| Mar |
| 23 |
| 1:00 pm |
The next Port of Seattle Commission meeting, scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, March 23rd at the Cove in Normandy Park, will also include a staff update on the Part 150 Airport Noise Study.
The Commission will be taking public comment, so gather your thoughts about SeaTac Airport noise and show up, ready to talk.
In addition, on Wednesday, March 24, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at SeaTac City Hall’s Council Chambers (4800 South 188th Street.) 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.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Port of Seattle Commission Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, March 23 beginning at 1pm
WHERE: The Cove in Normandy Park – 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
INFO: From a press release:
March 23 Port Commission Meeting in Normandy Park to include Part 150 Noise Study Update
Part 150 Study also a Discussion Item at March 24 Highline Forum
The Port of Seattle Commission will be holding their March 23 regular meeting at the Cove in Normandy Park – 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive. The agenda includes a staff update on the Part 150 Study and the Commission will be taking public comment. Meeting starts at 1 p.m.
On March 24, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at SeaTac City Hall’s Council Chambers – 4800 South 188th 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.
For your convenience, please visit the dedicated Part 150 Web site (http://www.airportsites.net/SEA-Part150/) that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
From the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs, we received this letter (posted also on their blog) regarding Wednesday night’s (Feb. 24th) “Part 150″ airport noise workshop put on by the Port of Seattle:
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.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
REMINDER: The first in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” is scheduled for this Wednesday night (Feb. 24th) at Mount Rainier High School (located at 22450 19th Ave. South in Des Moines) beginning at 5:15pm.
So if you have something to say about airport noise, this would be the place to air your thoughts and hope that the Port of Seattle hears you.
Doors open at 5pm, with the program beginning at 5:15pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” program
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 24th beginning at 5:15pm
WHERE: Mt. Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines
INFO: From a press release:
Are you bothered by airport noise?
Do you have specific questions you’d like answered related to airport noise?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, please consider attending the Part 150 workshop at Mount Rainier High School (22450 19th Avenue South Des Moines, WA) on Wednesday Feb 24 from 5 to 7 pm.
“Part 150″ is an FAA regulation that provides for airport operators, such as the Port of Seattle which owns and operates Seatac airport, to study ways of reducing airport noise. Part 150 studies are a two year process, with five or six workshops . The Feb 24 meeting is the kickoff for a new Part 150 study, the last Part 150 study wrapped up in 2001.
The “hope” of a Part 150 study is that the airport operator will then actually implement some of these ways of reducing noise. So how do we turn hope into reality? The answer is: citizen involvement and action.
At the first workshop on Feb 24, the Port and its consultant, Landrum and Brown, are committed to listening to citizen requests for what they would like to have included in the study.
So:
1. Please attend the workshop, and bring a neighbor too. (but if you can’t make this time, which is definitely inconvenient for many people, there’s an alternative below).
2. Please bring your questions in written form.
- We anticipate the workshop will include small group breakouts of 15 to 25 minutes. The “facilitators” are not likely to have time for all questions.
So, it is really important to bring written questions. With your written questions:
- Please include your name and mailing address
- Please ask for a written response within 30 days
- Please feel free to send a copy via email or mail to RCAA, the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs.
RCAA is funded by local governments as a resource for airport – related issues. RCAA is tracking the questions citizens are asking as a part of a project monitoring the Part 150 process. There have been times when questions asked of the Port did not get a satisfactory answer. If you put your questions in writing, cc them to RCAA, and send the responses to RCAA as well, there is a much higher chance no one’s questions will fall through the cracks.
RCAA can be reached by email at rcaanews@earthlink.net or by mail at:
19900 4th Ave SW
Normandy Park, WA 98166=======
For more information about Part 150 and the workshops:
–The RCAA blog will have periodic updates. The web address is:
http://latestnewsonairportaffairs.blogspot.com/
It is linked to from the main RCAA web site, at www.rcaanews.org
Note RCAA will be posting some topic areas on the blog you may want to consider for your questions.
The Port of Seattle has a Part 150 web page. The address is:
http://www.airportsites.net/SEA-Part150/
Also remember the Port has a noise incident report form online, available here:
Read our previous coverage of this issue here.
In the continuing saga of STITA vs the Port of Seattle, on Monday (Feb. 22nd), the Washington state Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the cab company by granting a temporary injunction against the Port of Seattle’s planned contract with Yellow Cab/Puget Sound Dispatch.
This means the Port cannot sign the planned contract “until further order of the Court” (click here to download/read the order as a PDF file), which could happen in April.
STITA’s request to expedite the appeal was granted by Commissioner Mary Neel. The Commissioner’s order states that this case will be heard by a three-judge panel “toward the end of the April 2010 term,” meaning that this ongoing SeaTac soap opera is far from over.
Members of STITA, who filed the original lawsuit against the Port of Seattle on Jan. 29, were obviously pleased with the decision.
“We are thrilled that the court stopped the Port from proceeding with an illegal contract,” said Jesse Buttar, a STITA member and spokesperson. “We’ve only ever asked for a fair process and a legal contract and now we hope the Port has finally listened and will re-do its flawed bidding process.”
Here’s more info from STITA’s press release, issued late Monday afternoon:
STITA, a non-profit co-op with one of the greenest cab fleet in the country, was created in 1989 by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business. They have the airport contract through August 2010.
STITA’s lawsuit claims that the Port’s bidding process violated state law by requiring bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues to the Port. This revenue system violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform. Previously, the Port had charged a per-trip fee to taxis based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies.
Additionally, the lawsuit contends that the Port’s new concession fees violate the King County Code and takes away from the King County Council’s authority to set “just and reasonable” taxi meter rates.
Despite protests from STITA to the Port about these glaring problems with the process and the proposed contract, the Port has so far declined to re-do its flawed contract bid.
A second lawsuit against the Port and Yellow Cab by Farwest Taxi was filed on Feb. 12.
Read our previous coverage of this ongoing legal battle here.
Working at Sea-Tac for 35 years, I have firsthand knowledge of airport operations and STITA Taxi. Knowing STITA’s reputation, I thought they would surely be chosen for the new contract for the taxi concession. I was astonished to hear the Port’s decision. The structure of the RFP caused a bidding war, and the Port plans to award the contract to the highest bidder, Yellow Cab. How could they base their decision purely on money and not reputation and quality of service?
Shuttle Express and STITA operate within a few feet of each other so I know their operations and service level. STITA taxi owners maintain their vehicles and have invested in a green fleet, all while making a living wage. And, STITA provides good service, much better than any other taxi service in Seattle.
As a competitor, it would be to my advantage to say nothing and compete against a lesser provider. But I can’t watch this play out without saying something about the Port’s injustice to STITA, and more importantly to you, the traveling public. I have no issue with the Port opening the concession to competitive bid, but its selection based on who will pay the most money rather than service and safety is wrong.
Jim Sherrell is the Owner of Shuttle Express.
More money for the Port may sound good, but in reality the over-inflated fees that Yellow agreed to pay the Port are way off base. There is no way Yellow can use the minuscule taxi fees to fund reservations, dispatch, accounting, marketing, safe vehicles, insurance, advertising AND also pay the Port an exorbitant fee to use the taxi curb. What expenses will the Yellow taxi drivers have to cut to still be able to put bread on the table? Will you feel safe when you climb into that taxi knowing they cannot meet their financial obligations and still make a living?
So why would the Port prioritize getting more money above safety, service and other important factors? What seems obvious is the Port wants more money. Who is eventually going to pay the Port more money? Sure, first it will be the poor taxi drivers. Next, the taxi drivers will ask regulators to allow increased fees. In the end, YOU, the traveling public will be paying the difference with higher taxi fares.
Now ask yourself, is the Port operating in the interest of the traveling public, or is it merely trying to squeeze more money from taxi drivers and you, the passengers?
Will the publicly elected Port of Seattle Commissioners recognize this flawed RFP bid for what it is and correct this radical mistake? My experience during the last thirty-plus years tells me that when the Port Commissioners know the facts and hear from their voters, they will make the correct decision to award the RFP fairly, based on service and safety for the traveling public rather than strictly money from fees.
It’s up to you, the traveling public, to let the Commissioners know your feelings on the issue to have it corrected: www.portseattle.org.
- Jim Sherrell
Owner, Shuttle Express(Jim Sherrell is the owner of Shuttle Express, serving the Seattle region since 1979)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
| Feb |
| 24 |
| 5:15 pm |
The first in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th at Mount Rainier High School (locatrd at 22450 19th Ave. South in Des Moines) beginning at 5:15pm.
So if you have something to say about airport noise, this would be the place to air your thoughts and hope that the Port of Seattle hears you.
Doors open at 5pm, with the program beginning at 5:15pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” program
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 24th beginning at 5:15pm
WHERE: Mt. Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines
INFO: From a press release:
The Part 150 Study will look 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 February 24th workshop will include a brief presentation followed by facilitator-led, small-group working sessions designed to gather the public’s input on refining the scope for the Part 150 Study. So, please review the meeting agenda and come prepared with ideas.
Visit the dedicated Part 150 Study Website – the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
With more twists and turns than Maplewild Ave SW, Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 9th) the case of STITA vs the Port of Seattle took another turn – the Court of Appeals Commissioner issued an order that temporarily continues the Stay that is stopping the Port from signing an agreement with Yellow Cab.
An oral argument is tentatively is scheduled for next Friday, Feb. 19th, at 1:30 p.m.
The stay will continue in effect until the Commissioner rules on STITA’s motion.
So be sure to stay tuned, as this case is certainly a lively one.
Here’s a scan of the order for all you legal eagles out there:
In a fast-paced legal tennis match, after briefly having its restraining order denied, a State Court of Appeals Commissioner issued a stay late Monday in STITA Cab’s lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.
This means that, pending any other legal maneuvering, the Port will not be able to sign a contract with Yellow Cab.
Earlier Monday, King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez denied a restraining order filed by STITA to block the Port from signing the contract with Yellow Cab.
The contract for on-demand taxi service at Sea-Tac airport won’t be awarded until the court determines if the Port acted illegally. Judge Gonzalez heard STITA’s case Feb. 4th, and issued his decision Monday afternoon.
STITA vowed to continue fighting. They immediately took the case to the State Court of Appeals, which agreed to issue a stay – meaning the Port cannot sign with Yellow Cab until the legal issues are resolved.
The commissioner is expected to consider the merits of the case this week.
“We’re thrilled with this late-breaking win,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA cab owner. “We know we have a case. We just want a fair shot at the airport contract.”
On Jan. 29, STITA filed a complaint asking the court to halt the Port from signing a contract that violates state law. STITA seeks a fair and legal proposal process in which all bidders can compete on a level playing field.
In 1989, STITA – a non-profit co-op with the greenest cab fleet in the country – was created by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business.
In its lawsuit, STITA contends the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.
STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.
STITA’s lawsuit also contends that the Port’s new concession fee violates the King County Code, which requires the King County Council to set the taxi meter rate at a level that is “just and reasonable.” The Port’s new concession fee cuts directly into the county’s taxi meter rate and prevents cab operators from receiving the gross receipts that they legally are entitled to receive.
Despite notice from STITA protesting these glaring problems with the process and proposed contract, the Port of Seattle declined to re-do its flawed proposal and said it would sign an agreement with Yellow Cab. STITA had no recourse but legal action.
PREVIOUSLY:
On Monday (Feb. 8th), King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzales put up the first roadblock in a lawsuit filed by longtime Sea-Tac Airport vendor STITA Cab by denying its attempts to stop the Port of Seattle from signing a contract with Yellow Cab.
The exclusive taxicab contract was held by STITA for 20 years in a no-bid deal. After a harsh rebuke from the State Auditor over its contracting processes, the Port of Seattle issued a “Request for Proposal,” or RFP, for the first time last fall.
Yellow Cab won the award with a bid of $18.3 million, which is $8 million greater than the bid STITA submitted. Yellow Cab was named a defendant in the lawsuit, along with the Port of Seattle and other taxi associations.
In issuing the ruling, Judge Gonzales noted that the RFP allowed for prospective bidders to file complaints, or injunctions, to any portion of the RFP document; Gonzales said, “The Plaintiff had the opportunity to file a complaint during the process, and they did not. They only complained when they did not win the bid.”
Yellow Cab will have to expand to meet its new agreement and may add up to 150 taxis, which could mean transferring over some STITA drivers, according to company representatives.
Without ruling on the lawsuit’s merits, Gonzalez said that STITA’s request for an injunction was damaged by the fact that it waited until after the bidding process to object. Had STITA won the contract, it’s “inconceivable” they would’ve sought an injunction, he said.
As we reported Feb. 1st:
In its lawsuit, STITA claimed that the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act, because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.
STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a “predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.”
STITA has 216 cabs, 450 drivers, and claims to have brought in $10.58 million to the Port between 2004 and 2008.
On Monday (Feb. 1st), the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) announced a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle to stop the Port from “unfairly awarding” its airport taxi contract to Yellow Cab (Puget Sound Dispatch).
In the lawsuit, STITA contends that the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act, because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.
STITA has 216 cabs, 450 drivers, and claims to have brought in $10.58 million to the Port between 2004 and 2008.
According to a press release sent to us by STITA:
On Friday, STITA filed a complaint asking the court to halt the Port from signing a contract that violates state law. STITA seeks a fair and legal proposal process in which all bidders can compete on a level playing field.
“If you think it’s difficult to hail a cab in Seattle now, wait to see what will happen if STITA cabs are put out of business,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA cab owner. “We’re trying to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’re asking the Port to reconsider and allow us to fairly compete for the airport contract. We’re sorry this has come to legal action, but we STITA members are ready to fight against what we feel was an unfair process by the Port of Seattle.”
In 1989, STITA – a non-profit co-op with the greenest cab fleet in the country – was created by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business.
“People tell us to go work for Yellow, but we can’t,” said Kanwarjit Bassi, who followed in his father’s footsteps and drives a STITA cab. “We don’t have Seattle for-hire licenses and it’s nearly impossible to get one. We were prevented from expanding service outside of the airport by the Port and now it’s telling us to go away. But, there’s nowhere to go.”
In its lawsuit, STITA contends the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.
STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.
STITA’s lawsuit also contends that the Port’s new concession fee violates the King County Code, which requires the King County Council to set the taxi meter rate at a level that is “just and reasonable.” The Port’s new concession fee cuts directly into the county’s taxi meter rate and prevents cab operators from receiving the gross receipts that they legally are entitled to receive.
“I’ve driven a cab for 35 years – mostly seven days a week,” said Patty Stephens. “It wasn’t an easy living, but at the end of the day I barely made enough to feed my family. And I could take care of sick children or go to their soccer games without getting fired. It’s the only life we know; my daughter and son both drive a cab too. We’re all out of jobs if STITA loses this contract.”
Despite notice from STITA protesting these glaring problems with the process and proposed contract, the Port of Seattle declined to re-do its flawed proposal and said it would sign an agreement with Yellow Cab. STITA had no recourse but legal action.
STITA’s complaint will go before a King County judge on Thursday.
STITA BY THE NUMBERS:
- Cabs: 216
- Owner-Operators: 283
- Total number of drivers, including owner-operators: approximately 450
- Founded: 1989 as non-profit association
Declining trips in 2009 do not reflect new light rail service to the airport and how it will likely decrease future cab demand.
Current per-trip fee paid to Port for airport pickup:
- $3.05 in 2009;
- $1.80 in 2010.
Current STITA contract ends August 31, 2010.
Revenues to Port:
- STITA, 2004 – 2008: $10.58 million
Number of on-demand taxi trips at Sea-Tac Airport
- 2004: 578,259
- 2005: 639,751
- 2006: 648,275
- 2007: 732,694
- 2008: 740,867
- 2009: 676,010 (estimate)
| Feb |
| 24 |
| 5:00 pm |
A public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th, from 5pm – 7pm at Mount Rainier High School, which is located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines.
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.
For more information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website here that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
Up to six additional public workshops will be held throughout the Part 150 Study process. This first meeting will introduce and orient the participants to the Part 150 process as well as further “scope” the study itself. In order to do that, the consultants will facilitate small group discussions with the participants to talk about their concerns and what they are hoping to see included in the study. Records of these sessions and the input received will be kept and factored into the study. The Port will soon launch an advertising campaign publicizing the meeting and they will make sure the members of the Forum get additional information.
Public workshops are not the only vehicle that will be used to engage the public. The Port wants to make sure community leaders, such as the members of the Highline Forum, and the general public has ample opportunity to review the status of the project and offer their thoughts and recommendations. The Port will be providing just that at the regular Highline Forum meetings. In addition, the Part 150 Study team will be available to attend a City Council meeting or meet with the representatives of a specific neighborhood or organization.
