TagThird Runway(1067)

This November 1998 report presents the Annual Stormwater Monitoring Report for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering the period from June 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998, prepared by the Port of Seattle. It documents stormwater sampling results from various airport subbasins, including measurements of pollutants such as metals, oils, grease, fecal coliforms, and deicing chemicals. The report also evaluates the performance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented across the airport to manage and reduce stormwater contamination.

A 1998 fax from Parametrix, Inc. to the Port of Seattle discusses water quality concerns related to copper in stormwater runoff at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The document outlines that while standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) can remove most metals from stormwater, copper remains a persistent challenge due to its widespread presence from sources like automobile brakes and rooftops. It raises questions about compliance requirements, the cost of installing sand or compost filters (potentially up to $100 million), and how the Port and Washington State Department of Ecology can reach a workable agreement on stormwater discharge standards.

In a September 28, 1998 letter from the Port of Seattle to the Washington Department of Ecology, the Port provides a status update on stormwater management efforts at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering detention, treatment, copper loading, and first flush analysis. The letter outlines proposed delivery dates for required reports and explains the complexity of treating stormwater runoff, including challenges related to mandatory FAA-regulated de-icing and anti-icing chemicals used on runways. It also addresses the status of ongoing wetland delineations and water rights reviews connected to the airport's planned third runway construction.

Letter dated September 10, 1998 from Christine O. Gregoire’s Attorney General of Washington Ecology Division (author not individually named) to J. Tayloe Washburn of Foster Pepper & Shefelman responding to an August 11, 1998 memorandum requesting clarification and minor revisions to Ecology’s 401 certification (Order No. 96-4-02325) for Sea-Tac Airport improvements including the third runway.

FAA Northwest Mountain Region letter dated September 2, 1998, from FAA to Brian R. Applebury, Chief Operations Division, Seattle District Corps of Engineers, regarding permit application 96-4-02325 for Port Of Seattle Third Runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Letter addresses compensatory wetland mitigation, bird/aircraft strike hazard, Advisory Circular AC 150/5200-33 ‘Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or Near

This August 1998 email exchange between Ken Ludwa and Doug Henderson of Parametrix, Inc. discusses technical procedures for collecting stormwater samples at the Port of Seattle for metals and toxicity testing. Ludwa asks about required sample volumes, filtration timing, bottle preparation, and transfer procedures when using an autosampler during a storm event. Henderson advises that bioassays require 1 gallon and metals testing requires 2 liters, and provides guidance on sample chilling, glassware cleaning, and handling precautions.

A 1998 internal email from Ken Ludwa to Sabina Renn requests a literature search on best management practices (BMPs) for removing copper from stormwater, associated with a Port of Seattle project. The email provides an extensive list of search keywords covering filtration, chemical treatment, and various water-treatment technologies such as ion exchange, electrodialysis, and reverse osmosis. It also asks the library to locate two EPA publications on drinking water treatment for small communities.

Order #96-4-02325 dated July 20, 1998, from Washington State Department of Ecology (Gordon White, Program Manager, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program) to Barbara Hinkle (Port Of Seattle) and Tom Mueller (Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch). Ecology certifies that proposed work in and adjacent to Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport complies

In July 1998, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Consistency Determination (Order #96-4-02325) to the Port of Seattle for construction of a third runway and other improvements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The project would impact between 8 and 12 acres of wetlands, 980 linear feet of Miller Creek, and 2,280 linear feet of unnamed tributaries, requiring mitigation measures including stormwater management enhancements, stream restoration, floodplain improvements, and construction of 16 to 24 acres of replacement wetlands in Auburn, Washington. The certification was granted with specific conditions and penalties for non-compliance, reflecting concerns about environmental damage to local waterways.

A July 1998 draft report prepared by Parametrix, Inc. for the Port of Seattle outlines a Stormwater Quality Management Plan for Sea-Tac International Airport's Master Plan improvements, including the proposed Third Runway. The plan documents why the Port chose bioswales over other Best Management Practice (BMP) alternatives, such as underground vaults, for managing stormwater runoff quality. The document was shared internally via email between Parametrix engineer Ken Ludwa and Jim Thomson for review and comment.