Noise Compatibility Program for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, King County, Washington

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Port of Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are compliant with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 70978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22729]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Noise Compatibility Program for Seattle-Tacoma International 
Airport, King County, Washington

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Acceptance of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport noise 
exposure map.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its 
determination that the noise exposure maps submitted by the Port of 
Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are compliant with 
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

DATES: The effective date of the FAA's determination on the noise 
exposure map is October 26, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sky M. Laron, Community Engagement 
Officer, Northwest Mountain Region, Airports Division, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 2200 S. 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198, (206) 231-
4136.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA determined the noise exposure map 
submitted by the Port of Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International 
Airport, is in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory 
requirements, effective October 26, 2026 Under title 49, United States 
Code (U.S.C.) section 47503, an airport operator may submit to the FAA, 
noise exposure maps depicting non-compatible uses as of the date such 
map is submitted, a description of estimated aircraft operations during 
a forecast period that is at least five years in the future and how 
those operations will affect the map. A noise exposure map must be 
prepared in accordance with title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
part 150, the regulations promulgated pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 47502, and 
developed in consultation with public agencies and planning authorities 
in the area surrounding the airport, state and Federal agencies, 
interested and affected parties in the local community, and 
aeronautical users of the airport. In addition, an airport operator 
that submitted a noise exposure map, which the FAA determined is 
compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements, may submit a 
noise compatibility program for FAA approval that sets forth measures 
the operator has taken or proposes to take to reduce existing non-
compatible uses and prevent the introduction of additional non-
compatible uses.
    The FAA completed its review of the noise exposure map and 
supporting documentation submitted by the Port of Seattle and 
determined the noise exposure map and accompanying documentation are 
compliant with applicable requirements. The documentation that 
constitutes the noise exposure map includes the current and forecast 
noise exposure map graphics, the 2022 Existing Condition Noise Exposure 
Map and 2032 Future Condition Noise Exposure Map, and other narrative, 
graphic or tabular representations of the data required by 14 CFR 
A150.101 and 49 U.S.C. 47503. This determination is effective on 
October 26, 2026. FAA's determination on an airport's noise exposure 
map is limited to a finding that the noise exposure map was developed 
in accordance with the 49 U.S.C. 47503 and procedures contained in 14 
CFR A150.101. FAA's acceptance of an NEM does not constitute approval 
of the applicant's data, information or plans, or a commitment to 
approve a noise compatibility program or to fund the implementation of 
that program. If questions arise concerning the precise relationship of 
specific properties within noise exposure contours depicted on a noise 
exposure map, it should be noted that the FAA is not involved in any 
way in determining the relative locations of specific properties with 
regard to the depicted noise contours or in interpreting the noise 
exposure maps to resolve questions concerning, for example, which 
properties should be covered by the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47506. 
These functions are inseparable from the ultimate land use control and 
planning responsibilities of local government. These local 
responsibilities are not changed in any way under 14 CFR part 150 or 
through FAA review and acceptance of a noise exposure map. Therefore, 
the responsibility for the detailed overlaying of noise exposure 
contours onto the map depicting properties on the surface rests 
exclusively with the airport operator that submitted a noise exposure 
map or with those public agencies and planning authorities with which 
consultation is required under 49 U.S.C 47503. The FAA relied on the 
certification by the airport operator that the consultations and 
opportunity for public review required under 14 CFR 150.21 has been 
accomplished during the development of the noise exposure maps. Copies 
of the noise exposure map and supporting documentation and the FAA's 
evaluation of the noise exposure maps are available for examination at 
the following locations:
    Federal Aviation Administration, Northwest Mountain Region, 
Airports Division, 2200 S. 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198.
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port of Seattle, 17801 
International Blvd., SeaTac, WA, 98158.
    Questions may be directed to the individual listed in the For 
Further Information Contact section of this notice.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 26, 2026.
Jason Ritchie,
Director (Acting), ANM Airports Division, ANM-600, Northwest Mountain 
Region Airports Division.
[FR Doc. 2026-22729 Filed 11-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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