MSP International Airport
De-Icing Facilities
When freezing precipitation or other icing conditions are an issue, aircraft are sprayed with a glycol mixture to prevent, remove and hinder further snow and ice formations on the aircraft. Snow and ice accumulation on aircraft pose a very serious safety hazard to aircraft operations. MSP's airfield improvement plan includes the construction of five aircraft de-icing pads, including storage and reclamation facilities to make the de-icing process more efficient and to safeguard the environment from glycol (de-icing fluid) runoff. The MAC is required under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to control its discharge to the Minnesota River. Glycol runoff can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen available in the river if it discharged in excessive quantities.
The MAC has completed construction of five deicing pads at MSP, including one at each end of the parallel runways and one on Runway 17. Use of the deicing pads facilitates containment of the spent glycol fluid at the source and minimizes the opportunity for it to enter the stormwater drainage system. The pads are also located in close proximity to each runway end to enhance safety for departing aircraft. The spent glycol contained by the pads is either piped directly or transported, via pumper truck, to the new reclamation facility at MSP for recycling. If the concentration is too weak, it is discharged to the sanitary sewer for treatment. The new recycling and storage facility has more thanr 11 million gallons of storage capacity, over 3 times that of the previous facility. The new facility also has enhanced recycling technology that will allow recycled glycol to be processed quicker and to a degree where it can be certified for reuse.
Any questions about di-icing operations or water quality discharge at MSP whould be directed to the MAC Environmental Department at 612-725-6455.
30R Decing pad construction from 2001. Deicing Pad is in upper half of image. Regional Terminal construction is ongoing below the pad location.
30R Deicing pad completed 2002. Pad is in upper half of image. New regional terminal Concourse B is below it.
Back to Top