Environmental Affairs Committee Work Plan

The AQWG plans to present on various air quality topics of interest to airports at both an ACI-NA conference (Airports@Work and/or ACI Annual) and during quarterly webinars. The potential topics were based input from Air Quality Working Group members as well as topics that were not able to presented in 2025.  Based on input from Air Quality Working Group members during the webinar on November 18, 2025, the four most requested topics of interest were Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), ultrafine particulates, Air Quality 101, and Carbon Removal and Sequestration.

Topic	Session Leaders	Timing	Venue
SAF Updates (with input from CAEP and Sustainability WGs)	Erin Cooke, Chad Reese, Bridget Rief, Sarah Ziomek, others TBD	Airports at Work or Annual	Panel
ACEIT 2.0 Rollout/Training	John Trendowski, Robbie Gross, Kara Young	Upon approval by ACRP	Webinar
Carbon Sequestration and Removal	John Trendowski, Sarah Ziomek, Kate Andrus (ACRP Report)	Upon approval by ACRP	Webinar
Latest Research and Regulatory Update	Sarah Ziomek, Robbie Gross, Roger Wayson	June 2026	Webinar
Air Quality 101	Sarah Ziomek, John Trendowski, TBD	Spring or Fall 2026	Panel (Potentially A@W)
Ultrafine Particulates	Sarah Ziomek, TBD (potentially Bonira Khy, Natalie Allen)	November 2026	Webinar
Contrails	Sarah Ziomek, John Trendowski, Darcy Zarubiak	TBD	Webinar or Potentially at Annual
Electrification	Sarah Ziomek, John Trendowski, TBD	TBD	Webinar

SAF Updates

The AQWG plans to collaborate with the CAEP and Sustainability Working Group chairs/co-chairs on a panel session to cover updates on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as well as trends and constraints across North America. The AQWG also plans to include speakers from member airports with their perspective on how SAF is being implemented at member airports. Examples may include how SAF manufacturers are working with airlines and airports to produce SAF and deliver to airports.  The AQWG will coordinate with the CAEP and Sustainability Groups for specific presentation topics and speakers.  Due to the coordinated effort and its implications on various facets of an airport, Airports@Work or ACI-NA Annual may be appropriate venues.

Airport Construction Emission Inventory Tool (ACEIT) 2.0 Rollout

In October 2024, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Report, Updated Guidance for Estimating Airport Construction Emissions and the accompanying Airport Construction Emissions Inventory Tool (ACEIT) Version 2.0, were finalized and submitted to ACRP.  The guidance manual and ACEIT tool are updates to the previous ACRP Report 102 and ACEIT Version 1.0.  This guidance manual and tool are designed to assist airports and stakeholders in the preparation of airport construction emissions inventories, using the most up-to-date construction modeling data and methodologies; and to continue ensuring consistency in the methodologies used to prepare the inventories.

Similar to ACEIT Version 1.0, ACEIT 2.0 was developed in concert with a database of activity data and emission factors to provide a novice analyst the capability to develop a construction emissions inventory using default parameters. While default data can be assumed, ACEIT 2.0 also meets the needs of more expert users, allowing analysts to use project-specific data for more representative emission estimates. In other words, there are three types of construction emission analysis levels that can be developed using ACEIT 2.0, a Default Analysis, a Detailed Analysis, and a Hybrid Analysis.

With permission from ACRP, the AQWG plans to have a webinar introducing the new tool and its capabilities for performing construction emission inventories at airports.  The ACEIT 2.0 development team of C&S Engineers and Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly (CMT) will work with the AQWG to perform the training webinar.

Carbon Sequestration and Removal

This session will include an overview of carbon sequestration and potential removal opportunities at airports.  The session will cover the findings from the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Research Report 270: “Carbon Removal at Airports.”  This webinar could provide an overview of the various technologies for sequestration, effectiveness in carbon reduction, and impact on sustainability reporting.  This session would be presented following publication and approval by ACRP.

