TagSEPA(232)

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.

This technical report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in June 2024, outlines the purpose and need for near-term construction and improvement projects identified in the Sustainable Airport Master Plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It is part of a broader set of supporting documents that also covers alternatives analysis, terminal needs, and air cargo facility requirements. The report provides the foundational justification for planned airport development decisions.

Appendix C of the Sea-Tac Sustainable Airport Master Plan covers air quality and greenhouse gas emissions analyses prepared for the Port of Seattle by Landrum & Brown. It includes technical reports on emissions from aircraft, ground support equipment, construction, and other airport sources, as well as a human health risk assessment focused on ultrafine particles. Note that some climate-related sections originally included in the Draft Environmental Assessment were later removed following changes to federal executive orders and a 2025 Supreme Court ruling.

This Noise Technical Report, prepared by Landrum & Brown for the Port of Seattle in March 2024, analyzes noise impacts associated with near-term construction and development projects outlined in the Sustainable Airport Master Plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The report is part of Appendix J, which covers noise and noise-compatible land use, and was developed to satisfy both federal (NEPA) and state (SEPA) environmental review requirements. It provides technical findings to help assess how proposed airport improvements may affect noise levels in surrounding communities.

This technical memorandum from Landrum & Brown (February 2024) explains that noise modeling for the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Review was updated from AEDT Version 3e to the newer AEDT Version 3f, released December 13, 2023. The upgrade allowed modelers to use actual aircraft data for the Boeing 737-7 and Cessna 408 SkyCourier rather than substitute aircraft, improving modeling accuracy. The document details the specific airframe, engine, and Aircraft Noise and Performance (ANP) data changes made between the two software versions.

This technical report, prepared by Parametrix for the Port of Seattle in February 2024, documents the wetlands and streams found at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near Term Projects. It covers the delineation of wetland and stream boundaries, assessments of potential impacts to these aquatic areas from planned airport projects, and proposed mitigation measures and permitting strategies to address those impacts.

This Washington State fiscal note summarizes the estimated costs of House Bill 2070, which relates to environmental justice and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) projects. The bill is projected to cost multiple state agencies a combined total of approximately $1.28 million in operating expenditures for 2023-25, rising to $2.64 million in 2025-27, before declining to about $1.61 million in 2027-29. The Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Office of the Attorney General are among the primary agencies expected to incur costs, with some impacts remaining indeterminate.

Washington State House Bill 2070 requires government agencies to complete environmental justice impact statements alongside standard environmental reviews for new, expanding, or permit-renewing projects located in pollution-burdened communities. The bill outlines what these statements must include, how affected communities must be notified and given input, and mandates that agencies deny or require mitigation for projects that would worsen environmental or public health conditions in already overburdened areas. Note that this bill addresses broad statewide environmental justice policy and does not specifically pertain to Sea-Tac Airport noise issues.