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

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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 by residents living near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The suit alleges that toxic pollution from air traffic, including jet fuel emissions and heavy metals, is harming the health of approximately 300,000 residents and depressing property values within a five-mile "Contamination Zone."
Plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, area cleanup, and health monitoring for affected individuals, while the Port of Seattle claims compliance with and efforts beyond environmental regulations.

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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.