Implications of FAA Advisory Guidelines on Transfer Station Development

摘要

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) recently revised Advisory Circular, Hazardous Wildlife Attractants On or Near Airports (150/5200-33A), sets forth location and operating guidance pertaining to numerous land uses, including waste transfer stations, that are perceived by FAA to potentially attract hazardous wildlife on or near public use airports. The revisions are significant to the solid waste industry. The applicability of the guidance with respect to transfer stations is profound, as it may apply to transfer stations located within as much as five miles of the air operations areas of public use airports. The Advisory Circular discourages the development of new or expanded waste transfer stations proximate to public use airports. The guidance does, however, provide the latitude to obtain FAA concurrence of compatibility with safe airport operations through the implementation of negotiated design and operating features that the FAA recognizes as mitigating the facility's attractiveness to hazardous wildlife to their satisfaction. Those seeking to develop a transfer station within the separation distances identified within the Advisory Circular are strongly encouraged by the FAA to notify them as early in the planning process as possible to allow them the opportunity to evaluate the proposal with respect to compatibility with safe airport operations. The guidance may have significant implications regarding project viability, design and operating practices, and long term liability with respect to future airplane/wildlife strikes. Shaw has successfully coordinated with the FAA on transfer station developments. The experience and perspective gained from these projects is discussed in this report.