehicle or EV charging stations for both passenger and freight vehicles.

[Above photo by the Maine DOT]

The basis of the report comes from analysis of vehicle telematics data recorded by Geotab from two highway corridors – a regional route along I-20 from Dallas to Atlanta, and a local route from the Port of Savannah, GA, to the inland port in Atlanta.

Geotab developed and provided “data visualization tools,” such as graphs and heat maps, from vehicles traveling those routes equipped with its transponder. That data then allowed The Ray – a Georgia-based corporate venture devoted to roadway technology testing – to more easily the vehicle travel patterns within each corridor.

The Ray’s analysis highlighted “uniquely different” freight truck movements within each corridor. The regional route along I-20 revealed vehicles stopped at many locations on an “inconsistent” basis along the entire route, while the local route revealed vehicles stopped at just a few distinct locations.

In turn, state departments of transportation can use such information to develop more “precise” highway electrification plans, especially in terms of strategically siting charging stations.

“Our cooperation and data analysis with The Ray will support the strategic positioning of charging infrastructure to help achieve the highest probability of success from the first  day of deployment which will in turn help expedite freight EV adoption,” said Charlotte Argue, senior manager of fleet electrification at Geotab, in a statement.

“By leveraging telematics and data from connected vehicles to help identify and meet the infrastructure needs of freight vehicles, states can be confident in their investment and ability to deliver effective and convenient charging infrastructure along U.S. interstates,” she said.

The strategic planning approach also gives states the opportunity to overlay Geotab’s data analysis with The Ray’s GIS roadside solar tool to identify optimal locations for the development of roadside solar, added Allie Kelly, executive director of The Ray.

Used together, those tools should provide state DOTs with the opportunity to connect the demand of high-powered EV charging stations with the potential production of solar-based electricity production systems located in highway right-of-ways.

“Findings from our pilot corridors underscore the need for data from additional corridors throughout the country to set states up for success,” Kelly said.

“The telematics technology from Geotab, together as an overlay to The Ray’s solar mapping tool, will help transportation planners start one step ahead by developing infrastructure how and where it’s needed most, and determining which locations are optimal for co-locating EV charging and solar arrays on the roadsides,” she pointed out.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is also engaged in several efforts to help state DOTs navigate EV recharging needs.

In March, AASHTO helped establish a free repository of information on electric vehicles available to state agencies. Called the “EV States Clearinghouse,” it contains a variety of documents such as sample requests for proposals or RFPs, sample contracts, EV infrastructure siting and assessment tools, plus other resources.

Those tools and documents can help state agencies deploy the funding for EVs created in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA – signed into law in November 2021 – which created the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI formula program.

That program will allocate $5 billion to states through formula funds over the next five years to build out EV charging infrastructure.

AASHTO also signed a memorandum of understanding in February with the National Association of State Energy Officials, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Energy to coordinate nationwide investment in EV charging station infrastructure.

FHWA Unlocks $6.4B for Carbon Reduction Program

The Federal Highway Administration officially unlocked $6.4 billion in formula funding for states and localities over the next five years via the new Carbon Reduction Program or CRP, created by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in November 2021.

[Above photo by the MBTA]

Passage of a fiscal year 2022 omnibus appropriations package in March finally honored full first-year transportation funding levels established by the IIJA and allowed new programs to start, which allowed FHWA to apportion funding for CRP.

The CRP seeks to fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit or BRT corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking.

FHWA emphasized that, under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations or MPOs to identify projects and strategies tailored to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their states – though states and localities may begin using the CRP funds even before such plans are developed and reviewed.

“This new program provides states and local agencies in both urban and rural areas the flexibility and funding needed to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable transportation network that will benefit all travelers,” said Stephanie Pollack, FHWA’s deputy administrator, in a statement. FHWA noted that projects eligible for CRP funds include on- and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation and projects that support the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles.

Other projects – determined by state and local governments but potentially supported with federal funding – include zero emission vehicles and facilities, projects that support congestion pricing and travel demand strategies, plus truck stop and port electrification systems. Public transportation projects such as the aforementioned BRT corridors, dedicated bus lanes, micro-mobility, and electric bike projects – which encompasses charging infrastructure as well – may also be eligible, FHWA said.

