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Home My WebLink AboutSWP273205(6)1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-5 to SR 169 Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT October 2006 AWK MAWashington State Department of Transportation 1-405 Project Area Caw U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169, Renton Nickel Improvement Project King County, Washington Environmental Assessment Submitted pursuant to Section 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c) and 23 C.F.R. Part 771 By the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Washington Division, and the Washington State Department of Transportation I I,��- h/tt)_ (Date of Approval) Megan White,�P.E. Washington Mate Department of Transportation Director, Environmental Services Office (Date of Approval) Kevin Ward, P.E. Federal Highway Administration, Assistant Division Administrator The following persons may be contacted for additional information concerning this document: Stephen Boch, P.E. Allison Ray Federal Highway Administration Washington State Department of Transportation 915 2nd Avenue, Room 3142 600 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Seattle, Washington 98174 Bellevue, Washington 98004 (206) 220-7536 (425) 456-8610 In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, this Environmental Assessment describes the environmental effects of adding one lane in both the northbound and southbound directions of 1-405 from the interchange with 1-5 north to the 1-405 interchange with SR 169; adding one auxiliary lane southbound on SR 167 from the interchange with 1-405 to SW 41 st Street; extending the southbound HOV lane on SR 167 north to the interchange with 1-405; replacing the Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 with a new structure on a new alignment; and replacing the Springbrook Creek Culvert and Oakesdale Avenue bridges with a single northbound and a single southbound bridge structure. Copies of this document may be purchased for $21 which does not exceed the cost of reproduction. Comments must be postmarked or received by November 10, 2006 and should be returned to: Allison Ray 1-405 Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, Washington 98004 or email rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov A public hearing on this Environmental Assessment will be held on October 26, 2006 at the Renton High School from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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................................................................................................... v Chapter1 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................1-1 Where is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project located?..........................................................................................1-1 What is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project?........................................................................................................1-1 What benefits will the project provide?.........................................................................................................................1-2 When will construction begin and how long will it take?................................................................................................1-2 How will the project affect the built environment?.........................................................................................................1-3 How will the project affect the natural environment?....................................................................................................1-5 Chapter2 Purpose and Need...................................................................................................................................2-1 What is the 1-405 Corridor Program and how does the Renton Nickel Improvement Project relate to it?.....................2-1 Why do we need the Renton Nickel Improvement Project?..........................................................................................2-1 What happens if the Renton Nickel Improvement Project is not built?......................................................................... 2-2 What other improvements are being implemented as part of the Puget Sound Region's transportation planning process?..................................................................................................................................2-2 Chapter 3 Developing the Alternatives...................................................................................................................3-1 How did we advance from the 1-405 Corridor Program to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? ...........................3-1 How was the Renton Nickel Improvement Project developed?.................................................................................... 3-2 What alternatives does this environmental assessment evaluate?............................................................................... 3-2 How has the public been involved?.............................................................................................................................. 3-3 How have government agencies been involved?......................................................................................................... 3-5 How has WSDOT involved tribal governments?...........................................................................................................3-6 Chapter4 Project Description.................................................................................................................................4-1 What is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project?........................................................................................................4-1 How will stormwater from the project be managed?...................................................................................................4-12 What environmental issues influenced the project design and what was done to avoid and minimizeproject effects?............................................................................................................................................ 4-13 What is planned for wetland and stream mitigation?..................................................................................................4-16 What benefits will the project provide?....................................................................................................................... 4-16 How will the project incorporate community design preferences?..............................................................................4-17 How will the project be constructed?.......................................................................................................................... 4-17 Chapter5 The Environment..................................................................................................................................... 5-1 How was environmental information used to improve the project?............................................................................... 5-2 Howwere potential effects evaluated?......................................................................................................................... 5-2 Howwill the project affect traffic?................................................................................................................................. 5-4 What environmental federal, state, and local laws and regulations do we refer to in the RentonNickel Improvement Project?........................................................................................................................... 5-5 5.1 Noise and Vibration ........................... How noisy is the project area? ........................ How will project construction affect noise? ..... 5-11 5-11 5-12 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project i Environmental Assessment I October 2006 How will the completed project affect noise levels?.................................................................................................... 5-12 What measures are proposed to minimize noise effects during construction?........................................................... 5-12 What measures are proposed to minimize noise effects during operation?............................................................... 5-19 5.2 Wetlands....................................................................................................................................................... 5-21 What wetlands are located in the study area?............................................................................................................ 5-21 How will project construction temporarily affect wetlands?......................................................................................... 5-21 How will wetlands be permanently affected by the project?....................................................................................... 5-22 What measures are proposed to avoid, minimize, and mitigate effects to wetlands? ................................................ 5-25 5.3 Water and Aquatic Resources....................................................................................................................... 5-27 What water resources are found in the project area?................................................................................................. 5-27 What fish species live in the project area?................................................................................................................. 5-29 How are water resources currently managed in the project area?............................................................................. 5-31 How will project construction affect water resources and fish?.................................................................................. 5-31 How will project operation affect water resources and fish?....................................................................................... 5-33 What measures are proposed to avoid or minimize effects on water resources during construction? ....................... 5-36 What measures are proposed to avoid or minimize effects on water resources during operation? ............................ 5-36 How will the project compensate for unavoidable negative effects to fish or aquatic resources? ............................... 5-37 5.4 Public Services and Utilities.......................................................................................................................... 5-39 What are the public services and utilities in the study area?...................................................................................... 5-39 How will project construction affect public services and utilities?............................................................................... 5-40 How will the completed project affect public services and utilities?............................................................................ 5-42 What measures are proposed to minimize effects on public services and utilities during construction? .................... 5-43 What measures are proposed to minimize effects on public services and utilities during operation? ........................ 