Latest Research and Regulatory Update

The AQWG has traditionally had one webinar associated with current research in the Airport Air Quality. This session summarizes the latest airport air quality and health study publications and the potential implications for airports. The AQWG plans to coordinate with researchers, universities, and consultants for a webinar presentation. At this session, the AQWG would like to provide an update on potential regulatory changes

Air Quality 101

The Airport Air Quality 101 would be session designed to provide individuals working with airports participants an understanding of air quality regulations and their application to airport operations. The training could cover the NAAQS, General Conformity, NEPA Air Quality Assessments and Permitting of Stationary Sources.  The training can inform participants of emission sources at their airports, regulatory requirements, and the potential impact on human health surrounding an airport.

Ultrafine Particulates

Ultrafine particulates (UFPs) are defined as particles smaller than 0.1 micrometers (or 100 nanometers) in diameter. They are a significant component of airborne particulate matter and are believed to have more health implications than larger particles due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.  Sources of UFPs at an airport include aircraft, GSE, vehicles and other combustion sources., and forest fires.  The health risks associated with UFPs include increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; neurological impacts; and long-term health issues, such as diabetes and certain cancers. This session would address these topics on a broad scale and past UFP studies at an airport.

Contrails

Contrails are short for condensation trails, which are lined shaped clouds produced by an airplane’s hot engine exhaust interacting with cold humid air several miles above the Earth’s surface. Depending on the temperature and the amount of moisture in the air, contrails may evaporate within minutes (if the humidity is low) or persist for hours (if the humidity is high). Persistent contrails are of interest to scientists because they increase the cloudiness of the atmosphere and if around long enough, can form aviation-induced cirrus cloud. FAA have complementary ongoing research programs to improve our understanding of how combustion of jet fuel contributes to persistent contrails in the atmosphere.

Electrification

Electrification is the process of transitioning airport operations to electric to reduce the reliance on petroleum fuels.  The key components of electrification are ground support equipment (GSE), charging infrastructure, and the ability to integrate with utilities. Airports can use experience from other airports to plan their own electrification plans. This work will be coordinated with the cross-committee Energy Task Group.

The CAEP/International Affairs Working Group engages and provides a voice to North American airports in shaping ACI-World’s and CAEP’s environmental policies and positions as guided by the North American Environmental Affairs Committee and Board of Directors. This Working group will actively monitor and report on developments related to aviation environmental topics, challenge areas, and best practices. The Working Group will work closely with the ACI World Environmental Steering Committee, and ACI-NA’s WEnSC members to help establish and promote effective worldwide policies and statements on aviation environmental challenges; influence international standards, legislation, policy and rulemaking by representing airports’ interests and unique perspectives on environmental matters; develop strong partnerships across the international aviation industry and among other key stakeholders on environmental topics; improve international awareness, training and sharing of information on aviation’s environmental impacts and mitigations; review materials provided by the World committee and CAEP working groups and recommend comments and feedback to these documents that represents North American airport’s practices and perspectives; and report initiatives and recommendations to the Environmental Affairs Committee and the North American Board of Directors regarding World Committee and CAEP activities and positions.

 Focus Areas:

1. Facilitate information exchange with global airports
   1. Enable ACI-NA airports to learn best practices from airports in other ACI regions by hosting two (2) meetings that feature topics including new and emerging technologies and research, policy or practices – with case studies and information from international airports as available.
2. Participate in ACI World Environmental Steering Committee and report on ICAO CAEP Working Groups, specifically WG2 (in coordination with members)
   1. Provide updates on studies and key milestones to ACI-NA airports
   2. Leverage WEnSC membership to present global airport best practices (see #1)
3. Identify ways to expand outreach and education to broaden member participation (e.g.  joint meetings with other ACI-NA Working Groups, record meetings, notes/highlights, international highlight for Sustainability Newsletter)

Topics the International Issues group is tracking include:

