TagEnvironmental Impact Statement(405)

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.

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.

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 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.

This map, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle's 14 CFR Part 150 Study Update, shows projected aircraft noise exposure around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the year 2018. It illustrates three noise contour zones (DNL 65, 70, and 75 dBA), with the total area above DNL 65 dBA covering approximately 7.3 square miles and affecting an estimated 3,771 housing units and 9,712 residents. The map also identifies noise-sensitive land uses such as schools, churches, hospitals, and libraries within the affected area, and was certified by the Port of Seattle's Director of Aviation Planning and Environmental Programs.