Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds (2022)

Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

26 Findings on Management of Agricultural Operations and Risk Factors Airport Safety and Security Considerations Airports strive to operate safely, securely, and as efficiently as possible. There are several factors that must be considered before initiating or re-evaluating an existing agricultural operation. These factors are typically included in the lease agreement between the operator and airport owner. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13A, “Airport Design,” states, “Where such use is permitted, crops and machinery are subject to all airport design criteria, including horizontal and vertical clearances associated with runways, taxiways/taxilanes, and aprons.” Object-free areas (OFAs), runway protection zones (RPZs), and runway safety areas (RSAs) are assigned around those areas to provide a buffer for safe aircraft operations. Generally, these areas are maintained by airport staff and do not allow agricultural activities because of machinery hazards and crop heights that obscure airfield lighting as well as the lines of sight of air traffic control and pilots. In addition, weather stations and navigational equipment such as instrument landing systems (ILS) have critical areas that must be protected from crop heights, deep snow, and machinery that may disrupt transmitting signals (see Figure 8). Agricultural operations within or adjacent to these areas will require prior coordination with the airport staff to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). One airport reported using markers to outline the boundaries of these areas to assist the operator. Operating within the airport’s AOA requires a familiarity with, understanding of, and respect for the airport’s operations, rules, procedures, and property. Once inside the AOA, the operator must understand the operating boundaries and times of operation. This typically involves an educational session providing airport familiarization and driver’s training. This class may involve access/departure points, equipment lighting/flags, and radio/air traffic control procedures. Airports—from the smallest general aviation airport to the largest commercial airport—all have security procedures. The agricultural operator and airport owner will discuss the level of security and the procedures in place to enable the operation. In several responses, airports reported agriculture activities were primarily outside the AOA, reducing many of these safety and security concerns. Airport and Tenant Responsibilities The developed lease agreement is intended to define the responsibilities between the tenant (operator) and the landlord (airport owner). In this case, the landlord’s primary responsibility is to operate a safe, secure, and efficient airport. The landlord is allowing the tenant to use public airport land for the benefit of reducing costs (maintenance) and gaining revenue (ground rental). C H A P T E R   5

Findings on Management of Agricultural Operations and Risk Factors 27   The tenant is using idle property to conduct agriculture management to make a profit while using best practices to sustain the long-term environmental goal of enhancing productivity. As in any lease, there are items to be negotiated and serious circumstances to consider in this operation. Who will manage wildlife mitigation? Who is responsible for weed control? How are stormwater runoff and erosion managed? Is there a partnership arrangement with responsibility and cost sharing? The risk management factors described in this chapter need to be recognized and discussed as part of the lease development. Wildlife Attractants On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320 on a flight from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, struck a flock of birds shortly after take-off. Losing all engine power, the aircraft was unable to return to the airport and was forced to perform a water landing, which has become known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Gaining such attention assisted the FAA’s continuing work of better understanding wildlife and providing safer airport and airspace operations. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33C, “Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or near Airports,” was updated and released February 21, 2020, addressing wildlife management practices and agricultural activities on and near airports. The AC points out that many wildlife-aircraft strikes have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives worldwide, as well as billions of dollars in aircraft damage. It recommends airports—even non-certificated airports—conduct a wildlife hazard assessment or a wildlife hazard site visit to address wildlife activity concerns, wildlife attractants, mitigation, and various land uses. The AC recommends that agricultural crops not be planted on airports and that airports should avoid corn, wheat, and other small grains that would attract wildlife. However, the AC does recognize that airports also strive to be financially self-sufficient and will use all available land for revenue sources. Therefore, it recommends that the airport consider growing crops with little food value that are less attractive to wildlife, such as grass or hay. Harvesting practices should be timely and result in management practices such as eliminating crop residue and tilling soils to cover crop remnants to reduce wildlife attractants. One airport stated that as a different crop Source: D. Anderson, Fargo, North Dakota. Figure 8. Combines in the foreground of the airport control tower.