5-43 5.5 Historic, Cultural, and Archaeological, and Section 4(f) Evaluation.............................................................. 5-45 How will the project affect historic, cultural, and archaeological resources?.............................................................. 5-45 Whatis Section 4(f)?.................................................................................................................................................. 5-46 What constitutes a "use" of Section 4(f) resources?................................................................................................... 5-47 What Section 4(f) resources might be affected by the project?.................................................................................. 5-47 What did we conclude about the project's use of Section 4(f) resources?................................................................. 5-49 5.6 Visual Quality................................................................................................................................................ 5-51 What is the current visual character of the study area?.............................................................................................. 5-51 How will project construction affect visual quality?..................................................................................................... 5-52 How will the completed project affect visual quality?.................................................................................................. 5-52 Will the project create new sources of light, shadow, or glare?.................................................................................. 5-54 What measures are proposed to minimize effects on visual quality during construction? .......................................... 5-54 What measures are proposed to minimize effects on visual quality during operation? .............................................. 5-55 5.7 Soils, Geology, and Groundwater................................................................................................................. 5-57 What is the geology of the study area?...................................................................................................................... 5-57 What are groundwater resources in the study area?.................................................................................................. 5-60 How will project construction affect soils, geology, and groundwater?....................................................................... 5-61 I I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment How will the completed project affect soils, geology, and groundwater?....................................................................5-62 What measures are proposed to minimize effects on soils, geology, and groundwater during construction? ............5-62 Chapter6 List of Preparers.....................................................................................................................................6-1 Chapter7 References............................................................................................................................................... 7-1 Appendices A — Glossary B — Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures C — Agency and Tribal Correspondence D — Project Benefits E — Mobile Source Air Toxics The following appendices are included on CD only, which are located at the back of this document: F — Air Quality Discipline Report G — Cultural Resources Discipline Report H — Cumulative Effects Discipline Report I — Economics Discipline Report J — Energy Discipline Report K — Environmental Justice Discipline Report L — Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report A — Floodplains Discipline Report N — Hazardous Materials Discipline Report 0 — Land Use Patterns Discipline Report P — Land Use Plans and Policies Discipline Report Q — Noise and Vibration Discipline Report R — Public Services and Utilities Discipline Report S — Section 4(f) Discipline Report T — Social Discipline Report U — Soils, Geology, and Groundwater V — Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report W — Transportation Discipline Report X — Upland Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report Y — Visual Quality Discipline Report Z — Wetlands Discipline Report I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project iii Environmental Assessment I October 2006 EXHIBITS Exhibit 1-1. 1-405 Corridor and Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area..........................................................1-1 Exhibit 2-1. 1-405 Corridor and Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area..........................................................2-1 Exhibit4-1. Project Vicinity Map...................................................................................................................................4-1 Exhibit4-2. Project Overview Section 1........................................................................................................................4-3 Exhibit 4-3. Project Overview Section 2........................................................................................................................4-4 Exhibit 4-4. Project Overview Section 3........................................................................................................................4-5 Exhibit 4-5. Project Overview Section 4........................................................................................................................4-6 Exhibit 4-6. Project Overview Section 5........................................................................................................................4-7 Exhibit4-7. Project Overview Section 6........................................................................................................................4-8 Exhibit 4-8. Project Overview Section 7........................................................................................................................4-9 Exhibit 4-9. Project Overview Section 8......................................................................................................................4-10 Exhibit 4-10. Location of Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank....................................................4-16 Exhibit5-1. Regulatory Framework...............................................................................................................................5-5 Exhibit 5-2. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 1 of 6)..............................................................5-13 Exhibit 5-3. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 2 of 6)..............................................................5-14 Exhibit 5-4. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 3 of 6)..............................................................5-15 Exhibit 5-5. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 4 of 6)..............................................................5-16 Exhibit 5-6. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 5 of 6)..............................................................5-17 Exhibit 5-7. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 6 of 6)..............................................................5-18 Exhibit 5-8. Effect of Noise Wall Along Northbound 1-405 Right-of-way.....................................................................5-19 Exhibit 5-9. Wetland Effects (from 1-405/1-5 Interchange to 1-405/SR 167 Interchange)............................................5-23 Exhibit 5-10. Wetland Effects (1-405/SR 167 Interchange to 1-405/SR 169 Interchange)...........................................5-24 Exhibit 5-11. Surface Waterbodies in the Study Area. None of these waterbodies will be affected by this project .... 5-28 Exhibit 5-12. Floodplains within Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area......................................................5-30 Exhibit 5-13. Stormwater Flow Control Facility Locations...........................................................................................5-34 Exhibit 5-14. Existing Public Services in the Renton and Tukwila Area......................................................................5-40 Exhibit 5-15. Park and Recreation Areas and Historic Properties and Section 4(f) Criteria........................................5-48 Exhibit 5-16. Resources Identified in the Study Area..................................................................................................5-49 Exhibit 5-17. Liquefaction Potential in the Study Area................................................................................................ 5-59 Exhibit 5-18. Boundaries of the Cedar Valley Sole -Source Aquifer in the vicinity of the Study Area ..........................5-60 iv I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Document a.m. ante meridiem BMP best management practices BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company CFR Code of Federal Regulations Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CSS Context Sensitive Solutions dBA A -weighted decibels DOT U.S. Department of Transportation EA Environmental Assessment Ecology Washington State Department of Ecology EEI Early Environmental Investments EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA U.S. Endangered Species Act FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHWA Federal Highway Administration FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FTA Federal Transit Authority GMA Growth Management Act HOV high -occupancy vehicle HRM Highway Runoff Manual 1-405 Interstate 405 1-90 Interstate 90 Leq Equivalent A -weighted sound level LWD large woody debris MAPT Multi -agency Permitting Team MP milepost mph miles per hour NAC Noise Abatement Criteria NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project v Environmental Assessment I October 2006 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 PSE Puget Sound Energy RCP Roadside Classification Plan RCW Revised Code of Washington RMC Renton Municipal Code ROD Record -of -Decision ROW right-of-way SEPA State Environmental Policy Act Sound Transit Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority SPCC Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan SR State Route TESC Plan Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan TMC Tukwila Municipal Code TMP Traffic Management Plan USC United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WAC Washington Administrative Code WDFW Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation vi I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is one of three "nickel" projects being implemented by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to improve transportation conditions along 1-405. In 2003, the Washington State Legislature approved a 5-cent-per- gallon gas tax to fund highway improvements. An additional 9.