TagStART(508)

This document summarizes a June 26, 2019 meeting of the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a group that fosters cooperation between the Port of Seattle and neighboring communities affected by Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included updates from the Aviation Noise and Federal Policy Working Groups, covering issues such as late-night noise limits, runway use agreements, and potential federal legislation. Representatives from the FAA also presented the latest research on aircraft noise and emissions, including studies on health impacts and alternative jet fuels.

The June 26, 2019 StART (Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting brought together Port of Seattle representatives and community members to recap recent Aviation Noise and Federal Policy Working Group meetings, hear an FAA update on aircraft noise and emissions research, and discuss the South King County Fund. Key presenters included FAA officials Kevin Welsh and Jim Hileman, along with Port of Seattle staff. The meeting was held at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center and included time for public comment.

This 2019 FAA presentation, delivered to the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table, outlines the Federal Aviation Administration's efforts to understand and address aviation noise and emissions challenges. It covers the FAA's organizational structure, highlighting the Office of Environment and Energy (AEE) as the key office responsible for these issues. The presentation also provides context on aviation's significant economic impact, noting that the industry contributes 5.1% of U.S. GDP, supports 10.6 million jobs, and generates $1.6 trillion in annual economic activity.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on June 26, 2019 to discuss aircraft noise and emissions research presented by FAA officials, including studies on sleep disturbance, cardiovascular health, and alternative jet fuels. The meeting also covered updates from the Aviation Noise and Federal Policy Working Groups, and introduced the Port of Seattle's new South King County Fund, which will provide $10 million over five years for community projects addressing noise, environmental health, and sustainability.

The South King County Fund (SKCF) was established by the Port of Seattle Commission on November 27, 2018, to provide resources and support to communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport. The fund designated $750,000 for 2019, with total funding not to exceed $10 million between 2019 and 2023. This presentation by Environmental Engagement Program Manager Andy Gregory outlines the fund's origins, guiding principles, legal spending boundaries, and community outreach plans.

The Burien Airport Committee met on June 18, 2019 to discuss airport noise and planning issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including debriefing on recent stakeholder meetings with consultants Stantec and Lockridge Grindal Nauen, and a Port of Seattle presentation to Burien City Council. The committee considered potential letters to the Port of Seattle, Senator Karen Keiser, and the FAA regarding concerns about the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) and Part 150 noise study noncompliance. Members also reviewed research on airport governance structures and complaint processes at large airports across the country.

In a June 2019 letter, Sea-Tac Airport Managing Director Lance Lyttle invited Federal Express to participate in the Late Night Noise Limitation Program, a new initiative designed to reduce aircraft noise between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The program monitors noise levels using four airport noise monitors, with thresholds set at 91 decibels for departing aircraft and 82–89 decibels for arriving aircraft, and publicly reports quarterly data on airlines that exceed these limits. Airlines are also encouraged to reduce late-night operations, switch to quieter aircraft, or reschedule flights, with noise exceedances factored into Sea-Tac's annual Fly Quiet Awards scoring.

This document summarizes a June 10, 2019 meeting of the StART Aviation Noise Working Group, which advises the Port of Seattle on reducing aircraft noise near Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included updates on the Late Night Noise Limitation Program, a review of the Revised Runway Use Agreement aimed at limiting third-runway use during late-night hours, and a presentation on an upcoming analysis of Noise Abatement Departure Procedures to evaluate whether changing how airlines climb after takeoff could reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities. Representatives from Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines both expressed willingness to collaborate on improving departure procedures.

In a May 2019 email, community advocate Sheila Brush shares meeting notes with colleagues outlining key arguments for why Sea-Tac Airport's Part 150 noise compatibility study may be out of compliance, including concerns about lack of transparency in the public scoping process and the unstudied noise impacts of a third runway. The notes also raise questions about whether the Port's plan to fold portions of the Part 150 study into the SAMP and SEPA/EIS processes is appropriate, and whether the EPA's lack of sign-off on the previous study is relevant. Brush expresses gratitude to Sharyn Parker for taking on the effort to formally request a compliance assessment from the FAA.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on May 22, 2019, at SeaTac City Hall, focusing on a South King County Fund Update and a StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) progress report presented by Port of Seattle officials. The agenda included public comments, a host city update from SeaTac, and a discussion of emerging issues related to airport noise and community impacts. Upcoming 2019 meetings were scheduled for July 31 at Highline College, September 25 in Tukwila, and November 20 in Des Moines.