SEPA checklist.pdfWAC 197-11-960 Environmental checklist.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Pui7)ose ofeliecklist:
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the
environmental impacts of' a proposal before iriaking 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.
Instruction s for• al?phcants.-
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies
use dais 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 Imowledge. 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 subrnit 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 fin, nonJ)rqjectpro1josa&-
Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN
ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETFOR NONPROJECTACTIONS (part D),
For nonproject actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should
be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively,
A. BACK6ROUND
ON
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
City of Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Facility Outfall Diffuser Replacement
2. Name of applicant: City of Lynnwood Public Works 0
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Bill Franz, Public Works Director, phone 425-670-5204
4, Date checklist prepared: November 24, 2009
S. Agency requesting checklist: City of Lynnwood, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Construction will occur during the summer in -water work window (July 16 to February 16 in 2010-11,
pending receipt of all permits.
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 of Lynnwood has no further plans for work on the outfall. The City is in the process of obtaining perrnits to
install a new generator and generator building on the WWTF Site, and has several other equipment replacement and
improvement proJects planned for implementation in the next few years.
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8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this
proposal.
• Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application,
• Application to the US Army Corps of Engineers for a Rivers & Harbors Act, Section 10 Permit,
• Specific Project Information Form (SPIFF) to assist the Corps of Engineers with ESA Consultation with US
Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service,
• The Aquatic Lands Use Authorization with the Department of Natural Resources will be updated as a result of
this project.
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.
Not at this time.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit; City of Lynnwood
0 Hydraulic Project Approval; Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Rivers & Harbors Act, Section 10 Permit; US Army Corps of Engineers
Endangered Species Act consultation and concurrence; National Marine Fisheries Service &
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the 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. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.)
The proposed project involves the removal of the existing CMP Wastewater Treatment Facility
outfall diffuser and replacement in-kind with a 36 -inch (OD) HDPE SDR 17 diffuser pipe and
associated anchor system that would match the existing outfall pipe, which was installed in 1996.
The existing 36 -inch CMP outfall diffuser (installed in 1984 & 1990) extends approximately 241 feet west-
northwest from the end of the 36 -inch HDPE outfall pipe. Concrete anchors would be installed over the
outfall at regular intervals.
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 the range or boundaries of the site(s), Provide a 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 project area can be accessed from the intersection of 196t1i Avenue SW and Highway
99 in Lynnwood, Washington by proceeding west to 76t1' Avenue West and turning north
on 76tt' Avenue West until reaching the I.,ynnwood WWTF at 17000 76t" Avenue West. The
WWTF is located in the NE Qtr, Section of Section 7, Township 27 North, Range 4 East in
Snohomish County (47150' 33" West lat. /122120133" West long.).
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B. rNVIRONMI::N7'ALi�'LEMI�-'N'l'S
1. Earth
EVALUATION FOR
AGFNCY USE: ONLY
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous,
other......
The site is located approximately 1,000 feet offshore of the Lynnwood WWTF. Tile benthic
surface is fairly flat, sloping slightly toward the west. The area immediately upland of the
WWTF diffuser is a fairly moderate sandy slope.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The Lynnwood WWTF slopes toward Puget Sound at approximately a 2% grade.
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 then) and note any prime
farmland.
According to the 1988 Outfall Study, the benthic surface in the project area is mostly sand.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the inunediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
The outer end of the Lynnwood WWTF diffuser is located on a fairly steep portion of the benthic
surface. Tile alignment of the new diffuser would be adjusted to the northeast slightly to access a
flatter portion of the benthic surface. The new alignment remains within the existing easement/DNR
lease/easement.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed.
Indicate source of fill.
No actual filling of wetlands or marine waters is proposed. The existing WWTF outfall and
associated concrete anchor blocks will be removed from the diffuser alignment prior to installation
of the new HDPE diffuser pipe. The new diffuser will be of essentially the same size and dimensions.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
The route of the proposed Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser pipe will be modified from the
current alignment to the northeast to utilize a gentler slope across the benthic surface. This will
reduce the potential for underwater landslides.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
As the entire project is located under the surface of Puget Sound and the outfall pipeline will be
replaced in-kind, except that the CMP will be replaced with HDPE )material, no new impervious
surfaces will be created.
