TagPort Of Seattle(1845)

This June 2020 StART Aviation Noise Working Group update outlines Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's near-term action plan to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. Key initiatives include a voluntary Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, a revised Runway Use Program to limit third-runway use at night, and a glideslope adjustment for Runway 34R to reduce approach noise. Additional measures include ground noise analysis, a Noise Abatement Departure Profiles Study, and encouraging airlines to install vortex generators on older A320 aircraft to lessen descent noise.

Washington State's Substitute House Bill 1847, signed into law in March 2020, expands the aircraft noise abatement programs available to port districts by lowering the qualifying threshold from 900 to 20 scheduled jet flights per day and extending the geographic boundaries of 'impacted areas' around airport runways. The law allows port districts to pursue noise relief measures—including property acquisition, soundproofing, transaction assistance, and mortgage insurance—for communities affected by aircraft noise. It amends three existing state statutes (RCW 53.54.010, 53.54.020, and 53.54.030) and took effect on June 11, 2020.

Washington State's Substitute House Bill 1847, signed into law on March 25, 2020, expands the aircraft noise abatement programs available to port districts by lowering the threshold for eligibility from airports serving more than 900 scheduled jet flights per day (previously 20). The law also enlarges the geographic 'impacted areas' around runways where noise relief programs—such as soundproofing, property acquisition, and transaction assistance—can be offered, extending coverage from six to ten miles north and up to thirteen miles south of runway ends, and from one to two miles from runway centerlines.

Port of Seattle Commission resolution establishing the Century Agenda Policy Directive to codify goals guiding strategic planning, budget, and resource allocation. The resolution formalizes the Port’s 25-year vision of adding 100,000 jobs while reducing environmental footprint, and incorporates amendments for carbon emission reduction goals and increased participation by minority and women-owned businesses.

Federal Way resident Bernedine Lund submitted public comments to the Port of Seattle Commission on May 26-27, 2020, calling for stronger environmental and community health protections in the Port's Century Agenda. She urged the Port to add goals addressing aircraft noise and pollution impacts on local communities, take responsibility for jet fuel emissions rather than limiting green energy claims to airport operations only, and plan for reduced flight numbers by developing proposals for a transportation-communication hub. Lund also suggested the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to rethink long-term aviation growth targets.

In November 2018, the Port of Seattle Commission set aside $10 million over five years (2019–2023) to benefit near-airport communities in South King County, with funds intended to address airport noise and support environmental health and sustainability projects. In June 2019, the Commission adopted eight guiding principles to govern the fund, emphasizing community input, equity, innovation, and matching funds where possible. This May 2020 presentation to the Highline Forum provided an update on the fund's progress and priorities.

This May 2020 update from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport outlines the status of its noise abatement and mitigation programs. Citizen noise complaints were averaging 400 per day, while the Noise Abatement Corridor saw 98% compliance and the Late Night Noise Limitation Program recorded an average of 11 exceedances per night in Q1 2020. COVID-19 delayed sound insulation construction projects for single-family homes and condominiums, pushing estimated start dates into 2021.

The Highline Forum held its May 27, 2020 meeting virtually via Zoom, hosted by the City of Federal Way, focusing on COVID-19 management and planning alongside updates on the South King County Fund, the StART program, and the Port of Seattle's Noise Program. The April 2020 meeting had been cancelled due to COVID-19, and subsequent 2020 meetings were also shifted to virtual formats. The agenda included presentations by Port of Seattle representatives on noise and airport-related programs affecting South King County communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on May 19, 2020, to discuss airport-related policy matters, including a proposed letter to Port Commissioners about a 'new normal' for airport operations, comments on a Department of Commerce report, and a possible invitation to an FAA Community Ombudsperson. Draft minutes from the April 21, 2020 meeting were also reviewed, covering Chair Tosta's Washington, D.C. visit to advocate for a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The meetings, held via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions, reflect ongoing community and city council efforts to address noise and environmental concerns related to Sea-Tac Airport.