MEMORANDUM 

TO: Brian D’Amico, USEPA/OW/OST/EAD

FROM: Mary Willett and Cortney Itle, ERG

DATE: 12 June 2007

SUBJECT: Potential Pollutants of Concern in Airport Deicing Stormwaters 

The purpose of this memorandum is to identify potential pollutants of concern for the Airport 

Deicing Operations point source category. Identified pollutants of concern will be candidates for 

regulation under a proposed effluent limitations guidelines rule anticipated for June 2008. 

Identification of Airport Deicing Stormwater Pollutants 

Airport deicing stormwaters are generated when airfield and aircraft deicing/anti-icing chemicals 

mix with stormwater (either directly or as a result of snowmelt). Because deicing stormwaters 

are weather dependent, they are highly variable in nature and pollutant concentrations may vary 

greatly. In addition, other airport-related activities may contribute pollutants to stormwaters that 

are commingled with deicing chemicals, including aircraft fueling and maintenance activities. 

Because of these difficulties in characterizing deicing stormwater, ERG evaluated pollutants 

detected in deicing stormwaters, pollutants present in source water, and pollutants that are 

present in aircraft deicing fluids (ADF) prior to use to determine which pollutants are present in 

deicing stormwater. 

ERG considered multiple sources of information to identify potential pollutants of concern from 

deicing stormwater. These sources and the information obtained from each are listed below: 

y EPA sampling data from the Preliminary Data Summary (PDS) of Airport 

Deicing Operations conducted during the 1990’s to determine the 

pollutants of concern identified in that study; 

y National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water 

discharge permits for airports to determine pollutants that are currently 

monitored or limited at airports; 

y Current EPA sampling data collected during the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 

deicing seasons to identify pollutants present in untreated deicing 

stormwater; 

y Current EPA sampling data collected during the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 

deicing seasons to determine pollutants present in source water; 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 2 

y Current EPA sampling data collected during the 2004/2005 deicing 

season, current research, and expert sources to determine ADF 

constituents; and 

y EPA toxic weighting factors for pollutants. 

Each of these data sources are discussed below. 

Airport Deicing Operations PDS

For the PDS, EPA sampled: 

y Type I deicing fluids; 

y Lagoon stormwater from the Albany International Airport; 

y Untreated deicing stormwater from the Kansas City International Airport; 

y Untreated deicing stormwater from the Bradley International Airport; 

y Untreated deicing stormwater from the Greater Rockford Airport; and 

y Stormwater outfalls from the Bradley International Airport. 

The pollutants detected in one or more of these samples were summarized in Table 8-4 of the 

Preliminary Data Summary Airport Deicing Operations Report (EPA-821-R-00-016), and are 

presented in Table 1. 

NPDES Permits 

ERG reviewed NPDES individual and stormwater permits for airports that are estimated to have 

the most deicing operations in the U.S.1 The permit review is summarized in the April 16, 2007, 

Draft Airport Deicing Operations NPDES Permit Review Summary memorandum. Table 1 lists 

pollutants that have monitoring and limit requirements in current airport NPDES permits. 

Pollutants Present in Untreated Deicing Stormwaters 

Under the current rulemaking effort, EPA sampled at six airports during the 2004/2005 and 

2005/2006 deicing seasons. EPA collected samples at: 

y Detroit Metro International Airport (DTW); 

y Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP); 

y Albany International Airport (ALB); 

y Greater Rockford Airport (RFD); 

y Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT); and 

y Denver International Airport (DIA). 

Appendix A, Tables A-1, A-2, and A-3 present the analytical data for the untreated deicing 

stormwater at these airports. Pollutants detected in untreated deicing stormwater are also 

identified in Table 1. 

 

1

 Memorandum from Steve Strackbein and Cortney Itle of ERG. Airport Deicing Operations SWPPP and Permit 

Review. November 8, 2006. 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 Page 3 

Table 1. Pollutants Under Consideration as Potential Pollutants of Concern 

Analyte

Pollutants 

Identified in 

the PDS 

Sampling 

Pollutants 

Monitored 

in NPDES 

Permits 

Pollutants 

Identified in Raw 

ADF in Research 

or Current EPA 

Sampling 

Pollutants Identified 

in Untreated 

Stormwater in 

Current EPA 

Sampling 

Polluta

Identifi

Source W

in Cur

EPA Sam

Classicals Alkalinity X X Ammonia As Nitrogen (NH3-N) X X X X Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) X X X X Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) X X X Chloride X X X Dissolved Oxygen X Hardness X X Oil & Grease X  Silica-Gel Treated  Hexane Extractable Material (SGT-HEM) 

X X 

 Hexane Extractable Material (HEM) X X X Nitrate/Nitrite (NO3-N + NO2-N) X X X Sulfate X X X Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) X X Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) X X X Total Organic Carbon (TOC) X X X X Total Orthophosphate X X Total Phosphorus X X X Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) X Total Recoverable Phenolics X X Total Suspended Solids (TSS) X X Metals 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 Page 4 

