The Diablo Aviator Newsletter
Happy New Year!

As we enter a new year, and a new decade, the Airports' would like to take the time to review the Airports' the Noise Management and Environmental Compliance Programs.
Flying Friendly
Airport staff would like to remind our pilots and tenants to support our noise sensitive communities and fly friendly by following Buchanan Field Airport Noise Management Program. Our noise management program brochure is listed online ( click here ) or you may stop in our office for a print version.

A majority of the noise concerns at Buchanan Field relate to flights in the pattern. By following the voluntary noise abatement procedures, we can mitigate aviation impacts in our surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, aircraft are requested to avoid residential areas as much as possible and as always, safety supersedes noise abatement procedures. Contra Costa County Airports greatly appreciates your assistance in being a Good Neighbor. 
Tenant Amenities & Environmental Compliance
Aircraft Wash Rack
Please ensure your aircraft is centered and entirely on the wash rack to allow the waste water to enter the wash rack drain. Please note the following as identified on the wash rack sign.

  • Wash aircraft ONLY
  • NO engine degreasing
  • NO paint stripping
Owner Maintenance Hangar
The Owner Maintenance Hangar (OMH) allows for permitted aircraft maintenance that is not allowed on the tie-down ramps and requires being inside a covered space for stormwater compliance. Permitted aircraft maintenance includes preventative maintenance as described in FAA Part 43, Appendix A-Preventative Maintenance. Additionally, Airport staff provides spill kit material in case of an accident. Please note the Buchanan Field OMH is available by reservation made through the Airport office.
Waste Oil Convault
The Airport Waste Oil Convaults are conveniently located adjacent to both Owner Maintenance Hangars for convenient disposal of waste oil. Notification information is posted in case of emergency and spill kits are on hand if needed.
Thank you for following these simple steps and helping us meet our regulatory obligations under the Stormwater Industrial General Permit, Hazardous Waste Program and promoting pollution prevention in our water ways and Bay.

Soil and Groundwater Testing at Buchanan Field
In March 2019, Buchanan Field was issued an order by the State Water Resources Control Board requiring airports operating pursuant to 14 CFR Part 139 conduct a “one-time preliminary site investigation” regarding the storage and use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), including soil and ground water testing. As such, the Airport will be performing testing on the airfield which is expected to begin the week of February 24 th . Testing is not expected to impact aircraft operations.

PFAS is a family of more than 3,000 man-made and mostly unregulated chemicals that are resistant to degradation in the environment. PFAS are manufactured globally and have been used in the production of many industrial and household products such as dental floss, non-stick cookware and products, waterproof products, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires Part 139 airports provide aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that meets military specifications (MIL-PRF-24385)(MilSpec), which include PFAS constituents. Part 139 airports have no option but to comply with FAA mandates in order to maintain their operating certificates and maintain eligibility for future federal funding opportunities.
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