TagSea-Tac Airport(1835)

Gresham Smith engineers prepared this March 2024 technical memo for the Port of Seattle, analyzing cost-saving alternatives for planned upgrades to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP). The study evaluated options for managing airport deicer runoff while maintaining compliance with water discharge permits, using 52 years of historical weather data to simulate system performance. Note: despite its placement in an airport policy archive, this document addresses industrial wastewater and stormwater management rather than noise policy.

This Noise Technical Report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in March 2024, analyzes noise impacts associated with near-term projects outlined in the Sustainable Airport Master Plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It is part of a broader Appendix J covering noise and noise-compatible land use, which also includes a Noise Modeling Protocol and a Construction Noise Technical Report. The report provides technical assessments to support planning decisions related to aircraft and construction noise in communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport.

The SUMMA TWO Departure (SUMMA2.SUMMA) is a standard instrument departure procedure for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle, Washington, requiring both RADAR and DME equipment. Aircraft departing on runways 16L, 16C, 16R, 34L, 34C, and 34R follow specific headings and VOR radials through waypoints NEVJO, NEZUG, and SUMMA intersection before proceeding on assigned transitions toward destinations such as Baker City or Lakeview. Takeoff minimums vary by runway, with some requiring minimum climb gradients of up to 580 feet per nautical mile, and top altitude is assigned by ATC up to FL240.

The BANGR Nine Departure is a standardized instrument departure procedure (SID) for pilots flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), directing aircraft on specific headings and altitudes depending on which runway they use. Aircraft departing on northbound runways (34L, 34C, 34R) climb to at least 932 feet before routing through waypoints like CUSBU, NESOE, or DODVE, crossing WUREL at or above 3,100 feet, while southbound runway departures (16L, 16C, 16R) follow similar climb profiles through waypoints like CAVOB, OTLIE, or WESET, crossing RENBE at or above 3,000 feet. All routes converge at the BANGR waypoint, which must be crossed at or above 10,000 feet, with specific minimum climb gradients established to manage aircraft noise and terrain clearance in the surrounding communities.

The HAROB Six Departure (RNAV) is a standard instrument departure procedure for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that defines specific climbing routes and altitude requirements for aircraft departing on runways 16L, 16C, 16R, 34L, 34C, and 34R. Aircraft must follow prescribed headings, reach minimum altitudes at designated waypoints, and cross the HAROB fix at or above 10,000 feet before proceeding on one of four available transitions toward destinations such as Hoquiam or Hisku. The procedure requires RNAV 1 navigation capability, radar contact, and DME/DME/IRU or GPS equipment, with specific minimum climb gradients designed to manage aircraft noise and obstacle clearance in the Seattle area.

The JEFPO One Departure is an RNAV instrument departure procedure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), available only between 10 PM and 6 AM local time, designed to route departing aircraft northwestward via a series of waypoints toward JEFPO. Aircraft departing runways 34L, 34C, and 34R must climb on a heading of 344° and maintain a minimum climb rate of 500 feet per nautical mile up to 940 feet, then follow specific tracks depending on their runway. Departures from runways 16L, 16C, and 16R are not authorized under this procedure, reflecting noise abatement and air traffic control considerations for the surrounding communities.

The OZWLD One Departure (RNAV) is an instrument departure procedure for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that routes aircraft departing from runways 34L, 34C, and 34R northwestward through a series of waypoints—including NESOE, CUSBU, DODVE, WUREL, ATOME, BREMM, and OZWLD—before continuing on course. The procedure is only available between 2200 and 0600 local time, a restriction that reflects noise-mitigation efforts limiting certain departure routes to overnight hours. Aircraft must maintain a minimum climb gradient of 500 feet per nautical mile to 940 feet, cross WUREL at or above 3,100 feet, and maintain 9,000 feet until cleared to their filed altitude.

Sharyn Parker, a retired Noise Officer and Sound Insulation Program Manager at King County International Airport, submitted public comments in February 2024 supporting Washington State bill ESSB 5955, which aims to address longstanding sound insulation repair and replacement issues for homeowners near Sea-Tac Airport. Parker, who managed Boeing Field's Sound Insulation Program from 2009 to 2015, raised concerns about unrealistic timelines, FAA funding eligibility, and the Port of Seattle's early program mismanagement, noting that some homeowners have waited nearly three decades for remediation of defective window installations. She urged legislators to pass the bill and called on the Port to improve contractor oversight, translation services, and public outreach for affected residents.