There will be a public hearing and comment period at the end of the process. More information will be provided at that time when there is a fully developed set of recommended actions.
More info available at these links:
According to the Port’s Part 150 website:
The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities. For Part 150 Study purposes, noise incompatibilities are defined as residences or public use noise-sensitive facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour.
The purpose for conducting a Part 150 Study is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from the airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.
Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:
- To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
- To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
- To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
- To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
- To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.
Specific goals for this Part 150 Study include the following:
- To address noise issues related to the third runway;
- To conduct the process in an open and engaging way; and
- To look for opportunities that have not been thought of versus re-visiting old issues.
This study will identify existing and future flight corridors, develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future conditions, evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas, consider land use controls that could be established to reduce future incompatible land uses from being developed within high noise areas, and evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.
It is anticipated that the Part 150 Study will be completed in late 2011. After completion, it will be submitted to the FAA. The review period by the FAA is typically 6-9 months.
| Feb |
| 1 |
| 12:00 pm |
Members of the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) will rally against the Port of Seattle Monday, Feb. 1st beginning at Noon in downtown Seattle, in an effort to heighten awareness of the Port’s decision to change cab companies at Sea-Tac Airport after 20 years.
According to a press release:
STITA has no choice but to take its case to court to prevent the Port of Seattle from signing a contract with a competitor on Tuesday.
In December, the Port of Seattle Commission awarded a new five-year contract to Yellow Cab.
Now, more than 450 families face the loss of their businesses and livelihoods (while the contract is awarded to a big business monopoly, Yellow Cab).
STITA is a non-profit co-op of 216 cabs owned by 283 people. STITA was formed 20 years ago to solve a problem – the failure of for-profit taxi companies to provide safe, reliable taxi cab service at the airport.
Here’s info on the rally:
WHAT: Members of the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) will make an important announcement and take questions from reporters.
WHEN: Noon, Monday, Feb. 1st.
WHERE: South side of the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle, 3rd and Jefferson St. (the corner of the park)
INFO: Attorney Michael Goldfarb will discuss the legal case against the Port, and cab drivers and their families will be available to discuss the devastating impact of the Port’s flawed decision.
From STITA’s website:
STITA was formed 20 years ago by the Port of Seattle primarily to service in-bound passengers to SeaTac and residents of King County. STITA prides itself on providing excellent service. We have nearly 200 taxis in our owner-operated fleet. At STITA, diversity is embraced and our cab drivers are very proud of the fact that they work for an organization whose owners represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds including: Indian, East African, Pakistani, Somali, Filipino, Ethiopian, Iranian, and Bangladeshi. Many may not know that STITA is a not-for-profit association comprised of over 145 minority-owned businesses, meaning that STITA is governed by a Board of Directors and does not have a single owner or leasing agent. Because our cabs are owner operated, STITA takes customer service very seriously.
At the Port of Seattle’s request, several years ago STITA stopped driving traditional gasoline powered vehicles and now has one of the most environmentally friendly taxi fleets in the world. We operate both hybrids (40 vehicles) and compressed natural gasoline taxis (120 vehicles). The use of CNG has resulted in a significant reduction of air pollutants.
On a drizzly Thursday morning (Jan. 14th), officials from Sea-Tac Airport demonstrated some brand new toys – a new, advanced bird tracking system with real-time displays of bird activity on and around the airport – and Photographer Francis Zera got lucky and was invited onto the actual runway.
In partnership with University of Illinois researchers and the Federal Aviation Administration, Sea-Tac is the first airport in the country to begin the use of this technology, which will allow wildlife management staff to access live data as they patrol the airfield to minimize bird hazards.
Sea-Tac Airport has been the demonstration site for avian radar research since 2007, and in fact currently has three avian radars installed, two on the top of the airport’s office building and one in the middle of the airfield between two runways (see photos below for details).
“Sea-Tac is a leader in the evaluation of this technology,” said Dr. Edwin Herricks, the leader of the University of Illinois research program, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I don’t know where this program would be without the input and real-life evaluation efforts by the staff and support from the Port of Seattle.”
Through the FAA-designated Center of Excellence for Airport Technology (CEAT) at the University of Illinois, the latest milestone in the research program builds on equipment from Accipiter Radar Inc. that provides geographic displays of bird activity on Google Earth™ maps.
“This technology will give us situational awareness of the entire airfield day or night – it will be like wearing a huge pair of binoculars,” said Steve Osmek, Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife biologist. “Rather than depending only on what we can see from our particular location, we’ll be able to know if there are bird issues anywhere around the airfield so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”
Here’s Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow:
War Correspondent/Writer/Blogger Michael Yon claims via his Facebook Fan Page that he was detained at Sea-Tac Airport Tuesday morning (Jan. 5th) for “refusing to say how much money I make.”
Yon apparently is an ex-Green Beret turned war correspondent who’s covered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obviously a well-traveled guy with combat experience, it’ll be interesting to hear the “other side” from TSA (if we ever do that is).
Here’s a screenshot of his Facebook posting:
And here’s the actual text of his post:
Got arrested at the Seattle airport for refusing to say how much money I make. (The uniformed ones say I was not “arrested”, but they definitely handcuffed me.) Their videos and audios should show that I was polite, but simply refused questions that had nothing to do with national security. Port authority police…eventually came — they were professionals — and rescued me from the border bullies.
Our guess is that trying to get through TSA with a Passport that has stamps from Iraq and Afghanistan, then refusing to answer questions = p.o.’d rent-a-cop types who are on edge after the Christmas Day bombing attempt…
Port of Seattle Police arrested a man after he brought in the new year by barricading himself in a family restroom around 5pm on Friday, Jan. 1st.
The man, who at one point claimed to be armed, then at another demanded an airline ticket so fly “somewhere,” gave up after police negotiators did their jobs and got him to surrender after a two and a half hour standoff.
No weapon was found, no airline tickets were handed out, and the man was taken into custody.
However, the incident did cause police to evacuate part of the airport as a precaution.
No one was hurt and no flights were delayed, and police don’t consider this a “terrorist” incident.
There’s no word yet on whether the man had any intestinal distress, nor if he simply clogged the toilet and wanted “privacy” as he tried to fix things up for the next user.
| Jan |
| 3 |
| 8:00 am |
Sea-Tac Airport will be offering a special discount for Seahawks fans, with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the final home game on Sunday, Jan. 3rd versus the Tennessee Titans.
The idea is to allow affordable parking and encourage fans to take Sound Transit’s Link light rail from SeaTac to the “Stadium” stop near Qwest Field for just $2.50 each way.
According to a press release received Wed., Dec. 30th:
Sea-Tac Airport offers special parking rate for Hawks Fans
$2 per hour in Terminal Direct for football fans connecting with Link light rail
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invites fans to score a “TD” with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the Seahawks final home game Jan. 3 versus the Tennessee Titans.
Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link light rail’s new SeaTac/Airport Station. You’ll park on the 4th floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Link station.
On Jan. 3, customers parking in Terminal Direct will enjoy a $2 per hour rate if they arrive between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. – plenty of time to experience the quick, convenient ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to stations near Qwest Field. Terminal Direct tickets during that time period will automatically be credited with the discount rate when you exit the airport parking garage.
Hawks fans riding Link to the game can skip any post-game ticket lines by getting an ORCA card from any ticket vending machine before boarding. ORCA cards can be used like cash or as a transit pass on trains, buses or ferries throughout the region. For a limited time, cards are available with no card fee. Starting Feb. 1, a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. ORCA – One Regional Card for All – will replace about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single smart card. ORCA’s replacement of most paper transfer slips on Jan. 1 means ORCA can help riders avoid paying full price when they transfer. More information on ORCA is available at http://www.orcacard.com
The opening of SeaTac/Airport Station on Dec. 19 means easier access to ORCA and to Link light rail for thousands of visitors, commuters, and Sea-Tac Airport employees. Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop. A ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station is 36 minutes and costs $2.50.
More information available at Sound Transit’s website here.
According to an independent USA Today review of inspection records (link to story here) of nearly 800 restaurants at 10 airports, 42% of 57 restaurants reviewed at Sea-Tac Airport had at least one “critical” violation.
A “critical” violation is one where food items, such as sandwiches, meats or salads, are stored at dangerously warm temperatures, increasing the risk of food-borne illnesses.
