Aviation is probably one of the safest modes of mass transportation, but what happens when bird collisions threaten this safety? How do nearby water surfaces affect Airspace Safety when they attract wildlife and waterfowl seeking habitat? Water plants and algae infest the water bodies making the water unusable at times of emergency. All this impacts airport Health, Safety, and the Environment. How can these effects be mitigated? The answer is simple: ShadBall (BirdBalls).

Why do birds pose such a challenge at airports?

The open water surfaces near airports attract birds for many reasons - from simple thirst to breeding opportunities. This not only endangers flight safety but can also lead to flight delays, significant damage to aircraft, and, consequently, significant financial losses on all sides.

Why are water reservoirs so attractive to birds?

Open water surfaces attract birds with many opportunities for feeding, drinking, and nesting. This is why a lake or reservoir near an airport can easily become an ideal destination for birds in search of a habitat. This can be especially dangerous with larger bird species, such as geese, ducks, gulls, or herons, as they pose a serious risk to pilots, damaging aircraft engines or structural components during a bird strike.

By deploying Shade Balls, these water surfaces become camouflaged and practically "invisible” to waterfowl seeking new habitats. The balls are proven to deter animals, forcing them to relocate to more natural environments away from the airport. This solution not only benefits airports but also ensures the safety of the animals themselves.

Shade Balls: Preventing the Formation of Artificial Bird Habitats

Shade Balls offer an effective solution to prevent the development of these artificial habitats. As the reservoir transforms into a reed-covered area, it slowly creates an ideal environment for birds to live. By covering the water surface, shade balls prevent the growth of these invasive plants and algae. Camouflaging the area while keeping the water crystal clear.

This will not only drastically decrease the frequency/risk of bird strikes but also help maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem around the airport, encouraging birds to relocate to their natural habitats.

Are ShadeBalls (BirdBalls) limited to only this advantage?

Beyond keeping birds away, the use of shade balls offers numerous additional benefits:

1. Preservation of Water Quality

ShadeBalls prevent the water from becoming algae-infested by significantly reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the surface. As a result, algae and other aquatic plants are less likely to proliferate, keeping the water cleaner and reducing maintenance requirements. This is particularly important for facilities like firewater reservoirs, where water quality is crucial. What's more, lowering CO2 emissions by keeping the filters clean when pumping the water.

2. Reducing Evaporation

Shade balls can reduce water evaporation by 85-90%; a valuable resource during increasingly frequent dry periods. This means less need for continuous water replenishment, saving both time and effort. This way the reservoirs are always ready and clean.

3. Minimizing Maintenance

Shade balls move with the water level, so they can conveniently cover the surface without requiring regular maintenance. This makes them a time and cost-effective solution while being highly durable. The balls easily withstand extreme weather conditions such as 150km/h strong winds, heavy rain, and intense sunlight. Their reliability provides lasting protection for up to 30 years, where effective water surface management is crucial.

4. Environmental Sustainability

ShadeBalls do not harm birds; they simply redirect them to safer habitats. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative to commonly used methods such as sound cannons, lasers, or deploying predatory birds.

Shade balls also play a key role in environmental sustainability by protecting the ecological balance of the water itself and the material is 8-10x recyclable.

In conclusion

ShadeBalls (BirdBalls) offers an innovative solution as they simultaneously reduce the risk of bird strikes, improve water quality, minimize evaporation, and sustainably protect the environment.

Moreover, simple balls contribute to enhancing airspace safety, reducing financial damage, and significant savings, while also supporting environmental goals.

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