TagElizabeth Leavitt(29)

The Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee met on November 7, 2017, to discuss several airport-related topics, including an Air Cargo Study being conducted by the Joint Transportation Committee and updates on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Impact Statement process presented by Port of Seattle representatives. Key community concerns raised included nighttime flights, aircraft noise frequency, and whether airport-impacted communities would have a voice in upcoming stakeholder meetings. The committee also nominated member Sheila Brush to represent the City of Des Moines on a new Public Forum Panel headed by the Port's Director of Aviation, expected to launch in early 2018.

The 2015 Environmental Progress Report for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport outlines the airport's sustainability achievements under its Strategy for a Sustainable Sea-Tac (S3), including increasing the recycling rate from 23 to 34 percent, pursuing renewable natural gas partnerships to cut carbon emissions by 70 percent, and achieving a 90 percent construction waste recycling rate. The report covers environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals integrated with the Port of Seattle's Century Agenda, built on the foundation of the airport's 2009 environmental strategy. Note that this report focuses on broad environmental and sustainability initiatives rather than noise policy specifically.

A December 2015 presentation by Sea-Tac Airport's Director of Environmental & Planning outlines how the airport is weaving sustainability into its Master Plan across three phases: what and where it builds, how it builds, and how it operates. The plan is guided by the Port of Seattle's Century Agenda and the airport's own Strategy for a Sustainable Sea-Tac (S3), with development concepts for airfield, terminal, and landside areas being screened against sustainability-based evaluation criteria. Key planning constraints include meeting passenger demand growth without adding new runways, improving airfield efficiency through NextGen technology, and converting sustainability goals into measurable decision-making criteria.

The November 20, 2013 Highline Forum meeting, held at the Tukwila Community Center, included a Port of Seattle update featuring a recap of the Part 150 noise study and a review of upcoming Sea-Tac Airport capital projects, presented by Port of Seattle staff Stan Shepherd and Elizabeth Leavitt. The forum also addressed a vote on 2014 SW King County legislative positions, which included a new position related to port cooperation, and planning for the following year's meeting schedule and topics. Guidance provided to co-chairs ahead of the meeting outlined procedures for managing the legislative vote and organizing 2014 forum hosting responsibilities among member jurisdictions.

The Port of Seattle issued a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Non-Significance for the Sea-Tac Airport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Planning Study, concluding the plan would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The study outlines 23 noise mitigation measures—including limiting nighttime flights, sound-insulating homes and schools, and constructing a Ground Run-Up Enclosure—aimed at reducing aircraft noise for communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A 45-day public comment period was open through May 30, 2013, with the determination signed by Elizabeth Leavitt, Director of Aviation Planning and Environmental Programs.

In June 2004, the Washington State Department of Ecology granted a Water Quality Certification to the Port of Seattle for the construction of a third parallel runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), along with related projects such as taxiways, navigational aids, and runway safety areas. The certification, designated Order #1996-4-02325 (Amended-2), was updated to reflect a Washington Supreme Court ruling and confirms that the project complies with applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act and state environmental laws. The approval is subject to conditions including compliance with hydraulic project approvals and stormwater permits issued by state agencies.