De-icing is not illegal, but it is having a devastating effect on the water system when chemical run-off from the de-icing process enters the water turning it orange, reducing oxygen levels and killing aquatic life.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed regulations requiring airports to capture at least some of the de-icing fluid after it is used to rid planes of ice and snow thereby reducing the chemical discharge by 22%.
Under the EPA's proposed regulations major airports would have to install de-icing ‘pads’ or other collection systems to contain 60% of fluid sprayed and then make sure the collected liquid was treated to remove toxins.