TagEnvironmental Impact Statement(328)

The Port of Seattle outlined an environmental review schedule for the NTP (Noise Trajectory Program) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, spanning 2018 to 2019. Key steps included public scoping meetings held in September 2018 in cities such as Des Moines, Seattle, Federal Way, and Sea-Tac, followed by environmental analysis and the release of draft and final NEPA/SEPA documents through late 2019. Community members could submit scoping comments by September 28, 2018, via the project website, email, mail, or in person at scoping meetings.

The Federal Way Mayor's Quiet and Healthy Skies Task Force Report, published August 2, 2018, examines how increased flight operations and Sea-Tac International Airport's third runway have worsened aircraft noise and air pollution for Federal Way residents. The report evaluates potential remedies such as changes to flight paths, glide slopes, and schedules, while also analyzing legal authority over cargo flight curfews and reviewing the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It concludes with recommendations aimed at reducing the disproportionate noise and health burdens placed on Federal Way communities.

The Port of Seattle is conducting an environmental review of near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) planned through 2027, as part of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Key planned improvements include a second terminal, a centralized maintenance campus, off-airport cargo facilities, and roadway and fueling expansions to accommodate up to 477,000 annual flights and 56 million passengers. A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under Washington State's SEPA, as well as a federal Environmental Assessment under NEPA led by the FAA, are being prepared to evaluate potential environmental impacts.

Passed before 3rd Runway

This 2018 technical memorandum prepared by Leigh Fisher for the Port of Seattle provides an environmental overview of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of its Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It examines existing environmental conditions across topics such as air quality, noise, water resources, biological resources, and hazardous materials, then assesses how the airport's near-term construction and improvement projects could affect those resources. The document is intended to guide planners in understanding potential environmental impacts — including noise and compatible land use — before major airport development decisions are finalized.

Four cities near Sea-Tac Airport — Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and SeaTac — entered into a formal interlocal agreement in 2018 to coordinate their review of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), a 20-year airport growth proposal with potential significant noise and environmental impacts on surrounding communities. The agreement establishes a shared process for hiring consultants, pooling funding, and submitting unified comment letters during the NEPA and SEPA environmental review processes. It covers the period from March 2018 through December 2020 and is governed by Washington State's Interlocal Cooperation Act (RCW 39.34).

The cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and SeaTac entered into a formal interlocal agreement to coordinate their review of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), which outlines airport growth over the next 20 years. The agreement establishes a shared process for hiring and funding consultants, issuing joint comment letters, and responding to environmental documents produced under NEPA and SEPA. Contract administration is led by the City of SeaTac, while fiscal management is handled by the City of Burien.

The Aviation Advisory Committee held its first meeting on September 26, 2017, to establish its work plan for addressing Sea-Tac Airport impacts on the surrounding community, including reviewing the airport's Sustainable Master Plan Environmental Impact Statement and examining noise, health, and transportation concerns. The committee agreed to hold open public meetings with a dedicated public comment period, and a budget was allocated to hire a consultant to analyze the airport's expansion plans. Committee member Edmiston was designated to report on the group's goals and progress at the October 12th City Council meeting.

This FAA form (ARP SOP No. 5.1, effective June 2, 2017) guides airport sponsors through the process of requesting a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) determination for projects that may have extraordinary environmental circumstances. It requires sponsors to document potential impacts across key resource areas, including historic and cultural resources under the National Historic Preservation Act and protected lands under Department of Transportation Act Sections 4(f) and 6(f). Sponsors must consult with their FAA Airports District or Regional Division Office and submit all required documentation before a CATEX can be approved.

FAA Order 1050.1F, effective July 16, 2015, establishes the Federal Aviation Administration's policies and procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), covering actions such as grants, construction, rulemaking, and NextGen airspace improvements. The order outlines when environmental reviews, assessments, or full impact statements are required, and defines responsibilities for the FAA, applicants, and contractors. It is relevant to noise and environmental impact considerations at airports like Sea-Tac, as it governs how the FAA evaluates and documents the environmental effects of aviation-related actions.