TagNoise(193)

This catalog lists documents received in 1993 related to Sea-Tac International Airport and regional air transportation policy, covering topics such as airport noise studies, environmental impact statements, and air quality plans for the Puget Sound area. Sources include the FAA, US EPA, Washington State DOE, and various consulting firms. The collection spans noise compatibility programs, aircraft deicing environmental concerns, wetlands restoration, and long-range aviation forecasts for the Pacific Northwest.

This library catalog covers documents received in 1990 and 1992 relating to aviation planning and noise policy in the Puget Sound region, with a focus on Sea-Tac Airport. Key items include environmental impact statements for the 'Vision 2020' and 'Flight Plan Project' plans, Sea-Tac noise exposure map updates, community association comments on airport expansion, and technical reports on aircraft modifications. The catalog records each document's title, author or agency, original publication date, and accession date, and notes donor information where applicable.

A 1997 Cornell University study found that elementary school children chronically exposed to aircraft noise showed significant reading deficits, even when tested under quiet conditions — meaning the harm stems from long-term exposure, not just momentary distraction. The researchers identified impaired language acquisition, particularly speech perception, as a key reason why noise-exposed children fall behind in reading. These findings have direct relevance for communities near busy airports, where sustained noise levels may quietly undermine children's academic development.

The Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA) was a coalition of cities and citizen groups in the Puget Sound region that opposed the proposed third dependent runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the early 1990s. The organization compiled expert research and white papers covering noise impacts, public health effects, environmental and social consequences, and economic costs associated with airport expansion. Their goal was to identify financially feasible and environmentally responsible alternatives to meet the region's air capacity needs without further expanding Sea-Tac.

This is Book #1 of materials compiled by the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA), a coalition of community organizations and cities in the Puget Sound region, submitted to the Transportation Policy Board in January 1993. The packet presents expert reports on air traffic forecasting, economic impacts, noise, effects on children's education, public health, and air pollution—all focused on the proposed expansion of Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport. The RCAA argues against airport expansion on the grounds of quality of life, environmental harm, and equity for surrounding communities.

This December 1992 catalog from R.C.A.A. (Residents for Conscious Airport Activity) lists research papers, critiques, and white papers organized by topic—including airport planning, demand and capacity, economics, health, environmental impacts, and noise—all relating to Sea-Tac International Airport expansion. Key concerns addressed include aircraft noise measurement and the adequacy of the 65 Ldn noise metric, air and water pollution from airport expansion, and the evaluation of alternative airport sites. The catalog reflects community and expert opposition to Sea-Tac's third runway proposal and broader regional airport policy decisions in the Puget Sound area.

These documents relate to the Airport Alternative Committee's October 1992 meeting, which brought together cities, community organizations, and citizen groups concerned about aircraft noise around Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Airport. The committee evaluated criteria and requirements for addressing airport expansion, including minimizing noise impact on the largest number of people, maximizing aircraft and ground safety, and providing 750 operations capacity by the year 2020. Alternative airport sites such as Vancouver, Black Lake, Fort Lewis, Portland, McCord, Arlington, and SeaTac were also discussed.

A 1992 report by physicians from the Regional Coalition on Airport Affairs details the serious health risks posed by Sea-Tac International Airport's noise and air pollution on surrounding communities. It documents links between airport noise and increased use of tranquilizers, psychiatric hospitalizations, sleep disruption, lower birth weights, and declining school test scores, while also noting that Sea-Tac generates up to 5% of all air pollution in King County. The report argues that airport expansion would significantly worsen these already measurable public health impacts on South King County residents.

This handwritten document appears to be notes from an early 1992 meeting (dated 3/2/92) concerning aircraft noise policy near Sea-Tac Airport, referencing a group opposed to further aircraft noise and seeking members from both inside and outside city limits, with a target population of 100,000. The notes outline several case studies of organizations and community colleges receiving donations ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, apparently as part of noise mitigation or community foundation funding efforts. Key concerns include growing a membership list beyond those already on a computer list and organizing inaugural meetings to advance the no-more-aircraft-noise agenda.