The Port of Seattle will be presenting “recommended options” to its ‘Part 150′ Noise Study at two public events in late June – in Federal Way on Tuesday, June 28th and at Sea-Tac Airport on Wednesday, June 29th.

Port staff and their consultant team will “present the draft recommended options for reducing aircraft noise in the newly proposed noise remedy area around the airport.” This work is being done as part of Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study. Presentations will take place at the following two upcoming public events in late June.

• June 28 -Port of Seattle Commission Presentation at 1 p.m. -  City of Federal Way Council Chambers.  This is a regular Port Commission meeting.
• June 29 – Highline Forum Presentation at 2:30 p.m. -  Sea-Tac Airport Conference Center’s Beijing Conference Room.

Here’s more from the Port’s press release:

Preliminary recommended options that will be discussed at the two events include, but are not limited to, residential sound insulation programs, an aircraft engine testing facility designed to suppress noise and an updated noise monitoring system.

Later in the summer, the public will be able to provide input on the proposed recommendations at a public hearing and during a 45 day public comment period. Feedback gathered at the public events and during the public comment period will be taken into consideration before a final set of recommendations is sent to the Port of Seattle Commission for approval.

Please visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website for all documentation and reports connected to the study including the comprehensive summary from the April 9th public open house.

The City of Burien wants to remind residents and businesses along Ambaum Blvd SW that they can expect to continue to be disrupted through next week as noisy grinding and repair work continues – with most of the work being done at night, including “jackhammers pounding.”

The warning relates to the area on Ambaum between SW 112th and SW 156th Streets.

“Work is being done at night to have the least impact on traffic and to complete the work quicker,” reads the city’s announcement, which also adds: “Residents and businesses along Ambaum can expect disruptions throughout the night while the work is going on, with trucks coming and going and jackhammers pounding.”

Grinding and pavement repair on Ambaum Blvd SW started April 5th at SW 112th and is moving south, with the goal of finishing at the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW 156th Streets.

Here are more details on this project’s progress:

• The segment to SW 140th is expected to be completed by Friday, April 8.
• Grinding and repair will take place from SW 140th south to SW 156th St. the week of April 11.
• During the nighttime repair work, traffic is being channeled to one lane, and also detoured in some areas.
• No parking will be allowed on the street and driveway access may be temporarily affected during these times.
• Use of alternate routes is recommended.
• Residents and businesses along Ambaum can expect disruptions throughout the night while the work is going on, with trucks coming and going and jackhammers pounding.
• Following the grinding and repair work, Ambaum will be resurfaced with new asphalt, a process that will take at least a week.
• The timing of the resurfacing process, which also will be done at night, is weather-dependent, requiring temperatures above 36 degrees and a dry surface.

City of Burien Project Manager Doug Lamothe said by doing the work on Ambaum at night instead of during daytime hours, the contractor can get the grinding/resurfacing work done in two weeks instead of two months. The road repair project is a large operation with 60 road workers onsite, two grinders and 30 truck-trailers.

“We realize this is a great inconvenience, but we’re doing much-needed street repairs to main arterials,” Lamothe said. “We’re doing as much as we can to lessen the impact on everyone.”

SW/S. 128th Street
Grinding and repair of the pavement on SW/S. 128th Street is complete and the contractor is waiting for a break in the wet weather to do the asphalt overlay, which will take four nights.  Work being done at night instead of the day to have the least impact on traffic.  The arterial will be channeled down to two lanes during resurfacing. No parking will be allowed on the street and driveway access may be temporarily affected during these times. The resurfacing work will be done during the night hours to disrupt traffic as little as possible.

For regular updates on the road projects, click here for a direct link: http://burienwa.gov/index.aspx?nid=902.

On Wednesday, Nov. 17th, the members of the Highline Forum will discuss the Sea-Tac Airport Part 150 Noise Study at the Tukwila Community Center, located at 12424 42nd Avenue South in Tukwila.

The meeting begins at 2:30pm, and the public is invited to observe.

The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

For more information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website for all documentation and reports connected to the study including the newly released Temporary Noise Measurement Report.

The Port of Seattle held its third Part 150 workshop on Oct. 27th with roughly 150 members of the public taking part. Progress and findings to date were discussed and included (according to the Port):

• New noise exposure contours for 2009 and 2016 – Both are included in the 10/27 airport-area noise contours presentation available on the Part 150 website. The noise exposure contours reflect the reduction in Sea-Tac’s air traffic that has occurred in the last few years and the greater use of quiet aircraft by the carriers.
• Possible Noise Mitigation Measures – A number of options are under consideration and are discussed in the 10/27 noise reduction alternatives presentation available on the Part 150 website.