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax was approved in 2005. Funding for construction of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will come from a combination of both of these revenue sources. Cost for project construction has been estimated at $157 million. Where is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project located? The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is on the south end of the 1-405 corridor between 1-5 and SR 169, see Exhibit 1-1. This 3.6-mile section of 1-405 passes through the cities of Tukwila and Renton. This project also includes the north end of southbound SR 167 from 1-405 to the SW 41 st Street exit. What is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is part of the 1-405 Corridor Program and is the first step in constructing WSDOT's Master Plan in this area. The basic construction elements of this project are: ■ Construct one new northbound general-purpose lane and one new southbound general-purpose lane on 1-405 from 1-5 to SR 169. ■ Construct one new southbound general-purpose lane on SR 167 from 1-405 to the SW 41 st Street off -ramp. ■ Extend the SR 167 southbound HOV lane to begin at 1-405. ■ Replace the Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 on a new alignment. ■ Replace the 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Side Channel and Oakesdale Avenue with new southbound and northbound bridges and remove the Springbrook Creek box culvert. Chapter 1 Summary 1-405 Project Area Bothell F... k _��,,klon Lake Bellevue J)9 Renton Nickel 0 a Improvement �s —,a Project Renton 7 \ 169 T —, 181 167 I �o 515 Arterial Road Lake — Freeway Park Municipality Exhibit 1-1. 1-405 Corridor and Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 1-1 SGMMARI I-405 SOUTHBOUND Existing The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will add a lane in both directions. In particular, the new lane will relieve the heavy congestion experienced on 1-405 southbound between SR 169 and the SR 167 interchanges. Other project features include widening over Talbot Road; replacing the guard rails on the 1-405 bridges over SR 181 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad; improving stormwater treatment, detention, and conveyance; adding architectural treatments to enhance the highway's appearance; and incorporating numerous measures to avoid or minimize effects to the environment. Chapter 4 discusses the project in detail. What benefits will the project provide? The Build Alternative will benefit the area by reducing congestion at chokepoints, reducing the duration of congestion during peak commuter travel hours, and improving freight movement. This section of 1-405, from the 1-5 interchange to the SR 169 interchange, is congested due to large traffic volumes and merging and diverging traffic. The new lanes will help relieve congestion and improve safety by providing motorists with more time and extra room to accelerate or decelerate and move into and out of the stream of traffic when getting on and off the freeway. This provides a smoother transition for motorists getting on and off 1-405 in Tukwila and Renton and helps decrease rear -end and sideswipe collisions. The project reduces congestion approaching the SR 167 interchange and it complements the completed southbound 1-405 to southbound SR 167 flyover ramp. This project will construct one noise wall along South 14th Street from the intersection of South 14th Street and South 15th Street east to Talbot Road. This wall will benefit residents in that area by lowering noise levels. Another benefit of this project is that it continues the application of the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) design choices made by the communities within the 1-405 corridor. The Benson Road Bridge realignment over 1-405 will reflect the application of these design choices as explained further in Chapter 4. When will construction begin and how long will it take? Construction of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project is scheduled to begin early in 2008 and be completed by late 2010. The project will take two and a half years to complete. However, construction activities are not expected to be constant for the entire study area I-2 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 20061 Environmental Assessment SUMMARY throughout this time, and in some locations, the work is expected to take substantially less time than two years. How will the project affect the built environment? Transportation. Travel speeds in the project area will increase as much as 20 miles per hour during the daily commuting periods, when the project is finished. This will reduce congestion and improve safety, allowing people and freight to move through the area more efficiently. Noise and Vibration. Approximately 105 residences, two parks, two trails, and an aquatic center in the study area already approach or exceed the noise abatement criteria of 67 dBA. Ten of these residences exceed the criteria because of noise from local traffic. This project will increase noise for thirty-nine additional residences to above the noise abatement criteria if no walls are built. Based on our analysis, it is reasonable and feasible to build one noise wall along the north side of the Talbot Hill neighborhood to reduce noise. This wall will extend east from the South 14th Street/South 15th Street intersection to Talbot Road South. Visual Quality. The project will have minor changes to visual quality. Generally, existing topography and vegetation will screen the project from freeway neighbors who have the highest view sensitivity (level of concern), frequency (number of times the view is seen), and duration (amount of time the view is seen). Some freeway neighbors will have their views toward the road negatively affected by bridge replacements, retaining walls, and the noise wall. Efforts will be made to retain existing trees, where feasible, to minimize the effect on visual quality for the proposed noise wall as shown to the right. However, some trees will need to be permanently removed from the hill slope near Tukwila City Hall, around the area for the new southbound and northbound 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue, and along the southbound side of SR 167 between Oakesdale Avenue and Lind Avenue. Architectural treatments will be applied to new permanent structures, for example the new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405. These treatments will be per CSS guidelines developed to enhance the look of the 1-405 corridor. Public Services and Utilities. Constructing this project will have minor short-term effects on public services and utilities in the study area. Relocating utility lines may cause temporary, minor disruptions in service. The View of proposed noise wall as seen by residents, local traffic, and pedestrians along the base of the Talbot Hill Neighborhood, particularly along South 14th Street I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 SUMMARY The Renton Fire Station is a historic resource and will not be affected by this project. This portion of Springbrook Trail that crosses under 1-405 will be detoured temporarily during construction of the new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue project will improve response time for emergency service vehicles along 1-405 and SR 167. Energy. The project will reduce fuel consumption by reducing the number of drivers who take alternate routes to avoid congestion. Environmental Justice. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have disproportionately high or adverse effects on minority and/or low-income people. Cultural Resources. No archaeological resources were identified as part of this study. The 1-405 Project Team evaluated 124 historic resources (constructed prior to 1955) within the study area. One of these resources (the Renton Fire Station) is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This resource and three others (the Cedar River Park Railroad Bridge, the Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company, and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation) are listed on the Washington Historic Register. None of these resources will be directly or indirectly affected by this project. Parks and Recreation, Section 4(f). The 1-405 Project Team identified ten public parks and four historic properties in the study area. The project will not acquire or have any adverse effects on these lands. During construction of the new southbound and northbound bridges over Springbrook Creek, the project will temporarily detour the Springbrook Trail where it currently crosses under 1-405 as shown to the left. When the trail reopens, it will have been slightly realigned to avoid the new bridge supports. Economic Elements. This project will benefit the economy by reducing traffic congestion. People will find it easier to get to work and to shopping centers and businesses will be able to move freight more efficiently. In addition, the project will generate roughly $800,000 in city sales tax revenue that would be split between Tukwila and Renton. Land Use Patterns. This project is not expected to change the existing or planned land use patterns for the cities of Renton or Tukwila. WSDOT will need to acquire property and easements in several areas. These acquisitions are considered to be minor; however, twelve businesses from two locations will need to be displaced to make room for the project's stormwater facilities. Land Use Plans and Policies. As part of the overall 1-405 Corridor Program, this project supports local jurisdictions' land use and growth management plans. 1-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment SUMMARY Social Elements. Minor, temporary increases in traffic congestion during construction may add to travel times for the public, neighborhood residents, and community service agencies. Once the project is complete, travelers in the study area will benefit from higher speeds and reduced travel times. This project will have no effect on community interactions or cohesion. How will the project affect the natural environment? Wetlands. The study area contains 19.4 acres of wetlands. The majority of these wetlands are low quality due to disturbance caused by the original construction of 1-405, SR 167, and commercial and residential development of the surrounding area. Retaining walls designed for this project serve to avoid or minimize wetland filling; however, some filling is unavoidable. This project will permanently fill 1.66 acres of wetland and temporarily disturb 0.64 acres of wetland. Filled in wetlands will be compensated for by using credits from the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank, a project that will create 130 acres of new and enhanced wetland area. Surface Water and Water Quality. This project will add 15 acres of new impervious surface area to the highway. Stormwater from an area of the highway equal in size to the new impervious area will be collected and treated. Stormwater facilities will be constructed so that changes in stream flow and water quality will be negligible. Fish and Aquatic Resources. Many species of salmonids can be found in the study area, including chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, and sea -run cutthroat. Several of the rivers and streams in the study area are important to chinook salmon, bull trout, and Dolly Varden, which are federally listed endangered species. Some in -stream habitat (1.04 acres) and some riparian buffers (2.39 acres) will be either temporarily or permanently affected by this project. However, as noted above, effects from water quality will be negligible. 