Wildlife Hazard Management Plan template
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Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Template May 2011 Using this Template This template has been prepared by the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group with the assistance of Australian Airports Association and Avisure Pty Ltd. It aims to assist regional and general aviation airports to document their own bird and wildlife management procedures to meet the requirements of Appendix 1 to CASR 1998 subparagraph 139.095(a)(ii) pertaining to the Aerodrome Manual. Section 10.14 of the Manual Of Standards (MOS) part 139 requires an airport with an identified wildlife hazard to develop a wildlife hazard management plan (WHMP). CASA also requires a WHMP is prepared by a suitably qualified person such as an ornithologist or a biologist. Whilst this template has been prepared with the assistance of an aviation ecologist, it is highly recommended that input from a suitably qualified person is also obtained. This will help ensure that a complete and effective plan is produced for each individual aerodrome that utilises this template. This management plan deals with the particulars of the procedures to deal with hazards to aircraft operations caused by the presence of wildlife on or near the aerodrome. It is also designed to be incorporated as part of the aerodrome’s overall Safety Management System (SMS). Normal document control processes adopted by your organisation should be incorporated into the plan. Sections provided in [square brackets, italics and highlighted in yellow] are guidance notes to be deleted when this template is used – this page and the front cover included. Sections provided in [square brackets, CAPS and highlighted in blue] indicates where details specific to your airport or aerodrome should be inserted. Template Revision History Revision number Revision date Title Prepared by 1 November 2005 Bird and Animal Hazard Management Plan Australian Airports Association 2 March 2010 Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Template Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group Acknowledgments The Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group acknowledges the input from the Australian Airports Association and Avisure Pty Ltd in revising the template and members of the group for their feedback on drafts. Transport Canada’s “Template for the Development of an Airport Wildlife Management Plan” was used to guide aspects of this template. Disclaimer This Template proposes strategies for adoption by Airport Operators to minimise the risk of bird and wildlife strike to aircraft and is produced in good faith based on practices generally adopted by the industry in October 2009. No responsibility what so ever is accepted to any party what so ever who may use or rely on whole or any part of this Template. [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Hazard Management Plan [DATE] Table of Contents Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ iv 1 Background ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Function .................................................................................................................................................... 1 Policy......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 1 The Airport ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Supporting Information............................................................................................................................. 2 2 Structure .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 3 Planning .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 3.1 3.2 3.3 4 Implementation ................................................................................................................................................. 15 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 5 Hazard Identification ................................................................................................................................ 4 Ranking Species by Risk ....................................................................................................................... 12 Wildlife Management Plan................................................................................................................. 14 Roles and Responsibilities..................................................................................................................... 15 Training ................................................................................................................................................... 15 Communications ................................................................................................................................. 16 Wildlife Management Measures ............................................................................................................ 17 Checking and Review ....................................................................................................................................... 19 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Reporting ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Auditing ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Review .................................................................................................................................................... 22 Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Appendices .............................................................................................................................................................. 27 Appendix 1 – Wildlife Management Procedures...................................................................................... 28 WHMP-01 Wildlife Count Procedure .......................................................................................................... 29 WHMP-02 Wildlife Hazard Surveillance Procedure .................................................................................. 32 WHMP-03 Strike Reporting Procedure ...................................................................................................... 33 WHMP-04 Identification and Handling of Remains Procedure ................................................................. 36 WHMP-05 Wildlife Dispersal Procedure ................................................................................................. 39 WHMP-06 Wildlife Culling Procedure ........................................................................................................ 43 Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 46 Appendix 3 – Review Checklist .................................................................................................................... 50 Appendix 4 – Standards Reference Table ................................................................................................. 54 [Note: remember to update the above page numbers when you have completed your Wildlife Hazard Management Plan] iv [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 1 Background 1.1 Function The function of this Wildlife Management Plan (WHMP), is to define the risk that wildlife pose to air traffic at [AIRPORT NAME] and to set objectives, performance indicators and procedures in place for the systematic management of that risk. It aims to support the requirements of Appendix 1 to Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998), subparagraph 139.095(a)(ii) in relation to the content of the Aerodrome Manual. It also aims to support the requirements of Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139, Section 10.14 in relation to the preparation of a WHMP. This template has been designed to be incorporated as part of the [AIRPORT NAME] Safety Management System. 1.2 Policy [AIRPORT NAME] is committed to ensuring the safety of aircraft using [AIRPORT NAME]. While the safety of aircraft at [AIRPORT NAME] is paramount, it is not possible to prevent all wildlife strikes. The WHMP aims to reduce the frequency and severity of strikes by focusing management efforts on species and habitats that constitute significant hazards to aircraft that operate at [AIRPORT NAME]. [Add to or delete as appropriate or insert your existing airport policy relating to wildlife management] 1.3 Goals and Objectives The goal of this WHMP is to minimise risk for passengers and flight crews by reducing wildlife hazards and associated risks to aircraft and airport operations caused by wildlife activities on and in the vicinity of the airport. The objectives of the WHMP are to: Target high and moderate risk species and habitats that primarily support them both on and off the airport Ensure compliance with all relevant airport operational and environmental legislation and regulations Ensure that adequate systems are in place to define roles, responsibilities and procedures for managing wildlife risks at [AIRPORT NAME] Define the methods by which wildlife hazards are managed at [AIRPORT NAME] Develop performance goals and targets for management of wildlife issues and outline how these will be assessed and reviewed [Add to or delete as appropriate] 1.4 The Airport [AIRPORT NAME] is situated in the [LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NAME] in [STATE/TERRITORY]. A description of the airport is provided in Table 1 below. 1 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Table 1 - [AIRPORT NAME] general information Element Description Airport location [DESCRIPTION] Surrounding land use(s) [DESCRIPTION] Geography [DESCRIPTION] Elevation [DESCRIPTION] Airport ownership [DESCRIPTION] Airport operator [DESCRIPTION] Traffic profile [DESCRIPTION] Runways [DESCRIPTION] Navigation aids [DESCRIPTION] Communications [DESCRIPTION] Hours of operation [DESCRIPTION] Climate [DESCRIPTION] Other [DESCRIPTION] 1.5 Supporting Information The following documents provide further background to the WHMP: [DOCUMENT NAME] [DOCUMENT NAME] [DOCUMENT NAME] [DOCUMENT NAME] [DOCUMENT NAME] [List here any information or studies that support your wildlife management plan, such as aerodrome/airport development plans. flora surveys, wildlife surveys, wildlife strike data or reports, consultant reports, results from trials, local bird group reports] 2 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 2 Structure [AIRPORT NAME] adopted a rigorous risk-based approach to develop this WHMP and established management procedures to ensure the WHMP is properly implemented in accordance with the relevant requirements of CASR 1998. The planning, implementation and review structure detailed in this document is provided in Figure 1 below. Figure 1 – Structure of Wildlife Management Plan for [AIRPORT NAME] [Replace this figure, if necessary, with one that reflects your airport’s WHMP structure] 3 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 3 Planning [AIRPORT NAME] has adopted a three-step approach to assessing and reducing the risk posed by wildlife to aircraft: 1. Hazard identification – broad assessment of the airport’s hazard profile, including aircraft movements, the habitat and activities that attract wildlife both on and off airport, the species most observed on and off airport, and the trends observed in wildlife strikes 2. Risk assessment – a risk assessment based on the information available on wildlife numbers, behaviour, characteristics and/or strikes for each species encountered on and around the airport 3. Wildlife Management Plan – a plan comprising actions for each of the highest risk species, supported by a summary of their relevant characteristics, identified by key airport staff that help the airport reduce the degree of risk and meet its wildlife management goals and objectives 3.1 Hazard Identification 3.1.1 Aircraft movement and types Generally, the more aircraft movements at an aerodrome the greater the chances of wildlife strike. Different aircraft have different susceptibility to wildlife strikes. Large turbo fan aircraft tend to fly fast, have a large frontal surface area, have a great sucking power through their engines, rendering them more likely to strike wildlife than propeller driven aircraft. In Australia, Regular Passenger Transport aircraft are 16 times more likely to report a strike than general aviation aircraft1. On the other hand, light aircraft are not subject to the same rigorous design standards imposed on commercial jet aircraft. It is therefore important to identify current and projected trends for aircraft movements, as provided in Table 2 below. Table 2 - [AIRPORT NAME] aircraft movement information Aircraft Classification Strike Susceptibility Level Approximate Annual Movements Forecast Annual Movements (increase, decrease, steady) Other Considerations 1 Turbofan and Turbojet High [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] 2 Helicopter and Turboprop Moderate [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] 3 Piston Low [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] 4 Other [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] [Comment on movement trends across the time of day, time of the year, etc, for each aircraft class and indicate key risk periods. Attach detailed aircraft data in a separate appendix, if needed.] 1 4 ATSB 2008. An analysis of Australian birdstrike occurrences 2002 to 2006. [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 3.1.2 On airport hazards Habitats Habitat types at [AIRPORT NAME] that can be attractive to wildlife are identified in Figure 2 on the following page and include: [HABITAT TYPE] [HABITAT TYPE] [HABITAT TYPE] [HABITAT TYPE] [HABITAT TYPE] [List habitat types relevant to your airport or aerodrome such as managed grasslands, unmanaged grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, wetlands and ponds, waterways (rivers, creeks, drains) and buildings. Add supporting text to indicate the most common habitats and those that appear to be the most attractive to wildlife. Be specific about what species are attracted to each habitat, during what seasons or times of day and, if known, in what actual or relative numbers. Where towers, hangars or other buildings attract birds for nesting or perching this should also be stated here. Represent this information as either a dot point list or a table.] 5 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Figure 2 – On airport hazards [Insert an aerial photograph or base map of the airport at 1:10,000 or better, delineating the habitats that attract wildlife. Vegetation communities should be described using State or Territory classification, where possible.] 6 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Activities Activities at [AIRPORT NAME] that can be attractive to wildlife include: [ACTIVITY TYPE] [ACTIVITY TYPE] [ACTIVITY TYPE] [ACTIVITY TYPE] [ACTIVITY TYPE] [List activities relevant to your airport or aerodrome such as mowing and burning grasslands (insects and small vertebrates are exposed thus attracting birds), runway lights (insects are attracted to the lights, in turn attracting birds that feed on them), waste bins (birds and animals forage on waste bin contents), creek/drain clearing (exposing invertebrates to birds), reseeding following apron, runway and taxi way upgrades (attracting seed-eating birds), clearing and levelling of sites for developments which expose soil and cause depressions (attracting water and other birds), stockpiling soil (exposing invertebrates to birds; providing habitat for fox dens). Add supporting text to indicate the most common activities attracting wildlife. Be specific about what species are attracted to each, during what seasons or times of day and, if known, in what actual or relative numbers.] Natural Phenomena Natural phenomena that attract wildlife at [AIRPORT NAME] include: [PHENOMENA TYPE] [PHENOMENA TYPE] [PHENOMENA TYPE] [PHENOMENA TYPE] [PHENOMENA TYPE] [List the natural phenomena relevant to your airport or aerodrome such as locust swarms, termite/ant swarms, other flushes of insect numbers (e.g. worms, flies), thermals for raptors to soar, high rainfall events, bird migrations and bat movements. Add supporting text to indicate the most common activities attracting wildlife. Be specific about what species are attracted to each, during what seasons or times of day and, if known, in what actual or relative numbers.] 3.1.3 7 Off airport hazards [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Habitat types and activities occurring in the vicinity of [AIRPORT NAME] that can be attractive to wildlife are identified in Figure 3 on the following page and include: [HABITAT / ACTIVITY TYPE] [HABITAT / ACTIVITY TYPE] [HABITAT / ACTIVITY TYPE] [HABITAT / ACTIVITY TYPE] [HABITAT / ACTIVITY TYPE] [List the habitat types and activities found in the region around your airport or aerodrome up to a distance of 15kms. These may include waterways (rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, dams, etc), beaches, salt pans, tidal mudflats, bird sanctuaries, conservation areas, putrescible and non-putrescible waste landfills and transfer stations, sewer works, cropping, fruit production, turf farming, piggeries, abattoirs, aquaculture, fisheries, commercial fish processing, food processing plants, riding schools, fair grounds, outdoor restaurants, racetracks, playing fields, commercial areas, theme parks, homing pigeon clubs, golf courses, outdoor theatres or bird/bat colonies or roosts. Add supporting text to indicate those that appear to be the most attractive to wildlife, their distance and direction from the airport and aircraft flight paths. Be specific about what species are attracted to each.] 8 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Figure 3 – Off airport hazards [Insert an aerial photograph or base map of the region to 15 km around the airport, delineating the habitats and activities that attract wildlife. Vegetation communities should be described using State or Territory classification, where possible.] 9 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 3.1.4 Wildlife strike history Wildlife strike records are an important source of information for determining the hazards present at airports. The information collected allows an assessment of species struck and trends across years, seasons, months and time of the day. At [AIRPORT NAME] there has been a total of [NUMBER] confirmed strikes and [NUMBER] suspected strikes recorded between [DATE] and [DATE]. For [YEAR], total strikes reported per 10,000 aircraft movements has been calculated at [NUMBER]. Damaging strikes to aircraft result in costs to operators, and potentially compromise safety. Therefore these are the most important strikes to prevent. Between [DATE] and [DATE] a total of [NUMBER] strikes resulted in known damage or delay to aircraft. A summary of annual strike trends in Table 3, a more detailed analysis of strike data in Table 4, and charts showing strike trends are provided below. Table 3 - [AIRPORT NAME] annual wildlife strike trend summary Year Total No. Strikes No. Strikes / 10,000 aircraft movements Total No. Damaging Strikes Comments (e.g. species most frequently struck, changes to airport reporting processes that may influence data) [YEAR] [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] [COMMENT] [YEAR] [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] [COMMENT] [YEAR] [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] [COMMENT] [YEAR] [DATA] [DATA] [DATA] [COMMENT] Table 4 - [AIRPORT NAME] detailed wildlife strike analysis summary Total No. Strikes in [YEAR] No. Strikes / 10,000 aircraft movements in [YEAR] [SPECIES] [DATA] [DATA] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [SPECIES] [DATA] [DATA] [SPECIES] [DATA] [SPECIES] Species When/Where Strikes Mostly Occur Annual Strike Trend Time(s) of Day Location on Airport [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] [DATA] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] [DATA] [DATA] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] [SPECIES] [DATA] [DATA] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] [SPECIES] [DATA] [DATA] [STABLE, INCR, DECR] [MONTH/ SEASON] [TIME] [LOCATION] 10 [A I R P O R T Month/Season NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Figure 4 – Strike trends [Insert a chart or series of charts showing the trends in wildlife strikes on your airport. Consider annual numbers of total strikes or total number of strikes by species, or total number of strikes by time of day.] 11 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 3.2 Ranking Species by Risk There are several methods available to rank the species present at an airport in order of risk. Doing so allows for resources to be targeted at the species (and the habitats they prefer) that present the greatest threat to aviation and operations at [AIRPORT NAME]. Typically, the outcome of a risk assessment is a probability x consequence matrix, an example of which is provided in the table below. The species found to exhibit the highest probability of being involved in a strike and potentially result in the greatest damage (consequence) to aircraft are then listed as an ‘extreme’ or ‘very high’ risk species in the upper left hand boxes of the matrix. Probability/Likelihood of a strike Consequence of a strike Very High High Medium Low Extreme extreme extreme very high high Very high very high high high medium high high medium medium medium medium low low low low negligible negligible negligible negligible negligible negligible High Medium Low Very low [Note: The Allan and Paton risk assessment methods are both endorsed by the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group and provided on their website www.aawhg.org. Delete the example risk matrix above and the description of the risk assessment method(s) not adopted. If your airport has selected an alternative method, briefly describe it below. Risk assessment is one area in particular where it is recommended that specialist assistance or review be sought.] 3.2.1 Allan Risk Assessment This method uses historical strike data to assign a risk to specific bird species 2. Species are classed as high, moderate or low risk by using strike data from the past five years. Bird species are categorised in terms of their probability of being struck (using a five year strike history from the airport), and the likelihood of damage should they be struck (derived from the United Kingdom’s bird strike database using body mass). 3.2.2 2 Paton Risk Assessment Allan, J. O., 2006. A Heuristic Risk Assessment Technique for Birdstrike Management at Airports. Risk Analysis, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 723-729, June 2006 12 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] This method assesses the probability and consequences of a strike event in relation to a bird species body mass, flocking characteristics, flight behaviour (derived from an Australian species list developed by the University of Adelaide) and abundance on or near an airport or aerodrome.3 Both quantitative and qualitative data of abundances and strikes can be used to rank the probability of a species being involved in a strike. This flexibility allows those airports and aerodromes with limited data to nonetheless generate a risk ranking by species. 3.2.3 Other Risk Assessment Methods Other methods for risk ranking species have been developed by specialists in ornithology, ecology and airport management that can be readily adopted by airports. 3.2.4 Risk Ranking The result of the risk assessment for [AIRPORT NAME] is presented in risk matrix (Table 5) below. Based on the method used, the highest risk species are [SPECIES NAMES] and therefore is the priority targets of our wildlife management activities. Table 5 – Risk ranking of species for [AIRPORT NAME] Consequence of a strike Probability/Likelihood of a strike [CATEGORY] [CATEGORY] [CATEGORY] [CATEGORY] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [CATEGORY] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [SPECIES] [Adapt the above table as it relates to the risk assessment method adopted. Maintain records of the data used and the steps taken in the risk assessment method to populate the above matrix] 3 Paton, D. C., 2010. Bird Risk Assessment Model for Airports and Aerodromes, Revision 3. Published by Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group. 13 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Wildlife Management Plan 3.3 Table 6 below presents a summary of species risk ranking for [AIRPORT NAME] from Section 3.2, together with an overview of the key hazard information from Section 3.1. and management actions proposed for each species. Table 6 – Risk summary of species for [AIRPORT NAME] Rank Species Description Habitat Strike history Management actions 1. (Extreme) Magpie Goose Large body size (2.4 kg). Black and white goose with red bill and face. Forms large flocks. Nests in long poorly drained sections of the airport. Strikes last 20 years – 10 Long term – improve drainage, control bulbs Strikes last 5 years – 3 Feeds on vegetation particularly bulbs of particular plant species. Strikes last 12 months – 1 Short term – monitor and ensure intensive dispersal occurs in early spring Generally not attracted to the airport habitats, but camp 3 km to the south of the airport and fly over the airport to melaleuca forests to the north. Strikes last 20 years – 20 Arrives in spring and departs late summer after nesting. 2. (Very high) Flying Fox Medium body size (0.7 kg). Flying mammal with denser bone structure than birds. Dark brown/grey to black. Large, loose flocks overfly airport when melaleuca are in flower, mainly around last light. 3. (Very high) Australian White Ibis Large body size (1.9 kg). Large flocks fly across the runway threshold at dusk and dawn. Damaging strikes – 2 in last 5 yrs. Strikes last 5 years – 12 Strikes last 12 months – 6 Damaging strikes – 3 in last 5 yrs. Gradually remove fruiting and flowering vegetation from airport controlled land. Monitor populations and inform stakeholders of elevated risks via NOTAM. An increasing risk. Attracted to short grassed areas of the airport. Large colonies near the airport also overfly the airport on the way to landfill. Strikes last 20 years – 5 A long grass trial has commenced. Strikes last 5 years – 4 Mowing at night in flight strips. Strikes last 12 months – 1 Disperse using distress calls and pyrotechnics Damaging strikes – 0 An increasing risk. Off airport management coordinated through stakeholder committee to manage breeding pop and reduce food supply at the landfill. [RANK] [SPECIES] [PHOTO] [DESCRIPTION] [HABITAT] [STRIKE HISTORY] [ACTIONS] [RANK] [SPECIES] [PHOTO] [DESCRIPTION] [HABITAT] [STRIKE HISTORY] [ACTIONS] [RANK] [SPECIES] [PHOTO] [DESCRIPTION] [HABITAT] [STRIKE HISTORY] [ACTIONS] [RANK] [SPECIES] [PHOTO] [DESCRIPTION] [HABITAT] [STRIKE HISTORY] [ACTIONS] [RANK] [SPECIES] [PHOTO] [DESCRIPTION] [HABITAT] [STRIKE HISTORY] [ACTIONS] 14 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 4 Implementation 4.1 Roles and Responsibilities [SENIOR MANAGER POSITION] will be responsible for the overall coordination, supervision and management of the WHMP. This includes allocating resources, designating responsibility, coordinating training, and reviewing performance of the Plan’s implementation. [POSITION] will be responsible for implementing this WHMP at their site. This includes obtaining permits, providing training, monitoring bird numbers, collating strike data, auditing conformance to the WHMP, and drafting reports for review by senior management. A detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the staff at [AIRPORT NAME] for managing wildlife hazards is provides in Appendix 2. [Delete or add to this section as appropriate] 4.2 Training The development and implementation of a staff training program in the core elements of the WHMP is a regulatory requirement. Furthermore, effective wildlife management is critically dependant on staff with the tools, knowledge and motivation to safely and effectively fulfil the requirements of [AIRPORT NAME] Plan. Table 7 summarises the staff training program based on [AIRPORT NAME] training needs analysis process. Training records will be collated and maintained by [POSITION]. Table 7 – Staff training program Training Module Position(s) Frequency Method of Training Delivery [MODULE] [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [METHOD] [MODULE] [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [METHOD] [MODULE] [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [METHOD] [MODULE] [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [METHOD] [MODULE] [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [METHOD] [Training can be conducted using a variety of techniques, namely, group theory and practical sessions, one-on-one on the job coaching, videos, or web-based learning tools. Choose one or a combination of the above that best suit your staff and resources. Possible training topics include general awareness, regulations and standards, risk and liability, identification, ecology and behaviour of key species, active and passive wildlife management techniques, off airport issues, firearm safety, wildlife census techniques, strike reporting, safety and use of pyrotechnics and other deterrent devices ] 15 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 4.3 Communications 4.3.1 Wildlife hazard reporting In the event of identified risk on or in the vicinity of the airport steps will be taken to remove, or alternatively advise pilots of the hazard (see Table 8). A bird hazard warning notice is included in the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA). Where a wildlife hazard is present that cannot be effectively managed by the [POSITION], Air Traffic Control is notified to inform pilots of additional risk levels. Where there is a significant increase in risk the [POSITION] arranges a NOTAM to be issued. The NOTAM must provide specific information on species, period of risk, likely location and flight path. [Delete or add to this section as appropriate. Remove reference to Air Traffic Control where it does not apply.] Table 8 – Wildlife hazard reporting Task Description Frequency Responsible Procedure/Reference Reporting hazard (immediate) Notify ATC to inform pilots of additional risk levels. The [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION] is also notified. As required [POSITION(s)] NA Reporting hazard via NOTAM Issue NOTAMs where risks are significantly increased. As required [POSITION(s)] NA [Note: bird watch condition reporting is now another option for communicating risk levels.] Bird and animal strike reports are essential for understanding and managing risks. Strikes need to be accurately categorised and reported. Strikes are reported regardless of strike confirmation, location or damage. All strike reports are forwarded to the ATSB and also entered into the [AIRPORT NAME] strike database. The steps in processing and reporting strikes are detailed in Table 9. To assist in identifying the species involved carcasses or remains (feathers or fragments) are collected, where possible, and stored for possible further analysis which may provide information relevant to the management program. [Note: DNA analysis is now an option to identify remains/blood smears.] Table 9 – Wildlife strike processing and reporting Task Description Frequency Responsible Procedure/Reference Recording strikes Record every strike they become aware. As required [POSITION(s)] Strike reporting procedure WHMP-03 Reporting strikes Forward all reports to ATSB and provide copies to the [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION] for entry into the strike database. As required [POSITION(s)] Strike reporting procedure WHMP-03 16 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Data management Maintain electronic records of Ongoing wildlife strikes and review monthly to assess changes in populations [POSITION(s)] NA Strike remains Collect struck remains when possible and store them for annual analysis by the ornithological consultant [POSITION(s)] Identification and handling of remains procedure WHMP-04 4.3.2 As required Stakeholder consultation The Airport Wildlife Management Committee is an important avenue for sharing information, identifying risks and ensuring stakeholders are engage in collaborative management of these risks.[AIRPORT NAME] conducts Wildlife Management Committee meetings on a [FREQUENCY] basis. Wildlife issues and management are included in the agenda of these meetings. Relevant on and off airport stakeholders are invited to participate in these meetings. Participants include: [ORGANISATION /DEPARTMENT/POSITION] [ORGANISATION /DEPARTMENT/POSITION] [ORGANISATION /DEPARTMENT/POSITION] [ORGANISATION /DEPARTMENT/POSITION] [ORGANISATION /DEPARTMENT/POSITION] 4.4 Wildlife Management Measures Strategies for reducing the risk of strikes at [AIRPORT NAME] focus on managing wildlife populations on and surrounding the airport. Management measures, summarised in the sections below, can be classified into the following two categories: Passive management – modifying habitats or other aspects of the environment to indirectly remove or reduce the number of birds the risky areas; or Active management – directly removing or reducing the numbers of birds or animals in the risky areas. 4.4.1 Passive management Passive management methods employed at [AIRPORT NAME] include: [PASSIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [PASSIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [PASSIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [List passive management types relevant to your aerodrome such as grass management, vegetation management, landscape and waste management policies (attach as an appendix if applicable), waterway and drain design or treatment such as wires or nets, fences used to exclude wildlife, roost/perch inhibitors 17 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 such as spikes or gels. Seek expert advice on the most suitable habitat management options for your situation. Add supporting text to indicate how the habitat has been modified. Be specific about what species are best managed with each modification, during what seasons or times of day. For further information on passive management see Sharing the Skies - Passive Management] 4.4.2 Active management Active management methods employed at [AIRPORT NAME] include: [ACTIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [ACTIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [ACTIVE MANAGEMENT TYPE] [List active management types relevant to your aerodrome such as vehicle patrols, sirens, noise makers, pyrotechnics, shooting, nest removal, gas cannons, lasers, falconry, dogs, live trapping, distress call playback, effigies. Seek expert advice on the most suitable tools for your situation and training requirements. Add supporting text to indicate the most common tools used and those that appear to be the most effective. Be specific about what species are best managed with each tool, during what seasons or times of day. For further information on active management see Sharing the Skies - Active Management] [Note: Hazard removal actions and their outcomes are important sources of information. It is important that all dispersal and culling actions and their outcomes are recorded. This provides a historical record for comparison and analysis and may provide evidence of adequate wildlife hazard management in the event of litigation.] 18 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 5 Checking and Review 5.1 Monitoring Monitoring is a critically important tool in wildlife management at [AIRPORT NAME]. Effective monitoring provides essential information that assists our staff to adapt the program, as required, to shifts in hazard and level of risk. It also provides evidence of (a) conformance to regulatory and other standards (see Appendix 4), and (b) efficacy of the WHMP in minimizing wildlife strike risk to aviation. 5.1.1 Routine Hazard Monitoring Routine detection of hazards in the field is achieved through regular runway and runway strip inspections and during airside wildlife surveillance. Both aspects are important to ensure early detection of wildlife hazards in airside areas, particularly inside runway strips. The frequency of wildlife monitoring (beyond the activities detailed in Table 10 below) is a matter of professional judgement by the [ROLE RESPONSIBLE] and depends on wildlife numbers, species composition, weather and aircraft activity at the time. Table 10 – Routine monitoring activities Task Description Wildlife patrols (routine) Frequency Responsible Procedure/ Reference Conduct airside wildlife Daily - ongoing management and surveillance patrols [POSITION(s)] Wildlife hazard surveillance procedure - WHMP-02 Wildlife patrols (post strike) Conduct airside wildlife Daily - ongoing management and surveillance patrols [POSITION(s)] Strike reporting procedure - WHMP-03 Wildlife patrols data management Record all strikes, management, surveillance and inspection actions in relevant logs and forms Daily - ongoing [POSITION(s)] Wildlife hazard surveillance procedure - WHMP-02 Strike reporting procedure - WHMP-03 Wildlife counts (staff) Conduct wildlife counts [FREQUENCY] [POSITION(s)] Wildlife count procedure WHMP-01 Wildlife counts (external consultant) Conduct wildlife counts [FREQUENCY] Aviation [PROCEDURE] Wildlife counts data management Maintain electronic records of Ongoing wildlife counts and review monthly to assess changes in populations ecologist/ ornithologist [POSITION(s)] [PROCEDURE] Wildlife management and surveillance patrols are conducted by [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] and following reports of a strike. Standard data is entered into the [LOG NAME] and includes areas of the airport patrolled, numbers, location and species of birds/wildlife seen, action taken to disperse the birds/wildlife, results of the action. More general information such as the name of the officer on duty, time on and off duty, weather conditions etc are recorded at the start of a duty period. Wildlife strike data is logged as described in Section 5.3.1 Wildlife Strike Reporting. 19 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Formal standardised wildlife counts are conducted by [POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] and are used to monitor short term trends in wildlife numbers and hazards. Data is entered into the bird count database by the [POSITION(s)] and analysed on a [FREQUENCY] basis to monitor short to medium term and seasonal trends. An external aviation ecologist/ornithologist conducts airside and landside surveys on a [FREQUENCY] basis to assist with monitoring medium to long term and seasonal trends that, in turn, inform the annual risk assessment process. Outcomes from data analysis are used to update individual species risk profiles and, where possible, assess the effectiveness of management actions. [Delete or add to this section as appropriate] 5.1.2 Other Hazard Monitoring Non-routine hazard monitoring is achieved through review of on and off airport development proposals and changes to land use to assess the possible creation of undesirable wildlife habitat or attraction and its associated risk to aviation. Assessment of off airport land use planning and development proposals for compatibility with airport operations involves ongoing liaison with a number of external stakeholders (see Section 4.3.2). Table 11 – Other monitoring activities Task Description Frequency Responsible Procedure/ Reference Development on [AIRPORT NAME] land Applications for development on [AIRPORT NAME] land are assessed for wildlife attraction. As required [POSITION(s)] [PROCEDURE] As required [POSITION(s)] [PROCEDURE] Development in the Liaise with local authorities / vicinity of landholders to ensure the [AIRPORT NAME] airport is considered in development applications or land use planning. [Note: A tool that can aid the collaborative process required to mitigate off airport related wildlife strike risk is the development of a Wildlife Risk Management Zone or Area. ICAO prescribed an area of 13km radius from an aerodrome.] 5.1.3 Performance Indicators Performance indicators will be established to help effectively assess how well [AIRPORT NAME] is conforming to the requirements of this WHMP and, thereby, determine the need for making adjustments to how hazards are managed and/or modifying the Plan. Primary (lead) performance indicators adopted at [AIRPORT NAME] are: [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] 20 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] Secondary (lag) performance indicators adopted at [AIRPORT NAME] are: [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [PERFORMANCE INDICATOR] [Lead indicators may include % of correctly filled wildlife management logs, % scheduled bird counts done by staff, % post strike carcasses recovered, % correct post strike species identification, % staff training attendance, % aircraft movements with pre-flight wildlife patrols, % of wildlife management actions completed on time, number of feedback received from stakeholders. Lag indicators typically include number of wildlife strikes per 10,000 aircraft movements, % strikes involving aircraft damage, % strikes involving flight disruption.] 5.1.4 Research Projects and Trials Occasionally a research need will be identified. This may be related to a proposed change in airfield passive wildlife management (e.g. grass height, habitat species composition, insect invasion), at which time a small-scale research project may be initiated to provide an indication of which option works best in the overall framework of wildlife management. Any necessary studies associated with changes to passive wildlife management techniques will be documented in this section in future revisions of this WHMP. Documentation will comprise a research summary (as appendix) including the research purpose and objectives, methods, timelines, staff and expected/actual outcomes. Current research priorities at this airport are: [RESEARCH PRIORITY] [RESEARCH PRIORITY] [RESEARCH PRIORITY] 5.1.5 Record Keeping [AIRPORT NAME] recognises the strength of its monitoring program is in good record keeping. Records of the above monitoring activities are kept in relevant logs, spreadsheets and database to provide evidence of management actions and to demonstrate WHMP processes are in place to routinely detect and, where feasible, remove hazards. 21 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 All records are legible, accessible and stored in a secure environment that prevents loss or damage. 5.2 Reporting Routine reporting ensures that all staff and managers are equipped with the information needed to adapt hazard management activities and the WHMP when required. The following regular reports will be generated and distributed to relevant staff by [POSITION(s)]: [FREQUENCY] report [FREQUENCY] report [FREQUENCY] report [Delete or add to this section as appropriate] 5.3 Auditing Auditing is recognised as an essential component to an effective WHMP. An internal audit is completed on a [FREQUENCY] basis. An external audit by a suitably qualified aviation ecologist is completed on a [FREQUENCY]. The findings from these audits generate corrective actions, where appropriate, and are recorded and referred to in the annual WHMP review. [Delete or add to this section as appropriate] 5.4 Review The CASR Sections 139.230(f)(iii) and 139.230 (h)(ii) and MOS Part 139 Section 10.14.1.5 together require the WHMP to be reviewed at least annually. To ensure the [AIRPORT NAME] WHMP remains effective and is updated to fulfil future requirements the following processes have been established. 5.4.1 Major review A major review of the WHMP will be undertaken on a [FREQUENCY] basis and is the responsibility of [POSITION(s)]. The review will result in a complete revision and reissue of the document. The review will be supported, where necessary, by a suitably qualified and experienced consultant. Major reviews will take the place of annual updates in the years they occur. 5.4.2 Annual update The CASR requirement to review the WHMP at least as part of each technical inspection means that [AIRPORT NAME] is mandated to ensure it is reviewed annually. The review involves key personnel, including executive management, and is supported, where necessary, by a suitably qualified and experienced consultant. The annual update of the WHMP will: be based on performance indicators and audit findings; ensure compliance with all current legislation; update the assessment of risk using updated strike and monitoring data and observations; 22 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] ensure all procedures, roles, responsibilities and associations listed are current and relevant; and ensure all management actions undertaken by [AIRPORT NAME] are appropriate and listed in the WHMP. Key outcomes of the most recent annual review for [YEAR] are summarised below: [OUTCOME] [OUTCOME] [OUTCOME] [OUTCOME] [OUTCOME] Key actions from the most recent review for [YEAR] are summarised below: [ACTION] [ACTION] [ACTION] [ACTION] [ACTION] [Delete or add to this section as appropriate] 23 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Glossary Active Management The use of short-term management techniques such as distress calls, pyrotechnics, trapping and culling to disperse or remove wildlife. Airside The movement area of the airport, adjacent terrain and buildings or portions thereof within the airport security fence line. Bird or animal strike (all must be reported) A “reported bird or animal strike” is deemed to have occurred whenever: . a pilot reports a strike to the ATSB . aircraft maintenance personnel find evidence of a bird or animal strike on an aircraft . personnel on the ground report seeing an aircraft strike one or more birds or animals . bird or animal remains are found on the airside pavement area, or within the runway strip, unless another reason for the bird or animals death can be found A “suspected bird or animal strike” is deemed to have occurred whenever a bird or animal strike has been suspected by aircrew or ground personnel but upon inspection: . no bird or animal carcass is found, and . there is no physical evidence on the aircraft of the strike having occurred A “confirmed bird or animal strike” is deemed to have occurred whenever: . aircrew report that they definitely saw, heard or smelt a bird strike . bird or animal remains are found on the airside pavement area or within the runway strip, unless another reason for the bird or animals death can be found . aircraft maintenance personnel find evidence of a bird or animal strike on an aircraft A “bird or animal near miss” is deemed to have occurred whenever a pilot takes evasive action to avoid birds or animals. An “on-aerodrome bird or animal strike” is deemed to be any strike that occurs within the boundary fence of the aerodrome, or where this is uncertain, where it occurred below 500 ft on departure and 200ft on arrival. A “bird strike in the vicinity of an aerodrome” is deemed to have occurred whenever a bird strike occurs outside the area defined as “on aerodrome” but within an area of 15 kilometres radius from the aerodrome reference point (ARP) or up to 1,000 feet above the elevation of the aerodrome. A “bird or animal strike remote from the aerodrome” is deemed to have occurred whenever a bird strike occurs more than 15 kilometres from an aerodrome or more than 1,000 feet above the elevation of the aerodrome. 