Environmental Review Process

Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle

An environmental review is a process to assess how projects at Port of Seattle facilities may impact the environment in a variety of categories that include air quality and climate, water resources, biological resources, and noise, among others. If impacts are identified, the analysis evaluates the extent of those impacts, and if required, identifies ways to reduce or avoid them. A project may require both federal and state environmental reviews, but not always both are required for every project

The purpose of an environmental review is to assess the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project before it is undertaken. Key objectives include:

  • Informed decision-making
  • Full transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process
  • Compliance with laws and regulations
  • Identification of ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts

The SAMP NTP environmental review includes 31 proposed projects, which is being conducted to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The FAA is the lead agency for NEPA, and we follow their guidance under FAA Order 1050.1F.

Steps in the NEPA Environmental Review Process

The typical environmental assessment process includes:

  1. Developing the purpose and need for the project and determining potential alternatives that provide a solution.
  2. Undertaking scoping to understand agency and public concerns that are then addressed in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.
  3. Analyzing and documenting the environmental consequences for all alternatives detailed in the NEPA document.
  4. Conducting public meetings through the analysis process to advise and continue to collect input from agencies, the community and general public, including a public meeting or hearing at the issuance of the draft EA document.
  5. Addressing comments on the draft NEPA document, which will aid in the preparation of a final NEPA document.
  6. Ending with either the lead federal agency – in this case, the FAA – issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision or the lead agency determining that an EIS is required.

Public comment during the environmental review process is provided during formal comment periods. The purpose of public input during this process is to fully understand the potential impacts related to the proposed projects and consider community concerns before a federal agency makes a final decision.