HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWP273205(4)Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects
RECEIVED
FEB 0 7 2007
February 5, 2007 CITY OF RENTON
UTILITY SYSTEMS
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Allison Ray, I-405 Project Environmental Manager
SUBJECT: I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project, I-5 to SR 169: FONSI
Please find enclosed the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) for your records. The FONSI completes the National Environmental Policy
Act and State Environmental Policy Act environmental review process for this project. This
project has had public and agency involvement including a scoping meeting that occurred on
January 25, 2005 and an Environmental Assessment public hearing on October 26, 2006.
If you have questions regarding the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, please contact me:
Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Manager
Washington State Department of Transportation
600 — 1081h Avenue NE
Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
or email allison.ray@i405.wsdot.wa.gov
Thank you for your interest in this I-405 project.
Sincerely,
Allison Ray
I-405 Project Environmental Manager
rayalli ,wsdot.wa.,gov
(425) 456-8610
Enclosure
AM,
%/Washington State
Department of Transportation
1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169
Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects
1-405 Project Area
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
January 2007
AMk Washington State f6w
ANI Department of Tlransportation
US.Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169
King County, Washington
Finding of No Significant Impact
By the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Washington
Division
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined, in accordance with
23 CFR 771.121, that the proposed project will have no significant impact on the environment.
This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based on the Environmental Assessment (EA)
(incorporated by reference) and other documents and attachments, as itemized in this FONSI.
These documents have been independently evaluated by the FHWA and are determined to
accurately discuss the project purpose, need, environmental issues, impacts of the proposed
project, and appropriate mitigation measures. The review provided sufficient evidence and
analysis for determining that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.
FHWA takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the EA, as modified by
this FONSI and the referenced documents.
Date of Approval Stephen P. Boch, P.E.
Federal Highway Administration
Major Project Oversight Manager
Title VI
WSDOT ensures full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by
prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national
origin or sex in the provision of benefits and services resulting from its federally
assisted programs and activities. For questions regarding WSDOT's Title VI
Program, you may contact the Department's Title VI Coordinator at 360.705.7098.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
If you would like copies of this document in an alternate format —large print, Braille,
cassette tape, or on computer disk, please call 360.705.7097. Persons who are deaf
or hard of hearing, please call the Washington State Telecommunications Relay
Service, or Tele-Braille at 7-1-1, Voice 1.800.833.6384, and ask to be connected to
360.705.7097.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Document................................................................................................... ii
Descriptionof Proposed Action.......................................................................................................................................1
EACoordination and Comments......................................................................................................................................
3
Determinationand Findings..............................................................................................................................................
5
National Environmental Policy Act Finding......................................................................................................................
5
AirQuality Conformity Statement.....................................................................................................................................
5
FloodplainFinding...........................................................................................................................................................
5
Surface Water and Water Quality Finding.......................................................................................................................
6
EndangeredSpecies Act Finding.....................................................................................................................................
6
Magnuson -Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Finding.............................................................................
6
FarmlandFinding.............................................................................................................................................................7
WetlandFinding...............................................................................................................................................................7
Section106 Finding.........................................................................................................................................................7
Section4(f) Finding..........................................................................................................................................................
8
EnvironmentalJustice Finding.........................................................................................................................................8
NoiseFinding...................................................................................................................................................................9
Attachment 1: Errata to EA and DRs..........................................................................................................................
A1-1
Attachment 2: Notice of Availability of FONSI and SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance ..............................
A2-1
Attachment 3: FONSI Distribution List.......................................................................................................................
A3-1
Attachment 4: Mitigation Commitment List...............................................................................................................
A4-1
Attachment 5: Comments and Responses................................................................................................................
A5-1
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact i
Acronyms and
Abbreviations Used in this Document
a.m.
ante meridiem
APE
area of potential effect
BMP
best management practices
BNSF
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company
CEQ
Council on Environmental Quality
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CSS
Context Sensitive Solutions
DAHP
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
dBA
A -weighted decibels
DNS
Determination of Nonsignificance
DPS
Distinct Population Segment
DR
Discipline Report
EA
Environmental Assessment
Ecology
Washington State Department of Ecology
EEI
Early Environmental Investments
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement
ESA
Endangered Species Act
ESU
Evolutionarily Significant Unit
FEIS
Final Environmental Impact Statement
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHWA
Federal Highway Administration
FONSI
Finding of No Significant Impact
HOV
high -occupancy vehicle
HPA
Hydraulic Project Approval
HRM
Highway Runoff Manual
1-405
Interstate 405
1-5 Interstate 5
JARPA Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application
KCDOT King County Department of Transportation
Leq Equivalent A -weighted sound level
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
ii Finding of No Significant Impact
MBI
mitigation bank instrument
MP
milepost
MTCA
Model Toxics Control Act
NAC
Noise Abatement Criteria
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
NMFS
National Marine Fisheries Service
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OHWM
ordinary high water mark
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act
p.m.
post meridiem
RCP
Roadside Classification Plan
RCW
Revised Code of Washington
RMC
Renton Municipal Code
ROW
right-of-way
SEPA
State Environmental Policy Act
SR
State Route
TDM
Transportation Demand Management
TMP
Traffic Management Plan
UP
Union Pacific
USC
United States Code
USDOT
U.S. Department of Transportation
USFWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WAC
Washington Administrative Code
WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact iii
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iv
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Description of Proposed Action
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project
(project) on October 2, 2006. The project provides improvements on Interstate 405 (1-405) from
Interstate 5 (1-5) to State Route 169 (SR 169) and on southbound SR 167 from 1-405 to the SW 41st
Street off -ramp. These improvements are a part of the 1-405 Corridor Program. The project includes
the following improvements.
The new lanes that will be built for this project are:
■ An 1-405 northbound general-purpose lane from 1-5 to the SR 167 off -ramp.
■ An 1-405 northbound auxiliary lane from the SR 167 to 1-405 on -ramp to the SR 169 off -ramp.
■ An 1-405 southbound auxiliary lane from the SR 169 to 1-405 on -ramp to the SR 167 off -ramp.
■ An 1-405 southbound general-purpose lane from the SR 167 to 1-405 on -ramp to the 1-5 off -
ramp.
■ A SR 167 southbound auxiliary lane from the 1-405 to southbound SR 167 on -ramp to the SW 41 st
Street off -ramp. In addition, the existing inside HOV lane will be extended north to 1-405 from its
present starting point in the vicinity of SW 21 st Street.
In addition to adding auxiliary and general-purpose lanes to 1-405 and SR 167, this project will
provide the following improvements:
■ Widen the one -lane ramp from northbound 1-405 to SR 167 to become a 2-lane off connection,
which provides a dedicated lane to southbound SR 167 and a dedicated lane to northbound
Rainier Avenue.
■ Replace and realign the Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 to accommodate future widening and
improvements to 1-405. Improvements on Benson Road include a 6-foot sidewalk on the west
side and 5-foot bike lanes on both sides.
■ Replace the bridge rail on the 1-405 bridges over the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern
Santa Fe railroads.
■ Remove the bridges over Springbrook Creek Side Channel and Oakesdale Avenue and
replace them with a single northbound and a single southbound structure that will span
Springbrook Creek's main channel and side channel and Oakesdale Avenue.
■ Widen the 1-405 bridge over Talbot Road on both the northbound and the southbound sides.
■ Build retaining walls to minimize the construction footprint and right-of-way acquisition.
Retaining walls will also help avoid and minimize effects to wetlands and other sensitive areas.
■ Construct one noise wall on the south side of the freeway by Talbot Hill. The wall will begin at
the intersection of South 14th Street and South 15th Street and follow South 14th Street east to
Talbot Road. This wall will be approximately 2,150 feet long and 18 feet tall.
The project will not affect the 1-405 bridges over the Green River, SR 181, or the Cedar River. The
- project will also not affect the Lind Avenue, Cedar Avenue, or Renton Avenue bridges over 1-405.
The 1-405 roadway will be restriped in these areas to accommodate the new lanes.
The project will provide many short- and long-term benefits. Some of these benefits are:
■ Improves stormwater treatment, detention, and conveyance.
■ Applies design principles and adds architectural treatments to improve the highway's
appearance.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
■ Incorporates numerous measures to avoid or minimize effects to the environment.
■ Reduces travel times and improves operations in the project area.
■ Improves response time for emergency service vehicles along 1-405 and southbound SR 167.
■ Improves safety.
■ Reduces highway noise for the Talbot Hill neighborhood with construction of the noise wall.
■ Improves stream conditions for Springbrook Creek by removing the box culvert and improving
the streambed.
■ Mitigates for fill in lower quality wetlands by using approximately 1.5 credits from the
Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank, which is a higher quality wetland
complex.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
EA Coordination and Comments
WSDOT team members held a public hearing and open house on October 26, 2006, following
issuance of the Environmental Assessment (EA) on October 2, 2006 for public distribution. The
EA hearing took place at the Renton High School in Renton, Washington. WSDOT presenters
requested that verbal comments be provided to a court reporter, written comments be provided on
comment forms, or follow-up written comments be postmarked or received at the 1-405 project
office by November 10, 2006. The Notice of Availability of the EA was advertised in the following
newspaper on the date shown:
■ King County Journal on September 26, 2006.
Display advertisements for the EA Hearing were placed in the following newspapers on the dates
shown:
■ Russian World (Russian) on October 2, 2006;
■ Renton Reporter on October 4, 2006;
■ Kent Reporter on October 4, 2006;
■ The Skanner on October 11, 2006;
■ El Mundo (Spanish) on October 12, 2006;
■ Chinese Post (Chinese) on October 12, 2006;
■ Phuong Dong Times (Vietnamese) on October 13, 2006; and
■ King County Journal on October 13, 2006.
A total of 5,627 postcards announcing that the EA was available for review were sent to the
following recipients inviting them to attend the public hearing and to comment on the EA document:
■ Residents and property owners within 500 feet of the 1-405 right-of-way within the project area;
■ Individuals who provided comments during the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping
Period that occurred from January 9, 2005 to February 10, 2005;
■ Section 8 housing residents in the project area (Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher
Program, is a federal housing program that provides housing assistance to low-income renters
and homeowners. This assistance comes in the form of rental subsidies, limiting the monthly
rent payment of the assistance recipient);
■ Individuals and agencies that commented on the 1-405 Corridor Program Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS);
■ The Renton Advisory Committee;
■ Executive and Steering Committee members and their alternates; and
■ Individuals on various mailing lists developed during the 1-405 Corridor Program.
In total, approximately 70 individuals and agencies received the Notice of Availability. Additionally,
WSDOT provided the EA document directly to the following agencies and individuals:
■ Elected officials, tribal governments, and city administrators for jurisdictions within the project
area;
■ Regulatory agencies, cooperating agencies, and all other agencies that have expressed
interest in the project; and
■ Public libraries near the project.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
A total of 28 people attended the October 26, 2006 public hearing. During the comment period,
from October 2, 2006 through November 10, 2006, the following comments on the EA were
submitted:
■ Three people e-mailed their comments on the EA (emailed comments) to the 1-405
Environmental Manager, Allison Ray.
■ Three individuals mailed in their comments on forms provided at the public meeting (written
comments).
■ Four agencies and one tribe provided written comments (letter comments).
■ One individual provided oral comments during the public hearing, and this comment was
recorded in the Hearing Transcript (oral comments).
The comments focused primarily on noise, visual aesthetics, and stormwater drainage.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Determination and Findings
National Environmental Policy Act Finding
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) served as lead agency under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the 1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169.
WSDOT prepared an environmental assessment (EA) in compliance with NEPA, 42 United States
Code (USC) Section 4321 et seq.; FHWA regulations, 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part
771; and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The EA discusses the potential impacts of
the project so that FHWA can determine whether significant adverse impacts (Council on
Environmental Quality [CEQ] 1508.27) are probable. If such a determination were made, an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would need to be prepared.
WSDOT has incorporated environmental considerations into its study of the project and has
conducted evaluations of the project's potential environmental impacts. FHWA and WSDOT
reviewed the EA prior to issuing the document in October 2006. The EA found that the project's
construction and operation will not cause any significant adverse environmental impacts that will
not be mitigated. This finding applies to all applicable environmental elements.
After carefully considering the EA, its supporting documents, and the public comments and
responses, FHWA finds under 23 CFR 771.121 that the proposed project, with the mitigation to
which WSDOT has committed, will not have any significant adverse impact on the environment.
The record provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determination that an EIS is not required.
Air Quality Conformity Statement
The Puget Sound Regional Council has modeled the impacts of this project on regional ozone and
carbon monoxide emissions. This project, as well as all others in the Council's Transportation
Improvement Program and Metropolitan Transportation Plan, conforms to the State
Implementation Plan at the regional level. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the
current State Implementation Plan for this area. The FHWA has approved the Council's
Transportation Improvement Program conformity analysis. This project conforms to the State
Implementation Plan and both federal and state Clean Air Act requirements.
Floodplain Finding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified floodplains along the Green
River, Springbrook Creek, Panther Creek, Rolling Hills Creek, and the Cedar River that occur
within the project area. The City of Tukwila's Municipal Code 16.52 Floodplain Management and
the City of Renton's Municipal Code [4-3-050] Critical Areas Regulations, backed by Executive
Order 11988 Floodplain Management, requires zero -rise in floodplain elevations due to
construction projects.
The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will require placing some fill in the Springbrook floodplain,
some along the south side of 1-405 between Oakesdale Avenue and Lind Avenue, and some on
the west side of SR 167 near SW 23rd Street. Floodplain filling will be mitigated primarily by
excavation at the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. Also, the removal of
the Springbrook Creek box culvert will provide some mitigation for fill as well. WSDOT will perform
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
an analysis prior to placing fill to confirm that the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat
Mitigation Bank provides adequate mitigation. If additional floodplain storage is necessary,
excavation for floodplain mitigation will be incorporated into the project design. Because of this,
FHWA finds that no adverse impacts to any 100-year floodplains or floodways will occur as a result
of the proposed project.
Surface Water and Water Quality Finding
Stormwater from areas equivalent to the new impervious areas will be treated for both water quality
and flow control. New stormwater facilities will maintain existing flows by detaining stormwater (for
half of the 2-year through 50-year storm events) prior to discharge. Water quality will be improved
by routing stormwater through ecology embankments. This project will not change flow patterns or
water quality from existing conditions.
Endangered Species Act Finding
WSDOT served as the lead for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation on
behalf of FHWA pursuant to 50 CFR 402.07. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the agencies responsible for administering ESA, were
contacted early in the project. The listings for threatened and endangered species are current as a
result of reviewing the NMFS website and consultation with the USFWS.
Three species are listed as Threatened under ESA that occur within the project vicinity: bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus); Puget Sound Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) Chinook salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha); and Coastal Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment (DPS) bull
trout (Salvelinus confluentus).
The Cedar River, Green River, and Springbrook Creek are designated as critical habitat for
chinook salmon (effective January 2, 2006). The Green River is also designated as critical habitat
for bull trout (effective October 26, 2005).
A biological assessment was submitted in November 2005 to NMFS and the USFWS, which
concluded that the proposed action:
■ Will have no effect on bald eagles.
■ May affect, and is likely to adversely affect chinook salmon.
■ May affect, but is not likely to adversely affect bull trout.
■ May affect, but is not likely to adversely affect chinook salmon critical habitat.
■ May affect, but is not likely to adversely affect bull trout critical habitat.
NMFS issued a Biological Opinion for the project on September 20, 2006 that concluded "the
action, as proposed, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Puget Sound steelhead
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat for Puget Sound
Chinook."
Magnuson -Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Finding
In accordance with the actions and best management practices listed in the Biological
Assessment, the project will have No Adverse Effect on pink, coho, or chinook salmon Essential
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Fish Habitat. Based on investigation and analysis of the types of fish habitat that could be affected
by project construction and operation, NMFS recommended several conservation measures.
Farmland Finding
Suitable soils and active farming do not occur within the project corridor. Therefore, the Farmlands
Protection Policy Act of 1981 (7 USC 4201-4209) and other applicable state and federal farmlands
protection policies, orders, and guidance do not apply to the proposed project.
Wetland Finding
The proposed project will permanently affect 11 of the 29 wetlands identified in the study area.
Some of the affected wetlands will be filled completely, while others will be filled only partially for a
total of 1.66 acres of wetlands that will be permanently affected. The 11 affected wetlands are
along the right-of-way and/or within the median and could therefore not be avoided or minimized
due to roadway design standards. The affected wetlands are of low quality and dominated by non-
native invasive species, such as reed canarygrass, bentgrass, and blackberry.
Several measures were taken during design to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands, including
adjustment of the project footprint. Despite WSDOT's efforts to avoid wetlands during construction,
0.64 acres will be disturbed temporarily. This area will be restored.
Approximately 1.5 wetland credits provided from the Springbrook Wetland and Habitat Mitigation
Bank will be used to provide the required wetland mitigation to replace the filled wetland areas.
The FHWA finds that there is no practicable alternative to the proposed new construction within
wetlands. The proposed project includes all practicable measures to reduce impacts to wetlands
that may result from the proposed project.
Section 106 Finding
Archival review, tribal consultation, and field surveys identified no evidence of cultural resources
within the study area. As part of early coordination with the tribes in preparation for the cultural
resources assessment, WSDOT made contact with the following tribes: Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie,
Duwamish, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
Cultural resource investigators determined that the proposed project has areas with a moderate
probability for archaeological resources. WSDOT will follow discovery protocols should crews
encounter archaeological resources during construction. If archaeological resources are found,
additional studies may be required to evaluate the eligibility of those resources for the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP). WSDOT will develop appropriate mitigation as necessary, if
those resources should be found to be eligible.
In addition to archaeological investigations, WSDOT reviewed historic properties within the Area of
Potential Effect (APE). WSDOT, in coordination with FHWA, determined that the original Renton
Fire Station (now the Renton History Museum) is eligible for listing on the NRHP. This property is
also listed on the Washington Historic Register along with three other properties: the Cedar River
Park Railroad Bridge, the Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company, and the
Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation. The proposed project will have no adverse impacts on
historic properties.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) concurred
with these findings under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. In January 2006,
DAHP sent a letter to WSDOT that agreed with the finding of "no adverse effect" to historic and
cultural resources as a result of the proposed project.
Section 4(f) Finding
The existence of potential U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Act of 1966 Section 4(f)
resources was evaluated as part of the EA.
Consultation with DAHP determined that the proposed project will have no adverse impacts on
historic properties; the project will also not result in the use of the one property within the APE that
is eligible for listing in the NRHP. Therefore, while 4(f) is afforded to this property, there is no 4(f)
impact.
