TagPuget Sound Regional Council(191)

This Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) evaluates proposed updates to the Master Plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, examining the effects of revised aviation demand forecasts on runway capacity, safety improvements, and landside facilities. It analyzes a range of alternatives to address poor-weather airfield performance, runway length needs for Pacific Rim flights, and runway safety area compliance with FAA standards. The document also assesses environmental consequences including noise impacts on surrounding communities, air quality, wetlands, and construction effects.

Resolution No. 3212, adopted by the Port of Seattle in 1996, approved the construction of a new third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to address growing air traffic demand and reduce delays caused by poor weather conditions. The resolution followed years of regional studies, environmental impact reviews, and public involvement, including findings that no feasible alternative airport sites existed in the four-county area. It also committed the Port to fulfilling additional noise reduction measures as required by Puget Sound Regional Council Resolution A-96-02.

In October 1994, the Puget Sound Regional Council's Executive Board formally approved moving forward with a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, concluding that no feasible sites existed for a supplemental airport in the four-county region. The resolution affirmed that the third runway would meet regional air capacity needs through 2030, provided it satisfied noise and demand management conditions and passed environmental review. The Board also recommended that the State develop legislation to compensate communities impacted by essential public facilities and explore long-term transportation alternatives, including high-speed rail.

The 1988-2020 Regional Airport System Plan, published in October 1987, outlines policies for managing and developing public-use airports across King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties through the year 2020. A central finding is that Sea-Tac Airport was projected to reach full capacity within 10 to 15 years, with intolerable aircraft delays expected unless alternative measures were taken. The plan also addresses noise and flight track mitigation programs, land use compatibility near airports, and the potential role of satellite airports such as Paine Field, Bremerton National, and Tacoma Narrows in relieving pressure on Sea-Tac.