HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Submarine_Cable_No_Effect_Biological_Evaluation_230522_v1
1101 South Fawcett Avenue, Suite 200
Tacoma, Washington 98402
253.383.4940
April 27, 2023
Puget Sound Energy
PO Box 97034 M/S EST-04W
Bellevue, Washington 98009-9734
Attention: Jeff Misuik and Dylan Marcus
Subject: No Effects Letter Report
Thermal Survey Borings for Site Investigation
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
File No. 9186-160-00
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is proposing to complete Geotechnical survey activities to evaluate site
conditions in order to design replacement cable crossings that will be completed as separate projects in
the future. The thermal survey work is needed to analyze site conditions and will be conducted by
completing borings along the existing cable line. Borings will be completed in upland locations and below
the High Tide Line (HTL) of the Puget Sound and ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of Lake Washington.
However, upland borings are located outside of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdiction and are
not further discussed in this report. Boring site locations conducted below the HTL/OHWM of both
waterbodies are found on Figure 1, Vicinity Map. Figures 2 through 6, Action Area shows the project
action areas and the proposed boring locations. There are eight borings that will be conducted below the
HTL/OHWM; three borings (H, I and J) will be completed in Lake Washington and five borings (A, C, D, E
and G) will be completed in the Puget Sound. The thermal survey boring samples will be collected from a
barge and are expected to take approximately 9 days to complete.
GeoEngineers, Inc. (GeoEngineers) was retained to prepare a No Effects Letter to satisfy the requirement
for a Biological Evaluation (BE) related to the proposed project. A BE is required to address Endangered
Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation requirements because the project will be working in waters of
the United States (US) that contain listed species. This No Effects Letter addresses potential project
effects on threatened and endangered species and their critical habitat.
Information on species listed under the ESA, and potentially present in the project area, was obtained
from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list (USFWS 2022), the National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) list (NOAA Fisheries 2023a), and the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) priority habitat and species (PHS) maps
Puget Sound Energy | April 27, 2023 Page 2
File No. 9186-160-00
(WDFW 2023). The project occurs within the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, which is known to
provide habitat for documented threatened or endangered species. ESA-listed species and critical
habitats are identified in the Listed Species Information section of this letter report.
1.1. Project Location and Site Description
PSE is proposing to conduct underwater borings on PSE-owned easements that are located within Puget
Sound and Lake Washington (Figure 1). The table below (Table 1) depicts the boring locations; section,
township, and ranges (STR); hydrologic unit code (HUC) number; and water resource inventory area
(WRIA) for each boring.
TABLE 1. BORING LOCATION INFORMATION
Transmission
Line
Nearest
Station
Boring
ID STR1 HUC Number WRIA
Cove Cable to
Command Point
Cove Cable A Sec. 26, T23N, R02E 17110019
Puget Sound
15-Kitsap
Cove Cable to
Command Point
Command
Point
C Sec. 27, T23N, R02E 17110019
Puget Sound
15-Kitsap
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Robinson
Point
D Sec. 14, T22N, R03E 17110019
Puget Sound
15-Kitsap
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Robinson
Point
E Sec. 14, T22N, R03E 17110019
Puget Sound
15-Kitsap
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Des Moines G Sec. 17, T22N, R04E 17110019
Puget Sound
9-Duwamish-
Green
Enatai Cable to
Barnabie Cable
Entai Cable H Sec. 8, T24N, R05E 17110012
Lake Washington
8-Cedar-
Sammamish
Quendall Cable to
Flood Cable
Quendall
Cable
I Sec. 29, T24N, R05E 17110012
Lake Washington
8-Cedar-
Sammamish
Quendall Cable to
Flood Cable
Flood Cable J Sec. 30, T24N, R05E 17110012
Lake Washington
8-Cedar-
Sammamish
Notes:
1. Boring locations are in deeper waters and not all borings are located in a mapped STR. STRs that are listed in the table are the
closest mapped STR to the boring location.
The sites are located adjacent to developed areas with heavy commercial and recreational boating
activities. Some of the boring locations are adjacent to PSE facilities, single-family homes, multi-
residential areas (apartments and condos), and marinas. All borings will be completed in PSE-owned
easements and properties. Areas closer to the shoreline were examined March 9 and 10, 2023 at low
tide to verify the boring locations were absent of potential eelgrass (Zostera marina) and other
submerged aquatic vegetation. It is expected that borings located in deeper waters will not impact
aquatic vegetation because the water will be too deep to support submerged aquatic vegetation.
Puget Sound Energy | April 27, 2023 Page 3
File No. 9186-160-00
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PSE is proposing to perform baseline survey activities of the existing submarine electrical transmission
cables to determine the thermal resistivity of native sediment for the design of future cable replacements.
