TagPart 150(263)

This chapter from Sea-Tac Airport's 2013 Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study explains how aircraft noise is measured and analyzed around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It covers the basic properties of sound—including loudness, pitch, and duration—and explains why noise is measured on the logarithmic decibel (dB) scale rather than a standard linear scale. The chapter also outlines how noise contour modeling was conducted to assess the real-world impact of aircraft operations on surrounding communities.

This October 2013 final report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle, updates the noise exposure maps and noise compatibility program for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport under federal regulations (14 CFR Part 150). It assesses the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities and outlines strategies to reduce noise-related conflicts between the airport and neighboring land uses. The study serves as a key planning document guiding Port of Seattle noise mitigation policies at Sea-Tac Airport.

This document outlines the Public Involvement Program developed in March 2010 for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update, which was finalized in October 2013. The program details eight key elements of community engagement, including Technical Review Committee meetings, public information workshops, community meetings, newsletters, and a public hearing, all designed to gather input on airport noise compatibility. Additional details on these elements, along with meeting minutes, presentation materials, and public comments, are documented in the study's Chapter Seven and subsequent appendices.

This chapter from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study presents aviation activity forecasts developed to support noise exposure planning through 2018 and beyond. It covers historical passenger enplanement trends showing growth from 8.2 million in 1990 to 15.6 million in 2009, as well as domestic and international air service patterns dominated by Alaska Airlines. The forecasts, approved by the FAA in August 2010, were used to project aircraft fleet mix and noise exposure contours for future planning purposes.

This appendix from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's 2013 Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study presents supplemental noise analysis results using the FAA's Integrated Noise Model, covering metrics such as Time Above Level, Number of Events Above Level, and Sound Exposure Level. The analysis was prepared for informational purposes only and cannot be used to justify noise mitigation measures, but helps illustrate how aircraft noise affects daily activities like speech and sleep for communities surrounding Sea-Tac. Contour maps and grid point data show projected 2018 noise impacts on noise-sensitive facilities including schools, hospitals, libraries, and places of worship in nearby cities such as SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, and Tukwila.

The Port of Seattle is updating its Part 150 noise management plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which includes revising the official noise remedy boundary based on 2018 future noise contour projections. The updated boundary is generally smaller than the current one, reshaping which properties qualify for noise mitigation assistance. Continuing programs under the new boundary include sound insulation for both single-family homes and owner-occupied multi-family residences located within the affected area.