According to the report:
A USA TODAY review of inspection records for nearly 800 restaurants at 10 airports found items such as tuna salad and turkey sandwiches stored at dangerously warm temperatures, raw meat contaminating ready-to-eat foods, rat droppings and kitchens lacking soap for workers to wash hands.
Serious violations, which can increase the risk of illness, are common. On the most recent inspections available online, 42% of 57 restaurants reviewed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had at least one “critical” violation. So did 77% of 35 restaurants reviewed at Reagan National Airport.
Grab-and-go coolers often don’t keep sandwiches and salads cold enough to stop dangerous pathogens, reports show.
Our recommendation to avoid possible food sickness at airports? Buy only cooked items, never “grab & go” foods.
Rueben Varghese of the Arlington County, Va., health department, said airport restaurants are similar to others: “Most people dine out all the time and do very well.”
We put a call into the Port of Seattle for comment on this, and here’s a response from their Media Officer Perry Cooper:
The USA Today story left out some very important context. Not to mention, we disagree with the personal recommendation you note.
First off, Sea-Tac Airport and the Port of Seattle require vendors to go through rigorous inspections ABOVE AND BEYOND governmental standards and contractually have to meet additional food safety and facility maintenance inspections. These stiff requirements are not routine at other establishments and are an additional layer of quality assurance for the traveling public here at Sea-Tac. We believe these inspections make food even safer for the public.
Now for the missing context, which comes straight from King County Public Health. The violations noted in the story, and the link to the Public Health website, are in the normal range for all establishments in King County and around the country. The critical violations noted are the type that are rectified “before” an inspector leaves the premises. There are 29 different issues that can be the basis of red critical violations, and even the best establishments have these kinds of violations. These can include issues in the temperatures for keeping hot or cold food and hand-washing practices. Sea-Tac Airport is not out of the ordinary and falls within the trend of food establishments.
No Sea-Tac establishments have ever been closed for food safety or public health concerns.
In addition to Public Health inspections, Sea-Tac concessionaires are contractually required to have minimum quarterly inspections of all equipment to be properly maintained, i.e. fryer, exhaust fans, hot water heaters; inspections for grease accumulation, water leaks; and monthly pest control.
Sea-Tac Airport is confident in the food safety practices of our vendors and continue to monitor their procedures rigorously. Sea-Tac establishments have not received any ‘major’ violations and none have ever been closed in the memory of our staff.
Finally, I would also like to gently object to your opinion on “grab and go” items. If this is a personal preference, that’s up to each individual. However, within a story about food safety to try and link “grab and go” items as potentially unsafe, is a grand generalization and, frankly, not supported by fact. Personally, I eat “grab and go” items frequently for lunch at work, as do thousands of others who work here, and have never experienced anything beyond a satisfying meal. You are correct that if passengers should be wary to buy an item the requires cold and wait too long before eating it, but that’s a generalization for any food, anywhere.
Read the full USA Today story here.
PHOTO CREDIT:
On Saturday morning (Dec. 19th) at 10am, Sound Transit opened its Link light rail service to SeaTac with lots of ceremony, local dignitaries, curious passengers, and of course, functioning trains that now link the airport to downtown Seattle.
The first 14 miles of light rail opened from downtown Seattle to Tukwila in July. This final segment from Tukwila to SeaTac / Airport Station, built under a close partnership with the Port of Seattle, connects the airport from downtown with 13 stops serving the SeaTac, Tukwila, Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, SODO to the final stop at Westlake.
“It’s been a heck of a journey, but we delivered on what we promised: light rail from downtown Seattle to the airport in 2009,” said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Chair Greg Nickels. “This opens an entirely new option for travelers and commuters, and represents the first steps of a truly regional network.”
Service on the 1.7-mile extension line kicked off with an inaugural ribbon cutting at the SeaTac / Airport Station before the station and trains opened for regular passenger service at 10am, and Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
“Opening the doors to Sound Transit’s airport line in time for the holidays is great gift to residents of the Puget Sound region,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. “This new line will provide fast and easy connections to downtown Seattle and a low-cost way to get around. This is just the latest in environmentally friendly transportation that will help ensure our region’s long-term economic growth.”
Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop.
“With more than 30 million passengers through Sea-Tac every year, and 15,000 airport employees, we anticipate light rail will be a welcome “green” alternative for travel to and from the airport,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. “Using light rail will reduce air emissions and traffic congestion. It’s good for the airport and it’s good for our region.”
The next light rail extension is scheduled to open in 2016 with service from downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. Construction is underway on that segment while Sound Transit plans for 36 more miles of light rail extensions to Lynnwood, Bellevue, Redmond, Mercer Island and Federal Way by 2023.
Link’s normal Saturday schedule will be from 5 a.m. – 1 a.m. with regular fares required. On weekdays, the first train from the airport to downtown will depart at 5:16 a.m. and the last one to downtown will leave at 12:07 a.m. The last train to Mt. Baker Station in the Rainier Valley departs at 12:46 a.m.
More detailed schedule and fare information is here: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- PHOTOS: Scenes From Sound Transit’s Airport Station Sneak Peek Ride
- Sound Transit’s New Airport Station To Open Dec. 19th
- I Rode Link Light Rail & Lived To Write About It. Have You?
- Ride Sound Transit’s New Link Light Rail All Weekend For FREE
- First It Was The Third Runway – Now Sound Transit’s Light Link Rail Is Too Loud? Take Our Poll…
- Sound Transit Begins Intensive Testing Of Light Rail
- Tukwila Link Light Rail Station To Open July 18th
- It’s Going To Cost $2.50 To Take Link Rail Downtown
The Port of Seattle alerts us that the north entrance to the Sea-Tac Airport Garage will close overnight for four nights beginning tonight (Monday, Dec. 14) and continuing through Thursday, Dec. 17th.
It will close at approximately 7pm each evening and will reopen each morning at approximately 5am.
The reason for the closure is that contractors will be removing the scaffolding below the pedestrian bridge between the Sound Transit Link Light Station and the Airport Parking Garage.
Link light service to Sea-Tac begins this coming Saturday, Dec. 19th.
During the north entrance closure, vehicles will be detoured via the upper drive (Departures level) to the south entrance of the garage. Rental car returns will be detoured to a temporary access road. Traffic exiting the garage will not be affected. Drivers should watch closely for the temporary directional signs.
| Dec ’09 |
| 2 |
| 7:00 pm |
The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW.
Here are the details:
WHAT: CASE Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, from 7pm to 9pm
WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adm. Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.
INFO: From an email release:
You, your friends and neighbors are invited to attend our monthly December CASE meeting.
CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting. Brett will recognize our elected leaders attending and introduce the speakers. Current usage of Sea-Tac Airport with the 3rd runway operations will be the main topic of this meeting.
Stan Shepherd, Sea-Tac’s Manager of Airport Noise Programs, will be the primary speaker on the current runway statistics & other flight information. Mr. Shepherd will include a presentation on the present state of the Part 150 study for Airport Operations.
The F.A.R. Part 150 Noise Compatibility Regulation sets out rules and guidelines and authorizes Federal assistance for preparation of airport noise compatibility programs. Part 150 provides for the preparation of two types of information: Noise Exposure Maps, which describe existing noise conditions in the Airport area and provide guidelines for the mitigation of those of us impacted by airport operations.
Questions and Comments from the floor on this subject or on other issues will be welcome.
This is a good opportunity to better understand how the Part 150 Study will be conducted and what citizen involvement (if any) will be allowed.
If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.
Alaska Airlines and Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno unveiled a specially-themed Boeing 737-800 Tuesday (Nov. 17th) at Sea-Tac Airport, painted with a larger-than-life image of the celeb athlete and telling people to “follow Apolo.”
Also, to celebrate Ohno’s race for gold, passengers boarding the “Follow Apolo” jet received Ohno trading cards, copies of Ohno’s signature bandana and press-on faux facial hair (faux facial hair??? dang…now we’re sorry we missed this photo op!).
While we certainly don’t know any humans who’ve actually sprouted wings and can fly on their own, the unique design features a huge painting of the Seattle native on the aircraft’s fuselage and also promotes his new Alaska Airlines-sponsored website www.followapolo.com as he pursues winter gold in Vancouver, BC during the upcoming Winter Olympics.
“It’s an honor to be featured alongside Alaska’s trademark Eskimo and have the support of my hometown airline for the most important race of my life,” said Ohno, after seeing the plane for the first time.
