At an upcoming kickoff meeting, Sea-Tac Airport neighbors will have an opportunity to help “scope” a new airport noise study that will include the third runway.
Participants are invited to contribute their ideas and concerns during small group break-out sessions, and get involved in and learn about the study at the first in a series of workshops, scheduled for Feb. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Mount Rainier High School, 22450 19th Ave. S., Des Moines.

This study, known officially as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 150 Noise and Land- Use Compatibility Study, is a voluntary effort that looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. The objectives are to determine existing noise levels, predict noise for the next five years, evaluate alternative mitigation ideas, and recommend targeted programs to minimize impacts. This will be the fourth Part 150 Study undertaken at Sea-Tac since 1985.

A Part 150 Study also enables the airport to use federal money for noise mitigation projects. It is the main vehicle the Port of Seattle uses to work with the community in creating a package of noise reduction programs.

Information sharing
The workshop on Feb. 24 will be a venue to gather and share information about the Part 150 Study, Sea-Tac’s existing mitigation programs, and plans to involve the public in creating feasible noise impact recommendations and alternatives.
A major focus of the Part 150 process will be on Sea-Tac’s third runway and its community impacts. Other major areas of the study will analyze sideline noise, noise reduction flight procedures, and the feasibility and potential impact of an enclosed “hush house” for engine run-ups during maintenance.

A comprehensive public information and comment process is part of the Part 150 effort. For example, at the Feb. 24 workshop you can get details about the process; opportunities and constraints; overall schedule; and the role of the Part 150 Technical Review Committee, which will review all technical information and study documents, and provide feedback.

Finding solutions
Following the Feb. 24 workshop, you are invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through a series of additional public workshops during 2010 and 2011.
These workshops are designed to involve the most people, and bring out the most feasible recommendations possible. Each workshop will focus on a particular Part 150 Study element.

Results
of the workshops will be included in the study review process. Once recommendations are developed, they will be discussed at a public hearing at the end of the study.
Watch for announcements about the workshops in the Highline Times, Air Mail and on the Port of Seattle Web site. To keep up-to-date throughout the Part 150 process, visit the Port Web site at www.portseattle.org/community/ environment/noise.shtml and sign up to receive e-mail updates. If you do not have computer access and want to receive notices, call (206) 787-4944.

Residents are encouraged to call the Noise Information Line at (206) 787-5393 to provide feedback, and to track flights via the WebTrak tool at www32.webtrak-lochard.com/ WebTrak/sea/. WebTrak, which allows you to view nearly real-time and historical flight and noise data, was upgraded recently.