CRA-12-82 Letter by ACRE Environmental Consulting LLC.pdf0
October 24 2012 '
City of Edmonds n M
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Development Services Department, Planning Divisions
Attn. Jen Machuga, Associate Planner
1215 th Avenue N
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: Critical Areas Assessment for 1020 2nd Avenue S (Critical Areas File Number CRA20120082):
Dear Jen.
On October 23, 2012 Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC completed a visit to the 0.56 -acre
property located at 1020 2nd Avenue South in the City of Edmonds, Washington. This site is
further located as a portion of Section 26, Township 27N, Range 3
E, W.M. The tax parcel number for this site is 00582000400200. The purpose of this site visit
was to assess the presence of regulated wetlands and streams on and adjacent to the subject
property.
The subject site has a west aspect slope and contains one single-family residence with
associated outbuildings and infrastructure, with the remainder of the property occupied by
maintained lawn. Access is gained from the east via 2nd Avenue South which is located along the
eastern property line. The site is bordered on the west by State Route 104 with single-family
residential development to the north and south. Willow Creek and the associated Edmonds
Marsh wetland are located west and north of the subject site, west of SR 104. However, no
wetlands or streams are located on or within 200 feet of the subject site.
A drainage feature is located approximately 20 feet west of the subject site, in the right-of-way
of SR 104. A chain link fence separates the western border of the subject property from the SR
104 right-of-way. This drainage feature is a trapezoidal, asphalt lined channel, with an average
width of approximately three feet. This asphalt lined ditch extends along the toe of the slope of
the SR 104 road grade to approximately 200 linear feet southwest of the southern terminus of
4th Avenue South (upslope of the subject site). There are no wetlands or streams associated
with this ditch and it appears that what little hydrology drains to this feature comes from the
right-of-way of SR 104 and possibly some of the adjacent development to the east. The majority
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of this channel has been covered by a layer of accumulated debris that includes leaves, duff,
and silt. There is little to no evidence of the sorting of sediments or the passage of water.
Edmonds Municipal Code 23.90.010 defines streams as "those areas where surface waters
produce a defined channel or bed which demonstrates clear evidence, such as the sorting of
sediments, of the passage of water."
Picture 1: A section of the channel located upstream of the subject site, exposed by Acre Environmental to show
the underlying asphalt. Note the accumulation of debris.
This is a manmade water conveyance system that seems to have been built in conjunction with
the construction of SR 104 to intercept stormwater runoff from the road and convey it to the
City stormwater system. This feature was not produced by the natural flow of water but rather,
was artificially created. Furthermore, there is little to no evidence of the sorting of sediment or
the passage of water. As a result, it appears that this feature does not meet the definition of a
stream in the City of Edmonds and is therefore, a ditch and not a regulated critical area.
Picture 2: A section of the channel located upstream of the subject site looking north. Note the accumulation of
debris and vegetation and the asphalt lined, trapezoidal channel.
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Use of this Report
This wetland and stream determination letter is supplied to LDC, Inc. as a means of determining
the presence of regulated Critical Areas on and adjacent to the subject site. This report is based
largely on readily observable conditions and, to a lesser extent, on readily ascertainable
conditions. No attempt has been made to determine hidden or concealed conditions. Reports
may be adversely affected due to the physical condition of the site and the difficulty of access,
which may lead to observation or probing difficulties.
The laws applicable to wetlands are subject to varying interpretations and may be changed at
any time by the courts or legislative bodies. This report is intended to provide information
deemed relevant in the applicant's attempt to comply with the laws now in effect.
The work for this report has conformed to the standard of care employed by wetland
ecologists. No other representation or warranty is made concerning the work or this report and
any implied representation or warranty is disclaimed. If you have any questions regarding this
report, please contact me at 206.450.7746.
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC.
Louis Emenhiser
Owner / Principal Wetland Ecologist
Professional Wetland Scientist #1680
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