TagFAA(797)

This federal regulation identifies certain U.S. airports as 'high density traffic airports' and sets hourly limits on the number of IFR (instrument flight rules) takeoffs and landings allowed there. The designated airports include LaGuardia, Newark, O'Hare, Ronald Reagan National, and John F. Kennedy, with specific caps assigned to air carriers, commuter airlines, and other users. Note that this regulation does not apply to Sea-Tac Airport and pertains to air traffic slot management rather than noise policy.

The FAA issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned Near-Term Projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are not likely to cause coastal effects under the Coastal Zone Management Act. The projects include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and relocation of navigational equipment across four airfield areas, with construction set to begin in 2026 over a six-year period. Because all FAA actions are confined to upland areas within the airport property, no significant impacts to Washington State's coastal zone resources were identified.

The FAA issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned near-term construction and equipment-relocation projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are not likely to cause effects on Washington State's coastal zone. The 31 Near-Term Projects—drawn from the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan—include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and high-speed runway exits, with FAA involvement limited to relocating navigational aids and adjusting flight procedures on airport property. The Washington State Department of Ecology was asked to concur with this finding under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned near-term construction and equipment relocation projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are not reasonably likely to cause effects on Washington State's coastal zone. The 31 Near-Term Projects, which include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and relocation of navigational aids, are part of the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan and are scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The FAA requested written concurrence from the Washington State Department of Ecology, while the Port of Seattle remains responsible for separate consistency certification for any projects requiring Clean Water Act permits.

This document is the FAA's official Record of Approval for King County International Airport/Boeing Field's (Boeing Field/BFI) Noise Compatibility Program under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150. It outlines six key recommendations to reduce aircraft noise impacts on nearby residents, including developing combined noise contours with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, implementing quieter flight approach and departure procedures, and upgrading noise monitoring systems. The FAA reviewed and issued determinations on each recommendation, approving most measures on a voluntary basis while noting that approvals do not constitute commitments to implement the actions.

This document is an Environmental Justice Protocol prepared by Landrum & Brown, Incorporated for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port of Seattle in June 2024. It addresses socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children's health considerations related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The protocol provides a framework for evaluating how airport-related impacts may affect minority, low-income, and other vulnerable populations in surrounding communities.