Exploratory borings for in-situ thermal testing are proposed at several locations along four submarine
cable crossings. If bedrock, hardpan, or very gravelly soils are encountered, it may not be possible to
conduct in-situ testing and a representative core or bulk sample shall be collected for laboratory thermal
analysis.
Eight borings will be completed below the OHWM of Lake Washington and the HTL of Puget Sound
(Figure 1). The borings are located within PSE easements and on PSE owned property adjacent to the
existing cable crossing locations. The project will be completed in a single phase that will last
approximately 9 days. Borings conducted below the HTL/OHWM but closer to shore, will be conducted
during low tide and no equipment will be staged on the beach during high tide; however, borings that will
be conducted in areas permanently underwater, may be conducted during high or low tide events from a
barge. All sampling is proposed to be conducted in the summer of 2023.
The Puget Sound boring locations (A, C, D, E and F) will be accessed during low tide from adjacent upland
areas and a barge will not be required for these borings. The Lake Washington boring locations (H, I
and J) will be accessed from a barge. When the borings are accessed from upland areas, heavy
machinery with track equipment will be used to conduct the borings. Machinery will cross below the HTL
to conduct the boring but will not be staged on the beach. When borings are accessed from a barge, the
equipment for the boring will be placed on a small barge. The small barge and rig will be ferried to and
from survey/boring sites from a public boat ramp each day. The only other vessel involved will be a small
support boat. The operators of the subject vessels will comply with all posted speed zones and
restrictions.
The method of the bore will be a vertical sample collection using a hollow-stem auger. There will be no
more than a surface circle area of 10 inches of ground disturbance from the hollow-stem auger at each
boring location. The outer casing of the hollow-stem auger will encase the rod that is driven down to
collect the sample, so turbidity cannot escape during the bore work. The bore will be driven to a depth of
approximately 15 feet below the floor bottom at the Puget Sound boring locations and up to 50 feet
below the floor bottom at the Lake Washington locations. Drilling fluid generated during the bore will be
collected into containment drums on the barge for disposal at an upland location once work is complete.
Once the core is collected, the bore hole will be filled, with approximately 1 cubic yard at the Puget Sound
sites and 4 cubic yards at the Lake Washington sites of grouting material (bentonite clay) in accordance
with Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) requirements. The boring activity will result in
approximately 0.7 square-foot of impacts to waters of the US per boring. The table below (Table 2) depicts
the boring summary information.
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File No. 9186-160-00
TABLE 2. BORING SUMMARY INFORMATION
Transmission
Line
Nearest
Station
Boring
ID Nearest Address
Proposed
Access Waterbody
Impact
Area
(square
feet)
Cove Cable to
Command Point
Cove Cable A 16800 137th Avenue
SW, Vashon,
Washington 98070
Upland access
from 137th
Avenue NW.
Equipment
stationed on
roadway.
Puget Sound/
Colvos
Passage
0.7
Cove Cable to
Command Point
Command
Point
C 8854 SE Willock
Road, Olalla,
Washington 98359
Upland access
from adjacent
homeowner.
Boring near
shoreline
access.
Puget Sound/
Colvos
Passage
0.7
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Robinson
Point
D 3808 SW Point
Robinson Road,
Vashon Island,
Washington 98070
Upland access
from Point
Robinson
Lighthouse Park.
Then travel
north along
shoreline.
Puget Sound 0.7
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Robinson
Point
E 3808 SW Point
Robinson Road,
Vashon Island,
Washington 98070
Upland access
from Point
Robinson
Lighthouse Park.
Then travel
north along
shoreline.
Puget Sound 0.7
Des Moines to
Point Robinson
Point
Des Moines F 22749 Marine View
Drive S, Des Moines,
Washington 98198
Upland access
from nearest
address. Boring
near shoreline
access.
Puget Sound 0.7
Enatai Cable to
Barnabie Cable
Entai Cable H 10805 SE Lake Road,
Bellevue, Washington
98004
Access from
barge
Lake
Washington
0.7
Quendall Cable
to Flood Cable
Quendall
Cable
I 4601 Lake
Washington Blvd N,
Renton, Washington
98056
Access from
barge
Lake
Washington
0.7
Quendall Cable
to Flood Cable
Flood Cable J 7230 E Mercer Way,
Mercer Island,
Washington 98040
Access from
barge
Lake
Washington
0.7
Puget Sound Total Impact Area 3.5
Lake Washington Total Impact Area 2.1
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File No. 9186-160-00
2.1.1. Impact Avoidance, Minimization Measures, and Best Management Practices
Adverse effects are not anticipated from this project due to the minimal disturbance and short-term
duration. Impact minimization measures for this project include the use of Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for sediment control.
