TagThird Runway(1098)

Memorandum dated May 3, 2000 from Jim Kelley (Wetland Ecologist, Parametrix Inc.) to Jonathan Freedman (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), cc Elizabeth Leavitt (Port of Seattle), analyzing indirect impacts to wetlands from the temporary SR-509 interchange at South 176th Street near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Concludes no significant indirect impacts to Wetland 43 or Wetland 44

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants submitted follow-up technical comments in May 2000 raising serious concerns about flawed stormwater modeling used to assess the impact of a proposed third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The consultants identified major inconsistencies in soil-type assumptions and runoff parameters in the hydrologic models, concluding that the Stormwater Management Plan's predictions of detention facility performance were unreliable and required a complete overhaul. The letter also flagged a lack of adequate local regulatory oversight to ensure that Port of Seattle stormwater designs complied with King County surface water standards.

A technical review by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Department of Ecology in May 2000, raises serious concerns about the stormwater management plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's proposed third runway. The report identifies major flaws in the hydrologic modeling used to assess drainage impacts, including inconsistent soil-type assumptions and unreliable flow predictions for Miller Creek. The consultants call for a complete overhaul of the modeling process, independent technical review, and clearer regulatory oversight of the Port of Seattle's stormwater design work.

In a May 2, 2000 email exchange regarding Sea-Tac Airport runway issues, Martha Choe updates John Savich on her efforts to coordinate between key stakeholders, noting she has spoken with Joe and attempted to reach Tom but received no response. She has arranged a meeting tentatively scheduled for May 16 at 2pm, bringing together the Governor's office, the Port, AWB, and unions to help move the runway matter forward. John had suggested that a high-level commitment to major milestones between DOE's Tom F. and Gina Marie was needed to give existing deadlines real weight.

A April 25, 2000 email from Martha Choe of the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development office to a colleague at the Department of Ecology summarizes concerns raised by the Port of Seattle regarding delays in obtaining a 401 water quality permit for Sea-Tac Airport's proposed third runway. Key issues include the FAA's unfamiliarity with Endangered Species Act requirements after taking over the review from the Army Corps of Engineers, King County's slow progress on stormwater documentation, and formatting problems that caused further delays. The email warns that if the permit is not issued by July 21, 2000, the third runway's inclusion in the regional transportation plan—and its federal funding eligibility—could be jeopardized.

A April 2000 email exchange between EPA staff members John Savich and Martha Choe provides an update on the status of a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality permit for a Port of Seattle runway project. The main sticking point is stormwater storage management, with the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) targeting a mid-July decision after King County completed a review that identified serious shortcomings in the port's consultant work. Both the optimistic and realistic port timelines require DOE action on the 401 permit by July 21, meaning the port had already abandoned any hope of beginning construction that season.

Draft memorandum dated April 10, 2000 from Douglas Lindquist, Barry Chen P.E., and Mike Bailey P.E. of Hart Crowser, Inc. to Jim Thomson P.E. at HNTB regarding seismic basis of design for the Third Runway Project (J-4978-14) at Sea-Tac Airport for the Port of Seattle. Compares 475-year return period (0.36g peak acceleration, 10% probability of

Draft Subsurface Conditions Data Report prepared by Hart Crowser for Port Of Seattle and HNTB, project number J-4978-23, dated April 7, 2000. Covers geologic and subsurface soil conditions, hydrogeologic conditions, auger borings, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) procedures, test pit excavations, and monitoring well installation for the South MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) Wall and Adjacent Embankment

A April 2000 memo from engineering firm Parametrix, Inc. evaluates roofing options to prevent zinc leaching from galvanized steel roofs on two Port of Seattle warehouses at Sea-Tac Airport. The study compared paint systems (ranging from $21,000–$240,000 for both buildings) against synthetic coverings such as spray-on elastomers and single-ply membranes ($60,000–$330,000), finding that painting is cheaper but requires more frequent maintenance while synthetic coverings last longer but cost more upfront. The memo recommends that any chosen material be evaluated to ensure it does not release metals or other pollutants into stormwater runoff.

Email chain dated March 28, 2000 among Kevin Fitzpatrick (Ecology NWRO Industrial Permit Unit), Tom Luster, Pat Svoboda, Erik Stockdale, and Greg Wingard regarding groundwater and surface water issues related to the proposed Sea-Tac Airport Third Runway. Fitzpatrick disputes Greg Wingard’s claim that Ecology’s NWRO admitted the third lagoon expansion of the Industrial Waste System