HomeMy WebLinkAboutExh_02_SEPA_ChecklistsSEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 1 of 15
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.
Exhibit 2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 2 of 15
A. Background Find help answering background questions
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
2. Name of applicant:
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
4. Date checklist prepared:
5. Agency requesting checklist:
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
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.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
UW 1602 Raymond Ave Renovation
Ben Newton
3988 JEFFERSON RD NE, BOX 352210PH. 206-221-0958
April 17, 2023
City of Renton, Planning Division
Phase 1 (05/01/2023 - 05/01/2024) & Phase 2 (05/01/2024 - 08/01/2023).
No, not related to this proposal.
We are working on geotech and hydrology / flood assessments per site review requirements.
No
Conditional Use Permit and Building Permit
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 3 of 15
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.)
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.
Refer to project description.
Refer to the master application form, project description, neighborhood map, and site plan.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 4 of 15
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:
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate 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.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
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 .
f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any.
Flat terrain surrounded by large trees to the north, east, and west of the site.
N/A - flat terrain
The soil at the site is Class D [225-315] - Stiff Soil.
No
N/A - No change to the site.
No - No change to the site. Moving into existing building.
N/A - Same as existing conditions.
N/A - No change to the site.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 5 of 15
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.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any.
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.
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.
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.
4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
The emissions to the air from the project will include the exhaust of a couple
No offsite sources of emissions or odor are expected to affect our proposal.
The site falls within the Black River Drainage Basin and Rolling Hills Creek sub basin.
No work over, in, or adjacent to nearby waters.
N/A - No fill material and no change to the site. Moving into existing building.
No surface water withdrawals or diversions.
The site of the 1601 Lind Ave building is within the FEMA AE Zone (100-year Special FloodHazard Area). Regulatory flood zone: X-53033C0978F. The site of 1602 Raymond Ave falls justoutside of this flood zone.
The fume hoods will be exhausted through a code compliant high plume exhaust fan.All Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) will be outfitted with HEPA filters, and will be of the recirculation type.
fume hoods and exhausted environmental air from the lab and office spaces. The chemicalsexhausted in the fume hoods will need to be confirmed through UW.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 6 of 15
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.
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.
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.
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.
b) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
c) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so,
describe.
d) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any.
No discharges of waste materials to surface waters.
No withdrawal of groundwater from a well for any purposes.
No waste materials will be discharged into ground from septic tanks or other sources.
No changes to existing building and parking lot storm drain system. The water
will flow into existing drain.
No change.
No change to drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site.
N/A
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 7 of 15
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?
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation
on the site, if any.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or n ear the 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.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
None
N/A - No trees or plants to be removed.
No change.
N/A - No landscaping.
N/A - Not building a new building or doing any digging on the site.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 8 of 15
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.
2. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally
describe.
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.
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.
1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
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.
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.
4. Describe special emergency services that might be required.
5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any.
Electricity, natural gas, and diesel fiel are the three energy types being employed on this project. Natural gas
No
Energy conservation features
Please refer to attached MyChem reports.
None known.
Refer to the attached MyChem reports.
No special emergency services required.
Fume hoods will be employed for batching of chemicals. The biosafety cabinets will beoutfitted with HEPA filters, and will be of the recirculation type.
integrated into this design will include: heat recovery on the 100% OSA unit, and energyconservation measures as required in the Washington State Energy Code.
will be used solely for the comfort-heating in the lab areas (100% OSA unit). Electricity will be used for everything else(domestic hot water, lighting, comfort-cooling (office and lab spaces), lab equipment and miscellaneous plug loads,reheat in the VAV boxes). Diesel will be used to power the two on-site generators.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 9 of 15
b. Noise
1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
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)?
3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any.
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.
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?
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 pesticid es, tilling,
and harvesting? If so, how?
c. Describe any structures on the site.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
None
By starting and ending the construction work day early.
The current use of the site is CO (Commercial)
No
No
The existing 1602 Raymond Ave building.
No structures will be demolished.
The zoning classification is CO (Commercial Office).
EA - Employment Area
Office) and its adjacent properties are CO and IM (Medium Industrial). The proposal will not affectnearby properties.
Construction noise from 09/01/2023 to 01/01/2024, Monday - Friday, 5 am - 2 pm.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 10 of 15
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so,
specify.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any.
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.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any.
N/A
No
20
None - The building is currently vacant.
N/A - No displacement.
Completing the Conditional Use Permit appplication per zoning regulations.
None
No housing provided.
None
N/A - No housing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 11 of 15
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?
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any.
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?
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any.
12. Recreation Find help answering recreation questions
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities
to be provided by the project or applicant, if any.
Existing structure of a total height of 24'-6". No change to exterior of the building.
None. Moving into existing building.
No changes to the building facade.
Some additional light during construction, which will occur Monday - Friday, 5 am - 2 pm.
No
None
By starting and ending the construction work day early, 5 am - 2 pm, Monday - Friday.
The current use of the site is CO (Commercial Office) and its adjacent properties are CO and IM (Medium Industrial).
No
None - No displacement of existing recreational uses.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 12 of 15
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, sp ecifically
describe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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).
d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
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 transp ortation models
were used to make these estimates?
No - The land was developed with the current commecial buildings between
1990 and 1994.
No
No measures needed as we are not construction a new building or doing any digging on site.
No methods needed as we are not constructing a new building or doing any digging on site.
The site is connected to 16th Street SW and Raymond Ave SW. Access to site from Raymond Ave (south-west side of site).
Four bus stations near the site for two bus routes: 153 on Lind Ave and 16th Street and F Line on Lind Ave and 16th Street.
No
No change to outdoor parking spaces. 4 new private outdoor bike
parking spaces (south-west corner of the building where existing playground is).
The peak volumes in traffic to and from site would occur
at 7:00 am - 7:30 am, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm, and 11:00 pm - 11:30 pm. Arrival/Departure from site 10 - 20 min before and after shift.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 13 of 15
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.
g.Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any.
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.
b.Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
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.
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: Click or tap here to enter text.
Position and agency/organization: Click or tap here to enter text.
Date submitted: Click or tap to enter a date.
No
UW to provide transit pass.
No
N/A - No changes to public services.
being employed on this project. Natural gas will be used solely for the comfort-heating in the lab areas (100% OSA unit). Electricity will 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 will be used to power the two on-site generators.
Electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel are the three energy types
Energy conservation features integrated into this design will include:
heat recovery on the 100% OSA unit and energy conservation measures as required in the Washington State Energy Code. No future update to fibre data.
Ben Newton
University of Washington
May 9, 2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 14 of 15
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:
The emissions to the air from the project will include the exhaust of one fume hood, as well as exhaustedenvironmental air from the lab and office spaces. Storage of hazardous substances. No production of noise.
The fume hoodz will be exhausted through a code compliant high plume exhaust fan. All Biosafetycabinets will be outfitted with HEPA filters, and will be of the recirculation type.
No effect.
N/A - no effect to plants, animals, fish, or marine life.
N/A - No digging on site. Moving into existing building.
N/A - No digging on site. Moving into existing building.
There will be no use of these areas.
N/A - No use of environmentally sensitive areas.
N/A
N/A
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 15 of 15
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.
Increased volume of bus users (employees at the lab) to and from site.
UW to provide transit passes.
No conflicts with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
SEPA 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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 05F46813-3C21-46CD-8D74-95403BA85B11