Lawsuit Against Port of Seattle Claims Airborne Pollution

The class action complaint alleges toxic pollution generated by Sea-Tac air traffic is harming residents’ health and property values.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 04:03 PM ET

Verified

A Seattle-based law firm representing residents living within five miles of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) has filed a class action complaint alleging toxic pollution generated by air traffic is harming residents’ health and property values. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A class action lawsuit has been filed against the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, alleging that toxic pollution from Sea-Tac Airport operations is harming the health and property values of residents within a five-mile radius.
The complaint, filed by a Seattle law firm, claims that jet fuel emissions and particulate matter from airplanes release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the "Contamination Zone," affecting approximately 300,000 people.
Plaintiffs assert these pollutants cause severe health issues, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous system disorders, and are seeking a jury trial, area cleanup, and health monitoring.
The Port of Seattle stated it is reviewing the lawsuit and adheres to strict federal, state, and local environmental regulations, often going beyond requirements to reduce emissions and noise.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The complaint was filed April 19 in Superior Court in King County, Washington. The suit names the Port of Seattle—the airport sponsor—along with Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, two of the busiest carriers at Sea-Tac.