TagFAA(684)

This 2018 FAA memorandum explains how a special environmental review shortcut—called a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX 1)—can be used to streamline approval of certain GPS-based flight procedures (RNAV/RNP) at major airports, including core hub airports like Sea-Tac, without requiring a full environmental impact study. The exclusion applies unless officials determine that extraordinary circumstances exist that could cause significant environmental harm, such as notable noise impacts on surrounding communities. Specific documentation and approval from FAA environmental and legal offices are required before the exclusion can be applied.

The City of Burien filed a petition for review against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June 2018, challenging an FAA decision in what is believed to be a dispute related to air traffic and noise policy near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The case went through mediation, multiple briefing schedule extensions, and motions to supplement the record before the FAA filed its answering brief in March 2019. Key filings include Burien's opening brief submitted in late November 2018 and the FAA's certified administrative record, reflecting a formal appellate challenge to federal aviation authority decisions affecting the Burien community.

The Burien Airport Committee (BAC) met on May 15, 2018 to discuss air quality, FAA updates, and strategies for addressing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's impact on the Burien community. Key priorities included updating noise contour maps, gathering environmental justice data, reviewing air pollution studies, and identifying economic benefits for Burien from its proximity to the airport. The committee also reviewed draft minutes from its April 17, 2018 meeting, where members were assigned tasks such as drafting a resolution on airport noise and emission concerns.

This document presents a community challenge to the FAA's environmental review (CATEX) of new flight routes near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, arguing that the FAA's own noise analyses show significant noise increases in the surrounding General Study Area that exceed the agency's own significance thresholds. The authors contend that the FAA could not rely on the outdated 2013-2018 Port of Seattle Part 150 noise study, and that the FAA's independent analyses revealed noise level jumps ranging from 5.2% to nearly 60% across various decibel contours. The document concludes that the FAA's declaration of 'no noise impacts' is implausible given data showing that portions of previously quiet neighborhoods now experience non-compatible land use noise levels above 65 dB DNL.

This 2018 technical memorandum outlines a Sustainability Planning and Management Strategy for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, developed by Leigh Fisher and Synergy Consultants for the Port of Seattle. It establishes sustainability goals, objectives, and metrics across financial, environmental, and social focus areas, drawing on FAA guidance and Port of Seattle commitments. The document also addresses climate change risks to airport facilities and provides a framework for integrating sustainability into near-term airport development decisions.

This document bundle relates to a 2018 media inquiry from KING 5 Television to the City of Burien regarding an FAA flight path decision affecting the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Airport area, along with an FAA Air Traffic Initial Environmental Review from May 2016. The environmental review describes a proposed Letter of Agreement between Sea-Tac's Air Traffic Control Tower and the Seattle Terminal Radar Approach Control facility to standardize turboprop departure headings to 250 degrees during north flow operations, routing smaller aircraft westward to improve safety and reduce ground delays. The change was intended to de-conflict slower turboprops from faster jet traffic and Boeing Field operations, though it raised noise concerns for communities such as Burien located under the newly defined flight paths.

The Burien Airport Committee (BAC) met on April 17, 2018 to discuss the city's response to Sea-Tac Airport-related concerns, including noise contour maps, air pollution health impacts, and environmental justice issues. The committee reviewed potential priorities such as updating FAA noise contour maps, inventorying air pollution studies, and engaging Port of Seattle commissioners on community concerns. Draft minutes from the March 20, 2018 meeting were also included, documenting the committee's brainstorming of initiatives to better understand airport impacts and advocate for the Burien community.