StART

1985-01-08
Resolution no. 2943, as amended: Noise Remedy Program for Sea-Tac International Airport

Resolution No. 2943 was adopted by the Port of Seattle's Port Commission to update the Noise Remedy Program for Sea-Tac International Airport, replacing the earlier noise remedy element from the 1976 Sea-Tac Communities Plan. The resolution outlines a structured approach to reducing noise impacts on surrounding communities, including property acquisition in high-noise areas, noise abatement measures, and a Demonstration Project—budgeted at up to one million dollars—to test additional remedies such as noise insulation and transaction assistance for affected homeowners. Annual progress reports and priority consideration for hardship cases and long-term residents are also required under the program.

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As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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