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SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 14
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.
A. Background [help]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
13701 SE May Valley Road Patio
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 14
2. Name of applicant:
Elias Wolde
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
13701 SE May Valley Road, Renton, WA 98059
4. Date checklist prepared:
January 26, 2024
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
July 2024 – November 2024
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.
Aspect (Aspect Consulting). 2022. Base flood elevation study. Prepared for Elias Wolde, Renton,
Washington, by Aspect, Seattle, Washington.
Confluence (Confluence Environmental Company). 2022a. 13701 SE May Valley Road critical areas
study. Prepared for Elias Wolde, Renton, Washington, by Confluence, Seattle, Washington.
Confluence (Confluence Environmental Company). 2023. 13701 SE May Valley Road stream buffer
mitigation plan. Prepared for Elias Wolde, Renton, Washington, by Confluence, Seattle, Washington.
Tree Solutions, Inc. 2022. Preliminary arborist report. Prepared for Elias Wolde, Renton, Washington
by Tree Solutions, Inc., Seattle, Washington.
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 other applications are pending.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
City of Renton clearing and grading
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 14
On March 8, 2022, the property owner of tax parcel 3424059113, located at 13701 SE May Valley Road,
Renton, Washington, received a notice of violation from the City of Renton for unpermitted land-
disturbing activity within a critical area. The notice cited the unpermitted construction of a patio on
the north side of May Creek, within a critical area. Approximately 3,308 square feet of area was
graded in the project area. Approximately 1,113 cubic yards of gravel and 1,082 square feet of
flagstone pavers were initially placed in the project area.
The proposed remedial development includes modifications to the unpermitted development.
Proposed modifications would allow use of this portion of the property to remain similar to existing
use (i.e., homeowner access, use of fire pit, etc.). Under the unpermitted development, the areas
currently graveled were going to have artificial turf installed. The proposed development will remove
the 2,226 square feet (1,113 cubic yards) of gravel, replace it with topsoil, and install native vegetation.
The proposed development will also remove the existing stairway that provides access to the
southern portion of the property. A dirt pathway will remain to retain access.
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.
Address: 13701 SE May Valley Road, Renton, Washington
Tax Parcel: 3424059113
B. Environmental Elements [help]
1. Earth [help]
a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
40-50%
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.
Soils at the property are identified as Everett very gravelly loam (8-15% slopes) and Alderwood
gravelly sandy loam (8-15% slopes), neither of which is mapped as hydric (NRCS 2022).
Reference:
NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2022. Web soil survey [online database]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, NRCS, Soil Science Division, Washington D.C. Available at:
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm (accessed on May 5, 2022).
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 14
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
No
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.
Approximately 3,308 square feet of areas was graded in the project area. 1,654 cubic feet (3,308 square
feet by 6 inches deep) of gravel and 1,082 square feet of flagstone pavers were initially placed in the
project area. Approximately 1,113 cubic yards (2,226 square feet by 6 inches deep) of gravel will be
removed and replaced with topsoil. Topsoil will be purchased from a local company, such as Pacific
Topsoils. The existing stairway was improved with pavers, which will also be removed as part of the
proposed remedial development.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion could occur as a result of construction activities, particularly earthwork. The potential for
erosion will be minimized with adherence to typical best management practices (BMPs).
About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for
example, asphalt or buildings)?
1,082 square feet (approximately 4.75%) of impervious surfaces were added to the site, which are
being removed.
Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
BMPs are physical, structural, and/or managerial practices that can prevent or reduce the erosion and
pollution of water caused by construction activities. The following mitigation measures and BMPs
would be incorporated during construction:
• Construction of the proposed improvements, including staging areas, were restricted to the
project site.
• All debris and spoil material were transported off-site to an appropriate disposal facility.
• Other erosion control measures were incorporated, as necessary, in accordance with City of
Renton requirements.
• Erosion control measures could include use of silt fencing.
