94_AW_91-202_31_Jan_2015_Bash_Plan.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE

BIRD/WILDLIFE AIRCRAFT STRIKE

HAZARD (BASH)

PLAN 91-202

DATE: 29 DECEMBER 2014

OPR: 94 AW/SE

i

OPR: 94 AW/SE

SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS/RECORD OF CHANGES/RECORD REVIEW

1. The long title of this plan is Dobbins Air Reserve Base Bird/Wildlife-Aircraft Strike Hazard

(BASH) Plan 91-202. The short title is DARB BASH Plan 91-202.

2. This document is UNCLASSIFIED and designated “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY”.

3. The provisions of AFI 10-1101, Operations Security (OPSEC) and AFI 31-401, Information

Security Program Management have been considered in the development of this plan.

4. Tasked Organizations identified in Annex A may extract and reproduce those portions of this document essential for mission accomplishment. Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is limited to the preparation of supporting directives, operating instructions, or checklist.

5. This plan may be amended by page changes. All changes will be forwarded to the original recipients listed in Annex J, Distribution.

RECORD OF CHANGES

CHANGE

NUMBER

DATE OF

CHANGE

DATE POSTED POSTED BY

1 31 Dec 2014 2 Jan 2015 DMO

RECORD OF REVIEWS

REVIEWED BY DATE

REVIEWED

REMARKS

Morgan 31 Jan 15

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DOBBINS ARB, GA 30069-4821

3 August 2015 ii

PLAN SUMMARY

1. PURPOSE: To provide a base program designed to control and minimize the collision potential between aircraft and wildlife in and around the immediate vicinity of Dobbins ARB and local training areas.

2. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION: Implementation of this plan is based on resident and seasonal hazards from wildlife populations. Portions of this plan will be implemented continuously while other portions will be implemented as required depending on resident and seasonal hazards from wildlife populations. Resident and migratory bird species are the wildlife of most concern at Dobbins ARB.

3. OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED: The following operations will be conducted:

a. Establishment of a Bird/Wildlife Hazard Working Group (BHWG).

b. Develop procedures for reporting hazardous bird/wildlife activity, Bird Watch Condition

(BWC) codes and implementation, altering or discontinuing of flying operations as appropriate.

c. Create provisions to disseminate information and avoidance procedures to all assigned and transient aircrews for specific wildlife hazards.

d. Develop procedures to eliminate or reduce environmental conditions that attract wildlife to the airfield.

e. Establish procedures to disperse wildlife from the airfield.

4. KEY ASSUMPTIONS: Wildlife activities affect flight safety at Dobbins ARB.

5. OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS: No identified operation constraints that prevent execution of this plan.

6. TIME TO COMMENCE EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS: The plan will become effective upon receipt and will be utilized continuously.

7. COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS: Normal.

8. LOGISTICS APPRAISAL: This plan is logistically feasible. It was written within the framework of available assets; therefore, no logistical constraints are envisioned.

9. PERSONNEL APPRAISAL: This plan is feasible in terms of personnel requirements.

10. SHORTFALLS AND LIMITING FACTORS: No shortfalls or limiting factors were identified at the time this plan was written.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE(S)

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS/RECORD OF CHANGES/RECORD OF

REVIEWS

i

PLAN SUMMARY ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS iii

BASIC PLAN 1 – 5

ANNEXES A-I – PLAN DETAILS

ANNEX A – TASKED ORGANIZATION A-1

ANNEX B – ORGANIZATION TASKS AND RESPONSIBLITIES B-1

ANNEX C – AIRFIELD AND WILDLIFE HAZARDS C-1

APPENDIX 1 – AIRFIELD OPERATIONS C-1-1

APPENDIX 2 – REDUCTION PROCEDURES/TECNIQUES C-2-1

APPENDIX 3 – BACKGROUND ON WILDLIFE HAZARDS C-3-1

ANNEX D – BIRD/WILDLIFE DEPREDATION PROCEDURES D-1

APPENDIX 1 – BIRD DEPREDATION LIST FOR DOBBINS D-1-1

APPENDIX 2 – DEPREDATION PERMIT STATEMENT OF

UNDERSTANDING

D-2-1

APPENDIX 3 – DEPREDATION LOG D-3-1

APPENDIX 4 – BIRD SHOOT CHECKLIST D-4-1

ANNEX E – BIRD AVOIDANCE MODEL / AVION HAZARD

ADVISORY SYSTEM

E-1

ANNEX F – REPORTS AND FORMS F-1

ANNEX G – MAPS AND CHARTS G-1

ANNEX H – BASH SELF INSPECTION CHECKLIST H-1

ANNEX I – DEFINITIONS / ACRONYMS I-1

ANNEX J – DISTRIBUTION LIST J-1

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BASIC PLAN

REFERENCES:

a. AFI 91-202, US Air Force Mishap Prevention Program

b. AFI 91-204, Safety Investigations and Reports

c. AFPAM 91-212, Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Management Techniques

d. AFI 11-2C-130, Volume3, C-130 Operating Procedures

e. AFI 11-202, Volume 3, General Flight Rules

f. DARBI 13-201, Dobbins Airfield Operating Instruction

g. AFI 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management

h. AFI 13-204V3 Airfield Management

i. AFI 32-1053, Pest Management Program

j. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33

k. Field Guide to Regional Birds

l. BASH Team Staff Assistance Visit Reports

ml. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Dobbins ARB, GA

1. SITUATION: A bird/ wildlife aircraft strike hazard (BASH) exists at Dobbins ARB and in its vicinity due primarily to resident and migratory bird species. Daily and seasonal wildlife activities create various hazardous conditions. This plan establishes procedures to minimize the hazards and will be used to coordinate the efforts of the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG) to base agencies involved with the BASH Program. It provides procedures/ responsibilities when dealing with BASH issues and provides a base-wide program that will minimize the risk of bird and wildlife strikes to aircraft operating in and around Dobbins ARB.