A temporary closure of the Springbrook Trail will be necessary for safety during construction of the
new bridges over Springbrook Creek. A signed detour will be provided during the closure and
notices will be provided to the Cascade Bicycle Club and posted to keep the public informed about
construction progress. The trail will be fully restored after construction with a small change in its
alignment to accommodate new bridge supports. The City of Renton Parks Department has
agreed to these trail changes. No Section 4(f) lands will be acquired, either permanently or
temporarily, from this trail. FHWA has determined that the project will not have any Section 4(f)
impacts.
Environmental Justice Finding
Data from the 2000 U.S. Census indicate that within the study area minority populations range
from 14 to 46 percent by census block, and low-income populations range from 0 to 18 percent.
African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations are represented in substantial numbers
throughout the study area.
Overall, few long-term adverse impacts will occur from operating the proposed project. Property
acquisition for the project is not disproportionate and will not adversely affect minority or low-
income populations. No exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for carbon
monoxide will occur. Stormwater treatment included in the proposed project will not increase
pollutant releases relative to existing conditions. No significant impacts to wildlife are anticipated
and substantial wetland loss is unlikely to occur. The study area's existing visual character will
change slightly as a result of pavement widening and a new noise wall. All residences received
equal consideration under the WSDOT noise abatement policy, independent of their minority or
low-income status.
FHWA finds that the construction and operation of the proposed project will not have
disproportionately high and/or adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations in the study
area. Project design and mitigation measures will assure that adverse impacts will not occur or will
be minimized. Upon completion of the proposed project, mobility improvements along 1-405 for
passenger vehicles and public transit will benefit local residents, including minority and low-income
populations.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
8 Finding of No Significant Impact
Noise Finding
Under current conditions, 105 residences, 2 parks, 2 trails, and an aquatic center already exceed
the noise abatement criteria (NAC). Ten of these residences exceed the criteria because of noise
from local traffic on Main Avenue South, Southwest Grady Way, and Southcenter Boulevard. If the
proposed project is not built, no additional residences would approach or exceed the NAC up until
at least the year 2030.
If the proposed project is built, noise levels will increase and grow over time with an increase of 0
to 3 dBA Leq by the year 2030. During this time, 39 residences would go from being below the
NAC to being at or above the NAC. These 39 residences added to the 105 residences make a
total of 144 residences that are predicted to experience noise levels at or above the NAC in 2030.
One noise barrier was determined to be both reasonable and feasible based on the noise analysis.
The recommended noise barrier will reduce traffic noise below the NAC at 43 residences. One
hundred and one other residences elsewhere in the project area would still approach or exceed the
NAC in 2030. Noise barriers in these areas were determined to either be not reasonable, not
feasible, or both.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
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Renton Nickel Improvement Project
10 Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachments
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachment 1:
Errata to EA and DRs
The following corrections apply to the environmental assessment (EA), which was issued on
October 2, 2006, and its accompanying discipline reports (DRs) for the 1-405, Renton Nickel
Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169. The DRs were completed in 2005 prior to the completion and
issuance of the EA.
These corrections serve to clarify or enhance readability of the EA. Because these changes to the
EA neither alter the analysis nor the conclusions of No Significant Impact, the issuance of a revised
EA is not required. Changes to the EA are identified as to location by the corresponding page
number in the EA. Each deletion of original text is shown with a line striking through it; new text is
indicated by an underline. These minor revisions to the EA and DR are incorporated into the EA
by reference.
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Page 1-5, first sentence of last paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
To provide stream mitigation, the box culvert that currently supports 1-405 at Springbrook
Creek will be removed as part of this project, and Springbrook Creek's streambed will be
restored in this location.
Page 3-6, last sentence of last paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
To date, tribal representatives have participated in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project
by attending project scoping meetings, site visits,
and meeting with WSDOT to discuss issues of interest such as investigations of cultural
resources and analyses of effects on fish and fish habitat.
Pages 4-3 through 4-10, Exhibits 4-2 through 4-9
These exhibits have been revised to correctly display the Waters of the U.S. and not include
stormwater drainages. See revised exhibits on pages A1-2 through A1-9.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact AI-1
ILVIX117
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stormwater Flow Control pavement and addingpavement u to 15 feet to the outside at `sec." 7
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Facility some locations. t 'z� 3
Sec..r'
New Pavement e1 5`
Areas of Construction I-405 Southbound Improvements: TUKWILA Sec.��
A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing
Easement Acquisition pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at
Parcel Acquisition some locations.
0 250 500
Existing ROW
a
71 New ROW Feet xonr^
Exhibit 4-2. Project Overview Section 1
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-2 Finding of No Significant Impact
x I-405 SOUTHBOUND
Existing
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Bridge Rail Replacement
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I-405 Northbound Improvements:
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Flow Control
pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at
Facility
some locations.
New Pavement
Areas of Construction
I-405 Southbound Improvements:
A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing
Easement Acquisition
pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at
-
Parcel Acquisition
some locations.
Existing ROW
®
New ROW
Exhibit 4-3. Project Overview Section 2
0 250 500
Feet
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-3
Ir 1
M
--SWr,16th St
Potential Staging Are
I-405 NORTHBOUND
f
Existing
s ,
11*
Proposed
I-405 SOUTHBOUND
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
Ecology Embankment
Retaining Wall
Stormwater Flow Control
C _ _
Facility
New Pavement
Areas of Construction
Easement Acquisition
-
Parcel Acquisition
Existing ROW
New ROW
Existing
Proposed
a
Bridge Replacement
r .
tBridge Replacement
SW•1`6th�St!-
f fJ_Ji
SA�i p r
ro
I-405 Northbound Improvements:
A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing
pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at
some locations. The existing 5pringbrook Creek and Oakesdale
Avenue bridges will be replaced and the existing culvert will be
removed.
I-405 Southbound Improvements:
A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing
pavement and adding pavement up to 70 feet to the outside at
some locations. The existing 5pringbrook Creek and Oakesdale
Avenue bridges will be replaced and the existing culvert will be
removed.
Exhibit 4-4. Project Overview Section 3
J
2 Sec.
RENTON� Seca ,se
Sec: Sec Sr , T C
1 2 3
T_ Sec
,e, s]
T
TUKWILA i Sec.'
6
o zso soo
Feet I
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A14 Finding of No Significant Impact
z J•J J', JU JJ JJJ, y'-...
f
r 1 k•
sr oe
r Potential
•
ti
Staging
J 1,6t•h St Area
wgaf4+
< 4$,if
s•:a7Arr47�r'M;r;
Rolling Hills Creek
SR 167 SOUTHBOUND
ExistingIt
t
Proposed
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
I-405 Northbound improvements:
A general-purpose lane will be added up to the SR 167 interchange and an auxiliary lane
e�
Proposed Noise Wall
will be added from the SR 167 to I-405 on -ramp north. These lanes will be added by
000400
Ecology Embankment
restriping the existing pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at
some locations.
Retaining Wall
Stormwater Flow Control
I-405 Southboud Improvements'
C�}
_ l
Facility
An auxiliary lane will be added up to the I-405 to SR 167 on -ramp and a general-purpose
lane will be added south of the interchange. These lanes will be added by restriping the
New Pavement
existing pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at some locations.
Areas of Construction
SR 167 Southbound Improvements:
Easement Acquisition
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping existing pavement and adding up to 19 feet
pavement at the outside at some locations. The existing HOV lone will be extended
.of
Parcel Acquisition
north from SW 21st Street to the interchange with I-405.
Existing ROW
®
New ROW
Exhibit 4-5. Project Overview Section 4
Noise Wall
IWr <Ift!®
I-405 NORTHBOUND
Existing
a = = "
Proposed
&- M, i
I-405 SOUTHBOUND
Existing
Proposed
J
r
�"\�'\.E.T0
N Sec
es
eSea S�c. 7
11
ec.4KWA''
11�21V3
6
..
0 250 500
Feet a r„
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A1-5
-10, W A SMI
SR 167 SOUTHBOUND
Existing
T7
Proposed
psi \ SSWW_2277th St
'4L Iii '
' Fitt
a
e
Potential T
a
Staging
Area
.. I
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
SR 167 Improvements:
Ecology Embankment
In addition to extending the HOV lane north from SW 21st
Retaining Wall
Street, an auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing
Stormwater Flow Control
pavement and adding pavement up to 19 feet to the outside at
t"
Facility
some locations.
New Pavement
Areas of Construction
Easement Acquisition
.
Parcel Acquisition
Existing ROW
®
New ROW
Exhibit 4-6. Project Overview Section 5
\ Sec.
�\ `�_.R�NTON1Sac. is
Sec. Sec.Sec. $elle. !
t 2 3
C.
18 �,
TUKWLLA I Sae:
8 "
0 500 M
Feet .o..
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-6 Finding of No Significant Impact
SR 167 SOUTHBOUND
Existing _ 167
_T
Proposed
r
SW 33rd St
71
t
t
t ?' SR 167
Southern
Project Limit
at SW 41st St
r -
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
SR 167 Improvements:
000000
Ecology Embankment
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing
Retaining Wall
pavement and adding pavement up to 19 feet to the outside at
Flow control
some locations. The new lane will tie into the existing ramp
OStormwater
Facility
connection to SW 41st Street.
New Pavement
Currently, Panther Creek flows under Talbot Road, proceeds toward
Areas of Construction
SR 167, and flows through Culvert 65. Over the past years, Panther
Easement Acquisition
Creek flows have split at the alluvial fan located east of SR 167. The
-
Parcel Acquisition
flow direction has varied due to the dynamic nature of the sedimentation
Existing ROW
in the alluvial fan. This map shows some of the possible ways that flow
New ROW
travels through this dynamic system.
0 250 500
Exhibit 4-7. Project Overview Section 6
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact a 1-7
_ 1, i
• w
is SG 3
r Potential Staging Area
Replace Bridge
Bridge Widening
Rolling Hills Creek ./-
Existing Bridge to be Demolished
405
ww!�-
ISL
a l'' Benson Rd 5
'
Noise Wall
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
I-405 Northbound Improvements:
Proposed Noise Wall
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing pavement
-'
Ecology Embankment
and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at some locations.
Retaining Wall
5tormwater Flow Control
I-405 Southbound Improvements:
Facility
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing pavement
New Pavement
and adding pavement up to 24 feet to the outside at some locations.
Areas of Construction
Benson Rd 5 Improvements:
Easement Acquisition
The Benson Rd 5 overpass will be replaced and realigned to the
-
Parcel Acquisition
west of its current location. The new overpass will have 2 lanes with
aExisting
ROW
5-foot bike lanes on both sides and a 6-foot sidewalk on the west
®
New ROW
side.
Exhibit 4-8. Project Overview Section 7
j�
Sec. ` —
`-
�1 RENTON�,Sec. to
S.
C. SeC.Sec. 7
-Sec. 11-1
e I 5,. 4t
TUKWILA tea•
6
0 250
500
Feet
,41
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-8 Finding of No Significant Impact
r , ;.-I
I-405 NORTHBOUND -t �► - °�, /.,
N 3rd�St-
I -
Existing SEW ♦ s, j-
^
Proposed I-405
Northern
I-405 SOUTHBOUND Project Limit
l at SR 169 f
,� •;
Existing �
Proposed ?i
Liberty ,
ark
r 169
Restripe Only w
Ceadr
i`
Open River/Creek Channel
Piped River/Creek Channel
0000#0
Ecology Embankment
I-405 Northbound Improvements:
Retaining Wall
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing
(�
stormwater Flow Control
pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside
J
Facility
at some locations.
New Pavement
Areas of Construction
I-405 Southbound Improvements:
An auxiliary lane will be added by restriping the existing
Easement Acquisition
pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside
.
Parcel Acquisition
at some locations.
Existing ROW
®
New ROW
Exhibit 4-9. Project Overview Section 8
a 1
sec.
\�` •�
RENTON Sec.
is
Sec. Sec. Sec: 4 •
;
1•.i2 3
Sec. aJ
-I
1 e 5� 4i
TUpffli Sec.
0 250
500
I
Feet
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact AI-9
Page 4-11, Widen or replace bridges
Section is revised as follows:
To construct the new lanes, the project will:
■ Replace the rail on the 1-405 bridges over SR 181 aed the Union Pacific and Burlington
Northern Santa Fe railroads.
■ Remove the bridges over Springbrook Creek Side Channel and Oakesdale Avenue and
replace them with a single northbound and a single southbound structure that will span
Springbrook Creek's main channel and side channel and Oakesdale Avenue. Repaee
Greek bee ^„'VeFt See Exhibit 4-4.
■ Widen the 1-405 bridge over Talbot Road Bridge on both the northbound and the
southbound sides. See Exhibit 4-8.
The project will not affect the 1-405 bridges over the Green River, SR 181,L R ^y & or
the Cedar River. The project will also not affect the Lind Avenue, Cedar Avenue, or Renton
Avenue bridges over 1-405. The 1-405 roadway will be restriped in these areas to
accommodate the new lanes.
Page 4-11 of the EA and page 11 of all DRs, Improve Culverts
Section is revised as follows:
WSDOT anticipates that construction will affect some existing stormwater cross culverts
and one stream culvert. Associated culvert improvements include extending the existing
structures due to widening the roadway and stabilizing culvert ends with rock or retaining
walls. The '_nn5 DrejeGt Tean WSDOT will conduct an lie analysis of the culverts to
ensure that the modifications will have no effect on the base flood elevations. See the
fish passage
Page 4-16, What is planned for wetland and stream mitigation
The third paragraph has been revised as follows:
To mitigate project effects on streams, WSDOT will remove the existing Springbrook Creek
box culvert. `^ 4The new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges that will span Beth the
Springbrook Creek Side Channel, the Springbrook Creek main channel, and Oakesdale
Avenue, the h^X GHlveFt Is ^' Rger Reeled. After the new bridges are in place, the box
culvert currently conveying the Springbrook Creek main channel will be independent of the
spanning bridges. Removing the box culvert and restoring the streambed in this area will
provide mitigation for stream effects in the protect area. be removed @Rd the st; eaambe-d 'R
that aFea will be Feste—red. This will impreve fish habitat Fequired to effSet PPE)jeGt effeGts WWI!
Renton Nickel ImproN ement Project
Al-10 Finding of No Significant Impact
Page 5-28, Exhibit 5-11. Surface Waterbodies in the Study Area.
Exhibit 5-11 has been replaced with the following version:
/ t----� I-405
z Northern
m
Project Limit
m at SR 169
Ir
n_ �
LiAerty a
Par '!1
\ Cedar
Park m
Sunset 6,16 River
slack Rlver
'Br
a''eaa
Rlpar/an Forsaf Unnamed Tributaryto
y 169
@` Rollings Hills Creek
m r_
a _ SW 7111 St
Thunder
11 '\ Rolling Hills Creek /
Hills Creek
W ; Springbrook
oa
Park Creek sm_G`ady --
Cottage
RENTON
Creek
518
Green sw 16th St
River 3
Panther
_
--a----I Creek I
Wetlands
1-405
Gilliam Creek =
Southern
T U K W I L A �m
Unnamed Tributary r.;-
j° I` r_—
a
Project Limit
at I-5
W to Gilliam Creek
:,
SW z}rh St_ Panther
I Legend
Creek
�
—Open River/Creek Channel
- 2 - - - - - "''
�"/ - - Piped River/Creek Channel
L_
T
:' 3 SW 34th St 167
Local Road
�-�
F _
fa
515 —' Arterial Road
Ja
i
Freeway
0 181 sw alst St f -
Park
Renton
SR -
O Tukwila
Southern
Project Limit �;
Lake
at SW 41st St
Mill Creek i
0 025 os
� T
1 I
Miles
The exhibit has been revised to correctly show only Waters of the U.S. versus stormwater
drainages.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-11
Page 5-34, Exhibit 5-13. Stormwater Flow Control Facility Locations
Exhibit 5-13 has been replaced with the following version:
I-405
Northern
'
-
Project Limit
_
at SR 169
t
N
e' � liberty
Cedar N
Rlver pe
S
Z
Park L
9/
G`Bab
Black River
R/partan F-0
Y 169
t—_�----__
SW 7th St
p
S2.2�%
r
r•
`N,Fa,t
Bent
NNS
y
F
G1.1 lak
sN+�1ad
RENTON
`'
'
3SW 16th
S1.1 mst J 2.1
a'
; W
Legend
G1.2 `km
Creeker
Wetlands N
C
Local Road
1-405
Southern
T U K W I L A 'x
SN 23td st
Q
Am a
Arterial Road
Project Limit
at I-5
tK
N
- _-_
- y
- Freeway
,
sw 27th St
- Airport 10,000-foot Buffer
F
m
S3.1
o I �"
Park
m
�
Airport Boundary
L i
sw lath at 167
Renton
EJ Tukwila
� ?�e
Lake
181
SW al at St
Open River/Creek Channel
I
Piped River/Creek Channel
167
Stormwater Flow Control Facility
'
ou
S.uthem
Project Limit /
S 3.1 Facility Number
/
At SW 41st St /
-'
0 0.25 0.5
G—�_-
J
I
Miles aonx
This exhibit has been revised to show the location of a new detention pond that will be located in
the loop -ramp of the 1-405/SR 167 interchange. This pond will not have any additional project
effects. The exhibit has also been revised to show the 10,000-foot radius around the Renton
Airport. This radius has been established to reduce collisions between water fowl and aircraft.
Within this boundary, permanent open water areas that attract water fowl are discouraged and
therefore special design criteria apply to the stormwater ponds.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Ai-12 Finding of No Significant Impact
Page 5-35, second sentence top of page
Text is revised as follows:
Details on these effects can be found in the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline
Report for this project in Appendix L of this environmental assessment.
Page 5-35, Fish Passage
Text is revised as follows:
All culverts affected by the project were assessed to determine if they are barriers to up or
downstream fish passage. Fish passage harriers w eFe evaluated to determine if replaGinn
c was FFa RtGd and u.ye Ild h h As a rocs Ilt .,f thic aRalysic
c�+J�er#�-..„TGZI GTIGTCTOITT'�Sl'1"1'r.7QTrG�.Jl.7, No fish passage
culvert replacements are planned as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project.
Page 5-38, last paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
T,.fp of the stFeamsSpringbrook Creek and the West Fork of Panther Creek in the study
area will experience work within or above the OHWM. In each case, the areas affected by
the project contain limited in -stream habitat. Because the affected streams are already in a
degraded condition, the on -site mitigation for these streams will only restore the functions or
values already existing in those areas.
Page 5-41, added after the bullet at the top of the page
Text is added as follows:
Construction may also temporarily affect the bus stop north of the existing 1-405 bridge over
Talbot Road.