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. Although the existing culvert is currently fish passable, removing this structure will improve the streambed, allow more light to reach the stream, and allow the stream to be restored to a more natural state. What is the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank? The Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank is being developed as a joint effort between WSDOT and the City of Renton. This 'bank' will construct a new high quality wetland complex that will serve to replace other wetlands that are filled in by projects such as the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. In addition to wetland mitigation, the site will provide flood storage mitigation. One of five openings in the existing Springbrook Creek Box Culvert that will be removed as part of the project I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 I-5 SCNINIARN What is liquefaction? Liquefaction usually occurs in saturated, loose, granular soil such as sand, silty sand, and sandy silt. During a strong earthquake, these soils lose their grain - to -grain contact and essentially become slurry with characteristics like quicksand. Floodplains. Some fill will be added to the floodplain in three areas: around the new 1-405 southbound and northbound 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 where the Panther Creek Tributary crosses the highway. To compensate for lost flood storage due to filling and new bridge piers, the project will remove the existing box culvert and embankment where Springbrook Creek crosses under 1-405. In addition, excavation to construct the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank will provide compensatory floodplain storage. These actions will provide sufficient flood storage so that flood elevations will not change in the study area. Soils, Geology, and Groundwater. This project will be constructed in a highly variable geologic area that includes large liquefaction zones that can be problematic during earthquakes. The new bridges will be designed to current seismic standards and will be founded on deep piles to minimize damage from soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Although project construction will likely increase erosion, disturb moisture -sensitive soils, and produce construction -related vibration, these effects will be temporary. The project will not affect the City of Renton's water supply wells because the highway will only be restriped in the areas that would affect the aquifer or the aquifer's recharge area. Air Quality. This project will not affect regional air quality and will be in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Dust and odors may be present during construction, but these effects will be minor and temporary. Upland Vegetation and Wildlife. This project will permanently remove about 13 acres of low quality wildlife habitat, which is less than 0.01 percent of the total available habitat in the study area. There are no federal or state listed protected wildlife species or wildlife habitat within the study area. Hazardous Materials. The study area has 14 sites where hazardous materials have been used or stored. None of these sites will be affected by the project. No substantial operational effects were identified during this study. This study represents an initial site assessment to identify hazardous material sites in the study area. Further investigation is recommended for any parcels that are to be acquired for this project. There is a low risk that the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will release contaminants as a result of disturbing soils, I-6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment SUMMARY groundwater, or sediments in construction areas where contamination is present. Cumulative Effects. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is not expected to have adverse cumulative effects on air quality, surface water, wetlands, or fish because each project in the area will avoid, minimize, and mitigate for negative effects. Wetlands in the general area will likely be positively affected because the development of the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank will provide higher quality, larger wetlands for wildlife habitat than those that will be filled in because of this project and other local projects. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 SUMMARY This page intentionally blank. 1-8 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Chapter 2 Purpose and Need What is the I-405 Corridor Program and how does the Renton Nickel Improvement Project relate to it? In 2002, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS). This EIS reviewed a range of alternatives for improving 1-405 on a corridor -wide basis. As a result, WSDOT selected an alternative that is now known as the 1-405 Corridor Program. WSDOT created the 1-405 Corridor Program as a comprehensive strategy to reduce congestion and improve mobility throughout the 1-405 corridor. The corridor begins at the 1-405/1-5 interchange in the city of Tukwila and extends northward 30 miles to the 1-405/1-5 interchange in the city of Lynnwood. The program's purpose is to provide an efficient, integrated, and multimodal system of transportation solutions that: ■ Maintains or enhances livable communities within the corridor ■ Maintains or improves air quality, protects or enhances fish -bearing streams, and promotes regional environmental values such as continued integrity of the natural environment. ■ Supports a vigorous state and regional economy by responding to existing and future travel needs. ■ Accommodates planned regional growth. As part of the 1-405 Corridor Program, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project proposes a focused strategy to improve 1-405 between 1-5 in Tukwila and SR 169 in Renton, and SR 167 souhbound from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street. Exhibit 2-1 shows the entire 1-405 corridor including the area covered by this project. In general, the area that was studied for this environmental assessment (EA) is the highway corridor for the road sections described above and an area approximately one mile wide encompassing these highway sections. Why do we need the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? Traffic congestion on 1-405 between 1-5 and SR 169 is high, averaging 127,000 vehicles daily. Northbound 1-405 carries the highest volumes in the study area between SR 167 and 1-405 Project r kl.. � . t• , Kirkland �6 620 - si (oke Washington l Bellevue 1 Renton Nickel Improvement _.--. , Project 'Renton 169 P 1611 167r Arterial Road Lake — Freeway Park r`Municipality Exhibit 2-1. 1-405 Corridor and Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 2-1 PURPOSE AND NEED Congestion on 1-405 during the morning peak hour at the SR 169 interchange SR 169. Travel speeds drop down to an average of 30 mph during the morning and evening commutes. Safety is also a concern because accidents are more frequent within the study area than along the rest of the 1-405 corridor. WSDOT has identified four high accident locations in the study area: ■ The intersection on Interurban Avenue (SR 181) where the southbound 1-405 off -ramp ends ■ The 1-405 southbound off -ramp to Interurban Avenue (SR 181) ■ The intersection on Interurban Avenue (SR 181) where the northbound off -ramp ends ■ The interchange -ramp from southbound 1-405 to SR 167 The safety concerns at these locations are all related to congestion. What happens if the Renton Nickel Improvement Project is not built? Traffic in the region is predicted to continue to increase in the future. Without the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, 1-405 capacity will become increasingly inadequate to meet the traffic demand. With more people using the freeway, the morning and evening commutes will become slower for even longer periods of time, and the frequency of accidents will continue to be high. What other improvements are being implemented as part of the Puget Sound Region's transportation planning process? The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is one of several 1-405 projects. Other projects along the 1-405 corridor include the Kirkland Nickel Project, the Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project, the Renton to Bellevue Improvement Project, and others. In addition to improvements along 1-405 and SR 167, WSDOT has planned projects on SR 520, 1-90, and SR 522 as recorded in WSDOT's 2004 Highway System Plan. This plan forecasts transportation needs for the next 20 years. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Central Puget Sound Region, Destination 2030, revised in 2003, defines the region's action plan for the next 30 years. 2-2 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PURPOSE AND NEED The Corridor EIS also identified possibilities to better manage the corridor through tolling. WSDOT could achieve this through the use of High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes so that HOVs and transit could use the lane for free and other vehicles would pay a toll to use the lane. HOT lanes could be created through the conversion of the HOV lane and possibly convert one of the new lanes proposed by this project. The footprint identified in this document would not preclude implementation of HOT lanes. The freeway system would, however, operate differently if HOT lanes are used. If HOT lanes are to be implemented in the future, additional operational analysis and any necessary environmental documentation would be prepared. An operational change to HOT lanes in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project area would be a future decision. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 2-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PURPOSE AND NEED This page intentionally blank. 