The borings will be completed using current BMPs for on land and in-water geotechnical surveys. The
following discussion identifies some of the BMPs planned to be incorporated into the survey activities;
however, the contractor will identify additional BMPs.
The explorations will be cased to contain fluids and cuttings and isolate the sampler from the water.
There is a slight potential for minor sedimentation of the water directly under and immediately adjacent to
the barge resulting from the placement and removal of the barge anchors and containment casing.
During the sampling, impacts to water quality are not expected due to the containment of the sampling
fluids and cuttings within the casing and the minor amount of potential sediment disturbance.
During the proposed investigative activities there is a potential for petroleum products and other
deleterious materials to enter the water due to an accidental spill or leak. To reduce the potential for
spills and leaks, the work crew on land and the barge will have an adequate supply of materials (such as
a vacuum pump, booms, diapers, and other absorbent material) to control and contain deleterious
materials in the event of an accidental spill. Additionally, vehicles and equipment will be inspected daily
for fluid leaks prior the start of each workday.
The proposed investigative activities have been designed to confine substrate disturbance to the
minimum area necessary by using anchors and a small (approximately 10-inch-diameter) casing.
Excavated materials will be removed and taken to an upland disposal location so they do not enter the
water. In addition, the boring locations have been identified in areas where no subaquatic vegetation was
observed.
3.0 PROJECT ACTION AREA
The action area is defined as “all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the federal action and not
merely the immediate area involved in the action” (50 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] §402-02). The
action area, therefore, includes the spatial extent of all direct, indirect, interrelated, and interdependent
effects of the project. Project-specific effects that need to be taken into account to define the action area
for the project include construction-related noise, water quality impacts, and habitat alteration. The
overall action area is the geographic extent of all project effects, which is the combination of all zones of
influence. Because land use is not changing, and there will be limited construction noise on the project
site, the action area for the project extends approximately 500 feet over land and 890 feet over water
around each boring footprint. Figures 2 through 6 provide a detailed illustration of the boring sites, which
define the action area of each boring location.
3.1. Construction Related Noise
The proposed project includes in-water work; therefore, in-air and in-water noise are evaluated to identify
the action area. It is assumed the contractor will use a 120-pound drop hammer or similar to conduct the
borings. In-air noise generated by the 120-pound drop hammer has, in previous experience, been
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File No. 9186-160-00
identified by contractors to have a noise level of up to 90 decibels (dBA) (pers. comm. with Clay
Griffith 2013). No specific information was found for the underwater noise sound pressure levels
generated by the 120-pound drop hammer. Since no specific in-water sound information was identified
for this type of sampling apparatus, a qualitative assessment of the device was used to identify potential
noise impacts from the borings. The hollow-stem auger has an outer casing up to 10 inches in diameter.
The annular space between the sampling tube and the casing will be filled with dense mud composed of
bentonite and cuttings from the holes. The hollow-stem auger is expected to generate sound levels much
lower than those provided in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Biological
Assessment Manual (WSDOT 2022). The sound level generated by the hollow-stem auger will also be
dampened by the use of an outer casing and dense mud filling the annular space. Therefore, underwater
noise from the geotechnical sampling apparatus is expected to be minor in scale and below disturbance
thresholds for fish and marine mammals.
In-air noise has been quantified using the guidance provided in the WSDOT manual. The 120-pound drop
hammer is expected to generate noise levels up to 90 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. Background noise
levels in areas with frequent boat and ferry traffic and shorelines with typical urban residential
development generally have ambient noise levels of approximately 65 dBA (WSDOT 2022). The boring
locations surrounded by roads, buildings, and trees have “soft-site” conditions that would attenuate noise
at an approximate rate of 7.5 dBA per doubling distance (WSDOT 2022). While the Puget Sound and Lake
Washington represent “hard-site” conditions that would attenuate noise at an approximate rate of
6.0 dBA per doubling distance (WSDOT 2022). The WSDOT manual provides an equation to identify the
distance point source construction noise will travel before it attenuates to the ambient baseline sound
level by the practical spreading loss method (WSDOT 2022). Based on the above-mentioned parameters
and the equation, the distance from the project site at which construction noise would become
indistinguishable from background ambient noise conditions is approximately 500 feet over land and
890 feet over water.
3.2. Water Quality
The action area of the project may be affected by water quality impacts. However, there are no expected
impacts to water quality that are expected to occur as a result of the project. Proper BMPs will be
implemented to prevent sediment-laden water, construction debris, or construction spills from entering
the Puget Sound or Lake Washington.
