Category : Key Documents(100)

In September 2012, the Port of Seattle Commission considered a $6 million request to create a new Sustainability Master Plan (SMP) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, replacing an outdated 15-year-old plan. The update was driven by nearly 50% passenger growth since the last plan, rising capacity pressures on roadways, terminals, and taxiways, and the need to meet FAA requirements for federal grants and environmental permits. The SMP aimed to guide long-term airport development through 2015, balancing future growth with sustainability goals within the airport's existing footprint.

This 2009 research report examines how aircraft emissions affect local and regional air quality across the United States, including public health impacts near major airports. It analyzes baseline emissions inventories, the relationship between airport delays and increased fuel burn and pollution, and evaluates strategies such as continuous descent arrivals and schedule de-peaking to reduce emissions. The findings are intended to inform aviation environmental policy and air traffic efficiency improvements.

FAA Order 5050.4B, effective April 28, 2006, provides the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Airports with instructions for evaluating the environmental impacts of major federal actions at public-use airports, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It updates and replaces the previous Order 5050.4A ('Airports Environmental Handbook'), which had been in use for over 20 years. The order covers processes for analyzing environmental effects, including noise impacts, associated with airport development actions such as runway extensions and other airport improvements.

Legal counsel James L. Brewer analyzes King County’s jurisdictional authority regarding a proposed fill material conveyor belt operation at Des Moines Beach Park. The memo examines property interests, covenants requiring park use only, and concludes the proposed 30-month project would be inconsistent with park purposes due to significant disruption.

A financial analysis report prepared by Economic Consulting Services for the City of Burien regarding the redevelopment of the Northeast Burien Special Plan Area. The report was completed in May 2002 and includes economic analysis and consulting services for the redevelopment project.

The City of SeaTac conducted an environmental review of the Des Moines Creek Basin Restoration Projects, a multi-agency effort involving the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines, the Port of Seattle, and King County. The project aims to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and restore fish habitat along Des Moines Creek by building a new detention facility, installing a high-flow bypass pipe, and maintaining low-flow water levels during dry summer months. The city's staff determined that the project does not require a full Environmental Impact Statement, as it is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the environment.

In May 2000, the FAA issued a final rule updating the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program, allowing airports to increase per-passenger fees from a maximum of $3 to up to $4.50, as authorized by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21). The updated rules set eligibility requirements for projects funded at the higher fee levels, including a requirement that projects at medium and large hub airports make a significant contribution to goals such as reducing aviation noise impacts on nearby communities. Airports seeking the higher PFC levels must also demonstrate that proposed projects cannot be adequately funded through the existing Airport Improvement Program.

In March 1996, an Expert Arbitration Panel reviewed whether the Port of Seattle had met noise reduction requirements set by the Puget Sound Regional Council as a condition for approving a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. A majority of the Panel concluded that, despite the Port's extensive noise abatement programs, it had not demonstrated a sufficient reduction in real, on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy Resolution A-93-03. This decision left the noise condition as the sole remaining hurdle for authorizing the third runway's construction.