Airports are highly secure infrastructures where even the smallest environmental factors can have a major impact. One often underestimated risk factor is open firewater ponds – especially as a magnet for birds. The result: an increased risk of bird strikes , which can lead to devastating accidents. EURO-MATIC offers an effective, maintenance-free, and sustainable solution with its Bird Balls – floating cover spheres that securely and permanently seal water surfaces.
Why are open water areas a safety risk?
Water attracts birds—whether for drinking water, foraging, or bathing. Waterfowl such as geese, gulls, and ducks in particular regularly land on open bodies of water, such as fire ponds. However, these animals can quickly become a threat if they become entangled with air traffic.
According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), bird strikes are among the most frequent incidents in air traffic. Several thousand bird strikes are reported annually in Europe alone. In extreme cases – such as the well-known "Hudson River" incident (US Airways Flight 1549) – they can lead to emergency landings.
Risk area: fire water ponds
Firefighting water ponds are a mandatory feature of many international airports. They are usually large, accessible at all times, and particularly critical due to their proximity to the runway. While their technical necessity is undisputed, their openness poses an enormous potential hazard to air traffic.
Solution: Bird Balls from EURO-MATIC
Covering fire ponds with floating cover spheres – so-called bird balls – is a proven method of bird control and thus an active contribution to aviation safety. The spheres cover 91% to 99% of the water surface, making it visually and physically unattractive to birds.
- No visible water = no landing incentive for waterfowl
- Reflections and movement deter animals
- Balls automatically adjust to water level
- No maintenance, no chemical additives
Technical information
- Material: Recyclable LDPE plastic, UV-stabilized
- Diameter: 100mm or 150mm
- Temperature range: -30 °C to +80 °C
- Release: up to 10 years without maintenance
- Cover: 91% with one layer, up to 99% with two layers
Benefits for security officers
- Compliance with international safety guidelines (e.g. ICAO Annex 14)
- Visible reduction of bird populations in the vicinity of the runways
- Cost efficiency: one-time investment, no ongoing operating costs
- No permits required as with pyrotechnic bird deterrents
Important links
Practical example
Several international airports, including LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) , have been successfully using bird balls on their water reservoirs and emergency pools for years. The number of bird strikes in these water areas has been demonstrably reduced.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions from airport security officers
Will the Bird Balls be blown away in strong winds?
- No. The spheres lie close together, forming a compact, floating blanket. They remain stable – even during storms or heavy rain.
Do the balls affect the availability of fire-fighting water?
- No. The balls float freely and can be automatically pushed aside when water is drawn. They do not interfere with any technical devices or dispensing fittings.
How many balls do I need for my fire water pond?
- Approximately 1–250 balls are required for an area of 300 m². We would be happy to advise you individually on the required quantity and logistics.
Does the installation require approval?
- Not usually. It's a passive measure that doesn't involve any chemical or structural changes to the water body.
Minimize safety risks from open water areas now
As a safety officer, you are responsible for the lives of passengers and staff. Reduce the risk of bird strikes – by simply, effectively, and permanently covering open water surfaces with EURO-MATIC Bird Balls.