2. MISSION: Control and minimize the collision potential between aircraft and wildlife in and around the immediate vicinity of Dobbins ARB and local training areas.

3. EXECUTION:

3.1. Establish a Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG) and designate responsibilities to its members.

3.2. Establish procedures to identify high hazard situations and to aid supervisors and aircrews in altering/discontinuing flying operations when required.

3.3. Establish aircraft and airfield operating procedures to avoid high-hazard situations.

3.4. Provide for disseminating information to all assigned and transient aircrews on bird hazards and procedures for bird avoidance.

3.5. Establish guidelines to decrease airfield attractiveness to birds.

3.6. Provide guidelines for dispersing birds when they occur on the airfield.

3.7. Establish procedures for the handling of wildlife carcasses on the field.

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4. TASK and RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. Each tasked agency in Annex A will ensure assigned personnel are knowledgeable of their unit’s requirements directed in this instruction. The intent of this plan is for all tasked organizations to emphasize and implement BASH reduction programs.

4.2. Tasked organizations may need to develop a unit Operating Instructions (OIs) and/or checklists.

4.3. Each tasked unit needs to review this plan annually for possible updating and corrections.

All necessary changes should be submitted to 94 AW/SE not later than 1 September.

4.4. This section contains both general and specific tasks for base units. Further clarification and specific duties are listed in Annex B.

5. BIRD HAZARD WORKING GROUP (BHWG):

5.1. Functions. The BHWG collects data on bird strikes, identifies and recommends actions to reduce the hazards. These actions may include, but are not limited to; changing operational procedures, aircrew training/awareness programs, imposing operational and/or airfield restrictions. Determine Phase II periods for the base and local flying areas. BASH metrics will be monitored during the meetings. These metrics should include Bird Hazard Identification, Habitat Management, Bird Watch Conditions Declared, and Bird Harassment Actions Taken in accordance with the BASH Plan that occurred since the last meeting.

5.2. Authority. The BHWG submits all recommendations to the 94 AW/CC for approval.

Implementation is through the normal chain of command.

5.3. Composition. The 94 AW/CC or their designated representative, normally the 94 OG/CC, chairs the BHWG meetings. The group will consist of a representative from Wing Safety, Operations Group, Aircraft Maintenance, Civil Engineering (Pest Management, Natural

Resources, Grounds Maintenance, etc.), Airfield Management, tenant units and representatives from other tasked organizations (Annex B).

5.4. Schedule. The BHWG will meet semiannually as a minimum (Jan and July of each year) and other times as required. This schedule allows for tasked organizations to adequately prepare for the spring and fall migration periods.

6. BIRD HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM:

6.1. The Bird Hazard Warning System outlines the procedures to use for the immediate exchange of information between ground agencies and aircrews concerning the existence and location of birds that could pose a hazard to flight safety. It establishes specific actions required during various Bird Watch Conditions.

6.2. Bird Watch Conditions (BWC): Use the following terminology for rapid communications to disseminate bird activity information and implement unit operational procedures. Give bird locations with the following code.

6.2.1. BWC LOW: Normal bird activity on and above the airfield with a low probability of hazard.

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6.2.2. BWC MODERATE: Concentrations of birds observable in locations presenting a probable hazard to safe flying operations. This condition requires increased vigilance by all agencies and extreme caution by aircrews.

6.2.3. BWC SEVERE: Heavy concentration of birds present on or in the immediate vicinity of the aerodrome or other specific locations presenting an immediate hazard to safe flying operations. Supervisors and aircrews must thoroughly evaluate mission need before operating under such conditions.

6.3. Declaring Authority: During flight operations, the 94 OG/CC authorizes the Dobbins

Airfield Manager or designated representative, to upgrade/downgrade Bird Watch Conditions at

Dobbins ARB. Conditions can be declared based on ground observations, pilot reports, and/or radar.

6.4. Communications: Disseminate bird watch conditions by the following means.

6.4.1. The primary means of transmitting bird watch conditions will be via the NOTAMS and

ATIS. Backup means will be via telephone communications with the flying organizations.

Airfield Operations personnel will also update the BWC status board in the flight planning room accordingly. The 94 AW/CP and 700 AS Operations Superintendent (Op Sup) will notify assigned aircraft IAW unit directives.

6.4.2. At training areas outside the airfield, the designated drop zone safety officer may upgrade the Bird Watch Condition as necessary for a specific local hazard. If the condition is upgraded, Drop Zone (DZ) personnel must notify Range Control and inbound aircrews.

6.5. Procedures for Airfield Management: If a bird activity report is received from an airborne aircraft, Airfield Management must be notified. It is Airfield Management’s responsibility to verify the report, determine the Bird Watch Condition, notify Tower, notify the flying organizations, and take what actions they determine necessary to rectify the situation.

6.5.1. Airfield Management must maintain and use, as a minimum, bioacoustics and pyrotechnic equipment for frightening birds from the airfield vicinity. Airfield Management personnel qualified on the M-870/Shotgun will, if necessary, use bird scare shotgun cartridges to disperse birds. Personnel must have immediate access to this equipment. An individual or team will be designated to respond immediately to disperse birds when notified of Bird Watch condition

SEVERE or MODERATE. Care must be taken to drive birds away from the path of oncoming aircraft.

