Wildlife-hazard reduction

AMEC offers the public and private sectors a complete array of natural resource services that include effective wildlifehazard management at airports.

In the air, birds pose a serious strike risk to aircraft. On the ground, wildlife such as deer and coyotes pose hazards. Military and civil aviation sectors have reported annual losses of $500 million from direct damage and associated costs due to aircraft collisions with wildlife. More importantly, human lives are jeopardized, underscoring the essential need for effective wildlife-strike prevention.

Experienced personnel
Effective wildlife-hazard reduction requires natural resource specialists who are familiar with the airfield environment and possess the ability to identify and analyze potential hazards. AMEC biologists have extensive experience conducting wildlife studies on airfields. Our staff maintain federal and state agency permits to work with a wide spectrum of endangered and threatened species, birds, mammals and reptiles. We also are permitted to band, mark and salvage birds and to trap mammals and reptiles.

Effectively addressing the most common risk
Since birds share the same aerial environment as aircraft, birds are involved in most aircraft-strike incidents. AMEC has a thorough understanding of avian biology and ecology and applies this understanding to studies and management recommendations. Studies require compilation of baseline information through habitat mapping, species identification and population estimates of resident and migratory birds. Field and aerial surveys identify bird movement, migratory patterns, behavior and areas of peak activity. Recommendations are made based on the results of these studies and with consideration to the particular needs of the airfield. Bird-hazardreduction measures have ranged from the use of falconry to the electronic bird deterrents.

AMEC is assisting with the development and implementation of Bird-Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) management plans at airfields in Alabama, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Vermont and are being prepared at 25 additional locations nationwide. AMEC also has evaluated BASH plans for the U.S. Air Force at installations in Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Turkey.

Regulations require action
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all certified airports to conduct a Wildlife Hazard Assessment upon an aircraft and wildlife incident. The assessment could lead to the airport´s development of a Wildlife Management Plan (WLMP). Such a plan must meet the regulatory guidelines of the FAA and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Special protections are mandated for endangered or threatened species.

Although the military is not required to comply with FAA regulations, action regarding wildlife strikes by military aircraft must adhere to the rules of the respective military department and affected government agencies.

From botany To bats
AMEC´s Natural Resources Group includes experts in ornithology, mammalogy (including bats), herpetology, aquatic biology, botany and environmental biology. These professionals handle a broad range of challenging assignments, including:

• Environmental assessments and impact statements
• Wetland and fisheries habitat delineations
• Permit application and approval
• Mitigation / restoration design and implementation
• Endangered species assessments
• Natural resource inventories

AMEC provides biological consulting services to numerous clients, including the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, EPA, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish & Game, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and Air National Guard.

Canadian clients include British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, CN Real Estate Management, Suncor Energy, the Department of Indian Affairsand Northern Development (DIAND), and AEC Pipelines Ltd.