N6945024R0002_J-1503050-10_BASH Manual (Final) 4-1-18 (with IC 18-1).pdf

COMMANDER NAVY INSTALLATIONS

COMMAND

BIRD/ANIMAL AIRCRAFT STRIKE HAZARD (BASH)

MANUAL

Published By

CNIC Airfield Operations Program Director

CNIC M-BASH

1 APRIL 2018

FOREWORD

This Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Manual is a non-binding addendum to the

CNIC, “Navy Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Program Implementing Guidance”

(CNICINST 3750.1). The contents herein present additional recommended guidance, procedures, and instructional material to serve as an aid to CNIC shore aviation commands in development and implementation of a successful BASH Program. The contents of this manual were compiled by CNIC Air Operations Program from historical data, from inputs by Navy

BASH Subject Matter Experts, from reviews by major Naval Aviation stakeholders, and from comparison with existing BASH Programs at other agencies including the US Air Force.

This Manual, though primarily focused on improving BASH effectiveness at CNIC shore commands, is open for review by any command, in or outside of the Navy, desiring to mitigate

BASH risks at shore air facilities.

This Manual will be maintained and periodically updated by CNIC Air Operations Program

Director. It can be accessed through the Naval Safety Center portal, Airfield Operations tab, at:

http://www.public.navy.mil/NAVSAFECEN/Pages/aviation/AirfieldOperations.aspx

For recommendations concerning this Manual, contact the office delineated below:

Commander, Navy Installations Command

716 Sicard St, SE

Suite 1000

Washington Navy Yard

DC 20374-5140

Commercial: (904) 542-6969

DSN: 942-6969

INTERIM CHANGE SUMMARY

INTERIM

CHANGE

NUMBER(S) EFFECTIVE DATE REMARKS/PURPOSE

18-1 1 OCT 18

Adds this interim change page.

Modifies APPENDIX 6 to clarify the type and purpose of an SOP.

INTERIM

CHANGE

NUMBER(S) AFFECTED PAGES

18-1 Index page numbers and APPENDIX 6, page 6-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Environmental Policy, Organization and Funding 9