6.5.2. During normal airfield surveillance, airfield management will monitor bird, and other animal populations, grass height, drainage ditches, etc., and report problems to the appropriate

OPR’s for modifying or eliminating the problem with the goal of eliminating the environment that attracts these animals or preventing access to that environment. See APPENDIX 2 to

ANNEX C and Other Wildlife Information for control plan.

6.5.3. Downgrading: Once Airfield Management has declared a bird watch condition, it is their responsibility to ensure dispersal actions are implemented to downgrade the condition. Once issued, Bird Watch Condition Codes disseminated to Dobbins ARB Tower will remain in effect until upgraded or downgraded by Airfield Management

6.5.4. Depredation: Occasionally, bird/wildlife may present such a hazard to aircraft operations that depredation may be required. As a last resort the requirement for depredation, will be determined by Airfield Management. If depredation is to be used, coordination with Security

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Police and Civil Engineering is required prior to actual taking of any birds. The birds will have to be disposed of in accordance with the Federal Fish and Wildlife depredation permit.

6.6. Aircrew Responsibilities and Procedures: If an aircrew observes or encounters any bird activity while in flight, which could constitute a hazard, the aircrew should contact the tower, airfield operations, the Ops Sup, or command post and request that the observed bird activity is passed onto the Airfield Manager. The following information is necessary; call sign, location, altitude, time of sighting, type of bird (if known), approximate number of birds and behavior

(soaring, flying to or from a location, etc.).

6.7. Operating Restrictions: Restrictions to the local flying operations will be tailored to observed bird activity. In many situations, aircrew awareness that increased bird activity exists will be sufficient action. However, some situations require positive action to reduce the potential for bird strikes. During SEVERE or MODERATE conditions, the Ops Sup and or unit commander will restrict flying activities as required to reduce potential mishap occurrence.

Additional direction to all pilots is provided below based upon the coded bird watch conditions and the location.

6.7.1. BWC LOW: All locations. Continue with normal operating procedures.

6.7.2. BWC MODERATE:

6.7.2.1. Initial takeoffs and final landings allowed only when departure and arrival routes will avoid identified bird activity. Formation takeoffs, approaches and landings are prohibited.

6.7.2.2. Traffic Pattern. Multiple IFR/VFR traffic pattern activity ceases.

6.7.2.3. Low Level Routes: Amend flight altitudes and/or flight paths to minimize the bird hazard.

6.7.3. BWC SEVERE:

6.7.3.1. Takeoffs and landings will be prohibited without 94 OG/CC (or higher) approval.

6.7.3.2. Traffic Pattern. Only full-stop landings will be permitted with approval. The 94

OG/CC and Airfield Management may consider diverting aircraft, changing pattern altitude, etc., until the bird watch condition is downgraded.

NOTE: These restrictions do not preclude the Aircraft Commander’s inherent emergency authority to land if fuel status or other situation poses a greater emergency or risk.

NOTE: These Bird Watch Conditions apply to fixed wing aircraft and helicopters approaching the main runways. Exception: Locally based helicopters may depart and arrive along local helicopter routes, provided that they can remain clear of areas of high bird activity.

6.7.3.3. Low Level Routes: Specific route segments and altitudes will be specified and avoided. Choose an alternate route if available.

6.8. PHASE II OPERATIONS: The intent of Phase II Operations is to provide for increased vigilance during increased wildlife activity. At Dobbins ARB, Phase II Operations will be in effect from 1 Sep – 30 Nov due to increased migratory bird activity. Make every effort to not schedule takeoffs, landings, and low-levels from one hour before to one hour after sunrise and sunset. While peak bird/wildlife activity occurs in these windows, the threat exists at other

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A-1

ANNEX A TASKED ORGANIZATIONS:

ORGANIZATION SYMBOL

th

Airlft Wing 94 AW/CV

Safety 94 AW/SE

Command Post 94 AW/CP

Public Affairs 94 AW/PA th

Operations Group 94 OG/CC

Standardization/Evaluation 94 OG/OGV

Air Traffic Control Tower 94 OG/OGT

Airfield Manager 94 OG/OGA

Weather 94 OG/OGW

Current Operations 94 OG/DOO th

Operation Support Squadron 94 OSS/CC

Tactics 94 OSS/OST th

Airlift Squadron 700 AS/CC

Operations Superintendent 700 AS/OPS SUP

Drop Zone Control Officer 700 AS/DZO

Mission Support Group 94 MSG/CC

Civil Engineer 94 MSG/CE

Environmental 94 MSG/CEV

Operations Flight 94 MSG/CEO

Logistic Readiness 94 LRS/LGR

Security Forces 94 MSG/SPA

Maintenance Group 94 MXG/CC

Camp Clay NGB/ASO

1/171 Anv Reg/ASO

USAR/ASO

LOCKHEED/MARTIN FLIGHT OPERATIONS

DCMA/FLT OPS/FSO

COORDINATING AGENCIES:

Federal Aviation Administration

HQ AFSA BASH Team, Kirtland AFB, NM

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Div., Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program

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THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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B-1

ANNEX B TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

94th Airlift Wing Commander (94 AW/CC):

1. Promotes and emphasize a BASH program geared to reducing the possibility of bird strikes.

2. Approval authority on recommendations of the BHWG.

3. Provides funding and other resources necessary to ensure an effective BASH program.

94th Airlift Vice Wing Commander (94 AW/CV):

1. Coordinates with tasked agencies to ensure execution of this plan.

Operations Group Commander (94 OG/CC):

1. Chairs the BHWG meetings.

2. Is the authority to allow operations during BWC SEVERE at Dobbins ARB, and for wing aircraft, all training areas and low level routes (Annex G).

