PCHB079002457

PCHBPollution Control Hearings Board of the State of Washington

The third runway and related MPU projects are the most carefully planned, analyzed and mitigated public transportation projects ever proposed in Washington. For the 401water quality certification (401) that is the subject of this appeal, Ecology has required an unprecedented package of sophisticated mitigation measures. This package includes extensive mitigation for impacts to wetlands, including the creation, restoration and enhancement of over 60 acres of new wetlands; retrofit of the entire existing storm water detention system at STIA to current standards; an on-going monitoring and adaptive management program; adoption of stringent fill criteria; and implementation of a sophisticated low flow mitigation plan to address summer low flows in neighboring creeks. 11. BACKGROUND The Port of Seattle (Port) urges the Board to affirm the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) conclusion that reasonable assurance exists that construction of the third runway and associated improvements (Master Plan Update Improvements, or MPU) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) will not violate state water quality standards or other applicable legal requirements. Appellant ACC is composed of five small cities and a school district located near the airport. The City of SeaTac, the community that would be most affected by new development at the airport, is not a party to this appeal and does not oppose the MPU projects. ACC raises questions about some of the specifics of the mitigation and monitoring plans, but fails to carry its burden of proof to show that there is not "reasonable assurance" that water quality standards will be met. Because ACC…
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