TagPermitting(2)

The Port of Seattle is pleased to submit this Section 404 Application to place fill material into waters of the United States at Seattle Tacoma International Airport associated with the Master Plan Update improvements, as well as associated backup information. 1. Background The Port Commission's approval of the Master Plan Update in August 1996 was the culmination of nearly ten years of regional process regarding the need for additional airport capacity in the Puget Sound Region. It is the result of significant technical and environmental analyses; a comprehensive public information and involvement program; and extensive review of the airport capacity issue by airlines, other Airport users, citizens, and local and regional policy makers. A 39-member panel with representatives from cities and counties throughout the Region, aviatiOn industry experts, citizens, and the State - known as the Puget Sound Air Transportation Committee (PSATC) - was assembled and conducted the three-year long Flight Plan Study. The purpose of the Flight Plan was to develop a regional solution that would meet the Region's commerCial air travel needs to the year 2020 and beyond. The PSA TC conducted a thorough review of a wide range of options, including a replacement airport, supplemental airports, new navigational technologies, demand management, and high speed rail. The PSATC, Port and PSRC prepared and issued for public review and comment a report examining the potential environmental impacts of the studied alternatives. Following its deliberations, the PSATC recommended a multiple airport system that includes a new air carrier runway at…

the Port of Seattle must have to build the third runway. The runway CANNOTbe built until the Port obtains this Clean Water Certificate and a separate Wetlands Fill Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. coming in 2002 The Pollution Control Hearings Board March 18, 2002 Hearing on the merits of the Clean Water Certificate Department of Ecology June2002 NPDES Permit Decision US Army Corps of Engineers: Date unknown Wetlands fill404 permit il : Serious Environmental -CIS There are serious questions on three major environmental issues: 1. Wetlands impacts and mitigation, 2. In-stream flow for fish habitat, and 3. Contaminated fill material imported for construction. There is a great deal at stake. The project would affect three watersheds, destroy 20 acres of critical wetlands and affect another 80, would impact an aquifer and a regional waterfront park built around Des Moines Creek The environmental health of five south county cities with 150, 000 residents is at risk Beautifi<L MilLer Creek in winter. wasta, ··-· We don't need the third runway, an expensive solution in search of a problem. Recent FAA data (before Sept. 11) on weather delays and declining air traffic show that the current infrastructure can handle the demand for the next 20 years. A billion dollars for a dangerous runway design that will increase the risk of runway incursions and reduce the efficiency of the existing runways doesn't make sense. Can the Port afford the third runway? Why won't the Port release a current budget showing the…