3. Issues specific guidance for Aircrews, Airfield Management, 700 AS Operations

Superintendent, ATC, and Drop Zone Officers on procedures to be followed under specific bird watch conditions (Section 6.7, Operating Restrictions).

4. Issues specific guidance to Airfield Management concerning actions required to implement this plan.

5. Makes operational changes to avoid areas and times of known hazardous bird concentrations, mission permitting.

6. Ensures all proposed low-level routes and training areas are reviewed for BASH potential.

Maintenance Group Commander (94 MXG/CC):

1. Issues specific guidance to personnel for the reporting of all discovered bird strikes on aircraft to quality assurance, wing safety and base operations (Annex F).

2. Ensures maintenance personnel are trained on completing the AETC Form 645-4 for damaging strikes, and AF Form 853 for all bird strikes. Verifies procedures are in place to forward forms to flight safety (See Annex F).

3. Issues procedures for the preservation of non-fleshy bird remains (beaks, feathers, feet, etc.) if discovered on aircraft. Even the smallest feather should be forwarded to squadron or wing flight safety for identification. Cotton swabs should be used with a little moisture and circled around any blood or fleshy remains to collect a DNA sample. The swab should only contact the remains and then immediately be sealed in a plastic bag.

4. Coordinates with the base civil engineer and the airfield manager for procedures to reduce available bird roosts within and on hangars and other large maintenance facilities within their areas of responsibility.

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Airlift Wing Safety (94 AW/SE):

1. Act as OPR for this plan.

2. Monitors base-wide compliance with this plan and ensures all bird strikes and hazards are reported IAW AFI 91-202 and AFI 91-204.

3. Disseminates BASH data to BHWG and host and tenant flying units.

4. Provides the BHWG with the current BASH guidance from higher headquarters, the

BASH team, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies.

5. Analyzes bird strikes by condition of flight and geographical location to determine areas of high bird activity.

6. Provides any additional information on migratory, local, and seasonal bird activities through contact with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon Society, local ornithologists, and other agencies.

7. Monitors bird activity and strike statistics and advises the chairperson of the working group when a meeting, other than the normally scheduled meeting, is deemed necessary.

8. Coordinates with aircrews and maintenance personnel for collecting of non-fleshy remains after strikes. Sends any salvaged bird strike remains for identification.

9. Maintains equipment necessary for bird/wildlife dispersal.

10. Establishes and maintains a continuity folder with any pertinent BASH data and information to assure continuity of knowledge with personnel turnover.

11. Establishes a bird hazard awareness program in conjunction with squadron flying safety officers, to include films, posters, and information on local bird hazards and reporting procedures.

12. Ensures that BASH report forms (AF Form 853) and bird activity maps are available for aircrews.

13. Designates Phase I and Phase II periods of bird activity.

14. Briefs aircrews on seasonal bird hazards; Movies, articles, and other information will be used, as appropriate to maintain awareness.

Airlift Wing Civil Engineer (94 MSG/CE/CEC/CEV)

1. Provides representatives to the BHWG to monitor and advise the group with regard to pest management, grounds maintenance and environmental practices.

2. Ensures SOW for grounds maintenance contract reflects the requirements of the BASH program.

3. Monitors the contractor performance to ensure compliance with the BASH program.

Attempt to coordinate mowing during periods of low flying activity.

4. Uses land management practices that reduce BASH potential (Appendix 2 to Annex C).

5. Uses grounds maintenance and pest management practices that reduce BASH potential.

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6. Incorporates passive airfield hazard control methods listed in AFPAM 91-202, Chapter 2, into the base Statement of Work for the Base Operations Support (BOS) contract (ref. Tab F of the contract) to reduce BASH potential to include: grass height maintained between 7 and

14 inches, herbicides and growth retardants, planting bare areas, fertilizing, managing reforested areas, landscaping, removal of edge effects, controlling drainage.

7. Uses additional airfield hazard control methods as necessary to reduce BASH potential to include: removing dead vegetation, removing dead animals, pest control, planting erosion control vegetation, eliminating roosting sites, bird-proofing buildings and hangars.

8. Acts to correct environmental conditions that decrease BASH program effectiveness.

9. Advises the BHWG of environmental modifications.

10. Writes categorical exclusions and environmental impact assessments and statements, as required.

11. Coordinates wildlife and land management practices with Wing Safety and the AF BASH team to ensure compatibility with safe flying operations.

12. Addresses BASH issues in the base Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan.

13. Coordinates depredation permit application procedures with US Fish and Wildlife, and

US Department of Agriculture to ensure operations are handled in accordance with

Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Tracks all required depredation permits and ensures they are kept up to date.

14. Provides representatives to work with outside agencies when potential hazards arise outside of the base such as landfills and slaughter houses.

Airfield Management (94 OG/OGA):

1. The authority to declare, disseminate and terminate bird watch conditions is vested with the Chief of Airfield Management or their designated representative.

2. Notifies the Civil Engineers, Maintenance Engineering (CEOE), when the grass height on the airfield exceeds 14 inches and needs to be mowed. Grass height on the airfield will be maintained between 7 and 14 inches to prevent bird habitation.

