Environmental management system
Auckland Airport has an environmental policy in place that is supported by a comprehensive environmental management system (EMS). The EMS is based on the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems ISO14001
Environmental Management – the kiwi approach
As one of New Zealand’s largest businesses, Auckland Airport owns and operates a major infrastructural asset to the country and its surrounding communities. Being located on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and close to residential and business areas, we take our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.
One of our core values is "to operate in a safe, secure and sustainable manner" and we have developed environmental policy goals to meet environmental objectives. These include:
• Airport stormwater will not contaminate the Manukau Harbour
• Airport activities will not contaminate groundwater
• Auckland Airport will strive to achieve a balance between surrounding land use and aircraft noise.
Pollution prevention
The aim of stormwater and groundwater management at the airport is to prevent contaminants of any type entering the stormwater system and being discharged into our Manukau Harbour. We have a stormwater management plan to achieve this.
Stormwater consents and ponds
Stormwater management is based on catchment management including the installation of stormwater ponds.
There are six stormwater ponds on airport land. Their main role is to protect the water quality of the Manukau Harbour, by providing treatment of airport stormwater before it enters the harbour. Some ponds have important secondary purposes, including balancing peak flood flows and providing a visual and recreational feature and a wildlife habitat.
Stormwater management also includes a strong focus on good housekeeping, such as the regular cleaning of roads, cesspits and interceptors around the airport to check water quality. This prevents contaminants like dirt and rubbish being flushed into and through the stormwater system.
Spill planning and response
Stormwater and groundwater are protected by planning for and responding to spills. We discourage spills and ensure any spills are cleaned up before contaminants enter the airport drainage system. Education and training of operational and monitoring staff is a top priority. An airport specific spill management handbook raises awareness of issues and procedures for all airport workers.
A range of purpose-built wash facilities have been developed so vehicle and aircraft wash water does not enter the stormwater system. The wash water instead enters the sanitary sewer system.
Wash facilities include public facilities for washing cars and trucks. Car washes are available at the two Shell stations on George Bolt Memorial Drive and Tom Pearce Drive. A truckwash is available on Laurence Stevens Drive.
For more information on environmental sustainability email greening the airport.