SEPA Checklist - polystyrene (2).pdfOF EDAI
CITY OF EDMONDS
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
St. I S
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 fi•om 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.
NOTE: Projects generating new traffic will be required to submit a Traffic Study prepared by a licensed Professional Civil Engineer.
Specific requirements for the Traffic Study may vary depending upon the project, and will be provided by the City Engineer upon
request. Please contact the Engineering Division at 425-771-0220 for specific study requirements. City review of the Traffic Study
may require assessment of the "Development Project Peer Review" fee of $45 plus the cost of the review.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN ADDITION, complete
the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).
For 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
Name of proposed project, if applicable: Ordinance Prohibiting Certain Uses of Polystyrene and Non -Recyclable
Materials for Food Service Packaging and Requiring Instead the Use of Compostable or Recyclable Food Service
Packaging.
Name of applicant: Chy of Edmonds
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Edmonds City Council
City Council Off ce, Attn: Jana Spellman
121 5rh Ave N
Edmonds, WA 98020
Page I of 12
cepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
4. Date checklist prepared: June 21, 2010
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Edmonds
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The Council's proposed ordinance provides for an implementation period, as refected by the provision for a deferred
`effective' date for ECC 6.90.020 through ECC 6.90.050, which will be effective March 1, 2011. Consistent with this
intent, a mitigation measure proposed with this environmental review is to establish an implementation period of a
minimum of six months before the effective date of provisions ECC 6.90.020 through 6.90.050 of the ordinance in order
to (1) allow time for affected food service businesses to prepare for and adapt to these provisions of the ordinance, (2)
allow time for an educational program to take effect and to encourage composting and recycling of food service
packaging in addition to the use of such materials, and (3) enable the City Council to work with members of the
community and affected parties to evaluate any alternatives or modifications to the ordinance if needed to address any
issues regarding its provisions or implementation.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this
proposal? If yes, explain.
A mitigation measure proposed with this environmental review is to develop and implement an education program,
partnering with food service businesses, food service associations, unions and interested organizations to understand
and promote the benefits of and reasons for using compostable and recyclable food service packaging. This may include
signage at food service locations, informational literature, and employee training and should take place before and after
the operative date.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related
to this proposal.
The Cit, of Edmonds has not prepared specific studies related to this proposal. However, the City takes notice of
information compiled by other jurisdictions in studying the issue of food service packaging, such as the cities of Seattle
and Issaquah, Washington and numerous cities throughout California. The Edmonds City Council received a
presentation and testimony fr-onu the Algalita Marine Research Foundation in 2009 on the extent and impacts of plastic
debris in the ocean, including impacts on water quality and marine life. In general, based on this information, this
environmental review has concluded that:
• The literature indicates that there are negative environmental impacts from the use of polystyrene and
nonrecyclable food service packaging. Polystyrene takes thousands of years to biodegrade in landfills and there is no
easy method of recycling polystyrene -based food service packaging and food service ware. Expanded polystyrene, in
particular, presents unique management issues because it is lightweight, floats, resists biodegration, and easily breaks
into smaller pieces. These small pieces can be ingested by marine wildlife. Additionally, polystyrene has been found to
leach carcinogenic chemicals into the environment, among additional adverse environmental impacts.
• The overall goal of most programs addressing food service packaging and food service ware is to increase rates of
composting and recycling of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food service ware. Although
substituting compostable and recyclable food service packaging for polystyrene and nonrecyclable food service
packaging will have benefits in removing the hazardous effects of the identified polystyrene -based products from the
waste stream, a more positive impact can be achieved if the replacement materials are composted or recycled after use.
The mitigation measures proposed as part of this environmental review are intended to help food service businesses and
patrons move toward the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging as well as the act of composting and
recycling such materials, both through an educational campaign and by allowing time for promotion (minimum of six
months) of compostable and recyclable food service packaging.
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 such applications or proposals are known of at this time.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
None.
