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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_SEPA Checklist_230428_V2SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 1 of 16 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 16 A. Background Find help answering background questions 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Grant Place Townhomes 2. Name of applicant: Satwant Singh 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Applicant: Satwant Singh, 15 S. Grady Way, Suite 527, Renton, WA 98057: 206-391-3311 Contact: Dean Furr, 4715 142nd Pl. SW, Unit B, Edmonds, WA 98026 : 206-890-8291 4. Date checklist prepared: February 27th, 2023 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton Washington 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Approximate timeline for construction start would be May 1st, 2023, with a 12 month construction timeline and an estimated completion time being May 1st 2024 respectively. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Geotechnical report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates Inc. dated June 10th 2005, Limited Geotechnical Review letter by Cobalt Geosciences dated March 3rd, 2023, Technical Information Report prepared by Furr Engineering Services, PLLC dated March 1st 2023, Arborist Report by Shoffner Consulting dated April 12th, 2023, and Trip Generation Assessment prepared by Heath & Associates dated April 26th, 2023. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 3 of 16 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. No applications for governmental approval at this time. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. The standard City of Renton permits for construction, including clear and grade, site work construction, building permits and utility extensions will be required for this permit. NPDES permit from WSDOE. Franchise Utility Approvals (Power, Natural Gas, Telephone, Cable TV), Power Utility release letter for use of overhead power easement area. 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 project will construct 8 residential buildings consisting of 4‐5 units each for a total of 36 townhome units on a 2.12-acre parcel located at 1600 Grant Avenue South in Renton, Washington. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The project is located at 1600 Grant Avenue South in Renton Washington, parcel number 202305‐9052, SW Quarter of Section 20, Township 23N Range 5E. B. Environmental Elements 1. Earth Find help answering earth questions a. General description of the site: Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: The property generally slopes to the west. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 4 of 16 b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Approximately 10% to 15%. 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. According to a soils report prepared for the property in 2005 where 8 test pits were dug, they found loose topsoil to 1.5 feet down and then medium to dense sand and gravel. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No signs of a history of unstable soils have been identified on the project site or in the vicinity. 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 . The purpose of the fill and grading will be to construct proposed 36‐unit townhome development and associated roads and infrastructure. Fill will be onsite cut to fill. There will be approximately 2,300 CY cut and 2,200 CY fill for a net of 100 CY of cut. Source material will be onsite Except for any rock/gravel for construction of walls, roads, or pipe bedding. f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion could occur during construction, but standard Best Management Practices will be used to prevent erosion sediment transport in accordance with City permit requirements. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Approximately 65% impervious surfaces after construction. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. A temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) plan will be prepared as part of the design drawings and will be implemented by the contractor during construction to reduce the potential for site erosion and sediment laden water leaving the site. The TESC plan will include items such as a stabilized construction entrance, silt fencing, catch basin insert protection, sediment ponds, requirements for covering stockpiles, temporary stabilization measures, and dust control. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 5 of 16 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. During construction, typical construction emissions are expected. There will be a small increase (approximate quantities are unknown) in exhaust emissions from construction vehicles and equipment, and a temporary increase in fugitive dust due to earthwork for the project. The most noticeable increase in emissions and fugitive dust would occur during demolition and earthwork. Exhaust emissions would also be generated from construction worker vehicles and equipment traffic to and from the site. The number of workers at the project site at any one time would vary depending upon the nature and construction phase of the project. These potential air quality impacts would be temporary in nature, occurring during construction activities. The mitigation listed below, in Section 2.c, would ensure that the effects of construction activities on air quality would be minimized. Upon completion of construction, air quality in the vicinity of the site is anticipated to remain the same. 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 proposed project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any. The contractor chosen for the proposed project would be required to comply with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) regulations. Regulations that apply to the proposed project include Regulation I, Section 9.11 prohibiting the emission of air contaminants that would or could be injurious to human health, plant or animal life, or property; and Regulation I, Section 9.15 prohibiting the emission of fugitive dust, unless reasonable precautions are employed to minimize the emissions. 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. There is no surface water on the project property or in the immediate vicinity. 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. Not Applicable. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 6 of 16 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. Not Applicable. 4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No. 5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. No. 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. No. 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 . No. 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. None. c. Water Runoff (including stormwater): a) 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. The source of runoff from the site will be storm water. The storm runoff will be collected in catch basins along the access driveway and roof drain systems for the buildings. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 7 of 16 b) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No. c) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No. d) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any. Runoff will be detained for flow control and treated for water quality in a combined vault in accordance with City of Renton requirements prior to discharge to the Grant Avenue South public drainage system. 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? None. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. The normally required landscaping for permit approval will be provided by this project. Any tree replacement required to compensate for removal of significant trees from the previous Pre-Plat will be done in accordance with City of Renton code requirements. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 8 of 16 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. Crows, chickadees, and squirrels. 