The number of dangerous bird concentrations near airfields has decreased in Russia

In Russia, the number of dangerous bird concentrations near airfields has decreased. This was reported to Izvestia on October 20 by the Russian Environmental Operator (REO).

"Large-scale ornithological surveys are continuing at municipal solid waste (MSW) management facilities located near airfields. Their goal is to identify potentially dangerous bird clusters and identify measures to prevent their occurrence. Inspections have been completed at 151 test sites, of which 134 have received positive conclusions, and 15 have received negative ones. At the same time, the number of polygons with negative conclusions is decreasing: in August there were 24 of them," the REO said.

The main reasons for the negative results are the availability of an affordable food supply for birds and insufficient protection measures for facilities, the REO explained. This means that birds have access to organic waste and perceive it as food.

"We are checking all enterprises located within a radius of 15 km from the runways - this is the so—called sixth subzone of the airfield territory. The mass accumulation of birds near landfills or waste treatment complexes poses not only an environmental, but also a sanitary threat. Ornithological surveys make it possible to identify risks and take timely measures to improve safety," said Denis Butsaev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of Russia.

Polygons that have received negative conclusions are required to eliminate violations within six months and undergo a re-examination. The control over the fulfillment of the requirements is carried out by the Transport Prosecutor's Office. A total of 165 facilities in 62 regions are to be examined, the REO concluded.

Earlier, on August 14, it was reported that mass inspections of municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities located near airfields had been launched in Russia. Such surveys are necessary in order to determine if there are potentially dangerous concentrations of birds nearby and what measures need to be taken to avoid them.

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