The City of Des Moines, Washington, formally requests that the Port of Seattle reject the Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the Sea-Tac Airport Flight Corridor Management Program, arguing that it fails to adequately assess impacts on the city's tree canopy and urban forest. City Manager Katherine Caffrey urges the Port to instead conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) examining tree removal, urban heat, air quality, stormwater, and habitat effects. The letter emphasizes that Des Moines residents already face disproportionate noise and health burdens from airport traffic, making tree canopy preservation especially critical to their wellbeing.Open full document
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City Manager Katherine Caffrey writes to Port of Seattle leadership opposing the Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Flight Corridor Management Program. The letter argues that the DNS inadequately analyzes impacts on Des Moines’ tree canopy and urban forest resources, and requests a full Environmental Impact Statement. The City emphasizes that Des Moines residents already bear disproportionate health and noise burdens from air traffic and rely on tree cover to mitigate these impacts.