Page 2 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
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.
The proposed action is the City Council adoption of an ordinance adopting Chapter 6.90, Food Packaging, in the City
Code to promote the use of recyclable or compostable food service packaging and food service ware by food service
businesses located in the city. This is a legislative action affecting the availability and use ofpolystyrene, nonrecyclable,
and noncompostable disposable food service packaging and disposable food service ware by food service businesses
located within the city. The ordinance provides for a restriction in the availability of disposable food service packaging
to either compostable or recyclable materials,
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.
The ordinance would apply to all food service businesses within the Edmonds city limits. The ordinance also contains a
provision authorizing the Mayor to exempt a food service business from the requirements of the ordinance for a period
extending no later than March 1, 2012.
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
The proposal is a non project, non -site-specific action that will take effect city-wide.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The proposal is a non -project, non -site-specific action that will take effect city-wide.
C. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know
the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland.
The proposal is a non -project, non -site-specific action that will take effect city-wide.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
The proposal is a non project, non -site-specific action that will take effect city-wide. The city's critical areas
maps indicate areas of general slope and soil instability.
e. Describe the purpose, type and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source
of fill.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for
example, asphalt or buildings)?
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Page 3 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed
2. AIR
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial
wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give
approximate quantities if known.
The proposal and the mitigating measure for an educational program are intended to increase the use of
compostable and recyclable food service packaging, and reduce or eliminate the use of polystyrene and non -
recyclable food service packaging and food service ware. Changes in the pattern of deliveries of food packaging
supplies and/or composting or recycling activities could result, depending on the ultimate mix of types of
recyclable or compostable food service packaging that is utilized. However, at worst, this would be an
incremental increase in existing patterns rather than a new pattern of emissions. This would be balanced against
the avoidance of impacts associated with additional garbage pickups due to polystyrene and nonrecyclable food
service packaging and food service ware in the garbage. At best, an educational program coupled with the
removal of polystyrene and non -recyclable food service packaging fr•orn the waste stream could reduce overall
emissions and waste by increasing the composting and recycling of such materials instead of putting polystyrene
or nonrecyclable materials into the garbage.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may effect your proposal? If so, generally describe.
None beyond those described in (a), above,
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to the, if any:
The educational program and over six months of lead time on the effective date of provisions ECC 6.90.020
through 6.90.050 of the ordinance is intended to encourage and maximize a switch to compostable or recyclable
food service packaging and food service ware.
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, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If
appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
The City of Edmonds adjoins Puget Sound. A number of streams and small bodies of water are present
throughout the city. Major streams and creeks drain into Puget Sound and contribute to Puget Sound water
quality and salmon habitat.
(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.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(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.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
The city's main 100 year flood prone area lies adjacent to Puget Sound in the developed waterfront area.
Page 4 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
(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.
Blown polystyrene and plastic particles have been observed to be present in Puget Sound and its related
beach areas, and also occur within the city's streams and creeks. The goal of the ordinance is to reduce the
availability of polystyrene and nonrecyclable food set -vice packaging and food set -vice ware, which will
reduce the likelihood that such materials would enter Puget Sound and other surface waters within the City
of Edmonds. No specific construction or land use activity is proposed that would otherwise affect these
bodies of water.
b. Ground:
(1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed
(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.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
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.
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
With adoption of the proposed ordinance, it is anticipated that there will be a reduction in polystyrene and
non -recyclable food set -vice packaging materials and their ability to be discarded into surface waters.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
N/A; no construction or land use activity is proposed. No additional mitigation measures are required.
4. Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: Note that this is a non project action that is not site-
specifrc. All of the following types of vegetation occur to some degree within the city:
X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other:
X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other:
X shrubs
X grass
X pasture
crop or grain
X wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other:
X water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoii, other:
other types of vegetation:
Page 5 of 12
cepa checklist - polystyrene:6292010
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
N/A; no construction or• land use activity is proposed.
C. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other materials to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site,
if any:
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
5. Animals
a. Check or circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on
or near the site: As noted above, this is a non project action that is not site-specific. A wide variety of species of
birds and animals occur within the city.
X birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
X mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
X fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
This is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. Species of concern in
Washington State such as the Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and pacific salmon species are present within or in
the vicinity of the city.
C. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
The city is outside the major Pacific Flyway, but local migration of some species (e.g. Canada Goose) does occur.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Reduction of waste entering the environment and natural habitat areas — particularly due to polystyrene or
plastic particulate matter — is a goal of the proposed ordinance.
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.
Local energy use (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) is not expected to significantly change. Total
energy use associate with the production of polystyrene or non -recyclable food service packaging and food
service ware will be minimally affected by the proposal, to the extent that most polystyrene or non -recyclable food
service packaging and food service ware will be replaced by compostable or recyclable food service packaging.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally
describe.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
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:
The ordinance proposes to increase the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food
service ware, thereby reducing the need to dispose of polystyrene and nonrecyclable food service packaging into
landfills.
Page 6 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
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.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed
b. Noise
(1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment,
operation, other)?
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. Noise typical of any
built -out urban environment is present to varying degrees within the city.
(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 hours noise
would come from the site.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
(3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
N/A; none are required.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. The City of Edmonds
contains a variety of urban land uses, including single-family and multi family residential, commercial, utility,
public, and open space uses.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. Describe any structures on the site.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. The City of Edmonds
contains a variety of urban land uses, including single-family and multi family residential, commercial, utility,
public, and open space uses.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. The City of Edmonds
comprehensive plan indicates a variety of urban land uses, including single-family and multi family residential,
commercial, utility, public, and open space uses.
Page 7 of 12
cepa checklist - polystyrene:6. 29.2010
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master plan designation of the site?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. Shoreline Master Plan
designations include urban, suburban, conservancy, natural, and railroad uses.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. A variety of critical areas
exist in the city, ranging from wetlands to geologically hazardous areas to frequently flooded areas and fish and
wildlife habitat conservation areas.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activit}) is proposed.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
N/A; none are required.
1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if
any:
N/A; no land use changes are proposed.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income
housing.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed
b. Approximately how many units, if any would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income
housing.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A; no changes in housing are proposed or anticipated.
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?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
To the extent that the proposal results in fewer blown polystyrene and plastic particulates entering the
environment, this will result in a net reduction in visual and aesthetic impacts.
Page 8 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
N/A; none are required.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. The city operates a full
range of recreation activities, in addition to those provided by other entities, both private and public (e.g. the
Edmonds School District).
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreation uses? If so, describe.
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be
provided by the project or applicant, if any:
N/A; none are required.
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local preservation registers
known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed There are properties listed
on the National Register, the State Heritage Register, and the local Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance
known to be on or next to the site.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
N/A; none are required.
14. Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street
system. Show on site plans, if any.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If no, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit
stop?
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. Public transit is available
throughout most of the city.
Page 9 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010
C. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate?
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed.
d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not
including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private).
No.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so,
generally describe.
No.
L How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when
peak volumes would occur.
N/A; this is a non -project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed. Delivery and service
vehicles currently serve city businesses on a daily basis, and overall patterns are not expected to significantly
change as a result of this proposal.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
N/A; none are required.
15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police
protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
N/A; this is a non project action and no construction or land use activity is proposed No additional need for
public services is anticipated related to this proposal.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any:
N/A; none are required.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone,
sanitary sewer, septic system, other:
The proposal is not site-specific. All of the above utilities are available within the city.
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.
N/A; this is a non -project, non -site-specific action.
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to
make its decision.
Signature of Proponent
Page 10 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene: 6.29.2010
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?