24 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Consequence The outcome of an event expressed qualitatively or quantitatively, being a loss, injury, disadvantage or gain. There may be a range of possible outcomes associated with an event. Foraging When wildlife search for and obtain food. Habituation The tendency for wildlife to become accustomed to certain stimulus when repeatedly exposed to it. Hazard A source of potential harm or a situation with potential to cause loss. Migration When wildlife pass periodically from one region to another. Nocturnal species A species which is most active during the night. Passive Management The modification of habitat to render it less attractive to wildlife. Probability The likelihood of a specific event or outcome, measured by the ratio of specific events or outcomes to the total number of possible events or outcomes. Risk The chance of something happening that will have an impact upon objectives. It is measured in terms of consequences and probability. Risk Treatment The process of selection and implementation of measures to modify risk. Roosting When birds repeatedly return to a particular place in numbers to loaf or spend the night. Transit When birds fly from one place to another. Wildlife Wildlife refers to animals that may pose hazards to aircraft when struck. This includes birds, bats and terrestrial mammals such as rabbits, hares, foxes, dogs etc. Wildlife Count Scheduled counts conducted by airport staff. 25 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Abbreviations AAA Australian Airports Association AAWHG Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group ATC Air Traffic Control ATSB Australian Transport Safety Bureau CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority CASR Civil Aviation Safety Regulations ERSA Enroute Supplement of Australia FOD Foreign Object Debris MOS Manual of Standards NOTAM Notice to airmen RWY Runway WHMP Wildlife Hazard Management Plan 26 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Appendices 27 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Appendix 1 – Wildlife Management Procedures 28 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] WHMP-01 Wildlife Count Procedure Objective To assist in the detection and subsequent removal of hazards and to provide data for comparison of numbers and locations of wildlife. Responsibilities [POSITION] Frequency [FREQUENCY AND TIMING] [e.g. twice weekly, Tuesday (between first light and 10:00) and Thursday (between 14:00 and last light)] Equipment Vehicle Binoculars Bird identification field guide Consistent application of the Wildlife Count Procedure is essential for obtaining quality data to be used for analysing for trends. If hazardous conditions are identified during the course of a count, it will allow for its timely removal using active dispersal techniques. Procedure 1 The person doing wildlife counts must always follow the same route. 2 The aerodrome is divided into [NUMBER] Wildlife Count Areas. 3 Within each Area, stop the vehicle at the same marked location each time and scan the entire Area using binoculars. 4 Record all species and numbers observed on a Wildlife Count Form. Information to be recorded includes: date name of observer time of commencement and completion of the count weather conditions species and number observed area recorded (including birds transiting the airfield) special notes such as mowing or ponded water that may cause additional attractions. 5 The form includes frequently observed bird species and allows room for additional species and as well as unidentifiable bird types. Mammals such as rabbits, hares, kangaroos or foxes are also recorded. 6 Transfer the data onto a spreadsheet or into a database for ongoing trend analysis. Attachments 1. [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Count Form 2. [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Count Area Map 29 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 [AIRPORT NAME] WILDLIFE COUNT FORM WEATHER CONDITIONS BIRD COUNT FORM Day: Date: Start Time: End Time: Temp: Windspeed: Cloud: Wind Direction: Rain Last 24hrs: ARO: Count Type (circle appropriate) Morning Afternoon General Weather Description Sector Birds 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mammals General Comments (eg sources of attraction, increases in bird numbers) 30 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 7 Transiting Airfield [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Count Area Map [Insert aerial/map of airport and mark the ‘Areas’ and locations where wildlife counts are conducted] AIRPORT NAME Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Avisure 31 WHMP-02 Wildlife Hazard Surveillance Procedure Objective To detect birds and other wildlife airside and landside that may pose a hazard to aircraft. To locate eggs and nests of birds. To locate remains of birds and other animals. Responsibilities [POSITION] Frequency [FREQUENCY AND TIMING] [e.g. As often as possible throughout the day, with emphasis on periods of high aircraft activity and large aircraft movements (particularly jet aircraft). During periods of high bird activity constant surveillance and dispersal may be required.] Equipment Vehicle Binoculars Radio equipment Bird identification field guide The airside and relevant landside areas should be checked regularly for birds. Records must be kept to show the areas of the airport patrolled; numbers; location species of birds seen; action taken to disperse the birds and results. Where no wildlife is observed a note should be made to identify the times of patrols and the locations covered. This information may be used to provide evidence of adequate wildlife hazard management in the event of litigation. Regular inspections are important to ensure early detection of bird and other wildlife hazards. They also assist with the locating eggs and nests or remains that may be the result of a bird or other wildlife strike. Detection and removal of remains will minimise the risks of Foreign Object Debris (FOD). The timing of such inspection should be before each blocks of high aircraft activity throughout the day and prior to larger aircraft movements with particular emphasis on jet aircraft. Procedure 1. Inspect pavements, grassed areas, and flight paths for bird activity and search for eggs, nests and animal remains. 2. Where hazardous bird/wildlife activity is observed, immediately proceed with Wildlife Dispersal Procedure WHMP– 05. 3. If there is an imminent threat to aircraft safety, proceed with Wildlife Culling Procedure WHMP 6. 4. Where a serious hazard remains despite all efforts, advise ATC and refer the matter to the [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION]. 5. If no activity observed log an entry in the wildlife surveillance and dispersal record form (Wildlife Dispersal Procedure WHMP– 05) to show the time of the inspection and areas patrolled. Attachment Nil (see Wildlife Surveillance and Dispersal Record Form (See WHMP-05)) [Remove reference to ATC where not applicable.] 32 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] WHMP-03 Strike Reporting Procedure Objective To accurately record all possible information on bird and other wildlife strikes Responsibilities [POSITION(s)] Frequency As required, within 72 hours of strike Equipment Vehicle Wildlife Strike Form Strike reports provide one of the most important pieces of information regarding the risks posed by birds and other wildlife to aircraft. It is essential that all possible sources of information are investigated and details accurately recorded. Procedure 1. Always complete a strike report form with as much information possible. 2. Where a pilot report indicates a strike has or may have occurred, examine the areas where the strike was reported to have occurred for evidence of carcasses or remains. 3. Contact operator or ground crews to organise inspection of the aircraft for remains, evidence of strike such as blood smear or damage to the aircraft. 4. Process all remains found as per WHMP - 04 (Identification and Handling of Remains). 5. Corroborate all information from airline and ATC. 6. Categorise the strike according to the definitions for confirmation and strike location (see Glossary). 7. Submit forms to ATSB and [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION] for inclusion in respective databases. Attachments 1. [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Strike Form 2. ATSB Aviation Accident or Incident Notification Form Note: Reports can be completed and submitted online at https://www.atsb.gov.au/notifications/ReportOccurrence.aspx [Remove reference to ATC where not applicable. Note that it is possible to inform ATSB using an online report form or submitting a completed hardcopy form by fax (www.atsb.gov.au).] AIRPORT NAME Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Avisure 33 [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Strike Form [Insert form used by the airport for reporting wildlife strikes] 34 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] ATSB Aviation Accident or Incident Notification Form (Page 1) 35 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 ATSB Aviation Accident or Incident Notification Form (Page 2) 36 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] WHMP-04 Identification and Handling of Remains Procedure Objective To safely collect and store bird and other wildlife remains. To accurately obtain as much information from bird and wildlife remains found at [AIRPORT NAME]. Responsibilities [POSITION(S)] Frequency As required Vehicle Tongs/tweezers Re-sealable bags Labels Hand wash Equipment Disinfectant Freezer Gloves Reference book For determining trends in strikes at [AIRPORT NAME], it is essential to wherever possible identify the species involved. In order to accurately assess both the cause of death and identification of the species, carcass retrieval is essential. This information ultimately aids in better wildlife management on airport. Procedure 1 Locate remains. 2 Follow the procedures below for each type of remains found. All remains should be stored for annual analysis by consultant. 3 All strikes and carcasses should be reported, follow Procedure WHMP-03– Strike Reporting. Whole Carcasses (collect sample for professional identification) 1 Depending on size of sample - use disposable gloves, thick gloves or a pair of tongs to collect remains from runway, ground, aircraft etc and seal carcass in plastic bag (taking care not to contaminate the outside of the bag). 2 Remove gloves and dispose, wash hands. 3 Disinfect tongs and tweezers. 4 Fill out strike form and place inside a separate sealed plastic bag with the carcass. 5 Freeze in designated bird carcass freezer for analysis by consultant at a later date. 6 Bird carcasses taken during culling will be handled as outlined above. Where more than one specimen of a common and easily identifiable species is culled, one will be placed in a bag, tagged and frozen and the others disposed of appropriately (e.g. buried to exclude scavenging animals, or to landfill). 7 37 Follow Procedure WHMP-03– Strike Reporting. [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Feathers and fragments (collect sample for professional identification) 1. Use disposable gloves. 2. If single feathers, or with small amounts of flesh attached, place in re-sealable bag. 3. Remove gloves and dispose, wash hands. 