TagSea-Tac Airport(1855)

Highline Water District reached a settlement with the Port of Seattle after PFAS chemicals, likely originating from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport operations, were found to have contaminated the District's Tyee Well, forcing the District to suspend well operations in June 2022. The contamination required the District to purchase more expensive replacement water from Seattle Public Utilities, and new EPA regulations finalized in 2024 further prohibited resuming well use without installing costly treatment facilities. The two parties negotiated a mutual release of claims to resolve the District's operational and financial losses resulting from the contamination.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned near-term construction and equipment relocation projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are not reasonably likely to cause effects on Washington State's coastal zone. The 31 Near-Term Projects, which include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and relocation of navigational aids, are part of the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan and are scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The FAA requested written concurrence from the Washington State Department of Ecology, while the Port of Seattle remains responsible for separate consistency certification for any projects requiring Clean Water Act permits.

The FAA issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned Near-Term Projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are not likely to cause coastal effects under the Coastal Zone Management Act. The projects include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and relocation of navigational equipment across four airfield areas, with construction set to begin in 2026 over a six-year period. Because all FAA actions are confined to upland areas within the airport property, no significant impacts to Washington State's coastal zone resources were identified.

The FAA issued a Negative Determination in July 2024, concluding that planned near-term construction and equipment-relocation projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are not likely to cause effects on Washington State's coastal zone. The 31 Near-Term Projects—drawn from the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan—include taxiway extensions, blast pad expansions, and high-speed runway exits, with FAA involvement limited to relocating navigational aids and adjusting flight procedures on airport property. The Washington State Department of Ecology was asked to concur with this finding under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

The Port of Seattle held a public hearing on June 20, 2024, to consider issuing up to $400 million in commercial paper notes and up to $850 million in revenue bonds to fund improvements across its maritime and aviation facilities. A significant portion—up to $600 million—is earmarked for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport projects, including runway repairs, terminal construction, noise mitigation, and related airfield upgrades. The notice also covers funding for seaport terminals, marinas, and Port technology infrastructure throughout the Seattle area.