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Final Edm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.pdf14 LANDAU ASSOCIATES TECHNICALMEMORANDUM ENMONMENIAL I GEOIECHNCAL I NAIURX RESOURCES TO: Michael Clugston, AICP; Associate Planner, City of Edmonds FROM: Steven Quarterma�dau Associates DATE: December 13, 2011 RE: STREAM DETERMINATION FOR AREA BOUNDED BY 7T" AVENUE SOUTH, 8' AVENUE SOUTH, HEMLOCK STREET, AND LAUREL STREET EDMONDS, WASHINGTON INTRODUCTION The City of Edmonds (City) has determined that a potential stream (i.e., critical area) may exist within the area bounded by 7'h Avenue South, 80' Avenue South, Hemlock Street, and Laurel Street in Edmonds, Washington (project area; Figure 1). Streams are included as a "critical area" pursuant to Chapter 23 of the Edmonds Municipal Code (EMC; City of Edmonds 2011). Inconsistent critical area determinations have been completed on various properties in the project area. Landau Associates conducted an investigation to assist the City with assessment of the potential stream within the project area. A summary of the site review is included below. BACKGROUND Chapter 23.90.010 of the EMC includes definition of streams, which "...include those areas where surface waters produce a defined channel or bed which demonstrates clear evidence, such as the sorting of sediments, of the passage of water. The channel or bed need not contain water year-round. Streams shall be classified in accordance with the Washington Department of Natural Resources water typing system (WAC 222-16-030) hereby adopted in its entirety by reference and summarized as follows: a. Type S: streams inventoried as `shorelines of the state' under Chapter 90.58 RCW and the rules promulgated pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW b. Type F: streams which contain fish habitat c. Type Np: perennial nonfish habitat streams d. Type Ns: seasonal nonfish habitat streams." 130 2n" Avenue South 9 Edmonds, WA 98020 • (425) 778-0907 9 fax (425) 778-6409 9 www.landauinc.com WAC 222-16-030 identifies fish habitat as "...habitat which is used by any fish at any life stage at any time of the year, including potential habitat likely to be used by fish which could be recovered by restoration or management and includes off -channel habitat." According to WAC 222-16-030, the Interim Water Typing System established in WAC 222-16-031 is to be used until the "fish habitat water typing maps" are adopted by the state forest practices board. The full text of the interim water typing system is included in Attachment A for reference, and provides water types summarized as follows: • "Type 1 Water" means all waters, within their ordinary high-water mark, as inventoried as "shorelines of the state" under Chapter 90.58 RCW and the rules promulgated pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW, but not including those waters' associated wetlands as defined in Chapter 90.58 RCW. • "Type 2 Water" means segments of natural waters which are not classified as Type 1 Water and have a high fish, wildlife, or human use. These are segments of natural waters and periodically inundated areas of their associated wetlands. • "Type 3 Water" means segments of natural waters which are not classified as Type 1 or 2 Waters and have a moderate to slight fish, wildlife, or human use. These are segments of natural waters and periodically inundated areas of their associated wetlands. • "Type 4 Water" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of defined channels that are perennial nonfish habitat streams. Perennial streams are flowing waters that do not go dry any time of a year of normal rainfall and include the intermittent dry portions of the perennial channel below the uppermost point of perennial flow. • "Type 5 Waters" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of the defined channels that are not Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 Waters. These are seasonal, nonfish habitat streams in which surface flow is not present for at least some portion of the year and are not located downstream from any stream reach that is a Type 4 Water. Type 5 Waters must be physically connected by an aboveground channel system to Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 Waters. 12/13/11 P:\074170\FileRoom\REdm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.docx LANDAU ASSOCIATES 2 Conversion of the interim water typing system to the permanent water typing system, as provided in WAC 222-16-031, is as follows: Water Type Conversion Permanent Water Typing Interim Water Typing Type "S" Type 1 Water Type "F" Type 2 and 3 Water Type "Np" Type 4 Water Type "Ns" Type 5 Waters The conversion listed above was used in applying the state typing system to the EMC. METHODS For the purposes of this investigation, we applied criteria for presumed fish use, as presented in the Interim Water Typing System (refer to description of Type 3 water). Fish presence was not confirmed due to assumed downstream man-made fish passage blockages (i.e., culverts) that currently prevent access to the project area and assumed absence of resident fish in the project area. In accordance with WAC 222-16-031, waters having any of the following physical stream characteristics are presumed to have fish use: a. Stream segments having a defined channel of 2 feet or greater within the bankfull width in Western Washington, and having a gradient of 16 percent or less. b. Stream segments having a defined channel of 2 feet or greater within the bankfull width in Western Washington, and having a gradient greater than 16 percent and less than or equal to 20 percent, and having greater than 50 acres in contributing basin size in Western Washington based on hydrographic boundaries. WAC 222-16-031 specifics that "channel width and gradient means a measurement over a representative section of at least 500 linear feet with at least 10 evenly spaced measurement points along the normal stream channel but excluding unusually wide areas of negligible gradient such as marshy or swampy areas, beaver ponds and impoundments. Channel gradient may be determined utilizing stream profiles plotted from United States geological survey topographic maps." Bankfull width was measured at cross sections of the stream reach located on accessible properties in the project area. Bankfull width was identified using the guidance provided in "Section 2 Standard Methods for Identifying Bankfull Channel Features and Channel Migration Zones" of the Forest Practices Board Manual (Forest Practices Board 2004). Bankfull width for streams is the lateral extent of the water surface elevation perpendicular 12/13/11 P:\074170\FileRoom\REdm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.docx LANDAU ASSOCIATES 3 to the channel at bankfull depth; where bankfull depth is the estimated water surface elevation required to completely fill the channel to the point above which water would enter the floodplain or intersect a terrace or hillslope. The measurements were averaged to determine bankfull width for the potential reach of stream within the project area. The calculation of stream slope was based on topographic data provided by the City for comparison with the physical stream characteristics listed in WAC 222-16-031 (provided above). A definition of fish habitat is not provided in WAC 222-16-031; the definition provided in WAC 222-16-030 is applied for this study. A qualitative habitat assessment was conducted, which included characterization of in -stream large woody debris, riffles/pools, and channel bed material; and description of observed hydrology. Prior to the onsite field investigation, the City obtained property owner permission to access properties within the project area. Landowners were also contacted on the day of the site visit by a Landau Associates biologist (i.e., knocked on doors or were approached while on adjacent properties). RESULTS Landau Associates biologists conducted a field investigation of the project area on November 30, 2011. During the field investigation, an approximately 400-linear foot stream segment was observed originating in the right of way between 740 Hemlock Street/733 Laurel Street and flowing to 807 7t" Avenue South (see Figure 2). The stream enters a storm drain system at 807 7tn Avenue South that flows to Shellabarger Creek west of the project area. Photographs of the locations of the bankfull cross section measurements and representative stream reaches on each property are provided in Attachment B. The measurements of 12 bankfull width cross sections (spaced at approximate 30-ft intervals) across the stream channel revealed an average channel width of 1.9 feet (Table 1). Surface water was present at the time of the field investigation, and water depths were generally 1 inch or less at each cross section. The slope of the existing surface channel is approximately 12 percent. If the surface channel extended to the catch basin at 7th Avenue South, providing a minimum 500-linear foot channel required by WAC 222-16-031, the slope would be approximately 14 percent. Based on the average bankfull width of the existing surface channel and slope within the project area, it is assumed that 500 linear feet of an undisturbed surface channel within the project area would be less than 2 feet wide on average. This assumption is also based on characterization of channel forming processes in the vicinity of the piped segment on the property at 807 7t'' Avenue South (e.g., increase in slope and absence of significant inputs of water and sediment). The stream is modified throughout the project area. Various property owners indicated that modifications were completed to improve drainage and/or to provide water feature amenities to their 12/13/11 P:\074170\FileRoom\REdm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.docx LANDAU ASSOCIATES 4 respective property landscape. It was also indicated that the hillslope of the project area is poorly drained, and that drainage improvements were necessary due to increased runoff from more recent developments east of the project area. Vegetated surfaces in the vicinity of the stream were observed to be saturated at the time of the site visit. Historical ponding and/or presence of a pond in the upper reaches of the project area were also noted by a few property owners. Two logs spanning the channel bed were observed in the upper reach of stream, but do not appear to influence stream flow to create downstream pools; the stream lacks natural riffles/pools. The stream bed contains a sand/gravel substrate, and gravels have been installed in much of the reach as part of the aforementioned landscaping improvements. A short segment on one property is completely filled by gravels, but was included in the overall assessment of the open channel. At least two fish passage blockages were observed in the project area, including steps created by channelized flow over a rail -tie retaining wall and at the outlet of a plastic pond feature (see photographs 5 and 7). Property