In fall 2018, Congress passed a new FAA reauthorization bill containing several provisions aimed at addressing airplane noise and air quality concerns, many of which are directly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport. Key measures include deadlines for evaluating alternatives to the current noise standard (DNL 65), studies on health impacts of aircraft noise in Seattle and other major cities, and requirements for the FAA to consider spreading out flight paths over noise-sensitive areas. Additional legislation proposed by U.S. Representative Adam Smith would address ultrafine particle emissions, formally designate aviation-impacted communities, and fund secondary noise insulation for homes where initial soundproofing has failed.Open full document
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A Port of Seattle summary of noise and air quality provisions in the 2018 FAA reauthorization bill, highlighting sections most relevant to Sea-Tac Airport. The document also covers two airplane noise and emissions bills proposed by U.S. Representative Adam Smith, with a third under consideration for 2019.