3. Collects wildlife remains from runway and taxiways during airfield checks, notifies appropriate agency for pickup. If the remains are suspected to be the result of a bird strike, a small sampling of bird feathers need to be forwarded to 94AW/SE for identification. Civil

Engineering will need to be coordinated with for disposal.

4. Disperses birds/wildlife from the airfield.

5. Notifies 94 AW Security Police, Dobbins ARB Tower and 94 th

AW Command Post when significant bird scare activities will be necessary on the airfield.

6. Appoints a bird scare group (if required). This group will be activated any time birds on the airfield cause a hazardous condition. The bird scare group will, as a minimum, have immediate access to bioacoustics and pyrotechnic equipment for bird dispersal. This equipment must be stored where access is readily available.

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NOTE: OGA will ensure personnel are trained on the proper use of all wildlife dispersal equipment and dispersal techniques. This training should be documented in personnel’s training records. Coordinate with Security Forces Squadron, Explosive

Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and 94 AW/SEW for training/storage requirements and disposition as required prior to obtaining any pyrotechnics.

8. Declares appropriate Bird Watch Conditions through the Tower.

9. Ensures transient aircraft comply with applicable sections of this plan to the maximum extent possible.

10. Publishes significant bird hazards and Phase I and II designations in the appropriate DoD

Flight Information Publication AP-1 and the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Supplement along with any associated airfield operating hour restrictions and avoidance instructions.

11. Publish in the NOTAM’s when Dobbins ARB Phase II is in effect.

12. Conducts monthly operational checks of bird scare cannons and documents operational status.

13. Notifies 94 AW/SE of any problems with bird/wildlife depredation equipment.

14. Determines the placement of the bird scare cannons and maintains a BASH cannon map

(see Annex G)

Air Traffic Control (94 OG/OGT):

1. Relays bird watch condition to airborne flight crews when any change to the bird watch condition occurs.

2. Ensures the ATIS is updated with the latest bird watch condition.

3. Provides airfield management with access to the runway under BWC MODERATE or

SEVERE to alleviate the severity of the condition through bird harassment measures.

Standardization/Evaluation (94 OG/OGV):

1. Review with the OG/CC all proposed guidance for aircrew and the Ops Sup on procedures to be followed under various Bird Watch Conditions.

2. Monitor on regular basis aircrew preflight briefings to ensure existing BASH is briefed.

3. Include Bird Watch Conditions in AFI 11-2-C130 V3 94 AW Sup (ch 10). See section 6.7

Operating Restrictions of the basic plan for details regarding Bird Watch Conditions and 94

AW aircrew responses.

4. Review with OG/CC potential operational changes to avoid areas and times of known hazardous bird conditions.

700 Airlift Squadron (700 AS/CC):

1. Ensures aircrews participate in the BASH reduction program by promptly reporting all wildlife strikes and hazardous conditions IAW this directive and MAJCOM guidelines.

2. Maintain a representative on the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG).

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700 AS Operations Superintendent (OPS SUP):

1. Ensures the flight crews are briefed on the current bird watch condition.

2. Ensures the flight crews are briefed on the BAM and AHAS model for the route of flight.

The model can be obtained from: http://www.usahas.com . If conditions are SEVERE during the low-level/transition portion of the mission, alternate altitude/routes/transitional bases will be discussed.

3. Ensures Wing Safety is notified of all bird and wildlife strikes.

700 AS Drop Zone Control Officer (DZO or DZNCO):

1. Report bird sightings and hazardous conditions to the OPS SUP.

2. Upon initial contact with the aircrew pass the BWC if other than low.

NOTE

The DZO has the overriding authority to declare BWCs for the Drop Zone (DZ) due to their proximity to the site. The following actions will be taken by the aircrew when BWC

Moderate or Severe is declared at the DZ:

MODERATE: Climb to 2500’ AGL and conduct a dry pass across the DZ.

SEVERE: Climb to 2500’ AGL and proceed with range abort procedures.

Public Affairs Office (94 AW/PA):

1. Participate as required and upon request will provide a public information program designed to inform base personnel, dependents, and the general public on the hazards and costs of uncontrolled bird activity and measures being taken to minimize them.

2. Provide media relations support if and when BWC events/activities attract public attention.

3. Maintain a representative on the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG).

Tenant Flying Units:

1. Maintain a representative on the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG).

2. Support the base BASH program as appropriate.

3. Ensure grass height is maintained IAW this plan.

4. Coordinate with the Airfield Manager prior to planting grass on or near the airfield.

http://www.usahas.com/

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ANNEX C AIRFIELD and WILDLIFE HAZARDS:

1. GENERAL:

This annex provides information on specific bird strike hazards, recommendations for countering each hazard, and general background information on bird/wildlife hazards. Each area of information will be addressed in the following appendices:

a. Appendix 1. Airfield description.

b. Appendix 2. Current procedures/techniques used to eliminate/reduce current wildlife threats to airfield operations.

c. Appendix 3. Background information on wildlife hazards.

2. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS:

The intent of the BASH program is to reduce the hazards of wildlife to airfield operations.

Procedures/techniques found in this plan will be followed to help reduce these hazards. An important part of evaluating these hazards is learning about local bird activities, species that cause hazards, locations of local bird refuges, daily bird movements, seasonal bird populations, potential airfield food sources for birds, etc. After defining the hazards, there are several active and passive techniques that can be successful in reducing bird populations. The following appendices will detail the information needed to evaluate current hazards.

