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Parametrix, Inc. summary (August 11, 1999) of key wetland findings from the Sea-Tac Runway Fill Hydrologic Studies Report (Pacific Groundwater Group 2000), prepared for the Port Of Seattle Master Plan Update Improvements JARPA review. Covers wetland delineation conservatism, limiting habitat characteristics of Miller Creek, Walker Creek, and Des Moines Creek, salmonid habitat significance, indirect embankment impacts on Wetlands 18, 36, 37, 12, 13, A5, A6, A8, delayed surface water hydrology, mitigation adequacy, Miller Creek relocation net salmonid habitat gain, and temperature effects on Miller Creek. Total wetland impact reported as 18.33 acres; 1.68 acres identified as potential secondary indirect impact. Administrative Record AR 045628–AR 045630.

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As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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