TagAviation Emissions(100)

The ICAO Engine Emissions Databank is an international reference database tracking exhaust emissions—including smoke, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides—from commercial turbojet and turbofan aircraft engines. It compiles certified emissions data measured during a standardized Landing/Take-Off (LTO) cycle below 3,000 feet, making it relevant for assessing local air quality impacts at airports like Sea-Tac. The databank is regularly updated to reflect new engine certifications and design changes, though its fuel-flow figures are not intended for comparing overall engine fuel efficiency.

H.R. 4087, the 'Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act,' introduced in October 2017, directs the FAA to study ultrafine particles (tiny airborne particles under 100 nanometers) around the 20 busiest U.S. airports, including their health effects on surrounding communities. The study must examine particle sources, concentration patterns, and health impacts such as heart disease, asthma, and nervous system disorders, with special attention to disproportionate effects on communities of color and economically vulnerable residents. The FAA is required to coordinate with the EPA and Department of Health and Human Services and report findings to Congress within two years.

This 2017 presentation by Port of Seattle Sustainability Manager Leslie Stanton outlines air quality initiatives at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering pollution sources, reduction programs, and the Port's environmental goals. It highlights that while the Port has limited regulatory authority, it is pursuing innovative strategies to cut emissions, including efforts around ultrafine particulates and climate-related particulate matter reductions. The presentation also reviews existing air quality studies and identifies next steps for improving air quality in and around Sea-Tac Airport.

This EPA report tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from 1990 to 2015, covering sources such as transportation, agriculture, industry, and waste. It was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and is available for download on the EPA website. Note: this document does not appear to contain information relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This EPA report summarizes U.S. greenhouse gas emissions data from 1990 to 2015, showing that total emissions reached 6,587 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2015, a 2.3% decrease from 2014 levels. Carbon dioxide makes up the largest share at 82% of emissions, with electricity generation and transportation being the biggest contributing economic sectors at 29% and 27% respectively. The report includes detailed emissions breakdowns by gas type, economic sector, and fuel source, along with unit conversion tables and global warming potential values for reference.

This 2016 working paper documents the methods and assumptions used to build an air quality emissions inventory for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan. Using the FAA's EDMS modeling software, analysts estimated pollution from sources including aircraft engines, ground support equipment, parking, and stationary facilities such as generators and boilers. Aircraft operation data for 2014 was gathered from multiple sources, including FAA tower records, airline guides, and the Port of Seattle's own noise monitoring system.

This 2015 report from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) outlines the aviation industry's framework for addressing its climate impact, noting that while air transport carries over 3.3 billion passengers annually and supports 3.5% of global GDP, it also accounts for roughly 2% of human-induced CO2 emissions. The document presents the industry's strategies for balancing continued air traffic growth with the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It represents a collaborative effort across airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and aircraft manufacturers to pursue sustainable development goals.

Two studies highlight serious air pollution concerns near major U.S. airports. A 2014 Massachusetts state health study found that children living near Boston's Logan Airport are up to four times more likely to develop asthma symptoms, while nearby adults are nearly twice as likely to suffer chronic lung disease. A 2015 NJIT study reinforced these concerns nationwide, finding pollution levels up to 10 times higher within nine square miles of airports—with Seattle-Tacoma Airport specifically cited for carbon monoxide levels exceeding federal guidelines.