Notes
Formal SEPA comment filed 2026-05-28 by Jeffrey Bogen, Des Moines resident, challenging the Seattle-Area Metroplex (SAMP) Draft Environmental Impact Statement noise analysis as legally insufficient under WAC 197-11-794. Argues the Port Of Seattle improperly imported the FAA’s 1.5 dB/65 DNL significance threshold wholesale from NEPA, substituting it for Washington’s required multi-factor significance standard covering magnitude, population affected, probability, and reversibility. Documents that the Proposed Action will add approximately 35,000 annual aircraft operations (96 flights/day) above the No Action Alternative by 2037, impacts invisible to DNL averaging. Demands supplemental analysis using SEL, LAS,max, N-above thresholds (N60, N65), and WHO Lnight metrics. Cites Basner et al. (2023) FAA National Sleep Study, Basner et al. (2019) Philadelphia Pilot Study, Basner et al. (2020) Atlanta Pilot Study, WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines (2018) recommending Lnight < 40 dB, Neimann et al. (2013) European Heart Journal endothelial function study, and Baczalska et al. (2022) Frontiers in Public Health cardiovascular review. Identifies impacts on communities in Des Moines, Burien, and SeaTac.