DEQ Affirms Bikers Are Causing Environmental Damage on Airport Property
In a letter to RDU, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality acknowledges that the illegal trails built by bikers on airport property have caused in damage to the Neuse River Basin buffers.
Bikers continue to ignore “No Trespassing” signs on airport land, building and using the illegal trails that damage the environment and create a significant liability for the airport.
According to the letter, DEQ conducted a site visit in September 2019 and identified various impacts to steam buffers. The agency recognizes the illegal activity on airport property and the resulting environmental damage.
RDU is having discussions with third parties about its proposal to lease 151 acres of airport property for mountain biking. The option of a recreational lease was initially included in RDU’s Vision 2040 master plan. Any lease agreement will require the third party to receive environmental permits from state regulators to construct bike trails on airport property.
DEQ recommends in the letter that RDU continue those conversations and seek a solution that will allow the long-term environmental impacts to be addressed and resolved.