The Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac Submitted a Joint Comment Letter Addressing SEPA Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects
On August 20, 2026, the Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac submitted official comments to the Port of Seattle (the Port) on the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) 31 Near-Term Projects.
The comments submitted by the Cities will be included in the administrative record and are intended to inform the Port’s preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
The comments detail how the DEIS systematically minimizes impacts to neighboring communities, particularly those with greater health disparities and low or very low equity scores.
These deficiencies must be corrected in the FEIS, and the Cities demand that “all requested analyses, documentation, and mitigation commitments be made available for public review” before the conclusion of the SEPA process.
The Cities’ comments incorporate “technical review addressing land use, noise, transportation, hazardous materials, water and biological resources, air quality, and economic, fiscal, and socioeconomic conditions”.
The Port’s 90-day comment period for the DEIS concluded on August 20, after a request by the Cities for an extension to 120 by the Cities was partially granted. The Port will now review the comments received and prepare a response to comments that will be published as part of the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Community members are encouraged to visit the Cities’ joint website to learn more and read the full comment letter submission.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Devin Chicras
City of Burien Communications and Public Engagement Manager
[email protected]
Bonnie Wilkins
City of Des Moines Director of Administrative Services
[email protected]
Krista Carlson
City of SeaTac Communications Manager
[email protected]
About the City of Burien
The City of Burien is a vibrant and creative community where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment. For more information, visit burienwa.gov.
About the City of Des Moines
Des Moines is a waterfront community committed to maintaining a safe, sustainable environment, while ensuring a high quality of life for all to live, work and play. For more information, visit desmoineswa.gov.
About the City of SeaTac
The City of SeaTac is a thriving, culturally and economically diverse community of 32,000 residents, with an excellent park system plus an attractive and convenient portal to the wonderful activities and destinations of the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit seatacwa.gov.