Port Disregards Environmental Law

On October 22, it was revealed that the Port of Seattle missed the 1 October deadline for filing annual reports on pollution in stormwater from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, a violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

“This report is an absolutely essential tool for protection of the environment,” said Larry Corvari, president of the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA). “Without this report, the public, the downstream communities, and State and federal regulators have no way of enforcing pollution–control rules for the Airport.”

Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion and Waste Action Project, two citizen watchdog groups, gave legal notice of intent to sue the Port for failing to file the report. The annual filing is a condition of the Airport’s National Discharge Elimination System permit, which is required by sec. 402 of the federal Clean Water Act

“We are astonished that the Port of Seattle is caught in monumental disregard for environmental law at the very time that the Port is trying to hoodwink local environmental groups with its so–called environmental open house. Unfortunately, we are not surprised. Sea–Tac Airport has a five decade history of polluting local streams and watersheds. Port Commissioners come and go, but the pollution goes on and on.”

“Environmental groups should take note of the Port’s violations—the Port can talk a good game about protecting the environment, but its performance is sorely lacking.”

The report is required by the Clean Water Act, and by the terms of the Port’s pollution permit for the Airport. The two citizens groups are represented by the Seattle law firm, Smith & Lowney. RCAA is monitoring the NPDES process, but is not party to the filing.