1.1. Scope 9

1.1.1. Manual 9

1.1.2. Applicability 9

1.1.3. Precedence 9

1.1.4. References 9

1.1.5. Legislation 10

1.2. Policy 10

1.2.1. Executive Orders (EO) 10

2. Awareness 10

2.1. Overview 10

2.1.1 Installation BASH Documents 11

2.1.1.1 Identification of Hazardous Species 11

2.1.2. BASH Prevention and Awareness Training 11

2.1.3. Safety Stand Downs 11

2.1.4. CECOS BASH Training Module 12

2.1.5. BASH USA/Canada Meetings 12

2.1.6. Installation Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard Working Groups 12

2.1.7. Installation Safety Officer’s Meeting 13

2.1.8. Aircraft Maintenance Personnel Training 13

2.1.9. Airfield Vehicle Operator’s Course (AVOC) 13

3. Reporting Bird and Wildlife Strike Events 13

3.1. Overview 13

3.2. Naval Safety Center Reporting 13

3.3. Who Should Report Bird and Wildlife Strikes to the Navy Safety Center? 14

3.3.1. Transient Aircrews 14

3.3.2. Contract Aircraft Maintenance and Airfield Ground Support 14

3.4. Damaging Strike Event 14

3.5. Non-Damaging Strike Event 15

3.6. Remains Found on Runway Surfaces 15

3.7. Near-Miss Reporting 16

4. Remains Collection and Identification 16

4.1. Overview 16

4.1.1. Remains Identification 16

4.1.1.1. Local Procedures 16

4.1.1.2. Smithsonian FIL Procedures 16

4.1.1.3. Overseas Remains Shipping Procedures 17

5. Birds and Wildlife Management for Safer Aviation Operations 17

5.1. Overview 17

5.1.1 Wildlife Control Techniques 17

5.2. Active Controls 18

5.2.1. Personnel and Equipment 18

5.2.2. Pyrotechnics 18

5.2.3. Bio-acoustics 19

5.2.4. Noise-producing Propane Cannons 19

5.2.5. Falconry 19

5.2.6. Dogs 20

5.2.7. Radio-controlled Scale Models 20

5.2.8. All-terrain Vehicles 20

5.2.9. Effigies 20

5.2.10. Non-lethal Trapping and Relocation 20

5.2.11. Depredation 21

5.2.11.1. Emergency Depredation Permits 21

5.2.12. New or Improving Technologies 21

5.3. Passive Controls 22

5.3.1. Vegetation Management 22

5.3.1.1. Grass Height 22

5.3.1.2. Herbicides and Growth Retardants 23

5.3.1.3. Habitat Transition Areas 23

5.3.1.4. Un-vegetated Areas 23

5.3.1.5 Soil Cementing 23

5.3.1.6. Native Vegetation 23

5.3.1.7. Forest Management 24

5.3.1.7.1. Planting New Forested Areas 24

5.3.1.8. Landscaping 24

5.3.1.9. Wetland/Water Management 24

5.3.1.9.1. Stormwater Management 24

5.3.1.9.2. Construction Run-off Management 25

5.3.1.9.3. Wetlands 25

5.3.1.10. Wastewater Treatment Facilities 25

5.3.1.11. Landfills 26

5.3.1.12. Landfill Caps 26

5.3.1.13. Agricultural Outlease 26

5.3.1.13.1. Crops 26

5.3.1.13.2. Harvesting and Planting 27

5.3.1.13.3. Agricultural Outlease Contracts 27

5.3.1.13.4. Animal Husbandry Operations 27

5.3.1.14. Fencing 28

5.3.1.15. Perch Deterrents 28

5.3.1.16. Ineffective Methods of Bird and Wildlife Control 28

5.3.1.16.1. Imitation Static Effigies 28

5.3.1.16.2. Rotating Lights 28

5.3.1.16.3. Eye Spots and Balloons 29

5.3.1.16.4. Ultra-sonic Devices 29

5.3.2. Airfield Hangars and Buildings 29

5.3.2.1. Netting 29

5.3.2.2. Air Rifles 29

5.3.2.3. Brush Weather Stripping 30

5.3.2.4. Soffit Installation 30

5.3.2.5. Strip Curtains or Door Netting 30

5.3.2.6. Nest Removal 30

5.4. Flight Operations Considerations 31

5.4.1. Overview 31

5.4.2. Wildlife Activity Advisories 31

5.4.2.1. Wildlife Advisory Examples 31

5.4.3. General Advisories 32

5.4.3.1. Typical Examples of Operational Recommendations 32

5.4.4. Pre-flight Briefings 32

5.4.5. Bird Hazard Avoidance 33

5.4.5.1. Dawn and Dusk Flight Restrictions 33

5.4.5.2. Night-time Flight Restrictions 33

5.4.6. Flight AGL 33

5.4.6.1. Low-level Operations 34

5.4.6.2. Range Operations 34

5.4.7. Weather Fronts and Bird Movements 34

5.4.8. Daily and Local Bird Movements 34

5.4.9. Take off and Departure Restrictions 35

5.4.10. Avoiding Coastlines and Shorelines 35

5.4.11. Flight Crew Awareness 35

5.4.12. Flight Crew Responsibility to Follow-on Crews 35

5.5. Technical Assistance 35

5.5.1. CNIC BASH Point of Contact 35

5.5.2. Naval Safety Center 36

6. Airfield Bird and Wildlife Hazards 36

6.1. Overview of Airfield Bird and Wildlife Hazards 36

6.2. Birds 36

6.2.1. Loons, Grebes, Pelicans, Cormorants, and Mergansers 36

6.2.2. Pelagic Birds (Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Auks, etc.) 36

6.2.3. Long-Legged Waders (Herons, Cranes, Egrets, Ibises, and Storks) 37

6.2.3.1. Cattle Egrets 37

6.2.4. Waterfowl (Swans, Geese, and Ducks) 37

6.2.4.1. Resident Waterfowl 38

6.2.4.2. Migrating Waterfowl 38

6.2.5. Raptors (Vultures, Falcons, Eagles, Kites, and Hawks) 38

6.2.6. Grouse, Quail, Dove, and Pheasants 39

6.2.7. Shorebirds 39

6.2.8. Gulls 40

6.2.9. Terns 40

6.2.10. Pigeons 40

6.2.11. Owls 41

6.2.12. Nightjars 41

6.2.13. Woodpeckers 41

6.2.14. Flycatchers 41

6.2.15. Meadowlarks and Horned Larks 42

6.2.16. Swallows 42

6.2.17. Ravens and Crows 42

6.2.18. Starlings, Cowbirds, Grackles, and Blackbirds 42

6.2.19. Warblers 43

6.2.20. Sparrows, Finches, Grosbeaks, and Buntings 43

6.3. Mammals 43

6.3.1. Deer 43

6.3.2. Feral Pigs 44

6.3.3. Coyotes and Foxes 44

6.3.4. Rabbits and Hares 44

6.3.5. Bats 44

6.3.6. Rodents (Squirrels, Woodchucks, and Rats) 45

6.4. Reptiles 45

6.4.1. Snakes, Alligators, and Turtles 45

Appendix 1. BASH Self-Assessment Checklist

Appendix 2. WESS Aviation Hazard Report

Appendix 3. Bird and Bat Remains Collection Procedures

Appendix 4. Procedures for Mailing Overseas Wildlife Remains

Certificate of Treatment Template

Certificate of Origin Template

Appendix 5. WDDT Job Qualifications Requirements (JQR) Template

Appendix 6. AA&E Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Template

Appendix 7. Hazardous Species Identification Guide

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AA&E. Arms, ammunition and equipment

AFM. Airfield manager

AGL. Above ground level

AIR OPSO. Air operations officer

ASAP. Aviation Safety Awareness Program

ASO. Aviation safety officer

ATIS. Automatic terminal information service

AVOC. Airfield vehicle operator’s course

BGEPA. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

CAC. Common access card

CAPA. Cartouche Anti Peril Aviaire (bird hazard pyrotechnic cartridge)

CECOS. US Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer School

CNIC. Commander, Navy Installations Command

DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid

ESA. Endangered Species Act

ERDC. US Army Environmental Research and Development Center

FAA. Federal Aviation Administration

FAR. Federal Aviation Regulations

FIL. Smithsonian Feather Identification Laboratory

FOD. Foreign Object Damage

HAZREP. Hazard report

IFR. Instrument flight rules

INRMP. Integrated natural resources management plan

IPMP. Integrated pest management plan

IWDM. Integrated wildlife damage management

JQR. Job qualification requirement

MBTA. Migratory Bird Treaty Act

NAVAIR. Naval Air Systems Command

NAVFAC. Naval Facilities Engineering Command

NAVFACLANT. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic

NAVSEA. Naval Sea Systems Command

NEPA. National Environmental Policy Act

NOSSA. Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity

OPNAV. Chief of Naval Operations staff

OP 5. NAVSEA Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore

PIREP. Pilot report

USDA APHIS. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

USFWS. US Fish and Wildlife Service

VFR. Visual flight rules

WDDT. Wildlife detection and dispersal team

WHA. Wildlife hazard assessment

WHMP. Wildlife hazard management plan

1. Environmental Policy, Planning and Organization

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 Manual

This manual supports Navy Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) policy, identifies key

BASH statutory and regulatory requirements, and provides advisory information for management of a BASH program at Navy airfields. The intent is to support the Navy mission by safeguarding air operations assets and flight crews by decreasing the probability of bird or wildlife strikes with aircraft.

