PDX Deicing

The Port of Portland and our partner airlines work to maintain safe airport operations at Portland International Airport, rain or shine. In the winter, both the airlines and the Port use deicing and anti-icing materials and snowplows to keep planes and runways clear of ice and snow.

Appropriately managing deicing runoff is important to nearby waterways like the Columbia Slough and Columbia River. The Port and air carriers are in the process of conducting an environmental assessment of alternatives to enhance the PDX deicing system so that we continue to maintain safe airport operations while protecting the natural environment around PDX.

The project team expects to complete final design for the enhanced system by June 2009. The design will include recommended components that came out of the schematic design process:

• Onsite treatment of deicing runoff
• Increased storage capacity for both concentrated and dilute runoff
• A new, permitted Columbia River outfall in addition to Columbia Slough and sanitary system permits
• Expansion of the area collected within the system to include the west airfield at PDX

Stay involved by checking the Deicing Enhancements Project Web page, signing up for project email alerts, and providing feedback.

Contact:
Christine White, Community Affairs Manager, 503.415.6056

Learn More:
PDX Deicing