TagNoise Mitigation(208)

This 1983 work program outlines a study to evaluate and update Sea-Tac International Airport's aircraft noise remedy program, originally established in the 1970 Sea-Tac/Communities Plan. The study, conducted by the Port of Seattle alongside Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. and McClure Research Company, addresses updated noise projections, progress on existing remedies, and current financial conditions. Key tasks include study design, federal funding coordination, and a Community Involvement Program to keep the public informed and engaged in noise abatement planning.

This February 1982 draft document outlines the scope of work for updating the Sea-Tac Airport Noise Remedy Program, covering two main elements: an Airport Noise Compatibility Plan and an Environmental Assessment. The plan details tasks including reviewing land acquisition programs, inventorying existing community conditions (such as land use, population, housing, and noise levels), and identifying noise abatement alternatives ranging from local zoning measures to federal flight-track modifications. It also establishes criteria for evaluating those alternatives, including community sentiment, cost, and the reduction of noise-impacted populations near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

A February 1982 letter from Port of Seattle Special Projects Director Arthur H. Yoshioka invites Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) members to a Task Force meeting on February 18, 1982, to kick off Phase II of the Sea-Tac Communities Plan Noise Remedy Program Update. The meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Sea-Tac Administration Office Conference Room, would cover the current status of the Noise Forecast Update, regulations, funding, traffic, and a proposed citizen involvement program. The Port aimed to deliver a recommendation to the Port Commission by March 1982, building on a decade of research into the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on surrounding communities.

This draft planning document outlines sixteen potential programs to address aircraft noise impacts near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, ranging from government acquisition and demolition of affected properties to zoning changes and development controls. Each program is described along with a pros-and-cons analysis to help community members and decision-makers evaluate the options. The programs include measures such as converting noisy areas to open space, offering purchase assistance to affected homeowners, granting noise easements, soundproofing buildings, and providing property advisory services.

This 1974 report, prepared by Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., identifies thirteen potential programs to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The programs range from government acquisition and demolition of properties in high-noise zones—converting the land to low-intensity uses like golf courses or farming—to modifications of zoning and development regulations enforced by King County and nearby municipalities. Each program is evaluated with a pros-and-cons analysis to help stakeholders determine the most effective approach to improving the noise environment near Sea-Tac.

A 1974 Washington State law (Chapter 121, House Bill 1328) authorizes port districts operating busy airports to take action against jet aircraft noise affecting nearby communities. Programs available include buying affected properties, soundproofing structures, and providing mortgage insurance to residents who cannot obtain it due to noise impact — all within defined geographic boundaries around runways. Funding may come from federal grants, airport revenues, and general obligation bonds up to one-eighth of one percent of taxable property value in the port district.