• IPCC / COP Updates
• ACI WEnSC and ICAO CAEP Updates
• Sustainable + High Performance Real Estate – lessons beyond North America (how to better DCBOM buildings to achieve sustainability/energy/resilience goals)
• Energy Transition, Electrification & Decarbonization
• Alternative Fuels (SAF and hydrogen)
• Noise and Quality of Life
• Emerging Environmental, Social & Governance Reporting (ESG) Requirements

1. Coordination with Noise Working Group for the refinement of off-airport land use policy in consideration of the Draft Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5020-1A, Noise Control and Compatibility Planning for Airports, and the FAA Neighborhood Environmental Survey.
2. Assisting airports with navigating increasing encroachment by non-compatible land uses and coordinating with the FAA on regulations and policies that protect airports and communities.
3. Collaborate with the NEPA, Noise Working Group and Legal Affairs Committee on issues related to the determinations of FAA authority and airport land uses, including application of Section 743 from 2024 FAA Reauthorization.
4. Providing support for property acquisition by airports to support compatibility and aviation development.
5. Educate members (via calls, webinars, conference sessions) on how compatible land use policies and guidance can benefit the community and potential developers, as well as the airport; and how the airport can monitor the local government’s efforts to follow through on the implementation of the compatible land use policy/regulation.

1. Provide the committee updates to regulatory information related to FAA requirements for Wildlife Hazard Assessments, Management Plans, and training. When applicable, work with the committee to collect and consolidate comments on draft documents or draft regulatory changes.
2. Work with the committee to provide examples of natural resource mitigation efforts that were successful at airports. Mitigation could be related to wetlands, protected species, habitats or other natural resources. When projects have been identified, the committee will work to share this information either through committee conference calls, presentations, or other educational outlets.
3. The committee will coordinate with the other Environmental Committee working groups and/or OPSID to determine if there are natural resource topics that are shared or cross-over between disciplines. Joint topics may include: environmental effects of PFAS on natural resources, security fencing design for wildlife exclusion, renewable energy project environmental impacts or benefits, land use controls off-airport for wildlife hazard attractants, carbon removal developments and potential uses of airport land for carbon sinks, waste management practices to reduce wildlife attractants.

1. Advise the Committee, and ACI-NA members in general, of changes in the regulatory environment, obtain input, and pursue improved guidance through comments and feedback provided to the FAA.
2. Provide ACI-NA members with information to understand the changes to NEPA regulations and special purpose laws (i.e., those that may directly or indirectly affect the preparation of NEPA documentation under the current Administration.
3. Provide ACI-NA members with information to understand updates or guidance from FAA regarding preparation and application of NEPA, e.g., Section 743, endangered species act, water resources, noise, recent court cases, new legislation, and recent changes to NEPA regulations, etc.
4. Monitor and provide input/feedback on the forthcoming updates and/or integration of the Office of Airports NEPA Orders 1050.1G, 5050.4B and its associated Desk Reference.
5. Promote better integration of planning and NEPA reviews, through the working group bi-monthly calls, conference sessions and coordination with the OPSID Committee.
6. Host the Bi-Annual ACI-NA/ACC Airport Planning & NEPA Workshop in Washington, D.C. December 2-4.
7. Establish routine engagement and communications with FAA subject matter experts on NEPA and create a collaborative relationship.

Focus Areas:

• Increase Airport Awareness and Participation (Items 1-2)
• Noise Policy Update and Related Legislative Policies (Items 3-4)
• Noise Related Research (Item 5)
• Compatibility of New Technologies (Items 6-8)

Items:

