TagStART(441)

This document summarizes a November 4, 2019 meeting of the StART Federal Policy Working Group, which brings together representatives from cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to address aviation noise concerns. Key topics included an update on Senate language directing the FAA to better measure real-world noise impacts and conduct health research, joint letters from the Port of Seattle and neighboring cities to Congress and the FAA, and legislative efforts by Congressman Adam Smith related to noise insulation funding and ultrafine particle emissions. The group also discussed plans for a Washington, D.C. trip in early 2020 to directly engage elected officials and the FAA on these issues.

In October 2019, community advocate Sharyn Parker responded to a request for public input on a Sea-Tac Airport airfield ground noise study being conducted by consulting firm HMMH. Parker argued that the consultant should first analyze existing noise monitor station data, correlate it with engine run-up records and resident complaints, and review compliance with Washington State noise regulations (WAC 173-60) before seeking community feedback. She also raised concerns about non-functioning noise monitors, the airport's unverified claims about off-site engine testing, and potential overlap with a separate noise study tied to the airport's master planning process.

These emails, dated October–November 2019, relate to a study of ground-level noise at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport initiated by the StART Aviation Noise Working Group. Noise consultant Brad Nicholas of HMMH sought input from surrounding cities, including Burien (which had suspended its StART membership), on which noise sources to analyze and where to place monitoring equipment. Community advocate Sharyn Parker responded with detailed recommendations, arguing the consultant should first correlate existing noise complaints and monitor records with engine run-up events before soliciting public input, and identifying engine run-ups and reverse thrust as the two primary sources of airfield ground noise.

The October 23, 2019 StART meeting brought together Port of Seattle officials, local community representatives, and airline members to discuss progress on reducing airport noise around Sea-Tac Airport. Key updates included encouraging results from the Runway Use Agreement, which dramatically cut late-night third-runway operations from an average of ten to fewer than two per night, and a review of the Late-Night Noise Limitation Program showing that 6% of late-night flights exceeded noise thresholds, with cargo carriers FedEx Express and China Airlines Cargo among the worst offenders. The meeting also introduced a new FAA Community Engagement Officer and gathered stakeholder input on the scope of an upcoming Airfield Noise Assessment.

This document presents the kickoff discussion for a Ground Noise Study at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), delivered to the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) on October 23, 2019 by Brad Nicholas of HMMH. The presentation covers foundational topics including acoustical terminology such as maximum sound levels, sound exposure levels, and equivalent sound levels, as well as how aircraft noise affects human activity and how sound travels. It also outlines the scope of the ground noise study, identifies ground noise sources, and discusses plans for noise monitoring.

The October 23, 2019 StART (Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting agenda outlines a two-hour session focused on airport noise issues, including recaps of the Aviation Noise Working Group and Federal Policy Working Group meetings, and a review of the Late Night Noise Limitation Program's third-quarter results. The meeting also featured the introduction of a new FAA Community Engagement Officer and a scoping discussion with consultant Brad Nicholas of HMMH regarding a Ground Noise Analysis. The session was held at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center and included time for public comment.

This document summarizes the October 23, 2019 meeting of the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a group that works to improve cooperation between the Port of Seattle and neighboring communities on airport noise issues. Key topics included an update on the Runway Use Agreement enacted September 4, 2019, which dramatically reduced late-night landings on the 3rd runway from an average of ten flights per night to fewer than two. The meeting also covered noise abatement departure procedure analysis, the Late Night Noise Limitation Program's third-quarter results, and the introduction of a new FAA Community Engagement Officer focused on noise-related outreach.

The Port of Seattle's Late Night Noise Limitation Program tracks aircraft noise between midnight and 5 a.m. at four monitoring stations around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, using single-event level (SEL) decibel thresholds for both arrivals and departures. Noise limits vary by monitor location, ranging from 82 to 91 dB SEL, and airlines' compliance affects their scores in the annual Fly Quiet Award. The Third Quarter 2019 results were presented to the StART advisory group on October 23, 2019.

A October 2019 Port of Seattle update to the StART committee outlines a new Runway Use Plan agreement, signed by the FAA and Port on September 4, 2019, aimed at reducing late-night noise for nearby residents. The agreement restricts use of the third runway (16R in south flow, 34L in north flow) between midnight and 5:00 a.m., limiting it to safety or efficiency situations only. Prior to the agreement, the third runway averaged more than 10 landings per night during those hours, accounting for roughly 36% of all late-night landings.

The Port of Seattle responded in October 2019 to detailed questions from the City of Burien about aircraft noise management at Sea-Tac Airport, addressing concerns about noise studies, abatement procedures, sound insulation programs, and community engagement. The Port defended its 2014 Part 150 noise study as covering all three runways and argued that improved aircraft technology has actually reduced the noise-impacted area since the previous study. It also outlined ongoing mitigation efforts, including a Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, over $300 million spent on sound insulation for thousands of homes, and the upcoming Sustainable Airport Master Plan environmental review, which will reassess noise impacts across all runways.