TagPart 150(263)

In October 2019, community advocate Sharyn Parker responded to a request for public input on a Sea-Tac Airport airfield ground noise study being conducted by consulting firm HMMH. Parker argued that the consultant should first analyze existing noise monitor station data, correlate it with engine run-up records and resident complaints, and review compliance with Washington State noise regulations (WAC 173-60) before seeking community feedback. She also raised concerns about non-functioning noise monitors, the airport's unverified claims about off-site engine testing, and potential overlap with a separate noise study tied to the airport's master planning process.

The Port of Seattle completed an updated Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), which was approved by the Port of Seattle Commission in October 2013 and subsequently received a Record of Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The study identifies noise incompatibilities in communities surrounding Sea-Tac and recommends measures to reduce aircraft noise, building on earlier programs such as a 'fly-quiet' initiative and sound insulation efforts. Sea-Tac is recognized as having one of the most comprehensive airport noise reduction programs in the nation, and this updated study is intended to further minimize the impact of aircraft noise on neighboring communities.

The Port of Seattle responded in October 2019 to detailed questions from the City of Burien about aircraft noise management at Sea-Tac Airport, addressing concerns about noise studies, abatement procedures, sound insulation programs, and community engagement. The Port defended its 2014 Part 150 noise study as covering all three runways and argued that improved aircraft technology has actually reduced the noise-impacted area since the previous study. It also outlined ongoing mitigation efforts, including a Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, over $300 million spent on sound insulation for thousands of homes, and the upcoming Sustainable Airport Master Plan environmental review, which will reassess noise impacts across all runways.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on August 28, 2019 to discuss airport noise reduction efforts, federal policy priorities, and an overview of Part 150 noise studies. Key updates included progress on a Revised Runway Use Agreement, the launch of a Late Night Noise Limitation Program, and a new noise complaint system. The meeting also addressed the temporary suspension of three neighboring cities from StART, with airport leadership pledging improved communication and good-faith efforts to re-engage those communities.

In August 2019, the Burien City Council sent a formal letter to the Port of Seattle's Executive Director and Commissioners raising nine pointed questions about Sea-Tac Airport's noise management failures, including the lack of updated noise studies since 2002, slow implementation of sound insulation for affected homes, unaddressed air quality concerns, and the exclusion of meaningful community input. The letter argues that the Port has prioritized airport expansion and profits over the health and quality of life of surrounding residents for more than 20 years. The Council calls for an honest, open dialogue about how much airport growth is truly sustainable given its ongoing environmental and community impacts.

In August 2019, the City of Burien sent a draft letter to the Port of Seattle raising eight pointed questions about Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's handling of aircraft noise, air quality, and community impact. The letter challenges the Port's failure to conduct comprehensive noise studies since 2002, its slow implementation of sound insulation programs, and its prioritization of airport expansion planning over legally recommended noise mitigation measures. Burien officials conclude that the Port has not treated compatibility with surrounding communities as a genuine priority, citing decades of unaddressed recommendations dating back to a 1996 Expert Arbitration Panel report.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on July 31, 2019, at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington, focusing on the FAA Part 150 Aviation Noise Program and the South King County Fund, both related to managing aircraft noise impacts around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Port of Seattle staff presented updates on community engagement, environmental funding, and noise mitigation efforts, with additional time for public comment and discussion of emerging issues. The forum also announced two upcoming 2019 meetings scheduled for September 25 in Tukwila and November 20 in Des Moines.

This July 2019 briefing presented to the Highline Forum outlines Sea-Tac Airport's sound mitigation efforts under the FAA's Part 150 program, a voluntary federal framework that helps airports address noise and land use conflicts while qualifying for up to 80% federal grant funding. Sea-Tac's program, which began in 1985 and has undergone three updates (most recently in 2014), has involved extensive public outreach including workshops, city council presentations, and community forums. The briefing highlights that Sea-Tac Airport has been actively working to reduce aviation noise impacts on surrounding communities for more than 30 years.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study, approved by the Port of Seattle Commission in October 2013 and later by the FAA, aims to identify and reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. The study developed noise exposure maps for 2013 and projected 2018 conditions, evaluated air traffic control procedures, and considered land use controls to limit noise-sensitive development in high-noise areas. Sea-Tac is recognized for having one of the most comprehensive airport noise reduction programs in the nation, with measures including a 'fly-quiet' program and sound insulation assistance for affected residents.

This document contains the agenda and draft minutes for the Burien Airport Committee meeting held on July 30, 2019, focused on community concerns about Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included draft letters to Senator Keiser and Congresswoman Jayapal regarding FAA questions, ongoing discussions about FAA Part 150 noise mitigation options, and the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The committee also discussed coordinating with the Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee and reviewed notes from recent stakeholder meetings with airport planning consultants.