Table 1. Pollutants Under Consideration as Potential Pollutants of Concern 

Analyte

Pollutants 

Identified in 

the PDS 

Sampling 

Pollutants 

Monitored 

in NPDES 

Permits 

Pollutants 

Identified in Raw 

ADF in Research 

or Current EPA 

Sampling 

Pollutants Identified 

in Untreated 

Stormwater in 

Current EPA 

Sampling 

Polluta

Identifi

Source W

in Cur

EPA Sam

Aluminum X X Antimony X X X Arsenic X X X Barium X X X Boron X X Cadmium X Calcium X X X X Chromium X X Copper X X X X X Iron X X X X Lead X X Magnesium X X X X Manganese X X Mercury X X Molybdenum X X Potassium X Selenium X X Silver X Sodium X X X X Thallium X Tin X X X Titanium X Vanadium X 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 Page 5 

Table 1. Pollutants Under Consideration as Potential Pollutants of Concern 

Analyte

Pollutants 

Identified in 

the PDS 

Sampling 

Pollutants 

Monitored 

in NPDES 

Permits 

Pollutants 

Identified in Raw 

ADF in Research 

or Current EPA 

Sampling 

Pollutants Identified 

in Untreated 

Stormwater in 

Current EPA 

Sampling 

Polluta

Identifi

Source W

in Cur

EPA Sam

Zinc X X X X X Organics Acetone X X Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX) X X Benzoic Acid X Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate X Di-n-butyl Phthalate X Diethylene Glycol X N-Dodecane X Ethylene Glycol X X X N-Hexadecane X Methyl Ethyl Ketone X Naphthalene X Phenol X X Propylene Glycol X X X X N-Tetradecane X 1,2,4- Trimethylbenzene X Trichloroethene X Tolyltriazole X Benzotriazole 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 Page 6 

Table 1. Pollutants Under Consideration as Potential Pollutants of Concern 

Analyte

Pollutants 

Identified in 

the PDS 

Sampling 

Pollutants 

Monitored 

in NPDES 

Permits 

Pollutants 

Identified in Raw 

ADF in Research 

or Current EPA 

Sampling 

Pollutants Identified 

in Untreated 

Stormwater in 

Current EPA 

Sampling 

Polluta

Identifi

Source W

in Cur

EPA Sam

5-Methyl-1H-benzotriazole X Alkylphenols Nonylphenol, total X X Nonylphenol-1-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-2-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-3-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-4-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-5-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-6-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-7-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-8-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-9-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-10-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-11-Ethoxylate X X Nonylphenol-12-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-13-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-14-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-15-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-16-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-17-Ethoxylate X X X Nonylphenol-18-Ethoxylate X X X Octylphenol X X Octylphenol-2-Ethoxylate X X 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 Page 7 

Table 1. Pollutants Under Consideration as Potential Pollutants of Concern 

Analyte

Pollutants 

Identified in 

the PDS 

Sampling 

Pollutants 

Monitored 

in NPDES 

Permits 

Pollutants 

Identified in Raw 

ADF in Research 

or Current EPA 

Sampling 

Pollutants Identified 

in Untreated 

Stormwater in 

Current EPA 

Sampling 

Polluta

Identifi

Source W

in Cur

EPA Sam

Octylphenol-3-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-4-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-5-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-6-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-7-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-8-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-9-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-10-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-11-Ethoxylate X X Octylphenol-12-Ethoxylate X X Total Nonylphenol-3-Ethoxylate-Nonlyphenol18- X X X Total Octylphenol-2-Ethoxylate-Octylphenol-12-Ethoxylate 

 X X 

* TWF assumed to be equal to 2.8 for any of the alkylphenol ethoxylates. Note: Octylphenol and nonylphenol should have a higher toxicity than the alkylphenol ethoxylates. 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 8 

Pollutants Present in Source Water

Pollutants detected in source water samples at the airports EPA sampled at during the 2004/2005 

and 2005/2006 deicing seasons are presented in Table A-4. Pollutants detected in source water 

are also identified in Table 1. 

Deicing/Anti-Icing Fluid Constituents

Insufficient information is available about the constituents of airfield deicing and anti-icing 

chemicals to characterize them in Table 1. However, ERG determined which chemicals are 

commonly used based on the Airport Deicing Operations Questionnaire responses. The 

chemicals in use might help to define the pollutants expected in the deicing stormwaters. The 

commonly used airfield deicing and anti-icing chemicals are listed below, along with the 

approximate percentage of total pavement chemical usage they comprise. 

y Potassium acetate (80 percent); 

y Sodium acetate (6 percent); 

y Urea (6 percent); 

y Ethylene glycol based fluids (3 percent); 

y Propylene glycol based fluids (2 percent); and 

y Sodium formate (2 percent). 