28 Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds consideration, it is pursuing alfalfa, which will be harvested three times a year and thus disrupt wildlife nesting. There are multiple airports across the nation that are engaged in agri- cultural operations. The simple fact that airports need many acres of land to provide safety and noise buffers will always provide an area that is attractive to wildlife. Birds and wildlife such as deer and moose will be drawn to such areas and in turn may attract predatory animals to exacerbate the issue. Secondary land uses such as wildlife hunting may contribute to wildlife hazard concerns. Most airports surveyed during this study did not allow hunting on or near the airport for safety reasons. However, a couple of airports do allow archery hunting and wildlife hunts (waterfowl) coordinated with the airport wildlife management staff. The questionnaire and survey used for the development of this report indicated there were indeed wildlife concerns connected to land use. However, the results indicated there was not a large safety concern due to agricultural operations. Airports stated the increased hazard awareness and implementation of WHMP programs have proved to be effective. Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Operations In general, airport operators are good stewards of the environment and manage activities affecting stormwater runoff. Many airports participate in a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), which follows best management practices typically reducing fuels, oils and greases, solvents, and deicing fluids entering the local stormwater runoff areas. The question was not directly asked if an airport’s SWPPP addressed agricultural activities; however, many respondents stated that there were no issues or, at least, that very few impacts were known. One airport mentioned implementing a variety of land stewardship efforts via the lease to limit soil erosion and runoff issues. Another mentioned using a system of terraces and tiling to control water runoff. Another stated that the Army Corps of Engineers required special conditions in the lease to maintain natural drainage patterns to avoid impacts to surrounding wetlands. In June 2015, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed into law an initiative aimed at enhancing protection of public waters from soil erosion and potential pollution (known as the Buffer Law). The Buffer Law requires vegetative buffers (typically grass) of up to 50 ft. along waterways and 16.5 ft. along ditches (see Figure 9). The intent of the buffer, also known as a riparian filter strip, is to filter out phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment found in many agricul- tural practices. As of July 2019, approximately 98% of parcels adjacent to Minnesota water were compliant with the Buffer Law. Adjacent Land Use Factors Airport operators benefit by continually being cognizant of the surrounding habitats, land uses, and proposed changes to land use adjacent to airport property. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33C recommends monitoring land uses and reviewing proposed land-use changes within 5 mi. of the airport to reduce the risks of wildlife hazards. Some of the AC’s consider- ations include wetlands, water treatment facilities, waste facilities or landfills, and golf courses. Airports may be surrounded by neighboring agricultural operations as prevalently found in the Midwest United States. An outreach program may be established to educate airports on the The simple fact that airports need many acres of land to provide safety and noise buffers will always provide an area that is attractive to wildlife.

Findings on Management of Agricultural Operations and Risk Factors 29   importance of wildlife hazards and discuss land-use and management practices. Crop modifica- tion, wildlife mitigation, and involving a local wildlife biologist may be practical approaches to reduce risk. Adjacent environmental conditions such as bodies of water, fields, forests, and wildlife pre- serves will also contribute to wildlife activities for airport consideration. These environments supplemented with agricultural activities may create an unintended corridor through the airport or critical airspace. Denver International Airport shared such an example, as airport farmland is located between a wildlife preserve and separate water areas. While the airport is aware and monitors this waterfowl corridor, it exists year-round regardless of the agricultural activities. Strategies for Managing Risk Many respondents to the questionnaire and surveys for this report indicated agricultural activities on the airport did not contribute to significant risk factors. Over 55% of the responses reported no risk factors or operational concerns (see Figure 10). Concerns mentioned were wildlife hazards, security access, and training for operations in the AOA. Source: Mille Lacs SWCD. Figure 9. Example of a vegetative buffer along a waterway. 1.00% 2.90% 2.90% 5.80% 6.70% 7.70% 37.50% 55.80% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% Draws Crowds NAVAID Interference Creates Drainage Issues Environmental Concerns Obstructs Airfield Surfaces Other (dust, wells, security, equip use) Wildlife Attractant None Figure 10. Risk factors and operational concerns. Note: NAVAID = navigational aid.