Environmental Highlights- April 27th, 2022

A roundup of headlines curated for state transportation environmental professionals

FEDERAL ACTION

Federal Agencies, Including USDOT, Issue Equity Plans – AASHTO Journal

New battery technology key to US electric vehicle push, experts say – The Hill

‘Tangled Web’ of Laws, Regulations Stifles Carbon Capture Push – Bloomberg Law

COVID-19

Letter Renews Call for COVID Funding Flexibility – AASHTO Journal

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

How To Equitably Distribute Green Infrastructure – Planetizen

Federal maritime agency OK’s major Port of Long Beach rail facility – Los Angeles Daily News

Why The Future Of Corporate Sustainability Starts With Transportation – Forbes (Commentary)

AIR QUALITY

Can Portland Be a Climate Leader Without Reducing Driving? – New York Times

Texas A&M University develops mobile testing unit to detect air quality after disasters – KBTX-TV

Best Practices: Zero-emissions bus planning – how do we get it right? – Mass Transit

There Aren’t Enough Batteries in the World to Power Our Huge Cars – Vice

Free Public Transit Is Not a Climate Policy – CityLab (Opinion)

FTA Recognizes 10 Transit Agencies for Reducing their Environmental Footprint, Tackling Climate Change – FTA (Media Release)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Evers creates new office of environmental justice – WEAU-TV

NATURAL RESOURCES

Wisconsin Study Supports Use of Liquid Brine – AASHTO Journal

New Mexico DOT begins roadside beautification program – KRQE-TV

DNR reinforces shoreline to improve Wisconsin River Watershed water quality – Wisconsin Rapids City Times

Denver has a new plan to catch up with the rest of the country on recycling and composting – Denverite

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Michigan DOT Plays Key Role in Park Mobility MOU – AASHTO Journal

To Preserve America’s Past, National Park Service Turns to Innovation – Pew

Saskatchewan offers look at design of Treaty boundary signs – CKOM Radio

FEMA Focuses on Environmental Preservation to Fight Climate Change – FEMA (Media release)

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Seaside Heights, NJ Introduces Ban of Powered Bikes, Scooters on Boardwalk – Lavallette-Seaside Shorebeat

On-demand transit expands across Georgia, putting pitches and criticisms to the test – Saporta Report

Denver will issue residents rebates for e-bike purchases beginning Friday – Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

NPS wants input on plans to make bike, pedestrian lanes on Ohio Drive SW near Hains Point in DC – WJLA-TV

New state in the top spot of our Bicycle Friendly States rankings – League of American Bicyclists (Media release)

TRB RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Impaired Driving – TRB (Webinar)

Upcoming Clean Water Lectures 2022 – Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions – Council on Environmental Quality (Final rule)

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Beta Version – Council on Environmental Quality (Notice of extension for request for information)

Renewal Package From the State of Utah to the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program and Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State – FHWA (Notice of proposed MOU and request for comments.

Renewal Package From the State of Florida to the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program and Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State – FHWA ( Notice of proposed MOU and request for comments)

Renewal Package From the State of California to the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program and Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State – FHWA (Notice of proposed MOU and request for comments)

Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Jersey; Removal of Excess Emissions Provision – EPA (Proposed rule)

Noise Exposure Map Notice; Tampa International Airport (TPA), Tampa, Florida – FAA (Notice)

Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee; Notice of Public Meeting – Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (Notice of public meeting)

Environmental News Highlights – April 20, 2022

FEDERAL ACTION

White House, USDOT Tout Rural Infrastructure Funding – AASHTO Journal

Federal EV charging networks: $5B over 5 years, now states have to submit plans – Green Car Reports

The pandemic drove a sharp dip in greenhouse gas emissions, EPA says – The Hill

Biden waiving ethanol rule in bid to lower gasoline prices – AP

Why Recent Announcements By The White House Around Indoor Air Quality Matter – Forbes

COVID-19

When mask mandates end, advocate asks NJ Transit to have a face covering only car – NJ.com

How Did Public Transportation Affect COVID’s Spread? – Futurity

A very American road rage shooting crisis – NBC News THINK

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Louisiana DOTD Hosts Outdoor Electric Vehicle Expo – AASHTO Journal
‘Investment in the future:’ NC Looks to electric transportation – WNCN-TV

Indiana to spend $100 million on electric vehicle charging stations – The Center Square