Page 5-50, first sentence of first paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
The Springbrook TrailT-oaf will be closed during construction for public safety reasons
where it passes under 1-405.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-13
Page 5-60, Exhibit 5-18
Exhibit 5-18 has been replaced with the following version:
I-405 VJ.
Northern
Project Limit
at SR 169
..�
169 "
SW 7th Ave S
i I �.
1
t
_dy Way. �';-.1 i t 1 •"�,, _
G
SW r a
RENTON
-_ Cedar Valley Aquifer
Cedar River
J -
SW 16 t St Local
+ — Arterial
a a — Freeway
- ]
167 �' . N Railroad
--
(D N
r V
I'
515
SW 234 St -
This map shows a revised aquifer boundary. This revision does not change the conclusions of the
EA because proposed construction for the project will not occur within the Aquifer Protection
Zones.
Appendix B — Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
This appendix has been included in its entirety as Attachment 4 of this FONSI. All corrections to
this appendix can be found in Attachment 4.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-14 Finding of No Significant Impact
Appendix G — Cultural Resources Discipline Report
Page 34, What tribal consultations were included?
Section is revised as follows:
WSDOT initiated tribal consultation by sending letters describing the proposed project to the
designated cultural representative of the federally recognized Muckleshoot Indian Tribe,
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, T„'a'ip Tribes the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Indian
Reservation, as well as the non -federally recognized Duwamish Tribe. Copies of these
letters can be found in Appendix A. We also conducted ethnographic research in response
to concerns raised by the Muckleshoot Tribe during preparation of the 1-405 Corridor
Program NEPA/SEPA Draft Environmental Impact Statement. One primary source is T. T.
Waterman's Puget Sound Geography (ca. 1920), which contains locational and descriptive
information of many Indian place names in the region. Following archival and literature
review of ethnographic materials on file at various agencies and institutions, including the
University of Washington Libraries, we reviewed the results with the Muckleshoot
representatives to address their desire to participate in more detailed consultation. The
remaining tribes have GA-MM Uniaated their annrems during follow _u p teler,hnne
GE)Ryersat0eas
Appendix K — Environmental Justice Discipline Report
Page 25, Why is it important to involve tribal governments in the project?
Section is revised as follows:
WSDOT consults with Indian tribes that could be affected by the project. WSDOT sent
letters providing information on the project to the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Tuiaiip,
Yakama, and Duwamish (not federally recognized) Tribes and will continue to coordinate
with the tribes.
Page 35, fourth bullet
Section is revised as follows:
■ We have not identified any long-term effects to historical, cultural, archaeological, and
Section 106 resources. The tribes have aet identified aRY aenrems GVer 1161'al anti
See the Cultural Resources Discipline Report for more
information.
Appendix L — Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report
Page 22, first paragraph
First sentence of the first paragraph is revised as:
Biologists on the 1-405 Team collected existing information on fisheries and aquatic
resources in the study area by reviewing available literature; performing internet searches;
and conducting interviews with various state, county, and local agencies and tribal interests
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-15
Page 23, First full paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
The t-49F 1-405 Team also identified existing fish passage barriers in the study area.
Based on the results of the fish passage barrier investigation, the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will determine which fish passage barriers will
require retrofitting or replacement.
Page 24, second paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
The Muckleshoot and Yakam;; Trmhpr, and other tribes harvest adult salmon from the study
area pursuant to judicially recognized treaty rights, as interpreted by the Boldt Decision of
1974. The Boldt Decision provided the Yakama Tribe "the right to enjoy all of these
fisheries as they had beforehand" which requires that they take the fish "by consent of the
tribes in that region" and that consent still applies today. Over the years, judicial decisions
have affirmed that treaty tribes have a right to harvest fish free of state interference, subject
to conservation principals, to co -manage the fishery resource with the state, and to harvest
up to 50 percent of the harvestable fish.
Page 28, first paragraph
Added at the end of the first paragraph:
Steelhead trout are also present in the study area. This species has recently been
proposed for listing under ESA.
Page 31, first paragraph
Paragraph revised to read:
Gilliam Creek has been highly modified throughout the study area. The creek is primarily
contained within a straight, concrete -lined, incised, trapezoidal channel, and contains little
in -stream structure. Exhibit 12 shows a typical open channel section of the creek. It has a
narrow riparian buffer with some native coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs, but the
riparian buffer is dominated by non-native plant species including Himalayan blackberry
(Rubus armeniacus), Scot's broom (Cytisus scoparius), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris
arundinacea).
paFtial fish passage The flap -gate at the mouth of the creek is a barrier to upstream
fish migration. It is unknown whether fish could easily pass through the culvert behind the
flap gate if the -gate were not there. There are three other culverts upstream of this first one
that are all fish passable. Three wetlands associated with Gilliam Creek provide limited
refugia for fish during high flows and provide rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. For
additional information on these wetlands, please see the Wetlands Discipline Report for this
project.
Page 32, Cottage Creek, third paragraph
Paragraph changed to read:
No anadromous fish are anticipated to use Cottage Creek, as
there is a natural upstream fish passage barrier. Resident fish species anticipated to use
the upper reaches of Cottage Creek include cutthroat trout, Western brook lamprey,
sculpin, longnose dace, speckled dace, largescale sucker, and three spine stickleback.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-16 Finding of No Significant Impact
Page 32, Unnamed Tributary to Gilliam Creek
Paragraph changed to read:
An unnamed tributary to Gilliam Creek flows into Gilliam Creek via a culvert immediately
east of where Gilliam Creek daylights before its confluence with the Green River. Exhibit
14 is a map of the unnamed tributary. This tributary has no open channel at its confluence
with Gilliam Creek. The only other portion of this stream located in the study area is an
approximately 50-foot section that daylights into, and flows through, a small riparian
wetland immediately north of 1-405. In this area, the stream has a small riparian buffer and
little in -stream habitat.
Greek to this URRamed stream.No additional open channel habitat associated with this
tributary is located within 114 mile of the project footprint.
stream, as the 50 fe
gpep habitat is hey Riled downstream by Ggmplete fish passage barriersIt is assumed that
this stream was historically used by coho salmon, sea -run cutthroat trout, cutthroat trout,
Western brook lamprey, sculpin, longnose dace, speckled dace, largescale sucker, and
three spine stickleback.
Page 33-34, last paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
Several historic events and land use trends have combined to have a profound effect on the
hydrology of the Green River. These include few five large engineering projects:
■ Construction of the flood control levees in the late 1800s
■ Diversion of the White River in 1911
■ Construction of Tacoma Water's Headworks Diversion Dam in 1911
■ Diversion of the Cedar/Black River in 1916
■ Construction of the HHD in 1962
Page 34, paragraph 2
Text is revised as follows:
The lower Green River, from approximately river mile 11 to river mile 42, is used by all
native salmonids for upstream and downstream migration and rearing. Chinook, coho,
pink, sockeye, and chum salmon and steelhead trout are known to spawn in this reach of
the Green River, though spawning habitat is limited.19 Pacific and river lamprey are also
present in the Green River, but little information is available on their present status.20
Pages 34, 35, and 36, footnotes 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, and 26
Footnotes are all revised to read:
Kerwin, John and Nelson, Tom S. (Eds.). SaIMOR and Steelhead Habitat Limiting Factors
and Reconnaissance Assessment Report,
Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watersheds (WRIA 9 and Vashon Island Water
Rps;A,irne Ip„entgry AreWashington Conservation Commission and the King County
Department of Natural Resources. 20004-.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact AI-17
Page 36, footnote 24
Footnote revised as follows:
24 Derek Koellmann, Anchor Environmental, L.L.C. personal observation, January 2005.
New Appendix
Add the following exhibits as Appendix C. These two exhibits illustrate the WSDOT owned
culverts. Exhibit C-1 illustrates the locations of each culvert within the study area. Exhibit C-2
describes each culvert and its characteristics. The culvert identification (ID) number shown in
Exhibit C-2 corresponds to those used on Exhibit C-1.
r _ Black River For Cedar River
Riparian Forest
Area, see Inset !
\ . Below
\—kL- I r
Dent
Park
Cottage
Creek
7.1
10, 13 16,,-
11 14 I
/iam
Creek / I
Green
River
-,_ W
TUKWILA\�
Cedar River Area
60
III
57 1 f
421, 48
44 -
� 76 Thunder Hills
I Creek
72 Creek
i,
I
Springbrook ( 515
Creek
Panther
- - Creek
RENTON
606
! I I I Panther
'__ 1 Creek
1
Exhibit C-1: Location of WSDOT Owned Culverts
WSDOT Owned
Cutverts
Local
I
67
I
Arterial
Freeway
Trail
Open Channel
Pipe
--.
Park
Park
Railroad
Municipality
N
W+
f
s
0 0.25 0.5
Miles
TRIP CulvertWSDOTmxd
Updated: 1.24-07
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-18 Finding of No Significant Impact
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Page 45, first bullet
Section is revised as follows:
Construction of new southbound and northbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and its
associated side channel to accommodate construction of new 1-405 north and southbound
lanes. One column will be added within the OHWM of Springbrook Creek.
Page 51, last paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
Likewise ^^ Regatiye ^ffeGts Therefore, we anticipate negligible changes, if any, to stream
base flows are likely to occur from the increase in impervious surface, as the overall
amount of impervious surfacing resulting from the project will only slightly increase the total
percentage of impervious surfacing in the watersheds where the project is located.
Page 52, Fish passage
Section is revised as follows:
All culverts affected by the project were assessed to determine if they are barriers to up or
downstream fish passage. G lye.ts deemed t^ be fish passage
baFFie F6 will be a66esse d
further
^ to deterrni^�ywi„-be-^ls^�; Tetr�e I� part rejestNo fish
rEi I th cr c cc
passage culvert replacements are planned as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement
Project.
Page 53, first paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
Project construction will have several temporary effects on fisheries and aquatic resources.
Examples of these temporary effects; are discussed in the sections below; and are primarily
related to construction -related in -water disturbances and stream buffer and riparian
vegetation. A summary of temporary construction effects related to the project can be
found in Exhibit 32.
Page 56, last paragraph of first section
Section is revised as follows:
Due to the timing of construction in waterbodies containing federally listed species and the
use of appropriate and available BMPs, we anticipate the project will not result in negative
effects to federally listed species or federal species of concern.
Page 57, end of first section
The following paragraph was added to the end of the first section.
Generally, the effect of roadway lighting will be minimized by locating the new fixtures in the
median and by using "cut-off' fixtures that will focus the light on the roadway surface. In
places where new lighting must be near fish bearing waterbodies, effects will be minimized
by using "cut-off' fixtures and light shields to reduce the spill over of light beyond the
roadwav surface.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-21 Finding of No Significant Impact
Page 60, first sentence
Section is revised as follows:
Two of the streams in the study area, Springbrook Creek and the west fork of Panther
Creek, will experience work within or above the OHWM.
Appendix M — Floodplains Discipline Report
Page 20, What are the Key Points? First bullet
Text is revised as follows:
■ This project will not raise the existing 100-year floodplain level because any filling within
the floodplain will be mitigated for by excavation within the same floodplain, and at the
same elevation, at the Springbrook Early Environmental Investments (EEI) site. The
removal of the box culvert on Springbrook Creek will also provide mitigation for filling
within the floodplain.
Page 20, What are the Key Points? Last sentence on page
Text is revised as follows:
WSDOT will perform an hydFaul+Ganalysis prior to beginning construction to confirm that
the Springbrook site provides adequate mitigation.
Page 30, first paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
As part of providing compensatory floodplain storage, the Springbrook Creek box culvert will
be removed. In addition , stormwater detention
will also be provided for drainage from new impervious surfaces. Detaining stormwater will
help minimize changes to flow patterns of inlet sources to the floodplain. See the Surface
Water and Water Quality Discipline Report for more information on stormwater facilities.
Page 30, last paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
WSDOT will hydraUl+sall}-analyze the effectiveness of the fill mitigation to confirm that no
rise will result in the 100-year floodplain. If the Springbrook EEI is demonstrated to be
inadequate for mitigation, then another site will be found for compensatory storage. �4
Appendix Q — Noise and Vibration Discipline Report
Page 31, first paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
Project noise specialists evaluated the effectiveness of noise barriers at the outermost
boundary of the right-of-way to minimize the potential for future corridor roadway projects to
require their removal or relocation. In cases where the right-of-way line would not provide a
suitable place for a barrier, the analysis was performed at the next closest logical place
such as the edge of pavement.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-22 Finding of No Significant Impact
Appendix T — Social Discipline Report
Page 39, Narco Community Park (proposed), first paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
The master plan for the 45 57-acre site proposes to develop an active recreation facility
with soccer fields, restroom/shelter building, trails, and parking for 459-te 150 358 vehicles.
An existing pedestrian bridge, which accommodates the Cedar River Interpretive Trail, links
the site to Renton's Cedar River Park. A trailhead and parking currently exist for the Cedar
River Trail. The City of Renton has placed a high priority on developing this park.
Page 39, Cedar River Trail, first paragraph, last sentence
Sentence revised as follows:
The trail is paved for approximately e�x12 miles, from dGWRtOWR ReRteR Lake Washington
southeast to Maple Valley; south of this point, the trail is
crushed gravel.
Page 43, Burnett Trail (proposed), first paragraph
Section is revised as follows:
Existing portions of the Burnett Trail follow the existing Burnett Linear Park location along
Burnett Avenue (the old Pacific Coast Railroad corridor) from Grady Way to downtown
Renton. The proposed trail sections will extend the trail north to the Cedar River and south
under 1-405 along Talbot Road to Puget Drive. Phase I trail construction was completed in
2006 in Burnett Linear Park: Phase II is expected to be constructed in 2007.
Page 43, Narco and Panther Creek sites, first paragraph, last sentence
Sentence revised as follows:
On September 25, 2006 the City of Renton adopted a Tri-Park
Master Plan for the Narco site in conjunction with Liberty Park and Cedar Park.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-23
Appendix V — Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report
Page 22, Exhibit 10. Surface Waterbodies in the Study Area
Exhibit 10 has been replaced with the following version:
The exhibit has been revised to correctly show only Waters of the U.S. versus stormwater
drainages. At the north end of Thunder Hills Creek, the stream goes into a short culvert which
does not display due to scale. This also occurs at the north end of Panther Creek near SW 23rd
just left of SR 167.
Page 26, second paragraph
Paragraph revised as follows:
Ecology lists parts of the Green River for not meeting water quality standards for dissolved
oxygen, fecal coliform bacteria, and temperature. All three of these water quality problems
occur in the reach of the Green River that passes through -I ► the study area +he rroor, Dior
Springbrook Creek is also listed
for not complying with standards for dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria. The
Cedar River is listed for fecal coliform bacteria down stream of the study area.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-24 Finding of No Significant Impact
Page 31, forth paragraph, last sentence
Sentence revised as follows:
WSDOT will construct stormwater facilities based on the latest version of the HRM to
provide treatment and detention for all new impervious surfaces created by the project.
Page 36, Exhibit 13. Stormwater Facilities Locations
Exhibit 13 has been replaced with the following version:
1
1-405
Northern
'
1
;]
r
- Project Limit
m at SR 169
D
--
1
ti
B-
j !a rty/
Cad. y�
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e
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ml
SW 7th St
52.2,E
r
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r
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RENTON
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S 2. 1 {
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r
e:eekar ro i m
Legend
G 1.2 - I
Wetlands QD
Local Road
I-405
Southern
T U K W I L A £
-_ — Arterial Road
Project Limit
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - �,
at I-5
m i�
Freeway
i
sw z7th St
- Airport 10,000-foot Buffer
I
S3.1
i 10 i�
Park
I
m
Airport Boundary
L
"
SW 94th St
167
Renton
f I_
Tukwila
Lake
61 I
SW 41 st St
Open River/Creek Channel
'
Piped River/Creek Channel
SR 167 -
f
- Storrnwater Flow Control Facility
Sothem
u
/
Project Limit
S 3.1 Facility Number
/
at SW 41st St
f _ J
1
� -
0 0.25 0.5
C
Miles
This exhibit has been revised to show the location of a detention pond that will be located in the
loop -ramp of the 1-405/SR 167 interchange during construction. This pond will not have any
additional project effects. The exhibit also now shows the 10,000-foot boundary for the Renton
Airport. This radius has been established to prevent collisions between water fowl and aircraft.
Within this boundary, permanent open water areas that attract water fowl are discouraged.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact Al-25
Appendix W — Transportation Discipline Report
Page 24, Exhibit number
Exhibit label is revised as follows:
Exhibit 4011. 2002 Existing Afternoon Peak Hour Vehicle and Person Trips, Mode
Split, and Average Speed
Appendix X — Upland Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report
Page 34, first sentence of first paragraph
Text is revised as follows:
Mitigation measures listed in the Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report will be
followed for this project.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Al-26 Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachment 2:
Notice of Availability of FONSI and SEPA
Determination of Nonsignificance
This attachment provides the notices prepared for the FONSI and the Determination of
Nonsignificance (DNS) prepared under State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Rules along with
information on publication of these notices.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
1-405, RENTON NICKEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, 1-5 TO SR 169
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the 1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) on January 31, 2007.
This finding is based on the evaluation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) as issued on October 2, 2006, and public and agency
input during the public comment period from October 2 through November 10, 2006. The public comment period included a public
hearing on October 26, 2006.
Description of Proposed Project
WSDOT intends to improve Interstate 405 (1-405) from Interstate 5 (1-5) to State Route (SR 169). These improvements are a part of
the 1-405 Corridor Program. The Project includes the following improvements to support construction and operation of the facility:
• Constructing one new northbound general-purpose lane and one new southbound general-purpose lane on 1-405 from 1-5
to SR 167;
• Constructing one southbound auxiliary lane on SR 167 from the 1-405 to southbound SR 167 on -ramp to the SW 41 st
Street off -ramp;
• Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane north to begin at 1-405;
• Constructing one new northbound auxiliary lane from the SR 167 to 1-405 on -ramp to the SR 169 off -ramp;
• Constructing one new southbound auxiliary lane from the SR 169 to 1-405 on -ramp to the SR 167 off -ramp;
• Replacing the Benson Road Bridge on a new alignment that will include bike and pedestrian facilities;
• Replacing the 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue with new southbound and northbound
bridges;
• Replacing the bridge rails on the 1-405 bridges over the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP)
railroad tracks; and
• Widening the 1-405 bridge over Talbot Road on both the northbound and the southbound sides.
