TagACC(1531)

Email chain (AR 018453) among Erik Stockdale, Tom Luster (Ecology, tlus461@ecy.wa.gov), and Michelle Avolio (FAA, Michelle.Avolio@faa.gov) regarding the proposed SeaTac TRACON project. Avolio’s April 17, 2000 email to Luster describes FAA planning for an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Biological Assessment (BA) for DOE review and comment, contact with NMFS regarding EA/BA section contents, and discussions

This court docket covers a 2000–2001 federal appellate case (No. 00-70848) in which Airport Communities petitioned the Ninth Circuit to review a Federal Aviation Administration decision related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The petitioner sought a stay pending review, while the Port of Seattle moved to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds, arguing the petition was not filed in time. The court ultimately denied the stay and the motion to dismiss without prejudice, directing all parties to address jurisdictional issues in their merits briefs.

A fisheries biologist hired by the Airport Communities Coalition reviewed a Washington State Department of Ecology hydrologic study of the Sea-Tac runway fill project, concluding that the study significantly underestimated impacts on local fish and wetland habitats in Miller, Walker, and Des Moines Creeks. The reviewer found that the study failed to accurately document fish species present, overlooked key wetlands supporting salmon and cutthroat trout, and inadequately assessed the consequences of relocating nearly 1,000 feet of Miller Creek to accommodate runway expansion. The letter argues that the Ecology department accepted the Port's claims of habitat improvement without requiring a thorough analysis of the substantial fish and invertebrate communities that would be destroyed.

This 2000 hydrogeologic study, prepared by Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. for the Port of Seattle, examines groundwater conditions beneath the Industrial Waste System (IWS) plant and lagoons at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The report assesses soil geology, groundwater flow direction, and water quality — including levels of volatile organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, and ethylene glycol — near three wastewater lagoons on airport property. It concludes with findings and recommendations related to potential contaminant releases and ongoing groundwater monitoring needs.

In June 2000, the Port of Seattle submitted a formal application to the Washington Department of Ecology to add a new use to an existing groundwater right for a well located on Port property near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The well, originally drilled in the late 1940s and previously used to irrigate the Tyee Valley Golf Course, was proposed to also provide flow augmentation and temperature control for Des Moines Creek as part of a jointly funded basin restoration plan. The application addressed the well's ownership history, its continuous use for golf course irrigation since the mid-1960s, and the Port's agreement with Highline Water District confirming the Port's title to the associated water right (Certificate No. 2369).

Sea-Tac Runway Fill Hydrologic Studies Report (AR 045023, project JE9907) prepared by Pacific Groundwater Group, Ecology and Environment, and Earth Tech Inc. for Washington State Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office, dated June 19, 2000. Report covers hydrologic and hydrogeologic characterization of the Sea-Tac Airport third runway embankment fill area, including Miller Creek and Walker

This June 2000 report by Pacific Groundwater Group examines the hydrological impacts of proposed runway fill construction at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It covers groundwater conditions, surface water management, effects on local wetlands and fish habitat in Miller and Walker Creeks, and reviews stormwater control proposals. The study was prepared for the Washington State Department of Ecology to assess how the Third Runway embankment fill would affect the surrounding hydrologic environment.

The Port of Seattle filed an Application for Change/Transfer of Water Right with the Washington State Department of Ecology in June 2000, seeking to add flow augmentation for Des Moines Creek as a purpose of use to an existing well water right (No. 2369) originally used for domestic supply, golf course irrigation, and related uses at Tyee Valley Golf Course in SeaTac. The proposed change would extend the water right beyond 2000 to support creek flow augmentation alongside continued domestic supply and golf course irrigation, covering the Des Moines Creek corridor from the airport property to the creek's mouth at Puget Sound. This application reflects the Port's efforts to manage water resources in connection with environmental and operational responsibilities related to Sea-Tac Airport.

Letter dated June 15, 2000 from Lowell H. Johnson, Manager of FAA Northwest Mountain Region Airports Division, to Steve Landino, Branch Chief of the Washington State Branch of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), transmitting the Final Biological Assessment (FBA) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) development actions under ESA section 7 consultation. The FBA evaluates

This June 2000 Biological Assessment, prepared by Parametrix, Inc. for the Federal Aviation Administration and Port of Seattle, evaluates the potential environmental impacts of proposed Master Plan Update Improvements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on federally listed species. The report examines effects on aquatic resources including Chinook salmon, bull trout, and their critical habitats within nearby waterways such as Miller Creek, Des Moines Creek, and the Green River. It was prepared to support Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.