Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the cleanest burning transportation fuel on the market today as it produces less carbon content than petroleum-based options. CNG has the fewest emissions of all fuels and contains significantly less pollutants than diesel. In order to lower emissions, RIC converted its entire fleet of parking shuttles as well as some maintenance vehicles to CNG.

In 2013, when RIC transitioned its shuttle fleet, it was estimated that replacing diesel-powered vehicles with CNG shuttles would reduce volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 89%, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 95%, and overall tailpipe emissions by more than 20 tons per year. Given the expansion of the shuttle fleet to meet passenger demand as well as the addition of maintenance vehicles powered by CNG, it is estimated that tailpipe emissions have been reduced by more than 180 tons (360,000 pounds) of pollutants since the introduction of CNG as a fuel for RIC vehicles.

The transition from diesel- to CNG-powered parking shuttles has had a net positive result as converting to CNG not only reduced emissions but also reduced ambient noise, maintenance, and energy costs. With assistance from a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program grant, supported by the Richmond Metropolitan Planning Organization, a CNG fueling station was built on Airport property near the parking exit plaza to fuel the shuttles. RIC purchases natural gas needed for the vehicles from the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long mandated that all U.S. commercial service airports, including Richmond International Airport (RIC), use aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) as part of their fire emergency training and response programs. AFFF formulations have historically been the most effective tool for extinguishing aircraft fuel fires, while also preventing fuel vapors from reigniting, helping ensure the safety of the traveling public. AFFF formulations that were federally mandated at commercial service airports for the past several decades all contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies PFAS as a large group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. For decades, PFAS have been used in many industrial applications and consumer/household products such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, carpets, mattresses, clothing (waterproof) and in certain firefighting/cessation foams. PFAS have many attractive and useful characteristics that made them valuable in products throughout our economy.  Recently, certain PFAS have been linked to negative human health and environmental conditions.

Since becoming aware of PFAS concerns in the region, Richmond International Airport has taken proactive steps to investigate potential impacts associated with historic firefighting foam use, support scientific research, and work collaboratively with regulators and community partners to identify practical solutions. The Airport also participates in national discussions regarding PFAS research, management, and remediation strategies.

In Virginia, RIC is working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct scientific, data-driven research and analysis to assess the potential scope of PFAS on Airport property.

The FAA and the Department of Defense (DOD) have approved the use of several Fluorine-Free Foams (F3) and are currently providing transition plan guidance to the commercial aviation industry. It is important to note that all FAA-required firefighting foam products, including F3, may still contain low levels of PFAS. Switching to F3 does not necessarily mean that the foam is PFAS-free.

While the FAA has not provided a deadline for airports to complete the transition from AFFF to F3, Virginia has passed legislation specifically focused on RIC’s transition to F3. The Airport will develop its transition plan and submit that plan to the Virginia Department of Aviation by November 15, 2026, and it will complete its transition by the deadlines set forth in the legislation. During this transition process, the only future release of AFFF containing PFAS would occur if there was a fire emergency. The Airport’s PFAS concerns today relate only to impacts from the historical use of AFFF that were not required to be controlled.

In the event of a release of AFFF during an emergency prior to its F3 transition, the Airport will isolate, collect, and properly dispose of the foam to limit soil contamination after the conclusion of the emergency.

In cooperation with the DEQ over the past several years, the Airport has implemented an ongoing investigation into the presence of PFAS on Airport property.

Further, the Airport values its collaborative approach working with federal, state and local groups, associations and entities in our efforts.  In addition to the Virginia DEQ, our work includes engagement with:

• County of Henrico, Virginia
• Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV)
• Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
• Virginia Army and Air National Guard
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA)
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

What We Are Doing

RIC is actively addressing PFAS through a combination of investigation, planning, research, and future mitigation efforts, including:

• Conducting ongoing PFAS monitoring and sharing results with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• Supporting a comprehensive PFAS source identification and minimization process
• Developing a transition plan from AFFF to approved Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) in accordance with Virginia law
• Pursuing federal funding opportunities to advance PFAS treatment and remediation research
• Collaborating with local, state, federal, military, and industry partners on PFAS-related initiatives
• Evaluating emerging technologies and best practices for long-term PFAS management and reduction
• Supporting implementation of DEQ's proposed PFAS monitoring and pollutant minimization requirements

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are PFAS and what is their relationship to the commercial aviation industry?
A1. PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) is a class of persistent, synthetic chemicals used worldwide since the 1940s in a variety of products, including shampoo, fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and dental floss.