1.1.2 Applicability

This manual describes the internal management of the BASH program as it primarily applies to shore-based air operations, and is not intended to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party against the Navy, its officers, employees, or any person.

1.1.3 Precedence

This manual is supplemental guidance for the Navy BASH program. This manual is consistent with all applicable statutes, Executive Orders (EO), Department of Defense (DoD), directives, and Navy instructions. Any apparent conflict between this manual and other Navy instructions, manuals, and similar directives on environmental, safety, and operational programs will be resolved with the best interest of Navy flight crews in mind.

1.1.4 References

OPNAVINST 3750.21, Policy for Administering the BASH Program in the US Navy

OPNAVINST M-5090.1, Environmental Readiness Program Manual

OPNAVINST 3750.6S, Naval Aviation Safety Management System

CNICINST 3750.1, Navy BASH Program Implementing Guidance

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-32B

NAVFAC Natural Resources Management Procedural Manual, P-73, Vol. II

32 CFR 190, DOD Natural Resources Management Program

50 CFR 17, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants

50 CFR 17.11 & 17.12, Fish and Wildlife Service List of Endangered and Threatened

Wildlife and Plants

50 CFR 10.13, List of Migratory Birds

CNO ltr of 25 September 1998, Sikes Act Improvement Act with Guidelines for Preparing

Integrated NRM Plans

Conserving Biodiversity on Military Lands – A Handbook for Natural Resources Managers, 1996 SECDEF MOU: Guidance to Implement the Memorandum of Understanding to Promote the Conservation of Migratory Birds, 03 April 2007

SECNAVINST 5090.8, Policy for Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Cultural

Resources Programs

GAO Report GAO-03-639, June 2003; Environmental Compliance, Better DOD Guidance

Needed to Ensure That Most Important Activities Are Funded

FAAO JO 7110.65S, Feb 08; Air Traffic Control

NAVAIR 00-80T-114, Air Traffic Control NATOPS Manual

NAVAIR 00-80T-124, CNIC Airfield Operations NATOPS Manual

MCO 3570.3 (Draft), Range Safety for Aviation Operations

NAVSEA OP 5, Volume I, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore

1.1.5 Legislation

Bald Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 668

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1982, 16 U.S.C. 3505

Conservation Programs on Military Reservations (Sikes Act), 16 U.S.C. 670

Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136

Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, 7 U.S.C. 2801

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 2901

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661

Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act, 16 U.S.C. 620

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321

Outdoor Recreation – Federal/State Programs Act, 16 U.S.C. 460 P-3

Soil Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 3B

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 50 CFR Part 13 and 21.41

1.2 Policy

1.2.1 Executive Orders (EO)

11990, Protection of Wetlands of 24 May 1977 as amended

13112, Invasive Species, of 3 February 1999

13186, Responsibility of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds of 17 January 2001

2. Awareness

2.1 Overview

The BASH Program is of vital importance to the safety of Navy flight crews and must be an integral part of safety training for all personnel involved with every aspect of flight operations.

All aviation personnel should have a BASH awareness mind-set. Pilots in the cockpit, control tower and ground electronics personnel, aircraft and grounds maintenance personnel, firefighters and security personnel, even the duty sweeper collecting dead birds and turning them in for identification; all have an integral responsibility to making the entire BASH program effective.

The Naval Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) provides the framework on which an effective installation BASH awareness culture is built. See NAVAIR 00-80T-124, chapter 4, for a more complete discussion. Three critical documents produced for each airfield provide the science and procedures to manage local wildlife hazards to aviation—a BASH instruction, a wildlife hazard assessment (WHA), and a wildlife hazard management plan (WHMP). Multi-layered management oversight and repetitive annual training sustain the persistent awareness required to make the BASH program effective.

2.1.1 Installation BASH Documents

An installation BASH instruction provides the concept of operations for managing and executing a local BASH program. Guidance on content is provided in CNICINST 3750.1. A WHA is a year-long study conducted by a qualified expert, such as a USDA APHIS biologist, of wildlife hazards in a specified geographic area associated with an airfield. At Navy airfields with no

USDA support, NAVFACLANT staff, station biologists or contractors will perform these studies using formats developed from FAR Part 139.337 guidelines. A WHMP is developed to provide the integrated wildlife damage management (IWDM) strategy to minimize the impact of hazards identified in a WHA. A WHMP is produced by the BASH working group at each Navy airfield using a template in CNICINST 3750.1, enclosure (1), reflective of FAA AC 150/5200-33b guidelines. Contact the CNIC N32 BASH program coordinator at 904-542-6969 for assistance in developing any of these documents.

2.1.1.1 Identification of Hazardous Species

Due to the open environment and the frequency of birds and wildlife inhabiting an airfield environment, removal of all birds and wildlife is not feasible. The BASH program manager, the

Air Operations Officer (Air OPSO), must know which birds or wildlife species are the most hazardous to aviation safety and charge the BASH working group to develop a WHMP to mitigate the risk. Surveys of birds and wildlife found on runways and taxiways will assist in determining hazardous birds and wildlife. The initial survey for an installation airfield (a WHA) is conducted over the four seasons of a year to provide the airfield environment baseline data identifying hazardous birds and wildlife as well as habitat conditions that may attract these species. Thereafter, monthly surveys are conducted by USDA or installation biologists to provide the BWG a continuous update of wildlife activity on the airfield. The combination of monthly surveys and WHA baseline data also supplement development of an installation’s

Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), Integrated Pest Management Plan

(IPMP), and even Navy flight planning publications.

