TagThird Runway(1067)

This document is Volume 6 of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Master Plan Update at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, published in February 1996. It covers planned airport improvements from 1996 to 2020, including the construction of a third parallel runway, terminal expansions, and parking upgrades, while assessing impacts on noise, air quality, wetlands, and surrounding communities. The appendix compiles public hearing transcripts and approximately 250 written comments submitted in response to the Draft EIS, addressing key concerns such as aircraft noise, air pollution, and surface transportation impacts.

A 1995 letter from Allan M. Furney to Chester Beattie of the Airport Communities Coalition summarizes a 1974 settlement agreement between King County, the Washington State Highway Commission, and local citizens regarding flooding and drainage problems in the Miller Creek watershed. The settlement requires King County to improve water quality, prevent excess stormwater runoff into Miller Creek, and construct appropriate drainage facilities, while prohibiting full channelization of the creek. The letter raises concerns that proposed SeaTac Airport third-runway expansion plans, as outlined in the Draft EIS, would violate these settlement provisions by significantly increasing impervious surface area and stormwater flows into the Miller Creek drainage basin.

A 1995 City of Burien memorandum and accompanying draft strategy paper outline concerns about the negative impacts of constructing a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on surrounding communities, including increased noise, traffic, and neighborhood blight. The document warns that heavy truck traffic, expanded air traffic noise 'shadow,' and construction disruption could drive down property values, destabilize local businesses, and accelerate community deterioration. It calls for proactive planning and mitigation efforts, while criticizing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for inadequately addressing these impacts.

Background material on the 1997 HOK Study. This document packet from City of Burien, Washington dated June 19, 1995, concerns the 1995 Washington State Budget Proviso, Paragraph 16 which appropriated $500,000 of general fund-state funds solely for distribution to the City of Burien for analysis of the proposed Port of Seattle third runway at Sea-Tac

A 1995 letter from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs to airport-interested parties summarizes two reports submitted to an arbitration panel deciding the Sea-Tac Airport third runway issue. The reports argue that alternatives to the third runway—such as regional airport system use and peak-hour pricing—were not fairly considered, that flight delay figures cited to justify the runway were overstated, and that the project itself may never be buildable due to cost, financing, and construction obstacles. A separate shorter report addresses noise concerns related to the proposed runway.

The Airport Communities Coalition, representing the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Tukwila, Washington, submitted formal scoping comments to the FAA and Port of Seattle regarding the proper scope of an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed expansion of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The comments address key issues including the purpose and need for the project, the role of Puget Sound Regional Council planning, and the requirement for the FAA to independently fulfill its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act. The document also calls for the EIS to account for connected and cumulative impacts, including planned land-side facility improvements and the Part 150 Noise Mitigation Program.

Resolution EB-94-01 adopted October 27, 1994 by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Executive Board, affirming the General Assembly’s Resolution A-93-03 approving a third all-weather runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The Executive Board determined no feasible sites exist for a major supplemental airport in the four-county region and that further supplemental airport studies should not

This 1994 technical report, prepared by P&D Aviation for the Port of Seattle, evaluates airside development options for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of a broader Airport Master Plan Update. It examines potential improvements to the existing airfield, analyzes options for adding a third runway, and assesses the operational, cost, and environmental implications of each scenario. The findings cover runway length requirements, projected airfield delays, estimated construction costs, and preliminary environmental screening results.

This archival record (Box 01290, Historical Box 1322) contains administrative files from 1992–1994 related to Sea-Tac Airport planning and noise policy, including litigation documents, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) comments on a proposed third runway, capacity enhancement plans, and correspondence from citizens, city officials, and state agencies. It also includes records tied to Implementation Resolution A-93-03, covering communications with groups such as Apogee, Bricklin Gendler, and the Airport Communities Coalition. The files were prepared by Angie Daniels and are classified under the Department Subject Files record series.