Groundwater contaminated by past fuel leaks and spills at Sea-Tac International Airport remains beneath airport property and will not affect wells and other water resources in the area in the foreseeable future.

This is the conclusion of a recently completed extensive study that was conducted by the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport, under an agreed order with the Department of Ecology.

The state agency has reviewed the study and is seeking public comment through April 2.

Ecology scientists and port consultants will be available at an open house to present information and answer questions about the study on Monday, March 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Margrette Lemon Room of the Burien Library, 14700 Sixth Ave. S.W.

A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

"The contamination from old aircraft fueling facilities prompted serious concerns in surrounding communities," said Ching-Pi Wang, a site manager for Ecology's toxics cleanup program.

"With these questions in mind, we have carefully reviewed the research conducted to provide answers to area citizens. We're pleased that these findings are available for public review and comment."

The study examined the slow movement of contaminants - primarily jet fuel and smaller amounts of gasoline and solvents - from leaking underground storage tanks and pipes in an approximately one-half square mile area on the eastern side of the airport.

Contamination remains confined beneath this area.

The port, meanwhile, has renovated its fuel storage facility and installed a new underground delivery system.

Port consultants studied contaminant sources, geologic conditions, ground water and surface water, and used the data in computer models to forecast movement of contaminants over the next 30 years.

These models predict the groundwater contamination will not affect surrounding wells, creeks, wetlands or other water resources.

Factors leading to this finding include ongoing cleanups, slow groundwater movement, and natural breakdown of the contaminants.

Under the agreed order, the port will continue monitoring at least five more years.

The study and related information are available on line at

www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/seatac/seatac.htm.

Copies also are available at Sea-Tac offices, A6012M in the main terminal; the Burien, Valley View and Des Moines libraries; and Ecology's regional office in Bellevue.

Comments may be sent to: Ching-Pi Wang, Department of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave. S.E., Bellevue, WA, 98008, or by e-mail to cwan461@ecy.wa.gov. His phone number is 425-649-7134.