2-4 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Chapter 3 Developing the Alternatives How did we advance from the I-405 Corridor Program to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? The 1-405 Corridor Program WSDOT analyzed several alternatives for improving the Environmental Process movement of people and freight along 1-405. These alternatives are presented in the 1-405 Corridor Program Discipline Reports A set of technical reports that document the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) along with potential effects of a project on an area's mitigation measures proposed for the corridor. natural and built environments, such as air In the EIS, decision -makers considered various travel quality. The report describes the existing modes for making potential improvements. The modes conditions, effects from the proposed project, and how effects can be avoided, minimized, or evaluated included single -occupant vehicles, carpools, miti ated. transit, and rail alternatives. The EIS also considered general locations for improvements and how combinations of improvements could work together as a NEPA/SEPA Environmental Impact comprehensive system. The 1-405 Corridor Program Statement (EIS) Environmental Process, shown at the right outlines the The EIS identified the environmental effects of Overall rOC@SS. p the alternatives proposed for the 1-405 Corridor Program. Once WSDOT completed the Draft EIS, a Preferred Alternative was recommended and analyzed in the Final EIS. The Preferred Alternative combined highway, Preferred Alternative The alternative selected from among five transit, local arterial, and other improvements within the alternatives analyzed in the EIS. The details 30-mile stretch of the 1-405 corridor and immediate of the Preferred Alternative analysis, as well as Vicinity. the analysis of the other alternatives are included in the Final EIS. The Preferred Alternative was modified somewhat to n become the Selected Alternative stated in the Record of li Decision (ROD). This document is an agreement Selected Alternative between WSDOT and the Federal Highway The alternative selected and approved by Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit FHWA and FTA as documented in the Record Administration (FTA). The ROD identified the basis for of Decision. advancing the Selected Alternative, and it explained the IG adopted means to avoid, minimize, and compensate for Record of Decision (ROD) environmental effects. The final step in the process. A concise In both the EIS and the ROD, WSDOT specified that the document that identifies the decision (selected improvements cited in the Selected Alternative would be alternative) and mitigation measures adopted for the Selected Alternative. re-examined prior to implementation to determine the best combinations for phased construction. WSDOT IG continues to examine these recommendations within the Renton Nickel Improvement Project constraints of the available budget while maintaining A specific set of project improvements good engineering design. contained in the Selected Alternative that focuses on the Renton/Tukwila section of the It is expected to take 20 or more years to implement the 1-405 corridor. Selected Alternative for the entire 1-405 Corridor I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 3-I Environmental Assessment I October 2006 DEVELOPING THE ALTERNATIVES The Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Process Step 1: Discipline Report Each of the 21 discipline reports describes the topic's existing conditions, the proposed action, and how effects will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. 9 Step 2: Environmental Assessment A concise document prepared in compliance with NEPA that briefly discusses the purpose and need for an action, alternatives to the action, and provides sufficient evidence and analysis of effects to determine whether to prepare an EIS or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Step 3. FONSI A FONSI presents the reasons why an action will not have a significant effect on the environment, and therefore does not require the preparation of an EIS. Based on analyses and project feedback received to date, we anticipate preparing a FONSI for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Program. Projects have been prioritized to address the most congested areas first. Available funding has been allocated for these initial projects. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is one of these projects, and it serves as part of a first step toward completing the Selected Alternative. How was the Renton Nickel Improvement Project developed? Using the Selected Alternative as the master plan, WSDOT developed plans for congestion relief roadway improvements and began to define the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. The project has been designed with these features in mind: ■ Improve the worst congestion choke points along 1-405. ■ Improve safety. ■ Increase travel speeds in Tukwila and Renton during peak commuter hours. ■ Facilitate freight movement. ■ Implement meaningful environmental improvements. ■ Provide a benefit return greater than the investment costs through reduced travel time and increased freight speeds. Using professional engineering and planning judgment with the scrutiny of outside experts, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project design began to take shape. The team members determined that a lane addition would provide some traffic relief for one of the corridor's worst bottlenecks. Throughout the design process, reviews were conducted to ensure that methods to avoid or minimize potential effects were evaluated and incorporated into the project. The environmental review process for this project will be completed in three primary stages as shown to the left. What alternatives does this environmental assessment evaluate? This EA evaluates two alternatives: ■ A Build Alternative, which will construct: 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. 3-2 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment DEVELOPING THE ALTERNATIVES • 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 1-405 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. Chapter 4 describes the Build Alternative in detail. ■ A No Build Alternative, which will not make the transportation improvements listed above. We evaluated the No Build Alternative to establish a baseline for comparing the effects associated with the Build Alternative. The No Build Alternative maintains the status quo, meaning that only routine activities such as road maintenance, repair, and safety improvements would occur over the next 20 years. This does not include improvements that would increase roadway capacity, reduce congestion, or improve safety meaningfully. For these reasons, it does not satisfy the project purpose of providing additional capacity for 1-405 in Renton and Tukwila and is not the preferred course of action. How has the public been involved? WSDOT has involved the public in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project through a wide range of activities such as: ■ Inviting citizens to participate in the project scoping and development process as shown to the right. ■ Conducting public open houses, producing newsletters, and giving presentations at neighborhood meetings. ■ Providing other outreach efforts such as establishing Executive, Steering, and Advisory committees and holding meetings (a description of these committees is found on page 3-4 in the section on Other Outreach Efforts). ■ Providing project information in multiple languages and in easily accessible locations such as public libraries. Viewing information at a public open house What is project scoping? A scoping meeting is designed to: ■ Inform the public and agencies of proposed actions and alternatives. ■ Serve as a forum to gather comments to help identify potential environmental impacts. ■ Ensure that the environmental documents consider reasonable alternatives. ■ Help identify issues or concerns to promote a focus on items important to the local community and to agencies. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 3-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 DEVELOPING THE ALTERNATIVES Project scoping and development WSDOT met with cities and agencies that have Other I® jurisdiction in the project area on January 25, 2005, to hear their concerns and comments. Two days later, just oesign/costs/ over sixty citizens attended the Renton Nickel Schedule ServUteiOtter Improvement Project scoping meeting on January 27, 2005. They were invited to submit written and verbal Water Quality/' comments to WSDOT during a public comment period. Stormwater Wetlands/ ® Following these meetings, WSDOT categorized and Wildlife compiled the comments into the Renton Nickel Aquatic ® Improvement Project Scoping Report. The comments Resources/Fish addressed topics such as noise, water quality, stormwater Noise/Air ® management. Most people asked about traffic and transportation as it related to the purpose and need for the Traffic/ 1 ! project as shown in the chart to the left. Transportation Parks - -- - Public outreach 0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of Comments Most scoping comments dealt with how the project will affect traffic A Renton Nickel Improvement Project public open house Since the Renton Nickel Improvement Project received funding in July 2003, WSDOT has worked closely with the public, elected officials, local agencies, tribes, and regulatory agencies. WSDOT has provided information to the public —through neighborhood meetings, open house events, and visits to community facilities and businesses. For example, project team members conducted extensive outreach efforts to establish dialogue with minority and low-income populations in the area. They contacted municipal agencies and private organizations to identify and locate special groups and to learn about their transportation needs. Some of these organizations included the Renton Senior Center, area food banks, public health facilities, and libraries. An open house on November 2, 2005 presented the discipline report analysis findings to the public and provided an opportunity for people to learn more about the project's potential effects. In summer 2006, a public hearing and meeting will be held to discuss this EA. Other outreach efforts for the I-405 Corridor Several committees have provided dialogue and coordination for the project. These groups include: ■ The 1-405 Executive Committee was comprised of executives from FHWA, FTA, WSDOT, King County, and Sound Transit, as well as members from the Washington State Transportation Commission and elected officials from cities along the 1-405 corridor. 3-4 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment DEVELOPING THE ALTERNATIVES ■ A Renton Advisory Committee and Tukwila Advisory Committee were effective in reaching area neighborhoods by engaging the community in the visual appearance of highway improvements. These committees were made up of citizens, business people, elected officials, partnering agencies, WSDOT, and city staff. ■ The 1-405 Steering Committee is responsible for providing technical and policy guidance. The committee consists of senior staff from the local, regional, state, and federal agencies having jurisdiction within the study area. The Steering Committee provides valuable feedback on technical feasibility, environmental acceptability, costs, and performance. How have government agencies been involved? Government agencies have played major roles in developing the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. WSDOT has involved these agencies through regular meetings and other means to address issues on an as - needed basis. Examples include: ■ Congressional and legislative briefings in late June and early July 2004. These briefings were conducted to inform Washington State legislators within the 1-405 corridor study area and U.S. Congress members from the Washington State delegation. ■ Sessions with staff from resource agencies to explain design -build concepts. ■ Briefings and site visits with the Multi -agency Permitting Team (MAPT), comprised of staff from WSDOT, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and King County. The 1-405 Project Team and the MAPT meet regularly to review project -specific permit applications. ■ Sessions to review stormwater management strategies with FAA and the City of Renton's airport manager to address wildlife hazards to air safety. ■ Monthly coordination and strategy meetings with City of Tukwila staff. Stages of project development were also presented to Tukwila City Council for concurrence on major project design decisions. ■ Regular coordination meetings with City of Renton staff including monthly coordination and strategy How have we communicated with the public? Speaker's Bureau — WSDOT personnel made formal presentations to community organizations. Environmental Outreach — Field studies put WSDOT in touch with residents living in the area. For example, WSDOT contacted agencies who provide services to low-income and minority populations to discuss the project and how it could affect their services. Project Website — WSDOT provided the 1-405 Project Website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1-405, as a resource for the public. WSDOT updates the site regularly. Newsletters/Project Updates — Newsletter mailings and email updates offered an ideal opportunity to inform the public of project progress. Postcard — Mailings included a return postcard offering an opportunity to comment on the project and to request WSDOT's participation at organization meetings. We distributed individual postcards to libraries, multifamily apartment/condominium associations, and special housing establishments. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 3-5 DEVELOPING THE ALTERNATIVES meetings with department management leaders; task force meetings to address drinking water wells, parks, traffic, emergency response, utilities, business and residential issues; and executive level meetings with city administrators. Presentations on project development were also given to City Council for concurrence on major project design decisions. ■ Sessions with King County, Tukwila, and Renton to coordinate wetland mitigation strategies and site selection. ■ Scoping meetings with agencies to discuss traffic, air, noise, endangered species, water, wetlands, and mitigation strategies. ■ Discussions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service on issues related to the Endangered Species Act. How has WSDOT involved tribal governments? Tribal governments can help identify cultural issues that may affect tribal members or other cultural resources of interest to the tribes and they often offer possible solutions to these issues. WSDOT commits itself to respectful, effective consultation and communication with tribal governments in recognition that project activities may affect tribal rights and interests. WSDOT Executive Order E1025.00 on Tribal Consultation (February 19, 2003) and Section 106 of 35 CFR 800 established this commitment to an effective working relationship with tribal governments. WSDOT initiated consultation with the Muckleshoot Tribe, the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Duwamish Tribe, and the Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation during preparation of the 1-405 Corridor Program EIS. This consultation continues as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project and will help to involve tribal governments in each stage of the environmental analysis. To date, tribal representatives have participated in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project by attending project scoping meetings, site visits, participating in public outreach efforts, and meeting with WSDOT to discuss issues of interest such as investigations of cultural resources and analyses of effects on fish and fish habitat. 3-6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Chapter 4 Project Description What is the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is a highway expansion project that will improve mobility and safety through Tukwila and Renton. On 1-405, this project begins just east of the 1-5/1-405 interchange in Tukwila and extends north past the Cedar River to the SR 169 (Maple Valley Highway) interchange. The project will build an additional lane both northbound and southbound between 1-5 and SR 169. On SR 167, the project will extend the southbound high -occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane north to 1-405 and add a southbound auxiliary lane from 1-405 to the SW 41 st Street off -ramp. These limits comprise the study area for the project. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project was developed as part of a first step in providing a focused strategy to improve 1-405 between 1-5 in Tukwila and SR 169 in Renton and SR 167 southbound from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street as shown in Exhibit 4-1. This environmental assessment (EA) analyzes two project alternatives: the No Build Alternative and the Build Alternative. What is the No Build Alternative? The No Build Alternative assumes that only routine activities such as road maintenance, repair, and safety improvements would take place over the next 20 years. This alternative does not include improvements that would increase roadway capacity or reduce congestion. For these reasons, it does not Prole tc 47nit `at SR 169 A 'o.een\`• &'onset B��o _R\ 169 wy .^ r y SW 7th St I-405 Southern NI Project Limit 5`tt WedR E N T O N at I-5 ^� "® _SW ,Bth S ys P.eth.r m TUKWILA �1 x ;swJsrdst ~e� a � f I --� - , 167 I-� 515 SW 41st St I I let Arterial Road Lake SR 1t57 Southern Freeway Park Project Umit eosru — — Trail (',i 11 Municipality at SW 41 st 51 1 a 035 �5 Stream Exhibit 4-1. Project Vicinity Map I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION What is an auxiliary lane? An auxiliary lane is a lane added between interchanges —from one on -ramp to the next off -ramp. It is dedicated to traffic entering and leaving the freeway and provides motorists with more time and extra room to accelerate or decelerate and merge when getting on and off the freeway. 't Existing On -ramp On -ramp with proposed auxiliary lane Why rebuild the Benson Road Bridge on a new alignment over 1-405? By building the new bridge to the west on a new alignment, the new structure can be constructed while the existing structure remains open to traffic. Traffic can then be shifted onto the new structure while the old structure is demolished. satisfy the project's purpose —improve 1-405 between 1-5 in Tukwila and SR 169 in Renton and SR 167 southbound from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street. The No Build Alternative has been evaluated in this EA to establish a baseline for comparing the effects associated with the Build Alternative. What is the Build Alternative? The new lanes that will be built under 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. See Exhibits 4-2 through 4-9 for detailed maps of the project features. In addition to adding auxiliary and general-purpose lanes to 1-405 and SR 167, this project will provide the following improvements. Improve interchanges Minor modifications will be made to the ramps at the SR 167 interchange: ■ The one -lane ramp from northbound 1-405 to SR 167 will be widened to a 2-lane off connection, which provides a dedicated lane to southbound SR 167 and a dedicated lane to northbound Rainer Avenue. ■ Traffic from two consecutive single -lane on -ramps from southbound 1-405 to SR 167 will be separated by a concrete barrier. This will provide a smoother transition to the mainline and reduce congestion on the on -ramps. Improve Benson Road The Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 will be replaced and realigned to accommodate the southbound auxiliary lane on 1-405 and future improvements to 1-405, see Exhibit 4-8. Improvements on Benson Road include a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side and 5-foot bike lanes on both sides. 4-2 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION I,\ I-405 Southern Project Limit at I-5 1 Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel Ecology Embankment Retaining Wall 5tormwater Flow Control Facility New Pavement Areas of Construction Easement Acquisition - Parcel Acquisition ED Existing ROW New ROW I-405 NORTHBOUND 'F�' 9�i 94 Existing ,E 194 Proposed I-405 SOUTHBOUND Existing r! am A Proposed Cottage Creek w ... ' Gilliam Creek ""fir ' Tukwila Parkway '>ft'iJR� _ - - _ z Westfield - s�Sho_ppingtown Mall I-405 Northboundbound 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. I-405 Southbound 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. Exhibit 4-2. Project Overview Section 1 sec. 8 RENTON� sec.tss Sao. Sac. 1 2 3 4 i Sec. tet 5' `vim TUKYYIL.A Sec. , . c -j o zso soo Feet 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION i I-405 SOUTHBOUND t R i Existing Proposed Bridge Rail Replacement A: rf Iw w Bridge Rail Replacement -- y . �' I-405 NORTHBOUND R M r Existing Proposed •'� Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel — m Bridge Restripe Only � ._, x=�"`�' d , cn do AW e e n R 181IL Ecology Embankment I-405 Northbound Improvements: Retaining Wall A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing stormwater 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. QExisting ROW ® New ROW Exhibit 4-3. Project Overview Section 2 i Sec. RENTON) sec. t ss Sec. See. Sec.. S�T 1 8 3 Sec. 5 TUKWILA 18 0 250 500 Feet .o... ME 4-4 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION 0 ' I t Bridge Replacement `« �N ay — .'� Bridge Replacement Potential Staging Area I-405 NORTHBOUND Existing Proposed I-405 SOUTHBOUND Existing y� Proposed Open River/Creek Channel I-405 Northbound Improvements: Piped River/Creek Channel A general-purpose lane will be added by restriping the existing tw+wrt► Ecology Embankment pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at Retaining Wall some locations. The existing Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale l 5tormwater Flow Control Avenue bridges will be replaced and the existing culvert will be Facility removed. 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 70 feet to the outside at - Parcel Acquisition some locations. The existing Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale E] Existing ROW Avenue bridges will be replaced and the existing culvert will be ® New ROW removed. Exhibit 4-4. Project Overview Section 3 See, e RENTON Seal the sec.. 1✓2 S 4t Sec. to s 7uKM se`. 