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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_1601_SEPA Checklist_230316_v1.pdfSEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 1 of 26 SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Purpose of checklist Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization, or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal. Instructions for applicants This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or "does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-making process. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. Instructions for lead agencies Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. Use of checklist for nonproject proposals For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B, plus the Supplemental Sheet for Nonproject Actions (Part D). Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in “Part B: Environmental Elements” that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 2 of 26 A. Background Find help answering background questions 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology Testing Lab 2. Name of applicant: University of Washington 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Ben Newton, Property Operations Manager, UW Real Estate UW Facilities, Asset Management 4002 E Stevens Way NE Seattle, WA 98195 206-221-0958 4. Date checklist prepared: March 15, 2023 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton, Planning Division 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Construction is anticipated to occur 7/2023 – 5/2024 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. There are no plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposed project. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. The following environmental information has been prepared in association with this project: • ICF. March 7, 2022. Environmental Assessment of University of Washington COVID Testing Facility Concrete Pad Installation Memorandum. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 3 of 26 • City of Renton and University of Washington. October 13, 2022. Pre-application meeting document. • University of Washington. December 7, 2021. SEPA checklist submitted as part of the Change of Use Permit for the UW Medicine Testing Lab. • University of Washington. September 7, 2022. MyChem, Inventory Report for Rm 255, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine. • Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. April 10, 2018. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report prepared for BH Properties. 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. There are no applications pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by the proposal. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. A Conditional Use Permit, building permit, and applicable mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) permits would be needed for this proposal. 11. Give a 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 University of Washington is proposing a change of use from office space to laboratory facilities in an existing structure in the Commercial Office zone. The subject parcel size is 229,238 square feet (5.26 acres). The building is 200,680 gross square feet and has a footprint of approximately 40,253 square feet. The entire building is currently leased by the University of Washington. The first level of the building is currently occupied by UW Medicine Testing labs through an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (LUA21-000463). The proposed Medicine Testing Lab facilities, support offices, and amenities would occupy the remaining floors (2-5). Renovations to the interior of the building would be required to support the technical equipment and workflow. New finishes, ceilings, interior partitions, and doors (including card access security) would be required, in addition to new electrical, data, mechanical equipment, and new sinks (hand-wash and lab use). Restrooms would be added or modified to support current accessibility standards. New air handling units to provide 100% outside air for lab safety are required and would be located either on the upper roof or at grade. An additional 20 bike lockers would be installed in the parking lot near the southwest corner of the building by the vendor parking spaces and across from the proposed additional refuse and recycling enclosure. Two exterior generators would be installed and anchored on a new concrete slab in currently paved surfaces at grade. The testing lab would contain equipment to perform several tests on samples collected in other SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 4 of 26 locations and couriered to the facility using small courier vehicles including cars and small panel trucks. Patients requiring testing are not expected to visit the site. The expected hours of operation would be 24/7 and approximately 600-750 full-time staff would be employed during project operation. 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 proposal is located at 1601 Lind Ave SW in the city of Renton, Washington 98057 at the corner of SW 16th Ave and Lind Ave SW. It occurs in Section 19 Township 23N Range 5E. Figure 1 shows the proposal location with proposal vicinity inset. Please refer to the master application form for the site plan and project design details. Figure 1. Proposal Location and Vicinity SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 5 of 26 B. Environmental Elements 1. Earth Find help answering earth questions a. General description of the site: The project area is in a highly developed area surrounded by Providence Health & Services to the south, a vacant building to the northwest, SW 16th Avenue to the north, Lind Avenue SW to the east, and Raymond Avenue SW Avenue to the west. Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Less than 1 percent slope. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them, and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Two soil units are mapped in the project site. Puget loamy sand is documented below and immediately adjacent to the Lind Building with an “urban land” soil designation documented in the surrounding parking lot and vicinity (NRCS 2019). The proposal will not result in removal of these soils. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. There are no known or mapped surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity of the proposal. e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. No fill, excavation or grading are proposed. The proposed generators and concrete slab would occur in an existing paved area. The new, thicker, concrete slab would replace an existing concrete patio slab roughly 119 square feet in size. f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No clearing or grading is proposed. Therefore, no erosion is expected to occur. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Currently the 229,238 square foot property is primarily impervious surfaces comprised of the Lind Building and the associated asphalt parking lot. Landscaping is present as islands between parking aisles and surrounding the Lind Building. No additional hard surfaces would be created from project construction. The proposed exterior generators would be installed and anchored on a concrete slab in SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 6 of 26 currently paved surfaces. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. Not applicable. 2. Air Find help answering air questions a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Emissions from construction vehicles and equipment may temporarily affect local air quality during construction of the project. During operations, emissions would include the exhaust of laboratory fume hoods, as well as exhausted environmental air from the lab and office spaces. Laboratory fume hoods would provide a ventilated enclosure which would trap and exhaust vapors, gases, and nanoparticles generated during project operation as well as pulling in fresh air, via building duct work. The exact chemicals which would require use of a fume hood(s) are still being determined and would vary between medical labs or departments. Grossing stations would handle formalin, xylene and alcohol. Generators, which would only be used in case of power outages, would emit nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. There are no off-site sources of emissions or odors that would affect the proposal. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any. Not applicable. The emission quantities generated during construction and operation of the project have not been estimated. However, based on the limited time, use, or quantity, they are not expected to exceed local emissions standards. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 7 of 26 3. Water Find help answering water questions a. Surface Water: Find help answering surface water questions 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 stream or river it flows into. No wetlands or surface water bodies are documented within or immediately adjacent to the project site (City of Renton 2016; USFWS 2021; King County 2020). The nearest wetland feature mapped by the City of Renton Surface Water Classifications and Wetlands and the NWI is a seasonally flooded freshwater emergent wetland roughly 200 feet southeast of the project site in a vacant commercial lot. The closest waterways are Springbrook and Rolling Hills Creeks. Rolling Hills Creek, a non-fish-bearing stream, is piped 680 feet to the south while Springbrook Creek is a designated shoreline of the state located roughly 780 feet to the west of the project site 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. No work would occur over, in, or adjacent to Rolling Hills Creek, Spring Hill Creek, or any other waterway or drainage during project construction or operation. 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 would be placed in or remove from surface water or wetlands from project construction or operation. 4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Project construction or operation does not require any surface water withdrawals or diversions. 5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. The project site is in the 100-year floodplain or Zone AE, which is defined as having a 1% annual chance of flooding with a determined base flood elevation, based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Figure 2; Firm panel 53033C0978G, FEMA 2020). Flood Insurance Rate Map for King County Washington and Incorporated Area. The project site is not in a regulatory floodway, an aquifer protection area, or wellhead protection area with a mapped Zone 2 roughly 0.25 mile to the northwest (City of Renton 2020). The proposed external generators occur in the mapped 100-year floodplain. The proposed generators, fuel tanks, and utility transformers would be anchored to a concrete slab to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads including the effects of buoyancy. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 8 of 26 Figure 2. City of Renton Flood Hazard Areas. Project site indicated by red box. (City of Renton 2012) 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. Project construction and operation would not discharge any waste materials to surface waters b. Ground Water: Find help answering ground water questions 1. Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Groundwater would not be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes, and no water would be discharged to groundwater during project construction or operation. 2. Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals…; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 9 of 26 No waste material would be discharged into 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. No changes to the existing building and parking lot storm drainage system are anticipated. Stormwater is collected onsite with an existing catch basin before conveying to the city stormwater system. 2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Waste materials are not anticipated to enter ground or surface waters. 3. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. The proposal would not alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns on or in the vicinity of the site. 4. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any. Not applicable. Surface, ground, runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts are not anticipated. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 10 of 26 4. Plants Find help answering plants questions a. Check the 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 ☐ orchards, vineyards, or other permanent crops. ☐ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ☐ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other ☐ other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? No existing vegetation would be removed or altered from project construction or operation. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. There are no threatened or endangered plant species documented within or near the site. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. Existing vegetation would be protected. This includes the recent northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) hedge row encircling the refuse area and installed as part of the compensatory mitigation under the University of Washington COVID Testing Facility Concrete Pad Installation project (ICF 2022). e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. The site is highly urbanized and predominantly impervious. However, common reed (Phragmites australis) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) are considered Class B noxious weeds by King County and are mapped roughly 140 feet north of the project site. 5. Animals Find help answering animal questions a. List any birds and other animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Examples include: • Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: • Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: • Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. There are no threatened or endangered wildlife species known to be on or near the site. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 11 of 26 c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. The project site is not part of a migration route. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. Not applicable. All site improvements will be internal or within paved surfaces, and are not anticipated to alter habitat or affect wildlife. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. Not applicable. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 12 of 26 6. Energy and Natural Resources Find help answering energy and natural resource questions 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. Electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel are the three energy types being employed on this project. Natural gas could potentially be used solely for the comfort-heating in the lab areas, this is still being determined (100% OSA unit). Electricity would be used for everything else (domestic hot water, lighting, comfort-cooling (office spaces and lab spaces), lab equipment and miscellaneous plug loads, reheat in the VAV boxes). Diesel would be used to power the onsite generators. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The project would not affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties. 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. Energy conservation features integrated into the project design will include heat recovery on the 100% OSA unit, energy conservation measures as required in the Washington State Energy Code, and lighting system SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 13 of 26 7. Environmental Health Find help with answering environmental health questions a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur because of this proposal? If so, describe. The project site would operate a research and testing facility. Laboratory equipment and associated laboratory reagents would be stored and used onsite to perform tests on samples. Exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, would be minimized by following standard operating procedures and environmental health and safety protocols used in laboratories to manage and handle reagents and chemicals used in the testing process. Chemicals to be stored and used on site during project operations are provided in the MyChem Report. 1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. The site was previously contaminated with non-halogenated organics (petroleum or other organics). Clean-up of the site was completed, and non-halogenated organics are below clean up levels in soil and groundwater. No further action is needed (Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. 2018). a. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. There are no known existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect the project development or design b. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. Project construction would include interior improvements to the existing building. Construction supplies and equipment would involve small hand tools, paint, and general construction related tools. No construction vehicles would be refueled on site and the quantity of hazardous materials contained in fuel or fluid reservoirs of construction vehicles would not exceed 20 gallons. Project operations would include a research and testing facility. Laboratory equipment and associated laboratory reagents will be appropriately stored and used on site to perform tests on samples. Please refer to attached MyChem reports for a list of chemicals to be stored and used during project operations. As noted in the Applicant Hazardous Materials Management Statement, there would be no onsite hazardous substance processing and handling, or hazardous waste treatment and storage. All chemical waste would be collected and disposed of (i.e., not entering the plumbing waste system). SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 14 of 26 c. Describe special emergency services that might be required. Special emergency service would not be required during project construction or operation. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. The following measures will be implemented to reduce or control environment health hazards: Chemical fume hoods would be installed with emergency standby generators; the ventilation system would supply and exhaust at least half of the normal airflow during an electrical power failure; autoclaves would be utilized to sterilize equipment; Hazardous Materials Storage cabinets would be used to safely store and contain hazardous chemicals and materials along with bio-safety cabinets with HEPA filters to further ensure safe storage of laboratory chemicals. In addition, laboratories would be equipped with first aid kits, eye wash stations, and chemical showers. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Existing noise sources consist primarily of traffic and industrial activities near and at the project site. None of these existing sources of noise would affect the project. 2. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site)? Project construction is anticipated to occur between 5:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday for approximately 11 months. Construction noise would be temporary and result from the use of vehicles and equipment. The majority of project construction would be contained to the interior of the building. During project operations roof-mounted mechanical equipment would generate noise during testing and start up. Exterior generators would generate noise when operated, which would be only during emergencies to maintain power and once a month for a minimum of 30 minutes for generator load testing. 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any. The project construction would start and end early during the workday to reduce or control noise impacts. This helps mitigate noise impacts as project construction is in a commercial area - outside of residential areas- therefore, people are less likely to be near the project site early in the day. During operation, the exterior generators would be enclosed on four sides by a 12 inch thick concrete unit masonary (CMU) wall for sound attuenation. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 15 of 26 8. Land and Shoreline Use Find help answering land and shoreline use questions a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. The current land use zone for the project site is CO (Commercial Office) with adjacent properties zoned as CO and IM (Medium Industrial). These land use designations are primarily utilized for offices, industrial use, warehousing, and manufacturing. Based on the proposed project operations - as a laboratory for research, development, or testing - an Administrative Conditional Use Permit from the City of Renton is required. Project construction or operation would not affect nearby properties. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses because of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? The project site has not been used as working farmlands or working forest lands. No agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses because of the proposal. 1. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how? Project construction and operation would not affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations. c. Describe any structures on the site. The site includes the existing 1601 Lind Building, a five-story steel commercial office building and an associated asphalt parking lot. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No structures would be demolished. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The current zoning classification of the site is CO (Commercial Office). f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The current comprehensive plan designation of the site is EA (Employment Area). g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? There is no shoreline master program designation for the site. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 16 of 26 h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. No. There are no City or County designations for regulatory floodways, wellhead/aquifer protection areas, steep slopes, landslide hazards, erosion hazards, seismic hazards, coal mine hazards, streams, wetlands, or habitat conservation areas in the project site (ICF 2022). i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? Between 600 to 750 full-time staff are expected to be employed during project operations. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None. The current building was previously utilized for commercial use and is currently vacant. The completed project would not cause displacement. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. Not applicable. Displacement impacts are not anticipated. l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any. An Administrative Conditional Use Permit Application is being completed per zoning regulations prior to project construction. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any. Not applicable. Impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance are not anticipated. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 17 of 26 9. Housing Find help answering housing questions a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. No housing would be provided. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing would be eliminated. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any. Not applicable. Housing impacts are not anticipated. 10. Aesthetics Find help answering aesthetics questions a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The existing structure to the top of the parapet is 81 feet 8 inches, and ±90 feet to the top of the mechanical screen. The project would not result in modifying or adding to this height. The new generators would be at ground level and grouped with similar structures.The CMU enclosure would provide a visual screen around the exterior generators at ground level. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? No views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any. Not applicable. Impacts to aesthetics are not anticipated. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 18 of 26 11. Light and Glare Find help answering light and glare questions a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? During project construction, some additional light would occur between 5:00am and 2:00pm, Monday through Friday. This would be temporary and would be outside of residential or aquatic or wildlife habitat settings. Therefore, no light or glare impacts from project construction are anticipated. Project operation would not increase light or glare beyond the current light level in the site vicinity. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? Project operation would not increase light or glare beyond the current light level in the vicinity. Therefore, it would not be a safety hazard or interfere with views. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? No existing offsite sources of light or glare would affect the proposal. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any. Not applicable. No control light or glare impacts are anticipated SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 19 of 26 12. Recreation Find help answering recreation questions a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? The nearest recreational site is the northern segment of the Springbrook Trail located a little over 0.25 mile to the west. A trailhead, to access this trail is roughly a mile and a half to the south. This trail segment runs north to south starting at the Black River Riparian Forest, largely following the Black River, and ending at Oakesdale Avenue. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. The proposed project would not displace any existing recreational uses. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any. Not applicable. Impacts on recreation are not anticipated. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 20 of 26 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation Find help answering historic and cultural preservation questions a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers? If so, specifically describe. There are no recorded historic properties located within the project site. A total of 13 recorded historic properties are located within 0.25 mile of the study area. Of these properties, five have been previously evaluated. All five properties have been determined not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). There are no properties listed in the NRHP located in or within 0.25 mile of the project site. The National Park Service (NPS) NRHP records are available via the NPS Gallery Digital Asset Search. A record search was conducted to identify known NRHP-listed historic districts present in or adjacent to the project site. No historic districts listed in the NRHP were identified in or within 0.25 mile of the project site. b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. Five cultural resources studies have occurred within or adjacent to the study area (Table 1). Of these studies, none had study areas that included portions of project site. All five consisted of archaeological studies. None of the studies identified archaeological or historic built resources within the project site. Table 1. Previous Cultural Resources Surveys (within 0.25 Mile of the study area) NADB Author/Year Title 1339887 K.E. Juell 2001 Cultural Resources Inventory of the Proposed Washington Light Lanes Project 1346750 B. Bowden 2005 Cultural Resources Discipline Report for I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project I-5 to SR 169 1352447 B. Bundy 2008 Cultural Resources Survey Interstate 405 Corridor Survey: Phase 1 Interstate 5 to State Route 169 Improvements Project 1683232 L. Rooke 2012 Cultural Resources Discipline Report for the RapidRide-F Line, NEPA Documented Categorical Exclusion Project- Addendum: Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources Discipline Report- Addendum 1686391 T. Smith 2015 Cultural Resources Survey for the WSDOT's I-405/SR 167 Direct Connector Project No precontact archaeological resources are located within or adjacent to the project site. While no historical archaeological resources are located within the project site, two (2) SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 21 of 26 historical archaeological resources are located within 0.25 mile of the project site (Table 2). Two resources are associated with the Twentieth century