The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will provide many short- and long-term benefits. Some of these benefits are:
• Improving stormwater treatment, detention, and conveyance;
• Using design principles and adding architectural treatments to improve the highway's appearance;
• Incorporating numerous measures to avoid or minimize effects to the environment;
• Reducing travel times and improving operations in the project area;
• Improving response time for emergency service vehicles along 1-405 and southbound SR 167;
• Improving safety;
• Building a noise wall along the north side of the Talbot Hill neighborhood to reduce highway noise;
• Removing the existing box culvert at Springbrook Creek and improving the streambed; and
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A24
• Mitigating for fill in lower -quality wetlands by using credits from Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank, a
higher -quality wetland complex.
Where Can I View the EA and FONSI?
Copies of the 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project EA and the FONSI are available for a cost of $21 and $12, respectively,
which does not exceed the cost of printing. Both documents are available for review online at:
hftp://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1405/Corridor/Library/Rentea. The EA and the FONSI may also be reviewed at the WSDOT 1-405
Project Office at 600108th Avenue NE, Suite 405, Bellevue, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration at 711 South Capitol Way, Suite 501, Olympia. The EA and FONSI will also be available at the following public
libraries:
• Bellevue Community College
• Bellevue Regional Library
• Renton Public Library
• University of Washington Libraries (Suzzalo and Bothell)
• Highlands Public Library
• Skyway Library
• Tukwila Regional Library
• Foster Library
Who Can I Contact with Questions?
Please contact Allison Ray, WSDOT 1-405 Project Office, 600108th Avenue NE, Suite 405, Bellevue, WA 98004; telephone (425)
456-8610 if you have any questions.
Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternative formats, sign language interpreters,
and physical accessibility accommodations by calling (360) 705-7097. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, please call
Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service, or Tele-Braille at 7-1-1, Voice 1 (800) 833-6384, and ask to be connected to
(360) 705-7097.
FHWA and WSDOT ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and
related statues by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and sex in the provision of benefits and services.
For more information about Title VI, please call Jose Rivera, the WSDOT Title VI Coordinator, at (360) 705-7098.
Usted puede pedir estos materiales escritos en espanol o solicitar un interprete Ilamando a Jose Rivera en (360) 705-7098.
The preceding legal notice was advertised in the following newspaper on the date noted:
King County Journal, February 1, 2007.
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169
Description of proposal: WSDOT intends to improve Interstate 405 (1-405) from 1-5 to SR 169. These improvements are part of
the 1-405 Corridor Program. The Proposed Action includes these improvements to support construction and operation of the facility:
■ Constructing one new northbound general-purpose lane and one new southbound general-purpose lane on 1-405 from 1-5 to SR
167 and from SR 167 to SR 169;
■ Constructing one new southbound general-purpose lane on SR 167 from 1-405 to the SW 41It Street off -ramp;
■ Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane north to begin at 1-405;
■ Replacing the Benson Road Bridge on a new alignment that will include bike and pedestrian facilities; and
■ Replacing the 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Side Channel and Oakesdale Avenue with new southbound and northbound bridges.
Other features of the project include:
■ Replacing the bridge rails on the 1-405 bridges over the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroad
tracks, and over SR 515 (Talbot Road);
■ Improving stormwater treatment, detention, and conveyance;
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A2-2 Finding of No Significant Impact
■ Using design principles and adding architectural treatments to improve the highway's appearance; and
■ Incorporating numerous measures to avoid or minimize effects to the environment.
The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will provide many short- and long-term benefits. Some of these benefits are:
■ Reducing travel times and improving operations in the project area;
■ Improving response time for emergency service vehicles along 1-405 and SR 167;
■ Improving safety;
■ Building a noise wall along the north side of the Talbot Hill neighborhood to reduce highway noise;
■ Removing the existing box culvert at Springbrook Creek and improving the streambed; and
■ Mitigating for fill in lower -quality wetlands by using credits from Springbrook Creek Mitigation Bank, a higher -quality wetland
complex.
Location of proposal, including street address, if any: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project extends for approximately 3.6
miles along 1-405 from 1-5 to SR 169 and along SR 167 from 1-405 to the SW 41st Street ramp off -connection.
Proponent/Lead Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
Determination: The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the
environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030 (2)(c). This decision was made after
review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the
public on request. Please note that our checklist document is titled 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169,
Environmental Assessment, published October 2006. The document is available to view during normal business hours at: 1-405
Project Office, 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405, Bellevue; Bellevue Regional Library; Bellevue Community College; Foster
Library; Highlands Public Library; Renton Public Library; Skyway Library; Tukwila Regional Library; and the University of Washington
Library (Suzzalo and Bothell).
The document is also available electronically at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i405/corridor/library/rentea
❑ There is no comment period for this DNS.
0 This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date below.
Comments must be submitted by October 29, 2006.
Responsible Official: Allison Ray
Position/Title: WSDOT 1-405 Project Environmental Manager
Address: 1-405 Project Office
600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425-456-8610
Date: October 16, 2006
The preceding legal notice was advertised in the following newspaper on the date noted:
King County Journal, October 2, 2006
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A2-3
This page intentionally blank.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A24 Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachment 3:
FONSI Distribution List
To promote good communication and enhance interagency coordination, we acknowledge that this
FONSI is a public document and has involved the public, agencies, and tribes in implementing
NEPA procedures. The FONSI was sent to the following government agencies, tribes,
organizations, and elected officials:
Federal Agencies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service
Tribal Governments
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Duwamish Tribe
Muckleshoot Tribe
Snoqualmie Tribe
State Agencies
Washington State Department of Archaeological and Historic Preservation
Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Washington State Transportation Commission
Local Agencies
City of Renton
Gregg Zimmerman
Peter Hahn
Keith Woolley
Alex Pietsch
Terry Higashiyama
Leslie Betlach
Ron Straka
Abdoul Gafour
Ray Sled
James Gray
Suzanne Dale Estey
City of Tukwila
Cyndy Knighton
Bob Giberson
Jim Morrow
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
A3-1
Multi -Agency Permitting Team
Jim Fraser, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
Terry Drochak, Washington State Department of Transportation
John Maas, Washington State Department of Transportation
Rebecca McAndrew, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Rebecca Ponzio, Washington State Department of Ecology
Robert Nolan, Washington State Department of Ecology
Don Ponder, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
Libraries
Bellevue Community College
Bellevue Regional Library
Renton Public Library
University of Washington Libraries (Suzzalo and Bothell)
Highlands Public Library
Skyway Library
Tukwila Library
Foster Library
Elected Officials
U.S. Senators
Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senate
Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Senate
U.S. House o1 Representatives
U.S. Representative Jay Inslee, 1st
Congressional District
U.S. Representative David Reichert, 8th
Congressional District
U.S. Representative Adam Smith, 9th
congressional District
Washington State Senators
Rosemary McAuliffe, 1st District
Margarita Prentice, 11th District
Adam Kline, 37th District
Brian Weinstein, 41 st District
Eric Oemig, 45th District
Rodney Tom, 48th District
Washington State Representatives
Al O'Brien, 1 st District
Mark Ericks, 1st District
Zack Hudgins, 11th District
Bob Hasegawa, 11 th District
Sharon Santos, 37th District
Eric Pettigrew, 37th District
Fred Jarrett, 41 st District
Judy Clibborn, 41 st District
Roger Goodman, 45th District
Larry Springer, 45th District
Ross Hunter, 48th District
Deborah Eddy, 48th District
A3-2
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachment 4:
Mitigation Commitment List
This attachment describes project mitigation commitments. The mitigation measures are
organized by element of the environment, as presented in the EA. These commitments were
included in the EA as Appendix B, "Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures," issued on
October 2, 2006.
Since the issuance of the EA, corrections have been made to these commitments. These
corrections serve to clarify or enhance readability. Changes are identified using strikethrough and
underlining. Each deletion of original text is shown with a line striking through it; new text is
indicated by an underline. These minor revisions are incorporated into the EA by reference.
These commitments have been adopted as part of FHWA's final decision on the proposed project.
They are listed to "assist with agency planning and decision -making" and to "aid an agency's
compliance with NEPA when no Environmental Impact Statement is necessary" [40 CFR 1501.3(b)
and 1508.9(a)(2)].
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A44
List of Commitments Identified in the EA
WSDOT has well -established design and construction practices for avoiding or minimizing impacts
resulting from environmental conditions anticipated along the project alignment. The following
sections describe the established design and construction practices that WSDOT will include to
avoid or minimize impact to the various environmental resources during both the construction and
operation phases of the project.
What measures are proposed to minimize effects during construction?
WSDOT will use the measures below to minimize effects on elements of the natural and built
environments. In addition, WSDOT expects to meet the commitments in their 1-405 Corridor Program
NEPA/SEPA Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Record of Decision.
Air Quality
The following measures will be used to control PM,o, deposition of particulate matter, and emissions of
CO and NO,, during construction:
■ Exposed soil will be sprayed with water to reduce emissions of PM,o and deposition of
particulate matter.
■ To reduce PM,o and deposition of particulates during transportation, all truck loads of fill
material will be covered, materials in trucks will be wetted, or adequate freeboard (space from
the top of the material to the top of the truck) will be provided.
■ Wheel washers will be provided to remove particulate matter that would otherwise be carried
off site by vehicles to decrease deposition of mud on area roadways.
■ Particulate matter deposited on paved, public roads will be removed to reduce mud on area
roadways.
■ Dirt, gravel, and debris piles will be covered as needed.
■ Construction trucks will be routed and scheduled in a manner that will reduce delays and the
indirect air quality effects associated with traffic slowing to accommodate construction vehicles.
Cultural Resources
Although WSDOT does not anticipate any construction -related effects to historic properties and
resources, it is always possible that archaeological resources could be found during construction.
Because of this, WSDOT will follow their Unanticipated Discovery Plan to ensure that
archaeological resources are not inadvertently disturbed during construction.
Cumulative Effects
No measures, beyond those incorporated in the project design and listed in the air quality, surface
water, wetlands, and fish and aquatic resources discipline reports, will be necessary.
Economic Elements
WSDOT will follow these construction planning procedures to minimize construction effects on
access to local businesses:
■ Daytime street closures will be kept to a minimum to provide access for businesses during
regular business hours.
■ Access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction by carefully planning
construction activities and being aware of the need to provide adjacent properties with
reasonable access during business hours.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-2 Finding of No Significant Impact
■ WSDOT will post appropriate signs that communicate revised access information to potential
customers.
■ As part of construction management, access ,II be prepaFe i and inrL ir7orl in the
will be maintained to businesses and residences.
Environmental Justice
To minimize effects on local service centers, WSDOT will
inform local agencies, the public, school districts,
emergency service providers, and transit agencies of
traffic changes ahead of time in the following ways:
■ Send information to service provider contacts so that
they can include the information in newsletters and
relay the information face to face. WSDOT can
accomplish this in part by sending service providers
the project's monthly electronic newsletter.
■ Send flyers and handouts to service providers for
posting and distributing in key locations at their
facilities. Flyers will be printed in Spanish, Chinese,
Russian, and Vietnamese.
in Post flyers at key stores and religious institutions.
■ Set up a project table and talk with people at locations
such as food banks.
■ Translate written materials accurately.
■ Ensure understanding by writing public materials at a
4th grade reading level.
eye.
El Programs del corrador 1.405 y
el Proyecto de majors Nickel
_ a
Project Fact Sheet in Spanish
Fish and Aquatic Resources
WSDOT will take the following actions to minimize the effects of project construction on fish:
■ All in -water work will be restricted to authorized construction periods when juvenile salmon are
not likely to be present in substantial numbers. Adherence to designated in -water work
windows or approved work periods, as defined by appropriate permitting agencies (Washington
State Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service), will also eliminate or reduce in -water interference during periods when
returning adult salmon are likely to be present.
■ All permanent pile driving within the ordinary high water mark will be performed in dewatered
conditions. Ne OR_wat pole dFiving will be equTF elate S Urfa Ge wateF from weFk areas
■ WSDOT will restore temporarily cleared areas to preconstruction gFadesconditions and replant
the areas with appropriate native vegetation.
In addition, WSDOT will follow these BMPs during construction to avoid discharging sediment from
bridge, culvert, and roadway construction:
in Develop and implement a temporary erosion and sediment control plan for clearing, vegetation
removal, grading, ditching, filling, embankment compaction, or excavation. The BMPs in the
plan will be used to control sediment input from all vegetation or ground -disturbance activities.
■ Use effective erosion control measures, such as filter -fabric fence, straw mulch, straw bales,
and plastic sheeting to prevent silt and soil from entering surface waters (including wetlands).
■ Hydroseed bare soil areas following grading per environmental regulations.
■ Clearly label streams and stream buffers on the construction plans and in the field.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A4-3
■ Mark clearing limits with orange barrier fencing wherever clearing is proposed in or near critical
areas.
■ Locate staging areas and equipment storage areas away from sensitive areas (e.g., streams
and wetlands).
■ Refrain from vehicle refueling and maintenance activities within 100 feet of streams, rivers, and
wetlands, or as allowed per permit requirements.
■ Minimize the duration of in -water work (below the OHWM) and strictly adhere to the appropriate
in -water work windows, as dictated by applicable permits.
■ Prohibit waste and excess materials from being disposed of or allowed to remain below the
OHWM.
■ Prepare and adhere to aR appFeved a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan for
the project prior to beginning any construction and maintain a copy of the plan with any updates
at the work site.
■ Identify and develop staging areas for equipment repair and maintenance away from all
drainage courses. WSDOT will require that washout from concrete trucks not be dumped into
storm drains or onto soil or pavement that carries stormwater runoff. Thinners and solvents will
not be used to wash oil, grease, or similar substances from heavy machinery or machine parts.
WSDOT will designate a washdown area for equipment and concrete trucks.
■ Contain excavated sediment in tanks, or other appropriate containers, to avoid discharge to
surface water, and transport the contained sediments to an approved disposal site.
■ Check items regularly such as fuel hoses, oil drums, and oil and fuel transfer valves and fittings
for drips or leaks to prevent spills into surface water.
■ Keep the illuminated area and intensity of nighttime lighting to the minimum that is necessary
for the intended purpose. Lights will be directed onto the work areas and away from the water.
■ Remove the Springbrook Creek box culvert and restore the streambed in that area to provide
stream mitigation.
*—PeF IARaveidable stream and bUffeF effeGtS, VVSDQT will mitigate at a Site OF sites WithiR the
-cJ� m7TiG;rGT�G'rrd'1�'I cv .
Floodplains
Adding fill to the floodplain of Springbrook Creek is an unavoidable negative effect. Compensation
for this fill comes from removing the Springbrook Creek box culvert and from the Springbrook
Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank, an Early Environmental Investments (EEI) Project
where large volumes of material will be removed to construct that project. The excavation at the
EEI site, which is required to construct the wetlands, will provide sufficient floodplain storage to
compensate for the fill placed within the floodplain during construction of the new 1-405 northbound
and southbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue, along the south side of
1-405 between Oakesdale Avenue and Lind Avenue, and on the west side of SR 167 near SW 23rd
Street.
WSDOT will analyze the effectiveness of the fill mitigation in order to confirm that the
100-year floodplain elevation will have no rise due to the project. If the proposed mitigation is
demonstrated to be inadequate, then aR additiGRal site will be feuRd feF compensatory storage will
be found. .
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A44 Finding of No Significant Impact
Hazardous Materials
WSDOT will conduct the following activities to avoid or minimize effects to human health or the
environment:
■ WSDOT may be responsible for remediating and monitoring contamination found on properties
that will be acquired for this project. WSDOT will further evaluate the identified properties
before acquisition or construction occurs. Contamination in soils will be evaluated relative to
Model Toxic Control Act cleanup levels.
What is remediation?
Remediation is an action to identify, eliminate,
or minimize hazardous substances that pose
a threat to human health or the environment.
What is the Model Toxics Control Act
(MTCA)?
MTCA is Washington Administrative Code
that describes a process to identify,
investigate and clean up properties that may
threaten human health or the environment.
■ If WSDOT encounters an unknown underground
storage tank within the existing right-of-way
(ROW), WSDOT will assume cleanup liability for
the appropriate decommissioning and removal
of the underground storage tank. If this occurs,
WSDOT will follow all applicable rules and
regulations associated with underground storage
tank removal activities.
■ WSDOT will ensure that the surrounding
properties and population are not exposed to the
contaminants on the site. For example, WSDOT
will ensure that the site is properly contained
after construction is completed so contaminants
do not migrate off site and the health and safety
of all on -site personnel are protected during
work at the site.
■ WSDOT will consider entering into pre -purchaser agreements for the purpose of indemnifying
WSDOT against acquiring the responsibility for any long-term cleanup and monitoring costs.
■ Construction mitigation measures will be implemented to reduce the use, transfer, and storage
of hazardous materials in sensitive areas.
■ WSDOT will be -Fe to -meet all appropriate discharge approvals if water affected with
hazardous materials is encountered during construction and water needs to be managed.
■ Contaminated groundwater originating from properties located upgradient of the ROW could
migrate to the study area. In general, WSDOT will not incur liability for groundwater
contamination that has migrated into the project footprint as long as it does not acquire the
source of the contamination. However, WSDOT will manage the contaminated media within
the project footprint in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
Land Use Patterns
In addition to the actions listed for Environmental Justice, WSDOT will do the following:
■ Prepare and implement a traffic management plan (TMP).
■ Provide detour routes and clearly mark with signs, if local streets must be temporarily closed
during construction.
■ Maintain access to businesses and residences throughout construction.
Land Use Plans and Policies
None identified.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A4-5
Noise and Vibration
To reduce construction noise at nearby receptors, the following activities will be incorporated by
WSDOT where practicable:
■ As construction takes place in the area where the noise barrier is to be built, if possible,
construct the proposed noise barrier before other construction activities. Roque eaf4y
■ Limit noisiest construction activities, such as pile driving, to between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to
reduce construction noise levels during sensitive nighttime hours.
■ Equip construction equipment engines with adequate mufflers, intake silencers, and engine
enclosures to reduce their noise.
■ Turn off construction equipment during prolonged periods of nonuse to eliminate noise.
■ Locate stationary equipment away from residences, where possible, to decrease noise.
■ Construct temporary noise barriers or curtains around stationary equipment that must be
located close to residences to decrease noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors.
■ Require-ryessrncnrveed IiReFs OR +i rcFUGks be'ciRg leaded on on site
■PFehibit baRgiRg Gf GIUMP tFUGk tailgates.
■ Require WSDOT to use OSHA -approved ambient sound sensing backup alarms to reduce
disturbances from backup alarms during quieter periods.