4. Fill out strike form with all details and staple to bag. 5. Freeze in designated bird carcass freezer for analysis by consultant at a later date. 6. Follow Procedure WHMP-03– Strike Reporting. Safety Considerations Dead animals may carry diseases harmful to humans. Wear gloves and if necessary disposable coveralls when handling carcasses or biological materials. Avoid direct skin contact with biological materials and avoid contaminating your normal work clothing. Ensure that the outside of sample bags, vehicles and freezers are not contaminated. Wear a mask and eye protection if there is a risk of body fluids or organic material misting into the atmosphere. Wash hands thoroughly when you are done. If an animal is sick or injured, it may be necessary to humanely destroy the animal then process the carcass according to the procedures below. Seek veterinary advice if required and regularly liaise with local wildlife authorities to ensure your species knowledge and euthanasia competency is adequate. Regular competency checks will help avoid unnecessary euthanasia of an endangered species or delayed euthanasia of a suffering individual. Flying-foxes and microbats may carry viruses that can cause serious disease in man and particular care must be taken when handling dead bats. A sick or injured bat should only be handled by suitably experienced and vaccinated persons. If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat, 1. The wound should be immediately washed with soap or disinfectant and water for at least five minutes 2. Seek medical advice immediately. Attachments Nil 38 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] WHMP-05 Wildlife Dispersal Procedure Objective To remove immediate wildlife hazards from the airport. Responsibilities [POSITION(S)] Frequency As required Equipment [EQUIPMENT USED] [e.g. vehicle (lights, siren, horn), lures, shotgun and ammunition (live and bird frite), gas cannons, bird distress callers, dogs, raptors, starters pistol and caps] Dispersal of wildlife hazards is an integral aspect of active management as areas on the airport will remain attractive to some species and early detection and immediate removal of hazards is essential to effective management of risks. Detection is achieved during wildlife counts (Wildlife Count Procedure WHMP-01) and wildlife hazard surveillance (Wildlife Surveillance Procedure WHMP-02). Personnel should be present on the airport and equipped to manage wildlife hazards as required for scheduled counts and inspections and also during routine daily surveillance. The following details are recorded: time; areas of the airport patrolled; numbers, location and species of wildlife seen; action taken to disperse the wildlife; results of the action. Some important guidelines to be followed when dispersing wildlife: Dispersal needs to be most intense at the end of the breeding season to discourage young wildlife from foraging at the airport. Young are easily deterred from airports providing they recognise the airport as an unattractive and threatening environment (note that different species breed at different times of the year). Do not allow settling wildlife to feed in order to discourage regular visitation. It is easier and more effective to harass newcomers to the airport than birds that have established their territory on-site. Concentrate dispersal activities for most species in the early morning and mid afternoon, prior to peak feeding periods. Early morning harassment discourages visitors settling in for the day. It may be necessary to continuously patrol and disperse during periods where aircraft movements are scheduled closely together. Where wildlife identify a particular vehicle as a risk and move to a different airside location, consider undertaking dispersal in a different type of vehicle (e.g. tractor). Procedure 1. Identify wildlife requiring dispersal. 2. Position yourself between the runways and the wildlife to ensure dispersal is away from aircraft manoeuvring areas. 3. 39 Choose the most appropriate equipment for the task (See attached equipment guidelines) [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 4. Check for no aircraft activity. 5. Activate equipment. 6. Determine effectiveness. 7. Continue until hazard is successfully removed. 8. Record details on [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Surveillance and Dispersal Record Form. 9. Where a serious hazard remains refer to WHMP-06 Wildlife Culling. Attachments 1. Equipment Overview 2. Firearm Safety Guidelines 3. [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Surveillance and Dispersal Record Form Equipment Overview There are a number of options available for undertaking dispersal and all will be used at various times to limit the likelihood of birds habituating to any one option. Vehicle siren lights and horn can be used to herd and disperse birds. Arm waving, lures and stock whips are inexpensive and sometimes effective means of dispersing flocks of some species of birds. The arm wave requires the officer to stand on high ground or a vehicle and flap both arms slowly at around 1 beat per second. Flocks respond as if to a predator such as a raptor and disperse. A well used stock whip lets off a sound similar to that of a firearm and is an effective tool for dispersing some species. Bird distress calls transmitted by megaphone or other equipment can also be effective but must be used by trained personnel to ensure the most effective outcome as different distress calls can either attract or disperse a flock, dependent on the species. Trained dispersal animals, such as dogs and raptors, must only ever be used by highly trained specialists to avoid creating additional risk to aircraft. Pyrotechnics (Bird Frite) is a very useful tool for dispersal. To reduce the chance of habituation, use as few shots as possible to achieve the required effect and ensure the cartridge explodes as close to the wildlife as possible. Firearms Safety Guidelines Firearms are provided for the purpose of harassing, dispersing, and when necessary, culling of wildlife (refer to [AIRPORT NAME] Firearms Policy). Under no circumstances will they be used for any other purpose. 40 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Care is to be taken when harassing birds and the following rules must be observed: 1. The location of the hazard in relation to any aircraft in the vicinity, whether landing, taking-off, taxiing, etc. A gun shall not be fired in the direction of or in the vicinity of any aircraft. 2. A strict watch is to be maintained for any personnel working in the vicinity, particularly people on foot whose clothing may blend in with the background. 3. Never carry a loaded gun in the vehicle or fire from the vehicle. 4. Particular care to be taken when using a gun in the vicinity of any buildings, aerials, runway lights, windsocks, etc. 5. A strict watch must be kept for helicopter and fuel tanker traffic. 6. Never fire in the direction of any vehicle moving on the perimeter road or at any houses, vehicles, etc. in the vicinity of the boundary fence. 7. When using Bird Frite shell ammunition in dry, hot conditions, care must be taken to ensure that the spent cartridge casing (which has a tendency to smoulder) does not set off a grass fire. 8. Guns must be thoroughly cleaned and oiled daily, preferably as soon as practicable after use. 9. When not being carried in a vehicle, guns and ammunition must be stored in a locked cupboard (refer to [AIRPORT NAME] Firearms Policy). 10. Wear ear and eye protection when discharging firearms. 41 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 [AIRPORT NAME] Wildlife Surveillance and Dispersal Record Form Name 42 Date [A I R P O R T Time Start End Area No. Species NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Actions Taken Dispersed (Y/N) Number Culled Comments WHMP-06 Wildlife Culling Procedure Objective To remove immediate bird and wildlife hazards from the airport. Responsibilities [POSITION(S)] Frequency As required Equipment Firearm Ammunition Permits Current culling authority/license from State/Territory Department Current weapons license necessary for weapons use Culling is an effective last option management technique that is used to remove persistent individuals of moderate or high risk species or where there is an imminent safety hazard. Culling is an essential part of the WHMP as it not only removes targeted individuals but reinforces the effectiveness of dispersal actions by demonstrating to resident birds that the airport is not a safe feeding area. Where possible culling should target young inexperienced birds, during and after the breeding season and naive vagrants. Culling should be applied sparingly to groups of birds, particularly territorial species such as Australian Magpies as these birds can reduce the presence of other species. Remove hazards from the airside area as soon as possible after they are detected. Staff are to be equipped with firearms and live ammunition suitable for wildlife culling, these are carried during the shift in a lockable storage container in vehicles. Destroy nesting material and any eggs on the airport, with permits as required, to discourage bird nesting activities. Where nesting is found on or within buildings or structures on airport land, arrange with relevant staff to have nests removed. Where possible these areas should be modified to exclude future nesting attempts. Seek the help of specialised agencies as necessary to assist with safe removal of some animals (such as foxes or hares/rabbits). Where wildlife hazards cannot be immediately removed and may impede aircraft safety, the hazard is communicated immediately to ATC and [POSITION]. NOTAMs may be issued or where necessary the runway closed. Procedure 1. Identify birds requiring culling. NB If the species is rare or threatened permits do not cull. Other dispersal methods must be used to remove the problem individual. If the hazard persists, liaise with the [POSITION]. 2. Position yourself between the critical areas and the flock/individual to ensure dispersal is away from runway and flight strips. 3. Choose the most appropriate firearm for the task. 4. Check for nearby human and vehicular activity. 43 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 5. Cull individuals. 6. Determine effectiveness. 7. Continue until hazard is successfully removed. 8. Record ammunition usage on the firearms issue register form and species culled on the Wildlife surveillance and dispersal record form. 9. Where a serious hazard remains despite all efforts, advise ATC and refer the matter to [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION]. NOTAMs may be issued or where the risk is extreme the runway closed. Safety Considerations Where culling requires access to movement areas, ATC may be required to delay aircraft movements. Culling will aim to direct the remaining birds away from runways and flight strips. All bird and wildlife culling must be undertaken humanely and safely. Attachments 1. Licence and permit requirements [Remove reference to ATC where not applicable.] 