3.3. Habitat Alteration
The boring locations adjacent to the shorelines were investigated for the presence/absence of aquatic
vegetation and borings were either eliminated or moved to be outside of observed aquatic vegetation. In
addition, the project is not proposing permanent structures; work being conducted is part of site
surveying activities. Each boring is expected to only impact approximately 0.7-square-foot of area, but this
area will be filled with grouting material to minimize potential impacts to the sediments; approximately
3.5-square-foot of the Puget Sound seafloor and 2.1-square-foot of Lake Washington floor will be
impacted from the project. Habitat alteration is not anticipated as a result of the project.
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File No. 9186-160-00
4.0 LISTED SPECIES INFORMATION
Available public information sources regarding threatened and endangered species distribution and use
in the project area were reviewed. Sensitive PHS data specific to the project area was queried from
WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA Fisheries and utilized for this section (WDFW 2023; USFWS 2023;
NOAA Fisheries 2023b). Official species lists and critical habitat maps from USFWS (2022) and NOAA
Fisheries (2023a) are provided in Appendix A, Threatened and Endangered Species Lists. Species that
have a possibility of occurring in the action area for the project are addressed in this BE. These species
are summarized in Table 3 below.
TABLE 3. SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT THAT COULD OCCUR IN THE ACTION AREA
Common
Name Latin Name Water Body Boring ID Jurisdiction Status
Critical
Habitat
Marbled
Murrelet
Brachyramphus
marmoratus
Puget Sound
and Lake
Washington
A through J
(all Borings)
USFWS Threatened N/A1
Bull Trout Salvelinus
confluentus
Puget Sound
and Lake
Washington
A through J
(all Borings)
USFWS Threatened Designated
Puget Sound
Chinook
Salmon
Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha
Puget Sound
and Lake
Washington
A through J
(all Borings)
NMFS Threatened Designated
Puget Sound
Steelhead
Oncorhynchus
mykiss
Puget Sound
and Lake
Washington
A through J
(all Borings)
NMFS Threatened N/A1
Southern
Resident Killer
Whale
Orcinus orca Puget Sound A through G NMFS Endangered Designated
Bocaccio Sebastes
paucispinis
Puget Sound A through G NMFS Endangered Designated
Yelloweye
Rockfish
Sebastes
ruberrimus
Puget Sound A through G NMFS Threatened Designated
Notes:
1 Although critical habitat has been designated for these species, it does not occur in the action area.
4.1. Species and Critical Habitat Not Addressed in this BE
The following ESA-listed species may occur in the vicinity of the borings, but are not expected to occur in
the marine and lake boring sites and are, therefore, not addressed in this BE
■ North American Wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus). North American wolverine are proposed threatened
and are not reported nor expected to occur in or near the action area. North American wolverines are
not expected to occur in the developed environment of the project area or around marine shorelines.
Therefore, no effects to North American wolverine are expected to occur from project activities.
■ Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). Yellow-billed cuckoos are associated with open
deciduous woodlands and deciduous forests that are at least 25 acres in size (NatureServe 2023).
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File No. 9186-160-00
Yellow-billed cuckoos are not expected to occur in the action area where there are limited to no
forested areas. The likelihood of a yellow-billed cuckoo entering the action area is minimal to none.
Therefore, no effect to yellow-billed cuckoo are expected to occur from project activities.
■ Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma). Dolly Varden are listed as proposed by the USFWS based on
similarity of appearance to Bull Trout. None of the effects of this project would discriminate ESA
species based on appearance; therefore, effects of the project on Dolly Varden are covered in this BE
through discussion of Bull Trout. Dolly Varden are not addressed in the remainder of this document.
5.0 POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE ACTION
Potential direct effects resulting from the surveying activities in the vicinity of the project will be minor in
scale, short term, and temporary in duration. These potential effects include the following:
■ Increased in-air noise: In-air noise is expected to travel up to 500 feet across “soft-sites” and up to
890 feet across “hard-sites”.
■ Increased underwater noise: In- water noise will be minor in scale due to the size of the sampling
“pipe” and the use of an outer casing filled with mud, which will attenuate noise.
■ Localized sedimentation: Minor releases of sediment will occur when the anchors and containment
casing make contact with the sea/lake floor. The containment casing will minimize the likelihood of a
release of sediment or drilling fluids during the sampling activities.
■ Accidental spills of fuel or oils: Although there is a slight chance for release of deleterious materials
from sampling equipment, and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan will be
prepared for the project and BMPs will be used to prevent the release of fuel or oils into the Puget
Sound and Lake Washington.
Currently, the levels of human activity, disturbance, and boat traffic in the area surrounding the project
sites are high. The proposed project will not significantly alter or add to existing activity or disturbance
levels and land use is not changing; therefore, no delayed consequences resulting from the project are
anticipated.