owners present on the day of the site visit indicated that the stream contains flow year-round (i.e., perennial flow). Baseflow appears to be supported by groundwater, and additional hydrology is provided from stormwater runoff. Small diameter plastic pipe, likely conveying stormwater runoff from adjacent residences, was observed in the upper reaches of the stream. As a headwater stream, the stream reach in the project area does not provide a migratory path for fish to upstream habitats beyond the project area. Furthermore, the stream lacks undercut banks, overhanging riparian vegetation, functional large woody debris, and pools that provide cover for fish. The determination of water quality conditions were not included as part of this effort. Water depths observed likely do not support fish use, and estimated depths at bankfull likely result in velocities inhospitable to fish use, particularly due to the lack of cover (i.e., large woody debris and pools). The stream is assumed to contain nonfish habitat. CONCLUSION The potential critical area identified by the City within the project area meets the definition of a stream, as it contains a defined channel and bed caused by the passage of water. Based on observations from the site visit and anecdotal information provided by property owners in the project area, the stream is classified as a perennial flowing stream. No fish were observed during the site visit, which is likely due to fish access being prevented to the project area by man-made blockages downstream and lack of fish habitat in the stream reach within the project area. The stream within the project area does not meet the minimum width requirements for presumed fish use, as defined in WAC 222-16-031. Therefore, the stream appears to meet the classification as a Type 4 (Type Np) stream. 12/13/11 P:\074170\FileRoom\REdm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.docx LANDAU ASSOCIATES 5 USE OF THIS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM This technical memorandum was prepared for the use of the City of Edmonds. No other party is entitled to rely on the information, conclusions, and recommendations included in this document without the express written consent of Landau Associates. Furthermore, the reuse of information, conclusions, and recommendations provided herein for extensions of the project or for any other project, without review and authorization by Landau Associates, shall be at the user's sole risk. We appreciate this opportunity to be of service to the City. Please contact us if you have any questions, or if we may be of any further assistance to the City. SJQ/rgm REFERENCES City of Edmonds. 2011. City of Edmonds Municipal Code. Current through Ordinance 3846, passed July 15, 2011. http://www.mrsc.org/wa/edmonds/index dtsearch.html Forest Practices Board. 2004. Section 2. Standard Methods for Identifying Bankfull Channel Features and Channel Migration Zones. Forest Practices Board Manual. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/BusinessPermits/Topics/ForestPracticesRules/Pages/fp board_manual.aspx ATTACHMENTS Figure 1 — Site Vicinity Map Figure 2 — Project Area Map Table 1 — Bankfull Width Measurements Attachment A: WAC 222-16-031 (Interim Water Typing System) Attachment B: Selected Site Photographs 12/13/11 P:\074170\FileRoom\REdm Stream Determination TM 12-13-11.docx LANDAU ASSOCIATES 6 Puget Sound Edmonds- Kingston Bracketts Landing Point ETrds City usett 0 0.5 1 N Miles Data Source: ESR12006 Stream Determination 7th Ave S, 8th Ave S, LANDAU Hemlock St, Laurel St ASSOCIATES Edmonds, Washington Memorial Project Location Ridge Q Park T �arnonas � Battle Spokane Tacoma Washington Vicinity Map Figure 1 Y:\Projects\074170\Mapdoc\Figure 2 ProjectArea.mxd 12/13/2011 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet 1803 803 720 726 732 740 746 750 760 1 Right of Way 731 733 745 751 759 J ' d Laurel Way 00 j t N 1 i Legend Notes 1.Stream location is approximate. Storm Pipes — Project Area Stream Ditch and Creek 2.Black and white reproduction of this color ■ Storm Catch Basins — - Piped Segment Contours (Elevation in ft) original may reduce its effectiveness and Data Source: City of Edmonds, WA; Bing Maps Aerial Imagery lead to incorrect interpretation. • Storm Manholes Q Project Area Parcels Stream Determination Figure 0 100 200 7th Ave S, 8th Ave S, LANDAU Hemlock St, Laurel St Project Area Map 2 ASSOCIATES Scale in Feet Edmonds, Washington TABLE 1 BANKFULL WIDTH MEASUREMENTS Address Property Owner Bankfull Cross Section Bankfull Width (ft) 740 Hemlock Street Fred D. Specht XS-1 1.2 733 Laurel Street Carolyn J. Johnson XS-2 2.5 XS-3 2.5 731 Laurel Street Donald and Marlene Eager XS-4 1.2 732 Hemlock Street Scott and Lynn Thomsen XS-5 1.9 726 Hemlock Street Mark S. Rennord and Jessica H. Lee XS-6 1.0 XS-7 1.1 XS-8 1.7 720 Hemlock Street John and Vicki Taylor XS-9 2.5 XS-10 3.6 807 7t" Avenue South Mel and Carol Jean Chandler XS-11 2.6 XS-12 1.4 Averagel 1.9 Page 1 of 1 12/13/2011P:\074\170\FileRoom\R\Table1 Landau Associates Attachment A WAC 222-16-031 (Interim Water Typing System) WAC 222-16-031: Interim water typing system. Page 1 of 3 Inside the Legislature Find Your Legislator + Visiting the Legislature + Agendas, Schedules and Calendars + Bill Information + Laws and Agency Rules t Legislative Committees Legislative Agencies Legislative Information Center E-mail Notifications (Listserv) Civic Education History of the State Legislature Outside the Legislature • Congress - the Other