Airports are among the most complex and dynamic infrastructures in the world. From fueling operations to wastewater management, these self-contained hubs operate like small cities—handling thousands of daily vehicle movements, large quantities of jet A-1 fuel, and continuous surface runoff. In such demanding environments, even small leaks can lead to contamination of local water systems, creating both environmental and reputational risks.
At Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, proactive environmental protection measures have become a key operational priority. Both airports have implemented advanced oil spill detection systems to monitor potential leaks from fuel storage and ground operations in real time.
The Environmental Challenge of Jet Fuel Management
Airports typically feature fuel tank farms surrounded by bunds that collect rainwater, along with discharge water from runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings. This water is often channeled into municipal wastewater networks, meaning any contamination has the potential to spread beyond airport grounds and into local waterways.
Runoff water can easily pick up hydrocarbon contaminants during aircraft refueling, maintenance, or fueling truck operations. Without early detection systems, these leaks can remain unnoticed until significant pollution occurs. The economic and environmental impact of such an incident can be substantial—ranging from fuel loss and cleanup costs to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
For airports, particularly those in coastal or tropical regions, the risk is amplified by their proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and marine habitats.
The ROW Solution: Real-Time Oil Detection for Airport Safety
To address these challenges, Laser Diagnostic Instruments (LDI) developed the ROW (Remote Optical Watcher)—a non-contact, real-time oil spill detector based on UV fluorescence technology.
The Light Fraction ROW O-4501 series, specifically designed for jet fuel and kerosene detection, offers 10 times higher sensitivity than standard oil detectors. It can identify oil films as thin as 1 µm, providing instant alerts before leaks become environmental hazards.
This technology has already been deployed in military airbases in Norway and Italy, where jet-A fuel storage facilities are located near marine environments. Following the success of these early installations, airports such as Guanacaste International (LIR), San José (SJO), Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) adopted the system to strengthen their environmental monitoring and compliance efforts.
Why ROW Is the Ideal Solution for Airports
LDI’s ROW sensors offer multiple advantages that make them particularly suitable for airport applications:
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High sensitivity for light fuels: Optimized for volatile hydrocarbons such as kerosene and jet A-1.
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Real-time alerts: Automatic notifications via SMS and email for rapid incident response.
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IP68-rated durability: Designed to withstand weather extremes and continuous outdoor exposure.
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Wireless, off-grid installation: Easy deployment without complex wiring or infrastructure changes.
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Data logging and integration: Seamless connectivity with SCADA or other telemetry systems for centralized monitoring.
With these features, ROW enables airports to detect, contain, and respond to spills faster, ensuring that contaminated runoff never reaches municipal or natural water systems.
A Growing Global Standard in Aviation Environmental Safety
As global air traffic continues to rise, airports are under increasing pressure to comply with environmental regulations and sustainability targets. Implementing advanced oil spill detection technology is now a fundamental part of environmental responsibility in aviation.
By combining high sensitivity, autonomous operation, and adaptability to diverse conditions, ROW supports airports in maintaining operational safety while protecting surrounding ecosystems. Its proven track record across multiple continents underscores its reliability and value in the aviation sector.
For more information on how ROW technology supports environmental protection across industries, visit our ROW Oil Spill Detector product page or explore our case studies.