AIR POLLUTION CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT IN SEATTLE
June 19, 2023
A class action lawsuit was recently filed against Delta Airlines, Alaska Air Group, and the Port of Seattle, the operator of the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), for alleged harms resulting from air pollution affecting local residents within a five-mile radius around the airport. The complaint alleges that the residents living in the area around the airport suffer from increased rates of cancer, heart disease and chronic lower respiratory disease because pollutant emissions occurring at 3,000 feet or less, during takeoff and landing, are not able to disperse, and instead accumulate in the communities surrounding the airport, which has resulted in medical issues and medical concerns for local residents. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for costs related to the remediation and use of their properties, and the establishment of a fund to pay for medical monitoring. The lawsuit cites and relies on several health studies done in communities around Sea-Tac, and claims that the airport and the airlines are aware of the alleged harm being caused. The claims asserted include common law claims of negligence, intentional trespass, public nuisance, and inverse condemnation. Alaska and Delta have been named as defendants in the lawsuit, likely because they are the two largest carriers operating out of Sea-Tac, however, it is possible that the plaintiffs could make similar claims against any other airline operating out of Sea-Tac. It is also possible that similar allegations may be asserted against other airports if there are similar pollution and health issues that may be asserted by people living near these airports.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665).
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