Maine DOT gets citizen help planning wind power port – WCSH-TV

Planning and the Complicated Causes and Effects of Congestion – Planetizen

AIR QUALITY

Port of San Diego Welcomes Electric Freight Trucks as it Works Towards Zero-Emission Technology – KNSD-TV

Green infrastructure helps cities with climate change. So why isn’t there more of it? – NPR

With new funding, Washington State Ferries ramps up electric ferry plans – KING-TV

California Proposes 68 Percent Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales By 2030 – Motor1.com

Metrolink becomes first U.S. passenger-rail agency to run on renewable fuel – Progressive Railroading

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Transportation Vote in Georgia Focuses on Neighborhoods, Equity – Flagpole

NATURAL RESOURCES

A Lake in Florida Suing to Protect Itself – The New Yorker

Herbicide spraying to begin along roadsides – Watertown Daily Times

EPA Announces Plan to Protect Endangered Species and Support Sustainable Agriculture – EPA (Media release)

CULTURAL RESOURCES

How a Forgotten Bit of Infrastructure Became a Symbol of Civic Pride – The New Yorker

Why American License Plates Are Such A Mess – Cheddar (Video)

Saving the Legacy of Pittsburgh’s City Steps – Governing

Improvements coming to Jackson’s MLK Equality Trail – WSYM-TV

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Bird pilot aims to give NYC wheelchair users reliable and fast transport options – Smart Cities Dive

Albany, Georgia commissioners to apply for federal grant for Rails to Trails – WALB -TV

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Standards Development for Bus Exportable Power Systems (BEPS) – FTA (Notice of funding opportunity)

White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Notification of Virtual Public Meeting – EPA (Notification for a public meeting)

Charter Renewal of the Regional Resource Stewardship Council – Tennessee Valley Authority (Notice)

Public Meeting of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group – Bureau of Reclamation (Notice of public meeting)

Noise Exposure Map Notice: Receipt of Noise Compatibility Program and Request for Review – FAA (Notice)

Permanent Closure of the Public-Use of East Hampton Airport – FAA (Notice)

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to BNSF Railway Bridge Heavy Maintenance Project in King County, Washington – NOAA (Notice; issuance of two incidental harassment authorization)

NCDOT Program Seeks to Reduce Wildlife-Aircraft Strikes

A mitigation program operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation aims to reduce the risk of wildlife hazards by providing a variety of training and support options for both airports and aircraft.

[Above photo by NCDOT]

The agency said North Carolina airports average at least one bird or other wildlife strikes upon aircraft per day, which can cause significant damage. For example, in 2018, an aircraft landing at a general aviation airport sustained more than $800,000 in damage when it struck two of six white-tailed deer crossing the runway. On top of that, the Federal Aviation Administration Wildlife Strike Database​ – which tracks wildlife strikes – estimates that only one in five strikes are reported, which adds up to a significant threat to property and life.

“Flocks of birds taking flight, deer crossing runways, and other such hazards can cause serious damage to property and even loss of life,” noted Rajendra Kondapalli, the program’s manager, in a statement. “Our program focuses on reducing that risk and increasing safety for aircraft that fly in and out of airports across our state.”

The wildlife program, offered through a cooperative agreement with the Wildlife Services Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides five regional trainings and assessments of one-third of the state’s 72 public airports each year. It also provides “quick-response” management activities for airports experiencing wildlife hazards. 

That “quick response” program provides both proactive and reactive management, NCDOT said, such as harassing geese, gulls, raptors, and other birds using pyrotechnics, habitat management, and, if warranted, lethal control. The USDA may live trap and relocate hazardous raptors such as hawks and falcons to suitable habitats miles away from the airport.   

Trainings provide instruction and hands-on practice in identifying common animal species, potential habitats, and food sources that attract animals to airports and methods to deter wildlife using safe methods from interfering with airport operations.

The wildlife management assessments offered through the program include an airport site visit to conduct a bird and mammal hazard survey and an assessment report with wildlife observations, habitat attractants, and mitigation recommendations based on USDA’s observations. This can range from proper grass height, tree removal, proper fencing, and agriculture near the airfield. “These trainings are very important because they help the airports better understand the hazards on their airfields and what they can do to mitigate them, short-term and long-term,” noted Chris Willis, western district supervisor for the USDA Wildlife Services in North Carolina, who provides the training. “It also helps the aviation [divisions] understand the needs the airport may have or what hazards exist.”