1. Hold quarterly webinar meetings on topics of mutual interest. May include guest speakers on key topics/ideas identified by participants. Annual joint ACI-NA/AAAE Airport Noise Conference may replace one of the quarterly webinar meetings.\
2. Poll participants on topics/ideas of most interest for the current year to assist with meeting and conference agendas.
3. Provide support to the ACI-NA Government Affairs Department on legislative issues regarding noise. Will also collaborate with the Legal Affairs Committee, as needed, on these matters.
4. Actively engage with the FAA on the noise policy update, review materials published by the FAA and advise ACI leadership as policy is developed. Share FAA updates to the NWG as needed.
5.  Report on current status of major noise initiatives and research (including FAA, ASCENT, and ACRP research projects) for the benefit of ACI-NA members, and advocate for airport interests regarding future noise research projects with the FAA.
6. Coordinate with ACI World Environment Standing Committee on all noise issues, but also those specifically related to non-acoustical reporting and proposed introduction of emerging technologies that include supersonic, electric fixed wing, eVTOL, etc.
7. Report on current and proposed developments in noise modeling and assessment. Will coordinate with FAA and Volpe to disseminate information and provide an overview of changes with new model releases.
8. Track, report on, and coordinate with the ACI-NA Land Use Compatibility Working Group on noise-related issues associated with emerging technologies and participate in appropriate federal advisory committees and discussion groups. Identify potential policy implications affecting airports and advocate solutions acceptable to airports industry.

The Sustainability Working Group will assist Canadian and U.S. Airports within ACI-NA in continuing sustainability leadership and commitment.

1. Follow up session for the ACI-NA Electricity Symposium conference in Denver in December. Cover topics and relay good information heard at the conference.
2. ACI Session follow up – charts and information heard on the status of sustainability and a potential session on campus sustainability planning for energy, water, etc.
3. Funding Streams for Resilience. Discuss changes in federal funding and any new funding programs for things that have a great business case, like electrical resiliency or microgrids.
4. First Cost versus Life Cyle Cost. Why and when does it really matter. Making decisions for the future beyond you and your current staff. Are you building yourself into your goals, or out of your goals?
5. Assist other working groups with topics as needed:
   1. Water management
   2. Water reduction/reclamation
   3. Community engagement, especially in the NEPA process
   4. Change may be slow, but it really is happening!

What We Do – Mission Statement
The Waste Management Working Group prioritizes engagement, collaboration, and innovation. The Working Group monitors, reviews, and analyzes regulations, policies, and practices relating to airport waste management issues. Areas of focus include waste reduction and reuse, donation, composting, recycling, hazardous materials management, and environmental due diligence. The Working Group provides necessary review or input on waste management issues to the Environmental Affairs Committee and provides a platform for airports to collaborate and share best practices for airport waste management among airports, industry partners, tenants, and communities.

Where We’ve Been – 2025 Work Plan and Results

1. Provide a forum for airports to share best practices and facilitate information sharing on airport waste management and diversion strategies through          phone conferences, webinars and presentations, and at ACI-NA conferences. Promote ACI Centerlines Connect as a tool to pose waste questions and          share resources.

Results

• • Hosted WMWG at ACI Airports@Work Conference in Houston
    • Workshopped deplaned waste commitment/ask
    • Presentation from ABIA (AUS)
  • Hosted webinar featuring DFW and DEN compost valet programs
  • Moderated WMWG session at ACI Annual Conference in Toronto
    • Presented regulatory updates (food donation liability, food date labeling, USDA organic program/California labeling)
  • Programming joint webinar with ACI Marketing & Communication on standardized signage

2. Facilitate discussions with airlines, concessionaires, flight kitchens, janitorial and facility management companies, waste hauling companies, and                other key airport waste stakeholders to address issues of mutual importance including greenhushing, reduction, reuse, donation, liquid collection,                recycling, checkpoint and food waste diversion, deplaned and international waste management, and hazardous materials.

Results

• • Drafted Airport Deplaned Waste Commitment and Airline Deplaned Waste Ask (collected feedback from WMWG at ACI Annual Conference)

3. Track, contribute to, and disseminate guidance and resources developed by regulators and industry stakeholders, including a) FAA guidance; b)                   ACI World/IATA guidance; c) ACRP research on waste management practices, and d) waste regulations.

Results

• • Moderated WMWG session at ACI Annual Conference in Toronto
    • Presented regulatory updates (food donation liability, food date labeling, USDA organic program/California labeling)

4. Introduce designated liaison between Water Quality Working Group and Waste Management Working Group to lead conversations about PFAS                   waste topics.

