The Department of Aviation celebrated Earth Day early on April 12 with a cleanup of the Delaware River waterfront next to Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 78's boat ramp organized by the airports' Sustainability team. Twenty volunteers from throughout the Department of Aviation were joined by Engine 78 firefighters to pick up trash deposited by the river, which is tidal at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
The Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Engine 78 unit is dedicated to serving PHL airport. In the unlikely event of a water landing, the boat ramp is used to launch rescue operations.
The weather was perfect for spring cleaning and volunteers collected 364 p
ounds of trash and 300 pounds of materials for recycling. Engine 78 Chief Kamau Bright, firefighters, and Department of Aviation's Pavement and Grounds crew all pitched in to make the event a huge success.
“It was great to see everyone working together to clean up our beautiful natural waterfront,” stated Airport Sustainability Manager Jessica Noon. “As an airport we prioritize sustainability in our operations, and today everyone showed their commitment to the environment by getting involved firsthand. With all the enthusiasm we received, I am hoping to plan another clean-up later this year!"
The Department of Aviation will continue its Earth Day celebration on Thursday, April 20 from 9-1 pm in the Terminal B/C food court, with an Earth Day Awards ceremony taking place at 11 am.
