TagSea-Tac Airport(2024)

In 1990, the Port of Seattle's Port Commission passed Resolution No. 3062, endorsing an agreement reached by the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Noise Mediation Committee after 18 months of study by community representatives, airlines, pilots, the FAA, and airport users. The agreement established a Noise Budget and Nighttime Limitations program aimed at reducing aircraft noise levels by at least 50% by 2001 compared to a 1989 baseline, while also expanding the existing Noise Remedy Program to insulate more homes and remove financial burdens from homeowners. The resolution authorized the Executive Director to implement the agreement's terms, including revising airport regulations, entering noise limitation agreements with airline tenants, and installing a Noise Management System to monitor compliance.

On April 2, 1990, the FAA announced it would implement the 'Four-Post Plan,' a set of air traffic control procedural changes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport designed to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and address worsening arrival delays. The plan, developed after nearly a year of public meetings, environmental review, and computer simulation of 13 alternatives, was determined to produce no significant noise impact on surrounding communities. The FAA cited a 30,000 increase in annual landings and takeoffs since 1988 and the failure of mediation talks to produce an agreed-upon flight path solution as key reasons for moving forward with the changes.

This document outlines the Final Package of Mediated Noise Abatement Actions for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, agreed upon by the Mediation Committee on March 31, 1990. It covers a wide range of noise reduction measures, including nighttime flight restrictions, a noise remedy and insulation program for affected communities, improved flight corridor procedures, and a comprehensive noise management and monitoring system. According to technical consultants, full implementation of these agreements could reduce noise levels by approximately 50% in the communities surrounding the airport.

This 1990 Final Environmental Assessment, prepared by the FAA's Air Traffic Division in Seattle, evaluates proposed changes to arrival and departure flight routes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The document was signed by Air Traffic Division Manager Temple H. Johnson, Jr. on March 27, 1990, and examines the potential environmental impacts of rerouting aircraft traffic in and out of Sea-Tac. It serves as an official federal record relevant to noise and environmental policy affecting communities around the airport.

This chart tracks monthly calls to the Sea-Tac Airport Noise Hotline from 1986 through the first quarter of 1990, measured in thousands of calls. A notable spike is visible in mid-1987, labeled the 'Scatter Test,' during which calls peaked at approximately 3,400 in July before sharply declining. Overall call volumes in 1988 and 1989 were moderate, generally ranging between 400 and 1,700 calls per month, with summer months consistently showing the highest activity across all years.

This report summarizes Sea-Tac Airport noise hotline complaint calls for the First Quarter of 1990, tracking call volumes from 1986 through early 1990 and noting a significant spike during the 1987 'Scatter Test.' The majority of complaints (57.2%) concerned northbound departures, while callers most commonly described aircraft as 'too loud' (57.5%) or 'too frequent' (22.2%). A zip-code breakdown shows complaints originated from communities across the greater Seattle-Tacoma region, with areas such as E. Queen Anne Hill and North Renton/Maple Wood among the higher-volume sources.