2.1.2 BASH Prevention and Awareness Training

All airfield users must receive annual BASH refresher training either in the classroom or on-line.

Several sources for BASH Program awareness training exist within the Navy’s training system and in the public arena. These sources are outlined below. This training is also available on-line and at national symposiums, seminars, and meetings.

2.1.3 Safety Stand Downs

Presentations on the Navy’s BASH Program should be a regular part of all installation, air wing and squadron safety stand down agendas. Navy and installation BASH programs should also be presented in other forums such as annual functional conferences and training seminars. Naval

Safety Center (NSC) BASH experts and both local and regional biologists should be involved to present the aspects of the BASH Program, explain its importance, present program requirements, and provide updates.

2.1.4 CECOS BASH Training Module

A BASH awareness training module was developed by the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps

Officers School (CECOS), Interactive Multimedia Instruction/Distributed Learning Program, Port Hueneme, California. This training module can be reviewed individually or in a classroom setting. Modules in a compact disc format can be obtained by contacting CECOS at 805-982-

2383 or DSN 551-2383. The training module may be viewed at http://www.denix.osd.mil/.

After logging in to DoD Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Network and

Information Exchange (DENIX) secure site (CAC required); select Conferences and Training from the drop down menu bar, select Naval Civil Engineers Corps Officers School (CECOS)

Environmental Training, select Environmental Conservation on the left side menu, select

Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard, and finally select Take Module to start the training course.

This module has been designed for individual use or for a presentation to an entire squadron during safety stand downs.

2.1.5 BASH USA/Canada Meetings

Bird and wildlife strikes to aircraft cause over $600 million annually in damage to U.S. civil and military aviation. Furthermore, these strikes put the lives of aircraft crew and passengers at risk. In the past there was no one forum within the United States where information or concerns dealing with this problem could be addressed. Bird Strike Committee USA was formed in 1991 to facilitate the exchange of information, promote the collection and analysis of bird and wildlife strike data, promote the development of new technologies for reducing bird and wildlife hazards, conduct training and promote advocacy of high standards of conduct by airport biologists and wildlife control personnel, and be a liaison to similar organizations in other countries. This group holds an annual workshop in different locations that alternate between Canada and the

United States. Presentations regarding the many aspects of a BASH program are offered along with a one day hands-on training of bird deterrent systems and vendor product displays including pyrotechnics, bioacoustics, and new technologies. CNIC N32 also conducts an extensive training session on Air Operations Program BASH policies, initiatives and best practices. Since this workshop is the lone annual event for all CNIC stakeholders to discuss and train on BASH, air operations and natural resources personnel from all echelons are strongly encouraged to attend. For additional information contact the CNIC N32 BASH program coordinator at 904-

542-6969 or go to http://www.birdstrike.org/.

2.1.6 Installation Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard Working Groups

To coordinate an installation’s BASH program, a Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard Working

Group (BWG) shall be established in accordance with CNICINST 3750.1 and attended by key representatives from all airfield BASH stakeholders, especially the Air OPSO, Airfield Manager

(AFM), Aviation Safety Officer (ASO), Wing/Squadron ASO’s, key members of Public Works

(Natural Resources and Facilities Maintenance), and USDA personnel if assigned. Information on program execution status, wildlife strike statistics, WHMP progress, and emergent wildlife hazards should be regularly shared among members. Annual refresher training should also be coordinated and tracked through this group. The BWG shall collectively perform an annual self-assessment using the checklist in Appendix 1 and submit to the installation Commanding

Officer. BWG meetings shall be held quarterly and typically in alignment with the seasons and avian migration. This meeting should not be held concurrently with other required meetings. It should have its own agenda with meeting minutes issued to all participants afterwards.

http://www.denix.osd.mil/ http://www.birdstrike.org/

2.1.7 Installation Safety Officer’s Meeting

Monthly Safety Office meetings are an excellent method of disseminating BASH program information to all airfield users on a regular basis. The BASH program should be a standing agenda item at these meetings and include information on current wildlife conditions, the forecasting of upcoming seasonal conditions, remains collection, and NSC requirements and reporting procedures.

2.1.8 Aircraft Maintenance Personnel Training

Tenant Wing/Squadron aircraft maintenance personnel involvement in the BASH program is integral to the program’s success. Many bird and wildlife strikes occur without the knowledge of the pilots or crew and are discovered by maintenance personnel during pre- and post-flight inspections of the aircraft. Maintenance personnel need to be aware of the bird strike reporting requirement, the importance of collecting remains, and the procedures for turning the remains into the appropriate department for identification. The discovery of remains should also lead to further inspection of the aircraft for collateral damage.

2.1.9 Airfield Vehicle Operators Course (AVOC)

To fully understand and communicate bird and wildlife issues at an airfield, all personnel working on the airfield must know that it is their responsibility to notify the tower of problem birds and wildlife. The AVOC course is required by NAVAIR 00-80T-124, and is the platform used to educate all airfield personnel on tower notification requirements for problem birds and wildlife and the prevention of bird or wildlife-related Foreign Object Damage (FOD). All birds or wildlife found dead within 1000 feet laterally of the runway centerline or in the overrun areas, whether the result of a bird strike or not, should be turned in to the installation Air Operations

Department (Air OPSO/AFM/ASO). This strike data should be entered into the NSC Web-enabled Safety System (WESS) database to provide data for future BASH management procedures and to discourage predators from being attracted to the airfield.

