The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) seeks public comment on the City of SeaTac’s recently updated Shoreline Master Program, a landmark effort that will significantly increase protection and restoration of Angle Lake.

Ecology will accept public comment on SeaTac’s shoreline program from July 28 through Aug. 27, 2010. Comments and questions should be
addressed to:

David Pater
Department of Ecology
3190 160th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98008

Or via email: David.Pater@ecy.wa.gov.

The updated master program guides construction and development in the City of SeaTac’s 2.17 miles of lake shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Under Washington’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve SeaTac’s shoreline program before it takes effect.

SeaTac’s proposed program and related documents are available for review at:

City of SeaTac Planning & Community Dept.
4800 South 188th Street
SeaTac WA

Or online here.

Ecology may approve the shoreline program as written, reject it or direct SeaTac to modify specific parts. Once approved by Ecology, SeaTac’s shoreline program will become part of the overall state shoreline master program. Ecology will help each local jurisdiction legally defend its shoreline program if necessary.

The SeaTac city council adopted the updated shoreline program after an extensive local process. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions to preserve existing shoreline areas while protecting future economic development. SeaTac collaborated over two-and-a-half years with waterfront property owners, commercial property owners, real estate agents, environmental interests, and state agencies.

Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state Shoreline Management Act passed by voters in 1972. The programs help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to public waters and shorelines.

The law requires cities and counties with marine shorelines, lakes 20 acres in size or larger, and streams and rivers flowing at 20 cubic feet per second or greater) to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored shoreline programs.

Key features of SeaTac’s updated program include:

• Improves protection of habitat and water quality through regulations that apply to all Angle Lake waterfront property owners.
• Requires structures to be set back 65 feet from the lakeshore.
• Promotes incentives for reestablishment of vegetation buffers.
• Reduces ecological impacts of new and replacement recreational piers.
• Limits construction of new shoreline armoring and encourages the use of soft-bank erosion control methods.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader Puget Sound initiative to protect and restore the Sound.

Ecology adopted new guidelines in 2003 that establish the basic requirements for updating local shoreline master programs. The guidelines resulted from a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the courts.

SeaTac joins a growing number of cities, towns and counties that have updated their shoreline programs using the 2003 guidelines. The state guidelines allow each town, city and county flexibility to customize their programs to fit its local land-use circumstances and vision of local waterfront development.

More than 30 cities and counties have already updated their shoreline programs, with 70 updates currently under way. Most haven’t done so comprehensively in almost 40 years. From 1978 through 2008, the state population grew from about 3.8 million to an estimated 6.6 million people.

Starting July 1, 2009, Ecology provided $7.5 million in state grants to an additional 77 cities and counties to help them begin updating their shoreline policies and regulations – including $3 million earmarked by the 2009 Legislature specifically to help municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Washington has 266 cities and counties with shorelines that qualify for grant funding and must update their shoreline programs by December 2014.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Highline Historical Society’s annual Highline Garden Tour fundraiser has been expanded to include five private gardens as well as the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and will be held on Saturday, June 12th.

Garden Tour participants will enjoy outstanding gardens, artist displays, musical performances, two separate plant sales, Master Gardener advice and coupon specials throughout the day.

There also will be a screening of the Ken Slusher documentary about the piece-by-piece transfer of the lovely Seike Garden out of the path of SeaTac Airport expansion to its new home at the Botanical Gardens.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s fundraising Highline Garden Tour.

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th, from 10am – 5pm.

TICKETS: Advance tickets are $12.00 for parties of 4 or more, and $15.00 for individual tickets.

Day of sale tickets will be $18.00.

Tickets may be purchased at Burien Bark and Herr Backyard Garden Center or from the Society by telephone at 206-241-5786.

INFO: To join the Highline Historical Society (we’re members), click here.

The Society thanks business sponsors John L. Scott Real Estate agent Susan Plecko, Burien Bark, Herr Backyard Garden Center, The Bean, and Sal’s Deli for their generous support of the Garden Tour.

Popularity: 1% [?]

There will be a special Recycling Event on Saturday, April 10th from 9am to 3pm at the Tyee Educational Complex in SeaTac for King County residents.

Residents will be allowed to recycle bigger items at this event, like appliances, scrap metal, batteries, refrigerators, freezers and much more.

This event will be held at what was once Tyee High School, located at 4424 S. 188th Street in SeaTac.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Special Recycling Event for King County residents.

WHEN: Saturday, April 10th from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Tyee Educational Complex, located at 4424 S. 188th Street in SeaTac.

