Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

Runoff from the Airport primarily drains via Omand’s Creek and Truro Creek.

Omand’s Creek is a seasonally flowing water course with headwaters originating west of Winnipeg, near the village of Rosser. Historically, its watershed was much smaller than its current 71 km2 and was largely contained within Winnipeg’s city limits. When the west and east branches of Colony Creek (formerly draining as a distinct water course into the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg) were diverted to the much smaller Omand’s Creek, flow volume and duration increased substantially. Currently, Omand’s Creek drains into the Assiniboine River approximately 4 km southeast of the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (North/South Consultants Inc., 2009).

Truro Creek is an ephemeral tributary to the Assiniboine River, historically created by a drainage
channel to efficiently evacuate water from an agricultural area situated between the Airport property and PTH #101 (Winnipeg perimeter highway). Therefore, most of the creek’s 7.70 km2 drainage area is contained within Winnipeg city limits. From its headwaters, the creek initially flows due east, passing beneath Sturgeon Road, then southeast through Airport Property, then alongside the Assiniboine Golf Course, and finally beneath Ness, Bruce, and Portage avenues before entering the Assiniboine River upstream of Douglas Park Road (North/South Consultants Inc., 2009).

Numerous fish species that inhabit the Assiniboine River utilize portions of habitat within its
tributaries for some of their annual life cycle. Therefore Omand’s and Truro creeks have the
potential to support a large number of fish species.

WAA is committed to reducing the effects of its operations on the quality of water entering these water courses. Protecting stream water quality consists of two discreet components: water quality management and deicing activity management.
 

Water Quality

In order to maintain a sustainable environment and follow goals set in our EMS, WAA has implemented a comprehensive Water Quality Management Program. The program aims to monitor waterways within and surrounding the Airport. Surface water sampling occurs at multiple sampling sites located on and off the Airport property, mainly along Omand’s Creek and Truro Creek. During months where water is not frozen, the creeks are sampled for a variety of parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, glycol, heavy metals, hydrocarbon products, and suspended solids. This enables WAA to monitor the quality of the two creeks, and ensure that the water quality within the creeks remains optimal.

WAA also undertakes groundwater monitoring through out the year. This enables WAA to determine whether contaminants are present within the groundwater system.

Aircraft De-icing/Anti-icing

 To ensure the safe operation of aircraft during winter months (generally late fall to early spring), aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluid is utilized to prevent the accumulation of ice on critical aircraft components. Deicing/anti-icing activities are mandated under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Monitoring data suggests that the stormwater quality can be more at risk from winter de-icing/anti-icing activities than other airport activities. WAA has worked closely with the airlines and de-icing/anti-icing service providers to develop comprehensive policies and management protocols based on water quality monitoring data.

In 2005, a significant change to de-icing/anti-icing procedures occurred when the Central De-icing Facility (CDF) was constructed. The CDF was designed to improve the collection of glycol contaminated effluent as well as increase the volume of de-icing/anti-icing fluids recovered. The facility has significantly reduced the opportunity for glycol contaminated effluent to reach any drainage system. By using a pesticides dispersion model, WAA was able to determine the best way to minimize the dispersion of glycol by wind on Airport property. In addition, an extensive system of valves, catch basins, storage tanks, and a retention pond was implemented, further reducing the impacts of glycol on the surrounding aquatic environment. The CDF project was acknowledged by Airports Council International-North America with the 2006 ACI-NA Environmental Achievement Award.

In 2009, WAA constructed an 11 million litre Glycol Retention Pond to provide additional storage capacity and treatment opportunities for glycol contaminated effluent. The pond is equipped with bird deterrent wiring to discourage waterfowl from landing, wading or nesting within the pond. The pond is also equipped with aerators to enhance the glycol degradation process.

Since the construction and operation of the CDF and its’ supporting infrastructure, water quality in Omand’s Creek and Truro Creek has significantly improved in comparison to historical observations.

WAA, in consultation with the aviation community and Provincial and Federal agencies, is continuing to assess future needs for additional infrastructure and management options in an effort to ensure continued improvement of water quality.