The proposal and its accompanying educational program (as required by the mitigation measure proposed with this
environmental review) are intended to increase the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food service
ware and to eliminate the use of polystyrene and nonrecyclable food service packaging. To the extent that the use of
polystyrene and nonrecyclable food service packaging is reduced, blown polystyrene and plastic particulates will be less likely
to enter the environment, especially sensitive water habitats associated with local streams and the Puget Sound. Any impact
locally will be a very tiny component of larger state, national or international systems and waste streams.
Depending on the ultimate mix of compostable and recyclable food service packaging, the effect on greenhouse gas emissions
may vary. However, the educational program coupled with the removal of polystyrene and nonrecyclable food service
packaging and food service ware from the ~-Haste stream could reduce overall emissions and waste.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
The mitigation measures proposed with this environmental review are intended to help food service businesses and patrons
move toward the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food service ware as well as toward the act of
composting and recycling such materials, both through an educational program and minimum six-month implementation
period before provisions ECC 6.90.020 through 6.90.050 of the ordinance become effective. Overall encouragement of the use
of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food service ware should benefit both greenhouse gas emissions
and visual and environmental pollution.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
A reduction in the amount of polystyrene and non -recyclable food service packaging materials should benefit habitats for
animals, fish and marine life. Research indicates growing levels of plastic particles in the environment, and increasing
presence in animals and marine life. Steps to reduce the quantity of polystyrene and plastic waste within the city should be of
benefit to this situation. As noted in question 1, above, greenhouse gas emissions are also of concern, but this must be balanced
against the direct benefit of reducing long-term waste and the potential for education and awareness to encourage other,
compostable or recyclable alternatives in general.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
The mitigation measures proposed with this environmental review for an educational program and minimum six-month
implementation period before provisions ECC 6.90.020 through 6.90.050 of the ordinance become effective will maximize the
ability to promote the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and the composting and recycling of such
packaging.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
A simple substitution of compostable or recyclable food service packaging for polystyrene or nonrecyclable food service
packaging is not likely to result in an increase in energy use. However, the production of compostable or recyclable food
service packaging does not necessarily directly result in the use of a non-renewable resource.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
The mitigation measures proposed with this environmental review for an educational program and minimum six-month
implementation period before provisions ECC 6.90.020 through 6.90.050 of the ordinance become effective will maximize the
ability to promote the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging as well as to promote composting and
Page I 1 of 12
cepa checklist - polystyrene6292010
recycling of such materials. This should minimize the possibility of additional energy resources being attributed to the
program.
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?
Less polystyrene and plastic in the environment can only have beneficial effects on wildlife and marine or sea life. Reducing the
use of polystyrene and non -recyclable food service packaging and food service ware will mean less landfill usage and less
chance for plastic particulates to directly enter the environment or waste stream.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
None required.
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?
No changes in land or shoreline use are anticipated or proposed.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
None required.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities?
The ordinance requires food service businesses to enroll in commercial food composting, or at a minimum, to provide an on-
site receptacle for disposal of compostable or recyclable food service packaging and food service ware. As such, there is likely
to be an increase in enrollment in composting and/or recycling services. Businesses (the food service business community
directly affected by the proposal) are largely already served by supply and delivery systems as well as by solid waste,
recycling, and some composting services. A change in the type of food service packaging being used or in the resultant
composting, recycling, or waste stream should not significantly change the total level of these services provided However, to
the extent that the educational and implementation program is successful, it is possible that overall polystyrene and
nonrecyclable food service packaging materials and waste will be reduced, while levels of composting and recycling will likely
increase.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
The mitigation measures as part of this environmental review for an educational program and minimum six-month
implementation period before provisions ECC 6.90.020 through 6.90.050 of the ordinance become effective will maximize the
ability to promote the use of compostable and recyclable food service packaging and food service ware as well as to promote
composting and recycling of such materials. This could lead to reductions in overall waste and supply needs.
Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the
protection of the environment.
There are no known conflicts or additional requirements.
Page 12 of 12
sepa checklist - polystyrene:6.29.2010