TagNoise Exposure Update(26)

Appendix H of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac Airport) Part 150 Study, containing official Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) for 2022 Existing Conditions and 2032 Future Conditions, signed by Sarah Cox, Director of Aviation Environment & Sustainability, Port of Seattle, dated 06/20/26. Includes Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) flight tracks — North Flow and South Flow

This document is the agenda and attendance record for the fourth meeting of the Part 150 Study Technical Review Committee, held on August 11, 2025, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The meeting covered updates on Phase 1 Noise Exposure Mapping, a kickoff for Phase 2 Noise Compatibility Program planning, and a review of the project schedule. Representatives from neighboring cities, airlines, King County, the FAA, and the Port of Seattle participated as members or liaisons.

A community member wrote to a GAO researcher studying NextGen aviation noise impacts near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, urging that community complaints be paired with responses from the FAA and Port of Seattle to ensure credibility. Key concerns raised include an outdated noise exposure map that has not been updated despite significant growth in air traffic, and the FAA's alleged refusal to answer questions submitted as far back as April 2018. The letter argues that without official rebuttals or supporting documentation, community perceptions risk appearing unsubstantiated and could undermine the integrity of the GAO study.

This map, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle's 14 CFR Part 150 Study Update, shows projected aircraft noise exposure around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the year 2018. It illustrates three noise contour zones (DNL 65, 70, and 75 dBA), with the total area above DNL 65 dBA covering approximately 7.3 square miles and affecting an estimated 3,771 housing units and 9,712 residents. The map also identifies noise-sensitive land uses such as schools, churches, hospitals, and libraries within the affected area, and was certified by the Port of Seattle's Director of Aviation Planning and Environmental Programs.

This is the Existing (2013) Noise Exposure Map for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, prepared as part of a 14 CFR Part 150 Study Update by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle. The map shows aircraft noise contours around Sea-Tac, indicating that the DNL 65 dBA or greater noise zone covers approximately 5.9 square miles and affects an estimated 1,887 housing units and 4,879 residents, along with 9 noise-sensitive facilities such as schools and churches. The map was certified by Port of Seattle Aviation Planning Director Elizabeth Leavitt as accurately representing existing noise conditions based on the best available data.