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APPENDIX 1 to ANNEX C

DOBBINS ARB AND THE LOCAL AREA

Airfield: Dobbins ARB (Air Reserve Base), GA is located in Marietta, Georgia (Cobb County).

It is situated between the cities of Smyrna and Marietta in Cobb County, Georgia, about 15 miles northwest of the center of Atlanta. The base encompasses 1666 acres of land, consisting of an airfield, industrial areas, housing, recreational facilities, and is in close proximity to approximately 450 acres of forested land. Also located at Dobbins, but separate, are the Naval

Air Station (NAS) Atlanta, occupying approximately 131 acres, and the Lockheed-Martin

Corporation (Air Force Plant 6), occupying approximately 770 acres. The area surrounding the base has experienced extensive development during the past several decades as Cobb County has undergone a transition from rural to a suburban/urban environment. This rapid growth is expected to continue. The land surrounding the base consists of residential housing, industrial areas, commercial and retail activities, and office parks.

Approximately 65 percent of the base’s grounds have been developed and are considered to be either improved (streets, buildings, etc.) or semi-improved (spill ponds, runway, jogging, picnic areas, etc.). The rest of the base, 585 acres, consist of Big Lake, Little Lake, stream bed and banks, and forested areas. Forested areas account for approximately 450 of the 585 acres. Turf grass is the predominate type of vegetation for the improved and semi-improved grounds on

Dobbins ARB. The forested areas around the base are dominated by loblolly pine, with oaks and hickory varieties making up the hardwoods.

Surface waters at the base include two lakes (Big Lake and Little Lake), five spill retention ponds, three sedimentation detention basins, and Rottenwood and Poorhouse Creeks. Big Lake has a surface area of about 10 acres and is located in the central portion of the base, north of the runway. Little Lake is about 2 acres in size and is situated along the north boundary of the main cantonment area along State Highway 280. Rottenwood Creek and Poorhouse Creek watersheds, drain to the Chattahoochee River approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the base.

Local Area: Surrounding areas that make for significant bird attractions are the Chattahoochee

River National Recreation Area (NRA) which is a natural/historic area within a 3-mile radius of the base. The NRA is located 2.5 miles due east of the base and consists of a 48 mile length of the Chattahoochee River, as well as several thousand acres of adjacent forest land.

The Cobb County Landfill is located approximately one to one and one half miles to the south of the west end of the field.

There is a waste water treatment facility with sludge ponds adjacent to NAS Atlanta operated by

Lockheed-Martin.

Golf courses: None on the base proper, but two are located southeast of the field, just off base property.

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APPENDIX 2 to ANNEX C:

CURRENT REDUCTION PROCEDURES/TECHNIQUES

Bird Mitigation: The primary method of bird reduction on Dobbins ARB is through environmental modification of the airfield habitat consistent with runway lateral and approach zone management criteria per UFC3-260-01. Habitat reduction to reduce BASH beyond the

1000’ distance criterion is desired and will further reduce BASH potential.

Environmental modification includes:

a. Managing Grass Height. Maintain a uniform grass height between 7 and 14 inches.

Determine mowing frequency as needed to maintain height requirements. Coordinate mowing with periods of low flight activity. Cut grass before it goes to seed to discourage seed eating birds from utilizing the airfield. Long grass discourages flocking species from entering the airfield because reduced visibility disrupts inter-flock communication and flock integrity and also prevents predator detection. As a rule, do not permit grass to exceed 14 inches as high grass will attract some bird species and rodents, which attracts raptors (birds of prey). Airfields with a variety of grass species may have a fast-growing strain, which reaches 14 inches sooner than the rest of the airfield. Mow when the average grass height reaches 14 inches. Obtain assistance in herbicide selection for weed control, appropriate grass seed selection, fertilization, and erosion control vegetation from the US

Soil Conservation Service, the Agricultural Extension Service or HQ AFCESA, Tyndall

AFB, FL.

b. Controlling broad-leaf weeds. Keep broad-leaf weeds to a minimum on the airfield. Apply herbicides, as necessary, to achieve this. Broad-leaf weeds attract a variety of birds, may produce seeds or berries, and may limit grass growth.

c. Planting Bare Areas. Note that bare areas are frequently used by birds as resting sites— eliminate them on the airfield. Plant grass as necessary and provide adequate irrigation to establish the grass.

d. Fertilizing. Selectively stimulate grasses to promote a uniform cover based on soil test results. Irrigation may be required to support turf growth for limited times.

e. Reducing Edge Effect. Edge effect refers to the highly attractive transition zone between two distinct habitat types (e.g., brush to grassland). Maintain the airfield as uniformly as possible to reduce this effect.

f. Leveling of Airfield. Level or fill high and low spots on the field to reduce attractiveness to birds and prevent standing water.

g. Removing Dead Vegetation. As soon as possible, remove dead vegetation such as brush piles, grass clippings, hay bales, etc., and the cover it affords.

h. Removing Dead Birds and Animals. Remove dead birds or other animals from the field to avoid attracting vultures or other birds. Forward non-fleshy remains, caused by collision with aircraft, to flight safety for identification.

i. Controlling Pests. Invertebrates and rodents provide important food sources for birds.

Civil engineering pest management section will reduce these pests when requested.