There are no known interrelated or interdependent activities scheduled to occur in the vicinity of the
project site, nor are such activities expected to occur as a result of the project.
6.0 EFFECTS DETERMINATIONS
The project will have No Effect on ESA-listed species or designated critical habitats. Although the species
identified in this letter report could potentially be present, the project action area does not contain habitat
crucial to survival of these species. Non-crucial habitat is located within the project area, but other
suitable habitat is available adjacent to the site. Additionally, the project will not affect prey species of
listed ESA species and the presence of listed ESA species is unlikely during construction.
Marbled Murrelet. Marbled murrelets forage in waters from 80 to 260 feet deep and from 0.2 to
1.2 miles offshore (61 FR 26255-26320). Even when not foraging, they spend most of their time on the
water. Marbled murrelets may, therefore, be in the project action area. However, the work will be done in
areas known for recreational and commercial boating activities and the borings will take half a day each
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File No. 9186-160-00
(5 days total) to complete. In addition, underwater and in-air noise is expected to be minimal and not
above normal noise levels that would disturb marbled murrelets. Therefore, the proposed project
activities will have No Effect on Marbled murrelet.
Puget Sound Chinook Salmon. Chinook Salmon may occur in the project action area; however,
underwater noise levels are expected to be minimal and there will be less than 0.7-square-foot of
potential ground disturbance. Post construction, land/water use, and water quantity will not be changing.
Potential impacts are minor, temporary in nature, and will not affect the aquatic species. Therefore, the
proposed project activities will have No Effect on Chinook salmon.
Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat. The project area contains Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs) 2
and 3; open water and nearshore lacustrine areas are present in the action area but will not be adversely
affected by the project. The project area also contains PCEs 4 (Estuarine Areas), 5 (Near Shore Marine
Areas), and 6 (Offshore Marine Areas). No long-term impacts to habitat will result from the proposed
project because water quantity and quality is not changing, and no new structures are being constructed
waterward of the HTL/OHWM. Therefore, the project will have No Effect on Chinook Salmon critical
habitat.
Bull Trout. Bull Trout may occur in the project action area; however, underwater noise levels are expected
to be minimal and there will be less than 0.7-square-foot of potential ground disturbance. Post
construction, land/water use, and water quantity will not be changing. Potential impacts are minor,
temporary in nature, and will not affect the aquatic species. Therefore, the proposed project activities will
have No Effect on Bull Trout.
Bull Trout Critical Habitat. The project area contains PCEs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8. Open water and
nearshore marine and lacustrine areas are present in the action area but will not be affected by the
project. It is assumed that within the action area, water temperatures, and substrates of sufficient
amount and size support Bull Trout use. PEC 5 is not present in the action area. No long-term impacts to
habitat will result from the proposed project because water quantity and quality is not changing, and no
new structures are being constructed waterward of the HTL/OHWM. Therefore, the project will have No
Effect on Bull Trout critical habitat.
Puget Sound Steelhead. Steelhead may occur in the project action area; however, underwater noise
levels are expected to be minimal and there will be less than 0.7-square-foot of potential ground
disturbance. Post construction, land/water use, and water quantity will not be changing. Potential
impacts are minor, temporary in nature, and will not affect the aquatic species. Therefore, the proposed
project activities will have No Effect on Steelhead.
Southern Resident Killer Whale. Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are known to use Puget Sound
on a seasonal basis. SRKW generally follow the chum salmon migration in the fall. Non-crucial habitat
present within the project area lies adjacent to other suitable habitat and SRKW prey species will not be
affected by the project. Underwater noise levels are also expected to be minimal and of short duration.
Therefore, the project will have No Effect on SRKW.
Southern Resident Killer Whale Critical Habitat. SRKW critical habitat is present within the project area.
The three PCEs for SRKW critical habitat are: (1) Water quality to support growth and development;
(2) prey species of sufficient quantity, quality, and availability to support individual growth, reproduction
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File No. 9186-160-00
and development, as well as overall population growth; and; (3) Passage conditions to allow for migration,
resting, and foraging. The project area extends out into waters greater than 20 feet in depth and
therefore, contains PCE 1. The area is a documented migration route for returning adult salmon and
therefore, contains PCE 2. Also, the project area is known to be used by migrating SRKW during the fall
salmon runs and therefore, the site contains PCE 3. No long-term impacts to habitat will result from the
proposed project because water quantity and quality is not changing, and no new structures are being
constructed waterward of the HTL/OHWM. The project is anticipated to not affect prey species. Therefore,
the project will have No Effect on SRKW critical habitat.
Bocaccio. Bocaccio may occur in the project area, but presence is unlikely during the surveying activities.