Parks and Recreation, Section 4(f)
@Fe a#eGted by this During construction of the new southbound and northbound bridges
over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue, the Springbrook Creek Trail under 1-405 will be
closed for public safety reasons. A signed detour will be provided during the closure and notices
will be provided to the Cascade Bicycle Club and posted to keep the public informed about the
construction. The detour will extend from SW Grady Way to a point lust south of SW 16th Street
on the sidewalk and road edge of Oakesdale Avenue SW. The trail will be fully restored following
construction.
Public Services and Utilities
Effects to existing utilities will be avoided through project design where it is feasible. Where
avoidance is not feasible, utilities will be relocated or protected in place. Coordination with utility
service providers will identify conflicts and resolve them prior to or during construction where
possible.
In addition, if temporary disruptions in public service are unavoidable, emergency and school
transportation service providers will be contacted and kept informed. Contingency plans for
unforeseen interruptions of access or public services will be developed before construction begins.
Social
In addition to the measures listed for Land Use Patterns, WSDOT will implement the following to
minimize construction effects for the general public:
■ Post current information on construction and travel options on the project website.
■ Increase access to travel options and incentives to use them.
■ Build Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 on a new alignment west of the existing bridge to avoid
long-term closure.
■ Meet with City of Renton staff during final design to coordinate temporary closures and detours
related to replacing the Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale bridges and widening the Talbot
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-6 Finding of No Significant Impact
Road bridge. If it is not possible to maintain trail traffic during construction, then the
teatx+WSDOT will identify appropriate, safe detours for use by cyclists and/or pedestrians.
Soils, Geology, and Groundwater
WSDOT will follow these procedures:
WSDOT will reduce degradation of moisture -sensitive soils. This may be accomplished by
maintaining proper surface drainage to avoid ponding of surface water or groundwater; b-y
and/or
What is an admix? by covering the final subgrade elevation with a
An admix is a product, such as cement or kiln working mat of crushed rock and/or geotextile for
dust, that is mixed into soil to improve the protection. A soil admix such as cement may also
characteristics of the soil, such as workability be mixed into the subgrade to add strength and
and compactability. stabilize the ground.
■ If WSDOT identifies areas where dewatering will be
necessary for y-work, then WSDOT will take
steps to minimize the potential settlement effects. These steps may ORGlu ie rerhaFge Wenc
■ WSDOT ideconfirmed the presence of an abandoned coal mine tunnel near Benson
Road. WSDOT will design the project to avoid adverse settlement or subsidence effects from
the tunnel. If necessary, avoiding settlement or subsidence may be accomplished by bridging
over the tunnel with a structural slab or by adding fill to the tunnel.
■ .
limits cot fer the oreiert through the use ofy'bFation monitoring equipment
■ New bridges underlain by liquefaction prone soils
will be designed to current seismic standards. The
What is compaction grouting? bridges vw-may be founded on deep piles and/or
Compaction grouting is a method of improving the soil under the bridges will be improved. Soil
the soil by injecting a thick grout into the soil, improvement measures, if needed, will may
causing the soil to become denser. The consist of compaction grouting.
higher density of the soil causes it to be less
susceptible to liquefaction and shaking during ■ Retaining walls may be constructed in locations
an earthquake. underlain by liquefaction -prone soils. In accordance
with the WSDOT Geotechnical Design Manual
(GDA }, if a retaining wall is greater than ten feet in height and within ten feet of the roadway,
then the wall will be founded on deep piles or the soils under the wall will be improved using
measures such as compaction grouting. WSDOT will select measures that will minimize the
effect on adjacent properties.
■
fills. I.A.12-DOT will ideRtify theSe aFeas and mitigate Fisks UGORg greuRd M edifi. A-A. s; eF ()the
■ WSDOT will only import and place clean fill for the project. Contaminated fill brought from
outside sources can contaminate shallow aquifers. WSDOT will require documentation for fill
brought onto the site from the supplier that the fill does not exceed Washington State soil
cleanup standards. If documentation is not available, then WSDOT will require testing of
imported fill soils prior to placement. WSDOT will test suspect soils encountered during project
construction. Where necessary, WSDOT will require their removal from the site and proper
disposal in accordance with Washington State regulations.
■ WSDOT may need to install underdrains to control seepage for retaining walls and fill
embankments. These underdrains may lower the groundwater table in the immediate vicinity
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A4-7
of the project. In the unlikely scenario that the effects from this drawdown could be adverse,
WSDOT will include special provisions in the design, such as discharging drain flow back into
affected wetlands.
■ All construction within and/or over the City of Renton Aquifer Protection Area Zones 1 and 2
shall comply with the Washington State Wellhead Protection Requirements outlined in WAC
246-290-135(4) and the City of Renton Municipal Code 4-3-050C, 4-4-030H, and 4-9-015.
Surface Water and Water Quality
The 1-405 Corridor Program NEPA/SEPA Final EIS makes the following commitments to protect
water quality during construction of 1-405 projects. These commitments will be followed for the
Renton Nickel Improvement Project.
■ Per GORS461GtOOR WithiR 300 feet ef a lake eF stream, eF where GeRGeRtFated GeRstruGtiAP I;Otp
diSGhaFge rRay flew direGtly to 86IFfaGe Waters, all site gradiRg arld initial stabilizatiOR G91:11d be
Where
construction must occur within stream channels, such construction will occur "in the dry"
whereby stream flow is temporarily diverted around the work site where practicable to prevent
turbidity.
■
provisions fer temporarily GeaGiRg constrUGti@R and quickly stabi1iZiRg the site when rainfall
greater than 9Re half inGh 1R a 12 a ur period s measured at the site.
treatmeRt measures, er uses pelymer seil stabilizers to FedHGe erosion. If GOagUlaRts are 2) Uses alternative meaRs tG treat conStFUGtIOR site FUROff SUGh as overland flew aGFGSs a
■ Construction disturbances will be limited to the minimum area needed, the shortest duration,
and an appropriate distance away from waterbodies as practical. Seasonal work windows will
be identified and implemented.
■ BMPs such as fencing, landscaping, erosion matting, hydro mulching, soil imprinting, straw
bales, detention/sediment trap basins, and vegetated fringes as described in the HRM will be
used.
■QAri— aGt1VitieG will be staged GUGh that GeRStFLIGtieR areas are Gleared no earlier thaR e
will be immediately TmiUIGhed Gevered with placfyGnr etheFWise stabiliz
■ WSDOT will be required to obtain a NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
permit. WSDOT will ensure that water eRGOURtered dUFiRg G9RStFWGtiGR meets the standards
specified in the NPDES permit prior to t-h-edischarge of the or,GG Rtered water to a ourfaGe
wateFbodyfrom the project site. If necessary, water quality will be improved, such as by using
sediment ponds to allow sediment to settle out prior to discharge.
■ A scour analysis of any bridge piers that are below the OHWM will be conductedsubmitted
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-8 Finding of 10 Significant Impact
Transportation
Transportation demand management (TDM) strategies will
form an important part of the construction management
program. TDM strategies for the Renton Nickel Improvement
Project will be implemented both before and during
construction to increase public awareness and participation in
HOV travel. The major focus for specific TDM efforts will be
to implement programs that:
■ Provide bus service, carpool, vanpool, vanshare and/or
incident response;
What is transportation demand
management (TDM)?
Institutional and operational methods to
reduce travel demand on the transportation
system. TDM strategies are usually
implemented to support the use of HOVs,
which typically include carpools, vanpools,
and public transit programs.
■ Divert trips from construction areas by encouraging the use of Park and Rides;
■ Engage and inform the public through enhanced real-time information and resources; and
■ Are targeted to specific geographic and trip markets.
Specific traffic control strategies have been listed under Environmental Justice, Land Use Patterns,
and Social.
Upland Vegetation and Wildlife
Mitigation measures listed for Surface Water and Water Quality also apply to upland vegetation
and wildlife. In addition, BMPs will be used to help protect wildlife resources. The BMPs will
include revegetating construction zones and roadside areas with native plants to offset habitat loss
due to construction.
Visual Quality
These measures will be followed to minimize
construction effects:
■ Where possible, restore environmental and visual functions to temporary impact areas, and
work with agencies and landowners to preserve and establish buffer zones.
■ Adjust grading limits to protect desirable vegetation, natural habitat, wetlands and sensitive
areas, and heritage resources where possible.
Wetlands
As appropriate, measures described for Surface Water and Water Quality as well as Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources will also apply to wetlands.
IR ieR7-WSDOT will compensate for unavoidable wetland fills using credits from the
Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank.
Temporarily disturbed wetland areas will be restored and replanted with appropriate wetland
vegetation . WSDOT will develop a project specific plan befeFe
to identify how restoration will occur.
What measures are proposed to minimize effects during operation?
WSDOT will use the measures below to minimize effects on elements of the natural and built
environments. Several discipline report topics did not need minimization measures because these
topics will not be affected by the project. Disciplines with no minimization measures are as follows:
■ Air Quality
■ Cultural Resources
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A4-9
■ Cumulative Effects
■ Economic Elements
■ Environmental Justice
■ Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
■ Land Use Patterns
■ Land Use Plans and Policies
■ Parks and Recreation, Section 4(f)
■ Public Services and Utilities
■ Social
■ Soils, Geology, and Groundwater
■ Transportation
Floodplains
Bridge piers placed within the floodplain will be designed to minimize hydraulic disturbance to flow.
This saRmay be achieved by designing piers that are all the same size and placed in lines parallel
to the flow path.
Hazardous Materials
WSDOT will notify Ecology and Washington State Patrol in the event of an accidental spill along
1-405 and SR 167. Ecology is the state's Incident Command for emergency spills and as such,
responds to spills in highway ROW.
Noise and Vibration
WSDOT will construct a noise wall to reduce noise levels from the freeway for residences along the
southern ROW of 1-405, adjacent to South 14th Street at the north side of the Talbot Hill
neighborhood. This wall will extend east from the South 14th Street/South 15th Street intersection
to Talbot Road South. The 18-foot-tall barrier will have an area of approximately 36,800 square
feet and a length of approximately 2,200 feet.
Surface Water and Water Quality
Stormwater facilities for this project that -will both maintain the rate of
stormwater runoff at existing conditions and remove pollutants from runoff generated by the
project. With these facilities, the runoff is expected to meet Washington State water quality
standards listed in WAC1 73-201 (A). WSDOT will provide routine maintenance for these facilities.
The area of the project that is within 10,000 feet of the Renton Municipal Airport will-alse require
measures to minimize hazards associated with wildlife attraction to stormwater detention ponds
The following are guidelines
that may be used for stormwater management facilities sited near the airport:
■ Cover or net all permanent open water surfaces.
■ To minimize the frequency and duration of open water to acceptable levels, water that is
detained by the 2-year design storm should completely drain or fall to a level that is covered by
a net or solid cover within 24 hours after the end of the storm event. That ,s the .,GRGI She„ia
■ Site ponds away from aircraft movement areas to minimize aircraft -wildlife interactions.
■ Use steep side slopes and deep pond depths to minimize shallow water areas and minimize
the total water surface area.
■ Slope the pond bottom to allow quick drainage and reduce the potential for standing water.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-10 Finding of No Significant Impact
■ Eliminate the potential for wetland vegetation growth on the pond bottom and side slopes by
lining the pond with riprap or quarry spalls. Alternatively, plants that provide minimal habitat to
wildlife can be used. Dense brush and small trees that will be perceived by waterfowl as hiding
places for predators are a good choice. Avoid closely mowed grass, which is preferred by
waterfowl.
■ Break up possible flight lines by planting trees, setting up poles and or fences which do not
allow most water fowl clear landing or takeoff room on the pond surface.
■ Introduce islands within open water areas as needed to support scrub -shrub vegetation cover
within wetpools with emergent aquatic planting areas.
Design of open stormwater facilities shall be reviewed and approved by USDA Wildlife SeWiG
-;;.A.TP- PA-h eeffoeattle's Wildlife Ma Raner to ensure that these objectives are met.
Upland Vegetation and Wildlife
Structures are being added or modified to help protect wildlife resources in the study area. 944e
APW PAIRP WAII Will hP bUilt alGRg 1 405 that may help FedWGe RGOSe effeGtS tE) Wildlife OR this aFea.
The 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue will be replaced with a single
northbound structure and a single southbound structure. These new structures will have longer
spans tewv may provide additional wildlife passage underneath.
Visual Quality
Guidelines from the RCP and CSS process for the 1-405
corridor will be applied to compensate for the minor
negative visual effects caused by the project. For
improvement projects such as this, the RCP requires
roadside restoration within the ROW
throughout the project limits. For this project, the
readsidedisturbed areas will be restored to a treatment level
2, which w4l-may include the following guidelines:
How is the RCP used for this project?
The Roadside Classification Plan (RCP)
provides guidance for restoring the roadside
and providing needed/desirable functions
such as permanent erosion control,
buffering/screening, driver guidance, etc. In
practice, this means that disturbed areas of
the roadside are always revegetated to
provide site -specific functions/needs. In
some situations, as described in the RCP,
revegetation and other treatments may be
required beyond the disturbed areas to
provide the needed/desirable functions that
are identified.
■
fer onreeninn ni irnnsec
■
■ Minimize site disturbances to protect native plant communities and specimen trees.
■ Restore roadside character with trees (conifers up to 4 feet in height and deciduous trees up to
1 inch in diameter) and shrub seedlings; plant trees „n to 2 innhe in dlaMeter in nede +ri +n
areas.
■ Select and locate plant material to facilitate driver guidance
and 6111deoirohle vnew s
■ Locate plantings to enhance views of natural features.
■ Select vegetation and design planting density to achieve blending with adjacent land use
a RdiE)r to moot or•reeninn nhientnieo by the tenth yeaF after GeRStFUGtiG14.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A441
How are Context Sensitive Solutions Used
for this project?
CSS guidelines incorporate community
design preferences into a project's design.
Throughout development of the Renton
Nickel Improvement Project, local input has
been encouraged to ensure that community
concerns for how the project fits into the
landscape are addressed.
WSDOT met with affected communities to
review each jurisdiction's "view to" issues
such as interchange locations/designs, noise
wall locations/treatments, traffic, safety,
structures, lighting, and landscaping. As part
of this process, a corridor -wide CSS
Aesthetics Committee was formed. This
committee focused on the "view from the
corridor" issues. The combined efforts of
these groups determined an 1-405 theme of
"Culture Nature, and Progress," with nature
being the dominant theme for corridor -wide
and local 1-405 designs.
The CSS guidelines incorporate the
communities design preferences. These
guidelines will be applied fully to permanent
elements, which are limited on the Renton
Nickel Improvement Project.
Temporary project elements will have roadside restoration
applied in accordance with these RCP guidelines.
However, for this project, the expected life of the roadside
restoration will be affected by future feconstruction +n the
master plan phases. In locations where this
reconstruction will disturb the roadside after this project,
fast-growing vegetation
eh;;" may be used to quickly achieve the needed/desired
functions within the expected life of the planting.
CSS for the 1-405 corridor complements the RCP to
provide another layer of compensation for unavoidable
minor negative effects caused by this project. In some
instances, guidelines from CSS are redundant with those
found in the RCP. The permanent project elements will
have the "full" CSS guidelines applied where appropriate
and practicable:
Adhere to the 1-405 Urban Design Guidelines
Manual to ensure visual unity and consistency
throughout the 1-405 corridor. This includes defining
the appearance and style of built elements, such as
lighting, paving, railings, signs, bridges, structures
(and associated elements) and walls around
bridges. The guidelines address the use of
aesthetic treatments in the corridor, including the
process for selecting and locating architectural
treatments.
Enhance the architectural design of project features
such as retaining walls including
hatteriRg waus terracing to reduce apparent height,
using a consistent design vocabulary throughout the
corridor, 6 isiRg lighter weight materials fer spans to
applying
texture to the concrete surfaces to reduce apparent
scale, and applying w ;srete sealer pigmented
sealer for uniform color, to limit the effects of graffiti,
and to aid in reducing reflective sunlight glare.
■ Shield roadway light fixtures to minimize glare and ambient light spillover into adjacent
residential areas.
■ Where possible, minimize clearing for construction, preserving existing stands of mature trees.
■ Screen views of the roadway, elevated structures, retaining walls, noise walls, and other project
features from areas with high viewer sensitivity.
■ Grade slopes to blend with the natural topography by softening slope transitions.
■ Follow the guidelines of the RCP to blend the project into the adjacent land uses, while creating
a unified experience for the freeway user.
The new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 and the new Springbrook/Oakesdale bridges on 1-405 are
+s-the main project features that will receive the "full" CSS treatments described above because 44-s
a they are permanent project elements. Temporary project elements will also receive "limited" CSS
architectural treatments as ilesnrihe/l helewer
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-12 Finding of No Significant Impact
Wetlands
No additional effects on wetlands are expected during operation of the Renton Nickel Improvement
Project. Some wetlands that occur within the ROW are currently affected by the lack of forested
upland buffer and the lack of stormwater control and management facilities. Some wetlands within
WSDOT's ROW must be kept clear of forested vegetation to meet safety requirements. These
wetlands and those that receive untreated or undertreated stormwater runoff will likely continue to
be affected by these conditions.
WSDOT, in partnership with the City of Renton, is developing a mitigation bank called the
Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank (Bank). Mitigation
banking is one early -
action approach identified in the 1-405 Corridor Program NEPA/SEPA Final
Environmental Impact
Statement and the p4:9e ank is part of WSDOT's watershed
approach to wetland mitigation. By consolidating the mitigation at one
large site, the opportunity exists to work with a panel of resource
What is a mitigation bank?
agency representatives to create mitigation that specifically
A mitigation bank site is a property
contributes aquatic ecosystem functions that are lacking in the local
purchased and developed by a
watershed while providing safe, high -quality wildlife habitat away from
public agency or utility to earn
the dangers of a roadside location. This approach will be used as the
credits to compensate for adverse
effects to wetlands due to
wetland mitigation for unavoidable effects to wetlands within the Bank
g
development activities of other
service area.
a encies utilities or in s ecific
g I I p
ThorTrrc-rpf,Arp The 1.66 acres of permanent effects to wetlands for the instances, private sector
developers. Credits are generated
Renton Nickel Improvement Project will be compensated for with through the restoration, creation,
credits from the Bank. and/or enhancement of wetlands.
The mitigation ratios that will be used to compensate for effects to
wetlands at the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank have been designed to
meet the "no net loss" guidance.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A4-13
This page intentionally blank.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A4-14 Finding of No Significant Impact
Attachment 5:
Comments and Responses
In this attachment, we present written comments (via email, EA public hearing forms, and letters),
and oral comments (recorded during the October 26, 2006 public hearing). Comments have been
copied in their entirety and presented according to the index below. Our corresponding responses
follow each email, public hearing form, testimony, and letter.
