As with any large transportation hub, there are ongoing environmental impact issues, namely concerning noise and air quality. The PDX Master Plan lays out a strategy for addressing these impacts in a way that goes beyond the requirements of typical airport master plans and demonstrates the Port´s commitment to progressive natural resource planning. One example is the plan´s recommendation that PDX aggressively address the impacts of aircraft noise on the local community. To do this, the Port recently built a ground run-up enclosure (GRE), shown above, to deflect noise from mandatory jet engine tests. It is one of only three GREs in the U.S.

The Port also designed and is implementing one of the most state-of-the-art glycol recovery systems in the U.S. Glycol is the agent used to deice planes before takeoff. Typically, the agent would flow untreated into the Columbia Slough adjacent to the airport. While PDX uses deicing agents in limited quantities during the year, the unmitigated flow of glycol into the Slough was deemed unacceptable. In 2003, the new recovery system was activated. The system combines sophisticated underground monitoring, metering, storage and aeration, as well as treatment by the City´s wastewater treatment plant to bring glycol discharge levels into compliance with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality´s total maximum daily load requirements for the slough.