Control insects, earthworms, rodents, etc., by using integrated pest management (IPM)

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C-2-2 techniques under the Integrated Pest Management Plan. Pest Control requirements for

BASH issues need to be submitted to Civil Engineering on an as-needed basis. This control should be in agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Management section of the

DARB INRMP.

j. Maintaining Drainage Ditches. Regularly inspect ditches and keep them clear and obstacle free. Maintain ditch sides as steeply as possible – minimum slope ratio of 5:1– to discourage wading birds and emergent vegetation. Remove vegetation as often as necessary to maintain flow and discourage use by birds. Reference Tab F of the Statement of Work for the Base Operations Support (BOS) contract for procedures.

k. Eliminating Standing Water. Eliminating standing water immediately is essential to avoid development of wetlands. Coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers and the appropriate state environmental permitting office is required prior to altering wetlands.

Eliminate small ponds or puddles and some large bodies of standing water to reduce attractiveness to birds. Low spot and ditch maintenance is essential (6 and 10 above).

l. Employing Erosion Control Vegetation. Use vegetation that is appropriate for the region and supports BASH reduction philosophy (i.e., do not control erosion using plants which produce seeds at heights below 14-18 inches).

m. Out-leasing Agricultural Crops. Out-leasing of crops should be consistent with BASH reduction philosophy. Hay is a suitable crop for runway lateral and approach clearance zones when properly managed. Refer to AFI 32-7064 for program requirements.

n. Eliminate Roosting Sites. Control blackbird and starling roosts by vegetation management of roost sites where possible. Prune trees to reduce the number of perches available and remove entire trees or stands if necessary. Refer to Tab F of the Statement of Work for the

Base Operations Support (BOS) contract and UFC 3-260-01, Airfield and Heliport

Planning and Design.

o. Bird-Proofing Buildings and Hangars. Pigeons, sparrows, and starlings frequently occur in buildings and hangars – exclude them. Denying access by screening windows, closing doors, and blocking entry holes is most effective.

Pyrotechnics: The Bird Dispersal Team has access pyrotechnic equipment for bird dispersal;

there are 12 gas cannons on the airfield at DARB. These devices are very effective on waterfowl, gulls, egrets, and blackbirds. They can be used in conjunction with other bird scare techniques to enhance dispersal. However, as with any bird scare technique, birds may become accustomed to cannon fire and therefore this method should not be overused. Depredation may be necessary to reinforce the association of cannon fire with mortality. Pyrotechnics are 12-gauge scare cartridges that produce a secondary explosion to scare the birds from the area. Pyrotechnics are effective for dispersing most bird species.

Depredation: After exhausting other deterrence methods to reduce bird and wildlife strike damage, bird and wildlife species identified as a persistent threat may need to be eradicated. In this case depredation procedures will be accomplished IAW Annex E of this plan.

Low-Level Strike Mitigation: Low-level flight is generally the most susceptible to bird strikes.

94 AW aircraft’s low-level training area encompasses most of the state of Georgia, southeastern

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Tennessee, southwestern North and South Carolina. This area includes many lakes and rivers which attract a variety of birds, both resident and migratory. To reduce the possibility of bird strikes, aircrews should consider the following techniques:

a. Select low-level routes based on bird hazard data from AHAS. Mission commanders should brief bird conditions during the formation briefing.

b. The highest concentration of bird activity occurs over lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Exercise increased vigilance and increase altitude or avoid these areas when possible.

Displacing ½ nautical mile from lakes, rivers, and wetlands greatly lowers the risk of waterfowl strikes.

c. Birds naturally dive when threatened; the best avoidance maneuver is to climb when possible; this can also limit strike damage to the aircraft.

d. Good communication procedures are essential. Warn wingmen of bird sightings.

Wingmen should scan for birds while watching lead.

e. Raise altitudes of low-level training routes.

f. Limit or prohibit formation takeoff or landings.

g. Limit time on low-level routes and formation flying to a minimum for mission/training requirements.

h. Avoid takeoffs and landings one hour prior to and after sunset.

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APPENDIX 3 to ANNEX C:

BACKGROUND ON WILDLIFE HAZARDS

Bird Information: This appendix provides some general background information on bird/wildlife hazards. A brief description of each bird and how each species can be controlled or avoided is included. Each control measure may require action by one or more tasked organization as described in the basic plan. An appropriate field guide should be used to aid in bird identification.

a. Loons, Grebes, Pelicans, Cormorants, Mergansers. These are fish-eating birds. Control is best accomplished by removing fish-producing ponds near the airfield. Since removal of the food source is not always possible, pyrotechnics are effective in frightening the birds from the area. Avoid flying at sunrise and sunset when large flocks, often in formation, can be found flying to and from feeding areas.

b. Long-Legged Waders (Herons, Egrets, Ibises, Storks). Most of theses species are attracted to water where they feed on fish, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods. Control is best accomplished by eliminating the food sources. Steepening the sides of ditches and ponds and removing emergent vegetation will drastically reduce accessibility to food sources. Use pyrotechnics to disperse any birds that do occur after habitat modification.

c. Cattle Egrets. These birds have different feeding habits than their relatives, preferring open fields where they primarily feed on insects. They frequently follow mowers for the insects and other animals, which are stirred up. Mow during non-flying hours when

Cattle Egrets are present. Maintain grass between 7 and 14 inches. Periodic pesticide application may be necessary for insect control. Eliminate roost sites on or near base by removing or thinning roost trees and brush, and dispersing the birds each evening with pyrotechnics.

d. Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Swans). A distinction must be made between resident and migration populations.

