TagNEPA(463)
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2024-07-02
FAA CZMP Negative Determination Letter: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Near-Term Projects
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. -
2024-06-06
Council on Environmental Quality Substantially Rewrites NEPA Regulations
In May 2024, the Council on Environmental Quality published major updates to the rules governing how federal agencies must review environmental impacts of projects, affecting everything from public participation to project timelines. The changes place new emphasis on environmental justice, requiring agencies to meaningfully engage communities facing disproportionate environmental burdens, and remove previous rules that limited who could challenge agency decisions in court. While some updates are designed to speed up the review process, others may add new requirements for agencies and project sponsors seeking federal permits or funding. -
2024-06-06
Council on Environmental Quality Substantially Rewrites NEPA Regulations
Holland & Knight alert by Rafe Petersen, Alexandra E. Ward, and Jason A. Hill analyzing the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Phase II regulations published May 1, 2024 under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Covers amendments to 40 C.F.R. Parts 1500-1508, including changes to Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Environmental Assessment (EA), Categorical Exclusion (CatEx), -
2024-06-01
Council on Environmental Quality Substantially Rewrites NEPA Regulations
Highlights The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) recently published its Phase II regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Amendments to the NEPA regulations are significant in scope and affect virtually all aspects of the NEPA review process, with many potentially contributing to Biden Administration goals of efficiencies and streamlined reviews, while others possibly -
2024-06-01
Purpose and Need Technical Report: Sustainable Airport Master Plan – Near-Term Projects
This technical report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in June 2024, outlines the purpose and need for near-term construction and improvement projects identified in Sea-Tac Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It is part of a broader set of supporting documents that also covers alternatives analysis, terminal needs assessment, and air cargo facility requirements. The report provides the foundational justification for proposed airport development decisions and infrastructure changes. -
2024-06-01
Environmental Justice Protocol: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
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. -
2024-06-01
Purpose and Need Technical Report: Sustainable Airport Master Plan – Near-Term Projects
This technical report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in June 2024, outlines the purpose and need for near-term capital projects identified in Sea-Tac Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It is part of a broader set of supporting documents that also covers alternatives analysis, terminal needs assessment, and air cargo facility requirements. The report provides the foundational justification for proposed airport improvements and infrastructure expansions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. -
2024-06-01
Purpose and Need Technical Report: Sustainable Airport Master Plan – Near-Term Projects
This technical report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in June 2024, outlines the purpose and need for near-term capital projects identified in Sea-Tac Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It is part of a broader set of supporting documents that also covers alternatives analysis, terminal needs assessment, and air cargo facility requirements. The report provides the foundational justification for proposed airport improvements and infrastructure expansions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. -
2024-05-22
Highline Forum SAMP NTP Environmental Review Overview — Project Schedule Slide (Page 7, May 2024)
A project schedule slide showing key milestones for NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) and SEPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes, spanning August 2023 through 2026. Milestones include Impact Analysis Draft Sections (June 2024), NEPA EA Draft Document Agency and Public Comment Period (Q4 2024), NEPA EA Final Document and Decision (Early Q2 2025), SEPA EIS Draft Document Agency and Public Comment Period (Late Q2 2025), SEPA EIS Agency and Public Review Complete (Mid Q3 2025), SEPA EIS Final Document and Decision (Q4 2025), and Commission consideration/approval of project(s) in 2026. -
2024-05-22
Highline Forum SAMP NTP Environmental Review Overview — Slide 5 (May 22, 2024)
This presentation slide lists the NEPA resource categories that will be covered in an environmental review document, including Air Quality, Biological Resources, Climate, Coastal Resources, DOT Section 4(f), Farmlands, Hazardous Materials, Land Use, Historical/Cultural Resources, Noise and Noise-Compatible Land Use, Socioeconomics/Environmental Justice, Visual Effects, and Water Resources. A footer note states that the FAA is the lead agency for NEPA and that the document will cover an extensive set of resource categories; this is slide 5 of the presentation.