6 o zso soo Feet I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-5 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION yyx."rN' teX X 7 r I 3 ;R Potential I� is r Staging' SW 1.6th'St Area MV m „ SR 167 SOUTHBOUND Existing JIM, Proposed Rolling Hills Creek Noise Wall I-405 NORTHBOUND Existing Proposed I-405 SOUTHBOUND Panther Existing Creek Wetlands 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 lone Proposed Noise Wall will be added from the SR 167 to I-405 on -ramp north. These lanes will be added by 4WxItY11M Ecology Embankment restrlping the existing pavement and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at some locations. Retaining Wall Stormwater Flow Control I-405 Southbound Improvements: Facility An auxiliary lane will be added up to the I-405 to SR 167 on -romp and a general-purpose lane will be added south of the interchange. These Imes 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 Saufhbourd Improvements: Easement Acquisition An auxiliary lane will be added by restrlping existing pavement and adding up to 19 feet pavement at the outside at some locations. The existing HOV lane 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 Sec.' 8- `RENTON ..SDI 8ee.See.8ec. 4 • 7 1aii2 3 Sec. 181 5i TUKWILA i ,Sec.: 0 250 500 Feet wr x 4-6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION ' @17002 �7o�0o©d�3IL L 4. I-405 SOUTHBOUND Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel Sj 167 Improvements: AP* 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 1 Starmwater Flow Control Pavement and adding pavement up to 19 feet to the outside at Facility some locations. New Pavement Areas of Construction Easement Acquisition - Parcel Acquisition Existing ROW ® New ROW Exhibit 4-6. Project Overview Section 5 .. - Sec. .. RENTON� Ste: Sec. Sec. Sec.Sec. 16 ie Tulcwlu $". e 0 250 500 t Feet I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION INA I-405 SOUTHBOUND_ Existing si Proposed S W 3 3�Yia�Z la .41M SR 167 Southern Project Limit at SW 41st St __ 7 /`T 11111111111MI > ` Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel SR 167Improvements: *#***r 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 Stormwater Flow Control some locations. The new lane will tie into the existing ramp Facility connection to SW 41st Street. New Pavement Areas of Construction Easement Acquisition - Parcel Acquisition Existing ROW New ROW Exhibit 4-7. Project Overview Section 6 i. 1`e Sec. 8 tTULIKWILA TON 1 S It ise c. 5++�� 3 4Sec. Sac. 6 0 250 500 Feet xomx 4-8 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION Potential Staging Area Replace Bridge Bridge Widening Rolling Hills Creek r MM�- Existing l� H Thunder Hills Creek Existing Bridge to be Demolished Benson Rd 5 Noise Wall 4 ' 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 a►srs Ecology Embankment and adding pavement up to 15 feet to the outside at some locations. Retaining Wall Flow Control CD I-405 Southbound Improvements: Facility 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 Existing ROW 5-foot bike lanes on both sides and a 6-foot sidewalk on the west ®side. New ROW Exhibit 4-8. Project Overview Section 7 Proposed see. `RENTON� g 69 see, See.�See.Sec. 7 1'2 3 see. 18 0 250 500 Feet I I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 3 f Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1-405 NORTHBOUND Existing 91il R 44 i Proposed 1-405 405 14 Northern Existing i ' Proposed� ,I u) y itch. > a „ U � Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel err 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 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 8 RENTON� Sgc 8 Sac Sec: Sec: q •.......... S 1■j2 3 Se , C. 18 SI TUKWILA'' e - 0 250 500 Feet .••� 4_10 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION Widen or replace bridges Several bridges within the study area will be widened or replaced based on present location, cost, and existing soil conditions. To construct the new lanes, the project will: ■ Replace the bridge rail on the 1-405 bridges over SR 181 and the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads. ■ Replace the 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek Side Channel and Oakesdale Avenue with a single northbound and a single southbound structure, and remove the Springbrook Creek box culvert. See Exhibit 4-4. ■ Widen the 1-405 bridge over Talbot Road 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, Lind Avenue, or the Cedar River. The project will also not affect the Cedar Avenue or Renton Avenue bridges over 1-405. The roadway will be restriped in these areas to accommodate the new lanes. Use retaining walls Widening 1-405 and SR 167 will require 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. Improve culverts 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 1-405 Project Team will conduct a hydraulic analysis of the culverts to ensure that the modifications will have no effect on the base flood elevations. See the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report in Appendix L for detailed discussion on fish passage. Build a noise wall One noise wall will be built on the south side of the freeway as shown on Exhibits 4-5 and 4-8. 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. What does a "bridge rail' replacement involve? Typically, a bridge rail replacement project consists of making minor adjustments to the width of the bridge deck and replacing the guard rail or barrier. This type of project does not include adding new bridge columns or footings. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-11 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION What are the guidelines for stormwater management facilities? Water quality treatment will be provided for an area equal to the new impervious surfaces created on the project. Impervious surfaces, such as pavement, are those that do not allow water to penetrate into the ground. Stormwater from new impervious surfaces or an equal area will be controlled in detention facilities. This process allows water to be held (detained) and thus released at rates that are equal to existing conditions. Existing spill control pond at the I-405/SR 169 interchange. A pond liner is included to protect the City of Renton aquifer. Ecology Embankment Cross -Section How will stormwater from the project be managed? Stormwater from the project will be managed for both quality and peak flows using currently accepted best management practices (BMPs). The 1-405 Project Team has designed the stormwater management facilities to comply with the following guidelines and procedures: ■ WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual (HRM) M 31-16 ■ WSDOT Hydraulics Manual M 23-03 Stormwater treatment facilities The project will add new impervious surface within the study area, most of which will be within the Springbrook Creek basin. This project will treat runoff for an area equal to 100 percent of these new surfaces. The project will use BMPs that the HRM lists as enhanced treatment facilities. The 1-405 Project Team has proposed that stormwater be treated using a combination of these facilities. In most of the study area, ecology embankments will be used to capture runoff from the edge of the pavement and provide water quality treatment. Ecology embankments also serve to convey treated runoff to receiving waters or to flow control facilities as required. The project also includes a combined stormwater quality wetland and detention facility that addresses water quality and flow control in one facility. Exhibits 4-2 through 4-9 show where stormwater facilities will be built for this project. Wrap Filter Fabric Seed, Fertilize, Match to Erosion Blanket Mulch and Second Mulch Match to Existing Slope Erosion Control ROADWAY SHOULDER Blanket Gravel Borrow 4 Ecology Mix 12" Mi Filter Fabric 12" 0 Perforated Pipe Filter Fabric Lined Trench Depth Depends on Storage Requirements__ Gravel Backfill 4-12 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION Drainage collection and conveyance Some changes to existing drainage will be necessary to provide flow control and water quality treatment to address the new impervious area added by the project. However, existing storm drainage systems will be kept to the greatest extent possible and existing flow patterns will be maintained. Where roadway widening affects drainage ditches that convey water from adjacent private properties, the project design will assure that existing conveyance capacities are maintained. What environmental issues influenced the project design and what was done to avoid and minimize project effects? Throughout the development of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project design, environmental elements were reviewed and design features were modified to avoid or minimize negative effects to the environment. Influence on the project design came from: ■ Soil Conditions: the soils in the project area are highly prone to accentuate earthquake shaking, which influences how bridges can be widened or replaced. ■ Noise: highway noise in the project area already exceeds acceptable levels, which means that including noise walls as part of the project had to be considered. ■ Wetland Locations: many wetlands are located along the edges of the highway, which influence whether the widened sections will use retaining walls or fill slopes. ■ Historic Sites: some historic sites and Section 4(f) properties exist within the study area, so the project design was coordinated to avoid these properties. Because the 1-405 Project Team planned for these environmental considerations, several design features have the benefit of avoiding or minimizing potential effects due to the project. These design features are described from south to north below. I-405, I-5 to SR 167 WSDOT will construct a retaining wall from west of the 68th Avenue structure over 1-405 at Tukwila Parkway to the Green River. This wall avoids the need to construct a fill slope that would extend into Gilliam Creek. See Exhibit 4-2. What are stormwater flow control facilities? These facilities control stormwater runoff so that it can be released at a controlled rate. Two types are commonly used: ■ Ponds. ■ Vaults. Similar to a pond, but with a hard - sided construction and often completely underground. These concrete structures function the same as ponds in providing detention storage. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-13 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed design modifications allow the additional lanes to be added over the Green River by restriping instead of bridge widening. This avoids effects on the river, stream habitat, floodplain, and Interurban Trail. What is an exit gore? An exit gore is a roadway feature that separates an exiting lane from the main lanes. An exit gore can be defined by using paint stripes, raised buttons, physical barriers, or a combination of these. Retaining walls will help to avoid and minimize effects on the Panther Creek wetlands along SR 167 WSDOT will provide a narrower outside shoulder on northbound 1-405 at the Green River Bridge. The shoulder will vary from 10 to just over 3 feet at the west abutment of the existing bridge. Narrowing the shoulder avoids modifications to the existing bridge. As a result, the design also avoids effects to the river, the 100-year floodplain, the ordinary high water level, and adjacent riparian zones. At the SR 181 interchange, the bridge and ramp will be restriped to provide the new general-purpose lane and ramp improvements. This approach minimizes the need to widen the existing SR 181 Bridge, reconstruct the SR 181 interchange, or modify the Southcenter Boulevard crossing of the Green River. This in turn avoids relocating or diverting the Interurban Trail, which goes under the bridge. See Exhibit 4-3. Near the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall, a large Seattle Public Utilities water transmission line parallels 1-405. WSDOT will line this pipe so that is can support the loads from the new roadway embankment. This approach allows the line to stay in its present location. WSDOT will remove the existing 1-405 bridges over the Springbrook Creek side channel and Oakesdale Avenue and replace them with a single northbound and a single southbound bridge. This approach will allow for the removal of the Springbrook Creek box culvert. Construction of the new bridges will be phased with the southbound bridge built slightly to the north of the existing roadway. This phasing minimizes the need to construct temporary roadway to maintain traffic operations. WSDOT also evaluated the location of the new bridge piers and selected locations that will minimize the effect on the existing stream, stream buffer, and trail that crosses under the bridge. WSDOT will construct a narrower exit gore from 1-405 to the northbound