2003 studyCritical Areas Study
Talbot Park Estates
Edmonds, Washington
Prepared for:
The City of Edmonds
Development Services Department
121 Fifth Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020
Prepared by:
Anthony Roth
May 5, 2003
AC BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
115 NORTH 49'" SiREET • SEATTLE, WASHMGTM 98103 206.784.4755
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface..................................................................................................
ii
1. Introduction......................................................................................1
2. Water Resources Evaluation. ................................. . ......
. ................... 3
2.1 Introduction.............................................................................3
2.2 Wetlands................................................................................_
3
2.2.1 Methodology..................................................................3
2.2.2 Investigation Results......................................................6
2.3 Stream.................................:.................................................11
3. Bibliography..................................................................................12
List of Figures
1. Vicinity Map.....................................................................................2
2. Site Map............................................................................................4
3. Emergent Wetland at west boundary, looking into the property
fromthe west........................................................................... 8
4. Another view looking east into the property ....................................9
5. Looking northwest on the adjacent property ....................................9
List of Tables
1. USFWS Plant Indicator Status..........................................................6
2. Wetland Functions and Values......................................................... 7
Critical Areas Study
Talbot Paris Estates
Preface
Preface
At the request of the City of Edmonds (City), this report has been
prepared as a third -party wetlands and creek evaluation of the subject
property, the proposed plat of Talbot Park Estates. In preparing this
report, AC Roth Environmental Consultants (RES) has used site
information and survey mapping of RES wetland flag locations
provided by Lovell-Sauerland and Associates, as referenced herein.
Findings reported herein are based on information gathered in the field
at the time of investigation by RES, RES's understanding of 1997
Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual
(Ecology 1997), and RES's understanding of federal, state and local
regulations governing wetland and stream areas_ Prior to preliminary
and final design or any construction, all appropriate regulatory
agencies should be contacted to verify the findings of this report, and
to obtain appropriate approvals and permits_
The wetland boundary, wetland, and stream classification and
recommended buffers are RES's best professional opinion based on
the circumstances and site conditions at the time of its study. The
final wetland boundary determination, classification of wetlands and
streams, and the required buffers and setbacks are subject to change by
the appropriate federal, state, and local jurisdiction.
Critical Areas Study
Talbot Park Estates
Introduction
1. -Introduction
The subject property is an approximate 2 acre site located at 7701
170 Street SW, Edmonds, Washington, near the intersection of 171"
Street and Sea Lawn Drive. From discussion with the City, the
applicant proposes to develop the site for a single family residential
development.
The purpose of this report is to present a third -party analysis of site
water resources, consistent with the requirements of the City of
Edmonds Critical Areas (Edmonds Municipal Code [EMC] §20.15B)-
A series of consultants have evaluated this and a property to the west.
A May 31, 2002 Wetland Evaluation was prepared by Terra Associates
for a property located at 17015 Talbot Road (Attachment A)_ This
property's easterly boundary forms the westerly segment of the subject
property's northwestern corner. Terra Associates found a wetland
which was indicated to extend easterly onto the subject property, but
the offsite wetland area was unsurveyed-
A June 3, 2002 Critical Area Reconnaissance Report (Attachment B)
was prepared by Wetland Resources, Inc- evaluated the "potential
presence of jurisdictional wetlands" on the subject property. This
"forested and scrub -shrub wetland" was sketched as approximately
1800 square feet in area. It does not appear that a survey of this
evaluation was performed.
In February of 2003, Pentec Environmental prepared a report entitled
Third -Party Review of Critical Areas Study of the Talbot Park Estates
(Attachment C), on behalf of the City. In the absence of a prior formal
delineation of wetlands on the subject property, Pentec Environmental
conducted a "preliminary wetland delineation of the onsite portion of
the wetland". Using GPS survey methods to establish approximate
location of delineated wetland boundaries, the conclusion of this last
report was that the onsite and offsite portions of the wetland appear to
total 2,700 square feet, but that more careful delineation and complete
survey of the wetland boundary would need to be conducted.
Critical Areas Study
Talbot Park Estates
Introduction
2. Water Resources Evaluation
2.1 Introduction
On April 2, 2003, RES staff performed on -site investigations to determine
the presence, type and extent of water resources on the subject property.
The primary objectives of the site evaluations were: 1) the identification
of any streams and wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (Corps); and 2) the delineation of all water resources subject
to land use review and regulation by EMC § 20.15B.
On -site water resources include approximately 1,374 SF of scrub -shrub
and emergent wetlands located in the northwest corner of the Taylor Park
site and extending to the west (Figure 3). The total size of the wetland is.
approximately 4,485 SF. A stream enters the site at its southeast corner
and flows in a northerly direction near the east property boundary.