A team of Seattle-area youth speed skaters aspiring to follow in Ohno’s path accompanied the athlete onboard the aircraft as it was unveiled at Sea-Tac Airport Tuesday. The skaters are members of Pattison’s Team Extreme and train at Pattison’s West Skating Center in Federal Way, where Ohno trained as a teen:
Apolo Ohno and members of Federal Way's Pattison's Team Extreme.
A native of the Seattle area, Ohno began his speed-skating career at age 14 in Seattle and Vancouver. He went on to become the youngest skater to win a World Cup event title in December 1999. Ohno has since won 11 national champion, 18 world champion and five Olympic medals.
If you’d like to “Follow Apolo,” you can either grow wings and attempt to fly behind (or alongside) his cool new airplane, or you can just click here and check out his website.
(Photos courtesy Alaska Airlines)
| Dec ’09 |
| 19 |
| 10:00 am |
Friday morning (Nov. 13th), Sound Transit announced that its brand new Link Light Rail train station at Sea-Tac Airport will open at 10am Saturday, Dec. 19th.
This new station will expand the system from the current end-of-line Tukwila stop that opened in July, and will provide travelers the ability to travel from downtown Seattle (or other locations along the line) directly to the airport.
Prior to its Dec. 19th opening, in order to get to the airport, riders must board a Metro bus in Tukwila. Now they can just ride along to the final stop.
“With the opening of the airport line in December, Sound Transit is giving a gift to holiday travelers by providing a fast and easy connection to downtown Seattle,” Senator Patty Murray said at Friday’s ceremony. “We made history in July by opening the doors of light rail to the public and since that time our region has enjoyed a new convenient, environmentally-friendly, and low-cost way to get around. This new line will continue to seamlessly connect our region’s transportation system like never before.”
The new station is located near the main airport parking garage, by the intersection of So. 176th Street and International Blvd., and includes a skybridge that will connect pedestrians to the airport ticketing concourse.
Some of the art installed at the new Sea-Tac station. Photo courtesy Sound Transit.
By 2020, Sound Transit is projecting that approximately 3,000 riders are expected to board trains daily at the Airport Station every day.
The next big phase of this project will be a $1.9 billion tunnel that will reach the University of Washington by 2016. Voters have also approved spending $18 billion more to extend lines stops in Federal Way, Lynnwood and Redmond.
According to spokesman Bruce Gray, train testing will begin Monday, No.v 16th between the Rainier Beach Station and the new airport stop.
Adult fare to downtown Seattle is $2.75, one way.
So far, ridership on the recently opened Seattle-Tukwila line has averaged around 16,100 per weekday in October, showing growth but still 10,000 short of the number projected for late 2010.
(fortunately, we’re not talking about moldy ones…)
The Port of Seattle Tuesday announced that Sea-Tac Airport won first place for the Best “Green” Concessions Practice award among airports in North America.
The “green” in the award is referring of course the ecological elements that the food vendors at the airport use.
The honor was announced during the 2009 Airports Council International – North America Concessions Conference in Indianapolis, at which roughly 200 representatives of North American airport concessions industry were in attendance.
Sea-Tac was also awarded second place for Best Convenience Retail Program.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by our airport peers for our integrated recycling, composting and food bank program,” said Mark Reis, the airport’s Managing Director. “The airport concessionaires and staff have worked tirelessly to divert recyclable and compostable materials from landfills and thereby reducing waste, feeding the needy and helping lead our region and the airport industry to a sustainable future.”
According to a Port press release, during 2008, airport concessionaires recycled more than 1,200 tons of material – an amount equivalent to the weight of six Boeing 747 aircraft. During the same period, they avoided disposal costs and generated revenue through rebates on recyclables which totaled $160,000. Sea-Tac concessionaires made waste reduction and recycling a priority by recycling cardboard, used cooking oil, food waste and coffee grounds. Since 2001, Sea-Tac concessionaires diverted thousands of tons of recyclable material from landfills through recycling, composting, and food bank donation programs. Concessionaires donated food that served 8,000 meals to needy families in 2008.
Sea-Tac’s recycling programs are even estimated to have prevented the release of Greenhouse Gas emissions equivalent to removing 819 passenger cars from the road annually; conserved an amount of energy equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 83 households (USEPA Waste Reduction Model), and saved 3,700 cubic yards of landfill space.
The purpose of the Airport Concessions Contest is to inspire creativity in the industry and to recognize innovative and outstanding airport concessions. These awards help to demonstrate the growing importance of concessions to the total airport experience. This year’s contest received more than 160 nominations from airports of all sizes throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here are the results of the categories involving Sea-Tac Airport:
- Best “Green” Concession Practice or Concept 1st Place: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 2nd Place: C-Pier Expansion, Vancouver International Airport 3rd Place: Concourse D, Portland International Airport Honorable Mention: Enroute Spa, Indianapolis International Airport
- Best Convenience Retail Program - Large Airport 1st Place: Atrium, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2nd Place: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
Entries for this year’s contest were judged by an independent panel comprised of high-level professionals with no vested interest in concession operations, or the outcome of any one airport. In addition to the independent panel, one representative from the previous year’s overall winner was also involved in the judging process.
Previously, Sea-Tac Airport won the Richard A. Griesbach Award of Excellence in 2007 recognizing the Best Food and Beverage Program in North America. That year, three additional awards were won by Sea-Tac and its merchants: 1st place, Best Specialty Retail Program, 2nd place, Best New Food and Beverage Concept [Waji’s], and 2nd place, Best New Consumer Services Concept [butter LONDON].
You can now get free wi-fi at Sea-Tac Airport, courtesy of Google, which announced Tuesday that it is now sponsoring free wireless access at 47 airports around the US.
Sea-Tac’s free offer (along with Burbank Airport), are considered “indefinite,” while the others are scheduled to expire Jan. 15, 2010.
According to the Google Free Wi-Fi website:
When you’re traveling this holiday season, you can enjoy free WiFi at 47 participating airports and on every Virgin America flight. Just bring a WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device and stay connected to family and friends for free while you travel now through January 15, 2010.
The promotion, in cooperation with three wireless carriers, is clearly a marketing effort to use free Wi-Fi to boost the Google brand.
Just be careful when logging on though – many hackers have set up “Free Wi-Fi” networks in public places, so make sure you’re actually hopping on board the Google one.
Wednesday morning (Nov. 4th), the Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines conducted a full-scale snow removal and anti-icing exercise to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
Photographer Michael Brunk risked his life on Sea-Tac Airport’s tarmac to get these photos:
During the 2008-2009 season, SeaTac Airport experienced just over 23 inches of snow, compared to an average of 12 inches. While airport operations continued during the higher than normal snowfall, some improvements are being made for the 2009-2010 season.
Alaska Airlines has added eight new de-icing trucks to their fleet and three “nurse trucks” that will shuttle fluid from storage tanks to the new de-icing trucks. The new de-icing trucks feature an enclosed operator cockpit that allows them to operate safely around aircraft while the aircraft engines are still running. This feature coupled with new procedures will allow Alaska Airlines to de-ice an aircraft much more quickly and efficiently using central de-icing pads that will use a “car wash” model.
The Port of Seattle — which is responsible for clearing snow and ice from runways, taxiways and the ramp areas — has also taken delivery of several new vehicles that were already on order prior to last year’s unusual snow event. Using several snow plows followed by snow brush trucks one runway can be plowed and cleared in 30-45 minutes.
| Nov ’09 |
| 4 |
| 7:00 pm |
The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW.
Here are the details:
WHAT: CASE Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 4th, from 7pm to 9pm
WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adm. Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.
INFO: CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and will recognize elected leaders attending and introduce speakers.
There will be two subjects to discuss at the meeting:
- The several environmental issues resulting from SeaTac airport polluted waste discharges.
- Noise pollution resulting from the 3rd runway operations.
RCAA/CASE Consultant Greg Wingard will brief attendees on the results of the Port’s improvements of the storm water system which had an early trend of reducing pollution into area streams but currently the pollution is getting worse rather than better since June, 2008. Greg will also give an update on the status of Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program of the Lora Lake Apartments dioxin contaminated site.
Stuart Jenner, RCAA Board Member, will discuess his measurements of aircraft noise at various locations within the 3rd runway area. He will also share some observations of the Sept. 29th forum on the increased noise held at the Criminal Justice Training Center.
Questions or Comments will be welcomed.
If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.