ERG identified the chemical constituents of ADF based on sampling data, information from a 

technical expert, and current research. The identification of the constituents is described below, 

and the constituents are presented in Table 1. 

EPA collected and analyzed samples of unused, or “raw” ADF during the sampling episodes at 

DTW and MSP. Table A-5 presents the analytical data for the raw ADF. EPA did not analyze 

samples for alkylphenols during these sampling episodes, therefore no alkylphenol data are 

available for the raw ADF. 

In addition to the sampling data collected by EPA, EPA received general ADF composition data 

from Mr. Doug Jackson (formerly of Octagon Process Inc. and Inland Technologies, Inc.) who 

worked in research and development for ADF2. Mr. Jackson identified the chemicals in Table 2 

as ADF components. In addition, Mr. Jackson described the function of the ADF components; 

the functions are also presented in Table 2. In addition to the chemicals presented in Table2, Mr. 

Jackson stated that ADFs also contain water (approximately 10 percent), dyes, and possibly 

thickening agents. 

 

2

 Memorandum from Brian D'Amico of EPA/EAD. Formulation of Aircraft Deicing Fluids - Notes from 

12/12/2006 Teleconference with Douglas Jackson. December 12, 2006. 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 9 

Table 2. General ADF Constituents 

Chemical 

Approximate 

Percent 

Composition of 

ADF Function Description of Function 

Propylene and Ethylene 

Glycol90% Freezing point depressants 

Lower the freezing point of the 

applied ADF resulting in snow and ice 

removal and prevention of the 

formation of ice on an aircraft surface. 

Toyltriazole, 

benzotriazole and its 

methylated derivative 

0.5% Corrosion inhibitors 

and flame retardants 

Reduce the flammability hazard from 

corrosion of metal components 

carrying a direct current. 

Alkylphenols and 

alkylphenol ethoxylates 

0.5% Surfactants/wetting 

agents 

Reduce surface tension in aircraft 

deicers. 

Triethanolamine 0.25% pH buffer 

Finally, ERG reviewed research conducted by Mr. Steven Corsi of the United States Geological 

Survey (USGS) to determine ADF constituents. Mr. Corsi conducts research and sampling on 

ADF and deicing stormwater at the General Mitchell Milwaukee airport; he has published 

multiple papers presenting his research and sampling results and has identified the following 

pollutants in ADF stormwater and snowmelt3: 

y Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); 

y Chemical oxygen demand (COD); 

y Propylene and ethylene glycol; 

y Alkylphenols (AP), and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO); and 

y Benzotriazole (BT) and its methylated derivatives (MeBT). 

Toxic Weighting Factors

To determine the toxicity of the pollutants present in deicing stormwaters, ERG considered the 

toxic weighting factors (TWFs) of the pollutants. EPA develops TWFs based on toxicity data 

contained in the EPA Toxics Database4

. The database is compiled from over 100 references and 

contains aquatic life and human health toxicity data, as well as physical/chemical property data, 

for more than 1,900 pollutants. ERG developed TWFs for Alkylphenols based on available 

toxicity information.5

 Pollutant TWFs are included in Table 1. 

Pollutants of Concern Selection Criteria 

Having identified pollutants that are present in airport deicing stormwaters, the Agency must 

consider which pollutants should be controlled. EPA might not consider a pollutant as a 

potential pollutant of concern if it possesses the following criteria: 

 

3

 DCNs AD00081, AD00083, AD00085, and AD00326. 

4

 US EPA. Toxic Weighting Factor Development in Support of CWA 304(m) Planning Process. June 2006. 5

 Memorandum from Maureen Kaplan of ERG. Toxic Weighting Factors (TWFs) for Nonylphenol, Octylphenol, 

and Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylate. March 30, 2007. 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 10 

y The pollutant is present in the deicing stormwater from a source other than 

deicing chemical use; 

y The pollutant can be monitored/controlled by use of a surrogate pollutant; 

y The pollutant is discharged in relatively small amounts and is neither 

causing nor likely to cause toxic effects; 

y The pollutant is detected in the effluent from a small number of airports 

and is uniquely related to those facilities; or 

y The pollutant cannot be analyzed by EPA-approved or other established 

methods. 

Identification of Pollutants of Concern 

EPA compared the pollutants detected in deicing stormwaters to ADF constituents and 

determined that many pollutants present in the stormwater are not ADF constituents. This is 

because of the addition of pollutants to stormwater from sources other than ADF, which may 

include but is not limited to: 

y Source water pollutants; 

y Pollutants from aircraft and vehicle fueling; 

y Pollutants from maintenance related operations; or 

y Pollutants from roof runoff. 

A discussion of pollutants of concern by analytical category follows, and is summarized in 

Table 3. 

Classical Parameters

The major components of both airfield and aircraft deicing chemicals and fluids are organic in 

nature and degrade in the environment after their release. Because of this, chemical oxygen 

demand (COD) and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) are produced in deicing 

stormwaters. Both of these pollutant parameters are good indicators to represent the amount of 

acetates, urea, glycols, and formate in deicing stormwater and the environmental impacts of the 

deicing stormwater. 