1. Resident waterfowl are attracted to an area to breed or feed. Ponds, lakes, ditches, etc., may attract these birds, particularly if these areas contain emergent or submerged vegetation for feeding, nesting, or shelter. Steepening ditch and pond banks and removing vegetation will reduce waterfowl numbers. When possible, drain water sources after ensuring compliance with wetland laws and regulations. Grain fields may also attract waterfowl in large numbers and should be eliminated. Pyrotechnics along with gas cannons are excellent methods of control. Use live ammunition or opening base areas to waterfowl hunting are excellent methods of control. Resident birds are most active at dawn and dusk, moving at low altitudes to and from feeding areas. Avoid flying near wildlife refuges or any ponds, lakes, or rivers with known waterfowl concentration during these times.

2. Migrating waterfowl are particularly dangerous to flight safety due to their large numbers and generally higher altitude of the birds. Large flocks of waterfowl travel along

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C-3-2 traditional flyways to their breeding and wintering grounds during spring and fall. Huge flocks may stop along the route awaiting favorable weather conditions to continue.

Migrating birds are most active from sunset through midnight, with numbers decreasing in the early morning hours. Obtain bird avoidance model (BAM) data from the United

States Bird Avoidance Model website at http://www.usahas.com/bam for information and planning purposes and for comparing low-level routes. Wintering concentration areas should be avoided.

e. Raptors (Hawks, FaOPS SUPns, Kites, Eagles, Vultures). These birds can be particularly hazardous to aircraft because of their size and widespread distribution over bases and low-level areas. Raptors (particularly vultures) use thermals to their advantage to search for prey. These birds become active during mid-morning and remain aloft until late afternoon. Avoid areas with thermal-generating terrain such as ridgelines, rolling hills, and near water. Landfills are particularly attractive to soaring vultures. In the fall, raptors migrate by day to areas of heavy winter concentrations in the southern states and through Central America. The removal of dead animals on the airfield, proper management of landfills, rodent control on airfields, and removal of dead trees and other perching sites on the airfield can control these birds. Use pyrotechnics to frighten raptors from the airfield.

f. Grouse, Quail, and Pheasants. These game birds are most effectively controlled through proper grass-height management. Do not allow grass to exceed 14 inches and eliminate all brush and weed patches on the field, particularly if the plants are seed producing.

Pyrotechnics, gas cannons, live ammunition, or periodic hunts can effectively disperse these birds. The killing of these birds outside the normal hunting season requires special permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and State Wildlife Agencies.

g. Cranes. These large birds are most hazardous during migrating periods, particularly in the fall when many thousands of birds may be concentrated in a small area. Avoid flying at dawn and dusk in areas of known concentrations. Use pyrotechnics on the airfield to disperse these birds.

h. Sandpipers and Other Shorebirds. The most significant hazard related to these birds occurs when large numbers, flocking in tight groups, are present, particularly during migration and along coastlines. Many of the upland species such as Upland Sandpipers and Buff-Breasted Sandpipers may nest on airfields in spring and early summer. Other species such as Killdeer are quite adept at avoiding aircraft and do not pose a significant hazard. Flocks in coastal areas can be hazardous and should be avoided. To control these birds, observe proper grass height management. Eliminate water in puddles and steepen ditch banks to limit access to these birds. Eliminate bare spots that can be used for nesting. Use pyrotechnics for all species; some species respond better to bioacoustics than others.

i. Gulls. These birds represent the most significant hazard to aircraft worldwide. Due to their omnivorous feeding habits and preference for flat, open areas to rest, they are commonly found on airfields. Gulls are most active just after sunrise and before sunset as they move to and from feeding areas. Improperly operated landfills are a significant source of attraction for gulls and should not be allowed in the airfield vicinity. Maintain http://www.usahas.com/bam

91-202, 94 AW BASH PLAN HEADQUARTERS 94 AIRLIFT WING (AFRC)

C-3-3 grass height between 7 and 14 inches. This is critical in reduction of gull numbers. Even with this in effect, gulls may inhabit the airfield, particularly during inclement weather.

Persistent harassment using pyrotechnics and bioacoustics is necessary to discourage these birds. Occasionally, use live ammunition to reinforce these techniques (permits required). Control of earthworms and insects (especially grasshoppers) may be accomplished if these invertebrates are found to attract gulls. Do not allow these birds to establish a habit of using the airfield to feed, breed, or rest.

j. Pigeons and Doves. These birds are seedeaters and are attracted to seed-producing weeds, grasses, and shrubs. Open areas or bare spots are attractive as resting or feeding sites. Pyrotechnics can be effective in frightening these birds. Proper grass-height management, irrigation, and mowing before grass goes to seed will limit the number of pigeons and doves on the field. Pigeons frequently occur in structures such as hangars.

Netting, shooting, trapping, and poison baiting, can drastically reduce their numbers in these structures.

k. Owls. Most owls are nocturnal and attracted to rodents as a food source. Rodent control may be necessary on the airfield and proper management of airfield grass will limit their numbers. Remove perch sites, such as unnecessary fence posts and dead trees, to limit the number of owls. Avoid over flying landfills at night to reduce hazard from owls.

l. Flycatchers. These birds are present on airfields to feed on insects. Strikes are infrequent, but should not be overlooked. Controlling insects and removing perch sites such as fence posts, tree limbs, bushes, high spots on the field, etc., is the most effective means of control.

m. Horned Larks. These birds are very difficult to control. Bare spots, such as long runway sides where they eat weed seeds and insects, attract them. The best defense against these birds is a thick uniform grass with no bare spots.