TagStART(441)

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group met on October 11, 2021, to review noise issues at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including updates on late-night noise exceedances by carriers such as FedEx, China Airlines Cargo, and Delta Air Lines, as well as a report showing over 205,000 noise complaints logged through September 2021. The group also received a progress update on a ground noise study being conducted at seven locations around the airport, with results expected in early 2022. Additionally, consultants presented information on rolling take-offs as a potential noise reduction strategy, noting that the Port of Seattle would begin exploring their feasibility with air traffic control.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on September 22, 2021, hosted by the City of Tukwila, focused on three main topics: an overview of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's noise reduction program, an update on the Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), and a status report on the South King County Fund. The virtual meeting, conducted via Microsoft Teams, featured presentations by Port of Seattle staff including Aviation Director Lance Lyttle. The forum is a recurring regional body that meets bimonthly, bringing together South King County communities affected by Sea-Tac Airport operations.

The Burien Airport Committee held meetings in August and September 2021 to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its impact on the surrounding community. Topics included a presentation on sustainable aviation fuels and noise reduction research from WSU's ASCENT center, a review of Burien zoning and land use near the airport, and an appointment to King County's Joint Aircraft Emissions Technical and Community Task Force. The committee also reviewed federal aviation policy updates and discussed stakeholder advisory roundtable activities related to Sea-Tac Airport operations.

The August 25, 2021 StART meeting brought together Port of Seattle officials, FAA representatives, and community stakeholders to discuss aviation emissions research, airport expansion planning, and noise concerns around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key topics included a Boston University study on ultrafine particle pollution near airports, an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan's environmental review process, and ongoing efforts to address late-night noise violations by carriers such as FedEx, China Airlines Cargo, and Amazon Prime Air. The meeting also covered federal policy priorities including sustainable aviation fuel incentives, noise insulation funding, and a new EPA grant program for researching aircraft noise and emissions.

A Boston University School of Public Health researcher presented findings on how aviation emissions affect local air quality, focusing on ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nanometers that are released by aircraft combustion. These tiny particles are concerning because they are difficult for the lungs to remove, can travel beyond the respiratory system, and may pose broader public health risks. The research highlights growing scientific evidence linking ultrafine particle exposure to health impacts in communities near airports.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on August 25, 2021 via Zoom covered three main topics: an update from the FAA Office of Environment & Energy on aviation emissions research near airports, a primer on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) and its public process, and reviews of both the Federal Policy Working Group and Aviation Noise Working Group activities. Presenters included FAA and Boston University researchers, as well as Port of Seattle staff. The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for October 27, 2021.

This August 2021 Port of Seattle briefing outlines the planning status of the Sea-Tac Airport Master Plan (SAMP), covering topics such as existing facilities, long-term vision, and near-term projects. A key focus is the environmental review process: the Port and FAA were working to publish a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) by the third quarter of 2021, with a standard 30-day public comment period, though a 60-day extension had been requested. The Port committed to providing at least 30 days' advance notice before the public comment period began.

The Burien Airport Committee held virtual meetings in July and August 2021 to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its surrounding community. Key topics included a presentation on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) covering 20 years of airport facility development, a briefing on Burien's Climate Action Plan, and an upcoming presentation on alternative jet fuels from Washington State University's ASCENT program. The committee also discussed zoning and land use near the airport and provided updates on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART).

This August 2021 meeting summary from the StART Aviation Noise Working Group covers key updates on noise management at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including quarterly results from the Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, which showed FedEx Express, China Airlines Cargo, and Asiana Cargo as the top offenders while EVA Air achieved zero exceedances. The group also reviewed how the Third Runway Use Agreement has dramatically reduced late-night landings from an average of 10–12 per night down to under one, and discussed the legal constraints imposed by the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) that limit airports' ability to impose access restrictions. Additionally, the Port of Seattle announced the resumption of a ground noise study, paused during the pandemic, with fieldwork scheduled for August 23–27, 2021.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on August 2, 2021, to review and vote on new federal policy priorities related to aircraft noise and emissions affecting communities around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The group agreed to add three items to their shared policy agenda: an EPA Environmental Justice Grant Program, key provisions of the American Jobs Plan (including noise insulation funding and sustainable aviation fuel tax credits), and the Sustainable Skies Act. Members also prepared questions for an upcoming FAA presentation on ultrafine particle research and the agency's approach to noise and emissions impacts on community health.