TagACC(1534)

Final report prepared by Scott Tobiason, Aviation Environmental Programs, Port Of Seattle, documenting Stormwater Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA), May 2000. AR 044473. Covers WET testing background, sampling methods, STIA storm drainage subbasins, source-tracing of SDN1 outfall, chelation testing, synthetic runoff WET test results, field investigations, and NPDES stormwater discharge

Letter dated April 27, 2000 from Ann E. Kenny, Senior Permit Specialist, Washington State Department of Ecology (Northwest Regional Office), to William A. Rozeboom and K. Malcom Leytham of Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Inc. Responds to their April 11, 2001 letter to Gordon White concerning Ecology’s review of Port Of Seattle’s December 2000 Low Streamflow Analysis.

This April 2000 draft memorandum from the Port of Seattle summarizes range-finding toxicity tests conducted to evaluate water-effect ratios (WERs) for copper in streams receiving stormwater runoff from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA). Water samples were collected from five sites—including Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek—during a storm event on April 15, 2000, and tested using Daphnia magna to measure how site water chemistry affects copper toxicity compared to clean laboratory water. The results were intended to help determine whether full definitive WER studies were warranted, which could support the establishment of site-specific water quality standards for copper in receiving streams.

A April 25, 2000 email from Martha Choe of the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development office to a colleague at the Department of Ecology summarizes concerns raised by the Port of Seattle regarding delays in obtaining a 401 water quality permit for Sea-Tac Airport's proposed third runway. Key issues include the FAA's unfamiliarity with Endangered Species Act requirements after taking over the review from the Army Corps of Engineers, King County's slow progress on stormwater documentation, and formatting problems that caused further delays. The email warns that if the permit is not issued by July 21, 2000, the third runway's inclusion in the regional transportation plan—and its federal funding eligibility—could be jeopardized.

A draft memorandum dated April 2000 summarizes range-finding water-effect ratio (WER) toxicity tests conducted for the Port of Seattle to measure copper levels in streams receiving stormwater runoff from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA). Water samples were collected from five sites — including Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek — during a storm event on April 15, 2000, and tested using Daphnia magna organisms to compare copper toxicity in site water versus clean laboratory water. The results were intended to determine whether more expensive definitive WER studies would be warranted, and to help establish site-specific water quality standards for copper.

In an April 2000 email, Port of Seattle executive Gina Marie Lindsey updates a Washington State Department of Ecology contact about the status of the Port's stormwater permit application related to a Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan. She explains that while the environmental work quality was deemed strong, the submittal needed to be reformatted to meet King County's review standards rather than DOE's, with a revised package due May 5 and a County final review expected by mid-June. Lindsey also addresses concerns about potential 'piecemealing' of the permit process and expresses concern about the lengthy timeline given the County reviewer's limited weekly hours for the project.

Draft memorandum dated April 20, 2000, authored by Doug Henderson and Linda Logan (job number 556-2912-001) for Port of Seattle project files, summarizing range-finding water-effect ratio (WER) toxicity tests for copper in streams receiving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) stormwater. Tests used Daphnia magna as indicator species; copper was spiked into site water and synthetic laboratory

Handwritten notes from a BEATAC meeting at the Port on April 20, 2000, AR018447, involving City of Des Moines personnel including Tom Walsh, Tacie Borden, John Marchiloro, Jim Kelly, and others. Topics include: stormwater review at FCC starting 5-5-00; SR-509 temporary interchange issues (ESA/BA review, Jonathan Freedman indirect impacts, erosion/sediment control, no federal nexus); LWS#3

A April 2000 email exchange between EPA staff members John Savich and Martha Choe provides an update on the status of a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality permit for a Port of Seattle runway project. The main sticking point is stormwater storage management, with the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) targeting a mid-July decision after King County completed a review that identified serious shortcomings in the port's consultant work. Both the optimistic and realistic port timelines require DOE action on the 401 permit by July 21, meaning the port had already abandoned any hope of beginning construction that season.

Field Sampling Data Forms (AR 027906–027908) documenting environmental sampling at Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek survey sites including 144th St S and S 157th Pl, dated April 17, 2000. Water quality measurements recorded: temperature 53.2°F/11.0°C and 49.5°C (4/19), pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen 9.5/100, hardness 84 PPM CaCO3 (site IA) and 120 ppm (site IB).