Paine Field has recently earned recertification as Salmon-Safe by the Oregon-based environmental non-profit Salmon-Safe. The airport originally earned this certification in 2019 for its long-running efforts to maintain water quality and natural habitat that supports the environmental needs of salmon.
To maintain its certification, the airport participates in a third-party verification process, including a site inspection to evaluate airport environmental programs including landscape practices, stormwater treatment, and review of documentation on water quality and flow.
“Polluted runoff is the single biggest threat to Puget Sound, and through its recertification commitment, Paine Field is committing to ongoing actions to protect downstream water quality, said Molly Ray, Puget Sound Director, Salmon Safe. “We look forward to working closely with the airport as it continues to raise the bar for environmental management within the aviation industry."
The airport’s environmental programs reflect decades of improvements and innovation. “One of our highest priorities is ensuring county operations are improving water quality and protecting our economic vitality and quality of life,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Recertification of Paine Field’s Salmon-Safe program is a testament to the efforts of the staff, users, and tenants at the airport to improving our environmental health.”
“It is our belief that we can have a clean environment while continuing to be a leading economic engine that supports over 158,000 jobs with an annual economic impact of almost $60 billion,” said Paine Field Airport Director Arif Ghouse.