The next “Part 150″ noise study public workshop will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27th,

This will be the third in a series of public workshops, which, according to the Port of Seattle, are “looking at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Port of Seattle’s “Part 150″ Noise Study Workshop.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 27th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

WHERE: Mount Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Avenue S., Des Moines (click here for a map).

INFO: At the workshop, facilitators will lead three group sessions on the following topics:

• Airport-area noise exposure “contour” maps showing neighborhoods currently affected by noise, and those that will be affected in five years, according to the aviation forecast;
• Results from summer 2010 temporary aircraft noise monitoring; and
• The progress on other efforts to reduce noise, including updates on the runway use plan and the hush house analysis.

Workshop participants are invited to take part in all three sessions, and a general public feedback session at the conclusion of the workshop.

For more information, as well as documentation for the workshop, visit the Part 150 Study Website here.

UPDATE 4:30pm 8/17/10

PREVIOUSLY: Numerous Readers, along with this Reporter, heard two rather large explosions on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 17) around 1:50pm.

Initial Reader responses indicate that the sounds were heard in Eagle Landing Park, Three Tree Point, SW 148th and Ambaum (where it made a witnesses’ “door and window move”), Des Moines, and as far away as Federal Way.

Here’s what Rebecca Dare wrote us:

Around 1:50 p.m. there were two big booms (sort of like double-booms spaced apart).  It shook our house and seemed like an earthquake.  We headed out into the street and could hear a possible jet far away — don’t know if they were sonic booms or not.  But I’ve never heard or felt anything like that that wasn’t an earthquake.  Have you heard anything from anyone else?

Jm Branson wrote:

Two booms shook my windows near Eagle Landing Park.  My friend said they rattled her house in Federal Way.

My guess is military planes in association with Obama’s visit.

Cassandra wrote:

I am at SW 148th and Ambaum and it was strong enough to make my doors and windows move!

Shelby wrote:

We are over at SW 114th and Ambaum and our doors and windows were shaken as well. No idea what it was though.

Our first thought was a series of short, sharp earthquakes, but the sonic boom theory may be more plausible, as President Obama is in town, which means that accompanying fighter jets may have cause sonic booms.

We just received word from the Washington State Patrol, which says:

Washington State Patrol is reporting the loud booms heard over the South King County area minutes ago is possibly resulting from a Sonic Boom. Residents are encouraged not to call 9-1-1 in regards to this event.

Any questions, you may call Normandy Park Police Department at 206-248-7600.

Also, KING5 is reporting on their Facebook Page:

If you heard/felt the booms this afternoon – the FAA says they are sonic booms from military aircraft in the area.

So…did YOU hear them? Where were you? And what did it sound like to you? Please leave a Comment below:

The Port of Seattle announced Monday (July 12) that, due to requests received at the last workshop, they’re holding a technical session on the “Part 150″ airport noise study on Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm at Sea-Tac Airport.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Port of Seattle “Part 150″ Technical Session.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport’s Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

INFO: To download the session agenda, click here (PDF file).

From a press release:

In response to requests at the last Part 150 Noise Compatibility Public Workshop, a technical session regarding detailed noise modeling and input data topics will be held on July 29 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Sea-Tac Airport. Led by Vince Mestre, the Part 150′s noise analyst task leader, the meeting will be held in the Airport Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

Participants at the session will have the opportunity to discuss the mathematics and detailed data used to measure as well as model aircraft noise levels in the vicinity of Sea-Tac Airport. Participants will also discuss sound propagation effects associated with different types of meteorology. The discussions will be informal and focus on questions raised by the participants.

The comprehensive report from the June 9th public workshop is now available at Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Web site.

The second in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9th at Cedarhurst Elementary (611 S. 132nd Street) in Burien.

According to a press release:

The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.

The June 9th workshop will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  Facilitators will lead three group sessions at the workshop: the first addressing what was heard at the first workshop, the second involving a detailed discussion on a few of the proposed ways to reduce noise and the third on the study’s noise modeling and the noise data collected to date.  Participants will take part in all three sessions and a general Q&A will occur at the conclusion.

Further information can be found at Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 website where you can also sign up to receive email updates throughout the process: http://www.airportsites.net/SEA-Part150/default.htm

For more information on Sea-Tac’s noise programs, visit http://www.portseattle.org/community/environment/noise.shtml.

