SEPA Checklist (7).pdfOV EDS
oCITY OF EDMONDS
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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.
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.
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Non -project action. Update of existing code; Edmonds Community
Development Code (ECDC) Chapter 18.30, Stormwater System Management.
2. Name of applicant: Jerry Shuster, RE, Stormwater Engineering Program Manager
City of Edmonds
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
121 5h Ave North, Edmonds, WA 98020
4. Date checklist prepared: December 30, 2009
5. Agency requesting checklist: None.
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6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The revised code is scheduled to go to City Council for approval in early 2010. The current deadline for the City to
adopt provisions in this code update is February 16, 2010 per the Department of Ecology's Western Washington Phase
II Municipal Stormwater Permit (2009)..
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this
proposal? If yes, explain.
The City is required to update this code per the Western Washington Phase 1I Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by
the Department of Ecology.
S. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related
to this proposal.
None.
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
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Under the Growth Management Act (GMA), the Washington State Department Commerce (formerly Dept. of
Community, Trade, and Economic Development or CTED) must review proposed updates to Edmonds Community
Development Code (ECDC). The SEPA and CTED process will be run concurrently..
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 non project proposal re -writes ECDC Chapter 18.30 to implement the City's Western Washington Municipal Phase
11 permit issued by the Department of Ecology. The re -write also updates the code to reflect advancements in
stormwater management techniques since the code was last revised in 1995 including supporting Low Impact
Development. This update provides more choices of stormwater best management practice to applicant for compliance
with the storm -water management requirements.
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.
Throughout the City.
I 11� 4112LTA 1 111-11100 1 DION
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, h&, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Greater than 40 %.
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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.
Predominant soils found across the City are: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam and Everett gravelly sandy loam.
Other soils with much small areal extent are: Kitsap silt loam, McKenna gravelly silt loam and Mukilteo muck.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
Yes, in Earth Subsidence and Landslide Lazard Area in Meadowdale Beach Area of the City.
e. Describe the purpose, type and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source
of fill.
Not applicable
L Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for
example, asphalt or buildings)?
Not Applicable.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
The code is designed to minimize or eliminate erosion and other impacts to the earth from development,
redevelopment, and construction sites caused by stormwater runoff.
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.
Not Applicable.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may effect your proposal? If so, generally describe.
Not Applicable.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to the, if any:
Not Applicable...
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. 11
appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
Most storm drains in the City discharge to a creek, directly into Puget Sound or Lake Ballinger. The intent
of this code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled
development that can discharge pollutants and cause damage to the storm system and receiving waters.
(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.
Not Applicable.
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(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.
Not Applicable.
(4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
None.
(5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
There are some areas within the FEMA mapped IOD year flood plan: Along Puget Sound, Edmonds Marsh,
Shell Creek (mouth to Caspers St.), and Lake Ballinger.
(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.
Most storm drains in the City discharge to a creek, directly into Puget Sound or Lake Ballinger. The intent
of this code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled
development that can discharge pollutants and cause damage to the storm system and receiving waters.
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.
No
(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.
The code stresses source control of pollutants and for sites with 5, 000 square feet or more of pollution
generating impervious surfaces, requires runoff treatment prior to discharge. The maintenance provisions
of the code require all waste material be disposed of in accordance with Federal, state, and local
regulations.
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.
Most storm drains in the City discharge to a creek, directly into Puget Sound or Lake Ballinger. The intent
of this code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled
development that can discharge pollutants and cause damage to the storm system and receiving waters.
(2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Not Applicable.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
Most storm drains in the City discharge to a creek, directly into Puget Sound or Lake Ballinger. The intent of this
code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled development that
can discharge pollutants and cause damage to the storm system and receiving waters.
4. Plants
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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
H
crop or grain
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other:
water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfbil, other:
other types of vegetation:
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Not Applicable.
C. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Not Applicable
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other materials to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site,
if any:
Not Applicable.
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:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: rodents, raccoon, possum
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Not Applicable
C. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Pacific Flyway.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Not Applicable.
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.
Not Applicable.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally
describe.
Not Applicable.
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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:
Not Applicable.
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.
(1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None
(2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
None.
b. Noise
(1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment,
operation, other)?
None.
(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.
Not Applicable
(3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
None.
S. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
Not Applicable.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
Not Applicable.
C. Describe any structures on the site.
Not Applicable.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Not Applicable
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Not Applicable.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Not Applicable.
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g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master plan designation of the site?
Not Applicable.
It. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
Critical Areas or "environmentally Sensitive Areas" are idented in the City of Edmonds Critical Areas
regulations (Edmonds Community Development Code 23.40-23.90).
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Not Applicable.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Not Applicable.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if
any:
Most storm drains in the City discharge to a creek, directly into Puget Sound or Lake Ballinger. The intent of this
code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled development that
can discharge pollutants and cause damage to the storm system and receiving waters.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income
housing.
None.
b. Approximately how many units, if any would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income
housing.
None.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
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
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
None.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
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None.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not Applicable.
C. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Not Applicable.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreation uses? If so, describe.
No.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be
provided by the project or applicant, if any:
None.
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.
Not Applicable.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance
known to be on or next to the site.
None.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
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.
Not Applicable
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If no, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit
stop?
Not Applicable.
C. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate?
Not Applicable.
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).
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Not Applicable.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so,
generally describe.
Not Applicable.
L How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when
peak volumes would occur.
Not Applicable.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
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.
Not Applicable.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any:
Not Applicable.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone,
sanitary sewer, septic system, other:
Not Applicable.
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.
��IIROMVMJMI
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. -1 /1 1
Signature of Proponent
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Date Submitted
(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.
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 intent of this code revision is to strengthen the City's ability to regulate the negative affects of uncontrolled development
that can discharge pollutants into the City's surface waters and Puget Sound.
Proposal measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
The revised code strengthens the requrietntns and the enforcement provions. The revised code includes actions the City can
take to enforce standards on property owners to maintain their stormwater quantity and quality controls so they operate as
designed.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
With less pollutants entering the stormwater system and receiving waters, a beneficial effect on aquatic plants and animals
should be realized
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
Not directly applicable.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Not Applicable.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
The proposed measure should protect better protect aquatic natural resources in the City.
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?
With less pollutants entering the stormwater system and receiving waters, a beneficial effect on sensitive aquatic areas should
be realized.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
Not Applicable.
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?
Not Applicable.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
With less pollutants entering the stormwater system and receiving waters, a beneficial effect on shorelines should be realized.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities?
Not Applicable.
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Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Not Applicable.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the
protection of the environment.
The proposed amendments are designed to be consistent with other applicable laws andlor requirements, including the City's
Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
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