Anjalee Ramnauth, Ramona Dabee-Johnson & Donessa David (2025)
View PDF Published: 2025-01-27
Anjalee Ramnauth ✉️, Ramona Dabee-Johnson. Department of Geography. Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana – Turkeyen Campus. Greater Georgetown, Guyana
Donessa David. Department of Environmental Studies. Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana – Turkeyen Campus. Greater Georgetown, Guyana
https://doi.org/10.52377/VGIQ4543
Abstract
Airports are essential for the global economy but pose significant environmental impacts. As the industry expands, airports must enhance environmental sustainability whilst facilitating growth. This paper aims to assess the measures in place to address the environmental impacts of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA) in Guyana by examining the potential environmental impacts associated with the operations, identifying the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, standards, and practices implemented to manage these impacts, and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures. A comprehensive methodology incorporated literature reviews, field observations and tests to assess the possible severity of impacts, and interviews and a survey to gather insights from key stakeholders, including airport authorities, air navigation service providers, aircraft operators, and residents. Data analysis involved comparing noise, air, and water quality field measurements against EPA limits, while survey results were processed using descriptive statistics such as averages and ranges. The Fuzzy Delphi Method was used to develop an environmental performance indicator matrix for evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures. The potential environmental impacts included greenhouse gas emissions, poor air quality, noise pollution, biodiversity changes/loss, and waste management issues. In response, the airport implemented measures, including navigational and noise abatement procedures, mandated habitat modifications, regulated waste disposal techniques, and routine environmental monitoring and reporting procedures, adhering to ICAO and EPA guidelines. While these measures are effective, there is room for improvement, especially in adopting alternative fuels and energy sources. Although EFCIA has made a transition to solar energy, it has yet to adopt sustainable alternative fuels for aircraft, a strategy embraced by global aviation stakeholders. Noise pollution was found to be the most substantial impact, significantly affecting residents. Greenhouse gas emissions, poor air quality, and biodiversity change/loss were found to be less severe, even though they are critical areas of concern. The EFCIA’s waste management practices were commendable, with minimal areas for improvement. Overall, EFCIA is making significant strides in balancing growth with environmental sustainability.
Keywords: Airport operations, impacts, environmental management
Click here to access the full-length research paper.