Non-crucial bocaccio habitat is present within the project area, but other habitat is available adjacent to
the site. No long-term impacts to habitat will result from the proposed project because water quantity and
quality is not changing, and no new structures are being constructed waterward of the HTL/OHWM.
Therefore, the proposed sampling activities will have No Effect on bocaccio.
Yelloweye Rockfish. Yelloweye rockfish may occur in the project area, but presence is unlikely during the
surveying activities. Non-crucial yelloweye rockfish habitat is present within the project area, but other
habitat is available adjacent to the site. No long-term impacts to habitat will result from the proposed
project because water quantity and quality is not changing, and no new structures are being constructed
waterward of the HTL/OHWM. Therefore, the proposed sampling activities will have No Effect on
yelloweye rockfish.
Rockfish Critical Habitat. Rockfish critical habitat has been designated within Puget Sound and is
located within the project action area (79 FR 68042-68087). The PCEs have been grouped depending on
species and life stage.
Specific PCEs that have been identified for adult Bocaccio, and adult and juvenile Yelloweye Rockfish
critical habitat include: (1) quantity, quality, and availability of prey species to support individual growth,
survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities; (2) water quality and sufficient levels of dissolved
oxygen to support growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities; and (3) the type and amount
of structure and rugosity that supports feeding opportunities and predator avoidance. Areas of the Puget
Sound affected by underwater borings contain all three PCEs.
Specific PCEs that have been identified for juvenile Bocaccio critical habitat include: (1) quantity, quality,
and availability of prey species to support individual growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding
opportunities; and (2) water quality and sufficient levels of dissolved oxygen to support growth, survival,
reproduction, and feeding opportunities. Areas of the Puget Sound affected by underwater borings
contain all three PCEs.
No long-term impacts to habitat will result from the proposed project because water quantity and quality
is not changing, and no new structures are being constructed waterward of the HTL/OHWM. The project is
anticipated to not affect prey species. Therefore, the project will have No Effect on rockfish critical
habitat.
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7.0 CONCLUSIONS
It is our understanding that this “No Effects” letter satisfies PSE’s responsibilities under Section 7 (c) of
the ESA at this time. PSE will continue to remain aware of any change in status of these species and will
be prepared to re-evaluate potential project impacts if necessary.
7.1. Essential Fish Habitat Assessment
The federal Magnuson-Stevens Act, as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-267), requires federal agencies to consult with NOAA Fisheries regarding activities that
may adversely affect essential fish habitat for federally managed marine fish. In addition, the statute
requires fishery management councils to include descriptions of essential fish habitat in all federal fishery
management plans.
Salmonids and groundfish species may occur within the action area. Coastal pelagic species are not
present within the project action area. The project will have no adverse effect on essential fish habitat for
Pacific salmon, coastal pelagic fish species, or groundfish species.
8.0 LIMITATIONS
GeoEngineers has prepared this No Effect Biological Evaluation Report in general accordance with the
scope and limitations of our proposal. Within the limitations of scope, schedule, and budget, our services
have been executed in accordance with the generally accepted practices for ESA consultations in this
area at the time this report was prepared. No warranty or other conditions, express or implied, should be
understood.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Puget Sound Energy, authorized agents and
regulatory agencies following the described methods and information available at the time of the work.
No other party may rely on the product of our services unless we agree in advance to such reliance in
writing. The information contained herein should not be applied for any purpose or project except the one
originally contemplated.
The applicant is advised to contact all appropriate regulatory agencies (local, state, and federal) prior to
design or construction of any development to obtain necessary permits and approvals.
9.0 REFERENCES
61 FR 26255-26320. 50 CFR Part 17. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation
of Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet; Final Rule. Federal Register, Vol. 62, No. 102. 1996.
79 FR 68042-68087. 2014. Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the
Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Distinct population Segments of Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish
and Bocaccio; Final Rule. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Federal Register, Vol. 79, No. 219. November 13, 2014.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 2005. Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries. Section 402.02 – Definitions.
Puget Sound Energy | April 27, 2023 Page 12
File No. 9186-160-00
Griffith, Clay. 2013. Personal communication between Lyle Stone of GeoEngineers and Clay Griffith of
Holocene Drilling. April 19, 2013.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. 2023a. Species Directory. Available
at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory/threatened-endangered?title=&species_
category=any&species_status=any®ions=1000001126&items_per_page=25&sort=
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. 2023b. Protected Resources App.
West Coast Region. Available at: https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/portal/
apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7514c715b8594944a6e468dd25aaacc9
NatureServe Explorer. 2023. Available at: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/.
