East Midlands Airport has been fined £892,500 after being found guilty of breaching environmental permits. The offences, which took place between 14 January and 4 February 2022, involved discharges of drainage water contaminated with de-icing fluid from aircraft and runways.
The Environment Agency reported that the airport’s surface water drainage system failed to meet required quality standards, leading to potential long-term damage to watercourses and overall water quality. These discharges, which violated the conditions set out in the airport’s environmental permit, raised concerns over the risk of water pollution in the area.
In response to the breaches, the airport has committed to significant improvements. Over £11 million has been invested in upgrading its drainage and water management systems. This includes the installation of advanced monitoring equipment, enhanced water treatment capabilities, and a new daily inspection and maintenance regime. The airport has also introduced measures such as using adapted sweepers to remove de-icing fluid before it enters the drainage system. These steps aim to ensure compliance with environmental standards and prevent future violations.