Index to Written Comments and Responses
Email Comments
Jan Hickling
Steve Passantino
Kathleen Weisberg
Public Hearing Comment Forms
Jeff Lykken
Arland "Buzz" Johnson
Calvin Hoggard
Recorded Testimony at Public Hearing
Jeff Lykken
Agency and Tribal Comments
City of Renton
King County Department of Transportation
King County Wastewater Treatment Division
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Snoqualmie Tribe
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-1
Comments Received Via Email
Comment EC-1: Email to Allison Ray from Jan Heckling
-----Original Message -----
From: jan hickling [mailto:jzhickling@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 9:45 AM
To: Allison Ray
Subject: Renton I-405 project
Please include lots of tree's perhaps Poplars, to adsorb the polution and noise from the cars.
This would fall in line with the Mayors commitment to the Kyoto (spelling?) Agreement.
Thanks for the consideration
Jan Hickling
Talbot Hill
Response to Comment EC-1
The 1-405 Corridor Program includes context sensitive solutions (CSS) as part of design for projects.
These CSS treatments include planting trees and shrubs along the corridor with the dominant tree
being native species of each city's selected tree (Renton is cedar and Tukwila is hazelnut). The Renton
Nickel Improvement Project will replant vegetation equal to the amount affected by the project.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-2 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment EC-2: Email to Allison Ray from Steve Passantino
-----Original Message -----
From: Steve Passantino[mailto:sipCc>criterioncellular.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2006 2:56 PM
To: Allison Ray
Subject: Renton Nickel Improvement Project
I am impressed by the thoroughness of the consideration of the project.
It's a lot to digest. Let me simplify my comment, which may already
be included in your plan. There appears to be a misunderstanding as to
what is required for 2 freeways to meet in many of the interchanges.
I know you're adding a lane to I-405 near 167. My hope would be that
this lane would be dedicated as the 167 merge lane. The best example
of how this works extremely well is the on -ramp from 900 West onto
I-90. The oncoming traffic from 900 has its own lane and does not have
to compete with the I-90 traffic in motion. The lack of a dedicated
lane for merging on to the freeway from another freeway, as you know,
is also a problem for the other on and off ramps pertaining to I-405
and 167.
Thanks for the opportunity to give feedback. I'm looking forward to
the improvements.
Steve Passantino
Response to Comment EC-2
The dedicated merge lanes described in this comment are what will be built with the Renton Nickel
Improvement Project. These auxiliary lanes will be built in both the northbound and southbound
directions on 1-405 for traffic that is both getting on and coming off SR 167.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-3
Comment EC-3: Email to Allison Ray from Kathleen Weisberg
-----Original Message -----
From: Weisberg, Kathleen [mailto:weisberg.k@ghc.org]
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 3:53 PM
To: Allison Ray
Subject: I-405 - WSDOT Takes Next Step to Widen I-405 in Tukwila and Renton
Regarding:
WSDOT Takes Next Step to Widen I-405 in Tukwila and Renton; Public Invited to Comment on Environmental
Assessment
Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Contact: Allison Ray, Environmental Manager, I-405 Project (425) 456-8610
RENTON — WSDOT invites the community to attend the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment
(EA) Public Hearing on October 26 from 4-7 p.m. at the Renton High School Cafeteria (400 South Second Street,
Renton). WSDOT will present results of the EA and receive comments from the public.
I have some feedback and get frustrated that the resolution to everything is always add more lanes as opposed to
looking at what's actually causing the problem.
I've lived in the Renton area my whole life and was in fact, learning how to drive the last time this area was widened.
I've always wondered why you can't just eliminate the carpool lane from Tukwila to I-167 (northbound). It's the source
of TONS of accidents, just check out all the skidmarks on the road. Part of that problem is the number of people who
use the carpool lane traveling at 45+ MPH and then suddenly cut off cars to get over the two lanes to get off at I-167.
Seems like adding another lane wouldn't have any impact on this problem aside from now the carpoolers would have
THREE lanes to move over in.
As for the SR 169, that area doesn't need another lane, they need a better way to control the off ramp of exit four so it's
not just a stop sign. This creates tremendous traffic and often it can take 10-15 minutes just to get off the freeway once
you "land" in the shoulder. Very dangerous as well since this can back up into the freeway as well as the number of cars
who "cheat" by taking exit 413 and then doing a U-turn. This U-turn prevents the cars from exit 4A from being able to
turn onto the road because normally cars wouldn't be coming but now you have cars always approaching because of the
U-turn. It's a bit out of control.
I couldn't find an address for you other than e-mail. Hope it's okay.
Kathy Weisberg
Group Health Cooperative, ISD
Application Services
QA & Testing
206-448-4320
Response to Comment EC-3
The 1-405 Master Plan will add at least two lanes in each direction along the length of the 1-405 corridor.
The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is one of the first steps toward building the Master Plan. The
1-405 Record of Decision recommended a balanced multimodal approach, including HOV facilities.
HOV lanes benefit traffic in that they move more people than general-purpose lanes and provide
alternatives for people willing to ride in carpools or vanpools or to use mass transit. By encouraging
these alternatives, fewer vehicles use the road and more traffic travels at higher speeds. Because
WSDOT recognizes the problems weaving causes, the Master Plan includes HOV direct -access ramps
from 1-405 to SR 167 in both directions. Once these ramps are in place, HOV vehicles will no longer
have to weave across traffic and cause congestion at the 1-405/SR 167 interchange.
The City of Renton has a funded project to address the traffic congestion that occurs at the northbound
off -ramp intersection with SR 169. This project will add an exclusive lane for northbound to eastbound
right -turning vehicles accessing SR 169. This change will reduce the queuing and stops that currently
occur at this location. The project is planned for construction in 2007.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A54 Finding of No Significant Impact
Written Comments (WC) Received at the Public Hearing on the EA.
Comment WC-1: Jeff I ykken
orConr,Kl�n Fr rt.tF Hris rm�irl I1-nail R.-l.
Nisme
Mei fing Address: ri! E _ _&i
P hme: (;-1i 91 y -- 71�) I)L Emad:
CoMMwt3 {pkesa printdwY}:
iiQJil!A. ri
Cx _Ice
Y�
Adik
Wpshir.gtnn state
� — Department at T—.p.A.Uon
Response to WC-1
Thank you for your comment and support of these currently unfunded WSDOT projects.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact �5-5
Comment WC2: Arland "Buzz" Johnson
MUM
Will);)) Corridor Program
Nare
Pdailiry Address: ,l/i�7) ;-7
Phone: y. `!f I%—41I4l. .-- Cmai': �
Carnneids (please print clearly):
Waehlnylan Sfafa
�W Daoa rhinwd of Tranewtatlaa
Response to WC-2
It is WSDOT and FHWA policy to model noise during hours when noise is highest. Peak noise levels
generally occur during daytime hours when traffic levels are high but free flowing. When noise levels
exceed the Noise Abatement Criteria (set by FHWA) noise walls will be built provided they are both
reasonable and feasible.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-6 Finding of No Significant Impact -
Comment WC., Calvin Hoggard
Response to WC-3
The Renton Nickel Improvement Project does not construct flyover ramps otthe |-4O5/SR187
interchange. Future phases that do construct these ramps will analyze visual quality in the area.
Context sensitive designs and architectural treatments will be used to minimize the visual effects of
future construction.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Public Hearing Testimony
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
INTERSTATE 405 CORRIDOR PROGRAM
I-405, RENTON NICKEL IMPROVEMENT PEA HEARING
OCTOBER 26, 2006
4:00 through 7:00 p.m.
Renton High School
400 South Second Street
Renton, Washington
Carl T. Beck, Court Reporter
CCR 2952
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
100 South King Street * Suite 360
Seattle, WA * 206 682-9339
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
15-8 Finding of No Significant Impact
I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement PEA Hearing, 10/26/06 2
1 INDEX OF SPEAKERS
2 Page
3 JEFF LYKKEN 4
4 1116 North 31st
Renton, Washington 98051
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
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25
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
100 South King Street, Suite 360
Seattle, WA * 206 682-9339
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-9
1
I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement PEA Hearing, 10/26/06 3
APPEARENCES
2
3
KIM HENRY
4
I-405 Corridor Program Director
5
6
STACY TRUSSLER
7
I-405 Corridor Program Project Manager
8
9
ALLISON RAY
10
I-405 Corridor Program Environmental Manager
11
12
13
Court Reporter:
14
CARL T. BECK
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
15
100 South King Street, Suite 360
Seattle, WA 98104
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
100 South King Street, Suite 360
Seattle, WA * 206 682-9339
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
15-10 Finding of No Significant Impact
1
2
3
4
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7
8
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I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement PEA Hearing, 10/26/06 4
STATEMENT OF JEFF LYKKEN
Hello. My name is Jeff Likken. I live up in the
Kennydale area. I just wanted to make a comment about the
project that I hope they expedite the funding so that they
can get the freeway widened for two lanes. That area is
really bad, and all my neighbors -- everyone I know --
wonders why it wasn't done 20 years ago. But they're
working on it, which is great. So if you get the funding
and expedite the process so we can have the freeway widened
to two lanes all the way from I-5 all the way to I-90.
That's my major comment. Thank you.
[Hearing ended 7:00 p.m.]
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
100 South King Street, Suite 360
Seattle, WA * 206 682-9339
Response to Public Hearing Testimony by Jeff Lykken
Thank you for your comment and support of these currently unfunded WSDOT projects. We expect
that voters will have an opportunity to provide funding to these projects in the November 2007 election
when the Regional Transportation Investment District is anticipated to have a funding package on the
ballot.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-I1
1
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3
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I-405, Renton Nickel Improvement PEA Hearing, 10/26/06 5
CERTIFICATE
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
) SS
COUNTY OF KING )
I, Carl T. Beck, a Notary Public in and for the State
of Washington do hereby certify:
That the foregoing hearing was taken before me at the
time and place therein set forth;
That the statements of the witnesses and all remarks
made at the time of the examination were recorded by voice
recognition by me, and thereafter transcribed under my
direction;
That the foregoing transcript is a true record of the
statements given by the witnesses and of all remarks made
at the time of the hearing, to the best of my ability.
Witness my hand and seal this 28th day of October,
2006.
CARL T. BECK, Notary
Public in and for the State
Of Washington, residing at
King. Commission expires
June 26, 2007
Van Pelt, Corbett & Bellows
100 South King Street, Suite 360
Seattle, WA * 206 682-9339
>5-12
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
Agency and Tribal Letters
CommentAT-1: City ofRenton
tiTY p CITY OF RENTON
Yu PlanningBuilding/PublicWorks Department
Kathy K-Ik ,, Mavur Gregg Zimmerman P.E., Administrator
ii November 9, 2006 RECEIVED
NOV 0 9 ?nn6
Ms. Allison Ray URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
Washingon State Department of Transportation
600 108' Avenue Northeast, Suite 405
Bellevue, Washington 98004
SUBJECT: 1405 RENTON NICKEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, I-5 TO SR 169
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (OCPOBER 2006) COMMENTS
Dear Ms. Ray:
Thank you for the continued collaborative effort between WSDOT and the City on the planning
and design of improvements to the I-405 corridor.
The City of Renton submits the following comments for consideration in regards to the 1-405
Renton Nickel Improvement Project, I-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment.
CHAPTER 1 — SUMMARY
On page 1-2, paragraph 5, and page 1-3, "Noise and Vibration", revise this section based on the
following comments pertaining to Appendix Q.
CHAPTER 4 — DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
On page 4-9, Exhibit 4-8 shows an open channel along Main Ave SBenson Rd S from S 4'h
Street to the Sam's Club property. This does not seem accurate.
On page 4-11, the text states that "the project will not affect the 1-405 bridges over the Green
River, Lind Avenue, or the Cedar River." 1-405 does not go over Lind Ave.
On both pages 4-11 and 4-14, is the Lind Avenue Bridge impacted by the retaining wall on the
south side of 1-405 underneath Lind Avenue? The City has a water main attached underneath the
Lind Avenue structure and wants to be sure this water main is not affected.
On page 4-17 the City notes, "The new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges over
Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue will also receive CSS treatments"
Response to A T-1:
1. Please refer to the
response to comments on
Appendix Q found on
page A5-14.
2. The open channel
described on page 4-9
existed at the time this
document was prepared.
Since that time, the
location of the open
channel has been slightly
relocated by a private
developer. The channel is
still in roughly the same
location.
3. Comment noted. Lind
Avenue goes over 1-405.
This bridge will not be
affected as 1-405 will be
restriped to provide the
new lanes versus
physically widened in this
area. Please refer to
Attachment 1: Errata to
EA and DRs for the
updated text.
4. The Lind Avenue
Bridge will not be affected
by the retaining wall on
the south side of 1-405
underneath Lind Avenue.
Working with the 1-405
team, the City of Renton
has confirmed that the
waterline is suspended
from the under side of the Lind Avenue Bridge, and that this waterline is not in conflict with the current
project design.
5. Yes, we confirm that CSS treatments will be used on the new 1-405 southbound and northbound
bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-13
Comment AT-1: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. I-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 2 of 8
CHAPTER 5.1 —NOISE AND VIBRATION
On page 5-19, the City disagrees with the determination that only one noise wall is both
reasonable and feasible. Please see the following comments pertaining to Appendix Q.
Appendix O— Noise and Vibration Discipline Repor7
The City disagrees with the determination that Noise Barrier West 2 is not feasible or reasonable.
This conceptual noise wall runs along the west side of I-405 between the Cedar Avenue overpass
and Renton City Hall.
Exhibit 12 states that a near source barrier for an elevated roadway is `very effective". The text
on page 23 indicates even a short wall can be effective with a near source barrier and an elevated
roadway. Such would be the case with Noise Barrier West 2.
On page 31, first paragraph, the text states that the effectiveness of noise barriers was evaluated
at the outermost boundary of the right-of-way. Certainly for Noise Barrier West 2, evaluating
the noise barrier at the outermost boundary of the right-of-way would be erroneous, as the
r ght-of-way line appears to be located at the base of the slope immediately adjacent to Main Ave
s.
On page 32, the DR states that the study area for the noise analysis extends approximately
m 1,000 feet from the project. The modeled noise receptors for Noise Barrier West 2 should have
included the Spencer Court Apartments (334 Wells Ave S), a 72-unit, affordable housing
apartment complex located less than 400 feet from the I-405 Renton Nickel project.
The City agrees that Main Ave S contributes to noise. However, Main Ave S noise is not
constant 24 hours a day like the 1-405 corridor, and therefore the noise analysis should factor the
1-405 noise when Main Ave S is quiet.
On page 56, Noise Barrier West 2 is certainly feasible when Main Ave S has reduced traffic,
such as during the late -night hours (12 a.m. — 5 a.m.). WSDOT policy elsewhere, such as the 1-5
express lanes, is to reduce noise in these hours.
The planning level costs used to evaluate noise barriers (Exhibits 30-33, 35) all use $32.31 per
square foot of barrier, regardless of the location or situation. The exception is that the planning
level cost for Noise Barrier East 3 was then almost doubled to account for existing conditions.
Response to AT4 (coast.):
6. The noise analysis
does not support a
second noise wall. See
responses to comments 7
to 14 for details.
7-12. Noise Barrier West 2
was evaluated for
placement along the 1-405
southbound edge of
pavement as a part of the
original noise analysis, not
at the bottom of the slope.
WSDOT's determination
that this barrier is not
feasible is based on
modeled data and the
inability of even a 24-foot-
high wall to reduce noise
by at least 7 dBA for any of
the residences behind the
barrier. The highest noise
reduction this barrier could
provide was 2 dBA at
seven residences located
along Well Avenue South.
No planning -level cost was
presented in the discipline
report to evaluate Noise
Barrier West 2 because
this barrier did not meet
WSDOT criteria for
feasibility. If the 24-foot-tall
barrier was able to provide
at least a 7 dBA noise
reductionthe barrier would ,
still not be reasonable as at a height of 24 feet, the barrier would exceed 42,000 square feet, which is
more than the allowable area of 8,428 square feet for the number of households it would serve.
Spencer Court Apartment residences were not included in the original noise analysis because no
outdoor uses were identified on site. Upon further review, the Spencer Court Apartments have an
outdoor courtyard located in the interior of the building that may be considered an outdoor use for its
residents. Modeling shows that 1-405 does not contribute to noise levels above the NAC at the outdoor
courtyard. Much of the 1-405 traffic noise is shielded at this outdoor location by the U-shaped apartment
building. The courtyard at the Spencer Court Apartments was the only identified outdoor use on site.
For residential properties, WSDOT Noise Abatement guidance targets noise mitigation efforts at
outdoor use areas that experience noise levels approaching or exceeding the NAC.
Traffic noise from Main Avenue S contributes to noise levels at receptors in this area. Noise mitigation
to shield traffic noise from Main Avenue S was not evaluated as a part of this project because the area
is outside of WSDOT ROW. Noise barriers located along Main Avenue S would also prohibit access to
adjacent properties.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-14 Finding of No Significant Impact
WSDOT guidance was followed in using peak -hour traffic volumes for noise modeling, regardless of the
time of day. Nighttime measurements were not taken as field noise measurements are used only to
validate the noise model and are not used for mitigation purposes. Once the noise model is validated to
calculate the traffic noise at the time of the field measurement (within 2 dBA), traffic volumes counted
during the field measurement to validate the noise model are replaced with peak -hour traffic calculated
for the project traffic analysis.
Future (2030) peak -hour traffic volumes are used to predict the future peak -hour noise levels. These
future peak -hour noise levels are used to determine whether noise barriers meet WSDOT criteria for
feasibility and reasonableness as described in Appendix B of the Noise and Vibration Discipline Report.
13. Regarding the comment on Noise Barrier East 3, additional planning -level costs were included in
the barrier evaluation for this barrier because Noise Barrier East 3 would have to be constructed atop
an existing retaining wall of significant height.
14. While a proposed retaining wall is included in the same location, 850 linear feet of this proposed
wall is less than five feet tall and would not provide adequate support for, nor would it reduce the cost of
the new noise barrier. The planning -level cost of the 850-foot-long, 8-foot-tall segment would be
$220,000.
The proposed retaining wall averages 12 feet in height under the remaining 450 linear feet of the noise
barrier. The below grade portions of the proposed retaining wall would need to be strengthened to
support the wind loads on the noise barrier and the weight of the barrier. The planning -level cost of the
above grade portion of the remaining 450 feet of noise barrier is $25 per square foot of exposed noise
barrier or $90,000. The planning -level cost for strengthening the retaining wall to support the noise
barrier is $110 per linear foot of wall, or $50,000. The total planning -level cost of this 450-foot-long
section of noise barrier would be $90,000 plus $50,000, which equals $140,000.