Specific to the commercial aviation industry, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required that all U.S. commercial service airports, including Richmond International Airport, use AFFF (an aqueous film-forming foam that contains PFAS) as part of their emergency response and training efforts. AFFF has demonstrated unsurpassed effectiveness in suppressing aviation-related fires and protecting the traveling public and first responders.

Q2. Is the Airport required to use AFFF?
A2. For decades, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required that all U.S. commercial service airports, including Richmond International Airport, use AFFF (that contained PFAS) as part of their emergency response and training efforts. AFFF provides unsurpassed effectiveness in suppressing and containing aviation-related fires and thereby protecting the traveling public and first responders.

The FAA and the Department of Defense (DOD) have recently approved use of Fluorine-Free Foams (F3) and are currently providing transition plan guidance to the commercial aviation industry. In the interim, the Airport remains dedicated to full compliance with FAA regulations.

Q3. Why hasn’t RIC switched to the new firefighting foam?
A3. Airports, along with the Department of Defense (DOD), refineries, and other entities are reviewing options to transition to Fluorine-Free Foam (F3). It is a multi-faceted process.

Transitioning from AFFF to F3 involves more than simply purchasing replacement foam. Airports must evaluate equipment compatibility, update operational procedures, train emergency personnel, coordinate with mutual-aid partners, and ensure continued compliance with applicable safety requirements. Richmond International Airport is actively preparing for this transition and will meet the deadlines established under Virginia law.

While the FAA has not provided a deadline for airports to complete the transition from AFFF to F3, Virginia has passed legislation specifically focused on RIC’s transition to F3. The Airport will develop its transition plan and submit that plan to the Virginia Department of Aviation by November 15, 2026, and it will complete its transition by the deadlines set forth in the legislation.

Future releases of AFFF containing PFAS would only occur if there was a fire emergency on Airport property, followed by an immediate response and cleanup. Members of the Airport’s aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) leadership are planning appropriate training regarding the use of F3 and preparing for the Airport’s final transition.

Q4. Does Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) contain PFAS?
A4. All FAA-required firefighting foam products, including F3, may still contain low levels of PFAS. While F3 foams cannot have any intentionally added PFAS, there still can be residual PFAS from the manufacturing process. Thus, switching to F3 does not necessarily mean that the foam is PFAS-free.

Q5. What is the scope of PFAS assessment in Virginia?
A5. More than 600 sampling sites throughout Virginia are being assessed for the potential presence of PFAS. In cooperation with the Virginia DEQ, Richmond International Airport has implemented a scientific, data-driven work plan to assess the presence of PFAS on Airport property.

Q6. What is RIC currently doing to understand the potential presence of PFAS on Airport property?
A6. Since first learning of potential PFAS presence off airport property, the Airport has taken proactive steps as a responsible citizen to investigate and limit PFAS impacts. The U.S. EPA has developed an interim PFAS destruction and disposal guidance document that illustrates the limited technologies available for PFAS cleanup and remediation.

RIC has also been working voluntarily with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct scientific, data-driven research and analysis to assess the potential scope of PFAS on Airport property. These efforts include sharing sampling results with the DEQ as they become available. Currently, the Airport is waiting for DEQ to issue an updated Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) stormwater permit that will include PFAS minimization strategies. The Airport supports DEQ's proposed permit requirements for continued PFAS monitoring, pollutant minimization planning, annual reporting, and demonstrated progress toward reducing PFAS contributions from Airport operations.

We are also committed to helping advance PFAS solutions across the aviation industry. In 2026, the Airport applied for federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration to support research into groundwater treatment technologies and PFAS remediation approaches. The proposed project would evaluate innovative management and treatment strategies that could benefit airports and other facilities facing similar challenges nationwide.

Q7. How is RIC working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)?
A7. RIC collaborates with many federal, state and local partners in its commitment to environmental stewardship, including the Virginia DEQ. As such, in full support of the DEQ, we continue to implement our scientific, data-driven work plan to assess the presence of PFAS on Airport property. These efforts include sharing sampling results with the DEQ as they become available. As part of the new NPDES permit application and development process, the Airport invited all DEQ staff (those interested in PFAS matters at the Airport) to visit and participate in a comprehensive airfield tour to witness the various activities the Airport has undertaken to address PFAS issues and concerns.

The Airport continues to work closely with DEQ throughout the permit development process and will comply with all requirements included in the final Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit when issued. The Airport supports DEQ's proposed permit requirements for continued PFAS monitoring, pollutant minimization planning, annual reporting, and demonstrated progress toward reducing PFAS contributions from Airport operations.

