TagEcology(60)

This 2003 report by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency evaluates air toxic chemicals in the Puget Sound region, assessing potential cancer and non-cancer health risks based on air monitoring data and EPA modeling. It identifies priority chemicals of concern, estimates human exposure levels, and draws conclusions about the health impacts of pollutants such as diesel exhaust and woodsmoke on local residents.

The Washington State Department of Ecology held a public workshop and hearing on March 31, 2003, to discuss the proposed reissuance of a water quality permit for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The permit covers industrial wastewater discharges to Puget Sound and stormwater runoff to nearby creeks from airport activities such as aircraft maintenance, fueling, washing, and deicing. Written public comments were accepted through April 15, 2003.

This document chronicles the Port of Seattle's second Section 401 Clean Water Act permit application, submitted in September 1999, which was on the verge of being denied by the Washington State Department of Ecology due to multiple shortcomings related to wetlands and water quality. On September 28, 2000, a private, unannounced meeting was held between Port, Ecology, and Governor's office officials, after which the Port strategically withdrew its application to avoid a formal denial. A series of closed-door negotiating sessions followed in October 2000, none of which were publicly announced, raising concerns about political influence and lack of transparency in the permitting process for Sea-Tac Airport expansion.

This circa-2002 community advocacy document from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs opposes construction of a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, arguing that the Port of Seattle lacked required environmental permits, had already spent over $300 million, and that the project posed serious risks to local wetlands, fish habitat, and watersheds affecting 150,000 south county residents. The document also highlights a controversial proposal to transport arsenic-laden fill material via a conveyor belt through Des Moines Beach Park and Des Moines Creek to the airport construction site. Residents are urged to contact Port commissioners and local city council members to halt the project.

This 2001 User's Guide from the Washington State Department of Ecology explains how to use spreadsheet workbook tools (MTCASGL and MTCATPH) to calculate soil and groundwater cleanup levels under the Model Toxics Control Act. The guide covers how to enter site-specific data—such as chemical properties, exposure parameters, and hydrogeological characteristics—to determine safe contamination thresholds. It is intended for environmental cleanup professionals working on hazardous substance remediation in Washington State.