Washington t TVW Washington Courts OFM Fiscal Note Website A cess A&Washington• 0406CI.1 so." 6w1rnln�nt 11NNe. WACs > Title 222 > Chapter 222-16 > Section 222-16-031 222-16-030 « 222-16-031 » 222-16-035 WAC 222-16-031 Agency filings affecting this section Interim water typing system. Until the fish habitat water type maps mentioned above are available, waters will be classified according to the interim water typing system described below. If a dispute arises concerning a water type, the department shall make available informal conferences, which shall include the departments of fish and wildlife, ecology, and affected Indian tribes and those contesting the adopted water types. These conferences shall be established under procedures established in WAC 222-46-020. For the purposes of this interim water typing system see the following table: Water Type Conversion Table Permanent Water Typing Interim Water Typing Type "S" Type 1 Water Type "F" Type 2 and 3 Water Type "Np" Type 4 Water Type "Ns" Type 5 Water *(1) "Type 1 Water" means all waters, within their ordinary high-water mark, as inventoried as "shorelines of the state" under chapter 90.58 RCW and the rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 90.58 RCW, but not including those waters' associated wetlands as defined in chapter 90.58 RCW. *(2) "Type 2 Water" means segments of natural waters which are not classified as Type 1 Water and have a high fish, wildlife, or human use. These are segments of natural waters and periodically inundated areas of their associated wetlands, which: (a) Are diverted for domestic use by more than 100 residential or camping units or by a public accommodation facility licensed to serve more than 10 persons, where such diversion is determined by the department to be a valid appropriation of water and only considered Type 2 Water upstream from the point of such diversion for 1,500 feet or until the drainage area is reduced by 50 percent, whichever is less, (b) Are diverted for use by federal, state, tribal or private fish hatcheries. Such waters shall be considered Type 2 Water upstream from the point of diversion for 1,500 feet, including tributaries if highly significant for protection of downstream water quality. The department may allow additional harvest beyond the requirements of Type 2 Water designation provided by the department of fish and wildlife, department of ecology, the affected tribes and interested parties that: (i) The management practices proposed by the landowner will adequately protect water quality for the fish hatchery, and (ii) Such additional harvest meets the requirements of the water type designation that would apply in the absence of the hatchery; (c) Are within a federal, state, local or private campground having more than 30 camping units: Provided, That the water shall not be considered to enter a campground until it reaches the boundary of the park lands available for public use and comes within 100 feet of a camping unit. http-//apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx'?clte-222-16-031 12/2/2011 WAC 222-16-031: Interim water typing system. Page 2 of 3 (d) Are used by fish for spawning, rearing or migration. Waters having the following characteristics are presumed to have highly significant fish populations: (i) Stream segments having a defined channel 20 feet or greater within the bankfull width and having a gradient of less than 4 percent. (ii) Lakes, ponds, or impoundments having a surface area of 1 acre or greater at seasonal low water, or (e) Are used by fish for off -channel habitat. These areas are critical to the maintenance of optimum survival of fish. This habitat shall be identified based on the following criteria: (i) The site must be connected to a fish bearing stream and be accessible during some period of the year; and (ii) The off -channel water must be accessible to fish through a drainage with less than a 5% gradient. *(3) "Type 3 Water" means segments of natural waters which are not classified as Type 1 or 2 Waters and have a moderate to slight fish, wildlife, or human use. These are segments of natural waters and periodically inundated areas of their associated wetlands which: (a) Are diverted for domestic use by more than 10 residential or camping units or by a public accommodation facility licensed to serve more than 10 persons, where such diversion is determined by the department to be a valid appropriation of water and the only practical water source for such users. Such waters shall be considered to be Type 3 Water upstream from the point of such diversion for 1,500 feet or until the drainage area is reduced by 50 percent, whichever is less, (b) Are used by fish for spawning, rearing or migration. The requirements for determining fish use are described in the board manual section 13. If fish use has not been determined: (i) Waters having any of the following characteristics are presumed to have fish use: (A) Stream segments having a defined channel of 2 feet or greater within the bankfull width in Western Washington; or 3 feet or greater in width in Eastern Washington, and having a gradient of 16 percent or less; (B) Stream segments having a defined channel of 2 feet or greater within the bankfull width in Western Washington; or 3 feet or greater within the bankfull width in Eastern Washington, and having a gradient greater than 16 percent and less than or equal to 20 percent, and having greater than 50 acres in contributing basin size in Western Washington or greater than 175 