30 Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds Proper management of airport agricultural operations will involve a lease agreement between the airport operator and the farming operator. Chapter 4 covers lease development, including addressing risk management. Developing a strong lease and managing it with the operator in partnership is key to limiting risks and liability. Ensure each party understands its responsi- bilities within the lease to include wildlife mitigation, environmental practices, training for safe operations within the AOA, security procedures, and proper liability insurance limits. Another way to reduce risk is periodic communication between the operator and the airport owner. Frequent inspections and monitoring of operations are important to ensure practices are meeting expectations. Industry Highlight #5 – Sod Farms on Airport Grounds Superior Sod Chino Airport Chino, California Superior Sod has been operating inside the fence at the Chino Airport in California since approximately 2014. The company grows and supplies high-quality sod and seed to nurseries, garden departments, landscape contractors, and homeowners throughout the Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada, areas. Conducting business from the open areas of the airport allows the company to operate within the city and closer to its customers while also benefiting the airport. Although Chino Airport is a busy reliever airport, this agricultural land use appears to provide a complementary use of property that may otherwise have to be maintained by airport staff. Airports responding to the questionnaire recognize that wildlife hazards exist and indicate that the airport does have a wildlife hazard management plan (WHMP) specifically addressing agricultural land uses. The airports stated that hazard awareness, training, and executing a robust wildlife mitigation plan have been successful approaches to overall wildlife issues, including those involving agricultural activities. Sod Farm at Chino Airport. (Source: Superior Sod.)

Findings on Management of Agricultural Operations and Risk Factors 31   The Arrangement The lease with the airport provides for the use of 300 acres, of which the airport receives a dollar amount per acre. The areas used are inside the AOA but outside of any critical runway or taxiway safety areas. Access is controlled through a separate double-gate system that allows employees to enter office and storage areas and customers to reach a pick-up area but not the airfield. A long-term renewable lease with the airport was entered into after an initial bid process. The owner of the company, Dick Considine, explains that a longer term of at least 7 years was preferred in order to recoup not only the set-up costs involved with establishing optimum soil and ground conditions for sod but also the investment in the over 3 mi. of irrigation main line. The longer term also allows for investment in facilities used for administration, equipment maintenance and storage, and employee training. Previous agricultural land use involved the cultivation of alfalfa, which included the use of manure application that had to be worked out of the soil to accommodate sod. Production has therefore improved year after year. Plus, unlike manure, sod does not smell or attract flies. How It Works Superior Sod employs approximately 20 employees and has a presence on the airport 7 days per week. This is required to, among other duties, plant and monitor the fields. This work also includes the application of chemical/fertilizer, irrigation, mowing, and the harvest of 10–15 parcels of sod several times throughout the year. Coordination is required with the airport to ensure that employees receive training in airport familiarity, use of gates, and airfield markings and safety areas. Employees must also complete driver training on the airport. While operating on the airport, employees must be in recognizable uniforms and comply with airport rules and regulations. The Benefits Many airports strive to maintain large open areas of well-manicured green space to improve aesthetics with land that is subject to height restrictions or other use limitations. At the Chino Airport, much of this is accomplished through the accommodation of Superior Sod. This relationship produces revenue for the airport while also reducing the cost of maintaining these areas. Parcels under lease that are available for sod production are taken care of daily, to include being mowed every 3 to 4 days. Additionally, the company has the ability to share resources with the airport through the use of owned equipment, such as a large disc implement that can be used to maintain other areas of the airport. This mutually beneficial relationship helps control vegetation and noxious weeds on the airfield, which is good for both parties. As an agricultural use on airport grounds, sod farming may be a “win-win.” Sod is a low-lying “crop” that does not present concerns regarding height restrictions or growth that could potentially reduce the line of sight between airfield surfaces, and it does not appear to be a wildlife attractant. Access to the field is controlled and is similar to allowing tenant access to aircraft parking areas. The airport boasts beautiful green areas while reducing maintenance costs and increasing revenues. Superior Sod gains a business location of open areas that would otherwise be unavailable in the city because of other urban development needs.