A new wildlife assessment is being conducted at the Aberdeen Regional Airport to re-evaluate the scope of the wetland removal project.
Terry Helms, principal of Helms and Associates engineering firm, indicated Thursday that a new wildlife assessment was being conducted, which could impact the scope of the wetland removal project.
Helms’ firm is designing the system that will be used to remove the water from the area. Helms said the assessment also could extend time required to remove the water.
Mike Wilson, transportation director at the airport, said extending the time required to remove the water could decrease the cost of the project because smaller pumps and pipes can be used. Wilson said the airport currently is required to remove the water within 48 hours, but officials are hoping to extend the allowable time to eight to nine days.
Coupled with the wetland removal project, is a wetland replacement project, Wilson said. Once the wetlands are removed, the airport moves into the second phase of the project, which involves work to the runways.
In other news, the city airport board:
Approved a bid of $559,991 from E-One for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle. The airport currently has a 1998 fire rescue vehicle and a 1981 vehicle that will be sold when the new vehicle arrives next year.
Heard a report on the air show. Wilson reported that about $513 in donations were collected and about 2,000 people attended the show Aug. 25. Weather that day was a factor. Wilson said several people left before the best performances of the day.
Wilson also reported he will be attending classes next week to obtain training in providing a daily weather report. After this training, he said, five people on site will be trained to provide the report, which is needed before flights can leave the terminal.
http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-new-wildlife-assessment-being-conducted-at-aberdeen-airport-20130905,0,6128451.story