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HVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE, ONI,Y
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
The marine contractor on the job will work with divers to remove the existing corroded WWTF
outfall structure and anchoring system using a barge -mounted crane. Every effort will be made to
avoid stirring up the sediments by dragging these structures across the benthic surface.
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.
Minor amounts of diesel and gasoline engine emissions will be generated by the vessels involved with
construction of the new diffuser and removal of the old diffuser pipe.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor- that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
No.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
None required.
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 stxeam or river it flows into.
Yes, Browns Bay on Puget Sound
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, the entire project will occur within Browns Bay on Puget Sound approximately 1,400
feet off -shore of the Lynnwood WWTF.
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 or dredge material will be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands
associated with the proposed project.
d) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
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No surface water withdrawals or diversions are proposed.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location oil the site plan.
The entire project area lies at a depth of more than -100 feet MLLW, so it is also within the
100 -year floodplain of Browns Bay/Puget Sound.
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.
The proposed project involves the replacement of the Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser. The
Lynnwood WWTF is designed for 7.4 million gallons per day MGD maximum month flow.
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 groundwater will be withdrawn and no water will be discharged to groundwater associated
with the proposed WWTF Outfall Diffuser Replacement Project.
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 systernn(s) are expected to serve.
Not applicable. No waste material will be discharged to the ground from septic tanks or other
sources.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
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.
Not applicable, as replacement of the Lynnwood WWTF outfall diffuser ill -kind will have
no impact on the stormwater, as the entire project is located on the bottom of Browns Bay
on Puget Sound.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
The proposed project involves the replacement of the Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser. The
Lynnwood WWTF is designed for 7.4 million gallons per day MGD maximum month flow.
Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any;
Not applicable, as the proposed project will not result in surface, ground and runoff water impacts.
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4. Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
shrubs
grass
pasture
crop or grain
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
X other types of vegetation
twALUATEON FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Diatoms and algae on the existing CMP outfall diffuser will be removed from the benthic surface
when the existing pipe is removed from the water. As the diffuser is located at a depth of more than
100 feet, algal growth is limited due to reduced light penetration.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None known
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
A film of diatoms, algae and invertebrates is likely to colonize the new diffuser pipe in the first few
months after installation. Additional algal growth is unlikely due to limited light penetration at -100
feet MLLW.
5. Animals
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on ox near the site or are known to be on or near the site:
birds: hawk, heron, ca,le, songbirds, other: sea gulls, cormorants rebes marine clucks eese
etc.
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: harbor seals California sea lions Steller sea lions
harbor porpoise, Dahl's or Oise and orea may occasionally be 12resent in the proicet
area.
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring shellfish, other: Pacific salmon trout herring and shellfish are
all present in the marine waters of Browns Bay, primarilyshoreward of the project
area.
b. hist any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
• Orea southern resident pod (endangered)
• Steller sea lion (threatened)
• Puget Sound Chinook salmon (threatened)
• Puget Sound steelhead (threatened)
• Puget Sound bull trout (threatened)
• Marbled murrelet (threatened)
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c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Puget Sound is part of the Pacific Flyway for migratory waterfowl. Pacific salmon originating in
streams draining to Puget Sound south of Lynnwood migrate along the shoreline shoreward of the
project area. Returning adult salmonids may migrate through the project at -ea.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Replacing the Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser will improve dilution of the effluent discharged
and will diffuse effluent off -shore of important migratory habitat for juvenile salmonids.
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.
Effluent from the Lynnwood WWTF generally flows out the diffuser by gravity. Energy
requirements of construction vessels will be provided by diesel and gasoline -powered engines.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe.
No.
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 existing diffuser pipe will be replaced with HDPE piping of similar dimensions and design to
maintain hydraulic efficiency.
7. Environmental bealtlr
a. Are there any environmental Health Hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explasion, spill, or hazardous waste that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe.
The existing CMP diffuser, which will be removed, may have asbestos -containing asphalt coating.
The only other environmental health risks associated with the proposed project would be exposure
to fuels, lubricants and coolants associated with the various gasoline and diesel powered engines on
construction vessels.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
The contractor will be responsible for contacting marine medical evacuation teams in the event of a
diver injury or decompression accident.