44 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Licence and permit requirements Permits are required for the management of wildlife hazards at [AIRPORT NAME]: Permits from State/Territory Department to harm native wildlife (see Wildlife Culling procedure WHMP06.) Firearms licences from State/Territory Police are also required to deal with wildlife as set out in this procedure. Actions under these permits and licences require the airport or personnel to adhere to specific conditions, refer to current permits for details. Originals of permits and licences are kept on file by the [AIRPORT NAME] [POSITION]. [AIRPORT NAME] approves the use of firearms for bird and animal hazard control only by those officers whose duties involve bird and animal dispersal and culling and who are licensed to use [AIRPORT NAME]owned firearms. Firearms Licence Holder Details Name 45 Firearms Licence # [A I R P O R T Category NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 Expiry Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities 46 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Roles and Responsibilities Position or entity Responsibilities [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION RESPONSIBLE] Endorse the final version of the WHMP. e.g. Airport Operations Manager Ensure the resources for implementing the WHMP are provided BH: AH: [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION RESPONSIBLE] Oversee the implementation and review of the WHMP e.g. Airfield Manager BH: AH: Ensure that [AIRPORT NAME] Aerodrome Reporting Officers are trained in the functions required for wildlife hazard management, including bird counts, bird and animal identification, bird harassment and reporting techniques Ensure the WHMP and procedures are issued to relevant staff and applied where necessary. Ensure Aerodrome Reporting Officers monitor, inspect, assess, record and report as described in the WHMP. Ensure Aerodrome Reporting Officers and other relevant [AIRPORT NAME] staff deal with wildlife and their habitats as described in the WHMP. Liaise with airport operators, local government and other stakeholders to assist in identifying and managing wildlife issues at [AIRPORT NAME]. Invite relevant external stakeholders to quarterly SMS meetings to assist with wildlife management at off airport sites. Engage a consultant to conduct an annual review of the wildlife hazard at [AIRPORT NAME]. Update and apply data collected as part of the WHMP to assess trends and hazards. Ensure the relevant section of the WHMP is reflected in the aerodrome manual. 47 Wildlife Management Plan 2009 [A I R P O R T NAME] Position or entity Responsibilities Provide information regarding bird and animal hazard and its management at [AIRPORT NAME] to regulatory authorities and operational publications as required [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION Count, survey, inspect, assess, record and report as described in the relevant sections of the WHMP and RESPONSIBLE] any procedures e.g. Aerodrome Reporting Officers BH: AH: Deal with birds, animals and their habitats as described in the relevant sections in the WHMP and adhere to wildlife management procedures. Attend bird and animal hazard management training as required Use, store and maintain firearms and ammunition as required by [AIRPORT NAME]’s firearms policy Accurately record management actions as per wildlife management procedures. [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION Ensure waste is disposed of appropriately and bins and other waste storage facilities are maintained RESPONSIBLE] with closed lids or other suitable covering wherever practicable e.g. Ground Staff Monitor and report wildlife attraction to landscapes on [AIRPORT NAME] land. Maintain or modify grass, landscapes and ground conditions where need is identified. Aircraft Operators Require air and ground crews to promptly inform Aerodrome Reporting Officers of all bird and animal strikes or hazardous conditions Require ground staff to relay evidence of strikes including damage, carcasses, feathers, or other material to Aerodrome Reporting Officers for collection. Provide copies of strike records to [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION RESPONSIBLE] for inclusion in the [AIRPORT NAME] database. 48 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Position or entity Responsibilities Annually review the WHMP and forward recommendations to [AIRPORT NAME/POSITION RESPONSIBLE Where appropriate, consider changing operations to avoid times and locations where consistent bird hazards occur Attend quarterly SMS meetings and provide feedback on wildlife management issues at [AIRPORT NAME]. [AIRPORT NAME] tenants Ensure waste is disposed of appropriately and bins and other waste storage facilities are maintained with closed lids or other suitable covering wherever practicable Promptly report observations of bird nesting in hangers to [AIRPORT NAME] Aerodrome Reporting Officers Attend quarterly SMS meetings and provide feedback on wildlife management issues at [AIRPORT NAME]. Council [NAME] Consider the potential for bird and wildlife attraction when developing land use strategies. Review and discuss with [AIRPORT NAME] management all proposals for land use changes within 13 kilometres of [AIRPORT NAME], giving due consideration to potential bird and wildlife hazards. Where necessary, ensure such proposals are modified to ensure that the risk posed by birds to aircraft is not increased. [STATE/TERRITORY ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITY NAME] Consider the safety imperative when assessing the application by [AIRPORT NAME] for permits to cull birds. Assist [AIRPORT NAME] to determine the appropriate actions where rare or threatened species become an aviation hazard. [ORGANISATION NAME] Aviation Ecologist/Ornithologist Undertake professional risk based surveys at [AIRPORT NAME] and surrounding bird attractions on an annual basis. Conduct an annual audit of the WHMP to report on the updated results from data analysis and risk assessments. Provide recommendations to improve the [AIRPORT NAME] WHMP. 49 Wildlife Management Plan 2009 [A I R P O R T NAME] Appendix 3 – Review Checklist 50 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Review Checklist Component Task Responsibility Timeframe Requirement All bird strikes reported to ATSB [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing All strikes recorded with all available information and forwarded to the appropriate parties. Compliance Administration Bird strike reporting Air operators Permits and licensing All permits for bird and animal management activities held and kept valid [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing All permits held and valid Records of activities All records of activities kept (i.e. counts, ammunition, cull etc) and where necessary entered into an electronic database Agenda to cover wildlife issues and management actions. Relevant on and off airport stakeholders must be included. All proposed land use changes within [AIRPORT NAME] controlled land with potential to increase the risk of bird strike must be scrutinised appropriately. Ensure a mechanism exists with relevant councils within 13km of [AIRPORT NAME] to refer land use changes or developments that have potential to impact on wildlife hazards at [AIRPORT NAME]. [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Ongoing All records maintained [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing Committee Meetings. Review of proposed land use changes- on airport land Review of proposed land use changes – off airport land Training 51 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 -compliant -compliant -compliant Meetings held on a quarterly basis. Minutes taken to record achievements and progress Where risk increase is likely, modification to proposals is sought or the development is refused. Where risk increase is likely, [AIRPORT NAME] should formally object to the development and request modification to proposals. -compliant Completed -compliant -compliant Component Task Wildlife management training Once-yearly competency based assessment for bird control staff Firearm safety training Firearm safety training undertaken biennially Counts undertaken [FREQUENCY] and recorded in the electronic database Responsibility Timeframe Requirement Once-yearly – ongoing Assessment as part of annual audit. [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] 1 training session every two years attended by all relevant personnel [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] [FREQUENCY] – ongoing [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Compliance -compliant Consultant -compliant Monitoring Risks Wildlife counts Risk based surveys Professional wildlife surveys undertaken [FREQUENCY] on and off airport. [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] All data collected and entered into database [FREQUENCY] – ongoing Surveys conducted, results presented in annual updates [FREQUENCY] – ongoing Nil breaches of fence by medium and large sized mammals -compliant -compliant Consultant Detecting Hazards and Active Management Perimeter fence inspections [FREQUENCY] perimeter fence inspections [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Discouraging breeding on airport Nest removal or destruction animal breeding place Egg destruction? Other airside habitats? Logging bird/animal monitoring and management efforts [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Recording activities [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing [FREQUENCY] - ongoing -compliant No birds nesting airside -compliant Records kept for counts inspections dispersal and patrol -compliant No additional attraction of birds due to vegetation and landscaped areas of [AIRPORT NAME]. -compliant Passive Management Vegetation management Identification and removal of vegetation that attracts significant birds/wildlife as specified in plan. [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] [AIRPORT NAME] Tenants 52 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] As required ongoing Component Task Responsibility Timeframe Requirement Ponded water Areas of ponded water to be filled as required to reduce bird hazard as specified in plan. [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing No areas of ponded water on airport attracting birds Ensure waste on airport land is disposed of effectively to reduce bird attraction [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] As required ongoing Technical inspection Technical inspection in accordance with MOS 139 Section 10.14.1.5 [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Yearly ongoing Conducted annually Major review of plan Undertake major review 5 yearly [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] 5 yearly ongoing Major review every 5 years or when triggered Yearly ongoing Plan updated annually Yearly ongoing Records kept yearly in Plan Waste management Ensure bin lids remain closed and waste is not accessible for wildlife to feed. Compliance -compliant -compliant Review -compliant -compliant Consultant Update plan Update Bird and WHMP annually [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] -compliant Consultant Records of review Records of review and audits kept [AIRPORT NAME/ POSITION(s)] Consultant 53 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 -compliant Appendix 4 – Standards Reference Table 54 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] Standards Reference Table CASR Manual of Standards CHAPTER 5: AERODROME INFORMATION FOR AIP Section 5.1: General Additional Information. 5.1.3.24 Significant local data may include the following: (a) animal or bird hazard. Section 10.14: Bird and Animal Hazard Management 10.14.1 Introduction 10.14.1.1 The aerodrome operator must monitor and record, on a regular basis, the presence of birds or animals on or in the vicinity of the aerodrome. Monitoring personnel must be suitably trained for this purpose. 10.14.1.2 Where regular monitoring confirms existence of a bird or animal hazard to aircraft operations, or when CASA so directs, the aerodrome operator must produce a bird or animal hazard management plan, which would be included as part of the Aerodrome Manual. 