EPA believes that those airports requiring monitoring and control of ammonia, TKN, and 

nitrate/nitrite are likely doing so to monitor discharges of urea. Information collected during 

EPA’s airport site visits seemed to indicate that airports have been phasing out the use of urea for 

airfield deicing. However, analysis of urea use from the airport questionnaire has actually shown 

an increase in the amount of use from the 2002/2003 through 2004/2005 deicing seasons, with 

approximately the same number of airports using urea in each of those seasons. 

Several of the classical parameters detected in deicing stormwaters are the result of background 

pollutant concentrations from stormwater, dilution water, or other airport operations; these 

pollutants are not present in ADF but are present in deicing stormwater. Pollutants from other 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 11 

airport sources aside from ADF include alkalinity, hardness, oil & grease, total petroleum 

hydrocarbons (TPH) and total suspended solids (TSS). 

Table 3 presents the classical pollutants detected in deicing stormwaters and the reason for their 

selection or rejection as a pollutant of concern. 

Metals

Multiple metals have been detected in samples of airport deicing stormwaters. Some of these 

metals were also detected in the ADF samples collected by EPA. Many of these metals are not 

original components of deicing products (e.g., aluminum and chromium) and their presence in 

the stormwater is a result of background concentrations from the stormwater or source water 

used for ADF dilution and metals picked up by stormwater runoff from aircraft 

maintenance/operation areas or building roofs. 

Table 3 presents the metal pollutants detected in deicing stormwaters and the reason for their 

selection or rejection as a pollutant of concern. 

Organic Pollutants 

Organic pollutants known to be present in deicing stormwaters as a result of airfield and aircraft 

deicing chemicals include propylene and ethylene glycol, triazole compounds, alkylphenols, and 

alkylphenol ethoxylates. Other organics may also be present from the breakdown of glycols, 

urea, acetates, and formates. 

Toxicity studies conducted by Steven Corsi and others indicate that deicing stormwaters exhibit 

toxicity from the additive compounds included in the aircraft (and in some cases) airfield deicing 

products6. 

Table 3 presents the organic pollutants detected in deicing stormwaters and the reason for their 

selection or rejection as a pollutant of concern. 

Table 3. Pollutants Identified as Pollutants of Concern 

Pollutant/Parameter Evaluation 

Pollutant of 

Concern 

Classicals 

Alkalinity A function of the source water 

Ammonia As Nitrogen (NH3-N)* A function of urea use at selected airports 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Indicator for general organic pollution in 

wastewater 

3

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Indicator of total oxygen demand from wastewater 

chemical decomposition 

3

Chloride Main source is road salt and is not airfield/aircraft 

deicing related 

Dissolved Oxygen Water quality parameter 

 

6

 DCN AD00326 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 12 

Table 3. Pollutants Identified as Pollutants of Concern 

Pollutant/Parameter Evaluation 

Pollutant of 

Concern 

Hardness A function of the source water 

Oil & Grease Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

 Silica-Gel Treated Hexane 

 Extractable Material (SGT-HEM) 

Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

 Hexane Extractable Material 

 (HEM) 

Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO3-N + NO2-N)* A function of urea use at selected airports 

Sulfate Pollutant discharged in small amounts with low 

toxicity 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)* A function of urea use at selected airports 

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Covered by surrogate parameter 

Total Orthophosphate Pollutant discharged in small amounts with low 

toxicity 

Total Phosphorus Pollutant discharged in small amounts with low 

toxicity 

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Total Recoverable Phenolics Pollutant discharged in small amounts with low 

toxicity 

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Metals 

Aluminum Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Antimony* 

Arsenic Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Barium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Boron Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Cadmium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Calcium A function of the source water 

Chromium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Copper 

Iron* 

Lead Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Magnesium A function of the source water 

Manganese Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Mercury* 

Molybdenum* 

Potassium Pollutant has low toxicity 

Selenium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Silver Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Sodium A function of the source water, and 

Pollutant has low toxicity 

Thallium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 13 

Table 3. Pollutants Identified as Pollutants of Concern 

Pollutant/Parameter Evaluation 

Pollutant of 

Concern 

Tin* 

Titanium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Vanadium Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Zinc* 

Organics 

Acetone* Pollutant has low toxicity 

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene 

(BTEX) 

