Notes
December 12, 2024 letter from the City of Des Moines to Steve Rybolt, Port of Seattle Aviation Environment and Sustainability, submitting formal comments on the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac Airport) Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Draft Environmental Assessment (EA). Raises concerns about the inadequate public comment period, aircraft noise impacts including DNL 65 dBA contour expansion, projected 20% increase in annual operations to 511,800 by 2032, a 25% increase in nighttime arrivals, and the estimated increase in population exposed to significant noise from 14,061 (2022) to nearly 22,000 (2032). Notes that most of the expanded DNL 65 dBA contour falls within Des Moines, WA. Calls for Part 150 study updates, sound insulation for eligible homes and schools, noise abatement measures, ongoing noise monitoring, and proactive collaboration between Port of Seattle and City of Des Moines. References community meeting held December 3, 2024, with approximately 90 attendees. Cites NEPA, CFR Part 150, and SAMP Draft EA Appendix A data.