CHAPTER 2. SITE SELECTION

CHAPTER 2. SITE SELECTION

1. 
   OBJECTIVE. The primary objective for siting an ARFF station is that a site (or sites) be located to meet, or exceed, FAR Part 139.319 ARFF vehicle response time requirements for certification purposes.
   
2. 
   RESPONSE TIME ANALYSIS. During the planning phase a qualified team will undertake a comprehensive analysis to determine which potential sites not only comply with FAR Part 139.319, but can provide the fastest response time. Because of their superior accuracy, the use of computer models is greatly encouraged. There are a number of computer software programs available that can be used for a response time analysis. The method used in the past, involving a simple mathematical approach and ruler, is not totally reliable. For example, in a straight run ARFF apparatus may attain speeds of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour or more. However, the use of only a mathematical approach does not provide a means to reflect deceleration distance at that speed when approaching the scene.
   

Another important step to utilize in this analysis is calibration, where the speed for each link is adjusted to accurately reflect actual speeds by type of apparatus, by route, by sharp turns and straight runs. Actual time trials can be used as well; however, these should be kept to a minimum to mitigate wear and tear on the ARFF vehicles.

A key aspect of this analysis includes the turn-out time (activation time) from when the alarm is struck to when the first ARFF apparatus begins to move. The time for this phase should come from the ARFF department and should be added to the travel time for a total response time.

These computer programs can produce accurate colored graphics for each site being considered and by specific route.

3. 
   SITE SELECTION PARAMETERS. The analysis of each candidate site for a new ARFF station involves a number of parameters that need to be addressed, recognizing that these can vary from airport to airport. These parameters are in addition to the response time analysis.
   
   1. 
      Operational Factors. The site should allow for:
      
      1. 
         Immediate, straight access to the airfield network.
         
      2. 
         Unimpeded access routes with a minimum of turns to the airfield network and aircraft aprons.
         
      3. 
         Direct access to the terminal aprons minimizing the crossing of active runways, taxiways, or difficult terrain. This parameter is critical because of the need for a timely safe response to emergencies on the ramps, aprons, or terminal areas. Response routes that do not require ARFF vehicles to enter the aircraft movement area will reduce the risk of airfield incursions.
         
      4. 
         Non-interference with the air traffic control tower's (ATCT) line of sight.
         
      5. 
         Maximum surveillance of the airfield.
         
      6. 
         Adherence to the Building Restriction Line (BRL) as determined using AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design.
         
      7. 
         Future expansion of the ARFF station without:
         
         1. 
            Limiting or reducing airport surveillance.
            
         2. 
            Blocking fire traffic lanes.
            
         3. 
            Impacting adjacent roads, buildings, aircraft pavement and parking areas, and ATCT's line of sight unless the structure or paved area is to be eliminated for other reasons.
            
         4. 
            Requiring significant structural changes to the ARFF station itself.
            
      8. 
         Planned airfield improvements that will not create emergency response runs that will negatively impact FAR Part 139 response time requirements. However, in this event, an additional (satellite) ARFF station(s) may provide an alternative.
         
      9. 
         Non-interference by ARFF vehicles or the ARFF station’s communications equipment or with navigational facilities.
         
      10. 
          Close proximity to a rescue boat launch facility for those airports with an aircraft water rescue program. This need is particularly important if the rescue boat is stored at the ARFF station, thus requiring a tow for launching.
          
      11. 
          Adherence to FAR Part 77.25, Civil Airport Imaginary Surfaces.
          
      12. 
          Minimum obstructions or interference from existing facilities or uses such as:
          
          1. 
             Access roads.
             
          2. 
             Aircraft fuel storage areas.
             
          3. 
             Aircraft taxiing operations or parking areas.
             
      13. 
          Ease of connection to and integration with the airport’s security system.
          
   2. 
      Site Size. The site should allow for:
      
      1. 
         The accommodation of the ARFF station and future expansion(s) such as increasing the apparatus bays for larger ARFF apparatus or an increase in ARFF Index (as defined in FAR Part 139, Sub-part D) and/or personnel requiring larger living quarters, employee parking, etc.
         
      2. 
         Exterior amenities, such as employee parking, exterior patio, and ARFF vehicle resupply (water and/or foam) operation and servicing area.
         
      3. 
         ARFF apparatus apron to accommodate the largest current or anticipated vehicle.
         
      4. 
         Removal of trash.
         
   3. 
      Proximity to Utilities and Roads. The site should offer reasonable access to:
      
      1. 
         Electrical power and, if any, alternate energy sources, e.g., gas.
         
      2. 
         Essential communication and telecommunication networks, including proximity to fiber optic and copper network backbones. This is particularly critical for the ARFF station’s security design components and integration with the airport’s security system.
         
      3. 
         Existing and future airport access and airfield service roads.
         
      4. 
         Existing and future water supply system and sanitary sewer hookups.
         
   4. 
      Topography and Station Orientation.
      
      1. 
         A level site is preferred, however, an irregular un-level site can at times be used if it is superior in other aspects (response times, etc.) and construction costs are reasonable.
         
      2. 
         Proper station orientation can help to reduce yearly energy operating costs by moderating the effects of the wind and the sun's rays. The design team should strive to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (http://www.usgbc.org/), which is a voluntary national standard for designing high-performance and sustainable buildings.
         
      3. 
         Proper station orientation can help to mitigate exterior noise levels and associated costs for acoustical treatment.
         
      4. 
         The primary objective in locating and orienting an ARFF station is “to provide a timely response, protect life and property, and minimize the effects of an aircraft accident or incident or catastrophic event occurring primarily on airport property.” (See Scope 1.2.) The factors identified in 2.3 Site Selection A through C should be the operational priorities of the Site Selection phase. Section D provides important considerations but must be evaluated carefully against any impact with critical operational and performance issues that might add delays in response, compromise safety or affect any mission critical objectives.
         
4. 
   OTHER PLANNING TOOLS. A good planning tool that can be used to assist airport operators and their design team in the siting for a new ARFF station is an FAA document entitled Location of Commercial Aircraft Accidents and Incidents Relative to Runways, dated 1 July 1990.
   

Figure 1 shows that a large number of aircraft accidents and incidents occurred on or within the runway regime. The more serious accidents, in terms of casualties and severity of the event, occurred in or beyond the runways and safety areas. NOTE: Users of this information are cautioned that it not be interpreted in any other fashion than for airport planning purposes.