The total planning -level cost for Noise Barrier West 2 is $220,000 plus $140,000, which equals
$360,000.
Also note that these costs are based on the planning -level cost estimates used when the EA process
was initiated. Recent increases in construction costs would increase these planning -level costs to over
$500,000.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-15
Comment AT-1: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 3 of 8
Therefore, the City's opinion is that the EA should be amended such that Noise Barrier West 2 is
determined to be feasible and reasonable. The EA should then include additional analysis to
determine that Noise Barrier West 2 will not, by way of deflection, introduce additional noise to
the Renton Hill neighborhood. Also, note comments regarding retaining walls and noise walls
made under Chapter 5.6 - Visual Quality.
m Barring any detrimental noise impacts to the Renton Hill neighborhood, Noise Barrier West 2
will provide great benefit to downtown Renton and the South Renton neighborhood. The
pending construction of a retaining wall in the Renton Nickel project is a clear and present
opportunity to include a rather short Noise Barrier West 2 at a very reasonable cost.
CHAPTER 5.3— WATER AND AQUATIC RF.souRCEs
m On page 5-28, Exhibit 5-11 shows an open channel along Main Ave S and Benson Rd S adjacent
to Renton City Hall.
Appendix M - Floodplabrr Discipline Report and Appendix V -- Surface Water and Water
Quality Discipline Report
1. The Floodplains Discipline Report states that any filling within the floodplain will be
mitigated for by excavation of equivalent volumes and elevation at the Springbrook Early
Environmental investment Site which is now the City of Rcnton/WSDOT Springbrook Creek
Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank (Bank). The City will allow the use of the Bank for
floodplain fill that occurs in areas that are off the main channel of Springbrook Creek. Any
fill that occurs within the main channel of Springbrook Creek must be mitigated at the same
location in the channel. For project fills that are mitigated at the Bank, WSDOT must
demonstrate (through hydraulic analysis) that there will be no drainage impacts upstream or
downstream of the area to be filled. WSDOT can use their share of the surplus compensatory
storage created by the Batik that is in excess of the flood storage needed to meet the City's
flood hazard reduction requirements as defined in the approved Eastside Green River
Watershed Project EIS hydraulic model.
2. As previously stated in the City's EA Scoping Comments Letter, WSDOT must identify all
existing culvert crossings (culverts that convey upstream flows through WSDOT
right-of-way) impacted by the project, and perform the necessary hydrologic and hydraulic
analysis to verify the culverts have adequate capacity and material condition to convey the
100-year storm for the total tributary basin assuming existing land use conditions. Any
improvements to cross culverts necessary to meet the above conditions will be at WSDOT's
expense. New culverts and storm systems must be designed to meet the 2005 KCS WDM and
the DOT Highway Runoff Manual. If culvert improvements are needed under existing land
use conditions, WSDOT shall determine tributary flows under future land use conditions.
The City will then decide whether to pay the cost to increase culvert size to convey the 100-
year future conditions flow.
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Response to AT-1 (cont.):
15. Please refer to
responses to comments 7-
14 for details on why Noise
Barrier West 2 is neither
feasible nor reasonable.
16. Please refer to
responses to comments 6-
14.
17. Comment noted.
Please refer to
Attachment 1: Errata to EA
and DRs, for the updated
exhibit.
18. We concur that fills
outside of the main
channel of Springbrook
Creek will be mitigated at
the Springbrook Creek
Wetland and Habitat
Mitigation Bank. Fills
within the main channel of
Springbrook Creek will be
mitigated by removing the
existing Springbrook Creek
box culvert and regrading
the streambed. For project
fills that are mitigated at
the bank, WSDOT will
perform analyses to ensure
that there will be no
changes to floodplain
elevations upstream or
downstream of the areas to
be filled.
19. WSDOT has identified culverts that will be affected by the project. Verifying that the culverts are
not blocked or damaged and have adequate capacity to convey the 100-year storm for the total tributary
basin, assuming existing land use conditions, is beyond the scope of this project. Similarly, analysis of
existing and new culverts for tributary flows (outside of 1-405 right-of-way) under future land use
conditions is also beyond the scope of the project.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-16 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment AT-]: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, I-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 4 of 8
Culverts that appear to be impacted by the project and may require improvements include:
• Culvert crossing of 1-405 that conveys runoff from the ditch that runs along the
north side of I405 to the ditch on the south side of 1-405 (MP 1.95).
• Culvert crossing of 1-405 that conveys runoff from the west side of Lind Avenue
north of 1-405 to the ditch that runs along the south side of I-405 (MP 2.25).
• Culvert crossing of I-405 that conveys runoff from the north side of Talbot Hill to
Rolling Hills Creek at the Renton Village Shopping Center (MP 2.65).
• Culvert crossing of 1-405 that conveys Rolling Hills Creek to the pipe system
along Talbot Road and east of Renton Village (MP 2.76).
• Culvert crossing of 1-405 that conveys Thunder Hills Creek to concrete flume
behind Sam's Club (MP 3.05).
3. At the time the Scoping Report was completed, WSDOT had not yet identified what water
quality retrofitting of existing pavement would be required under future projects. Does
WSDOT now have a better understanding of what retrofitting is required, and if so, what will
be the approach? If retrofitting is required for future improvements, will the facilities
constructed as part of the Nickel Project be designed for future expansion?
4. What water quality facility is proposed for I-405 between Tukwila and SR-167? Exhibit 4 of
the Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report does not show a treatment facility
nor is one identified in the conceptual design plans. At one time, a facility using ecology
embankments was proposed for the area southwest of the I-405 crossing of Springbrook
Creek.
5. Based on previous meetings with WSDOT storm water design staff, improvements were
proposed for the existing ditch that runs along the south side I-405. However, the draft
conceptual plans show no improvements to this ditch. This ditch currently conveys runoff
from I-405 and the areas upstream of I-405 on the north side of the freeway. W SDOT also
proposed to use the ditch to convey discharge from the proposed detention facility located
between I-405 and SW 16' Street.
CHAPTER 5.4 — PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES
On page 5-40, "How will project construction affect public services and utilities?"
The last major construction project related to the S-curves was in the mid 90's. Emergency
crews responded to a variety of motor vehicle accidents (MVA) related to this construction
project. Pavement transitions resulted in single unit motorcycle accidents. A lack of lighting at
night combined with little or no pavement striping resulted in a number of improper lane change
MVAs. A lack of emergency parking in the construction zone was also characteristic of this
project and placed emergency response crews at risk after arrival at emergency scenes.
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the limits of this project. This project will not modify this culvert.
Response to AT-1 (cont.):
20. The following
addresses each culvert.
Culvert at MP 1.95 — has
adequate capacity,
contributing area is reduced
by the 1-405 widening, and
the contributing area is fully
developed. This culvert
may be repaired or
replaced.
Culvert at MP 2.25 — has
adequate capacity,
contributing area is reduced
by the 1-405 widening, and
the contributing area is fully
developed. This culvert will
be repaired.
Culvert at MP 2.65 — This is
the historic Rolling Hills
Creek Culvert. It is oversized
since creek was diverted to a
closed conveyance system
under Talbot Road. Future
flows will likely decrease with
future development in this
area as 1-405 will divert flows
as it is widened. This project
will not modify this culvert.
Culvert at MP 2.76 — 1-405
spans this Talbot Road storm
drainage system. The project
will not impact it.
Culvert at MP 3.05 — The
culvert ends extend beyond
21. For this project, WSDOT will treat 11.84 acres of new pollutant generating surfaces and will retrofit
3.8 acres of the existing road within the project area. Total retrofit amounts for future projects in this
area have not yet been determined. WSDOT will follow the HRM requirements and will seek additional
opportunities to retrofit existing pavement as practicable and as additional 1-405 improvement projects
are funded. The stormwater facilities for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project are not designed for
future expansion. Additional facilities would be required to meet the needs of future improvements.
22. This project will construct ecology embankments for treatment at the interchanges with 1-5, SR 181,
and SR 167, and in the area southwest of the 1-405 crossing of Springbrook Creek.
23. Portions of the ditch will be covered by the new roadway. This portion will be lined with a new pipe
and flows will remain in their current locations.
24. WSDOT will coordinate construction scheduling, phasing, and impacts with the City of Renton.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-17
Comment AT-1: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, I-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 5 of 8
For the duration of the construction of the Renton Nickel project, the Renton Fire Department
makes the following recommendations:
• Proper signage is needed to wam motorcyclists of pavement transitions.
• Adequate lighting needs to be maintained at night in the construction corridor.
• Adequate line striping to identify all lanes of travel needs to be maintained in the
construction corridor.
• Maintain emergency parking lanes during construction.
Appendix T — Social Discipline Report
On page 39, the Narco property is listed as a 15-acre site. This parcel is a total of 57 acres, 15 of
which can be developed into active recreational use. Parking is listed as 100 to 150 vehicles and
should be revised to 358 as adopted in the City's Tri-Park Master Plan.
® On page 39, the text should be revised to reflect that the Cedar River Trail extends from Lake
Washington southeast to Maple Valley for a total of 12 miles of paved trail.
m On page 42, the City concurs that local comprehensive plans and policies call for the proposed
Oakesdale Trail, which "would extend the existing sidewalk/bike lane in the middle section of
the proposed route."
m On page 43, the Burnett Trail, Phase I trail construction was completed in 2006 in Burnett Linear
Park; Phase Il is expected to be constructed in 2007.
On page 43, under "Narco and Panther Creek Sites", please note the adoption of the Tri-Park
Master Plan by the City of Renton on September 25, 2006.
On page 51, line 2-3, regarding the statement "The improvements will not prevent the city from
t completing this (Oakesdale) proposed trail." The statement is only accurate if the new I-405
Oakesdale/Springbrook Bridge provides a wider clearance over Oakesdale Ave than currently
exists.
On page 52, paragraph 1, the discipline report identifies that the City plans to extend the Thunder
Hills Creek Trail north to intersect with the Benson Trail along Benson Road, on the west side of
I-405. The report does not identify that such an extension will require crossing underneath
1-405. The discipline report should address how the additional widening of 1-405 will affect this
future trail extension and 1-405 undercrossing, including possible recommendations and
accommodations to ensure the future extension.
Appendix W — Transporlation Discipline Report
® On page 24, it appears that the title for this page should be Exhibit 11, not 10.
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R— NkW EA Cowirnlx.d
Response to AT-1
(coat.):
25 — 29. Comments
noted. Please see
Attachment 1: Errata to
EA and DRs of this FONSI
for updates.
30. The new bridge will
provide a wider clearance
over Oakesdale Avenue
than currently exists. The
bridge will be constructed
to permit the future
roadway width of 79 feet,
including bicycle lanes, as
shown in the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
31. According to the
City's draft trail plans,
Thunder Hills Creek Trail
is east of 1-405 and the
Benson Trail is west of
1-405. To connect these
trails, the City will need to
construct a crossing either
over or under 1-405.
Project improvements are
limited to minor, if any,
widening of 1-405 at the
north end of the Thunder
Hills Creek trail, where the
connection to the Benson
Trail would occur and will
not affect the future trail
extension.
32. Comment noted. Please see Attachment 1: Errata to EA and DRs of this FONSI for updates.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-18 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment AT-1: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 6 of 8
CHAPTER 5.5 — HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F)
EVALUATION
Appendix S —Section 4(D Discipline Report
On page 24, the Narco community park property is identified as "not significant as a park." The
m City disagrees with this designation. Although not currently developed, this property is of
significant size and is identified in the City's Tri-Park Master Plan as a significant park property
with active and passive recreation features, including the regional Cedar River Trail.
m On page 41, clarification is needed regarding noise walls in the vicinity of Cedar River and
Liberty parks.
m The Noise and Vibration DR indicates that a noise wall along Liberty Park is not feasible or
reasonable. The City questions the "not feasible" determination, but acknowledges that this wall
may not be reasonable in the context of this project because the extent of work in this area will
be restriping only.
m The Noise and Vibration DR indicates that a noise wall along Cedar River Park is feasible but
not reasonable. The City acknowledges that this wall may not be reasonable in the context of
this project because the extent of work in this area will be restriping only.
On page 41, the Section 4(f) DR states, "WSDOT determined that users of these parks represent
a small number and that mitigation would not be feasible." The Liberty Park/Cedar River Park
complex is second to Gene Coulon Park in the City of Renton in terms of annual usage. These
two parks include a stadium, picnic shelter, community center with an outdoor event patio/lawn,
community theater, and aquatic center. With the above statement, it would seem WSDOT would
never build a noise wall for a park because parks do not have sufficient users. The City
questions this reasoning.
CHAPTER 5.6— VISUAL QUALITY
® On page 5-53 in the margin text "How are Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) used for this
project?" the City notes that the CSS guidelines will be applied fully to permanent elements.
On page 5-55 within the fifth paragraph, the Oakesdale/Springbrook 1-405 Bridge should also be
identified as a permanent project element that will receive the "full" CSS treatments.
City officials have expressed their desire that visible elements of this project be aesthetically
pleasant, even project elements that are not permanent master plan elements receiving the full
CSS treatment. The more visible temporary project elements include noise walls and retaining
walls.
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R— N-1 EA rom.e—u
35 81 36. Comments noted.
Response to AT-1 (cont.):
33. The designation of "not
significant as a park" was
given because the park is
not currently developed. A
plan to develop the park is
not sufficient to make the
park significant under
Section 4(f). Only after the
plan is implemented and
the park is developed will
the status change and the
park qualify for Section 4(f)
protection. The Cedar
River Trail is covered under
Section 4(f) as a developed
resource and has been
given its own designation
within the document for this
reason.
34. Noise barriers were
evaluated on either side of
1-405 where these two
parks are located. The
proposed barrier to the
west was determined to be
not reasonable because
the barrier would not
reduce noise levels enough
to meet the state
requirements. The
proposed barrier to the
east was determined to be
not reasonable because it
exceeded the allowable
area for the benefited
residential equivalency.
37. Noise barriers for this project were analyzed in accordance with WSDOT and FHWA policy.
38. Comment noted.
39. We concur, Page 4-17 of the EA states "The new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges over
Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue will also receive CSS treatments."
40. The project is committed to providing CSS treatments on project elements which are compatible
with the Master Plan. This is consistent with the guidelines for treatments provided in the 1-405 Context
Sensitive Solutions Master Plan. In addition, the project will provide CSS treatments on Noise Barrier
East 5. The project team would consider City funding of CSS compatible aesthetic treatments for
additional elements.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-19
Comment AT-1: City of Renton (continued)
1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169 Environmental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 7 of 8
On page 5-55, the DR indicates that temporary project elements will receive "limited"
m architectural treatment consisting of textured concrete surfaces and darkened concrete surfaces.
The City would appreciate some level of involvement or coordination with WSDOT regarding
this "limited" architectural treatment, prior to design and construction.
Appendix Y— Visual Quality Discipline Report
m On page 50, the DR states, "...the permanent project elements will have the "full" CSS
guidelines applied where appropriate and practicable."
m On page 52, the 1-405 Oakesdale/Springbrook Bridge should also be identified as "a main project
feature that will receive the "full" CSS treatments ... because it is a permanent project element."
CHAPTER 5.7- Soms, GEOLOGY, AND GROUNDWATER
On page 5-62 under Groundwater, because the additional lanes will begin/end at the SR 169
m ramps, construction activities, even if only restriping, will occur over the City's sole -source
aquifer recharge area and these activities will be subject to the Renton Municipal Code
requirements for construction activities in the City's Aquifer Protection Areas.
ApRendix B - Avoidance Minimization and Mitigation Measures
m On page B-6 second paragraph, the City anticipates coordinating with WSDOT regarding
temporary closures and detours for all affected City streets and for the 1-405 and SR 167
mainlines. Partial or full closures of I-405 and SR 167 mainlines will cause rerouting of traffic
onto City streets.
On page B-9, it should be noted under Social that the 1-405 Oakesdale/Springbrook Bridge will
be constructed in order to allow for the completion of the Oakesdale Trail bicycle lanes, as
identified in the "Social Discipline Report."
m On page B-9, under Noise and Vibration, as a result of previous comments made on the "Noise
and Vibration Discipline Report", a second noise wall should be noted in this section.
On page B-12, the second paragraph should also identify the I-405 Oakesdale/Springbrook
Bridge as a project feature that will receive the "full" CSS treatments because it also is a
permanent project element.
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Ree.m Nkkel EA Camee ,—
Response to AT-1 (cont.):
41. Comment applies to
Page 51.
Temporary project
elements will also receive
"limited" CSS architectural
treatments as described
below.
Texture will be applied to
reduce apparent scale and
to blend features with other
elements within the
corridor.
Darken concrete surfaces
to aid in reducing reflective
sunlight glare and apparent
scale.
The textures mentioned
above will be standard
WSDOT finishes. The
colors will be consistent
with the corridor paint
standards.
The City was involved in
developing the CSS
guidelines. WSDOT will
continue to work with the
City in the future.
42. Comment noted.
43. We concur, also refer
to response to comment
No. 39 on the previous
page.
44. WSDOT will comply with all applicable City codes. All construction within and/or over the City of
Renton Aquifer Protection Area Zones 1 and 2 shall comply with the Washington State Wellhead
Protection Requirements outlined in WAC 246-290-135(4) and the City of Renton Municipal Code 4-3-
050C, 4-4-030H, and 4-9-015 as stated in the list of commitments for this project (see Attachment 4).
45. WSDOT will coordinate construction scheduling, phasing, and impacts with the City of Renton.
46. The bridge will be constructed to permit the future roadway width of 79 feet including bicycle lanes,
as is shown in the City Comprehensive Plan.
47. Please see responses to comments 6 through 16.
48. Comment noted. Also refer to response to comment No. 39 on the previous page.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-20 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment A7-I: Uity of Renton (continu
I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, I-5 to SR 169 Enviromnental Assessment
November 9, 2006
Page 8 of 8
Again, thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on this environmental assessment.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Peter Hahn, Deputy PBP W
Administrator - Transportation, at (425) 430-7242.
