TagZone 3 Committee(22)

A August 1978 news article reports that the Port of Seattle Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), formed in 1973 to oversee the Sea-Tac Communities Plan, voted to continue its quarterly meetings for another year rather than restructure or disband. The committee, which includes representatives from the airport, airlines, FAA, King County, local schools, businesses, and neighborhood groups, had been repeatedly disrupted by complaints from Zone 3 residents — those most directly affected by airport noise — who felt they lacked fair representation. Members debated alternatives such as community forums and more formal meeting procedures, but ultimately agreed that PAC remained the only venue bringing all stakeholders together to discuss airport-related issues.

A June 1972 noise study conducted by Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services measured aircraft noise levels at twelve locations near homes and schools in Zone Three around Sea-Tac Airport. All recorded noise levels exceeded 80 dBA, with a peak of 107 dBA, caused by jet aircraft including the 707, 727, 737, 747, and DC-8 during landing approaches and takeoffs. The study was requested by citizens representing 2,184 residences in the zone and aimed to assess the health impact of low-flying aircraft noise on the surrounding community.