Public Law 104-267. Sustainable Fisheries Act. Senate Report. S39. Senate Commerce, Science and
Transportation Committee. Available at: https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/104th-
congress/senate-report/276/1
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022. Official Species List. Project Code: 2023-
0022539.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023. Critical Habitat for Threatened and Endangered
Species. Available at: https://fws.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap
=9d8de5e265ad4fe09893cf75b8dbfb77
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2023. Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Mapping
Application. Available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). 2022 Biological Assessment Preparation
Manual and Template. Available at: https://wsdot.wa.gov/engineering-standards/environmental-
guidance/endangered-species-act-essential-fish-habitat
Puget Sound Energy | April 27, 2023 Page 13
File No. 9186-160-00
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to Puget Sound Energy. Please call if you require more
information or have questions regarding this report.
Sincerely,
GeoEngineers, Inc.
Jennifer L. Dadisman, PWS Joseph O. Callaghan, MS, PWS
Senior Biologist Principal Fisheries Biologist
JLD:JOC:tlm
Attachments:
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figures 2 through 6. Action Area
Appendix A. Threatened and Endangered Species Lists
One electronic copy submitted
Disclaimer: Any electronic form, facsimile or hard copy of the original document (email, text, table, and/or figure), if provided, and any attachments are only a copy of the original document. The original document is stored by GeoEngineers, Inc. and will serve as the official document of record.
160
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Figure 1
PSE Submarine Cable Testing
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• ESRI
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N
Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figurefor any other project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers.
The locations of features shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty orrepresentation as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data containedtherein. The file containing this figure is a copy of a master document, the original of which isretained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
Legend
Boring Location
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Land Action Area = 500 feet
Water Action Area = 890 feet
Source(s):• Bing Imagery
Legend
Boring Location
Action Area
P:\9\9186160\GIS\9186160_Project\9186160_Project.aprx\918616000_F02_ActionArea_ABC Date Exported: 03/17/23 by ccabrera
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Action Area
PSE Borings for Site Survey
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
Figure 2Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other
project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations offeatures shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy ofa master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
51st Ln SW50thPlSW4 7 thP lSW49th Pl SW43rdAveSW48th Pl SW49th Ave SWSW 244 t h S t47th Ave SWSW Point Robinson Rd
SWLuana
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Legend
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P:\9\9186160\GIS\9186160_Project\9186160_Project.aprx\918616000_F03_ActionArea_DE Date Exported: 03/27/23 by ccabrera
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Action Area
PSE Borings for Site Survey
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
Figure 3Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other
project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations offeatures shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy ofa master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
Land Action Area = 500 feet
Water Action Area = 890 feet
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Legend
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Action Area
P:\9\9186160\GIS\9186160_Project\9186160_Project.aprx\918616000_F04_ActionArea_G Date Exported: 03/17/23 by ccabrera
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Action Area
PSE Borings for Site Survey
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
Figure 4Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other
project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations offeatures shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy ofa master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
Land Action Area = 500 feet
Water Action Area = 890 feet
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P:\9\9186160\GIS\9186160_Project\9186160_Project.aprx\918616000_F05_ActionArea_H Date Exported: 03/17/23 by ccabrera
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Action Area
PSE Borings for Site Survey
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
Figure 5Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other
project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations offeatures shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy ofa master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
Land Action Area = 500 feet
Water Action Area = 890 feet
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Jones Ave NESE 78th St
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Source(s):• Bing Imagery
Legend
Boring Location
Action Area
P:\9\9186160\GIS\9186160_Project\9186160_Project.aprx\918616000_F06_ActionArea_IJ Date Exported: 03/17/23 by ccabrera
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Action Area
PSE Borings for Site Survey
King and Kitsap Counties, Washington
Figure 6Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other
project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations offeatures shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy ofa master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record.
Land Action Area = 500 feet
Water Action Area = 890 feet
APPENDIX A Threatened and Endangered Species Lists
Species Directory
All Species ESA Threatened & Endangered Marine Mammals
Sustainable Fisheries
ESA Threatened & Endangered
NOAA Fisheries has jurisdiction over 165 endangered and threatened marine species (79
endangered; 85 threatened), including 65 foreign species (39 endangered; 26 threatened).
Additional species are currently under review or have been proposed for Endangered Species
Act listing: 0 petitioned species awaiting a 90-day finding, 14 candidate species for ESA listing, 0
proposed species for ESA listing.
