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Resident warns transmission poles at Arlington Airport could risk aircraft; city says FAA review completed
Summary
A resident raised safety concerns during public comment about 80–85-foot transmission poles being restaked across Arlington Airport property; city staff said the project has passed FAA review and is in local permitting.
A resident told the Arlington City Council during public comment that proposed transmission-line poles on Arlington Airport property are very tall and could pose a hazard to aircraft. Kevin Duncan, a resident who spoke at the meeting, said the poles he saw on site were “around 80, 85 feet” and expressed concern that an aircraft could strike them.
The issue drew a brief response from city staff during council reports. A staff member identified only as Paul told the council the project has undergone Federal Aviation Administration review and is in the permitting process with the city’s Community and Economic Development (CED) department. Paul said he would make the map Kevin provided available to CED for review.
Why it matters: Transmission facilities near airport operating zones can raise aviation-safety, permitting, and public-safety questions. The resident’s account emphasized the perceived height of the poles, the route staking he observed, and a desire for an opportunity for public input.
Details from the meeting: Kevin Duncan described the route he observed and said crews were “restaking the lines out to the airport.” He also relayed information from employees at Snohomish County PUD about safety-stop authority for their staff, and asked whether there is a way for the public to express opposition to siting large steel poles on airport property. Paul told the council the project has already gone through FAA review and that the transmission line is “in the permitting process with CED.” Paul said he would pass Kevin’s map to CED for consideration.
No formal council action was taken on the transmission-line route at the meeting. The council did not vote on or adopt any policy or modification related to the line during the session.
What’s next: City permitting staff (CED) will review project materials and the council was informed that FAA review has occurred. The resident’s concerns were entered into the public record and the city staff said they would forward the map provided by the resident to CED for review.
