Hyde Park Irrigation Company briefs board on enclosing canal to reduce waterfowl hazard

Mark Hurd, representing the Hyde Park Irrigation Company, told the authority that a canal channel crosses the airport property and that enclosing portions of the canal could reduce standing water and attractants for waterfowl. He said an 11-year-old drainage study exists but that updated engineering would be required to specify capacities and costs for enclosing the canal; he estimated current capacity under the runway at roughly 25–35 CFS.

Board members and staff discussed that enclosing canal sections could reduce wildlife hazards — the airport’s wildlife hazardous plan recommends addressing standing water within five miles — but that the work may trigger wetlands mitigation and would be expensive. Staff noted the FAA is aware of the transfer of city interest and that FAA funding typically covers only areas already part of the safety area or object-free areas, meaning the FAA may only pay for work within those bounds.

Board members asked Hurd and staff to return with aerial diagrams, current capacity estimates, phasing options and rough financials so the authority can prioritize areas that provide the greatest risk reduction for the least cost. The canal representative said the canal company’s role would likely be to sign off on proposed work and possibly share a small portion of costs but that property owners would be responsible for most construction costs.

Why it matters: Waterfowl and other wildlife on airport property present a safety hazard to aircraft. Enclosing channels could reduce that hazard but may raise environmental permitting and funding questions. The authority requested additional technical detail before committing to a project.

The board asked staff and the canal company to continue coordination and to provide more detailed maps and cost estimates at a future meeting.