The May 26th meeting begins at 2:30pm at Burien City Hall’s Council Chambers (400 SW 152nd Street), and the public is invited to observe. The Highline Forum includes the communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Port of Seattle Commission Part 150 discussion at Highline Forum, as well as a second Workshop Meeting.

WHEN: Highline Forum: Wednesday, May 26th at 2:30pm; Workshop: Wednesday, June 9th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

WHERE: Highline Forum: Burien City Hall Council Chambers; Workshop: Cedarhurst Elementary, located at 611 S. 132nd Street in Burien.

INFO: From a press release:

June 9th Part 150 Noise Study Public Workshop at Cedarhurst Elementary in Burien

The second in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for June 9th at Cedarhurst Elementary (611 S. 132nd Street) in Burien. The workshop will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Through active engagement with the public, facilitators will lead three group sessions at the workshop: the first addressing what was heard at the first workshop, the second involving a detailed discussion on a few of the proposed ways to reduce noise and the third on the study’s noise modeling and the noise data collected to date. Participants will take part in all three sessions and a general Q&A will occur at the conclusion.

On May 26, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at Burien City Hall’s Council Chambers – 400 SW 152nd Street. The meeting begins at 2:30 and the public is invited to observe. The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

Please visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website for more information about the June 9th Public Workshop and for all documentation connected to the study.

Story & Photos by Rachel M. Lusby

Noise problems were the primary topic on the minds of at least 30 attendees at Wednesday’s C.A.S.E. meeting (Citizens Against SeaTac Expansion). Managing Director of Sea-Tac International Airport, Mark Reis, was there to answer questions.

Also in attendance was Port of Seattle Media Officer Perry Cooper.

Reis began the meeting by saying “airports are big facilities and they have impact.” He says not only is the noise something to be acknowledged, but so are the environmental impacts on the areas around the airport.

“The environmental initiatives I’m taking are something I’m very proud of,” he says.

Sea-Tac Airport Managing Director Mark Reis spoke to at least 30 at the Wednesday night C.A.S.E. meeting.

Sea-Tac Airport, according to Reis, has the most aggressive recycling program out of most all other airport facilities in the nation. He says the programs in place, including a storm water project, a plan to bring bio-jet fuel to the airport as soon as 2012, are “discretionary actions on our part;” meaning they are being done without the request or requirement of any rules or laws.

After his quick speech, Reis allowed for questions from the audience. Many were concerned about the noise level since the completion of the third runway.

“The F.A.A. had a disorganized approach to using the third runway,” Reis said. “We helped the F.A.A. understand the use of the third runway was important to us and to them and we made a remarkable change in two months.”

As for the noise level, Reis says they are in the process of checking that their projections from the Part 150 study were accurate. He says the perception that they have decided what the outcome of all this is going to be, is inaccurate.

Comments and suggestions of how to resolve the noise problem began to come from the audience.

Suggestions of building a wall, such as what is found at the King County International Airport/Boeing Field, and a “hush house,” where aircraft engine maintenance and testing is done so the noise does not affect neighboring areas, were among the most popular ideas.

Reis simply said “during the single situation evaluation we will consider what could be used to cut noise.”

He said a wall may or may not be a safety hazard in this situation but they will be looking into as an option.

Other concerns from attendees of the meeting were property values. One woman was upset over the devaluing of her property because of the airport noise but having to still pay taxes to the Port of Seattle.

“None of the property tax goes to the airport,” Reis said. “That money goes to the seaport.”

From the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs, we received this letter (posted also on

Congratulations to those who attended last night’s kick-off workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 study!

Despite a restrictive format, the public delivered a loud & clear message spelling out major issues that concern us all.

After an initial presentation, the attendees (estimated at about 200) crowded around the whiteboards in 15 break-out groups.

We heard over & over that the attendees do not believe that the FAA’s 65 DNL noise assessment has anything to do with noise as it is actually experienced.

We heard over & over that single-event noise –not averages — is what intrudes on people’s lives.

Sharp questions were raised about the five-year planning horizon:  the study needs to look long-term.

And what will the Airport look like, what will it sound like, at its maximum?

At the concluding, wrap-up session, there was widespread spontaneous applause for comments that the region needs two more airports, & for the suggestion that if the present noise cannot be fixed, the airport should be moved.

Less-controversial comments included pleas for more noise insulation, more buy-outs, more sellers’ assistance programs.

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