Follow-up to article about third runway noise.

I was born and raised in the Seahurst neighborhood of Burien. I now live adjacent to Seahurst Elementary School.

I moved to Alaska in 1975 where I lived for 16 years. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of living near a spectacular wilderness. I returned to Burien in 1991 and purchased my parent's home after my mother died.

One of the first things I noticed was the airport noise. After living with sublime quiet in Alaska it was quite a shock getting back to hearing airplanes again.

After a while, I accustomed myself to the low rumble of jet takeoffs and landings. I do not live under the flight path so it became just constant background noise but tolerable.

I listened to the reports about the impending 3rd runway. I was concerned about the noise impact but just like everyone else in the communities surrounding Sea-Tac airport, I was slightly comforted by the fact that the Port of Seattle claimed the runway would only be used for inclement weather landings. Lies!

As all the local residents know, that 3rd runway is in constant use! My lifestyle changed the day it opened.

My house rumbles every time a plane takes off. I can tell you exactly when it is being used without even being outside.

I am depressed to think that after I spent thousands of dollars improving my back yard (new deck and fence) that I will be blasted out of it during the summer. Wearing earplugs outdoors may soften some of the noise but it cannot decrease the constant rumble.

I have been awakened at night by my house shaking. I feel even worse for the folks that live under the flight path.

If it's not bad enough to have your house values plummet due to the economy, there is no way to sell a home near the airport.

I missed the community meeting but I did fire off an email to the Port of Seattle. I know their slogan is " Just give them time, they will get over it."

Kathey Surman

Burien