Evolution of aircraft de-icing facilities in Denver, Colorado

Aircraft safety during winter storm and icy conditions is a top priority for today's airlines, and using increased amounts of de-icing fluid on each aircraft is deemed necessary to ensure passenger safety, In addition, most airports are experiencing increased traffic levels, Considered together-, these factors give an indication of the scale of the de-icing fluid disposal challenge, Environmental regulators are beginning to crack down as increased glycol discharges from airports degrade water quality in receiving water bodies, and sewage treatment plants are unable to handle the fluctuating de-icing fluid load using current treatment processes, The increase in pollution prevention consciousness in the airport industry goes hand in hand with stringent regulatory requirements, increased capital expenditure and a frustration with technology that doesn't always hit the mark, This paper discusses the de-icing approach taken at the new Denver international Airport - an approach that, after a year of operations, has proven to be efficient, safe and cost-effective.