acres contributing basin size in Eastern Washington, based on hydrographic boundaries; (C) Ponds or impoundments having a surface area of less than 1 acre at seasonal low water and having an outlet to a fish stream; (D) Ponds of impoundments having a surface area greater than 0.5 acre at seasonal low water. (ii) The department shall waive or modify the characteristics in (i) of this subsection where: (A) Waters have confirmed, long term, naturally occurring water quality parameters incapable of supporting fish, (B) Snowmelt streams have short flow cycles that do not support successful life history phases of fish. These streams typically have no flow in the winter months and discontinue flow by June 1; or (C) Sufficient information about a geomorphic region is available to support a departure from the characteristics in (i) of this subsection, as determined in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, department of ecology, affected tribes and interested parties. *(4) "Type 4 Water" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of defined channels that are perennial nonfish habitat streams. Perennial streams are flowing waters that do not go dry any time of a year of normal rainfall and include the intermittent dry http-//apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx'?clte-222-16-031 12/2/2011 WAC 222-16-031: Interim water typing system. Page 3 of 3 portions of the perennial channel below the uppermost point of perennial flow. *(5) "Type 5 Waters" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of the defined channels that are not Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 Waters. These are seasonal, nonfish habitat streams in which surface flow is not present for at least some portion of the year and are not located downstream from any stream reach that is a Type 4 Water. Type 5 Waters must be physically connected by an above -ground channel system to Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 Waters- *(6) For purposes of this section: (a) "Residential unit' means a home, apartment, residential condominium unit or mobile home, serving as the principal place of residence. (b) "Camping unit' means an area intended and used for: (i) Overnight camping or picnicking by the public containing at least a fireplace, picnic table and access to water and sanitary facilities; or (ii) A permanent home or condominium unit or mobile home not qualifying as a "residential unit' because of part time occupancy. (c) "Public accommodation facility" means a business establishment open to and licensed to serve the public, such as a restaurant, tavern, motel or hotel. (d) "Natural waters" only excludes water conveyance systems which are artificially constructed and actively maintained for irrigation. (e) "Seasonal low flow" and "seasonal low water" mean the conditions of the 7-day, 2-year low water situation, as measured or estimated by accepted hydrologic techniques recognized by the department. (f) "Channel width and gradient' means a measurement over a representative section of at least 500 linear feet with at least 10 evenly spaced measurement points along the normal stream channel but excluding unusually wide areas of negligible gradient such as marshy or swampy areas, beaver ponds and impoundments. Channel gradient may be determined utilizing stream profiles plotted from United States geological survey topographic maps. (See board manual section 23.) [Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.370. 06-23-096, § 222-16-031, filed 11/15/06, effective 12/16/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-16-031, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.1050, [76.09.1370,76.13.120 (9). 01-12-042, § 222-16-031, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.] http-//apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx'?clte-222-16-031 12/2/2011 Attachment B Selected Site Photographs 1.CIO C\ 1. Cross Section XS-1 at stream origin. LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton 2. Cross section XS-2. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 1 I_ 12/11 Y:\U/4\1 3. Cross section XS-3, single large wood piece in background LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton 4. Cross section XS-4. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 2 LANDAU 1A ASSOCIATES 5. Plastic pond between XS-4 and XS-5. Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Edmonds. Washington Figure Selected Site Photographs B_3 4.tl0C\ 6. Cross section XS-5. LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton 7. Cross section XS-6, channelized flow over rail tie retaining wall in background. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 4 11 Y:AV/4VL/UAPlleKO0111\K\PUMS\Yll010 Ltl0eS LIN 9. Cross section XS-8. LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds- Washinaton .ti 1. 4- '. Fib' '• v ^L���(��• � �� ±����/f 10. Cross section XS-9. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 5 0.tl0C\ 11. Cross section XS-10. LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton 12. Cross section XS-11. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 6 L cloc\ 13. Cross section XS-12. LANDAU ASSOCIATES Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton 14. Stream end at 807 7`' Avenue. Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 7 LANDAU ASSOCIATES _L clocx 15. Catch basin at 807 7th Avenue. Stream Determination 7th Ave S. and 8th Ave S Hemlock St, Laurel St Fdmonds_ Washinaton Figure Selected Site Photographs B . 8