Clean Water. Safe Airports.

Safety has long been the No. 1 priority at Naples Airport, but environmental stewardship is a close second. The airport strives to be a good neighbor to those living near the airfield, and that includes wildlife and the ecosystem that surround airport property. 

Through its partnership with EG Solutions, Naples Airport has implemented innovative stormwater management practices that improve water quality, reduce wildlife hazards and support the surrounding community. 

According to EG Solutions, those initiatives are paying dividends. University of Florida researchers found that water quality leaving the airfield is consistently high. Their research shows that pollutants are rare, and in many cases, water leaving the airport is comparable to natural areas. These positive results reflect the controlled nature of airside operations, where aircraft are maintained to the highest levels and any types of oil or chemical spills are extremely rare. 

Research here combined with EG Solutions and UF’s experiences elsewhere helped shape airport stormwater management practices across Florida. Research conducted at Naples Airport contributed to a statewide study supported by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation, confirming that airports can operate with minimal environmental impact. 

One example is an innovative stormwater pond project developed with federal and environmental partners. This system uses recycled materials to significantly improve filtration, increasing pollutant removal by up to 20 times. The award-winning redesign also reduces bird activity by 60%, supporting both environmental goals and aviation safety. 

Additionally, Naples Airport’s stormwater system protects nearby waterways, including Rock Creek, the Gordon River and Naples Bay, while improving drainage in surrounding areas. The airport continues to go beyond regulatory requirements through advanced treatment methods and ongoing monitoring. 

These efforts demonstrate that environmental stewardship and aviation safety complement each other. Naples Airport remains committed to protecting local waterways, reducing wildlife hazards, and supporting a safe and efficient airport environment. 