TagSea-Tac Airport(1855)

This document explains the fundamentals of aircraft noise at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering how sound is measured in decibels and A-weighted decibels (dBA) to reflect human hearing sensitivity. It describes how outdoor sound levels decrease with distance due to wave spreading and atmospheric absorption, with noise typically dropping 6 dB each time the distance from the source doubles. A comparative chart of common indoor and outdoor noise levels is included to help put aircraft noise levels in everyday context.

This document describes existing land uses near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) as part of a Part 150 noise study. It draws on King County parcel and assessor data to categorize land use across nearby communities including Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated King County. The City of Burien, for example, is predominantly single-family residential (about 70% of its land area), with smaller shares dedicated to open space, commercial development, and institutional uses.

Appendix E of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Part 150 Study documents the consultation and correspondence process, including meetings of a Technical Review Committee (TRC) held between 2024 and 2025, briefings for local jurisdictions such as Tukwila, Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, and King County, and a Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable briefing. The TRC, established by the Port of Seattle, brought together key community and organizational representatives to provide technical input on aircraft noise levels and land use impacts under federal guidelines. While the TRC advised on the study, final decision-making authority remained with the Port of Seattle, with the FAA responsible for approving Noise Exposure Maps and the Noise Compatibility Program.

This document is Appendix G of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Part 150 Noise Study, compiling public comments and official responses gathered during the study's development. It covers a wide range of topics organized into three main areas: Part 150 regulations and noise exposure maps (including noise metrics, flight tracks, and FAA guidelines), current airport operations and community concerns (such as flight paths, nighttime operations, and the sound insulation program), and miscellaneous issues like health effects, air quality, and property values. Comments were collected through multiple channels including public open houses, workshops, the study website, and email.