Problem Solvers Part 2: Lead concerns rise near Bend Airport as some aircraft still use leaded fuel

(Jillian Fortner has a full report tonight)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Many small aircraft still use a type of aviation gasoline that contains lead, and that’s raising concerns for some people living near the Bend Airport.

“I had no idea that they were still using leaded fuel,” said Ken Saurbier, a Northeast Bend resident.

Saurbier said he first started digging into the issue while researching aircraft noise near his home.

Leaded gasoline was banned for cars nearly three decades ago, so why do some aircraft still use it?

KTVZ spoke with Leading Edge Flight Academy, which said it understands the concerns, but switching fuels is complicated.

“We really don’t have a viable alternative at this point,” said Travis Warthen, President of Leading Edge Flight Academy.

Fuel companies are working to develop unleaded alternatives, but replacements must be tested and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration before it can be used nationwide.

“That process is complicated and it takes time,” Warthen said. “It could be a couple of years.”

Local climate advocacy group 350 Deschutes said aviation fuel remains a significant source of lead pollution and that even low levels of exposure can pose risks.

“The neurotoxin lead affects IQ, learning, and behavioral problems,” said Amy Thomas, Executive Director of 350 Deschutes. “It can impact reading ability and cognition, increase cardiovascular risks later in life, and lead to higher rates of ADHD in both children and adults.”

The group also said cost remains a major barrier, adding incentives and funding will be key to speeding up the transition.

“It would be important to have funding, whether that’s grant funding or nonprofit funding, to allow the airport to make that transition,” Thomas said. “Oftentimes we want change, but we have to understand change is expensive.”

The FAA told the Problem Solvers it is working toward a solution through its EAGLE initiative. The program’s goal is to safely eliminate leaded aviation fuel by the end of 2030.

Catch the full Problem Solver report tonight on KTVZ News.

And if you missed Part 1 of our “Frequent Flying” series, you can watch it here.