TagMiller Creek(260)

Memorandum from Ken Ludwa (Parametrix, Inc.) to Paul Fendt dated July 1, 1998, project number 55-2912-01, describing results of a Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) for the STIA Third Runway area stormwater runoff. Analysis conducted at a working meeting with Lisa Zinner (Ecology), Lori Terry (Preston, Gates, and Ellis), Tom Hubbard (POS), John Rogers (CH2M Hill),

A 1998 internal memo from Parametrix, Inc. summarizes the results of a Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) conducted for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) Third Runway project, assessing whether stormwater runoff from the new runway could exceed water quality criteria in Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek. The analysis found that most pollutant concentrations after treatment with best management practices (BMPs) such as bioswales, sand filters, and wet ponds would meet criteria, with the exception of copper, which remained above acceptable levels. The memo also notes that existing pollutant concentrations in the receiving waterways during storms already exceeded criteria, even before accounting for Third Runway runoff.

A July 1, 1998 memorandum from Parametrix, Inc. summarizes the results of a Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) conducted for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) Third Runway project, assessing stormwater runoff quality against water quality criteria for Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek. The analysis found that most pollutant concentrations after treatment with best management practices (BMPs) such as bioswales, sand filters, and wet ponds would meet criteria, with the exception of copper, which remained above acceptable levels. The memo also notes that during storms, pollutant concentrations already present in the receiving waters exceeded criteria and were higher than those predicted from Third Runway stormwater runoff.

A 1998 letter from Fisheries Consultants to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concludes that SeaTac Airport's proposed Third Runway will have an overall neutral effect on aquatic habitat and fish populations in Miller Creek. Minor benefits are expected from new storm flow detention facilities, which will reduce peak flood flows by 5–20%, and from a planned 100-foot-wide stream buffer created through residential buyouts along the creek. Adverse impacts are limited to the temporary disruption of a quarter-mile creek relocation and an approximate 8% reduction in late-summer low stream flows due to increased paved surfaces and wetland fill.

Comment Binder A compiled by Port of Seattle for Sea-Tac Airport (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) third runway project, containing letters submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the initial comment period (December 19, 1997 to January 20, 1998) and comments from the joint Corps/Ecology public hearing held April 9, 1998. Includes a January 15,

A April 6, 1998 internal memorandum from Paul Tappel to Jim Kelley identifies minor technical inconsistencies and questions in the Sea-Tac Airport JARPA permit application, focusing on discrepancies in engineering drawings, stream buffer widths, channel elevation profiles, and hydraulic calculations for a proposed Miller Creek relocation. Tappel raises concerns that the plan overstates the environmental benefits of the reconstructed creek channel and contains contradictory goals regarding wildlife habitat and airport bird-strike safety. He notes these issues are not critical to the overall assessment but could cause confusion as the design moves forward.

This 1998 newsletter from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs covers several controversies surrounding Sea-Tac Airport's expansion, including a 24% cost overrun on the new parking garage, Port staff admitting they lack the capacity to manage over 100 simultaneous expansion projects, and the Highline School District launching an independent study of airport noise impacts on classrooms after failed negotiations with the Port. Additional issues covered include a proposed wetlands destruction permit for the third runway site, plans to extend King County International Airport's runway closer to Georgetown neighborhoods, and legal battles over city comprehensive plans that opposed airport expansion.

In February 1998, the U.S. EPA Region 10 wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers recommending denial of a permit for the Port of Seattle's proposed third parallel runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, citing concerns over the filling of more than 11 acres of wetlands and portions of Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek. The EPA objected that the applicant's mitigation plan relied almost entirely on off-site wetland replacement in the Green River Valley rather than within the affected watersheds, and questioned whether alternatives to wetland fills for the South Aviation Support Area and on-site borrow areas had been adequately explored. The agency indicated it was willing to work with the Corps and the Port to identify solutions that would satisfy both aviation safety needs and Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) requirements.

US Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District public notice of permit application 96-4-02325, filed by Port Of Seattle (contact: Barbara Hinkle, (206) 439-6606) under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Proposes filling 7.38 acres of wetlands to construct an 8,500-foot parallel third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), plus 2.34 acres for Runway

This November/December 1997 newsletter from CASE (Citizens for an Accurate and Safe Environment) reports on environmental and noise concerns related to Port of Seattle airport expansion projects near Sea-Tac Airport. Key issues include the Port allegedly lacking required Army Corps of Engineers permits to destroy wetlands for a new parking lot, potential contamination threats to Seattle Water Department drinking water aquifers, and citizen complaints about early-morning aircraft engine run-ups disturbing nearby residents. The newsletter also highlights a legal victory in Burbank, California affirming local governments' rights to control land use decisions related to airport expansion.