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. The PHS on the web map does not list any endangered species on this site. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Renton is part of the Pacific Flyaway Migration Route; however, this site is not a known resting stop. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. Not Applicable. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known. 6. Energy and Natural Resources Find help answering energy and natural resource questions 1. 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. Gas and Electricity may be used to meet the needs of this project, the project will incorporate energy efficient fixtures and will utilize gas water heaters that will meet a .82 efficiency. 2. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No. 3. 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. None. 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. None. 1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None known. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 9 of 16 2. 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. None known. 3. 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. The proposed project will require gasoline and diesel fuel to be used during construction. All fuel will be stored in approved EPA containers. 4. Describe special emergency services that might be required. The project is not expected to have negative impacts on environmental health; therefore, no mitigation is required. 5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. The project is not expected to have negative impacts on environmental health; therefore, no mitigation is required. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? The ambient traffic noise from Grant Avenue is expected to be low. No other off‐site noise is expected. 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)? The ambient traffic noise from machinery during working hours will occur during the course of construction. Normal noise from residential neighborhood activities will occur after the project is completed and occupied. 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any. Construction activities would be restricted to hours and levels designated by City of Renton code requirements. If construction activities exceed permitted noise levels, PSD would instruct the contractor to implement measures to reduce noise impacts to comply with the Noise Control Ordinance, which may include additional muffling of equipment. 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 site is currently Residential as well as the surrounding area. The proposal will not affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent 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 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 10 of 16 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? No. 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? No. c. Describe any structures on the site. There are 2 buildings and 6 foundations from the previous proposal currently constructed on this site. These buildings will make up the finalized project. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? RM-F f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? RHD (Residential High Density) g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not Applicable. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. No. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? Approximately 70 – 80 people will reside in the completed project. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? The current project will not displace anyone. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. None. l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any. The project will be in compliance with all applicable land‐use and zoning codes. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long - term commercial significance, if any. Not Applicable. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 11 of 16 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. Approximately 36 townhome units will be provided. They will be configured as middle‐ income housing. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any. None. 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? Approximately 33’‐ 7” from the lowest grade to the highest peak. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any. The architectural design and finishes will be in compliance with the City of Renton Land use Codes and design guidelines. 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? The proposed development will produce the normal light and glare typically resulting from a residential/multifamily neighborhood occurring mainly at night. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any. The light from the development can be shielded and / or directed away from adjacent properties to prevent safety hazards and protect views as applicable. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 12 of 16 12. Recreation Find help answering recreation questions a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? None. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any. A tot lot and small park area will be provided as a part of this development. 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. No. 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. None. 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. None. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permit s that may be required. None. 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 site is directly served by Grant Avenue South, which is fed by Puget Drive SE, which is fed by Benson Road South and then Interstate 405. 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? The site is not directly served by public transit. Bus service is available on Puget Drive SE approximately 1,000 feet to the South. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 13 of 16 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). The project will not provide any improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle, or state transportation facilities. d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. No. 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 non -passenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? Based on the trip generation assessment report, the project will generate 224 average weekday daily trips with 13 trips occurring at the AM peak hour and 18 trips in the PM peak hour. The trip generation calculations were derived from the Institute of Transportation Engineers. 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. No. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any. None. 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. No. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None. 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: 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. Utilities proposed for the project include new sanitary sewer and water, new telephone, cable TV/Communications, power and gas. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 14 of 16 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: Dean Furr Position and agency/organization: Furr Engineering Services, PLLC Date submitted: 4/28/2023 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 15 of 16 D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions Find help for the nonproject actions worksheet IT IS NOT REQUIRED to use this section for project actions. Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? • Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? • Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? • Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection, such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? • Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? • Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 16 of 16 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? • Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.