TagStART(542)

This document summarizes a January 14, 2019 meeting of the StART Aviation Noise Working Group, which advises on noise reduction efforts around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key topics included a recommendation to increase the Runway 34R glide slope angle from 2.75 to 3.1 degrees to reduce arrival noise, updates on a Late Night Noise Limitation Program, and a presentation on how reverse thrust works and its impact on ground noise. The group agreed to bring a recommendation to the Port Commission to expedite the glide slope change and proceed with an 'at-risk' design process.

The City's Aviation Advisory Committee met on January 14, 2019 to discuss ongoing efforts related to SeaTac Airport noise concerns, including drafting a letter to the Port of Seattle and planning a joint meeting with City consultants in May 2019. Committee members reported on a Port of Seattle noise meeting in Burien that drew criticism for the speaker's refusal to address airport noise issues. Three members of the public commented, with suggestions ranging from hiring a full-time airport lobbyist to increasing EPA involvement in reducing noise emissions.

This draft Letter of Agreement between the FAA and the Port of Seattle establishes a voluntary Noise Abatement Informal Runway Use Program for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). It outlines preferred runway assignments for both South Flow and North Flow operations, with special late-night rules between midnight and 5 a.m. that reduce use of the third runway to limit noise impacts on surrounding communities. The FAA retains authority to deviate from these preferences whenever safety, weather, or operational conditions require it.

This document summarizes the December 19, 2018 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 a briefing on federal legislation proposed by U.S. Representative Adam Smith, such as the Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act (PEA) and the Aviation Impacted Communities Act, both aimed at addressing aircraft noise and air quality impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. The meeting also covered plans for a new Federal Policy Working Group and outlined the 2019 StART meeting schedule.

The December 19, 2018 StART meeting brought together Port of Seattle officials, neighboring community representatives, and airline members to discuss noise reduction measures at Sea-Tac Airport. Key outcomes included two proposed actions — an updated Runway Use Agreement to limit late-night use of the 3rd Runway and a Late Night Noise Limitation program to encourage quieter aircraft operations — as well as the formation of a new Federal Policy Working Group. Representatives from U.S. Representative Adam Smith's office also briefed attendees on pending federal legislation, including the Particle Emissions Act and the Aviation Impacted Communities Act.

This document is a draft 2018/2019 work plan for the StART Aviation Noise Working Group, outlining near-term action items to address noise concerns around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key initiatives include developing a Late Night Noise Limitation Program, updating the Runway Use Agreement, conducting a Glide Slope Analysis for Runway 34R, and studying airfield noise sources such as reverse thrust, taxi, and APU operations. The plan spans from November 2018 through May 2019, with scheduled milestones for working group updates, stakeholder discussions with the FAA and airlines, and presentations to community forums and commissions.

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group met on December 10, 2018, to discuss a proposed 'Fly Quiet Late Night Noise Limitation Program' aimed at reducing aircraft noise between midnight and 5:00 AM at Sea-Tac Airport. The program would add a fourth scoring category to the existing Fly Quiet Program, penalizing airlines that operate noisier aircraft during late-night hours and incentivizing a shift to quieter fleets. The group also confirmed that discussions on reducing ground noise would begin at their January 2019 meeting.

In fall 2018, Congress passed a new FAA reauthorization bill containing several provisions aimed at addressing airplane noise and air quality concerns, many of which are directly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport. Key measures include deadlines for evaluating alternatives to the current noise standard (DNL 65), studies on health impacts of aircraft noise in Seattle and other major cities, and requirements for the FAA to consider spreading out flight paths over noise-sensitive areas. Additional legislation proposed by U.S. Representative Adam Smith would address ultrafine particle emissions, formally designate aviation-impacted communities, and fund secondary noise insulation for homes where initial soundproofing has failed.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on November 28, 2018, at the Highline School District's Educational Resource Activity Center in Burien, WA, focusing on the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on local education and regional aviation capacity. Key agenda items included an update from the Port of Seattle's StART Working Group on community engagement, a report from Highline School District's Chief Operations Officer on school-related concerns, and a presentation by the Puget Sound Regional Council's Executive Director on the ongoing Aviation Capacity Study. The meeting also addressed emerging issues and planning for the 2019 meeting schedule.