Airport Environmental

Many companies have experience completing distinct elements of FAA NEPA projects. Fewer have experience navigating the entire process with the extensive FAA coordination required. Century West specializes in environmental, planning, and engineering on airports. Our focus has resulted in the completion of dozens of environmental projects from start to finish with the Seattle ADO. We understand the unique methodology and preferences related to completing NEPA projects on general aviation airports in the Northwest.

Contact us about Airport Environmental Services

Pearson Airfield Environmental Assessment

The City of Vancouver hired Century West to conduct an environmental assessment for Pearson Field Airport, the first within the scope of the ADO. This was significant because Pearson Field is one of the oldest operating airports in the US, and the project required us to coordinate with regional Tribes and the National Park Service. Our role included a cultural investigation, participation in a tribal summit, a viewshed study, delineation of wetlands, and surveys for the Striped Horned Lark. The culmination of our efforts was the FAA’s issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact, allowing the project to move forward. Following this, the City of Vancouver has been able to proceed with the design and construction of improvement projects at Pearson Field.

Paine Field, East Apron & Taxiway F Improvements

Century West successfully coordinated the NEPA review and the design for the Paine Field East Apron and Taxiway F Improvements project. Initially, Century West navigated the FAA's undetermined level of NEPA review and compiled a comprehensive memorandum justifying the project's NEPA review under CATEX requirements, which the FAA accepted without further review. The design efforts focused on evaluating options for reconstructing and rehabilitating the existing pavement, optimizing the apron layout for aircraft storage and operational flow, and collaborating with airport operations for safety and development planning. Additionally, a thorough storm drainage analysis was conducted to meet County permitting requirements.

Thun Field, Runway Extension & Airport Improvements Environmental Assessment & Advanced Design

Century West supported Pierce County in an environmental assessment for a proposed runway extension, taxiway reconfiguration, and tree removal at Thun Field. This comprehensive project encompassed preliminary design, a cultural investigation, wetland delineation, and an evaluation of post-development storm drainage to ensure on-site infiltration, avoiding the need for a National Marine Fisheries Service consultation. Additionally, noise contour modeling was conducted to evaluate potential noise impacts. The findings, including a noise analysis that identified the impact of projected aeronautical activity and noise-sensitive areas, were summarized in a memo accepted by the FAA and the County, leading to a Finding of No Significant Impact issued by the FAA in January 2024.

Troutdale Airport, Runway 7/25 EA Advanced Design

Century West completed the 70% advanced design for the reconstruction of Runway 7/25 and associated improvements to support the Port-led Environmental Assessment for the project. The project involved modifying the dimensions of the runway to align with the Airport Master Plan and included pavement removal, reconstruction, new taxiway connectors, reconstruction of the existing aircraft run-up area, storm drainage improvements, site grading, and pavement markings. The team conducted a geotechnical investigation to support culvert and pavement design, including falling weight deflectometer testing on the existing runway. They also completed hydraulic modeling and stormwater analysis and designed culverts for fish passage requirements. The project was put on hold after the 70% advanced design.

Bend Municipal Airport, Air Traffic Control Tower Siting Environmental Assessment

The Bend Municipal Airport has seen a dramatic increase in helicopter operations over the past five years. The significant increase in operations has created operational challenges to maintain safety for all users. The 2012 Airport Master Plan proposed physically separating fixed-wing and rotor traffic by developing a separate helicopter operations area with a landing area and accommodations for aircraft parking, hangars, and other developments. Century West completed the required FAA Environmental Assessment for the project in 2015, which included updated air traffic analysis, noise analysis, and 30% design to quantify site characteristics and impacts.