INFO: People will be allowed to recycle the following items:

• APPLIANCES & SCRAP METALS: Washers, dryers, stoves, hot water tanks, empty bbqs, lawnmowers, microwaves, auto parts, cast iron, steel. Remove all fuels. No car bodies. No air conditioners/items with chemicals.
• BATTERIES: Car, truck and marine lead acid batteries. Household alkaline, rechargeable and button batteries. Please sort large quantities by type.
• ALL FLUORESCENT TUBES/BULBS: Limit 10 per vehicle.
• OIL, OIL FILTERS & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, diesel fuel, kerosene, antifreeze, transmission & steering fluids. Do not mix fluids. No gas or brake fluid.
• REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERS: $20 fee for each – cash only.
• TIRES: Auto & motorcycle tires. Tires with rims allowed, Maximum tire diameter – 18″.
• CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:Clothing (all types, sizes) & reusable household “as is” items. No furniture or items needing repair. If not accepted, you must take them back. Donations benefit NWC. Tax receipts available.
• NO COMMERCIAL LOADS ALLOWED.

Popularity: 1% [?]

On a drizzly Thursday morning (Jan. 14th), officials from Sea-Tac Airport demonstrated some brand new toys – a new, advanced bird tracking system with real-time displays of bird activity on and around the airport – and Photographer Francis Zera got lucky and was invited onto the actual runway.

In partnership with University of Illinois researchers and the Federal Aviation Administration, Sea-Tac is the first airport in the country to begin the use of this technology, which will allow wildlife management staff to access live data as they patrol the airfield to minimize bird hazards.

Sea-Tac Airport has been the demonstration site for avian radar research since 2007, and in fact currently has three avian radars installed, two on the top of the airport’s office building and one in the middle of the airfield between two runways (see photos below for details).

“Sea-Tac is a leader in the evaluation of this technology,” said Dr. Edwin Herricks, the leader of the University of Illinois research program, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I don’t know where this program would be without the input and real-life evaluation efforts by the staff and support from the Port of Seattle.”

Through the FAA-designated Center of Excellence for Airport Technology (CEAT) at the University of Illinois, the latest milestone in the research program builds on equipment from Accipiter Radar Inc. that provides geographic displays of bird activity on Google Earth™ maps.

“This technology will give us situational awareness of the entire airfield day or night – it will be like wearing a huge pair of binoculars,” said Steve Osmek, Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife biologist. “Rather than depending only on what we can see from our particular location, we’ll be able to know if there are bird issues anywhere around the airfield so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”

Here’s Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow

Popularity: 1% [?]

On Tuesday, Aug. 18th, the Port of Seattle hosted members of the press at a tour of the reconstruction project that is in the final stages of completion on the first (as well as oldest and longest) runway, also known as “16L/34R.”

Approximately 80% of the concrete has already been poured for the new runway, and finishing touches will be completed over the next month. The original concrete runway, built in 1944, is being crushed and recycled as the gravel sub-base for the new runway. This sub base is 12 inches, topped by a 4-inch asphalt layer and then the 20-inch concrete runway.

In comparison, Sea-Tac’s third runway is only 17-inches thick.

This re-construction is the main reason why the airport’s third runway has been in use so much recently.

Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture these photos:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Popularity: 1% [?]

The heat wave has arrived, with temps predicted to be in the 90s through most of the week, so if you’re suffering from the heat, we highly recommend you head on over to the City of SeaTac’s Community Center, which will remain open as a “Cooling Shelter” until 10pm.

The Community Center has capacity for 100 citizens to stay cool, comfortable and safe. Libraries and shopping centers are also convenient locations to get out of the heat.

Keep in mind also that air quality is expected to be poor during this week’s heat wave so it is recommended those susceptible to breathing difficulties stay inside.

Notification will be communicated each day this week by an automated message sent to each resident’s home by 12:00 noon. Additionally, a recording will be posted on the social services support line which can be reached by dialing 2-1-1.

SeaTac Community Center
13735 24th Avenue South
SeaTac WA 98168
Phone: 206.973.4680

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Highline Historical Society will be holding a Garden Tour on Saturday, June 13th from 10am to 5pm, where people can visit gardens in SeaTac, Normandy Park and Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society Garden Tour

WHEN: Saturday, June 13th from 10am to 5pm

WHERE: Various gardens in the area, including Seike Garden

COST: $12 per person for groups of four or more; $15 advance purchase, $18 day of tour. Please mail check with name, address, phone, email and # of tickets requested to:

PO Box 317
Seahurst, WA 98062

Or charge via VISA or MasterCard by calling 206-241-5786.

INFO: The Highline Historical Society presents a visit to our neighborhoods for a day of gardening inspiration.

Highline Historical Society invites you to visit our neighborhoods for a day of gardening inspiration. Visit lovely gardens in Normandy Park, SeaTac and Burien, where you will be treated to music and artists-in-action. Visiit the Seike Garden at Highline/SeaTac Botanical Garden, talk with a Master Gardener, attend Marianne Binetti’s program and learn about creating your own show garden.

Music program of “artists in action” by Marianne Binetti.

Special sponsor drawings for gardening gifts.

“The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied.” - Vita Sackville-West, 1892 – 1962 .

