Westchester County Airport in New York trials renewable diesel

Photo: Westchester County

New York’s Westchester County announced Jan. 28 two innovative environmental initiatives at Westchester County Airport (HPN).

One initiative is a renewable diesel pilot program designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions without sacrificing vehicle performance.

The renewable diesel fuel pilot program is part of a four-season trial to test the use of this fuel alternative on the airport’s ground service-equipment fleet.

The biofuel alternative, which offers cleaner combustion compared to traditional diesel, will be evaluated for performance and cost-effectiveness across varying seasonal conditions.

At the conclusion of the trial, the airport will conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of adopting renewable diesel for its entire diesel-powered fleet.

Another initiative at the airport is a cutting-edge plane deicing glycol vacuum system that will recover and safely dispose of fugitive aircraft deicing fluids, ensuring they don’t contaminate groundwater.

The glycol vacuum system now in use by Westchester County Airport is a glycol recovery truck manufactured by Inland Technologies called a glyvac truck.

The truck is designed to efficiently collect and dispose of aircraft deicing fluids containing propylene glycol, preventing environmental contamination.

Airport officials will evaluate the vehicle’s effectiveness during the trial period to determine its long-term viability as part of the airport’s sustainability initiatives.

“We are thrilled to enhance our environmental program at the airport through these two initiatives,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Adding the glycol vacuum system is an important step to prevent the contamination of our water streams. And by exploring renewable diesel, we’re not only working to reduce emissions but also setting an example for how we can balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.”

Jenkins added that these two initiatives underscore both the county’s and the airport’s dedication to a cleaner, greener future for the community.

“We must continue to look for opportunities to evaluate and implement innovative technologies that can help us build a more sustainable future,” Jenkins said.

Peter McCartt, the director of energy conservation and sustainability, said, “By efficiently capturing and disposing of deicing fluids, we are taking meaningful steps to protect local waterways and ensure that our airport operates in a way that continues to align with and advance our community’s sustainability goals. And the transition to renewable diesel has the potential to significantly reduce our environmental footprint without compromising performance.”

Francisco Tejada, the airport manager, said, “At HPN we are always looking for ways to innovate and improve our operations while prioritizing environmental responsibility. This renewable diesel trial is a key part of our strategy to reduce our overall carbon footprint. We’re proud to lead the way in adopting practices that benefit both the environment and the aviation industry.”

April Gasparri, director of aviation, said, “Adding this glycol vacuum system to our fleet and the use of renewable diesel demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the environment while supporting our operational needs.”