3. Reporting Bird and Wildlife Strike Events

3.1 Overview

Everyone involved in the conduct of aviation, to include flight crews, maintenance personnel, and field support personnel; has a responsibility to report a wildlife strike event locally to the installation Air Operations department. The documentation and reporting of bird and wildlife strike events in a particular geographic location is necessary to determine which bird and wildlife species cause the greatest problems in that area so limited resources can be directed toward mitigation of the most significant risks. The reporting of bird strikes and near-misses along low-level routes and on ranges is also a valuable dataset for determining trends in location, timing, and species of birds involved in strike events. Once a trend is identified, measures can be taken to avoid that particular area by flying to the edge of the corridor, changing altitude, slowing down, or avoiding the area completely. OPNAVINST 3750.6 (series) promulgates specific reporting procedures.

3.2 Naval Safety Center Reporting

All BASH incidents shall be reported to NSC via WESS (see Appendix 2). BASH incidents must NOT be reported into the Aviation Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) system, which is not affiliated with the NSC. Incidents include bird and wildlife strikes, regardless of whether damage occurred, near misses, and all birds found dead on the runway surface or within the airfield environment even if the aircraft involved in the strike event is unknown. Most BASH incidents shall be reported via a hazard report (HAZREP) in accordance with OPNAVINST

3750.6. The link is: https://wess.safetycenter.navy.mil/portal/#/home. All reports, whether damaging or non-damaging, must contain a cost assessment. The cost estimate shall encompass clean-up materials, repair components, and manpower expended to clean and/or repair all bird strike events. Those strike events exceeding the cost threshold for a Class C mishap shall be reported via a Safety Investigation Report in accordance with OPNAVINST 3750.6. Bird and bat remains for all actual strikes shall be submitted to the Smithsonian Institution’s Feather

Identification Laboratory (FIL) in accordance with current procedures established by NSC and

Appendix 3 of this manual. Appendix 4 also addresses overseas reporting.

3.3 Who Should Report Bird and Wildlife Strikes to the Naval Safety Center?

All bird and wildlife related strike events must be reported to the NSC by a designated installation or squadron point-of-contact (usually installation ASO and/or squadron ASO), preferably within one month of the event. The reporting custodian shall be responsible for reporting bird and wildlife strikes of known origin (e.g. bird remains found on an aircraft, bird remains found on the runway and correlated to a specific aircraft), collecting/forwarding remains to the Smithsonian FIL, and notifying local air operations personnel. Installation air operations personnel shall be responsible for reporting bird and wildlife strikes and submitting remains for strikes of unknown origin (e.g. bird remains found on a runway and not correlated to a specific aircraft). This will provide the greatest assurance of accuracy and standardized reporting.

3.3.1 BASH Incidents Away From Home Airfield

If a bird or wildlife strike occurs while a squadron is visiting or training at a military or non-military facility, the squadron involved in the event is responsible for notifying local air operations personnel of the strike, reporting the event to the NSC via WESS (see Appendix 2), and sending in any bird or wildlife remains found on the aircraft.

3.3.2 Contract Aircraft Maintenance and Airfield Ground Support

The reporting custodian of an aircraft is responsible for reporting/collecting remains of birds and wildlife strikes discovered by contract maintenance. It is vitally important therefore, that Air

Operations work with local tenant Wings and Squadrons to ensure all maintenance contracts contain specific language mandating contractor compliance with remains collection procedures in support of BASH strike reporting. The same applies for contractors who conduct work on or around the airfield. Airfield-related contract maintenance contracts should specify immediate reporting of a bird or wildlife strike or evidence of remains to the installation BASH Program

Manager or designated agent, usually the ASO, Natural Resources Manager (NRM) or USDA

Wildlife Biologist as specified in the local BASH instruction.

3.4 Damaging Strike Event

A damaging strike event is any damage to an aircraft by impact with any species of bird or wildlife. This type of event can range from a small dent, or a cracked taxi light lens to a Class A mishap. Mishap classifications are in Table 3-1. The NSC bird strike database shows that approximately ten percent of all reported strike events involve some kind of damage. Damaging https://wess.safetycenter.navy.mil/portal/#/home events normally contain more remains of the species involved than do non-damaging strike events. All damaging and non-damaging strike event remains must be collected and submitted to the Smithsonian FIL for identification. If post-maintenance shows blood and or feathers on any part of the aircraft, the post-flight maintenance person shall also report this discovery to maintenance control so the strike event can be reported to the NSC.

Table 3-1

Mishap Class Total Property Damage Fatality/Injury

A $2,000,000 or more and/or aircraft destroyed

Fatality or permanent total disability

B $500,000 or more but less than

$2,000,000

Permanent partial disability or three or more persons hospitalized as inpatients

C $50,000 or more but less than

$500,000

Nonfatal injury resulting in loss of time from work beyond day/shift when injury occurred

D $20,000 or more but less than

$50,000

Recordable injury or illness not otherwise classified as a

Class A, B, or C

3.5 Non-Damaging Strike Event

A non-damaging strike event is one where birds or wildlife are hit by an aircraft but results in no damage to the aircraft. NSC data shows that approximately 90 percent of reported strike events are non-damaging. Remains of the bird or wildlife discovered should be collected and submitted to the Smithsonian FIL for identification to assist in bird and wildlife management on the airfield. If the aircraft has to be cleaned of bird or wildlife remains because of the strike event, then all costs associated with cleaning (materials and man hours) shall be totaled and reported via a HAZREP (see Appendix 2) into WESS.