industrial/commercial history of Renton, Washington. No cemeteries have been documented in or within 0.25 miles of the project site. Table 2. Archaeological Resources within study area (within 0.25 Mile of the study area) Smithsonian Number Site Name Description Distance and Direction KI00285 N/A Railroad grade 0.49 mi northeast KI01206 N/A Historic debris scatter, domestic objects circa 1951-1962 0.39 mi east c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. ICF architectural historian Corey Lentz and archaeologist Tait Elder conducted a record search on November 28, 2022, using the Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD) to identify previously documented archaeological, ethnographic, and historic built resources within or adjacent to the study area. The WISAARD database includes completed cultural resources survey reports, properties listed in (or determined eligible for listing in) the NRHP, Washington Heritage Register (WHR) listed properties, archaeological sites, cemeteries, and inventoried historic built resources. In addition to the WISAARD record search, materials to support property identification were obtained from the NPGallery National Register of Historic Places Archive Search. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. The project would not affect any significant historic or cultural properties. There are no eligible historic built resources or archaeological resources located within or adjacent to the study area. Therefore, no measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources are proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 22 of 26 14. Transportation Find help with answering transportation questions a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. The primary roadways providing access to the site include SW 16th Street, SW 19th Street, Lind Ave SW, and Raymond Ave SW. The site is connected to 16th Street SW and Lind Avenue SW. Access to the project site occurs north from 16th St SW. b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Two bus routes with five bus stations are within a quarter mile of the project site: 153 on Lind Ave and F Line near 16th St and Lind Ave. c. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle, or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). As noted in the Pre-Application meeting with the City of Renton, the project would be required to provide a certain number of bicycle stalls. This number is calculated from 10% of the required off-street vehicle parking to be used by the University of Washington (applicant) during project operations. Based on this calculation, at least 20 bicycle stalls would be required. Currently there is an existing bike rack with 11 stalls located at the east entrance. An additional 20 bike lockers would be installed in the parking lot near the southwest corner of the building (near the vendor parking spaces). d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Project operation would not use water, rail, or air transportation. The project would not occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail, or air transportation. The nearest airport is the Renton Municipal Airport roughly 3 miles to the north. The Tukwila Amtrak train station is 2 miles to the south. There is no water transport in the project vicinity. e. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? Based on user specific shift data and trip generation forecasts provided by the University of Washington (applicant), project operation is estimated to generate approximately 1,490 new weekday daily trips. Peak volumes are expected to occur from 7:00 to 9:00 am and 4:00 to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Truck traffic is estimated to be less than 2% of overall site- generated traffic. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 23 of 26 f. Will the proposal interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. The project would not affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any. To reduce single driver vehicles, the University of Washington would provide all employees with transit passes which can be used on any transit throughout the Puget Sound excluding ferries. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 24 of 26 15. Public Services Find help answering public service questions a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. The project would not result in an increased need for public services. Though transit ridership to the site could potentially increase from project operations. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Not applicable. Impacts to public services are not anticipated. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 25 of 26 16. Utilities Find help answering utilities questions a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other: Storm sewer 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. No additional utility services or providers are anticipated for project operation. A larger utility electrical transformer would be required on the same utility service. The building’s natural gas system would be upgraded to support the new HVAC equipment to be installed. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 26 of 26 C. Signature Find help about who should sign 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. X Type name of signee: Ben Newton Position and agency/organization: Property Operations Manager, University of Washington Real Estate Date submitted: 3/16/2023 References City of Renton. 2012. Effective FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Available: https://p1cdn4static. civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7922657/File/City%20Hall/Administrative%20Services/Information%20Technology/GIS/Flood%20Hazard.pdf. Accessed: February 3, 2022. City of Renton. 2016. Surface Water Classifications and Wetlands. Available: https://p1cdn4static. civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7922657/File/City%20Hall/Administrative%20Services/Information%20Technology/GIS/WaterClass%20and%20Wetlands.pdf. Accessed: February 3, 2022 City of Renton. 2020. Aquifer Protection Area Map. Available: https://p1cdn4static. civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7922657/File/City%20Hall/Administrative%20Services/Information%20Technology/GIS/Aquifer%20Protection.pdf. Accessed: February 3, 2022 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2020. Flood Insurance Rate Map for King County Washington Incorporated Areas, Panel 53033C0978G. Effective February 3, 2022. ICF. 2022. Environmental Assessment of University of Washington COVID Testing Facility Concrete Pad Installation. Prepared for Integrity Energy Services, Co. March 7, 2022. King County. 2020. iMap Home. Available: https://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/iMap/. Accessed: February 3, 2022. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2019. Web Soil Survey. Available: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed: February, 3 2022. U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. National Wetland Inventory Mapper V2. Updated: December 1, 2021. Available: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html. Accessed: February 3, 2022.