Looks like Burien’s airplane laser-pointer might be back in town, with an incident reported Thursday night around 7:30pm north of Sea-Tac Airport.
According to authorities, a pilot with a Horizon Airlines flight making its final approach reported seeing a red laser pointed at the cockpit. Previous incidents have included green lasers, so perhaps the suspect has a new toy.
No one was hurt in the incident, and the airplane landed safely.
It’s a felony to point lasers at airplanes, and if you saw anything unusual in that area, or know anything about this incident, please contact Port of Seattle Police immediately at 206-433-5400.
- Four More Laser-Airplane Pointing Incidents Friday Night
- No Foolin’: Has The Airplane Laser Pointer Returned?
- Laser Pointer Culprit Is Back In Action NW Of Airport
- Burien Man Charged With “Lasering” Is Released
- UPDATE: Laser Suspect Was “Playing Around” At Party
- Police Arrest Burien Resident For Airplane Laser Incidents
by Most residents of the Pacific Northwest would think that Boy Scouts participating in a day-long event to earn a merit badge on a mostly sunny Saturday in late October would be hiking in the Cascade Mountains or exploring the Puget Sound shoreline.
But such was not the case on Oct. 24, when 160 scouts packed classrooms at the Alaska Airlines Flight Operations Center in SeaTac and visited the company’s hangar at Sea-Tac International Airport for a close look at a Boeing 737-700 – inside and out.
The first Aviation Merit Badge day, sponsored by Alaska Airlines in partnership with the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America, was by all accounts an overwhelming success, with many more scouts wanting to participate than there was space to accommodate.
During the day, Boy Scouts were introduced not only to the dynamics of flight and the basics of flying an airplane, but also to airport management, flight operations, air traffic control, and careers in aviation.
Aviation Merit Badge day came about, said Brad Tilden, president of Alaska Airlines (and an Eagle Scout and Highline High School graduate), because “we love to support the Boy Scouts.”
But a golfing auction that the airline sponsored to support scouting wasn’t quite the thing since “there are not a lot of golfers here.” The merit badge idea surfaced as company officials looked for new ways to support the scouts.
“Most of us in aviation remember something that sparked our interest,” Tilden said. “We hope this merit badge event is the spark for some of these scouts. We hope we have fun and that the scouts learn something about aviation.”
Noting that he felt the “energy” while walking around the Flight Operations Center and observing the scouts, Tilden added that he would “love” to do another aviation merit badge day for scouts – perhaps expanded to include girls next time.
Pat Craven, director of development and marketing for the Chief Seattle Council, said the event – “a first for the Boy Scouts and a first for Alaska Airlines,” which he described as “a great friend and partner of scouting” – was “really unique.”
Craven called it “an overwhelming success. We allotted space for 140 scouts, then expanded it to 160, and we still had a waiting list. Alaska is already talking about doing another one next year.
“We’re so excited that Alaska has done this for Boy Scouts. It’s such an exceptional opportunity for them to get an introduction to aviation and aviation careers. They’re still running an airline today, yet they have so many volunteers here doing this.”
The Port of Seattle Police Department announced Thursday (Oct. 8th) that they arrested three and seized 11 kilograms of cocaine as part of the largest drug bust ever last week at Sea-Tac Airport.
Port Police worked with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the operation, and the three suspects were indicted today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Last week’s seizure and arrests represent good police work, and I’m very proud of the officers and detectives who participated,” said Port Police Chief Colleen Wilson. “I’m also grateful for the ongoing partnership with our colleagues at the TSA.”
On September 30, the suspects checked-in bags prior to boarding a flight to Alaska. TSA officers discovered five kilograms of cocaine in one bag during routine X-ray procedures for all checked baggage and notified port police. The bag owner was located at the departure gate and, with the help of airline personnel, was determined to be traveling with other companions. Further investigation by police – including assistance from Officer Lilly, a member of the port’s K-9 unit – led to the search of two more bags where an additional six kilograms were discovered.
The suspects have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The penalty is a mandatory maximum 10 years to life in prison and up to a $4 million fine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes the 11 kilos of cocaine is one of the largest seizures of its kind in the region.
So remember folks, next time you travel – not only can you not bring aboard more than 3 ounces of toothpaste, but 11 kilos of cocaine is illegal as well.
| Oct ’09 |
| 7 |
| 7:00 pm |
The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7th from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW.
Here are the details:
WHAT: CASE Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 7th, from 7pm to 9pm
WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adm. Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.
INFO: CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and briefly update us on a number of actions/issues with the Port of Seattle and with the 3rd runway operations. The primary goal of the meeting is to meet and hear from our political candidates running for office.
All Local November 3th election candidates for King County Executive Offices, Port of Seattle Commissioner position, local City Council and other positions (Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way) have been invited to attend. This meeting will give them additional time to inform us voters of their qualifications and allow us to hear how they respond to the voter concerns.
Questions or Comments will be heard as time allows.
If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.
by If it wasn’t already obvious before Tuesday (Sept. 29) night’s community meeting about additional noise generated by commercial jets using Sea-Tac International Airport’s third runway, people living not only under but near the new flight paths are mad as hell.
But while they don’t want to take it anymore, it appears they have no option but to endure it. No governmental organization is stepping forward with solutions – not studies, but solutions – then putting them into effect.
As a result, these citizens are even more frustrated than mad. And Port of Seattle and Federal Aviation Administration representatives heard this frustration – laced with anger – during the two-hour meeting at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.
The strongest complaints from the audience of approximately 400 included charges that the Port of Seattle “lied” to the public about the use of the third runway when it was being planned and designed and studied for its environmental impacts on the surrounding area.
“We need answers,” said Debi Wagner, a long-time activist against airport expansion. “You guys lied to us.”
Another woman said her home was soundproofed against noise from the second runway in 1992, yet “now it’s worthless. Are you people above the law?” She added that President Obama should become involved because “he closed Guantanamo (Bay detention of terror suspects) … He can close the Port of Seattle.”
One man in the audience suggested that to save the millions of dollars future lawsuits over noise and noise mitigation could cost, the Port of Seattle should just shut down the third runway.
When asked if the Port would consider doing that, Stan Shepard, manager of Sea-Tac noise programs, replied, “Absolutely not.”
Joining Shepard to hear complaints and field questions from the public were David Suomi, deputy regional administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Northwest Mountain Region, and Linda Pelligrini with FAA’s air traffic control.
Also attending were District 33 legislators – Sen. Karen Keiser and Reps. Dave Upthegrove and Tina Orwall – and 34th District Rep. Sharon Nelson, King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson, and representatives of CASE (Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion) and the RCAA (Regional Commission on Airport Affairs).
“We’re here to listen,” Keiser (D-Des Moines) told the assembly. “These issues are not new to us. But they have been sharpened” since the third runway opened 10 months ago and has been operating “24/7.”
Paramount concerns, Keiser continued, include sleep – “it’s hard to get a decent night’s sleep when planes are always flying” – and public safety with planes flying only 100 to 200 feet overhead on final approach.
She said the 33rd District’s delegation would develop legislation in Olympia to help alleviate these problems.
Two separate realities really frustrate, confound and even anger many living near the airport and along the third runway flight paths:
- First, the third runway was planned and built by the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport including its facilities and infrastructure.
- Second, it is the FAA, and not the airport, that directs air traffic including which runways will be used for each landing and take-off.
Several in the audience reminded Shepard and the FAA representatives that the third runway had been sold to the public as a backup runway primarily for landings in bad weather to reduce flight delays and departures. But since it opened, it also has been used routinely for what Shepard described as “high-demand” periods – those times when eight or more planes arrive within 15 minutes.
This is a primary reason why a number of those speaking accused the Port of lying to them before the third runway was built.
Another man asked what happened to the concept of limited use, noting it was “an enormous leap” from that earlier assurance “to high demand. We would like that concept changed.” He was roundly applauded when he added, “We were hoodwinked.”
Wagner also declared that with emissions from jet engines, including small black dust-like particles, the Port is “killing us with their aircraft. They’re causing cancer and they don’t care about you at all.” New airports have a five-mile buffer for emissions as well as noise because of the high cancer risk from jet emissions, she added. Some airports even have nighttime curfews.
“The Port is fully committed to make this a public process,” Shepard said about future noise studies and noise mitigation. He later was jeered when he noted, “Sea-Tac is a leader in airport noise mitigation,” and the third runway doesn’t alter that fact. “I’m damn proud” of what the Port has done, he said.