Popularity: 47% [?]

On Monday (May 18th) the Port of Seattle announced that it will be holding a public meeting to consider a proposed land exchange with the Washington State Department of Transportation during the regular meeting of the Port of Seattle Commission on Tuesday, June 2nd to discuss the possibility of extending SR-509 to connect with I-5.

The meeting will take place at 1pm in the Port Commission Chambers, located on the waterfront at 2711 Alaskan Way in downtown Seattle.

The proposed deal will reduce the cost of completing improvements to the Northern Airport Expressway, allow the FAA to maintain the north approach lights for the Third Runway, and reduce the cost of future projects.

The land exchange would include nine properties currently owned by the Port transferred to WSDOT and three properties currently owned by WSDOT transferred to the Port along with rent credit toward three airspace leases needed by the Port for current and future Aviation projects.

In October 2007, the Commission authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with WSDOT to negotiate the transfer of properties needed by WSDOT for the SR-509 extension in exchange for the properties and airspace leases needed by the Port for current and future aviation projects. The proposed Property Exchange Agreement and Airspace leases will facilitate the accomplishment of that memo’s intent.

The nine Port-owned properties that are proposed to be declared surplused and transferred to WSDOT are located in the City of SeaTac and include:

• A 0.64 acre detention pond site lying at the intersection of South 170th Street and 8th Avenue South
• A 0.02 acre remnant off South 188th Street
• A 0.24 acre parcel at 1205 South 196th Street
• Four noncontiguous parcels (0.68, 18.76, 3.24, and 1.13 acres respectively) in the area bounded by South 196th Street, 14th Avenue South and South 200th Street in vicinity of Tyee Golf Course
• Two noncontiguous parcels (0.08 and 0.45 acres respectively) in the area bounded by 24th Avenue South, South 202nd Street and South 204th Street

Popularity: 69% [?]

Spring has sprung, plants are blooming and that can mean only two things:

1. Spiky, irritating pollens are attaching themselves to suffering humans everywhere
2. Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 2nd, from 10am to 3pm.

Here are the details on #2:

WHAT: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens Plant Sale

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 3pm

WHERE: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave South in Burien (map below)

INFO: The Puget Sound Daylily Club, King County Iris Society, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden Foundation, Heritage Roses Northwest, and the Seattle Rose Society will be hosting a plant sale at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 from 10 am—3 pm.

Joining us for the first time this year will be the Puget Sound Fuchsia Club.

Last year shoppers enjoyed bargains on a wide variety of plants, from rare collectibles to old garden standards.

Cuttings and divisions will be available of plants from the original Elda Behm Paradise Garden, and experts from each group will be on hand to answer your garden related questions. No trigonometry questions, please.

Shop early for best selection, as quantities are limited.

Proceeds from this sale will be used to improve the existing display gardens and install new gardens at HSBG.

For directions to the garden, click here.

For the latest pollen count for the area, click here.

Popularity: 67% [?]

Sea-Tac Airport seems to really be getting their green on lately, utilizing a wildlife biologist for bird control, and even winning a “Proggy” Award from PETA, and now they’re celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Earth Day Environmental Fair & Sustainable Art Exhibit Opening; Everything from Green Products to Recycled Clothing and Green Architecture

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals Hall

INFO: Are you looking for ways to ‘go green,’ reduce your environmental footprint or look at what the future may hold in sustaining our planet? You can get it all in one place at the Port of Seattle Earth Day Environmental Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sea-Tac Airport in the Gina Marie Lindsey Arrivals Hall.

As the grand finale of the Port’s Earth & Sustainability Month, there will be an array of booths with information about what others are doing and things you can do to help the planet. Learn about Port programs to save energy and water; reduce solid waste; and manage wildlife, storm water and air emissions. Speak with vendors about green products and services, recycling, green transportation, and get information about sustainability initiatives of various agencies and organizations. Highlights and topics include:

• A New Art Installation on the latest and future concepts of green architecture called “Innovative Design: Seattle Architects.” Nine of Seattle’s top architectural firms will be on hand with models and designs of their cutting edge projects. A reception with architects will be held at 11 a.m. Local green caterers are providing food and beverages for the reception.
• Green products, such as recycled content paper, reusable pens, recyclable notebooks.
• Puget Sound Skills Center, showing students demonstrating clothing made out of recycled materials.
• How to re-use building materials for your home.
• Samples of fresh organic food and learn how to purchase at lower costs.
• Learn to compost at home with Seadrunar.
• Sound Transit displays the future of light rail.
• See how the Port is recycling and encouraging others to recycle.
• The Washington State Recycling Association will talk about the future of recycling.
• Cascade Bicycle Alliance highlights bike commuting.
• Learn about Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife program.
• Port of Seattle Information Technology on telecommuting and how to hold green meetings.
• City of SeaTac will share information about their sustainability and recycling programs.

Popularity: 82% [?]