TagBurien Airport Committee(142)

The Burien Airport Committee met on January 21, 2020 to discuss key aviation issues affecting the city, including advocating for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the FAA rather than a less comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) related to Sea-Tac Airport's growth. The agenda also covered topics such as the Port's fuel dumping policy, updates on community re-engagement efforts through StART, and a planned trip to Washington, DC to address airplane noise concerns. Draft minutes from the December 2019 meeting reflect ongoing debates about air quality, health, and safety impacts stemming from airport expansion projects like the International and North Terminals.

Washington State House Bill 2688, introduced in the 2020 legislative session, proposes updating the state's transportation policy goals to prioritize accessibility, safety, environmental and climate health, equity and environmental justice, and economic vitality. The bill would require any transportation project to undergo a public evaluation guided by these goals before receiving budget authorization, with results published online. It also directs the Office of Financial Management to establish measurable performance objectives in consultation with state transportation agencies.

The Burien Airport Committee met on December 17, 2019 to discuss ongoing concerns related to Sea-Tac Airport, including the city's legal findings against the FAA, the status of a University of Washington ultrafine particles study, and safety issues raised by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. The committee also reviewed progress on the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) and a Washington State Department of Commerce study, while planning priorities for 2020. Draft minutes from the November 18, 2019 meeting were included, detailing earlier discussions on noise reduction, environmental impacts, and a potential meeting with the EPA.

On November 19, 2019, the Burien Airport Committee and the Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee held a joint meeting at Des Moines Beach Park Dining Hall to discuss airport-related legislative priorities and the conditions under which their cities might rejoin StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable), a regional forum addressing Sea-Tac Airport impacts. The agenda included a report from a Legislative Agenda subcommittee and discussion of steps needed before re-engaging with the roundtable process. The meeting reflects ongoing community efforts by cities neighboring Sea-Tac Airport to coordinate policy responses to aviation noise and related concerns.

The Burien Airport Committee met on October 15, 2019 to discuss whether to rejoin the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), with survey results showing mixed opinions among members. The committee also reviewed environmental review requirements under NEPA and SEPA related to the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, and discussed legislative priorities prepared by a joint subgroup with Des Moines. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for November 18, 2019 to continue discussions on StART participation, a potential EPA meeting, and the future of the Joint Airport Committee.

The Burien Airport Committee met on October 15, 2019 to discuss the city's participation in the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), review legislative priorities related to the airport, and consider a meeting request with the EPA Administrator. The agenda included draft minutes from a September 17, 2019 joint meeting with the Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee, where members debated conditions for rejoining StART or forming an alternative community forum. Key concerns raised included meeting transparency, equal agenda-setting rights, and greater involvement of elected officials in airport noise and policy discussions.

The Burien Airport Committee met on October 15, 2019 to discuss the city's relationship with the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), including whether to rejoin the forum under new conditions or establish an alternative. The agenda also covered state and federal legislative priorities related to airport noise and operations, and a proposed meeting request with the EPA Administrator. Draft minutes from a September 17, 2019 joint session with the Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee were also reviewed for approval.

A September 2019 planning matrix and email from El Centro outlines a multi-agency legislative strategy addressing Sea-Tac Airport noise and environmental justice concerns. Key priorities include passage of Washington HB 1847 to expand the noise abatement area from 6 to 10 miles, amendments to RCW 47.80.030 to fund PSRC air transportation planning, and advocacy for the Port of Seattle to adopt a triple-bottom-line policy covering economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. The documents were prepared for a Legislative Task Force meeting involving representatives from federal, state, and regional bodies including PSRC, the Port of Seattle, and King County.

In August 2019, Sharyn Parker of the Burien Airport Committee and Quiet Skies Coalition submitted detailed feedback on draft Aviation Impacted Communities Act legislation, proposing specific language changes to strengthen noise and emissions protections for communities around Sea-Tac Airport. Her comments addressed technical issues such as decibel measurement standards, the use of Noise Monitor Stations, air quality monitoring gaps, and the limitations of the FAA's 65 dB DNL noise threshold. The email thread also includes input from other stakeholders raising concerns about loopholes in the bill's definitions and the need to broaden aircraft classifications beyond 'jets' to include turboprops and other aircraft types.

This document contains the agenda and draft minutes for the Burien Airport Committee meeting held on July 30, 2019, focused on community concerns about Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included draft letters to Senator Keiser and Congresswoman Jayapal regarding FAA questions, ongoing discussions about FAA Part 150 noise mitigation options, and the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The committee also discussed coordinating with the Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee and reviewed notes from recent stakeholder meetings with airport planning consultants.