HPA_2018_SEPA_Checklist.doc
Purpose of Checklist:
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An environmental
impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information
to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is
required.
Instructions for Applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts
of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can.
You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project
plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or does not apply". Complete answers
to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later.
Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies
can assist you.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that
will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably
related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
For nonproject proposals complete this checklist and the supplemental sheet for nonproject actions (Part D). the lead agency may exclude any question for the environmental elements
(Part B) which they determine do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposed nonproject actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant,"
and "property or site" should be read as "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively.
a. background
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Edmonds 2019 Maintenance HPA; 5-year coverage for Public Works staff to maintain City creeks, structures and facilities within watercourses.
2. Name of applicant: Zachary Richardson, Stormwater Engineer
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Zachary Richardson
121 5th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 771-0220
4. Date checklist prepared: August 27, 2018
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Edmonds and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): As needed based on field conditions, work to begin in the summer of 2019 and expire at the end of 2024. Planned work
at Perrinville Creek diversion structure (site PRC-2), is scheduled annually in July/August.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA)
(STAFF COMMENTS)
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you
to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page.
This checklist covers maintenance of existing elements within various streams throughout the City of Edmonds over the next five years. (See Figure 1 and Table 1) Typical actions include
trimming of vegetatation in and around water regulating structures, cleaning of trash racks, and removal of sediments and debris.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section,
township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and
topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit
applications related to this checklist.
See Figure 1 for locations. All locations are within the City of Edmonds, WA
(STAFF COMMENTS)
to be completed by applicant
b. environmental elements
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
The topography of the City varies greatly from location to location; generally Edmonds slopes westerly to the Sound with moderate to steep slopes.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
30% to 40% at site MDC-1 and SHC-6 (see Table 1)
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, and muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
Predominant soils found across the City of Edmonds are: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam and Everett gravelly sandy loam. Other soils with much smaller areal extent are: Kitsap silt loam,
McKenna gravelly sandy loam and Mukilteo muck.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
MDC-1 is within the North Edmonds Earth Subsistence and Landslide Hazard Area (ESHLA) however, maintenance work is not typically of geotechnical nature.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion can occur from rainfall accumulation in exposed soils. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be utilized to minimize the erosion concerns.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
To minimize erosion from occurring within the project areas, any enviornmentally sensitive work will occur during the dry season (summer months). If there is the potential of rainfall
on exposed soils which could erode and transport sediment to a watercourse, these soils will be covered with straw, jute erosion control cloth, or other BMP’s deemed to mitigate said
sedimentation. Several staff maintain CESCL certification and can direct the selection and implementation of erosion control BMPs as needed.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
2. air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, and industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed?
If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known.
Normal emissions from small, hand held power equipment. (i.e. hedgers, line trimmers)
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may effect your proposal? If so, generally describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to the, if any:
All fossil fueled power tools will have the required emission controls and crews are instructed to turn all vehicles and equipment not currently in use completely off to reduce engine
idle time.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
3. water
a. Surface:
(1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, and wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
Yes, see Table 1 and Figure 1.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
Yes, see Table 1 and Figure 1. The work will consist of a variety of actions to maintain flow by removing obstructions, cleaning trash racks, and removing sediment. Except for removing
sediment at the Perrinville Creek diversion structure (site PRC-2), all work will be done using hand tools only. Site PRC-2 requires a stream bypass, fish exclusion and excavation
with a backhoe which historically has removed approximately 16 cubic yards of rocks and sediment per cleaning.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate
the source of fill material.
No fill is proposed. Dredge materials will be less than 10 cubic yards per year for all sites excluding site PRC-2. (Perrinville Creek Diversion Structure)
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Yes, site WLC-1 (Figure 1 and Table 1), as defined by FEMA maps. However, no fill or alterations to the flood storage capacity are proposed.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Ground:
(1) Will ground water be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn
from the well Will water be discharged to ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...;
agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the
system(s) are expected to serve.
