A May 1991 Washington State Department of Ecology study, requested by state Representative Greg Fisher, identified Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as a major indirect source of air pollution, responsible for approximately 8% of carbon monoxide and 5% of nitrogen oxide emissions in King County. The report found that idling jets on the runway were the primary source of carbon monoxide, while aircraft climb and approach operations generated the most nitrogen oxide, with local pollution hotspots identified near South 154th Street, Seattle Christian School, and Tyee Golf Course. The study recommended minimizing runway queuing, reducing airport automobile traffic, exploring alternative fuels for ground support vehicles, and conducting further ground-level air quality testing around the airport.Open full document
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A newspaper article from the Times-News dated October 30, 1991, reporting on a Washington State Department of Ecology study that identified Sea-Tac Airport as a major indirect source of air pollution in Puget Sound. The study, requested by state Rep. Greg Fisher, found the airport accounts for approximately 8 percent of carbon monoxide and 5 percent of nitrogen oxide in King County, and recommends further ground testing and pollution reduction measures.