TagFAA(793)

This 2009 research report examines how aircraft emissions affect local and regional air quality across the United States, including public health impacts near major airports. It analyzes baseline emissions inventories, the relationship between airport delays and increased fuel burn and pollution, and evaluates strategies such as continuous descent arrivals and schedule de-peaking to reduce emissions. The findings are intended to inform aviation environmental policy and air traffic efficiency improvements.

FAA Order 5050.4B, effective April 28, 2006, provides the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Airports with instructions for evaluating the environmental impacts of major federal actions at public-use airports, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It updates and replaces the previous Order 5050.4A ('Airports Environmental Handbook'), which had been in use for over 20 years. The order covers processes for analyzing environmental effects, including noise impacts, associated with airport development actions such as runway extensions and other airport improvements.

This document presents evidence that the Port of Seattle violated Federal Grant Assurance C.6 and Washington State law RCW 53.54.020 in connection with its FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It compiles 17 items of supporting evidence, including a 1998 congressional request for a GAO audit, state auditor correspondence, findings by Deloitte & Touche identifying violations from 1990 to 1994, and records showing the Port received over $100 million in federal funds tied to noise mitigation commitments it allegedly failed to honor. The materials illustrate the consequences for surrounding communities and governments that held land-use authority under the noise compatibility planning process.

A January 1990 FAA briefing document outlines the agency's role in land use at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, explaining that federal involvement stems from approximately $115 million in federal funds spent on the airport since 1970 for planning, land acquisition, construction, and noise insulation. The FAA supported the concept of a park on airport land, provided the Port of Seattle maintained ownership and control, airport funds were not used for the park, and only compatible uses were allowed. The document also details Sea-Tac's noise mitigation efforts, including over $50 million in federal grants to acquire roughly 750 noise-impacted land parcels and more than $7 million to insulate 323 homes near the airport.

The Clean Air Amendments of 1970 (Public Law 91-604) strengthened the federal Clean Air Act by expanding research into the health and environmental effects of air pollutants, increasing grant funding to state and regional air pollution control agencies, and establishing a framework for national ambient air quality standards. The law required the EPA Administrator to publish and maintain a list of harmful air pollutants and issue scientific criteria for each within 12 months of listing. It also directed states to take primary responsibility for meeting national air quality standards within their borders through mandatory implementation plans.