Sources other than airfield/aircraft deicing 

Benzoic Acid Pollutant is discharged in relatively small amounts 

and is neither causing nor likely to cause toxic 

effects 

Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Pollutant detected in a small number of samples 

during PDS 

Di-n-butyl Phthalate Pollutant detected in one ADF sample during PDS 

Diethylene Glycol Pollutant is used at a small number of airports 

N-Dodecane Pollutant detected in one ADF sample during PDS 

Ethylene Glycol ADF component 3

N-Hexadecane Pollutant detected in one airport sample during 

PDS 

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Pollutant detected in small amounts from one 

airport 

Naphthalene Pollutant not found in sampling/monitored in one 

permit 

Phenol Pollutant is discharged in relatively small amounts 

and is neither causing nor likely to cause toxic 

effects 

Propylene Glycol ADF component 3

N-Tetradecane Pollutant detected in one airport sample during 

PDS 

Trichloroethene Pollutant is discharged in small amounts and from 

only one airport sampled 

1,2,4- Trimethylbenzene Pollutant not found in sampling/monitored in one 

permit 

Tolyltriazole Potential ADF additive 3

Benzotriazole Potential ADF additive 3

5-Methyl-1H-benzotriazole Potential ADF additive 3

Nonylphenol, total Breakdown product from ADF additives 3

Octylphenol, total Breakdown product from ADF additives 3

Total Nonylphenol-3-EthoxylateNonlyphenol-18-Ethoxylate Potential ADF additive 3

Total Octylphenol-2-EthoxylateOctylphenol-12-Ethoxylate Potential ADF additive 3
Memorandum 

12 June 2007 

Page 14 

*Pollutants were not identified as Pollutants of Concern, but ERG proposes they be evaluated further because the 

pollutants are known to exist in deicing/anti-icing chemicals, and are not from other known sources (e.g. source 

water, other airport practices). 

Pollutants of Concern Summary 

Based on the available information, ERG identified the following potential pollutants of concern 

for airport deicing operations: 

y BOD; 

y COD; 

y Ethylene glycol; 

y Propylene glycol; 

y Benzotriazole; 

y 5-Methyl-1H-benzotriazole; 

y Nonylphenol, total; 

y Octylphenol, total; 

y Total nonylphenol-3-ethoxylate-nonlyphenol-18-ethoxylate; and 

y Total octylphenol-2-ethoxylate-octylphenol-12-ethoxylate. 

ERG proposes further evaluation of the following pollutants to determine their selection or 

rejection as pollutants of concern: 

y Ammonia as Nitrogen; 

y Nitrate/Nitrite; 

y TKN; 

y Antimony; 

y Copper; 

y Iron; 

y Mercury; 

y Molybdenum; 

y Tin; 

y Zinc; and 

y Acetone. 
Appendix A 
A-1

Table A-1. Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit Airport Grab Sample Data Summary for 

Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Unit

MSP 

High 

Concentration 

Storage Tank

MSP 

Low 

Concentration 

Storage Tank

DTW 

Northwest Frac

Tank 

Classical Pollutants

Ammonia as Nitrogen (NH3-N) mg/L 0.790 

BOD 5-day mg/L 115,000 8,000 140,000 

Chloride mg/L 45.0 27.0 25.0 

COD 5-day mg/L 358,000 16,000 332,000 

Hexane Extractable Material (HEM) mg/L 50.0 ND(5.00) 22.0 

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO2 + NO3-N) mg/L 0.0950 < 0.0600 0.240 

Silica Gel Treated HEM (SGT-HEM) mg/L 17.0 ND(5.00) 

Sulfate mg/L 21.2 13.6 20.3 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 1,370 559 1,440 

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/L 13.5 5.61 71.1 

Total Organic Carbon mg/L 96,100 5,660 93,100 

Total Phosphorus mg/L 6.49 < 2.10 0.320 

Total Recoverable Phenolics mg/L 0.150 0.0375 < 0.007 

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L 89.0 19.5 11.5 

Total and Dissolved Metals

Aluminum μg/L 525 508 

Aluminum, Dissolved μg/L ND(500) 136 

Antimony, Dissolved (a) μg/L 201 ND(20.0) ND(200) 

Barium μg/L 114 67.1 52.4 

Barium, Dissolved μg/L 36.4 61.9 46.9 

Calcium μg/L 68,200 35,200 127,000 

Calcium, Dissolved μg/L 59,600 34,500 125,000 

Copper (a) μg/L ND(100) 37.6 ND(100) 

Copper, Dissolved (a) μg/L ND(100) 16.4 ND(100) 

Iron μg/L 11,000 7,470 1,410 

Iron, Dissolved μg/L 4,960 6,030 1,370 

Magnesium μg/L 9,230 4,250 12,900 

Magnesium, Dissolved μg/L 8,490 4,080 13,000 

Manganese μg/L 887 317 433 

Manganese, Dissolved μg/L 756 308 423 

Mercury (a) μg/L 45.1 

Mercury, Dissolved (a) μg/L 68.7 

Molybdenum μg/L 19,100 794 15,900 

Molybdenum, Dissolved μg/L 19,000 771 16,000 

Sodium μg/L 48,700 18,700 22,800 

Sodium, Dissolved μg/L 48,100 18,600 19,200 
A-2

Table A-1. Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit Airport Grab Sample Data Summary for 

Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Unit

MSP 

High 

Concentration 

Storage Tank

MSP 

Low 

Concentration 

Storage Tank

DTW 

Northwest Frac

Tank 

Tin μg/L 611 32.1 673 

Tin, Dissolved μg/L 616 32.5 646 

Titanium μg/L ND(100) 13.5 

Zinc (a) μg/L 492 291 119 

Zinc, Dissolved (a) μg/L 444 277 119 

Volatile and Semivolatile Organics

Acetone μg/L 1,440 23,700 3,340 

Propylene Glycol – 1671 mg/L 192,000 

Propylene Glycol – 8015D mg/L 193,000 8,600 170,000 

Trichloroethene (a) μg/L 14.5 

EXCLUDE - Data excluded from the data set (see data review narratives in Appendix C for details). 

< - Average result includes at least one nondetect value. 

ND - Not detected (number in parenthesis is detection limit). 

(a) -
* The analytical method for Alkylphenols is based on the "Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Water to Fresh 

Water and Marine Organisms", U.S. EPA, August 1993. 

NA - Not collected.

NC - Not calculated.

ND - Not detected (number in parenthesis is detection limit).

A-3

Table A-2. Denver, Pittsburgh, and Albany Airports 5-Day Average Data Summary for 

Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Units

DIA Airport 

Effluent from 

Equalization Feed 

Tank 

(SP-1) 

5-day Average

PIT Airport 

Influent to RO 

Unit (SP-1) 

5-day Average 

ALB Airport 

Influent to 

Anaerobic Trt 

System (SP-1) 

5-day Average

Alkalinity mg/L 706 481 159 

Ammonia As Nitrogen (NH3-N) mg/L 0.448 <0.262 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) mg/L 149,000 16,600 3,400 

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) mg/L 247,000 28,300 5,350 

Chloride mg/L 120 11.6 90.0 

Hardness mg/L 362 542 248 

Hexane Extractable Material (HEM) mg/L 9.20 

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO3-N + NO2-N) mg/L 0.0266 <0.0204 <0.0284 

Sulfate mg/L 60.0 48.1 26.4 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L NC 1,670 650 

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/L 6.41 9.04 1.61 

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) mg/L 89,000 7,720 1,570 

Total Orthophosphate mg/L <1.03 <0.0196 0.115 

Total Phosphorus mg/L <2.76 0.0778 0.946 

Total Recoverable Phenolics mg/L 0.0608 

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L <17.8 <8.40 16.6 

Arsenic μg/L <81.8 12.7 

Barium μg/L <13.2 103 42.5 

Boron μg/L <723 532 

Calcium μg/L 103,000 155,000 48,300 

Copper μg/L 305 

Iron μg/L 1,210 5,870 6,270 

Magnesium μg/L 5,360 6,260 9,990 

Manganese μg/L 156 532 736 

Molybdenum μg/L 11,900 

Selenium μg/L 172 31.8 <5.38 

Sodium μg/L 254,000 54,300 89,600 

Tin μg/L <258 41.0 

Zinc μg/L <81.1 71.8 48.3 

Acetone μg/L 4,100 10,900 15,400 
A-4

Table A-2. Denver, Pittsburgh, and Albany Airports 5-Day Average Data Summary for 

Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Units

DIA Airport 

Effluent from 

Equalization Feed 

Tank 

(SP-1) 

5-day Average

PIT Airport 

Influent to RO 

Unit (SP-1) 

5-day Average 

ALB Airport 

Influent to 

Anaerobic Trt 

System (SP-1) 

5-day Average

Benzoic Acid μg/L 716 278 

Methyl Ethyl Ketone μg/L <58.5 

Phenol μg/L 24.5 

Ethylene Glycol - 1671 mg/L <167 <65.6 

Ethylene Glycol - 8015D mg/L <172 <73.6 

Propylene Glycol - 1671 mg/L 174,000 15,700 2,570 

Propylene Glycol - 8015D mg/L 173,000 15,900 2,630 

Tolyltriazole μg/L 10,100 7,860 325 

Nonylphenol, total μg/L 22.2 ND(12.0) 

Nonylphenol-1-Ethoxylate μg/L 130 

Nonylphenol-2-Ethoxylate μg/L 190 

Nonylphenol-3-Ethoxylate μg/L 17.8 59.9 3.90 

Nonylphenol-4-Ethoxylate μg/L 16.4 15.4 3.01 

Nonylphenol-5-Ethoxylate μg/L 21.5 213 5.70 

Nonylphenol-6-Ethoxylate μg/L 50.4 403 12.5 

Nonylphenol-7-Ethoxylate μg/L 60.7 619 15.4 

Nonylphenol-8-Ethoxylate μg/L 86.2 841 24.7 

Nonylphenol-9-Ethoxylate μg/L 79.1 942 24.7 

Nonylphenol-10-Ethoxylate μg/L 92.5 1,050 38.1 

Nonylphenol-11-Ethoxylate μg/L 100 1,040 40.4 

Nonylphenol-12-Ethoxylate μg/L 216 833 33.7 

Nonylphenol-13-Ethoxylate μg/L 167 589 25.2 

Nonylphenol-14-Ethoxylate μg/L 116 386 17.8 

Nonylphenol-15-Ethoxylate μg/L 69.9 222 8.80 

Nonylphenol-16-Ethoxylate μg/L 43.4 107 4.69 

Nonylphenol-17-Ethoxylate μg/L 23.3 53.5 2.27 

Nonylphenol-18-Ethoxylate μg/L 12.4 23.3 1.09 

Octylphenol μg/L <8.80 ND(2.00) 

Octylphenol-2-Ethoxylate μg/L 71.8 0.159 

Octylphenol-3-Ethoxylate μg/L 1,460 4.38 2.66 

Octylphenol-4-Ethoxylate μg/L 1,260 

Octylphenol-5-Ethoxylate μg/L 891 

Octylphenol-6-Ethoxylate μg/L 441 
A-5

Table A-2. Denver, Pittsburgh, and Albany Airports 5-Day Average Data Summary for 

Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Units

DIA Airport 

Effluent from 

Equalization Feed 

Tank 

(SP-1) 

5-day Average

PIT Airport 

Influent to RO 

Unit (SP-1) 

5-day Average 

ALB Airport 

Influent to 

Anaerobic Trt 

System (SP-1) 

5-day Average

Octylphenol-7-Ethoxylate μg/L 198 

Octylphenol-8-Ethoxylate μg/L 116 

Octylphenol-9-Ethoxylate μg/L 44.6 

Octylphenol-10-Ethoxylate μg/L 22.5 

Octylphenol-11-Ethoxylate μg/L 12.0 

Octylphenol-12-Ethoxylate μg/L 8.08 

Total Nonylphenol-3-EthoxylateNonlyphenol-18- μg/L 1,170 7,400 260 

Total Octylphenol-2-Ethoxylate-Octylphenol12-Ethoxylate μg/L 4,530 
A-6

Table A-3. Rockford Airport 1-Day Data Summary for Untreated Deicing Stormwater 

Analyte Units

Influent to Aerobic 

Treatment System, 

Spring 

(SP-1A) 

Alkalinity mg/L 1,030

Ammonia As Nitrogen (NH3-N) mg/L 59.6

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) mg/L 603

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) mg/L 646

Chloride mg/L 14.0

Hardness mg/L 112

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO3-N + NO2-N) mg/L 0.0190

Sulfate mg/L 5.65

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 384

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/L 82.8

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) mg/L 137

Total Phosphorus mg/L 0.330

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L 85.0

Barium ug/L 20.3

Calcium ug/L 6,600

Iron ug/L 108

Magnesium ug/L 14,700

Manganese ug/L 164

Sodium ug/L 4,790

Acetone ug/L 86.6

Methyl Ethyl Ketone ug/L 136

Propylene Glycol - 8015D mg/L 31.0

Tolyltriazole ug/L 45.3

Bisphenol A NG/L ND(12,000)

N-Nonylphenol-2-Ethoxylate NC 50.0

N-Nonylphenoxyl-2-Carboxylic Acid NC 41.0

Octylphenol-9-Ethoxylate ug/L ND(3.18)
* The analytical method for Alkylphenols is based on the "Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Water to Fresh 

Water and Marine Organisms", U.S. EPA, August 1993. 

NA - Not collected.

NC - Not calculated.

ND - Not detected (number in parenthesis is detection limit).

A-7

Table A-4. Source Water Data from DTW, MSP, DIA, PIT, and ALB 

Analyte Unit

Priority 

Pollutant

DTW 

Source 

Water 

(SP-8) 

MSP 

Source 

Water 

(SP-8) 

DIA 

Source 

Water 

(SP-7) 

PIT 

Source 

Water 

(SP-4) 

ALB 

Source 

Water 

(SP-5) 

Classical Pollutants 

Alkalinity mg/L 41.0 57.4 94.3 

Ammonia As Nitrogen (NH3-

N) 

mg/L 0.560 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 

(BOD) 

mg/L 11.0 

Chloride mg/l 13.3 25.0 40.0 

Hardness mg/L 64.0 112 200 

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO3-N + NO2-

N) 

mg/L 0.100 0.0760 0.0220 0.0300 0.0130 

Sulfate mg/L 24.0 27.4 67.8 30.9 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 132 120 95.0 217 219 

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/L 1.79 0.730 1.09 0.590 

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) mg/L 1.63 5.09 1.52 1.31 1.39 

