TagStART(441)

This June 2020 StART Aviation Noise Working Group update outlines Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's near-term action plan to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. Key initiatives include a voluntary Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, a revised Runway Use Program to limit third-runway use at night, and a glideslope adjustment for Runway 34R to reduce approach noise. Additional measures include ground noise analysis, a Noise Abatement Departure Profiles Study, and encouraging airlines to install vortex generators on older A320 aircraft to lessen descent noise.

The SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on June 24, 2020, via video conference to discuss the Port of Seattle's Economic Recovery Framework, which outlines investments in areas such as youth employment, small business assistance, and community partnerships in the neighborhoods surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Airport and airline representatives provided updates on COVID-19 safety measures and the gradual rebound in air travel, while a federal policy working group noted limited legislative opportunities for the remainder of 2020. The meeting also included a recap of the Aviation Noise Working Group's near-term action agenda, with the next public meeting scheduled for August 26, 2020.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on June 16, 2020, to discuss airport-related policy matters including a draft letter to Port Commissioners about the post-COVID 'new normal' for aviation, an update on the NEPA Environmental Impact Statement process, and coordination with other cities on re-engaging with the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) forum. Minutes from the May 19, 2020 meeting reflect committee discussions about reduced flight noise during the Stay Home order and the need for strategic communication with Port Commissioners regarding economic development and airport expansion impacts on Burien residents.

The Highline Forum held its May 27, 2020 meeting virtually via Zoom, hosted by the City of Federal Way, focusing on COVID-19 management and planning alongside updates on the South King County Fund, the StART program, and the Port of Seattle's Noise Program. The April 2020 meeting had been cancelled due to COVID-19, and subsequent 2020 meetings were also shifted to virtual formats. The agenda included presentations by Port of Seattle representatives on noise and airport-related programs affecting South King County communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

This document contains correspondence related to Sea-Tac Airport noise and flight operations concerns, including a legal analysis explaining why capping flights would face significant obstacles under the U.S. Commerce Clause and FAA regulations, along with alternative approaches such as Part 161 Studies and state emissions legislation. It also includes a letter from the cities of Burien and Des Moines outlining conditions for rejoining the Sea-Tac Airport Round Table (StART), demanding meeting recordings, reversal of a $10 million design expenditure made without proper environmental review, and responses to outstanding written concerns that had gone unanswered by the Port of Seattle.

This document summarizes a May 11, 2020 virtual meeting of the StART Aviation Noise Working Group, which oversees efforts to reduce aircraft noise around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key updates included a significant drop in nighttime flight operations due to COVID-19, continued progress on the Runway Use Plan limiting third-runway landings between midnight and 5 a.m., and the temporary pause of several noise studies due to pandemic-related constraints. The group also reviewed ongoing initiatives such as the A320 aircraft whistle-noise retrofit effort, a glide slope adjustment project for Runway 34R, and a new monthly public reporting system called PlaneNoise.

This is the revised agenda for a StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held via videoconference on April 22, 2020, focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on aviation and the challenges facing communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The two-hour session featured presentations from airport leadership, neighboring city representatives, Delta and Alaska Airlines, the FAA, and a noise consultant discussing potential fleet mix changes affecting noise levels. The meeting was part of an ongoing effort to foster cooperation between the Port of Seattle and neighboring communities around Sea-Tac Airport.

This April 2020 meeting summary from the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) covers discussions about the impact of COVID-19 on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and neighboring cities including SeaTac, Tukwila, and Normandy Park. Airport Managing Director Lance Lyttle reported a 90-95% drop in travelers, hundreds of canceled flights, and a $195 million federal relief grant, while city representatives described significant revenue losses and emergency community support measures. Representatives from Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines also shared that their operations were down 70-80%, with federal funds being used to sustain employee salaries through September.

The April 22, 2020 StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting focused on the severe impacts of COVID-19 on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and surrounding communities, with passenger traffic down 90-95% and dozens of retail locations closed. City representatives from SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Tukwila described significant tax revenue losses and budget pressures, while airline and FAA representatives reported dramatic reductions in flights and grounded aircraft. A noise consultant noted that the crisis could accelerate the retirement of older, noisier aircraft as airlines shift toward more fuel-efficient fleets when operations resume.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on April 21, 2020, discussing key aviation issues including a draft letter to the FAA regarding the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Impact Statement and concerns about aircraft flight patterns over Burien. The committee also reviewed updates from a March 2020 Washington, D.C. legislative visit, discussed engagement with the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), and considered inviting an FAA Community Ombudsperson to a future meeting. Draft minutes from the February 26, 2020 meeting were also presented for approval, reflecting ongoing efforts by the City of Burien to address cumulative noise and air traffic impacts from Sea-Tac Airport on surrounding communities.