TagESA(31)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Biological Opinion on July 28, 2025, in response to a Federal Aviation Administration consultation request regarding near-term construction projects outlined in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainable Airport Master Plan. The opinion evaluates potential effects of these projects on endangered species and critical fish habitat under the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NMFS reviewed and independently verified analyses from the FAA's Biological Evaluation, incorporating findings related to the proposed action area, species status, and effects on critical habitat.

The FAA submitted a Biological Evaluation to support an informal consultation under the Endangered Species Act for near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, all expected to be completed by 2032. The projects aim to expand passenger and cargo capacity, upgrade taxiway layouts, and increase fuel storage including sustainable aviation fuel. The evaluation assessed potential impacts on 14 species, determining that several—including Chinook salmon, bull trout, and killer whales—may be affected but not likely adversely, while the remaining species, such as the marbled murrelet and North American wolverine, would face no effect.

This document presents the opening materials from a December 13, 2023 StART (Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Part 150 Study, a federally guided process for assessing and managing aircraft noise impacts. The study is being conducted by ESA, an environmental aviation consultancy with experience at more than 180 airports nationwide and over 25 completed Part 150 Studies. The meeting introduced the ESA project management team and outlined the firm's qualifications for leading Sea-Tac's noise compatibility planning effort.

This December 2019 report by ESA for the Port of Seattle analyzes two standard Noise Abatement Departure Profiles (NADPs) used at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: the Close-in profile, which reduces noise near the runway end, and the Distant profile, which reduces noise farther along the departure path. The analysis finds that the Distant NADP provides the greatest noise relief to the residential and developed communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport. The report includes background on departure profiles, noise analysis results, and recommendations for the airport's noise abatement policy.

This document is a presentation from a Noise 101 Symposium held on January 12, 2019, organized by the City of SeaTac and the Port of Seattle, and delivered by Steve Alverson of Environmental Science Associates (ESA). The symposium covered four key modules: the principles of aviation noise, methods for quantifying aircraft noise, aircraft noise regulations and guidance, and principles of aircraft noise control. The half-day session was designed to provide attendees with a foundational understanding of how aircraft noise is measured, regulated, and managed in the context of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

This May 2018 draft report by ESA analyzes changes in aircraft arrival altitudes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport across 2013, 2015, and 2017, examining how those changes relate to noise exposure for surrounding communities. Key findings from earlier meetings indicate that while overall arrival numbers increased and traffic flow direction remained stable, there was a notable shift in runway use from center runways to right and left runways, along with changes in the mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft types serving the airport.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on January 24, 2018, hosted by the City of SeaTac, focused on the theme of aircraft altitudes. The agenda included a City of SeaTac update, a presentation on Aircraft Altitudes Analysis by Steve Alverson, Senior Vice President of ESA, and a discussion of emerging issues. The meeting took place at SeaTac City Hall Council Chambers and ran from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

This January 2018 progress update from ESA presents an analysis of aircraft arrivals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), examining whether notable changes occurred between 2013, 2015, and 2017. The study uses radar flight track data from July and December of each year to compare fleet mix, runway usage, and aircraft altitudes at six nautical miles from the airport. Key questions addressed include whether arrival numbers increased, whether traffic flow patterns shifted between north and south flow, and whether arriving aircraft were flying at different altitudes over the study period.

A Title 14 CFR Part 150 Final Noise Exposure Map Report for JFK International Airport prepared by Environmental Science Associates and other consulting firms for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. The report addresses federal aviation noise regulations and mapping requirements.