In a March 10, 2020 letter to Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta, FAA Regional Administrator David C. Suomi explained that an Environmental Assessment (EA) — not a full Environmental Impact Statement — is the appropriate level of review for Sea-Tac Airport's Near Term Projects (NTP), which are designed to meet projected demand through 2027. The EA will evaluate all resource categories and cumulative impacts from past, present, and foreseeable projects on and near the airport. The FAA noted that preparing an EA does not rule out a future Environmental Impact Statement if significant impacts are identified.Open full document
Notes
FAA Regional Administrator David C. Suomi responds to Mayor Jimmy Matta’s letter expressing concern about the level of environmental analysis for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The letter clarifies that the current Environmental Assessment (EA) covers only Near Term Projects (NTP) through 2027, not the entire SAMP. It explains that the FAA may ultimately issue a FONSI or determine the need to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement.