Aviation Emissions

1970-10-01
Air pollution by jet aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma Airport: Historical summary and commentary

This document traces decades of air pollution concerns around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, drawing on studies from 1970 through 1991 that documented harmful emissions including carbon particles, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides affecting residents living near the airport. It highlights how early research identified health risks and pollution spread up to 12 miles from the runways, yet meaningful follow-up scientific study and regulatory action were largely delayed for 45 years. Community groups, lawsuits, and independent monitoring repeatedly confirmed that nearby residents faced noise, kerosene odors, soot, and air quality violations, while the Port of Seattle externalized the associated public health costs.

TagsAviation Emissions, Health, Port Of Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport

As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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