TagNoise(310)

This Sea-Tac International Airport brochure, prepared by the Port of Seattle in Summer 1998, compares the noise footprints of Stage II jets, Stage III jets, and general aviation/commuter aircraft to help residents understand the noise impacts of different aircraft types. It explains that Stage III aircraft are significantly quieter than Stage II aircraft, and that replacing older Stage II planes with newer Stage III models would meaningfully reduce noise levels in surrounding communities. The document also defines key noise measurement terminology, including DNL (Day-Night Average Sound Level), and notes that nighttime flights carry a 10-decibel penalty in noise accounting.

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.

Major Supplemental Airport Feasibility Study Summary Report dated March 23, 1995, sponsored by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), prepared by TAMS Consultants, Inc. in association with Pacific Rim Resources and Parametrix, Inc. The report covers site analysis, noise impact areas (65 Ldn contours), access analysis, instrument approach capability, local airspace evaluation, site constructability, site

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.