TagEnvironmental Impact Statement(406)

228-78-R

This draft report from the City of Burien analyzes environmental impacts of proposed updates to the Seattle-Tacoma Airport Master Plan, covering noise and vibration, air quality, water resources, and visual aesthetics. The study found that while the airport's Environmental Impact Statement used accepted noise modeling methods, several gaps remain — including the need for better data on aircraft noise levels, surface traffic noise, and vibration effects on nearby residents and buildings. Mitigation measures to address these issues will be developed in a separate follow-up report.

A map showing potential mitigation sites and existing Port of Seattle habitat sites in the greater Seattle area, including Terminal 25, Terminal 117, and the Auburn Site. The map covers cities including Seattle, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and Auburn. Sites are categorized by land use type including storage, vacant, and

The Burien Airport Committee held a meeting on March 15, 2022, covering topics including a Port of Seattle presentation on city ordinances related to aviation issues, an update on the Environmental Impact Statement for Ambaum Boulevard Park Plans, and a review of the committee's draft workplan. Draft minutes from the February 15, 2022 meeting were also included, noting that the committee discussed Burien Municipal Code chapter 15.12 on Aircraft Noise Reduction and planned future agenda items. The committee operates as an advisory body focused on monitoring and responding to the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on the City of Burien.

The Burien Airport Committee held meetings in December 2021 and February 2022 to discuss issues related to Sea-Tac Airport, including updates on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) comment period, a University of Washington study on ultrafine particle pollution affecting nearby schools, and a draft committee workplan. Agenda items included potential presentations on aviation-related city codes, an Environmental Impact Statement for a local park, and federal legislative updates. The committee also discussed briefing the full City Council on its activities at a March 2022 study session.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on June 16, 2020, to discuss airport-related policy matters including a draft letter to Port Commissioners about the post-COVID 'new normal' for aviation, an update on the NEPA Environmental Impact Statement process, and coordination with other cities on re-engaging with the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) forum. Minutes from the May 19, 2020 meeting reflect committee discussions about reduced flight noise during the Stay Home order and the need for strategic communication with Port Commissioners regarding economic development and airport expansion impacts on Burien residents.

In April 2020, U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, and Rick Larsen wrote to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson urging a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), arguing that the FAA's planned limited Environmental Assessment was inadequate. The lawmakers contended that a comprehensive cumulative impact review was necessary to properly evaluate decades of growing noise and health impacts on communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport. They warned that proceeding with a narrower assessment risked legal challenges that could delay critical airport infrastructure projects.

In a March 2020 letter to the FAA Administrator, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove urges the FAA to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) covering both short- and long-term projects for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's expansion, rather than splitting the review into separate studies. Upthegrove argues that a piecemeal approach risks undermining the integrity of the environmental analysis, particularly given the airport's significant noise and air pollution impacts on surrounding communities. He calls for the comprehensive EIS to include mitigation strategies addressing all projects outlined in the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP).