TagStART(508)

This August 2020 meeting summary from the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Aviation Noise Working Group covers updates on late-night noise exceedances at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including increased cargo operations by FedEx and Amazon's Prime Air. The group also reviewed proposed FAA noise standards for supersonic aircraft, which the Port of Seattle opposed as less stringent than current subsonic rules. Additionally, the meeting addressed COVID-19's impact on air traffic, with carriers operating at reduced capacity, and discussed future priorities such as cargo noise, international noise standards, and green aviation.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on August 3, 2020 to review ongoing Congressional efforts related to aviation noise and community impacts near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key updates included the reintroduction of the Aviation Impacted Communities Act, two House amendments addressing aircraft particulate emissions and noise re-insulation for affected homes, and a discussion of the Federal Policy Advocacy Plan. Members also explored new priorities such as climate change, aviation biofuels, and emerging noise sources like drones and supersonic aircraft, with feedback requested by September 15.

The Highline Forum held its July 22, 2020 meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams, hosted by the City of Federal Way, focusing on ultra-fine particle studies, noise program updates, and StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) developments near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key presentations included University of Washington air quality research (MOV-UP study), a temporary noise monitors update from the Port of Seattle, and a South King County Fund update. The meeting was conducted remotely due to the Governor's Stay-at-Home Order, with public comments accepted via email or MS Teams.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on July 21, 2020, to discuss several airport-related issues affecting the community, including flight patterns, noise monitoring, and re-engagement with the SeaTac Airport Roundtable (StART). Key agenda items included a potential request for a temporary portable noise monitor in Burien, recommending representatives for NextGen/PBN rollout discussions with the GAO, and continuing discussions on inviting Port Commissioners to meet with the committee and City Council. Draft minutes from the June 16, 2020 meeting also reflected earlier discussions about airport impact mitigation, equity concerns, and a proposed letter to the Port Commission addressing a post-COVID 'new normal' for airport operations.