• Refueling (e.g., of diesel- and gasoline-powered equipment) took place more than 100 feet from
surface waters.
2. Air [help]
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.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 14
Emissions, related to the use of diesel- and gasoline-powered construction equipment, will occur
during the construction. This will be a nominal contribution to emissions compared to background
levels. The proposed project would not increase the number of site visits.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
All equipment will include emission reduction features. BMPs for dust control, such as the use of
water trucks to suppress dust, will be used.
3. Water [help]
a. Surface Water: [help]
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.
May Creek, a Type F stream, is located on the property.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
Yes, unpermitted work occurred within 200 feet of May Creek. Remedial work will also occur within
200 feet of May Creek.
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 dredging is proposed.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give 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.
Yes
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: [help]
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 14
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 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 (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following
chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of
such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or
humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
No waste material will be discharged into the ground.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
Any runoff from the flagstones will be infiltrated into the ground in-between the stones.
1) Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) 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.
Any stormwater runoff would infiltrate into the ground.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
No
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
No, drainage patterns in the vicinity would not be affected by the proposed project.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
The project will be constructed in accordance with applicable state and City of Renton permits, which
will specify a range of BMPs and TESC measures designed to reduce or control potential surface-,
ground-, or runoff-water impacts. BMPs and TESC measures specific to the site and project will be
specified by the City in the construction contract documents, and the construction contractor will be
required to implement them.
4. Plants [help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_X__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_X__evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
____shrubs
_X__grass
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____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?
2,226 square feet of lawn/herbaceous cover was removed to accommodate the patio. The remedial
development will also remove the English ivy on the slope.
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:
A total of 7,000 square feet of stream buffer will be enhanced. 2,226 square feet of this area will be
enhanced by replacing the former lawn with a mixture of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
The remaining area (4,774 square feet), located on the slope and currently dominated by English ivy,
will be enhanced by removing the ivy and installing a mixture of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
plants.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
The steep slope is dominated by English Ivy (Hedera helix).
5. Animals [help]
a. List any birds and other animals which 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.
Chinook salmon could use May Creek.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
May Creek is used as a migration route for salmonids that use the creek.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 14
7,000 square feet of stream buffer will be enhanced through planting of native trees, shrubs, and
herbaceous plants.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
None
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help]
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.
The completed project does not require energy.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
No
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List
other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
None
7. Environmental Health [help]
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe.
There is potential for spills of material such as motor oil, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid associated with
construction equipment.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
No known contamination
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
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.
Construction materials such as diesel fuel and motor oil may be on-site during construction.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 14
None required
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
None required
b. Noise:
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
None
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)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Temporary noise will occur during construction, within normal construction hours. The noise may
include that emanating from construction equipment. There will be no operational noise.
4) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
No measures are proposed to reduce or control noise during construction. However, construction will
comply with local noise regulations.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
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 and adjacent properties are currently single-family residences. The proposal will not affect
the 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 be converted to
other uses as a result 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.
Single family residence
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 14
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
R-1
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Residential low 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.
Yes, May Creek and the steep slopes are designated critical areas.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
4
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
0
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:
None
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any:
None
9. Housing [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
None
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
None
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
None
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 14
10. Aesthetics [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the
principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
The tallest height of the proposal is 4 feet.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
None
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
None
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
None
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:
None
12. Recreation [help]
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, the project is on private property.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
None
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 14
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation [help]
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.
No
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.
The DAHP Washington Information System for Architectural & Archaeological Records Data
(WISAARD) GIS dataset was used to evaluate historic and cultural resources present on-site.
WISAARD is the state's digital repository for architectural and archaeological resources and reports.
Searching the database and data entry for archaeological sites, historic properties, and cultural survey
reports are its main functions.
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.
None
14. Transportation [help]
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.
SE May Valley Road is used to access the site.
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 served by public transit. The closest transit bus stop is about 300 feet to the west, on
Coal Creek Parkway and SE May Valley Road.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
None
d. 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).
No