TagNoise(310)

This April 1983 newsletter from the SeaTac Threat community group outlines residents' opposition to airport noise and related Port of Seattle (POS) policies. It covers meetings where members agreed to resist relaxed density guidelines near North SeaTac Park, push for community-appointed representatives on the Policy Advisory Committee, and make noise a key issue in upcoming municipal, county, and state elections. The newsletter also announces a series of public meetings where the POS will present its Noise Remedy Study Plan, urging residents to attend and participate.

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.

A February 1983 newsletter from the SeaTac Threat Group details community efforts to fight noise and air pollution from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including presentations on noise health impacts and four potential legal remedies such as reverse condemnation and nuisance suits. The group reached a consensus that legal action was the best way to pressure the Port of Seattle (POS) to address the airport's noise pollution, and members were encouraged to attend upcoming meetings with attorney Mary Ruth Mann to discuss terms and fees. The newsletter also highlights concerns about FAA safety density guidelines being overturned and urges residents with political influence to take action.

Published in June 1980 by the Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise, this document provides guidelines for incorporating noise considerations into land use planning and control decisions. It was produced jointly by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. The guidelines are intended to help planners and policymakers manage the impact of noise—such as that generated by airports like Sea-Tac—on surrounding communities through zoning and land use strategies.

A March 1980 internal memo from Bob Wells of the Planning department transmits Noise Monitoring System reports for January and February 1980 to Marion MacKenzie, noting that the station map quality is poor while a clearer version is being prepared. The accompanying report for Sea-Tac International Airport shows monthly and long-term average Day-Night Sound Level (LDN) readings across nine remote monitoring stations, with January 1980 values ranging from 73 to 84 dBA. Operational notes indicate that 58% of January air traffic flew north to south, heavy snowfall forced a brief airport closure on the 8th–9th, and two minor clock failures in the monitoring system were corrected without any loss of noise data.

A July 25, 1979 Port of Seattle internal memorandum from James Branch to all departments and staff compiles 23 questions raised by the public at a Zone Three Steering Committee meeting held on July 24, 1979. The questions cover a wide range of community concerns related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including aircraft noise levels, flight path enforcement, land acquisition programs, runway expansion plans, clear zone definitions, and jet engine emissions affecting nearby neighborhoods. The memo also addresses topics such as FAR 36 noise standards, the Sunset Recreation Plan, the ADAP program, and how residents of the Highline and Zone 3 communities can better cooperate with the Port of Seattle to resolve ongoing airport-related issues.