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Water Runoff (including storm water):
(1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water
flow into other waters? If so, describe.
These projects actions are to maintain facilities in watercourses that convey stormwater runoff.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Yes, there is a potential that construction activity may result in spills that release waste water materials. However all City equipment and tools are regularly maintained, each City
vehicle includes a spill kit, and BMP’s will be employed to significantly reduce the likelihood of a release.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any:
Applicable BMP’s from the “Regional Road Maintenance Endangered Species Act (ESA) Program Guidelines” and “SWMMWW” will be used for all maintenance activities.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
4. Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other:
X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other:
X shrubs
X grass
pasture
crop or grain
Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops __________________________________________
X wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other:
X water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other:
other types of vegetation:
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Vegetation obstructing the flow of surface waters through the stream channels, as required. Some trimming of live vegetation will be required, but a majority of vegetation removal are
plants or limbs which are already dead or loose.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other materials to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
None identified
(STAFF COMMENTS)
5. Animals
a. List any birds and other animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: sculpin
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Site TPC-1 is within 800ft. of previously known Bald Eagle nests in Hutt Park (9309 187th St SW). If possible, work at this location will not be conducted between February 1st & April
15th and July 1st & July 21st in any given year.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
6. Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing,
etc.
Small, fossil-fueled powered hand tools.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
7. Environmental Health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located
within the project area and in the vicinity.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project’s development or constructions, or at any time during the operating life of the
project.
Small, fossil-fueled powered hand tools may be used on site.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Noise
(1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate
what hour’s noise would come from the site.
Routine noise from small fossil-fueled powered hand tools. Operations under this permit will be limited to daytime hours only and most maintenance activities are completed in a single
day.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
Predominantly single family residences and parks. Maintenance activities are not anticipated to impact or alter adjacent properties.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted
to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use?
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
(1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling,
and harvesting? If so, how:
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Site PRC-2 has a diversion structure and site SHC-3 has a diversion structure upstream of a fish ladder. PRC-2 is cleaned annually under this permit. SHC-3 received a new surface in
2018; no further work other than routine maintenance and removal of woody debris is anticpated under the current permit cycle.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Predominantly single family residences.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Same as (e) above.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master plan designation of the site?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
h. Has any part of the site been classified critical area by the city? If so, specify.
Some locations are designated as wetland and all are located in creeks. However, routine maintenance activities are generally exempt form critical area requirements.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any:
These projects will maintain structures in City creeks to reduce the likelihood of flooding, which would provide a benefit to nearby properties.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Approximately how many units, if any would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principle exterior building material(s) proposed?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Some project locations are near City and County parks. However, no alterations to park properties or the recreational opportunites provided are proposed.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreation uses? If so, describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in, or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers?
If so, specifically describe.
None identified or known.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence,
artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources.
None known.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the Department
of Archeology and Historic Preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS date, etc.
All sites include existing improvements and most sites have been inspected and routinely cleaned for over 20 years with no evidence of cultural or historic relevance. Most sites do
not involve excavating. The City will be prepared if a cultural or historic resource is discovered (see answer to next question).
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
If historic or cultural resources are uncovered at any point during the project, the discovery location will be secured and the appropriate agencies and/or tribes will be contacted.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
14. Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
See Figure 1.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
Varies by location.
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or nonproject proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such
as commercial and passenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates?
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe.
NO
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any:
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other:
NONE
(STAFF COMMENTS)
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which
might be needed.
Not applicable
(STAFF COMMENTS)
c. signature
I declare under penalty of perjury laws that the above answers are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature of Proponent Date Submitted
d. supplemental sheet for nonproject actions
(do not use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at
a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Proposal measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness,
wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.
Page 21 of 23
((yr))-((#))chklt/((date)).SEpa
chklt/10-25-93.master
Revised on 9/19/16 HPA_2018_SEPA_Checklist Page 2 of 28
#P71
CITY OF EDMONDS
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Revised on 9/16/16 HPA_2018_SEPA_Checklist Page 1 of 28