Homeowners Suing Port Over Third Runway

Residents in the path of Sea-Tac Airport's third runway are suing the Port of Seattle, claiming they're affected by increased noise, vibration and toxic fumes.

In a news release from the plaintiff's law firm, the homeowners claim the expansion of the airport resulted in a decrease of their fair-market property values.

Plaintiffs living near the third runway said noise and vibration from low-flying aircraft has far surpassed what was promised by the Port of Seattle, as departing planes use the new runway during all hours of the day. The homeowners in the suit are seeking to recover compensation for damages based on measurably diminished property values.

The lawsuit also asks the court to prohibit planes from flying above plaintiffs’ homes at an altitude less than 1,500 feet and from entering the airspace above their property more than once every hour. The suit asks the court to bar planes from using the third runway between designated hours.

Members who joined the lawsuit live in elongated, oval-shaped zones, which expand outward from the airport.

According to the lawsuit, Port of Seattle officials stated in planning documents, such as the environmental impact statement, that the new $1 billion runway was needed to reduce delays during poor weather, but since last fall, port officials have made public statements indicating that the third runway was always intended to be used at high-traffic times 365 days a year.

The airport's third runway went into use Nov. 20, 2008.