[DISCLAIMER: THIS LIST HAS BEEN ALTERED TO REMOVE SPECIES THAT DO NOT OCCUR IN CENTRAL PUGET SOUND AND REFORMATTED TO REDUCE BLANK SPACE AND OVERALL PAGE COUNT]
Bocaccio Sebastes paucispinis
SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish DPS OR SUBSPECIES Puget Sound/Georgia Basin DPS STATUS ESA Endangered YEAR LISTED 2010
RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final REGION Alaska West Coast Chinook Salmon - Protected Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish Salmon & Steelhead DPS OR SUBSPECIES Puget Sound STATUS ESA Threatened
YEAR LISTED 1999 RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final REGION Alaska West Coast
Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish DPS OR SUBSPECIES Southern DPS
STATUS ESA Threatened YEAR LISTED 2010 RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final
REGION Alaska West Coast
Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris
SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish DPS OR SUBSPECIES Southern DPS STATUS ESA Threatened YEAR LISTED 2006
RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final REGION Alaska West Coast Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae
SPECIES CATEGORY Whales DPS OR SUBSPECIES Central America DPS STATUS ESA Endangered
YEAR LISTED 2016 RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Proposed REGION West Coast
DPS OR SUBSPECIES Mexico DPS STATUS ESA Threatened YEAR LISTED 2016 RECOVERY PLAN Final
CRITICAL HABITAT Proposed REGION Alaska West Coast Killer Whale Orcinus orca
SPECIES CATEGORY Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises DPS OR SUBSPECIES Southern Resident DPS STATUS ESA Endangered YEAR LISTED 2005
RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Proposed Revision REGION Alaska West Coast
Steelhead Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish Salmon & Steelhead DPS OR SUBSPECIES Puget Sound DPS STATUS ESA ThreatenedYEAR LISTED 2007
RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final REGION Alaska West Coast
Yelloweye Rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus SPECIES CATEGORY Fish, Protected Fish DPS OR SUBSPECIES Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin DPS STATUS ESA Threatened
YEAR LISTED 2010 RECOVERY PLAN Final CRITICAL HABITAT Final
REGION Alaska West Coast
December 07, 2022
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Washington Fish And Wildlife Office
510 Desmond Drive Se, Suite 102
Lacey, WA 98503-1263
Phone: (360) 753-9440 Fax: (360) 753-9405
In Reply Refer To:
Project Code: 2023-0022539
Project Name: Thermal Survey Borings for Site Investigation
Subject:List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the
requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of
species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to
contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to
federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical
habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the
Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be
completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be
completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and
implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested
through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having
similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)
(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological
12/07/2022 2
evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may
affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended
contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that
listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the
agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service
recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed
within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7
consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered
Species Consultation Handbook" at:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to
protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional,
resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more
information regarding these Acts see https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations.php.
The MBTA has no provision for allowing take of migratory birds that may be unintentionally
killed or injured by otherwise lawful activities. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to
comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within
applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan
(when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid
or minimize the production of project-related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and
their resources to the project-related stressors. For more information on avian stressors and
recommended conservation measures see https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/threats-to-
birds.php.
In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies
to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities
that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures
that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both
migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of
Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/
executive-orders/e0-13186.php.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages
Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project
planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of
this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit
to our office.
12/07/2022 3
▪
Attachment(s):
Official Species List
12/07/2022 1
Official Species List
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Washington Fish And Wildlife Office
510 Desmond Drive Se, Suite 102
Lacey, WA 98503-1263
(360) 753-9440
12/07/2022 2
Project Summary
Project Code:2023-0022539
Project Name:Thermal Survey Borings for Site Investigation
Project Type:Subsurface Exploration - Other Energy
Project Description:Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is in the process of completing survey
activities to evaluate site conditions in order to design a replacement cable
crossing that will be completed as a separate project in the future. The
thermal survey work is needed to analyze the site conditions and will be
conducted by completing borings along the existing cable line.
Project Location:
Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/@47.57794275,-122.19939896785534,14z
Counties:King and Kitsap counties, Washington
12/07/2022 3
1.
Endangered Species Act Species
There is a total of 5 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
Mammals
NAME STATUS
North American Wolverine Gulo gulo luscus
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5123
Proposed
Threatened
Birds
NAME STATUS
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus
Population: U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA)
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4467
Threatened
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
Population: Western U.S. DPS
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3911
Threatened
Fishes
NAME STATUS
Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus
Population: U.S.A., conterminous, lower 48 states
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8212
Threatened
1
12/07/2022 4
Insects
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
Candidate
Critical habitats
There is 1 critical habitat wholly or partially within your project area under this office's
jurisdiction.
NAME STATUS
Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8212#crithab
Final
12/07/2022 5
IPaC User Contact Information
Agency:GeoEngineers, Inc.
Name:Jennifer Dadisman
Address:1101 S. Fawcett Avenue, Suite 200
City:Tacoma
State:WA
Zip:98402
Email jdadisman@geoengineers.com
Phone:2533834940