Under Section 404 of the Clear. Water Act, the ACOE has jurisdiction
over the waters of the United States, including streams, lakes, ponds and
wetlands. If no fill of water resources is anticipated, direct contact with
ACOE is not required and the City of Edmonds would be the lead
regulatory agency for site permitting.
2.2 Wetlands
2.2.1 Methodology
Prior to conducting field evaluation, a number of sources were consulted.
The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) has evaluated wetlands
throughout the Stanwood area, using the system described in
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States
(Cowardin 1979). The NWI mapping, as portrayed at
hitp://www.nwi.fws.i;ov/, fails to identify any wetlands or streams on or in
the vicinity of the subject site.
Soils on the site have been mapped as the Alderwood-Everett gravelly
sandy loam and Alderwood-Urban land series by the USDA Soil
Conservation Service (SCS). Neither of these is listed as a hydric soil on
the Official Hydric Soils List for Snohomish County (SCS, 1994).
To perform the wetland delineation for the site, the 1997 Washington
State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology 1997)
was used.
Critical Areas Study
Talbot Park Estates
Introduction
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Critical Areas Study q
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
The methodology in this manual recognizes that the three parameters of
hydrology and wetland plants are generally found in wetlands and that
these parameters are important in the establishment and maintenance of
wetland communities. Within the methodology, indicators are evaluated in
the field to determine satisfaction of each of the three parameters for
establishment of wetland boundaries:
HydrolAylic Plants - The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Reed, 1988
and 1993) has established a rating system which has been applied to
commonly occurring plant species on the basis of their frequency of
occurrence in wetlands. Species indicator status expresses the range
that plants may occur in wetlands and non -wetlands (uplands)_ Within
the State and federal methodology, satisfaction of the hydrophytic
plant community criterion occurs when the plant community is
comprised of 50 percent or more of the dominant species which are
adapted to or tolerant of saturated soil conditions: an indicator status
of facultative (FAQ, facultative wetland (FACW), or obligate (OBL)
wetland (Table 1).
Modifiers are used with the indicator categories to more specifically
define the frequency of occurrence. A positive (+) sign indicates
plants are more frequently found in wetlands than the category_
indicates, whereas a negative (-) sign indicates plants are less
frequently found in wetlands than the indicator signifies. A status of
FAC- does not meet the hydrophytic plant community criterion.
2. Hydrology - Evidence of permanent or periodic inundation, or (at least)
soil saturation to within 12 inches of the surface for one week or more
during the growing season (soil temperatures above 41 °F); indicators
other than standing water or soil saturation include stained leaves, soil
surficial cracking or water -borne litter.
3. Hydric soils - Soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded enough
during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the
upper soil horizons, or to the depth of 12 to 18 inches; indicators
include high organic content, low soil chroma (Munsell' matrix
chroma of 2 with mottles or less than 2 without mottles) or gleying.
1 Munsell Soil Color Charts, Kollmorgan Instruments Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland
Critical Areas Study 5
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
The methodology in this manual recognizes that the three parameters of
hydrology and wetland plants are generally found in wetlands and that
these parameters are important in the establishment and maintenance of
wetland communities. Within the methodology, indicators are evaluated in
the field to determine satisfaction of each of the three parameters for
establishment of wetland boundaries:
lydrophytic Plants - The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Reed, 1988
and 1993) has established a rating system which has been applied to
commonly occurring plant species on the basis of their frequency of
occurrence in wetlands. Species indicator status expresses the range
that plants may occur in wetlands and non -wetlands (uplands). Within
the State and federal methodology, satisfaction of the hydrophytic
plant community criterion occurs when the plant community is
comprised of 50 percent or more of the dominant species which are
adapted to or tolerant of saturated soil conditions: an indicator status
of facultative (FAQ, facultative wetland (FACW), or obligate (OBL)
wetland (Table 1).
Modifiers are used with the indicator categories to more specifically
define the frequency of occurrence. A positive (+) sign indicates
plants are more frequently found in wetlands than the category
indicates, whereas a negative (-) sign indicates plants are less
frequently found in wetlands than the indicator signifies. A status of
FAG does not meet the hydrophytic plant community criterion.
2. Hydrology - Evidence of permanent or periodic inundation, or (at least)
soil saturation to within 12 inches of the surface for one week or more
during the growing season (soil temperatures above 41 °F); indicators
other than standing water or soil saturation include stained leaves, soil
surficial cracking or water -borne litter.
3. Hydric soils - Soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded enough
during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the
upper soil horizons, or to the depth of 12 to 18 inches; indicators
include high organic content, low soil chroma (Munsell' matrix
chroma of 2 with mottles or less than 2 without mottles) or gleying.