Sincerely,
'44e9q o11##qk,'IA
Gregg Zimmerman, P.E., Administrator
Planning/Building/Public Works Department
M: Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer
Alex Pietsch, EDNSP Administrator
Terry Higashiyama, Community Services Administrator
Peter Hahn, Deputy PBPW Administrator - Transportation
Stan Engler, Fire Marshal
Lys Hornsby, Utility Systems Director
Leslie Betlach, Parks Department Director
Ron Straka, Surface Water Utility Supervisor
Jim Seitz, Transportation Planning & Programming Supervisor
Keith Woolley, Transportation Planning & Programming
File
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Kano. Nww FA Corn— Arc
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-21
Comment AT-2: King County
�Ml
King County Department of Transportation
RECEIVED
Metro Transit Division, Design & Construction Section
Environmental Planning and Real Estate, MS KSC-TR-0431
201 South Jackson Street
NOV 1 3
Seattle, Washington 98104-3856
2006
(206) 684.1418 FAX: (206) 684-1900
URlAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
November 7, 2006
Ms. Allison Ray, h405 Environmental Manager
Washington State Department of Transportation
600 1081h Ave. NE, Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
Subject: I-405, I-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Project, NEPA EA
Dear Ms. Ray:
Below are comments from King County Metro Transit staff on the I405 Renton Nickel Project NEPA EA
Lane Width: The minimum lane width needed to operate a bus on a freeway is I 1 feet. As the lanes are
narrowed for bridges as part of this project, please maintain at least an 11-foot lane width.
Construction Impacts to Transit Facilities and Service: Although Metro has no facilities on I405 or SR-167,
we do have some bus stops nearby that may be impacted directly by construction or indirectly by re-routes (the
level of information is not detailed enough to know exactly which transit facilities will be impacted). A few
bus stops are located within 150 ft of the construction corridor or I-405 ramps. There is a pair of stops on
Talbot Rd. S, approximately 65 ft. and 100 ft. north of the I-405 overpass, and a single stop on Longacres Dr.
SW and SW 16th St., approximately 150 ft. south of the 1405 overpass. Another pair that could be impacted
depending on the scope of the project is located on SR-169 (Maple Valley Hwy.), 350 ft. east of I405 (northern
project limit at SR-169) and 100 ft. east of the northbound on -ramp and off -ramp.
There are only a few bus routes operating along this section of I405 and SR-167: ST 560 on 1-405 between I-5
and Rainier Ave./SR-167 and Metro Route 952 and ST Routes 564/565 on SR-167 to/from I405 and Rainier
Ave. On adjacent arterials, Metro operates service on Lind Ave. SW, SW Grady Way, SW 16th St., Oakesdale
Ave. SW, Southcenter Blvd, and Tukwila Parkway. We are concerned about potential construction -related
impacts including detours, lane/turn modifications, and any bus zone/sidewalk restrictions that could impact
rider access to transit in this area.
Prior to construction, WSDOT and/or the contractors should work closely with Metro to help mitigate any
potential impacts. Please contact Metro's construction information office at (206) 684-2785 or
construction.coordf&metrokc. eov.
Staging Areas: At the completion of this project, Robin Anderson, Transit Planner, would like to discuss the
possibility of using some of the staging areas as commuter parking lots. Please have the appropriate person
contact Robin at (206) 684-2094, robin.anderson(aZmetrokc.eov.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this environmental assessment.
Sincerely,
Gary Knedt
Senior Environmental Planner
MOBILITY FOR THE REGION
Response to A T-2:
1. The project will
decrease the lane width
from 12 feet to 11 feet,
this provides the width to
meet the King County
Department of
Transportation (KCDOT)
requirement for buses.
2. Construction may
temporarily impact the bus
stop north of the existing
1-405 bridge over Talbot
Road. WSDOT will
coordinate with KCDOT.
The construction would not
directly affect the KCDOT
facilities along SR 169.
During construction, the
contractor may decrease
the lane width along 1-405
and southbound SR 167,
from 12 to 11 feet,
maintaining the highway
capacity. Also, we
anticipate that there may
be temporary lane
closures. WSDOT will
notify KCDOT ahead of
time so that any impacts to
routes 560, 952, and
564/565 would be
minimized. This project will
not include any
construction along
northbound SR 167.
We do not anticipate that project construction will have any impact on Lind Avenue. We do anticipate
temporary lane closures along Grady Way between the BNSF railroad tracks and Oakesdale Avenue.
We also do not anticipate that project construction will have any impact on SW 16th Street.
A new bridge will be constructed over Oakesdale Avenue. This may result in some short-term closures
of Oakesdale Avenue. WSDOT will coordinate with KCDOT.
We do not anticipate any impact to Southcenter Boulevard due to construction of the project. However,
a short-term closure may be necessary along the sidewalk south of 1-405, between the on -ramp to
northbound 1-405 and Andover Park East. The bus layover along Tukwila Parkway may need to be
relocated. Also, we anticipate temporary closure of the on -ramp from Tukwila Parkway to northbound
1-405 for reconstruction. WSDOT will coordinate with KCDOT.
3. WSDOT will contact, Robin Anderson, Transit Planner, when the project is completed to discuss this
matter. At this time, we do not think the project will include staging areas which could be converted to
commuter parking.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-22 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment AI-3: King County Wastewate
RECEIVED
King C. ,l,
Wastewater Treatment Division OCT 8 0 2006
Department of Natural Resources and Parks
King Street Center URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104-3855
October 26, 2006
Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Planner
Washington State Department of Transportation.
600 1081h Avenue SE, Suite 405
Bcllevue, WA 98004
RE: 1-405,1-5 to SR 169, Renton Nickel improvement Project
Dear Ms. Ray:
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division has reviewed the NEPA; EA datcd
October 2, 2006. King County's South Interceptor, Boeing Chiller Lines and Boeing
Renton Trunk are located within the project site. In order to protect these wastewater
facilities, King County is requesting that the Washington State Department of
Transportation do the following:
• Submit construction drawings for the project to the Design, Construction and Assct
Management Program, Civil/Architectural Section. Drawings should be submitted for
review during design development so that King County staff can assess the project's
impacts. Please send the drawings to:
Eric Davison, DCAM, Civil/Architectural Section
King County Wastewater Treatment Division
201 South Jackson Street, KSC-NR-0508
Seattle, WA 98104-3855
Tel.: (206) 684-1707
Eric. Davison(n?metrokc. tov
• Please contact Eric Davison a minimum of 72 hours prior to commencing any
construction in order to allow staff time to arrange for a King County inspector to be
on the site during construction.
• King County has a pennanent easement for a sewer line on the proposed development
site, and we must be assured the right to maintain and repair the sewer line. In the
event that the line must be relocated, a new permanent easement must be provided.
a. -- CLEAN WATER- A SOUND INVESTMENT
Response to AT-3:
1. The project team has met with King County Wastewater Treatment Division to review the conceptual
project plans. Additional review meetings will be scheduled during the design phase of the project.
2. WSDOT will comply with your request.
3. The project has been configured to avoid impacting the sewer line and the King County Easement.
We do not anticipate that the line will be impacted or relocated. The construction contract will include
language requiring the Contractor to coordinate construction issues with King County Wastewater
Treatment Division. In the unlikely event that the sewer line needs to be relocated, WSDOT will notify
Eric Davidson and provide to him the name, address, and telephone number of the property owner of
the proposed site.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-23
Comment AT-3: King County Wastewater Treatment Division (continued)
Allison Ray,140> Linirmunental Manager Oclober 26,1006
Washington State Dept. gffransportation Page 1
Please send the name, address, and telephone number of the property owner of the
proposed development site to Eric Davison so that he can contact the property owner
regarding the easement.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this proposal.
Sincerely,
a"�"J
Sandy Redick, Administrative Staff Assistant
Environmental Planning & Community Relations
cc: Eric Davison, DCAM, Civil/Architectural Section
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
5-24 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment AT-4: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
�Mr G a��allR
=� United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND % DLIFE SERVICE l '�
"<H
Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Office
510 Desmond Dr. SF, Suite 102
Lacey, Washington 98503
Ms. Allison Ray
Interstate-405 Corridor Program
Washi.. ton State Department of Transportation
600 108 Avenue NE, Suite 405
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Dear Ms. Ray:
This letter is in response to the request for comments on the Environmental Assessment (.EA)
and discipline reports prepared by the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) and Federal Highway Administration for the lnterstate•405. Interstate-5 to State
Route 169 Ration Nickel Improvement Project (Project) in Fang County, Washington A cop)
of the EA, dated October 2006, was received in our office on October ?, 2006, with notice that
WSDOT would accept comments through November 10, 2006 This office appreciates the
opportunity to review and offer cotunents on the EA and supporting documentation
As pan of reviewing and drafting comments for the EA, we reviewed the following
accompanying discipline reports. Cumulative E()ecv (Appendix HI, Fisheries & .aquatic
Resources (Appendix LI: and C,plaed Vegetaliort & Wildlife (Appendix X).
The project's unavoidable impacts to in -stream, wetland, riparian and upland habitats, and the
project's potential direct and indirect effects to watershed functions and surface water quality
(especially as they relate to increased amounts of imperious surface within the project limits),
were given emphasis during Endangered Species Act ( ESA) consultation. During the course of
consultation, the WSDOT committed to measures on which we based our concurrence with a
-not likely to adversely affect- determination for listed bull trout. We offer the following
comments as they relate to this Project's section 7 ESA consultation:
• WSDOT previously committed to restoring 1.7 acres within the project limits to a
forested condition. This measure, intended to compensate for the Project's direct effects
to urban forest (i.e.. removal), was understood to mean restoration with plantings to
create in perpetuity a forested condition in areas where currently the cover type is not
already "forested- (ie., not under -planting of existing forested cover). The EA and
supporting documentation do not clearly describe where and how the WSDOT intends to
fulfill this c>7mmutntent.
TAKE PRIQE°
INAMER1r:A-. ,
Response to AT-4:
1. Yes, this is true.
WSDOT has committed to
restoring 1.7 acres within
the project limits to a
forested condition, but has
not yet developed a
planting plan or selected
the specific restoration
sites within the project
area. These elements will
be developed by WSDOT
at a later stage in the
project's design.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact
A5-25
Comment AT-4: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (continued)
Allison Ray
WSDOT anticipates the project will result in direct, permanent impacts to approximately
1.66 acres of wetland, more than 3.5 acres of wetland buffer, and 1.51 acres of stream or
riparian buffer. The project will result in temporary impacts to an additional 0.64 acre of
wetland and 0.86 acre of stream or riparian buffer. The EA and supporting
documentation provide little information to describe how ( and at what approved ratios)
the WSDOT will mitigate to replace lost or impaired wetland and riparian functions. The
E4 should include more information from the pending Section 404 permitlsl, the
Springbrook Creek Wedand Mitigation Hank Instrument, and any pending local permits
(e g., permits issued tinder the Critical Area Ordinance) to explain in broad, but specific
terms, the Project's proposals for compensatory mitigation. The presets documentation
does not provide adequate information to explain how the Project will ensure "no net
loss" of wetland and riparian functions.
WSDOT previously committed to providing enhanced stormwater run-off treatment and
flow control for an area equivalent to the total amount of new impeniots surface
resulting from the Project The Service is satisfied the EA and supporting documentation
do provide sufficient information to explain how WSDOT intends to fulfill this
commitment. However, when planning future improvements to these same portions of I-
405 and State Route 161(i.e., the 1-405 A "da to Renton Improiment Project), we
recommend that WSDOT avoid and minimize effects to watershed functions and surface
water quality by seeking opportunities to design and constrict stormwater retrofits for a
significant portion of the existing impervious surfacewithin the project limits.
In addition to the comments offered above, which address consistency with this Project's section
? ESA oo sultation, the Service offers the foltowing additional comments on the EA and
supporting documentation:
WSDOT has not provided sufficient information to address the issue of impaired fish
passage as it relates to die existing highway infrastructure and the current Project. The
Fisheries h Aquatic Resources Discipline Report (Appendix L. dated October 2005 )
states that under the No -Budd Alternative, "existing fish passage barriers throughout the
study area would remain" (p. 46). and "culverts deemed to be fish passage barriers will
be assessed further to determine if they will be replaced or retrofitted" (p. 52). The EA
states that WSDOT will remove and replace the existing Springbrook Creek box culvert,
but otherwise states "all culverts affected by the project were assessed... [and) no fish
passage culvert replacements are planned"(p. 5-35). The EA and supporting
documentation should include more information to explain which structures were
assessed the status offish passage and reason(s) for deficiency at each structure, and
what criteria were used to examine the costs, benefits and feasibility of retrofit for
improved passage. Where the Project will modify but not correct existing deficient
strtwtures, the decision and supporting rationale should be explained in clear and
transparent terms.
• WSDOT has not provided sufficient information to explain where and how the Project
intends to mitigate for impacts to in -stream habitat. The EA and supporting
documentation identify replacement of the springbnooL Creek box culvert under 1405 as
Response to AT-4 (cont.):
2. The DRs for the EA
were written prior to
completing the JARPA and
the supporting information
that is provided per the
permitting process. The
Renton Nickel EA was to
be published originally on
April 2006, but publication
was delayed due to ESA
consultation. To meet the
April 2006 deadline, the DR
was written and finalized
prior to completing the
Springbrook Creek Wetland
and Habitat Mitigation Bank
Instrument (MBI) and the
design of the stream
mitigation site.
The EA describes the effects
that the project will cause,
and how WSDOT intends to
mitigate wetland effects by
using roughly 1.5 wetland
mitigation credits from the
Springbrook Creek Wetland
and Habitat Mitigation Bank
and will create appropriate
stream mitigation per local,
state, and federal regulations.
3. WSDOT will continue to
look for additional retrofit
opportunities as practicable
when designing projects
along the 1-405 corridor.
4. Per the Memorandum of Agreement that WSDOT has with the Washington State Department of Fish
and Wildlife, only those stream culverts affected by a project and requiring a Hydraulic Project Approval
(HPA) need to be assessed for fish passage. Only one stream culvert will be affected by this project.
This culvert carries the west fork of Panther Creek across SR 167 north of the SW 41 st Street
interchange. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is not improving the fish passability of this overflow
culvert from the existing conditions today. Preliminary calculations indicate that the culvert exceeds
velocity criteria for fish passage design at high flows. Please seepages Al-18 and Al-19 for more
information on WSDOT owned culverts within the project area.
The stream effects caused by extending the culvert will be mitigated at the Springbrook Creek stream
mitigation site. At this mitigation site, WSDOT will remove the existing box culvert and restore the
streambed. This culvert can be removed because the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will construct
new southbound and northbound bridges that span the box culvert making it obsolete. Although this box
culvert is not currently a barrier and could remain in place under the new bridges, WSDOT will remove it
as part of the project's stream mitigation.
5. See next page for response.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-26 Finding of No Significant Impact
Comment AT-4: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (continued)
Allison Rav
mitigation for the Project's direct impacts to in stream habitat However, the LA also
seknowledges the exisvng Springbrook Creek box culvert is not s barrier to fish passage
tp 1-51 and includes other ststetnents to imply replacenient of the structure is necessary
in order to construct the Project's highway improy einents WSLX_tT should clarth with
supporting rationale where and how the Project intends to mitigate for impacLc to in -
stream habitat.
If you or your staff wcudd like to discuss these comments. or if this office can be of any further
assistance. please contact Ryan McRelnolds at {3tio) ?5?-(i047 or Joan Gretterthereer at f 360 )
?533-0044. of my staff.
Sincerely,
a II'i)9rtA�J Gr.nrrshr-�+er.:
Feat S Berg, Manager
Western WashlnCAv Fish and Wildlife ()ffice
cc.
F1iW'A.OlympiatS Bxhi
WSDOT - FSO. 01)mpia (P Wagner)
USC OF. Seanle M. NicAndrewt
NMFS. Sand Point (S. Callahan)
Response to AT-4 (cont.):
5, cont. The project has
the following defined
impacts to streams:
■ Fill of 629 square feet
of Springbrook Creek
that is primarily low -
quality coho and
cutthroat trout
migratory channel
habitat.
■ Fill of 2,049 square
feet of West Fork
Panther Creek that is
primarily low -quality
resident cutthroat trout
habitat.
■ Temporary loss of low -
quality fish habitat
during dewatering.
■ Shading of riparian
vegetation adjacent to
migratory channel.
To mitigate unavoidable
impacts on Springbrook
Creek and Panther Creek,
the project will plan, design,
construct, and monitor a
stream mitigation site to
compensate for the
permanent and indirect
stream impacts identified
above.
Potential stream mitigation sites were evaluated based on the following site selection criteria:
■ Mitigation should occur in the same basin as the impact (WRIA 9); should achieve no net loss of
overall habitat functions by offsetting habitat losses through increased habitat quality at the
mitigation site; and should occur at a location with a high likelihood of success.
■ The selected site and design should meet King County and FEMA flood hazard requirements.
■ Upland and riparian buffer zones around the sites should be enhanced and maintained.
The following is the mitigation to offset the project impacts to streams
■ Remove box culvert to create 160 linear feet and 9,000 square feet of more natural stream bed.
■ Create 290 linear feet and 5,600 square feet of side channel, with cover and pools provided by bank
logs to provide off -channel and refugia habitat for juvenile coho, cutthroat, and other fish in
Springbrook Creek.
Enhance adult salmon resting habitat and cover in Springbrook Creek by adding rock in the side channel
to diversify in -stream habitat.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
Finding of No Significant Impact A5-27
Comment AT-5: Snoqualmie Tribe
r
SNOQUALMIE TRIBE
8130 Railroad Ave. Ste. 103
PO Box 969
Snoqualmle, WA 98065
Phone:425-888-6551
Fax: 425-888-6727
E-Mail: Snoqualmle1855@snoqualmlenatlon.com
October 31, 2006 R E C E I V E D
Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Manager
WSDOT NOY 0 1 Z006
600 108N Avenue NE, Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004 URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
Re: Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment
Dear Ms. Ray,
We recently received a copy of the Environmental Assessment for the Renton Nickel Improvement
Project. Based upon the information that you have provided us concerning the project, we do not have
any comments on the project at this time and we do not anticipate the need for further consultation on this
matter. Please let me know if you have any questions.
In addition, I would appreciate if you could direct all future correspondence regarding transportation
projects to the following address:
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Bill Sweet, Tribal Chairman
Andrea Rodgers, Transportation
P.O. Box 969
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
T: (425) 888-6551 ex) 112
F: (425) 888-6727
andreann.snoaual mienati on. corn
Sincerely,
Andrea Rodgers
Tribal Chairman: Bill T. Sweet, Vice -Chairman: Mary Anne Hinman, Secretary: Arlene Ventura,
Treasurer: Margaret A. Mullen, Lifetime Council: Katherine Barker, Council: Ray Mullen, Elsie
Erickson, Frances K. De Los Angeles, Nina Repin, Vyonda Juanita Rose Sub Chief: Nathan (Pat)
Barker, Chief. Jerry Enick. Alternates. Shelley Burch, Robert Hinzman
Response to A T-5:
Thank you for your response. We have updated our contact information for the Snoqualmie Tribe as
you requested.
Renton Nickel Improvement Project
A5-28 Finding of No Significant Impact