3.6 Remains Found on Runway Surfaces

Many incidences of bird and wildlife strikes occur without the knowledge of the flight crews and evidence of these strikes is often found by airfield personnel and removed to the side of the runway to reduce the FOD hazard. Strike remains left in place potentially create an attractant for other birds or wildlife that feed on carcasses and valuable data is lost for BASH management.

These bird and mammal remains should be collected and sent to the Smithsonian FIL for identification and an accompanying HAZREP submitted into WESS. Installations should make every effort to coordinate with aircraft reporting custodians to determine if the strike can be correlated to a specific aircraft. Installation personnel are responsible for reporting and submitting bird and wildlife strikes of unknown origin even though the aircraft type, squadron, and actual time of strike are unknown. These species identification and remains locations are integral data for airfield and species management. Annual refresher training, the AVOC program, and wildlife dispersal Job Qualification Requirement (JQR) training should educate all personnel within the airfield environment to collect and submit strike remains discovered on the runway or airfield environment to the installation BASH Program Manager or designated agent, typically the ASO, NRM or USDA Wildlife Biologist as specified in the BASH instruction.

3.7 Near-Miss Reporting

In addition to the requirement for the reporting of damaging and non-damaging strikes, the reporting of near-miss events in WESS (and not in ASAP) adds valuable data for an installation

BASH Program. By NSC estimates near-miss events exceed actual strike events by a margin of

3 to 1. Even though most birds and wildlife involved in the near-miss event cannot be identified, the exact location of such events can be recorded and used as a data point in trend analysis of known wildlife activity. Near-miss data is of particular value along low-level routes, on ranges, and within training areas. If a known topographic feature along a low-level route (i.e. a dam, ridge top, or lake) has a history of strikes and/or near-miss events, the feature or area should be avoided if feasible.

4. Remains Collection and Identification

4.1 Overview

Bird and wildlife strike remains collection, reporting and identification are the most important elements of any installation BASH program. An installation cannot effectively manage a BASH program if the most hazardous species for that airfield are not known. Effective and efficient reporting coupled with analysis of strike data and observed wildlife activity enable identification of the wildlife species that pose the greatest hazard to aircraft and flight crews. Once these specific hazards are known, the BWG can develop specific mitigations to increase the margin of safety to flight crews.

4.1.1 Remains Identification

4.1.1.1 Local Procedures

All bird and wildlife strike remains should be transferred to the installation BASH Program

Manager or designated agent, usually the ASO, NRM or USDA Wildlife Biologist, as specified in the BASH Instruction. All bird and wildlife strike remains shall then be sent to the

Smithsonian FIL for processing and identification as soon as practicable. If the bird or wildlife remains are intact and the installation has a staff or USDA biologist who is proficient in bird and wildlife identification, they may assist with an interim identification.

4.1.1.2 Smithsonian Feather Identification Lab Procedures

Procedures for collecting and sending feather and DNA (tissue) samples to the Smithsonian FIL are found in Appendices 3 and 4. Specimens forwarded to the Smithsonian FIL for identification must include a copy of the NSC’s Wildlife Strike Report. Only feather material and dry feet or beaks containing non-fleshy material or alcohol wipes with blood remains are to be forwarded.

Once the remains are identified, the Smithsonian FIL personnel will input the species identification into the NSC strike database where the results can be queried and accessed at any time. Aviation safety officers and/or USDA biologists should monitor the strike database monthly and keep a running file of identifications for the conduct of periodic trend analysis.

All remains shall be sent to the address below.

Address for ALL US Postal service mail:

Feather Identification Lab

Smithsonian Institution

NHB E600, MRC 116

P.O. Box 37012

Washington, DC 20013-7012

Address for shipping carrier (sent via FedEx, UPS, or DHL):

Feather Identification Lab

Smithsonian Institution

NHB E600, MRC 116

10th & Constitution Ave NW

Washington, DC 20560-0116

4.1.1.3 Overseas Remains Shipping Procedures

Procedures for collecting and sending overseas feather and DNA samples to the Smithsonian FIL are found in Appendix 4. Specimens forwarded to the Smithsonian FIL for identification must include a copy of the NSC’s Wildlife Strike Report; Certificate of Treatment; Certificate of

Origin; and a copy of the USDA APHIS permit (see CNIC G2 BASH website at https://g2.cnic.navy.mil/tscnichq/N3/N32/bash/default.aspx for current year version). Only feather material and dry feet or beaks containing non-fleshy material or alcohol wipes with blood remains are to be forwarded. Like those at U.S. bases, once the remains are identified the

Smithsonian FIL personnel will input the species identification into WESS where the results can be queried and accessed at any time for trend analysis.

5. Birds and Wildlife Management for Safer Aviation Operations

5.1 Overview

Per USDA APHIS WS Directive 2.105, IWDM encompasses the integration and application of all approved methods of prevention and management to reduce wildlife damage. The IWDM approach may incorporate cultural practices, habitat modification, animal behavior management, local population reduction, or a combination of these approaches. The selection of wildlife damage management methods and their application must consider the species causing the damage (from the WHA) and the magnitude, geographic extent, duration, frequency, and likelihood of recurring damage. In addition, consideration is given to non-target species, environmental conditions and impacts, social and legal factors, and relative costs of management options.