1 Munsell Soil Color Charts, Kollmorgan Instruments Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland
Critical Areas Study 5
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
Table 1. USFWS Plant Indicator Status
Plant indicator. Status Indicator Status
Category Abbreviation Definition (.Probability of Occurrence)
Obligate Upland UPL Occur rarely in wetlands (less than 99 percent)
and almost always in uplands (greater than 99
percent)
Facultative Upland FACU Occur rarely in wetlands (less than 99 percent)
and almost always in uplands (greater than 99
percent)
Facultative FAC
Equal likelihood in uplands and wetlands (33 to
67 percent)
Facultative Wetland FACW
Occur sometimes in wetlands (1 to <33 percent),
but more likely in uplands (>67 to 99 percent)
Obligate Wetland OBL
Occur rarely in uplands (less than 99 percent)
and almost always in wetlands (greater than 99
percent)
Not Listed NL
Not listed in USFWS National List of Plant
Species that Occur in Wetlands
For the analysis of this site, the presence of dominant hydrophytic
vegetation was used for the principal delineator of the boundary between
wetland and upland areas, supplemented on a case -by -case basis, with
organic content or soil color evaluation to verify presence of hydric soils
and in the absence of a positive indicator of wetland hydrology, use of
professional judgement.
At several locations which supported uniform or homogeneous plant cover
within the delineated wetland areas, sample plots (Appendix A) were
established for recording of wetland characteristics and for an assessment
of wetland functions, including those described in Table 2.
2.2.2 Investigation Results
RES conducted a site visit in April 2003, concurrent with surveyors
from Lovell-Sauerland and Associates, to determine the presence, type
and extent of critical areas (wetlands and streams) on the subject
property. Sample plots were established in areas of homogeneous
vegetation within the wetland areas evaluated. For each habitat type,
the dominant vegetation (in addition to the common and infrequently -
Critical Areas Study 6
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
Table 2
Wetland Functions and Values
Wetland Function
DefitMion
highest Value
Lowest Value
Hydrologic support
provision of water for biological productivity and
permanently saturated or inundated systems
groundwater recharge
temporarily inundated or saturated hydrologically
isolated depressions
Streembase flow contribution potential
the wetland's potential and ability to contribute to stream
location in the upper segment of the basin and low
located in the lower basin and
and ability
base flow based on its location within the basin and its
recharge rate gr either of the following; connected
either high recharge rate, without
surface water connection with a stream
wetland or with permanent outlet to stream lid
permanent outlet or not connected
one of the following: permanently flooded, outflow
to a stream
greater than inflow or topography favoring
discharge
Shoreline stabilization
presence of wetland plants along the stream shoreline In a
Woody vegetation at least 200 yards in width
submergent vegetation less than
configuration which serves to dissipate periodic increased
100 yards wide
flow or current
Water quality Improvement, including
toxicant retention is related to soil type; sediment retention
organic soils = toxicant retention; areas of reduced
fast -flowing streambed composed
sediment and toxicant retention,
and nutrient uptake/conversion are related to presence of
water velocity containing vigorous plant growth =
of mineral soils, with minimal plant
nutrient uptake or conversion and
macrophytes In the subject waters for blofiltration; pollution
sediment retention and nutrient uptake/conversion;
growth and no pollutant Inputs
pollution reduction
reduction Is related to the opportunity for pollutant Inflow to
point or non -point sources of pollution = pollutant
the wetland
removal opportunity
Storm/floodwater management
based on the location and of the wetland within the basin
wetland with impermeable or slowly permeable
less than 5 acres
and the wetland's physical features
soils comprising <5 percent of the upslope
watershed and either no permanent outlet or
constricted outlet with unconstricted inlet or
evidence of floodplain or expansive flooding within
one year; wetland of more then ten acres
Groundwater recharge
variables include periodicity and rate of flow, wetland size
year-round, open water wetlands greater In size
small, topographic low areas which
and depth, surface topography and underlying soils and
than 10 acres with water depths greater than 10
are only seasonally inundated
geology
feet
Wildlife habitat and biological
based on habitat characteristics and biological process
high community diversity, valuable species support,
absence of or limited manifestation
functions
values, including; habitat type, diversity, size and value
can provide relatively equal proportions of open
of community diversity, valuable
within wetlands and adjacent uplands; food quality and
water and vegetative cover and have refuge
species support, relatively equal
diversity; biological community diversity and structure; plant
potential
proportions of open water and
productivity and support for and presence of game;
vegetative cover and refuge
commercially important or unique species; and
potential
opportunities for refuge and provision of surrounding
vegetation with potential to reduce visual and noise
disturbance
Critical Areas Study
7
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
occurring species) was recorded for each vegetation layer and the soil
type/soil color and depth of soil saturation recorded (See representative
data sheets in Appendix A).
