October 18, 2002

Council moves to reduce noise at Boeing Field
Adopts study recommendations, asks for Federal funds to implement

For information contact: Dwight Pelz (206) 295-1005
                                   Larry Phillips  (206) 296-1004
                                   Dow Constantine (206) 296-1008

Neighborhoods under the flight path of Boeing Field are a step closer to being quieter, thanks to a noise reduction plan for King County International Airport adopted this week by the Metropolitan King County Council.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment that shows how far we have come to bringing peace and quiet to these communities,” said Councilmember Dwight Pelz, whose Council District includes King County International Airport—commonly known as Boeing Field. “The recommendations we’re looking to implement are the results of work on a neighborhood, county and federal level.”

“Our goal since 1997 has been to make our airport a better neighbor. Bringing planes in over Elliott Bay rather than over neighborhoods will substantially improve conditions for our citizens,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Nobody is sleeping in the middle of Elliott Bay.”

Among the recommendations in the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Plan:

· Implementation of an instrument-approach procedure to bring planes in over Elliott Bay and avoid over-flight of residential areas, especially Magnolia.

· Construction of a “hush house” to muffle the sound of engine run-ups during maintenance and testing of engines.

· A “combined noise contour” that considers both the noise of SeaTac and Boeing Field to recognize the actual noise that residents can hear from both airports. This allows additional homes to qualify for sound insulation.

· Federally funded sound insulation for homes and schools in heavily noise-impacted communities.

· Establishing a “Fly Quiet” program that encourages pilots to take responsibility for how and where they fly their planes, while recognizing the constraints placed on flight operations by the FAA, weather and safety concerns.

"This plan is the result of reaching out to people who live near or rely upon Boeing Field for employment, and ensuring that their concerns and needs are met,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, Chair of the Council’s Labor, Operations and Technology Committee. “King County International Airport is vital to the economic health of this region. Within that context, airport operations must take into consideration the people who live near the airport and under its flight path. I believe the plan’s recommendations achieve balance between those potentially divergent interests.”

The recommendations in the noise reduction plan adopted by the council are the result of work begun by Larry Phillips and Dwight Pelz in 1997 with the King County International Airport Roundtable Advisory Committee and the creation of a noise reduction work plan. The goal of the work plan is a long-term reduction of airplane noise impacting neighborhoods. The roundtable included citizens from affected neighborhoods, as well as labor and business representatives. Officials from local agencies, including the Puget Sound Regional Council, Sea-Tac International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration, advised the roundtable.

The recommendations will now be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and approval. The FAA can reject or modify the recommendations, but some of the proposals, such as the “Fly Quiet” education program, can proceed without FAA approval.