TagSAMP(650)

The Port of Seattle is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) under federal law for 31 near-term improvement projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), covering airfield upgrades, taxiway extensions, and passenger facility improvements. The projects, collectively known as the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects, are intended to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance the passenger experience, with construction potentially beginning in late 2025 and completion targeted for 2032. The federal review will determine whether the projects could significantly impact the surrounding human environment, including potential noise and other effects on neighboring communities.

This section of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Environmental Assessment lists the individuals and organizations responsible for preparing the EA for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects, finalized in September 2025. It includes contributors from the FAA, Port of Seattle, and multiple consulting firms covering areas such as noise analysis, air quality, surface transportation, wetlands, cultural resources, and public engagement. Key organizations involved include Landrum & Brown, Concord Engineering, Confluence Environmental Company, Parametrix, Stell Environmental, and others.

The Des Moines, Washington City Council Airport Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting on August 11, 2025, covering organizational matters such as member introductions and the selection of a Chair and Vice Chair. The agenda also included briefings on the Port of Seattle's StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) community engagement program and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), both of which relate to managing the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on surrounding communities. The committee also discussed selecting a StART representative and reviewed meeting policies, reflecting Des Moines' active role in regional airport noise and development oversight.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Biological Opinion on July 28, 2025, in response to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) consultation request regarding the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects. The opinion evaluates potential effects of the planned airport projects on endangered species and critical fish habitat under the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The review drew on a Final Biological Evaluation prepared by the FAA to assess impacts on species status, critical habitat, and the surrounding environment.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Biological Opinion on July 28, 2025, in response to a Federal Aviation Administration consultation request regarding near-term construction projects outlined in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainable Airport Master Plan. The opinion evaluates potential effects of these projects on endangered species and critical fish habitat under the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NMFS reviewed and independently verified analyses from the FAA's Biological Evaluation, incorporating findings related to the proposed action area, species status, and effects on critical habitat.

The Des Moines, WA City Council is considering Resolution 25-034 to formally establish an ad-hoc Airport Advisory Committee focused on Sea-Tac Airport issues, including review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), interlocal agreements with airport partners, and the city's strategy with the Port of Seattle. The five-member committee would include the city's existing StART (Seattle-Tacoma Airport Roundtable) representative Joe Dusenbury and four mayoral appointees — Jeffrey Bogen, Barton DeLacy, Todd Downing, and Steve Reagin — each serving terms through December 31, 2027. The committee will act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, ensuring community involvement in decisions related to airport noise, expansion, and related environmental and policy matters.

Quiet Skies Puget Sound presented concerns to the Aviation Committee 2.0 about the Sea-Tac Airport Master Plan (SAMP) draft Environmental Assessment, warning that 87,000 additional annual flights would pose serious public health risks to children, the elderly, and environmental justice communities. The group criticized the Port for failing to provide meaningful collaboration or mitigation across 4,600 pages of documentation, and argued that community forums like StART and the Highline Forum have been treated as mere formalities. On a positive note, the group highlighted growing opposition to the SAMP from the EPA, local cities, advocacy groups, and elected officials, as well as a favorable legal and regulatory environment for challenging the airport's expansion plans.

The City of Des Moines, WA is proposing the formation of a permanent Airport Advisory Committee to advise the City Council on matters related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), potential interlocal agreements with airport partners, and the city's strategy with the Port of Seattle. The committee would consist of at least three Des Moines residents, including at least one City Council member, and would meet quarterly to evaluate airport-related issues and provide recommendations. Staff submitted the proposal for Council approval at the February 6, 2025 meeting, following a unanimous Council vote in October 2024 to establish such a committee.

The Port of Seattle submitted an environmental checklist in January 2025 for a limited update to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Water System Plan, covering the period 2025–2028. The update addresses routine maintenance and infrastructure improvements to SEA's drinking water and fire protection system, including pipe replacements, new surge tanks, additional water storage, and a backup water supply connection to Highline Water District. Washington State Department of Health approval and Port of Seattle Commission adoption are required before the plan can be implemented.