Shepard also reminded the audience that while the third runway has been operated as a regular runway since April, this is about to change and that will result in less noise from flight operations on the runway.
The third runway has handled a lot of Sea-Tac departures as well as arrivals during the complete rebuilding of the longest runway (closest to the terminal). That job has been completed and, when the FAA certifies that runway as operational, use of the third runway will be reduced.
None of what they heard, however, appeared to satisfy the audience because, many seemed to feel, their concerns appear to have no impact on the FAA’s use of the third runway.
Painting crews were out Monday morning (Sept. 21st) at Sea-Tac Airport, to paint the 60-foot designator markings on the end of the longest runway as the Port of Seattle prepares to reopen it after a summer-long reconstruction.
The painting is part of the finishing touches on the project which is scheduled to reopen by the end of this month.
BTB Photographer Francis Zera was there and shot these photos:
Here’s some info on the runway from the Port of Seattle:
The original runway was built in 1944 and was extended several times to reach the current size of 11,901 feet. The reconstruction project completes a comprehensive rebuilding of the entire runway – from runway lights to the concrete pavement itself. The new 20-inch thick runway, and adjoining taxiways, required 120,000 cubic yards of concrete. In comparison, 65,000 cubic yards of concrete was used for the Third Runway [only 8,500 feet long and 17-inches thick].
Located at each end of the runway for identification by approaching aircraft, runway markings will read 16L on the north end and 34R on the south end. Numbers are determined by the compass location of the runways and their alignment with the two other runways (right, center, and left).
On Tuesday, Aug. 18th, the Port of Seattle hosted members of the press at a tour of the reconstruction project that is in the final stages of completion on the first (as well as oldest and longest) runway, also known as “16L/34R.”
Approximately 80% of the concrete has already been poured for the new runway, and finishing touches will be completed over the next month. The original concrete runway, built in 1944, is being crushed and recycled as the gravel sub-base for the new runway. This sub base is 12 inches, topped by a 4-inch asphalt layer and then the 20-inch concrete runway.
In comparison, Sea-Tac’s third runway is only 17-inches thick.
This re-construction is the main reason why the airport’s third runway has been in use so much recently.
Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture these photos:
| Aug ’09 |
| 19 |
| 7:00 pm |
Residents of the Highline area are invited to a community meeting about airport noise on Wednesday, Aug. 19th from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Des Moines City Hall. The meeting will be hosted by local legislators, including Senator Karen Keiser, and State Representatives Dave Upthegrove and Tina Orwall, along with Des Moines City Councilwoman Susan White.
Although the state Legislature does not oversee and has no jurisdiction over Sea-Tac Airport flight operations, the district’s elected officials are hosting this discussion to help inform residents of the decision-making process and provide an opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns on issues from flight times to eligibility for noise mitigation projects.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove
Joining the legislators will be the Noise Programs Manager at Sea-Tac Airport, who will be on hand to present information and answer questions. The Noise Programs Office works closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airlines, and local communities to monitor existing noise programs and develop new ways of reducing airport and aircraft noise.
“As someone born and raised in the Highline area, I’ve experienced airplane noise first-hand,” said State Representative Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines), the meeting’s organizer. “Since operations have begun on the third runway, I have heard from many neighbors and Highline residents with questions and concerns about noise. This meeting will not only be an opportunity to learn more about flight operations and noise mitigation programs, but also get questions answered and share concerns.”
WHAT: Community meeting on airplane noise with state and local officials
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 19th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Des Moines City Hall Council Chambers, located at 21630 11th Avenue South, Suite B
| Jul ’09 |
| 27 |
| 9:00 am |
Sea-Tac Airport is re-opening a new, larger Cell Phone Waiting Lot at 9am on Monday, July 27th, just north of the old lot on Air Cargo Road
This new lot includes nearly 100 spaces for vehicles, doubling the size of the old one.
The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a free service courtesy The Port of Seattle that allows drivers to wait up to 30 minutes until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.
The Port cautions however:
“Please be aware there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders at any time.”
The previous lot was closed for six weeks in order to facilitate a new air cargo operation in the cargo terminal building next to the lot. The building now houses a number of air cargo airline operations that ship freight of all kinds, including exports of Washington state’s bumper cherry crop. The Port of Seattle estimates lease and cargo related earnings of $40,000 per week from that facility during the closure period, or over $240,000 in total. The new lot was not available to open until Monday.
Driving Directions To the Cell Phone Lot:
- From the Southbound Airport Expressway: Take the Air Cargo Rd./Cell Phone Lot exit, turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.
- From Southbound International Blvd: Turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.
From the Cell Phone Lot to Baggage Claim (Arrivals Drive):
Take a right out of the Cell Phone Lot and make left on Air Cargo Road (sign reads to terminal). Follow signs to Arrivals.
For more information on Sea-Tac Airport’s parking options, visit their website: http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/
| Jul ’09 |
| 17 |
| 7:00 pm |
Bothered by Airport Noise?
Wonder just how loud airport noise is in your neighborhood and/or other areas around Sea-Tac Airport?
Want to support efforts to monitor airport noise levels and obtain independent measurements?
For the past several months, the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA, www.rcaanews.org) has been monitoring and recording noise in the areas adjacent to Sea-Tac Airport. This data, gathered independently of the Port of Seattle’s noise monitoring, may be useful to citizens concerned about airport noise levels, particularly noise increases resulting from the third runway.
On Friday July 17th, RCAA will be holding a community meeting; here are the details:
WHAT: RCAA Community Meeting on Sea-Tac Airport Noise
WHEN: Friday, July 17th, from 7pm to 9pm (drop by at any time, presentation will be at 7:30)
WHERE: North SEA-TAC Park Picnic Shelter, located at 129th and Des Moines Memorial Drive
INFO: Light dessert and beverages will be served.
TOPICS:
- See the noise meter in action
- Learn about noise readings taken in your area in the winter (all three runways in use) and summer (two runways)
- Discuss Port of Seattle noise complaint line caller locations (obtained via Freedom of Information Act)
PRESENTERS:
- Stuart Jenner
- Mike Jacob
- Chas Talbot
RCAA is partly funded by local cities. Donations of $5 – $10 per person would be greatly appreciated to help support specific costs of the noise monitoring, including calibration.
According to the RCAA website:
We pledge our best efforts to compel the Airport to obey the environmental rules that are supposed to govern the operation of SeaTac Airport including the new third-runway. Ordinary operations at the Airport continue to contaminate the streams that flow from its campus through neighboring communities & into Puget Sound, in violation of the permits that supposedly protect us. Safe, clean water is a vital concern to the communities near the Airport.
For more information about the noise monitoring email stuartjenner@comcast.net or call 206-241-0101 (9am to 9pm), or visit their website at www.rcaanews.org.
Monday afternoon (June 15th) a class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of area residents who are upset with Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway against the Port of Seattle, claiming that noise and vibrations from aircraft are over and above what the Port has promised.
The class action lawsuit claims that as the runway was being developed and built, planning documents stated that it was to “only be used as an alternate runway to reduce delays in bad weather.”
Lawyers from the firm Pfau Cochrain Vertetis Kosnoff, PLLC contend that the port mislead residents to believe that the statement in the documents would be followed. However, since the runway’s opening, the plaintiffs claim that the port is now using the third runway for both departures and arrivals, bad weather or not, and at all hours of the day.
The third runway is currently being used more due to the re-construction of the first runway, which is supposed to last through the summer. Lawyers say that a statement on the Port of Seattle’s website claims that the FAA, which maintains control over all runways, will not restrict the use of the third runway.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for lowered property values and also to prohibit airplanes from using the third runway on weekends and between 10pm and 9am on weeknights.
The suit also intends to restrict planes from flying lower than 1,500 feet above the plaintiffs’ homes and only allow no more than one plane to fly over their neighborhoods per hour.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Residents Plan To Sue Port Of Seattle Over 3rd Runway
- Third Runway Litigators Will Meet Sunday April 19th
- Angry Residents Voice 3rd Runway Concerns To Port
- Residents Accuse Port of Seattle Of Lying About 3rd Runway
- Highline Forum 3rd Runway Public Meeting w/Port Is Jan. 8th
- Next Third Runway Noise Complainers’ Meeting Is Jan. 10th
- Has The Third Runway Increased Noise In Burien? (Nov. 24th)
- Third Runway Noise Problem Not Fading Away (Dec. 5th)
- Third Runway Noise Complainers Holding Meeting Dec. 19th (Dec. 10th)
At 3:30pm Wednesday (4/29), a Boeing 777 returned and landed safely at Sea-Tac Airport after reporting an engine fire, then dumping its fuel over Puget Sound.