10.14.1.3 The management plan must be prepared by a suitably qualified person such as an ornithologist or a biologist, etc. 10.14.1.4 The management plan must address: (a) hazard assessment, including monitoring action and analysis; (b) pilot notification; (c) liaison and working relationships with land use planning authorities; (d) on-airport bird and animal attractors which provide food, water or shelter; (e) suitable harassment methods; and (f) an ongoing strategy for bird and animal hazard reduction, including provision of appropriate fencing. 10.14.1.5 The bird and animal hazard management plan must be reviewed for effectiveness, on a regular basis, at least as part of each technical inspection. 10.14.1.6 Where the presence of birds or animals is assessed as constituting an ongoing hazard to aircraft, the aerodrome operator must notify the AIS in writing, to include an appropriate warning notice in the ERSA. 10.14.1.7 Where a bird or animal hazard is assessed as acute, of short term or seasonal nature, additional warning must be given to pilots by NOTAM. 10.15.4.2 Paved runway surfaces should be maintained so that standing water is neither formed nor retained. Birdbath depressions should be repaired at the earliest opportunity. Aerodrome Serviceability Inspections 12.1.3.2 The checklist must encompass at least the follow areas: (e) Animal or bird activities on and in the vicinity of the aerodrome; 13.1.8.2 The aerodrome operator has a duty of care to provide information that is as (for those accurate as possible. This would require physical inspection of the operating aerodrome, ideally before the departure of the airline’s aeroplane from its under base aerodrome, but always before the arrival of the aeroplane. To maintain the CASR 121B accuracy of the aerodrome serviceability status, it is essential that the only) aerodrome be inspected after strong wind or rain. The information provided should include: (e) other hazardous condition or object known to the aerodrome operator, e.g. animal or bird hazard. 6.2.23.2 Effective drainage in the graded area must be provided to avoid water ponding and thus attracting birds. Open drains must not be constructed in the graded portion of a runway strip. 10.2.2.1 Any significant object found in the course of the inspection, including aircraft parts which may have fallen from the aircraft, or the remains of birds which may have been struck by an aircraft, must be reported immediately to Air Traffic Control, where appropriate, and to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Note: Any bird strike incident is to be reported to ATSB. Contact ATSB for the format of reporting details Birds or Animals on, or in the Vicinity of, the Movement Area 10.2.7.1 55 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 10.3.2.2 The inspection must include: (b) climatic or seasonal considerations, such as the presence of birds at certain times of the year, or related to the depth of water in drainage ponding areas; (c) possible shelter provided by aerodrome infrastructure such as buildings, equipment and gable markers; (d) bird hazard mitigating procedures incorporated in the environmental management procedures for the aerodrome; (e) off-airport attractors like animal sale yards, picnic areas, aeration facilities and waste disposal or landfill areas, and (f) use of harassment procedures where appropriate. The following occurrences must be reported to the Australian NOTAM Office: (e) a significant increase in, or concentration of birds or animals on or in the vicinity of the aerodrome; Section 10.3: Bird or Animal Hazard Warning 10.3.6.1 At aerodromes where a standing caution is included in ERSA for a bird or animal hazard, NOTAM must only be initiated where there is a significant increase of birds or animals. The NOTAM must provide specific information on species, period of concentration, likely location and flight path. Section 10.6: Monitoring Activities Outside Aerodrome 10.6.4.1 The reporting function must also include monitoring activities outside but in the vicinity of the aerodrome which may result in hazards to aircraft operations. This includes: (b) land planning and use which may attract birds. Section 9.20: Monitoring, Maintenance and Serviceability of Aerodrome Lighting 9.20.1.2 Grass areas around lights must be maintained such that the lights are not in any way obscured. Lights must be kept free from dirt so as not to degrade their colour and conspicuousness. Damage to lights, including loss or degradation of light must be made good. Section 10.16: Maintenance Around Navigational Aids 10.16.1.4 If there is no agreed specification with the telecommunications service provider, ground maintenance around new facilities is to be in accordance with manufacturers instructions, and for pre-existing facilities where manufacturers instructions are not available, in accordance with the following: (a) elimination of grass at the base of towers, fence lines and foundation of buildings, for a distance of 500 mm; (b) fenced areas to be kept free of grass, shrubs or other growth exceeding 300 mm in height; and (c) within fenced areas, or at unfenced sites within the aerodrome boundary: (i) VOR installations, the height of grass within a radius of 150 m from the antenna is not to exceed 600 mm; (ii) ILS localiser with a 7-element antenna, the height of grass in the area of 90 m radius behind the antenna and the area 180 m by 90 m wide in front of the antenna is not to exceed 150 mm; (iii) ILS localiser with a 12-element antenna, the height of grass in the rectangular area extending to 90 m either side of the antenna and from 30 m behind to 300 m in front of the antenna (or to the runway end if closer) is not to exceed 150 mm; (iv) NDB or DME installations, the height of grass over the area covering the tower(s), the earth mat, buildings, and access road, together with a 5 m margin, is not to exceed 150 mm; (d) The maintained areas described above must not be otherwise used or treated, for example by ploughing or cropping. 56 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] 11.1.11 Marker Beacons 11.1.11.9 Maintenance of site. Grass, shrubs, etc., should be kept cut to a reasonable level, e.g. less than 0.6 m. Trees on the site should not be allowed to infringe the obstruction limits as above 13.1.7 Runway and Runway Strip Conditions 13.1.7.1 The surface of the runway and runway strip need to be maintained to minimise adverse effects on aeroplane operations, as follows: Table 13.1-2 Surface Runway Runway strip Sealed surface After compaction, the surface is to be swept clean of loose stones Height of grass • Sparse 450 mm 600 mm • Medium 300 mm 450 mm • Dense 150 mm 300 mm 57 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009 CASR (1998) Part 139 - Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 16 Bird and animal hazard management (k) particulars of the procedures to deal with danger to aircraft operations caused by the presence of birds or animals on or near the aerodrome, including details of the following: i. the arrangements for assessing any bird or animal hazard; ii. the arrangements for the removal of any bird or animal hazard; iii. the names and roles of the persons responsible for dealing with bird or animal hazards, and the telephone numbers for contacting them during and after working hours; 139.220 Aerodrome serviceability inspections, which must include the following to be completed daily: an inspection for any birds or animals on or near the movement area; an inspection of any measures to control the inadvertent entry of persons or animals into the movement area (including aerodrome fencing); 139.230 Facilities at the aerodrome used for (iii) bird and animal hazard management (f) are to be inspected 139.230 A check of the currency and accuracy of (ii) aerodrome operating procedures (h) specified in the aerodrome manual for the aerodrome is to be undertaken. 139.315 Appendix 1 to paragraph 139.315 (4) (a) (Matters to be dealt with in safety inspections) (4) Check the following: (g) equipment used for dispersing birds; (h) aerodrome fencing. ICAO (2003) (Annex 14, Volume 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; Chapter 9; Section 9.5 - Bird hazard reduction) 9.5.1 The bird strike hazard on, or in the vicinity of, an aerodrome shall be assessed through: (a) the establishment of a national procedure for recording and reporting bird strikes to aircraft; and (b) the collection of information from aircraft operators, airport personnel, etc. on the presence of birds on or around the aerodrome constituting a potential hazard to aircraft operations. Note. See Annex 15, Chapter 8, Section 8.3 9.5.2 Recommendation. – Bird strike reports should be collected and forwarded to ICAO for inclusion in the ICAO Bird Strike Information System (IBIS) Database. 9.5.3 Note. The ICAO Bird Strike Information System (IBIS) is designed to collect and disseminate information on bird strikes to aircraft. Information on the system is included in the Manual on the ICAO Bird Strike Information System (IBIS) When a bird strike hazard is identified at an aerodrome, the appropriate authority shall take action to decrease the number of birds constituting a potential hazard to aircraft operations by adopting measures for discouraging their presence on, or in the vicinity of, an aerodrome. 9.5.4 Note: Guidance on effective measures for establishing whether or not birds, on or near an aerodrome, constitute a potential hazard to aircraft operations, and on methods for discouraging their presence, is given in the Airport Services Manual, Part 3. The appropriate authority shall take action to eliminate or prevent the establishment of garbage disposal dumps or any such other source attracting bird activity on, or in the vicinity of, an aerodrome, unless an appropriate aeronautical study indicates that they are unlikely to create conditions conducive to a bird hazard problem. Note. Due consideration needs to be given to airport operators’ concerns related to land development close to the airport boundary that may attract birds/wildlife. 58 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan [YEAR] STATE PLANNING POLICY 1/02 (Queensland only) Adverse Effects on Operational Airspace and Aviation Facilities 5.2 The direct impacts involve development that has the potential to adversely affect an airport’s operational airspace. The safety and efficiency of operational airspace can be compromised not only by buildings and structures, but also by ‘outputs’ (such as smoke, plumes and lighting) and congregations of wildlife, particularly birds or bats. A2.1 Adverse effects on operational airspace can arise from development that involves the following (includes ‘Controlled Activities’ as per Section 182 of the Airports Act 1996): a propensity to attract wildlife, in particular flying vertebrates (e.g. birds or bats), into operational airspace (from land uses such as landfill [waste management], race tracks or food processing plants). Transport Safety Act 2003 Part 3—Compulsory reporting of accidents etc. 19 Written reports within 72 hours (1) If a responsible person has knowledge of an immediately reportable matter or a routine reportable matter, then the person must within 72 hours give a written report of the matter (containing the particulars prescribed by the regulations) to a nominated official. Bird and animal species listed under the following international conventions have legislation in place to protect and maintain populations and individuals; EPBC Act (1999) Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals – (Bonn Convention) – (International conventions and agreements on migratory species) It should also be noted that each State/Territory has specific policy concerning the culling of native species, and land use planning that should be considered when developing a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan for a specific airport. 59 [A I R P O R T NAME] Wildlife Management Plan 2009