The on -site water resource is a 0.032 acre portion (Figures 3, 4, and 5) of a
larger (0.10 acre) scrub -shrub and emergent, seasonally flooded/saturated
wetland, as classified by Cowardin, et al. (1979). The wetland is found in
a shallow depression on the northeast corner of the subject property and
extends to the west, onto an adjacent property.
Figure 3. Emergent Wetland at west boundary, looking into the
property from the west. Note emergent zone and standing water.
The wetland on the site has no overstory and the shrub layer is principally
comprised of Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis, FACW), salmonberry (Rubus
spectabilis, FAC+), and red alder (Alnus rubra, FAC), with some
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor, FACU) cover entering the wetland
area. Other than sparse creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FACW)
and occasional (Juncus effusus, FACW), the herb layer throughout the
majority of the fringing scrub -shrub zone is absent. The vegetation in the
more central emergent area, in which standing water was 1 to 2 inches
deep at the time of evaluation, was dominated by Pacific water parsley
Critical Areas Study
Talbot Park Estates
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1
• Upland ;-..
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Water Resources Evaluation
(Oenanthe sarmentosa, OBL). The predominance of the vegetation
supports the hydric vegetation criterion.
Surface soils range from very dark grayish brown (IOYR 3/2) silt to silt
loam with dark yellowish brown (1 OYR 4/6) mottles in the upper 12 to 18
inches at the wetland boundary, to black (IOYR 2/1) very organic loam in
the interior of the wetland. Similar to the findings of Pentec, distinct
change in soil color and change in topography separated wetlands from
uplands, with soil colors of dark yellowish brown 10YR 3/3 and 10YR
3/4. Soil colors support satisfaction of the hydric soils criterion.
Hydrologic support for the wetland are shallow subsurface flows. At the
time of April 2003 sampling, the soil saturation at the wetland boundary
was at a depth of 8 inches; standing water in the more central portions of
the wetland was between 2 and 3 inches. Satisfaction of the hydrology
criterion for these locations was based on soil saturation and presence of
standing water.
Therefore, all criteria are met for consideration of the delineated area as a
wetland, satisfying the conditions of EDC §20.15B.130B.
No wildlife associated with this resource, other than typical songbirds,
was noted at the time of site investigation.
Due to its small size and location in an urbanized area, the wetland area
on the site serves limited functions for hydrologic, water quality, and
wildlife support, including habitat. Limited hydrologic support functions
include stream baseflow contribution. In terms of water quality functions,
values are low for sediment/shoreline stabilization and low for
retention/transformation of sediments, nutrients, or toxicants. Natural
biological functions are similarly low in value, including primary
productivity, detrital transport, nutrient cycling/utilization, and food chain
support. Habitat functions are low for all species but amphibians and
insects. Socioeconomic functions are limited to aesthetic, which are
judged to be low, largely based on size and location of the wetland.
Since the wetland is greater than 2,500 square feet in area, it is regulated
by the City (EMC §20.15B.020.TT). The wetland is classified as a
Category 3 wetland (EMC §20.15B.060), since it is equal to or less than 1
acre and greater than 2,500 square feet and that has one wetland class.
Under EMC §20.15B.130C, 25 foot buffers are required.
Critical Areas Study 10
Talbot Park Estates
Water Resources Evaluation
2.3 Stream
A stream locally referred to as Outfall Creek (Terra Associates 2002)
enters the site at its southeast corner and flows in a northerly direction
near the east property boundary. The approximate stream bank
boundaries and the centerline are found in Figure 2 and documents
submitted by LSA in May 2002. In agreement with Pentec's findings, the
stream should be classified as a Category 2 stream under EMC
20.15B.060. Due to barriers, this stream is not used by salmonids and
would therefore be buffered on either side by 25 foot buffers (EMC
20.15B.120).
In April 2003, RES measured the width of the stream at various locations
along its course, and is in agreement with Pentec's estimate that the
average width is 30 inches, yielding an average width west of centerline of
15 inches.
Critical Areas Study 11
Talbot Park Estates
91
3. Bibliography
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C_ Golet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and
deepwater habitats of the United States. Office of Biological Services, Fish and Wildlife
Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, FWS/OBS-79/31.
Reed, P., Jr. 1988. National list of plant species that occur in wetlands: Northwest (Region 9).
U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 88(26.9).
Reed, P., Jr., et al. 1993. 1993 Supplement to List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands:
Northwest (Region 9). U.S. Dept. Interior Fish Wildl_ Serv. December 1993
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1983- Soil Survey of
Snohomish County, Washington. Prepared in cooperation with the Washington
Agricultural Experiment Station.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual. Publication No. 96-94. March 1997.
Critical Areas Study 12
Talbot Park Estates