We raced to the airport in hopes of getting a photo, but, alas, we chose the wrong end of the runway, then were thwarted by Port of Seattle security from getting any closer.
Here’s the release issued by the Port:
Media Advisory Uppdate – 3:30pm
The aircraft emergency has landed safely.
At this time there appears to be no other problem.
The aircraft is taxiing to the gate.
Previously…..
Media Advisory – 3:25pm
Sea-Tac Airport is currently responding to an aircraft emergency at this time.
A Boeing 777 aircraft, identified as Asiana Flight #271 has reported an engine fire.
Currently the aircraft is dumping fuel before returning to the airport.
The aircraft is set to arrive on Sea-Tac’s 16 Center runway.
Rescue crews are in place for response.
We will respond with further information as it becomes available.
Monday afternoon (4/27), the King County Council held a special session on the swine flu with public health experts, who reassured councilmembers that despite heightened monitoring, the swine flu that recently originated in Mexico has not yet spread to the area.
No cases of swine flu have yet to be reported in Burien, let alone King County or the entire state of Washington, according to Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. He said the 40 cases confirmed in the U.S. have been mild, with no serious illnesses or deaths.
“At Public Health we are actively preparing with our partners for the real possibility of swine flu here in our region,” said Dr. Fleming. “Whether or not swine flu arrives in King County, now is the time to get prepared. The more we are all prepared at home, the better we’ll be able to respond and recover.”
He said Public Health has asked local health care providers to notify them of suspected swine flu cases and has made arrangements with the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the submittal of suspect lab specimens.
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Disease Control Officer for Communicable Disease at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said the CDC has asked to receive all suspect lab specimens to ensure that cases that may appear as seasonal flu are not in fact the new strain of swine flu. He also said local providers are being advised on how to screen patients who present flu-like symptoms and that Public Health will investigate any cases of severe unexplained respiratory illness. Dr. Duchin said Public Health is recommending that the public not seek health care that they would not otherwise seek.
“Today I was pleased to hear that King County is as prepared as any jurisdiction in the event of a pandemic flu,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the King County Board of Health. “However, I am concerned that given the cuts proposed in the state budget and impending cuts to the County budget, our health department will have reduced capacity to respond to emergencies in the future.”
“The Council’s work in recent years calling for a pandemic flu response plan and stockpiling of Tamiflu means we are mobilized and ready to respond if swine flu strikes King County,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of legislation to create a Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan for King County.
Dr. Fleming said the framework already laid out by the King County Council for the County’s comprehensive planning for pandemic flu will provide effective guidance and that the current response will provide useful lessons for updating the plan. The Council in 2007 adopted the Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan that recognizes:
- the County’s role in regional public health and emergency management response.
- the County’s duty as both a regional service provider and a local service provider for continued provision of police and paramedics, bus service, wastewater treatment and other public services in the event of a pandemic flu, and
- the County’s duty as a large employer to ensure that its own workplaces help prevent the spread of pandemic flu.
At Sea-Tac Airport, there’s no unusual alert or extra screenings of passengers yet, according to Port of Seattle spokesman Perry Cooper.
However, the airport does have a quarantine zone at the south satellite that has room for several hundred people. Apparently it’s only been used once before during a screening for avian flu.
Alaska Airlines flies daily to and from Mexico, and the next plane from Mexico City is due to arrive Wednesday.
More information about emergency health preparedness can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu.aspx.
For more information on Swine Flu, visit this website.
Here’s a “Swine Flu” map that shows that the nearest cases were up in Vancouver, B.C. and involved two men who had recently traveled to Mexico:
View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map
Over 150 area residents turned out Sunday to hear lawyers discuss an upcoming class action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle over the third runway.
by Jack Mayne
Big 757s taking off and landing right over your house can jar nerves and rattle lifestyles, yet a lot of people have to live that way every day – and many are ready to fight on in court.
“I can’t sleep at night,” said one person at a meeting Sunday afternoon at the SeaTac Community Center. “It got better for a while, but then they opened the new runway and now I can’t hear people in the room,” said another person, “or what is on TV.” Still another said people had moved from his rental properties and others said the value of their property, already hammered by the faltering economy, have gone lower because of the November opening of the runway.
Still another resident of the area told of flashing laser lights that “even after you get used to them, they startle you.” A spokesman said the Port would like to know more about this because there have been illegal usages of lasers focused at planes recently and it is working with police to find and stop this activity.
Anger and resentment is building in the area because people think the Port of Seattle is not keeping their promise not to use the new 8,500-foot runway except in bad weather or as a backup to the other two runways. The Sunday meeting was held so the downtown Seattle law firm of Pfau Cochran Vertetis Kosnoff could explain the class action lawsuit they are drafting that seeks to make the port stop using the runway for daily takeoffs and landings (see sidebar).
“The Port says they are operating within the law, but that is not true if it (negatively) impacts you,” said law firm partner Darrell Cochran to an estimated 150 to 200 people at the Sea-Tac Community Center Sunday afternoon. “We will be filing a lawsuit – June 15th is the estimate (when the suit will be filed).”
Area residents, some who have fought the Port and the runway for two decades or more, have complained of a variety of impacts, but what most infuriates people is that the third runway now is a main runway.
“What we hear is that the port has not told the truth on the third runway’s use as a backup,” said Cochran. “Every landing since it has opened has landed on it. We have seen documents that it will be in fulltime use – that the Port will continue to use it as a fulltime runway, even though the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was told it would be a backup runway.”
A Port of Seattle spokesman said there has been a temporary six-month closure of the airport’s longest and oldest runway because it needs to be rebuilt. The third and newest runway is now being used only in the interim fulltime. Airport spokesman Perry Cooper said Monday the project is costing $52 million in federal funds. The work is being carried out during the spring and summer months so that it is completed as quickly as possible.
A brand new control light system is being installed on the first (eastern most) runway because all planes using the other two runways need to cross it.
“It’s going to be noisier for a six-month period,” said Cooper.
Statistics by the Port on their Sea-Tac website show that prior to April 13, the number of landings and takeoffs on the new runway were close to the number of uses the Port had estimated in its Environmental Impact Statement.
“You’ll see that the runway use is virtually equal to the Environmental Impact Statement projection,” Cooper said, adding that the traffic on the third runway is up during the winter months when more separation between active runways is required.
“In the summer, those days drop off dramatically and would expect to lower the yearly average as compared to the winter numbers.” Cooper said.
When asked by nearby residents on Sunday if the suit should be against the FAA instead of the Port, lawyer Cochran said the Federal Aviation Administration “has immunity” because the decision to build the third runway where it is was a decision by the Port and not the government agency.
The Federal Aviation Administration controls the runways planes use for landing and takeoffs.
“The Port does not operate the runways,” Cooper said. “We built it and maintain it, but the actual operation of the runway, takeoffs and landings, etc. is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration.”
He says the Port “has been a proponent of the area community as soon as complaints were made and we went to the FAA and worked with them to make sure the operation of the runway has been consistent with the projections from the Environmental Impact Statement. That step also brought us to create the website with the usage statistics.
Members of the Federal Aviation Administration came to a recent Highline meeting to hear the community’s concerns, Cooper said.
The lawsuit lawyer, Cochran, said Sunday that people who felt they had personal injury cases against the Port should be gathering evidence to support their claim. For example, Cochran said people should take photos of soot on cars and surfaces from planes taking off or landing on the runway. They should document evidence of increase illnesses or other negative effects.
People should do this even if they have not yet decided on making a claim or filing a suit.
So, what do YOU think of this class action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle? Please answer our poll:
Loading ...PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Third Runway Litigators Will Meet Sunday April 19th
- Angry Residents Voice 3rd Runway Concerns To Port
- Residents Accuse Port of Seattle Of Lying About 3rd Runway
- Highline Forum 3rd Runway Public Meeting w/Port Is Jan. 8th
- Next Third Runway Noise Complainers’ Meeting Is Jan. 10th
- Third Runway Noise Complainers Holding Meeting Dec. 19th
- Third Runway Noise Problem Not Fading Away
Jack Mayne is a freelance writer and editor and may be reached at jgmayne@gmail.com