Divers and other workers that handle the existing diffuser pipe (to be removed) will have asbestos
awareness training, and procedures will be followed to minimize risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.
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LVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
The dive team will likely maintain a decompression chamber on the job site or construction barge.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Noise from marine traffic, wind, waves and the marine wildlife in the project area are unlikely to
impact marine construction activities associated with replacement of the Lynnwood WWTF
Outfall Diffuser.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long -terns basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Construction noise will include outboard boat motors, diesel engines from tug boats and
compressors and generators on the construction barge. Operation of the new WWTF Outfall
Diffuser will be essentially silent and will not result in a change from existing conditions.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Noise abatement equipment (mufflers etc.) associated with boats motors, generators and
compressors utilized during construction will be properly operated and maintained to minimize
noise disturbance.
8. Land and shoreline use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
The project site is currently the Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
No.
c, Describe any structures on the site.
The existing CMP Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser is present on the bottom of Browns Bay on
the project site.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
The existing 36 -inch diameter CMP outfall pipeline and associated anchor structures will be
removed from the benthic surface by a barge mounted crane assisted by divers. The old outfall will
be hauled into port (not the beach in front of the Lynnwood WWTfl and transferred to an
approved disposal facility.
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c. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Public
f. What is the current compreliensive plan designation of the site?
Public Facilities
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
The Lynnwood Shoreline Master Program is under development.
FVAL,UATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
b, Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
The project area is on the bottom of Browns Bay on Puget Sound, which is regarded as an
environmentally sensitive area.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
No one would reside in the project area, as it is underwater.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
None.
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:
The new outfall diffuser will be replaced in-kind, so that it will remain compatible with existing and
projected land uses, and the new diffuser pipe will be located within the existing DNR Aquatic
Lands Easement,
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, 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 principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
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The new WWTF outfall diffuser will be approximately three and a half feet high.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
The Lynnwood WWTF outfall diffuser is located under at least 100 feet of water in Puget Sound, so
no views will be altered or obstructed, once construction is complete.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
None required
11. Light and glare
a. What type of light or blare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Light could occasionally reflect off windshields of construction vessels during mid-day. The finished
outfall will be located in over 100 feet of water, so that it will not generate light or glare.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
No
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
Light and glare from off-site sources is unlikely to be an issue, as the work area is more than 1.,000
feet off -shore in Browns Bay on Puget Sound.
d. Proposed pleasures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
None required.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Recreational opportunities in the vicinity of the project include boating fishing and possibly SCUBA
diving
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
Construction vessels would become an obstacle to navigation in the project area for a period of
approximately one month.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation op-
portunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
Construction vessels will be marked with appropriate marine signal devices to warn navigators to
avoid the project area during construction operations.
13. Historic and cultural preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local preser-
vation registers known to be on or next to the site? if so, generally describe.
No. The site is underwater.
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b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or
cultural importance known to be on or next to the site.
None known. The site is 1,000 feet off -shore in Browns Bay on Puget Sound
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: None required
14. Transportation
EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USI' ONLY
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the
existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
The project area is located approximately 1,000 feet offshore in Browns Bay on Puget Sound and
can only be accessed by boat.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the
nearest transit stop?
Community Transit serves the Edmonds Ferry Terminal approximately one mile from the project
area.
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have`? How many would the
project eliminate?
Not applicable, the project area is under water.
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 transporta-
tion? If so, generally describe.
The project will occur in navigable water approximately 1,000 feet off -shore of the Lynnwood
WWTF Site in Edmonds, Washington. The Burlington Northern Railroad Tracks run north to
south along the shoreline.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak
volumes would occur.
None, as the project area is approximately 1,000 feet offshore in Puget Sound. The DNR Lease
requires periodic inspections of the outfall.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
None required
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15. Public services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire pro-
tection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? if so, generally describe.
No. The project will improve an existing public service (wastewater treatment & disposal).
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Implementation of the proposed project will improve wastewater treatment and disposal
services provided by the City of Lynnwood.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse serv-
ice, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic systen-, other.
Sanitary sewer outfall for the City of Lynnwood is located on the project site.
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.
The proposed project will replace the existing City of Lynnwood WWTF Outfall Diffuser.
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: ................................................................................................................................................................................
DateSubmitted: ......................................................................................................................................................................
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