TagNextGen(53)

This white paper analyzes the noise-related provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302), which reauthorized the FAA through fiscal year 2023 and included 14 provisions directly or indirectly addressing aircraft noise. Key measures require the FAA to study alternative noise metrics to replace the Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) standard, update Noise Exposure Maps when operations change significantly, and consider dispersal headings for new flight procedures to reduce community noise impacts. Seattle is among the cities specifically identified for a health impacts study related to aviation noise, making these provisions particularly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport stakeholders.

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.

A presentation by David Goebel addressing the noise impact of the FAA’s NextGen program on Vashon Island. The document covers airport flow fundamentals, conventional RADAR vs NextGen RNAV approaches, and action items for addressing the noise issue.

In January 2018, Des Moines resident and filmmaker Steve Edmiston addressed the Port of Seattle Commission, arguing that a prior FAA briefing on NextGen flight procedures omitted critical information about health harms from aircraft noise, nationwide community opposition, lawsuits against the FAA, and related legislation. Edmiston announced a project to deliver the full, fact-based briefing the Commission originally requested, presenting his information in two-minute public comment segments over an estimated 10 months. His goal was to push the Port to move beyond what he called 'selective environmentalism' and make better-informed decisions about the human and environmental costs of expanded flight operations at SeaTac Airport.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on May 24, 2017, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, hosted by the Port of Seattle. The two-hour session covered an overview of the airport's noise programs and a NextGen briefing presented by Noise Programs Manager Stan Shepherd, followed by a discussion of potential structural changes to the Forum itself, including membership rules, meeting format, and communication practices. The meeting was open to public comment and concluded with planning for the next Forum session in July.