TagSea-Tac Airport(1835)

In December 1996, the Port of Seattle submitted a Section 404 permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to place fill material in waters of the United States as part of Sea-Tac Airport's Master Plan Update, which included construction of a third parallel runway. The application explains that the new runway, located 2,500 feet west of the existing 16R/34L runway, was needed to reduce severe arrival delays during poor weather conditions, which were costing airlines approximately $42 million annually. The project was the outcome of nearly a decade of regional planning, including the PSRC's Flight Plan Study, which evaluated numerous alternatives before recommending the runway expansion as the best solution for the region's long-term air travel needs.

This 1996 plan by Parametrix, Inc. outlines the proposed relocation of Miller Creek to accommodate expansion improvements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It assesses the creek's existing ecological conditions—including fish habitat, hydrology, and riparian vegetation—and identifies the construction impacts the relocation would cause. The document then presents mitigation goals, site selection rationale, and engineering details for redesigning the creek channel to offset environmental impacts.

Annual Stormwater Monitoring Report for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) covering the period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996, AR 027767–027769. Prepared by Scott Tobiason, Environmental Management Specialist, Port Of Seattle Environmental Services. Reviewed by Tom Hubbard (Port of Seattle) and Gary Minton (Resource Planning Associates). Document concerns NPDES stormwater monitoring at Sea-Tac Airport.

HNTB-prepared Final Draft Phase I study (November 1996) for Sea-Tac Airport Third Runway fill material alternative delivery methods. Evaluates transport corridors including Corridor 1 (Des Moines Creek barge transfer and land conveyor), Corridor 2 (SR 509 conveyor, truck, rail), and Corridor 3 (SR 518 conveyor, truck, rail). Covers technical viability, construction/environmental permitting (local, state, federal),

In August 1996, community groups CASE and RCAA formally appealed the Port of Seattle's Resolution No. 3212, which approved construction of a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The appeal argued that newer navigation technologies such as Localizer Directional Aid (LDA) and GPS, combined with demand management strategies, could provide equivalent airport capacity at far lower cost and with less environmental harm. The groups requested a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate these technology-based alternatives and reconsider the third runway decision.

A 1996 Seattle Times article details the massive earth-moving challenge facing Sea-Tac Airport's planned third runway, which required importing approximately 14.25 million cubic yards of fill dirt at an estimated cost of $120 million to level a corridor of dips and valleys as deep as 145 feet. Port of Seattle planners were exploring multiple options for sourcing and transporting the dirt, including conveyor belts, barges, and rail spurs, while facing legal opposition from nearby cities who argued the project understated environmental and community harm.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport operates one of the nation's most comprehensive airport noise management programs, divided into Noise Abatement measures — such as restricting the noisiest Stage 2 jets at night, controlling ground engine use, and routing flight paths over fewer homes — and Noise Remedy programs that help affected residents through home sound insulation, sales assistance, and a completed acquisition program that purchased 1,400 severely impacted homes. The Port of Seattle also monitors noise levels through an 11-station system and tracks flight paths using FAA radar data to ensure compliance. Residents can report concerns or request information 24 hours a day via the Noise Information/Complaint Line at 433-5393 or toll-free at 1-800-826-1147.

Resolution A-96-02 adopted by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) General Assembly on July 11, 1996, amending the 1995 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) to include plans for a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with additional noise reduction measures. References Resolution A-93-03, Expert Arbitration Panel on Demand/System Management and Noise,

In July 1996, the Puget Sound Regional Council adopted Resolution A-96-02, amending the region's Metropolitan Transportation Plan to include plans for a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, paired with additional noise reduction measures. The decision followed years of study, including an Expert Panel finding that neither demand management strategies nor high-speed rail could eliminate the need for expanded capacity. Final approval of the runway remained contingent on environmental review by the Port of Seattle, Federal Aviation Administration permitting, and completion of required noise mitigation steps.

The Puget Sound Regional Council held a General Assembly Meeting on July 11, 1996, at the Seattle Center Flag Pavilion to consider a key policy action: an amendment to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) that would include plans for Sea-Tac Airport expansion along with additional noise reduction measures. The meeting included a public comment period from 2:00–3:30 p.m., allowing community members up to three minutes each to speak, followed by assembly deliberations and a vote on the proposed amendment. This document reflects a formal regional planning effort to balance airport growth with mitigation of noise impacts on surrounding communities.