In many ways an airport is like a city, with a diverse range of activities and operators to service public and private air transportation needs. The diversity and scope of activities have the potential to impact on the environment if not managed properly.
WAA has initiated sustainable management practices through its Environmental Management System - a series of integrated programs designed to incorporate environmental management into day to day activities and long-term planning.
WAA has moved beyond the static environmental plan approach implemented in the mid-1990s, to progress towards a fully integrated management system. The system approach integrates environmental thinking throughout the organization so that environmental considerations are factored not only into how daily activities are conducted, but also into the long-term plans.
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport has developed environmental management programs, procedures and policies pertinent to airport operations and planning.
These include:
_ Environmental Assessment Protocol
_ Construction and Development Standards and Monitoring Practices
_ Water Quality Protection
_ Aircraft Deicing Policies
_ Hazardous Materials Management
_ Solid Waste Management
_ Bird and Wildlife Management
_ Contaminated Sites Management
_ Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan and Training
_ Awareness & Communications
_ Environmental Auditing
WAA is currently updating its EMS to be consistent with ISO 14001 standards.