TagSAMP(642)

The Port of Seattle is conducting an environmental review of near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) planned through 2027, as part of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Key planned improvements include a second terminal, a centralized maintenance campus, off-airport cargo facilities, and roadway and fueling expansions to accommodate up to 477,000 annual flights and 56 million passengers. A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under Washington State's SEPA, as well as a federal Environmental Assessment under NEPA led by the FAA, are being prepared to evaluate potential environmental impacts.

The Federal Way City Council held a special meeting on July 17, 2018, featuring a study session on the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), with presentations from Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins and directors of Capital Project Delivery and Aviation Environment and Sustainability. The session allowed council members to ask questions and hear updates on airport expansion and sustainability efforts relevant to the Federal Way area. The meeting also included a citizen comment period and an executive session regarding potential litigation.

This scoping information packet, prepared by Landrum & Brown, Inc. for the Port of Seattle in July 2018, outlines the environmental review process for near-term projects under the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainable Airport Master Plan. It initiates the scoping phase, during which public and agency input is gathered to identify key environmental issues to be studied. The document serves as a foundational reference for understanding the scope and potential impacts of planned airport development projects.

The Aviation Advisory Committee met on June 11, 2018 to discuss concerns about SeaTac Airport's proposed expansion under the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Key actions included recommending the City send a letter to the Port of Seattle requesting a community open house with public Q&A, and reviewing a draft messaging framework to present to City Council on June 14. The committee also discussed hiring consultants to help the four cities in the Inter Local Agreement identify the best ways to be heard in the SAMP process and address related environmental and noise impacts.

Normandy Park City Manager Mark Hoppen outlines the city's efforts to address Sea-Tac Airport noise and air quality concerns, noting that direct lawsuits against the FAA have had limited success. Key initiatives include a joint jurisdictional response to the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, a Washington State baseline airport conditions study, and a University of Washington ultrafine particulates study aimed at building evidence for federal health-based legislation. Residents are encouraged to review two StART Meeting presentations on aircraft noise and arrival altitudes, particularly slide 37 of the Altitude Analysis, which shows an increase in cargo flights potentially linked to local noise complaints.

Port of Seattle presentation outlining the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) long-term vision with concurrent strategies to serve market demand. Shows current projects for 46.9M passengers, near-term projects targeting 56M passengers by 2027, and long-term vision for demand beyond 2027 including additional planning and environmental review requirements.

On May 30, 2018, the Port of Seattle held its first public open house for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), drawing 147 attendees who discussed Sea-Tac Airport's projected growth to 56 million annual passengers and 480,000 aircraft operations by 2027. Community members raised concerns about noise, pollution, and the disproportionate impact on nearby low-income and minority communities, while Port officials explained limitations on controlling flight schedules and discussed noise mitigation efforts. The meeting notes document questions and answers covering topics such as cargo forecasts, flight pattern changes, the airport's physical footprint, and the possibility of distributing air traffic among other regional airports.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on May 23, 2018, hosted by the Port of Seattle at Sea-Tac Airport's Central Auditorium, focusing on the theme of Aircraft Altitudes. The two-hour agenda included updates on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan and Federal Issues, as well as a one-hour Aircraft Altitudes Analysis presented by Steve Alverson, Senior Vice President of ESA. The meeting also allowed time for public comments and discussion of emerging issues related to airport noise and flight operations.

The Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee met on May 14, 2018 to discuss several Sea-Tac Airport-related issues, including a recommendation to send a letter to the FAA urging the hiring of Community Engagement employees, an update on the city's consultant search ahead of the Port's Strategic Airport Master Plan (SAMP) scoping process, and a review of a draft framework letter focused on improving community engagement throughout the environmental impact process. The committee also discussed Hush House noise-reduction technology potentially coming to Sea-Tac Airport and noted upcoming events including a Port-hosted Open House on the Airport Master Plan and a Noise 101 workshop for START members.