5.1.1 Wildlife Control Techniques

Wildlife damage management techniques are either active or passive controls. A fully developed

IWDM strategy will usually involve a combination of both. Active control involves forced dispersal of bird and wildlife from an airfield to give short-term relief from an immediate safety hazard. Active control methods must be coordinated with airfield tower personnel and in some cases with base security to prevent otherwise loafing or foraging birds from taking flight during flight activities and becoming a strike hazard. Passive controls are methods of discouraging birds and wildlife from visiting or utilizing an airfield through the modification or removal of attractive habitat features and manmade structures. Passive techniques are key for long-term https://g2.cnic.navy.mil/tscnichq/N3/N32/bash/default.aspx management of the airfield facility, airspace and/or flight operations to reduce habitat or other conditions birds and wildlife find attractive.

5.2 Active Controls

Hazardous bird and wildlife species observed foraging and loafing immediately on and around the runways, taxiways, and infield during flight operations may require immediate and aggressive action to mitigate the hazard. Active controls can range from various dispersal techniques to actual depredation described in the sections below. Note that active controls as a form of bird or wildlife management may require permitting and/or coordination with USFWS for Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance.

Additionally, there may be National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance requirements.

5.2.1 Personnel and Equipment

Each Navy shore installation or facility that conducts air operations shall have designated personnel trained and certified in bird and wildlife dispersal and removal techniques. These personnel, collectively known as the Wildlife Detection and Dispersal Team (WDDT) as defined in CNICINST 3750.1, serve as an on-call team ready to disperse hazardous birds and wildlife to mitigate BASH risks regardless of whether a USDA biologist is assigned to the installation. Per the CNIC BASH instruction and the template provided in Appendix 5, Air Operations departments owning BASH-related equipment shall develop and publish a local Job

Qualification Requirement (JQR) to standardize training and certification in the use, safe operation, and maintenance of all equipment. All such training course certifications must be retained in WDDT personnel training files. Dispersal equipment must be located near the personnel tasked with the dispersal activities to ensure adequate response time. Storage and handling of all BASH-related arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E)—to include pyrotechnics and pyrotechnic launchers—must be coordinated with the installation Explosives

Safety and Security Officers to ensure compliance with OPNAV and NOSSA directives. Using the guidelines established in the CNICINST 3750.1 enclosure (2) and following the template in

Appendix 6, Air Operations departments shall develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) addressing local AA&E practices and procedures for inclusion in the local BASH instruction.

5.2.2 Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics are sound producing devices launched from a variety of platforms designed to scare birds and wildlife away from a certain area. These devices come in four types: the 15mm bird banger, 15mm screamer siren, a 15mm screamer banger rocket and a 91mm CAPA cartridge.

The 15mm screamer and banger are small cardboard firework type units launched from a hand held pistol type launcher. The screamer leaves the launcher and produces a continuous screaming sound out to approximately 50 meters. At the end of the sound producing event the screamer cartridge remains intact and can become a FOD hazard. These units remain intact and must be picked up if fired over runways and taxiways to prevent FOD. The banger rocket leaves the launcher and travels approximately 50 meters and explodes with a loud bang. The CAPA cartridge is also launched from a hand held pistol type launcher but with a sub-caliber sleeve insert. This pyrotechnic leaves the launcher and travels approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) and explodes with a loud bang. Upon usage, both the banger rocket and CAPA cartridge completely destroy themselves producing no FOD. Proper training is required to use pyrotechnics in an airfield environment and shall be addressed in the JQR cited in Section 5.2.1.

All types of pyrotechnics are a fire hazard if fired into dry vegetation. Also, since any form of harassment constitutes a “take” under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, contact the NRM prior to the use of pyrotechnics for consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service (USFWS) if potential take use could affect any Federally-listed threatened or endangered species.

5.2.3 Bio-acoustics

This dispersal technique utilizes broadcasts of recorded bird distress and/or predator calls.

Depending on the species of birds, bioacoustics can be used to attract birds or repel birds from the sound source. Bio-acoustic recordings should not be used as a sole means of scaring or attracting birds, because with overuse and time birds and wildlife will become habituated to the calls and effectiveness will dramatically decrease. Often the best methodology for use is to deploy randomly in different locations with no set schedule and to use in coordination with other harassment techniques such as air-cannons or pyrotechnics (Section 5.2.2). If the birds are attracted to a bio-acoustic device, then this device should be turned off (and removed), or moved to new location, or reprogrammed with new sound recordings. Bio-acoustics as a form of bird or wildlife control may require a permitting and/or coordination with USFWS if any federally-listed threatened or endangered species are involved or potentially affected.

5.2.4 Noise-producing Propane Cannons

These harassment devices are either stationary or mobile and are used to make an extreme noise designed to startle birds or wildlife into leaving the airfield environment. They are most effective if used during the first few hours past sunrise and the few hours prior to sundown when birds (or wildlife) are making early and late dispersal movements searching for daily feeding or evening roosts for the night. Cannons should be moved frequently and used sparingly to avoid habituation by birds and wildlife. Also, to avoid habituation, other harassment techniques such as pyrotechnics and depredation may be used to enhance the effectiveness of the cannons.

Cannons must be maintained to keep operational.

Computer controlled cannon systems, known as “SCAREWARS”, should not be procured by installation Air Operations departments due to significant Information Assurance security protocols and certification costs.