Results

• • Introduced Cara Nager (SAN) as liaison between WQWG and WMWG to lead conversations about PFAS waste topics
    • Introduced at Airports@Work; presentation from Cara on PFAS waste

5. Collaborate with Committee to facilitate learning about and sharing behavior change, conservation psychology, Community Based Social Marketing,           and other related topics.

Results

• Programming joint webinar with ACI Marketing & Communication on standardized signage

Where We’re Going – 2026 Work Plan

1. Provide a forum for airports to share best practices and facilitate information sharing on airport waste management and diversion strategies through virtual webinars and presentations and at ACI-NA conferences. Promote ACI Centerlines Connect as a tool to pose waste questions and share resources.
2. Facilitate discussions with airlines, concessionaires, flight kitchens, janitorial and facility management companies, waste hauling companies, and other key airport waste stakeholders to address issues of mutual importance including greenhushing, reduction, reuse, donation, liquid collection, recycling, checkpoint and food waste diversion, deplaned and international waste management, and hazardous materials.
3. Track, contribute to, and disseminate guidance and resources developed by regulators and industry stakeholders, including a) FAA guidance; b) ACI World/IATA guidance; c) ACRP research on waste management practices, and d) waste regulations.
4. Support designated liaison between Water Quality Working Group and Waste Management Working Group to lead conversations about PFAS waste topics.
5. Collaborate with Committee to facilitate learning about and sharing behavior change, conservation psychology, Community Based Social Marketing, and other related topics.

The Water Quality Working Group (WQWG) monitors, reviews, analyzes, and guides national or nationally impactful state regulatory developments, policies, and research relating to Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act issues impacting airports. Areas of focus include:

• Water quality and discharge permitting
• Deicing operations
• Spill prevention, control, and countermeasures (SPCC)
• Water conservation and drinking water
• PFAS-related matters and emerging contaminants

The WQWG provides input and recommendations to the Environmental Affairs Committee on water quality issues, including PFAS and permitting challenges. This 2026 Workplan builds on the 2025 plan and member input, while remaining flexible to address new developments.

Key Focus Areas for 2026
PFAS Issues

• Continue coordination with ACI-NA’s PFAS Experts Group and external stakeholders (FAA, A4A, ARFF Working Group).
• Track federal and state legislative/regulatory updates and assess airport impacts.
• Address potential liabilities and risk management strategies.
• Advance remediation and disposal methods, including collaboration with the Waste Management Working Group.
• Support fluorine-free foam transition for ARFF equipment, hangars, and fuel farms.
• Host PFAS webinars covering updated federal guidance, equipment cleaning technologies, and mitigation technology evolution.
• Monitor PFAS sampling standards and laboratory availability.
• Coordinate with ACI-NA PFAS Task Group, ACI-NA General Counsel, and other cross-organization coordination, as needed.

Clean Water Jurisdiction / Waters of the United States (WOTUS)•

• Follow EPA rulemakings and guidance related to recent Supreme Court decisions on Clean Water Act jurisdiction.
• Assess implications for airport permitting and compliance.

NPDES Permit Issues

• Monitor EPA’s revised Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) and BMP Fact Sheets.
• Share best practices for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) at airports.
• Track Construction General Permit reissuance and MS4 program developments.
• Follow EPA actions under residual designation authority and PFAS-related effluent limitations in NPDES permits.

Aircraft and Pavement Deicing

• Continue monitoring EPA’s PFAS Effluent Guidelines and any new compliance requirements.
• Share updates on best practices for deicing operations and runoff management.

Drinking Water Issues

• Monitor revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule.
• Track developments in legionella testing protocols at airport facilities.
• Address member concerns related to drinking water safety and compliance.

Emerging Topics

• Emerging Contaminants: Microplastics, pharmaceuticals in stormwater and drinking water, 6-PPD Quinone, etc.
• Climate Resilience: Water quality impacts from extreme weather events and drought conditions.

Engagement and Deliverables

• Quarterly webinars and technical sessions.
• Regulatory alerts and compliance guidance documents.
• Collaboration with other ACI-NA committees and working groups.