Total Orthophosphate mg/L 0.0140 

Total Phosphorus mg/L 0.290 0.270 0.0330 

Total Metals 

Barium μg/L 14.3 12.1 21.6 35.5 23.3 

Calcium μg/L 30,500 26,200 14,000 30,900 34,700 

Copper μg/L P120 30.7 18.3 11.6 531 

Iron μg/L 136 202 433 

Magnesium μg/L 7,450 1,530 4,710 7,850 6,350 

Sodium μg/L 6,030 6,740 9,590 32,800 30,700 

Zinc μg/L P128 25.5 144 

Volatile and Semivolatile 

Organics 

 

Bromodichloromethane μg/L P048 13.5 

Chloroform μg/L P023 12.5 36.8 11.3 12.2 24.2 

Alkylphenols* 

Nonylphenol-12-Ethoxylate μg/L 1.01 

Nonylphenol-13-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.840 

Nonylphenol-14-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.615 

Nonylphenol-15-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.324 

Nonylphenol-16-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.183 

Nonylphenol-17-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.0730 
A-8

Nonylphenol-18-Ethoxylate μg/L 0.0450 0.0300 

Total- Nonylphenol-3-

Ethoxylate-Nonylphenol-18 

μg/L 16.4 
A-9

Table A-5. Analytical Results for Raw ADF Sampled at MSP and DTW 

Analyte Unit

DTW 

SP-3 

Northwest 

Type I ADF 

66116

DTW 

SP-7 

FBO’s Type I 

ADF 

66120

MSP 

SP-6 

Northwest 

Airline’s 

Type I Fluid 

66140

MSP 

SP-7 

Northwest 

Airline’s 

Type IV Fluid 

66141

Classical Pollutants

BOD 5-day mg/L 366,000 ND(630,000) (b) 410,000 531,000 

Chloride mg/L 45.0 25.0 45.0 455 

COD 5-day mg/L 967,000 1,700,000 900,000 999,000 

Hexane Extractable Material 

(HEM) 

mg/L 14.0 10.0 13.0 24.0 

Nitrate/Nitrite (NO2 + NO3-

N) 

mg/L 0.550 3.43 0.270 0.800 

Sulfate mg/L 12.4 54.4 12.5 166 

Total Dissolved Solids 

(TDS) 

mg/L EXCLUDE EXCLUDE EXCLUDE EXCLUDE 

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen 

(TKN) 

mg/L 298 86.7 44.1 273 

Total Organic Carbon mg/L 672,000 617,000 45,600 58,100 

Total Phosphorus mg/L 4.30 1.08 4.68 5.63 

Total Recoverable Phenolics mg/L ND(0.0500) ND(0.0500) ND(0.0500) 0.130 

Total Suspended Solids 

(TSS) 

mg/L ND(5.00) ND(5.00) ND(5.00) EXCLUDE 

Total and Dissolved Metals

Antimony (a) μg/L 597 1,070 477 508 

Antimony, Dissolved (a) μg/L 537 1,030 506 540 

Calcium μg/L 15,300 2,720 13,500 ND(500) 

Calcium, Dissolved μg/L 15,400 2,690 13,600 ND(500) 

Copper (a) μg/L 329 ND(100) 

Copper, Dissolved (a) μg/L 329 ND(100) 

Iron μg/L ND(1,000) ND(1,000) ND(1,000) 6,780 

Iron, Dissolved μg/L ND(1,000) ND(1,000) ND(1,000) 6,840 

Magnesium μg/L 3,270 ND(2,000) 2,960 ND(2,000) 

Magnesium, Dissolved μg/L 3,300 ND(2,000) 2,990 ND(2,000) 

Manganese, Dissolved μg/L ND(150) ND(150) 

Mercury (a) μg/L 100 ND(40.0) 

Mercury, Dissolved (a) μg/L 87.0 ND(40.0) 

Molybdenum μg/L 47,200 ND(100) 41,000 ND(100) 

Molybdenum, Dissolved μg/L 47,700 ND(100) 41,500 ND(100) 

Sodium μg/L 31,300 422,000 29,700 145,000 

Sodium, Dissolved μg/L 29,500 408,000 30,500 58,900 

Tin μg/L 1,830 3,580 1,850 1,940 

Tin, Dissolved μg/L 1,860 3,460 1,870 1,850 
A-10

Table A-5. Analytical Results for Raw ADF Sampled at MSP and DTW 

Analyte Unit

DTW 

SP-3 

Northwest 

Type I ADF 

66116

DTW 

SP-7 

FBO’s Type I 

ADF 

66120

MSP 

SP-6 

Northwest 

Airline’s 

Type I Fluid 

66140

MSP 

SP-7 

Northwest 

Airline’s 

Type IV Fluid 

66141

Zinc (a) μg/L 264 107 235 172 

Zinc, Dissolved (a) μg/L 268 133 236 308 

Volatile and Semivolatile Organics

2-Picoline μg/L EXCLUDE EXCLUDE 

Acetone μg/L 704 ND(500) 

Propylene Glycol - 1671 mg/L 290,000 730,000 

Propylene Glycol - 8015D mg/L 353,000 675,000 441,000 506,000