SAMP Environmental Review Released; Port Keeps 60-Day Comment Window

Port of Seattle SAMP Public comment period begins today

The Port of Seattle officially released its State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTPs) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday, May 22. Residents now have an opportunity to review and comment on proposed airport projects that could affect surrounding communities.

Full Environmental Review

A full printed copy is available for viewing
* The Conference Center at SEA, located at the far south end of the Mezzanine Level of the Main Terminal, and
* Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69.

The document can be accessed there Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cities asked for an extension; Port said no

The release comes just days after the cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac jointly requested a longer review timeline. In a May 18 letter, the cities asked the Port to extend the public comment period from 60 days to 90 days, citing the scale and complexity of the proposal, and concerns about giving local governments enough time to fully evaluate potential impacts.

The Port declined the request, saying it currently plans to keep the comment period at 60 days.

The three cities argued that the projects involve significant issues requiring coordination among multiple jurisdictions, consultants, staff, elected officials, and community members. The request also pointed to concerns involving cumulative airport impacts, local planning efforts, and preparations related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Airport growth and improvement projects have long generated discussion among nearby communities, particularly regarding noise, traffic, air quality, environmental effects, and public health impacts.

What are Potential Impacts?

The newly released DEIS (Environmental Impact Statement) evaluates proposed near-term airport projects and their potential impacts on areas including:

• Surface transportation and traffic
• Noise
• Air quality
• Land use
• Public health
• Stormwater systems
• Construction impacts
• Cumulative impacts and quality of life

The public comment period begins May 22 and remains open through July 21, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Public Meetings Scheduled

The Port will host four public open-house meetings where residents can review information and submit comments. The same information will be presented at each location.

Monday, June 22
6–8 p.m.
Glacier Middle School
2450 S 142nd St., SeaTac

Tuesday, June 23
6–8 p.m.
Mount Rainier High School
22450 19th Ave. S, Des Moines

Thursday, June 25
6–8 p.m.
Wildwood Elementary School
2405 S 300th St., Federal Way

Saturday, June 27
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Gregory Heights Elementary School
16201 16th Ave. SW, Burien

Language translation services and childcare will be available at all meetings.

Where Can Residents Learn More?

SeaTac Noise Info is a local, independent website on Port issues, especially regarding SAMP/SEPA. (seatacnoise.info)

Here is an article on SAMP/SEPA.

How to Review and Submit Comments

Residents can review the DEIS online through the SAMP website (SEPA/DEIS) or view main components at several local libraries, including locations in Burien, Des Moines, White Center, Tukwila and SeaTac.

Comments may be submitted:

• In person at public meetings
• Online through the SAMP website
• By email to: SAMP@portseattle.org
• By mail to the Port of Seattle

Mail:

Mr. Steve Rybolt
Port of Seattle, Aviation Environment and Sustainability
P.O. Box 68727, Seattle, WA 98168

The Port says comments should include enough detail to explain concerns and why those issues matter to the decision-making process.

The cities continue to urge the Port to reconsider the longer review period, arguing that additional time would lead to a more thorough and productive public process.