TagEcology(797)

A 1999 University of Washington study measured nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to determine whether aircraft operations were harming local air quality. Researchers found that NO2 levels at all monitoring sites remained well below federal safety standards, and that regional conditions and nearby freeways — not aircraft — were the primary drivers of local pollution. The study concluded that airport operations had only a small, difficult-to-isolate effect on community NO2 levels, estimated at less than 7 parts per billion above background levels.

This 1999 email chain between Washington State Department of Ecology officials discusses the 401 Water Quality Certification process for a major Port of Seattle project affecting Des Moines and Miller Creek watersheds near Sea-Tac Airport. Key disputes include stormwater discharge compliance with water quality standards, required mitigation measures such as riparian buffers and stream flow augmentation, and the retrofitting of existing stormwater outfalls. Officials warn that the creeks are already hydrologically impaired, with flood and erosion conditions far exceeding pre-development levels, making it difficult to approve the project without a comprehensive and specific mitigation package.

Exhibit 2110, AR 033718. Internal Washington State Department of Ecology email chain dated May 14, 1999, among Kevin Fitzpatrick, Tom Luster, Raymond Hellwig, Paula Ehlers, Erik Stockdale, Wendy Bolender, Lisa Austin, John Glynn, and Bill Moore regarding the 401 Certification and NPDES permit matrix for the Sea-Tac Airport Third Runway project. Key issues include stormwater

A May 1999 email exchange between Washington State Department of Ecology staff discusses wetland mitigation challenges near an airport flight path, referencing a similar case in Petaluma, California where seasonal wetlands were allowed to remain near a municipal airport under strict conditions. The staff propose a framework involving monitoring for hazardous bird activity, defined management options, and contingency plans for replacement wetland sites if the existing mitigation proves unsafe. The emails emphasize that while the goal is to find creative regulatory solutions to approve the project under Section 401, denial remains a possibility if adequate safeguards cannot be agreed upon.

Email chain dated May 12, 1999 among Raymond Hellwig, Tom Luster, Erik Stockdale, and Paula Ehlers (Washington State Department of Ecology) regarding wetland mitigation strategy for the SeaTac Third Runway project (Port of Seattle). Tom Luster shares a Press Democrat article about Petaluma municipal airport’s Cross Creek subdivision wetland resolution with the FAA, proposing a

These handwritten meeting notes dated 5/10/99 document a discussion among water quality staff including Kevin Fitzpatrick and Gary Bailey regarding permit standards and guidance. Topics covered include updating water quality standards to 'use-based' classifications, finalizing antidegradation rules, and establishing sampling protocols such as requiring at least 5 days of sampling during critical low-flow conditions. The notes also address mixing zone limits, AKART conditions for permit outfalls, and revisions to the permit writer's manual expected by June or July.

Agreed Order #97TC-N122 issued by Washington State Department of Ecology under RCW 70.105D.050(1) directed to Port Of Seattle regarding hazardous substance contamination at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA). Documents thirteen contaminated sites within the Aircraft Operations and Maintenance Area (AOMA), a 1/2 square-mile area in the southeast quadrant of the airport, contaminated with jet fuel, gasoline,

This 1999 plan, prepared jointly by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Port of Seattle, outlines how the public will be involved in a ground water study at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The study was prompted by decades of jet fuel and petroleum product releases from underground storage tanks and fuel systems in the Airport's Aircraft Operations and Maintenance Area, which contaminated soil and ground water across 13 known sites. The plan describes required and additional public participation activities, community outreach roles, and the two-phase study approach, which included computer modeling of ground water flow to assess contamination risks to public water supplies and surface water.

Washington State Department of Ecology Agreed Order #97TC-N122 issued to Port Of Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA), pursuant to RCW 70.105D.050(1). Documents hazardous substance releases within the Aircraft Operations and Maintenance Area (AOMA), a half-square-mile southeast quadrant of STIA operational since 1944. Contaminants identified include jet fuel (most abundant by bulk volume), gasoline, industrial

Email chain dated April 30, 1999 from Ronald Lavigne (ATG) and Ann Kenny to Washington State Department of Ecology staff including Sandra Manning, Kevin Fitzpatrick, and others, raising legal concerns about agreements reached at a Wednesday meeting regarding 401 certification and 402 permit policy. Lavigne raises issues including: the state’s one-year waiver deadline for 401