Environmental Management

Environmental Mission

Hamilton International recognizes its responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Through ongoing monitoring, regulatory compliance and collaboration with government agencies, we work to understand and minimize the environmental impacts of airport operations.

Commitment to Emissions Reduction

TradePort International Corporation, operator of Hamilton International and a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Group, is committed to reducing the environmental impact of airport operations. Through the Vantage Group network, Hamilton International leverages leading expertise in environmental management and sustainability to identify opportunities to reduce resource consumption and improve environmental performance. This includes modernizing facilities, fleets and operational processes to support a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Glycol Management

Hamilton International’s Environmental Management Plan includes the monitoring and management of aircraft de-icing and anti-icing activities during the winter season. Glycol-based solutions are used to remove or prevent snow and ice accumulation on aircraft, supporting safe operations in winter conditions. These activities are carefully managed, and may result in temporary odours in the surrounding community.

Glycol Types & Environmental Safety

Aircraft de-icing operations commonly use glycol-based fluids to remove or prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. Hamilton International uses propylene glycol (PG), which is biodegradable and has relatively low toxicity to mammals.

Two types of PG-based fluids are used during winter operations:

  • Type I (De-icing): A heated, diluted mixture of water and glycol used to remove existing snow and ice from aircraft surfaces.
  • Type IV (Anti-icing): Applied after de-icing to help prevent snow and ice from accumulating before takeoff.

Note: Alternative methods, such as brushing snow from aircraft, may be used to reduce glycol use when weather conditions permit.

De-Icing Operations & Environmental Monitoring

During the winter months, de-icing fluid (glycol) is applied to aircraft on designated de-icing pads. Excess glycol is collected and sent offsite for recycling and reuse, while small amounts of residual glycol are managed through the Airport’s drainage and containment systems.

Snow containing residual glycol is also directed to designated areas, where meltwater is captured and managed. Water from holding ponds and surrounding waterways is regularly monitored to ensure glycol levels remain within approved requirements.

Hamilton International works closely with the City of Hamilton, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to manage glycol responsibly and maintain environmental compliance.

Glycol Management FAQs

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding Environmental Management at Hamilton International Airport:

The application of de-icing fluid ensures aircraft are suitable for safe operation during the winter months and prevents accumulation of snow and ice on aircraft surfaces. The critical flight surfaces on an aircraft need to be clean and free of contaminants in preparation for take-off.

The holding ponds at Hamilton International have low concentrations of glycol and during biodegradation can create an odour. Depending on current weather conditions such as wind direction and velocity, air temperature and density, the location of odour may vary.

Propylene glycol (PG) is considered a relatively non-toxic substance to mammals. PG products are biodegradable and do not bioaccumulate in the environment. PG can also be found in some foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Residual low concentrations of glycol remain in the pond after the winter season and will biodegrade over time, causing potential odours during biodegradation periods in the spring and summer.

Prolonged periods of keeping windows open can lead to increased odours in the home. If you can smell odours from the residential sanitary sewer line in your home, it is a good indicator that private plumbing deficiencies may exist and other more serious gasses from the sanitary system are entering the home. A local plumber can assess your plumbing system and make recommendations on how to remedy any deficiencies.

Odours from degradation of glycol can occur year-round depending on certain weather conditions, and therefore odours may be apparent indoors and outdoors in the vicinity of the Airport. Odours may arise when the holding ponds are drained either through the creeks or through the sanitary system. Indoor odours could mean a home has private plumbing connection deficiencies to the sanitary sewer line.

Hamilton International is engaged in a study to determine best practices for glycol mitigation as well as continues to monitor the pond levels through composition testing. Hamilton International continues to work diligently to identify and implement new technologies to control and minimize odours through our glycol management program.

For odour inquiries, please contact the Airport at 905-679-1999 or [email protected].

Managing Legacy Environmental Impacts

Hamilton International recognizes the legacy use of firefighting foam containing Perfulorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) at the Airport prior to a voluntary phase-out in production of PFOS in 2002. Historical information suggests that PFOS-containing foam was used for firefighting training between 1985 and 1989, before the Airport was privately operated. Since 2011, Hamilton International has taken steps to address potential legacy impacts and has worked collaboratively with government agencies and environmental specialists to monitor and mitigate Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the former firefighting training area.

Mitigation measures have included containment and capping of impacted areas, restoration of drainage and stormwater infrastructure and ongoing water and site monitoring. Hamilton International continues to maintain a monitoring program and work with the appropriate regulatory authorities to address legacy impacts and protect the surrounding environment. Current firefighting foam used at Hamilton International does not contain PFOS and is compliant with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

For more information about PFOS/PFAS at Hamilton International, please contact:
[email protected]