Q8. Where can I find current sample results?
A8. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) maintains a dashboard of PFAS activity for the entire state.  Please visit the dashboard here.

Q9. What are the next steps?
A9. Being a good neighbor and responsible environmental steward remains a top priority for Richmond International Airport. The Airport will continue PFAS monitoring and investigation activities, complete its transition plan to Fluorine-Free Foam (F3), pursue innovative research and remediation opportunities, and implement all requirements of its future Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit. RIC remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and science-based decision-making as work continues to better understand and address PFAS.

Since 2015, Richmond International Airport (RIC) has been a certified Virginia Green travel partner. This program, a partnership among the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association, is a statewide effort to reduce the environmental impacts of Virginia's tourism industry. And as recently as April 2022, RIC received the Virginia Green Travel Leader Award.

The airport maintains more than 75 recycling containers in and around the public areas of the terminal complex and our outside properties to encourage travelers, employees, and tenants to participate in our recycling program. In addition, the airport ensures that paper products are made from recycled material and uses Green Seal Certified products such as 3M Diamond purple pads, Soloris Livi paper towels, and Stride Citrus SC Neutral Floor cleaner.

Overall, RIC recycles over 30 tons of recyclable materials per year, amounting to approximately 375,000 pounds over the past six years.

The Stormwater Management Facility (SWMF) at RIC involved the construction of a shallow marsh wetlands designed to treat storm water runoff for approximately 1,264 acres of airport land – including a sizable portion of the White Oak Swamp Creek – and nearly 400 acres of adjacent off-airport property. The SWMF consists of two basins, inlet and outlet structures, and shallow marsh plantings to treat storm water runoff.

Stormwater runoff can cause a number of environmental problems including the erosion of stream banks, damaging aquatic habitat, as well as the introduction of excess nutrients from fertilizers into rivers and streams.

The White Oak Swamp Creek drains via the Chickahominy River into the James River and ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay. With the completion of the $3.4 million SWMF project in mid-2001, RIC’s efforts to protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay were greatly enhanced.

At the 10^th Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference held on March 21, 2023, in Virginia Beach, the Capital Region Airport Commission, owner and operator of Richmond International Airport (RIC), was among ten organizations recognized with a Virginia Green Travel Leader Award for its continued commitment to environmental stewardship. The Airport has been a certified Virginia Green Travel Partner since 2015.

“Richmond International Airport (RIC) proudly supports green tourism in the Richmond Region and wherever guests may visit across the Commonwealth,” said Perry J. Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission. “We’re in this for the long-haul and continuously evaluate means to reduce our environmental impact.”

More than 1,200 businesses and partner organizations have voluntarily certified their green commitments through Virginia Green.

“Conserving natural resources, engaging customers, and working to increase sustainable tourism business in Virginia, the Virginia Green Travel Certification program works to support and promote those businesses that are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of their operation,” says Tom Griffin, the Executive Director of the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. “We are proud to recognize these businesses as they are true partner in our efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Virginia!”

The Virginia Green Travel program is run through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia State Parks, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, and the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. The program encourages green practices in all sectors of Virginia’s tourism industry. More than 1,200 businesses and partner organizations have voluntarily certified their green commitments through Virginia Green. For more information, please visit Virginia Green Travel on the web.

As RIC expanded in the 1990s and early 2000s with various capital improvement projects, it was required to create mitigation wetlands within the Chickahominy River watershed. In 1994, the Commission purchased a 278-acre tract in neighboring New Kent County.

In April 1999, the construction of the mitigation site began. Soil excavated from the site was used in constructing the Route 895 (Pocahontas Parkway) flyover for the Virginia Department of Transportation. At one point, work on the site was interrupted for two months by flooding and high groundwater caused by Hurricane Floyd.

The site is located adjacent to the Chickahominy River and its floodplain. Extensive wetlands, consisting of mature bald cypress surround the site. Approximately 39 acres of forested wetlands were created by site construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers required monitoring of the site for ten years and the Commission was released from this obligation in 2009 when it was determined by the Corps that the site was “…successfully meeting all the required successful site criteria.”

Many species of birds, such as bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, least bitterns, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, and a wide variety of ducks have variously occupied the site. Additionally, evidence of activity by deer, muskrat, and beavers is commonly observed.

The site has created a wetlands bank to offset wetlands losses on the airfield. Of the original 49.62 credits, 16.01 credits remain after offsetting airfield and roadway projects at RIC and assisting Hanover County Airport with an offset for an airfield project.