April 23, 2001August 2, 2026

Exhibit 2209: Email and Photos — Mitigation Planning in Auburn, STIA Master Plan Update Improvements

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Email from Jim Kelley (Parametrix, Inc.) to klw@shanwil.com dated April 23, 2001, regarding wetland mitigation planning for the Auburn mitigation site associated with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Master Plan Update Improvements. Kelley discusses shrub and emergent plant community design, water level management between 41 and 42 feet, planting elevations to out-compete blackberry and reed canary grass, and attaches photos of model wetland sites. Attachment titled ‘Examples of Shrub and Emergent Plant Communities Similar to Those Planned for the Auburn Mitigation Site’ (April 23, 2001) includes Figures 1–3 showing flooded shrub communities, seasonal flooding of 0–15 inches, and waterfowl and great blue heron habitat. ECY document numbers ECY00022075–ECY00022077, AR 034806–034808.

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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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