5.2.5 Falconry

The use of falconers as a harassment technique can be an effective tool for bird dispersal in the airfield environment. A falconry program is effective when the bird species being dispersed are prey species of falcons (or other raptors) and therefore, have an innate predator response to a flying falcon (or other raptor). Ideally, using falcon (or other raptors) endemic to a region and for prey species that are a typical food source of these species increases the efficacy of the falconer for dispersing hazardous species. Typical target hazardous bird species for the falconry program are pigeons, doves, gulls, terns, shorebirds and smaller waterfowl. The WHA and/or bird strike data for an installation may indicate if a falconry program should be considered and if the program would be an effective tool. Prior to implementation of a falconry program it is recommended that a trial demonstration occurs to demonstrate effectiveness since these programs are expensive requiring full-time personnel, and on site facilities.

5.2.6 Dogs

Dogs are an effective harassment technique for many species of birds. Typical target hazardous birds for a dog program are ground feeding species especially those that feed in flocks such as geese, gulls, pigeons, shorebirds, and others. The WHA and/or bird strike data for an installation may indicate if a dog program should be considered and if the program would be an effective tool. Prior to implementation of a dog program it is recommended that a trial demonstration occurs to demonstrate effectiveness since these programs are expensive requiring full-time personnel, and on site facilities.

5.2.7 Radio-controlled Scale Models

The use of radio-controlled scale model aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, and boats has proved successful in harassing and dispersing birds. Typical target hazardous birds for radio-controlled units are most species since these tools are loud and can be run directly at a bird in the air, on a perch, on the ground, or in the water. This may be especially helpful for birds or wildlife in difficult to reach locations. Approval should be obtained prior to any use of radio-controlled units since they may be subject to Information Assurance concerns noted in 5.2.4 or Navy unmanned aerial vehicle guidelines.

5.2.8 All-terrain Vehicles

The use of all-terrain vehicles is a successful tool for harassing and dispersing birds. Due to the many diverse habitats found on a military airfield, the use of an all-terrain vehicle may prove invaluable for accessing all areas of the airport for the control of birds and wildlife. Typical target hazardous birds for radio-controlled units are most species that are on or near the ground since these tools are loud and can be run directly at a bird on a perch or on the ground. Proper training is required to drive in an airfield environment.

5.2.9 Effigies

The use of effigies to scare birds away from roosting and perching areas has proven highly successful in certain situations, especially to dissuade certain species from using a particular space. Effigies are fresh dead birds, taxidermy birds, or replicas that are hung in a “distressed” position in problem areas. Successful effigy programs have included species such as gulls, crows, and vultures.

5.2.10 Non-lethal Trapping and Relocation

The active controls described above are effective tools to harass and disperse a variety of hazardous species of birds and wildlife. At times however, certain types of birds and wildlife

(such as raptors, Endangered Species Act (ESA)-protected species, waterfowl, mammals, sea birds, etc.) may persist in the airfield environment and require non-lethal trapping and relocation as the most effective (or regulatory compliant) techniques for removal. A Federal Depredation

Permit, coordinated by the Natural Resources Manager (NRM) and authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is required before the trapping and relocation of any protected bird species. All bird species in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty

Act (MBTA) except the Rock Pigeon, European Starling, and House Sparrow. Additional bird

(and wildlife) protections are afforded by the ESA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

(BGEPA), therefore, no federally-listed threatened or endangered species, or Bald or Golden

Eagles are authorized for trapping and relocation without federal permitting specific to these species.

5.2.11 Depredation

Most of the harassment techniques described above are effective tools to harass and disperse a variety of hazardous species of birds and wildlife. At times however, certain types of birds and wildlife (such as raptors, ESA-protected species, waterfowl, mammals, sea birds, etc.) may persist in an airfield environment. In such cases, non-lethal trapping and removal or depredation may be required. Periodic depredation can also enhance other techniques by reinforcing the danger of using the airfield environment to those individual birds not lethally taken. A Federal

Depredation Permit, coordinated by the NRM and authorized by USFWS, is required before the depredation of any protected bird species. All bird species in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) except the Rock Pigeon, European Starling, and

House Sparrow. Additional bird (and wildlife) protections are afforded by the ESA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). The application for a depredation permit is a

USFWS Form 3-200-13 and must be accompanied by information requested by the USFWS information sheet 50 CFR 21.41. A State Depredation Permit may also be required for the depredation of a certain state-protected species. Depredation permits are coordinated by installation environmental departments with USFWS and issued with specific conditions for a specified period of time. A permit typically specifies the numbers of birds that can be depredated during a specified period of time and the methods to be used. A copy of the State and/or Federal Depredation Permit must be carried by the individual exercising the depredation activities. Military personnel will not be assigned the duty of depredation using firearms. This responsibility will be limited to those fully educated in approved IWDM practices and permits, and properly trained and certified in weapons storage, handling, and usage. This is typically the

USDA biologist assigned to the airfield but may also include Natural Resources personnel. An approved arms, ammunition and equipment (AA&E) storage container should be located in or near assigned work spaces for USDA or other personnel authorized to perform bird and wildlife depredation on the airfield in support of BASH efforts.

5.2.11.1 Emergency Depredation Permits

The USFWS may add an additional emergency depredation clause to Depredation Permits for some airfields with specific safety circumstances. This clause allows airfields to depredate, capture or relocate up to ten (10) migratory birds on an emergency basis. An emergency is defined as an immediate danger to public safety and/or immediate hazard to aircraft. Any emergency activity must be reported to the Depredation Permit issuing office (usually by Natural

Resources) within 24 hours. This emergency clause is only approved in certain regions of the country, so contact the Depredation Permit issuing office before engaging in this activity.

5.2.12 New or Improving Technologies

Many new or improved technologies are being introduced and marketed to the BASH community. Many of these technologies may prove effective as tools for BASH management such as bird-imitating drones, airfield-based sound deterrents, aircraft-based sound deterrents, laser…