Environmental Air Monitoring Center implementation and operation at El Dorado Airport

El Dorado International Airport, located in Bogotá, Colombia, handles an average of 950 daily operations, which presents various challenges in terms of sustainability and the need to balance air transport services with the quality of life of nearby communities.

In the past, however, the airport lacked an effective system for environmental monitoring and control in accordance with international standards for evaluating noise and air quality indices generated by airport operations. Such a tool would enable the creation of control mechanisms based on operational restrictions, maximum noise level standards, noise abatement procedures, and the implementation of the "Quota Counting System."

The project involved the implementation of an Aeronautical Environmental Monitoring Center (CMAA – SKBO), which includes intelligent noise monitoring stations, automatic air quality stations,  environmental technology posts, meteorological stations, and socioeconomic data on nearby population trends. This information is transmitted in real-time and made publicly accessible, allowing for continuous monitoring and control of arrival and departure procedures, as well as the management and reduction of environmental impacts in line with sustainable airport operations.

Since its implementation, the project has evolved over time, enabling the team to improve the updates and operating systems necessary to ensure proper execution. Currently, Applus+ has 25 professionals dedicated exclusively to this project, managing the largest and most comprehensive airport noise monitoring and management network in South America.

The services offered include:

• Environmental monitoring: Implementation of an Environmental Air Monitoring Center, consisting of 28 noise monitoring stations, four air quality stations, and three technological hubs. All data is transmitted in real-time to detect non-compliance with noise and air pollution regulations in accordance with the environmental control manuals and procedures established for the sustainable operation of the airport.
• Relationship with neighboring communities: Harmonizing the coexistence of neighboring communities with airport operations.
• Environmental license: Preparing environmental compliance reports to ensure adherence to the plans described in the airport's license, and actively participating in the modification of environmental permits.

The Center utilizes the AmbiensQ and AeroVision platforms for real-time data collection and visualization, identifying events and impacts related to aeronautical noise caused by air traffic at El Dorado International Airport. This integration of innovation and sustainability ensures transparent communication with communities, government entities, and airlines, supporting data-driven decision-making and operational planning at the airport.

As a result of the continuous management of the Air Environmental Monitoring Center at the airport, the following achievements have been realized:

• Extension of operating hours: Increased number of flight operations allowed, with runway configuration permitting operations starting at 5 a.m. without restrictions.
• Monitoring and control of environmental impact on surrounding communities: Reduced noise contours for the 65-decibel acoustic indicator (dBA) by 16.8%.
• Optimization of flight procedures: Implementation of new PBN (Performance-Based Navigation) procedures since October 2017.
• Update of the noise abatement manual.
• Development of a protocol for measuring and evaluating noise levels from flight operations and establishing a system of sanctions for airlines that exceed noise pollution limits.
• Implementation of noise barriers in the localities of Engativá and Fontibón.
• Introduction of the first engine test hangars, reducing noise by 15 dBA.
• Adaptation to current and future regulations: Updated RAC 13 Sanctions Protocol.
• Social management: Consolidation of constructive and proactive relationships with neighboring communities.

Before the establishment of the CMAA, there were numerous complaints from residents in the airport's direct area of influence. However, with the implementation of the Center and the adoption of transparent, open management practices that allow real-time access to information, the environmental impact on these communities has been minimized.

The Center supervises and ensures the sustainability of the airport by monitoring environmental indicators through regular reports. To achieve this, the Environmental License granted by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) must be maintained and adapted to promptly address the requirements of nearby populations, as well as the expectations of local government entities and international oversight through civil aviation agreements.

This long-term project has enabled us to effectively design and implement technical components (hardware and software), social actions for the communities in the airport's direct area of influence, and environmental consulting strategies (including statistics and data mining, as well as acoustic modeling). These efforts provide the airport with systems and procedures to manage its air operations sustainably.