Reid-Hillview, San Martin Airports Officially End Sale of Leaded AvFuel, Only UL94 From Now On

Despite the warnings, the cajoling, and the requests from a range of stakeholders, the County of Santa Clara, California, has gone ahead with its plans to end the sale of leaded fuels in their county, particularly 100LL at Reid-Hillview and San Martin airports.

The move is said by the Board of Supervisors to be solely aimed at eliminating airborne contaminants following studies that showed "elevated levels of lead attributable to aircraft activity at Reid-Hillview Airport in children living nearby." 

The San José area authorities have come a bit closer to their ultimate goal of obtaining the land occupied by their local airports, finally enjoying a measure of success after years of high-profile disputes over their continued operation. "Think of the Children!" is often a sardonically invoked argument, but it’s key to the county's commissioned study. The report said that the removal of lead's effects on local children's IQ and cognition would ultimately lead to a gain of $11 to $25 million in lifetime earnings.

The amount of lead in the environment, said the county, showed a level "double those seen during the height of the Flint Water Crisis in Michigan," according to the board. Local operators and flight schools will use up the remaining fuel on-site, and  replace the 100LL with Swift Fuels' 94 Ultra Low Lead going forward. The change will require an approved STC for aircraft prior to use, and the county has offered zero overtures to assist owners in obtaining the necessary compliance. 

“The County made a commitment to end leaded fuel sales at our airports on January 1, and that has been done,” said county executive Jeffrey V. Smith. “We are committed to the health of Santa Clara County residents and that includes taking the necessary steps to protect the communities around County airports from continued aviation lead exposure.”

FMI: www.sccgov.org