TagThird Runway(200)

In March 1996, an independent expert panel concluded by a 2-1 vote that the Port of Seattle had not done enough to reduce real-world noise impacts from Sea-Tac Airport to meet the conditions set by the Puget Sound Regional Council for approving a third runway. While the panel acknowledged the Port's extensive noise abatement programs, the majority found they fell short of the meaningful reductions required under Resolution A-93-03. The panel also determined that neither demand management improvements nor alternative transportation options, such as rail, would sufficiently reduce air travel demand to eliminate the need for the additional runway.

The Expert Arbitration Panel on Noise and Demand/System Management Issues issued its final decision on noise issues related to Resolution A-93-03, which set noise reduction conditions for PSRC authorization of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. A majority of the Panel found that the Port of Seattle had not demonstrated a sufficient reduction in

In 1996 congressional testimony, Dr. Stephen Hockaday argued against building a costly third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, contending that the Port of Seattle greatly overstated the frequency of poor weather conditions that would require it. He presented evidence that true instrument flight conditions occur less than 8% of the year—not the 44% the Port claimed—and that existing navigation technologies like Localizer Directional Aid approaches could address capacity needs at far lower cost. Hockaday warned that spending half a billion dollars on a runway used only 15% of the time would divert resources from better long-term regional aviation solutions.

This 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared jointly by the FAA and the Port of Seattle, evaluates proposed expansion plans at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport through the year 2020, including the construction of a third parallel runway up to 8,500 feet long, a new north terminal, and various landside improvements. The document assesses environmental consequences across 24 categories—including noise, air quality, water quality, and human health—for a range of alternatives, from building a new regional airport to a no-build option. Ultimately, the Port of Seattle selected Alternative 3 as the preferred option, concluding that Sea-Tac was the only feasible site to address the region's growing air transportation needs.

This 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared by the Port of Seattle and the Federal Aviation Administration, evaluates the environmental effects of proposed development projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including the construction of a third parallel runway, terminal expansions, and parking improvements planned for completion between 1996 and 2020. The document assesses a range of impacts such as noise, air quality, wetlands, and floodplains affecting surrounding communities. Appendix C specifically addresses noise impacts resulting from the proposed airport expansion alternatives.

This 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared jointly by the FAA and the Port of Seattle, evaluates the environmental effects of proposed expansion and improvement projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including the construction of a third parallel runway, terminal upgrades, and expanded parking and cargo facilities. The document examines a range of impacts such as wetland disturbance, floodplain encroachment, stream relocation, and noise, water, and air quality effects on surrounding communities. The proposed improvements were planned for completion between 1996 and 2020, with early phases prioritizing the new runway and existing terminal and access enhancements.

This 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared by the Port of Seattle and the Federal Aviation Administration, evaluates proposed improvements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport through the year 2020, including the construction of a third parallel runway, terminal expansions, and parking upgrades. The document assesses a range of environmental impacts such as noise, air and water quality, wetlands, and floodplain encroachment resulting from the planned development. It was prepared in compliance with both the National Environmental Policy Act and Washington State Environmental Policy Act.

This 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared jointly by the FAA and the Port of Seattle, evaluates proposed development actions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of a Master Plan Update. Key proposals include building a third parallel runway up to 8,500 feet long, extending an existing runway, improving passenger terminals, and expanding cargo and support facilities. The document assesses potential environmental impacts such as noise, wetland disruption, air and water quality changes, and floodplain encroachment associated with these planned improvements through the year 2020.