Sustainability

Air Quality and Climate

JWA responds to regulatory requirements and the community’s desire for clean air while working toward multi-benefit solutions that support energy and water conservation.

In addition to complying with air emission regulations, JWA further addresses air quality and climate issues through the implementation of these policies and plans:

• Climate Action Plan
• Memorandum of Understanding with the SCAQMD
• Air Quality Improvement Plan and associated support documents

Emission Reduction Measures include:

• Use of renewable diesel fuel for tenant equipment and vehicles
• Gate electrification, pre-conditioned air, and ground service equipment electrification
• Hydrant fueling, jet fuel tanks, and pipeline to reduce fuel truck use
• Traffic study and congestion relief projects such as the cell phone lot
• Accelerated low emission vehicle fleet conversion rate
• Replacement of compressed natural gas shuttle buses with electric buses
• Smart parking, pay-on-foot parking kiosks, and ground transportation center
• Electric vehicle charging stations for public and employee use
• Refrigerant management and replacement
• Replacement of boilers with CUP steam for heating

Recycling and Waste Minimization

These practices address environmental regulations, cost savings, landfill expansion reduction, reduction of greenhouse gases, and support of biofuel production.

JWA’s policies are addressed in the following plans:

• Waste Management Plan
• Tenant Waste Management Guidance

Waste Management Practices include the following:

• JWA diverts more than ¾ of the refuse from the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, supporting facilities, and construction projects from landfills and incinerators.
• Recycling containers are located throughout the Terminals for plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper products.
• JWA collects paper waste from offices for recycling by a private contractor.
• Food waste collection for composting is ongoing in the Terminals.
• JWA and tenants recycle used fuel and oils.
• JWA requires that contractors seek to recycle 90 percent of construction and demolition debris.

Natural Resource Conservation

JWA practices address preservation and protection of County natural resources through proactive monitoring, responsible hazardous materials and waste management, reduction of Airport operation impacts on storm water runoff, and sustainable remediation.

Guiding plans include:

• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
• Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan
• Business Emergency Plan/Hazardous Materials Management Plan

Key Practices:

• Rigorous pollution prevention inspection programs
• Diversion of airside storm water runoff through oil-water separators before leaving Airport property
• Regular testing of on-site fuel tanks to prevent leaks
• Regular training of Airport employees and tenants in containment, clean-up, and pollution prevention techniques
• Use of site-specific structural and non-structural Best Management Practices to reduce the potential for pollutants to contaminate storm water discharges
• Monitoring of pesticides and fertilizers for appropriate use

Energy Efficiency

JWA’s energy efficiency initiatives focus on the Airport’s growing energy requirements, the need for resiliency, and the continuing quest for economic efficiency while reducing emissions.

Key Initiatives:

• Follow CALGreen Tier 1 and Envision Gold standards to incorporate energy efficient design and materials into new projects and renovations
• Terminal design includes natural light and a cool roof, which reduced energy needs
• JWA installed variable frequency drives for baggage handling, motion sensors, parking structure fans, and high-efficiency air handling units
• Use of LED lighting on the airfield and in the Terminals, which reduces both maintenance and energy costs
• A central utility plant that includes cogeneration infrastructure
  • Optimizing operation of power generators and heat recovery equipment 
  • Maximizing power generation versus natural gas input by operating engines at the most efficient loads
  • Increasing the effective heat rate and recovery through maximizing use of the adsorption chillers

Water Conservation

JWA’s initiatives respond to California’s continuing drought conditions, growing water needs, respect for the community, and economic savings with our use of this shared resource.

Key Initiatives:

• Follow CALGreen Tier 1 and Envision Gold standards to incorporate water efficient design and equipment into new projects and renovations
• Low-flow, touchless, and automatic fixtures in the JWA Terminals and Eddie Martin Administrative Building
• Reduced irrigation and bubble irrigation
• Storm water reuse at the golf course
• Xeriscaping with turf, gravel, and drought-resistant vegetation
• Leak detection program 

Noise Abatement

John Wayne Airport has one of the most stringent aircraft access and noise monitoring programs in the United States and the world. Noise abatement at JWA is carried out using the following standards, guidelines and tools:

• Compliance with the Phase 2 Commercial Airline Access Plan and Regulation (Access Plan), resulting from the 1985 Settlement Agreement and 2003 Amendment, places restrictions on operational capacity, hours of operations and noise levels.
• General Aviation operations are permitted 24 hours daily subject to compliance with daytime noise limits and the more restrictive nighttime noise limits, as documented in the General Aviation Noise Ordinance.
• Utilization of a state-of-the-art noise monitoring system that enables JWA to track each and every one of the 200,000+ air carrier and general aviation operations that occur each year at the Airport.
• Availability of Access and Noise staff who receive and respond to noise complaints, requests for information and concerns of the community.

Resources