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These excerpts taken from the DAL 10-K filed Mar 2, 2009. Environmental Matters The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 recognizes the rights of operators of airports with noise problems to implement local noise abatement programs so long as such programs do not interfere unreasonably with interstate or foreign commerce or the national air transportation system. This statute generally provides that
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementslocal noise restrictions on Stage 3 aircraft first effective after October 1, 1990, require FAA approval. While we have had sufficient scheduling flexibility to accommodate local noise restrictions in the past, our operations could be adversely impacted if locally-imposed regulations become more restrictive or widespread. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) is authorized to regulate aircraft emissions and has historically implemented emissions control standards previously adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Our aircraft comply with the existing EPA standards as applicable by engine design date. ICAO has adopted additional aircraft engine emissions standards applicable to engines certified after December 31, 2007, but the EPA has not yet proposed a rule that incorporates these new ICAO standards. Concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation of aircraft emissions in the U.S. and abroad. We may become subject to taxes, charges or additional requirements to obtain permits for greenhouse gas emissions. In July 2008, the European Union approved legislation to include aviation in their emissions trading system (ETS). Beginning in 2012, any airline with flights originating or landing in the European Union will be subject to the ETS and will be required to buy a permit for its greenhouse gas emissions. We expect that such a system will impose significant costs on our operations in the European Union. Similar cap and trade restrictions are being proposed in the United States. In the event that U.S. legislation or regulation is enacted or in the event similar legislation or regulation is enacted in other jurisdictions where we operate or where we may operate in the future, it could result in significant costs for us and the airline industry. At this time, we cannot predict whether any such legislation or regulation would apportion costs between one or more jurisdictions in which we operate flights, which could result in multiple taxation or permitting requirements from multiple jurisdictions. Certain credits may be available to reduce the costs of permits in order to mitigate the impact of such regulations on consumers. At this time, we cannot predict whether we or the aviation industry in general will have access to offsets or credits. We are carefully monitoring and evaluating the potential impact of such legislative and regulatory developments. We have been identified by the EPA as a potentially responsible party (a PRP) with respect to certain Superfund Sites, and have entered into consent decrees regarding some of these sites. Our alleged disposal volume at each of these sites is small when compared to the total contributions of all PRPs at each site and liability at many of these sites has been resolved through our Chapter 11 proceedings. We are aware of soil and/or ground water contamination present on our current or former leaseholds at several domestic airports. To address this contamination, we have a program in place to investigate and, if appropriate, remediate these sites. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We are also subject to various other federal, state and local laws governing environmental matters, including the management and disposal of chemicals, waste and hazardous materials, protection of surface and subsurface waters, and regulation of air emissions and drinking water. Environmental Matters FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 recognizes the rights of operators of airports with noise problems to implement local noise abatement programs so long as such programs do not interfere unreasonably with
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control standards previously adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Our aircraft comply with the existing EPA standards as applicable by engine design date. ICAO has adopted additional aircraft engine emissions standards applicable to engines certified after December 31, 2007, but the EPA has not yet proposed a rule that incorporates these new ICAO standards. FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation of aircraft emissions in the U.S. and abroad. We may become subject to taxes, charges or additional requirements to obtain permits consent decrees regarding some of these sites. Our alleged disposal volume at each of these sites is small when compared to the total contributions of all PRPs at each site and liability at many of these sites has been resolved through our Chapter 11 proceedings. We are aware of soil and/or ground water contamination present on our current or former leaseholds at several domestic airports. To address this contamination, we have a program in place to investigate and, if appropriate, remediate these sites. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">We are also subject to various other federal, state and local laws governing environmental matters, including the management and disposal of chemicals, waste and hazardous materials, protection of surface and subsurface waters, and regulation of air emissions and drinking water. SIZE="2">Civil Reserve Air Fleet Program We participate in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program (the CRAF
9 Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe CRAF Program has only been activated twice, both times at the Stage I level, since it was created in This excerpt taken from the DAL 10-K filed Feb 15, 2008. Environmental Matters The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 recognizes the rights of operators of airports with noise problems to implement local noise abatement programs so long as such programs do not interfere unreasonably with interstate or foreign commerce or the national air transportation system. This statute generally provides that local noise restrictions on Stage 3 aircraft first effective after October 1, 1990, require FAA approval. While we have had sufficient scheduling flexibility to accommodate local noise restrictions in the past, our operations could be adversely impacted if locally-imposed regulations become more restrictive or widespread. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) is authorized to regulate aircraft emissions and has historically implemented emissions control standards previously adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Our aircraft comply with the existing EPA standards as applicable by engine design date. ICAO has adopted additional aircraft engine emissions standards applicable to engines certified after December 31, 2007, but the EPA has not yet proposed a rule that incorporates these new ICAO standards. We are also subject to various other federal, state and local laws governing environmental matters, including the management and disposal of chemicals, waste and hazardous materials, protection of surface and subsurface waters, and regulation of air emissions and drinking water. Concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation of aircraft emissions in the U.S. and abroad. We are carefully monitoring and evaluating the potential impact of such regulatory developments. Regulation of greenhouse gases could result in significant costs for us and the airline industry. We have been identified by the EPA as a potentially responsible party (a PRP) with respect to certain Superfund Sites, and have entered into consent decrees regarding some of these sites. Our alleged disposal volume at each of these sites is small when compared to the total contributions of all PRPs at each site and liability at many of these sites have been or will be resolved through our Chapter 11 proceedings. We are aware of soil and/or ground water contamination present on our current or former leaseholds at several domestic airports. To address this contamination, we have a program in place to investigate and, if appropriate, remediate these sites. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. | EXCERPTS ON THIS PAGE:
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