ramp at the SR 167 interchange shown in Exhibit 4-5. By building a narrower exit gore, the project can be constructed within the existing right-of-way. This has the benefit of avoiding right-of-way acquisition, avoiding effects to the wetland outside the right-of-way, and avoiding effects to the existing Lind Avenue Bridge. SR 167, southbound from I-405 to SW 41st Street WSDOT will build a retaining wall along a large portion of the west edge of SR 167 southbound instead of an earth fill slope. See Exhibits 4-6 and 4-7. The retaining wall minimizes effects on three wetlands. The retaining wall has the added benefit of minimizing right-of-way needs and reduces the effect on existing utility crossings, in particular, the City of Seattle's 60- 4-14 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION inch water line and Olympic Petroleum's two high pressure pipelines, which all cross under SR 167. I-405, SR 167 to SR 169 WSDOT will add a lane by restriping 1-405 northbound next to the Talbot Hill retaining wall immediately east of the SR 167 interchange. Restriping instead of widening avoids the need to reconstruct the existing Talbot Hill retaining wall and avoids effects on properties south of 1-405 in this area. Between Talbot Road and the "S-Curves", northbound 1-405 will be widened to achieve standard lane and shoulder widths. Most of this length will be supported by retaining walls to minimize effects to Thunder Hills Creek, adjacent properties, and the existing cut slope south of 1-405. To support the fill required to widen the roadway on the north side of 1-405 next to the outfall for the original Rolling Hills Creek culvert, the design uses a retaining wall. By using the retaining wall, the project improvements at this location can be constructed without affecting the existing culvert. WSDOT will use a non-standard design for the 1-405 to SR 167 exit ramp. The changes from the design standards include not providing a recovery lane, narrowing the distance between the through lane and ramp, and providing narrower shoulders. While these changes deviate from WSDOT design standards they are an improvement over existing conditions. These features will avoid effects to the existing Rolling Hills Creek/Thunder Hills Creek channel located between 1-405 and the Renton Cinema complex as shown in Exhibit 4-5. Using retaining walls along the west side of Benson Road avoids effects to Rolling Hills Creek and the wetlands east of Talbot Road. WSDOT shifted a proposed stormwater facility to avoid effects to the existing Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation site south of Benson Road. This site is on the Washington Historic Register. WSDOT also plans to replace the existing Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 on a new alignment. The new bridge will be located slightly to the west of the existing bridge. This will allow traffic to continue to use the existing bridge until the new bridge is completed. This will minimize disruption for local traffic and to emergency response vehicles. Where northbound and southbound 1-405 passes under the Renton Avenue and Cedar Avenue bridges over 1-405, WSDOT will add lanes by restriping. This design avoids replacing the two bridges; however, the available area does not allow the standard shoulder and lane widths. What is a recovery lane? A recovery lane is a paved area adjacent to an off -ramp. This area gives drivers, who find themselves exiting the freeway unintentionally, room to maneuver back onto the freeway. Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-15 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION h St /art � F \\ t\ Wa I Park s W Grad \ �. SW 16th St nth— \ r G1 I \o Q I eek y, �; eflentls SW 23rd St W 27th St I 1' I \ 1= IS 34th St ♦ I Id 167 m I r;' , , W 415t St ( , I I I I I Legend Wetlands Trail 100 Year Floodplain Local Road 500 Year Floodplain Arterial Road Spnngbrook Creek Welland ® & Habitat Mitigation Bank Freeway River/Creek Channel Park 0 Study Area Limits L_J Renton Tukwila ozs oe Exhibit 4-10. Location of Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank WSDOT will use retaining walls to support widening southbound 1-405 south of the Cedar Avenue bridge over 1-405. Using retaining walls versus a fill slope, avoids encroaching on Cedar Avenue and Main Avenue in Renton. What is planned for wetland and stream mitigation? WSDOT will compensate for unavoidable effects to wetlands with credits from the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. Mitigation is needed for 1.66 acres of wetlands. The Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank is being developed as a joint effort between WSDOT and the City of Renton. This `bank' will construct a new high quality wetland complex that will serve to replace other wetlands that are filled in by projects such as the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. The location of the bank is shown in Exhibit 4-10. In addition to wetland mitigation, the site will also provide flood storage mitigation. The Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank will be one of the first urban mitigation banks to be certified in Washington. To mitigate project effects on streams, WSDOT will remove the existing Springbrook Creek box culvert. With the new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges that will span both Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue, the box culvert is no longer needed. After the new bridges are in place, the box culvert will be removed and the streambed in that area will be restored. This will improve fish habitat within Springbrook Creek. Any additional stream mitigation required to offset project effects will be accommodated within the project vicinity. What benefits will the project provide? The Build Alternative will benefit the area by reducing congestion at chokepoints, reducing the duration of congestion during peak commuter travel hours, and improving freight movement. This section of 1-405, from the 1-5 interchange to SR 169, is congested due to large traffic volumes and merging and diverging traffic. The new lanes will help relieve congestion by adding roadway capacity. This in turn will improve safety by providing drivers with more time and extra room to accelerate or decelerate and move into and out of the stream of traffic when getting on and off the freeway. This provides a smoother transition for motorists as they get on 4-1 6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment PROJECT DESCRIPTION and off 1-405 in Tukwila and Renton and helps decrease rear -end and sideswipe collisions. The project reduces congestion approaching the SR 167 interchange, and it complements the completed southbound 1-405 to southbound SR 167 flyover ramp. This project will construct one noise wall along the right-of- way for northbound 1-405 from the intersection of South 14th Street and South 15th Street east to Talbot Road. This wall will benefit residents in that area by lowering the overall noise levels. Another benefit of this project is that it continues the application of the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) design choices made by the communities within the 1-405 corridor. The Benson Road realignment will reflect the most comprehensive application of these design choices as explained further in the next section. How will the project incorporate community design preferences? The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is being planned, developed, and designed according to CSS guidelines. These guidelines establish the community design preferences used to design the project features. Working within the framework for the overall 1-405 corridor, the Urban Design Guidelines will be adapted to incorporate the communities' design preferences. These preferences will be included in the contract documents prepared for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. The selected 1-405 theme of "Culture, Nature, and Progress," with nature being the dominant theme, will be carried into corridor -wide and local 1-405 designs. The new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 is the main project feature that will receive CSS treatment. The new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue will also receive CSS treatments. The rest of the project elements will be designed to match in color and vegetation type only, as many of these elements will be affected by construction of future Master Plan projects. During future Master Plan phases for the overall 1-405 corridor, the approved CSS guidelines will be applied throughout. How will the project be constructed? Construction of the entire Renton Nickel Improvement Project is expected to take two years, beginning in early 2008 and being completed in late 2010. However, construction activity will not be constant for the entire study area throughout this time, and in some locations, the work This rendering shows the new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 with the CSS guidelines applied I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4-17 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION At -grade construction for this project will likely be staged similar to what is shown above. Here, the southbound lanes of 1-5 were shifted toward the median and a concrete barrier closed off the shoulder to provide crews a safe work area. will take substantially less time than two years. Construction will pose some minor inconveniences because of localized travel delays due to temporary lane closures and narrowed lanes and shoulders. At -grade construction At -grade construction, which occurs on the same elevation as the existing lanes, will be staged to minimize traffic delays and detours. Typically, lanes are shifted toward the median. WSDOT then places a concrete barrier to close off the shoulder. Staging allows construction to occur safely without closing lanes for the duration of construction. Access to construction areas will occur from the roadway side to minimize property effects. Bridge construction Construction of the 1-405 bridges will occur in multiple stages to minimize traffic delays and detours. The following describes typical staging for bridge construction. In the first stage, traffic is shifted toward the 1-405 median and the existing lanes and shoulders are narrowed slightly to allow widening of the existing structure or construction of the new bridge depending on the design. In the next stage, traffic is shifted onto the new bridge area. If the bridge is being replaced rather than simply widened, the old structure is demolished after traffic is shifted to the new bridge. The new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 will also be staged. The new structure will be built to the west, while the existing bridge will remain in service. After traffic has been shifted onto the new bridge, the existing structure will be demolished. Staging areas Construction staging areas along 1-405 and SR 167 will be within the WSDOT right-of-way. Potential staging areas have been identified as shown on Exhibits 4-2 through 4-9. Traffic control Detour agreements with the local agencies will be obtained after WSDOT awards the contract. A traffic control plan will be approved by WSDOT prior to starting construction. The plan's primary objectives will be to provide a safe facility, to streamline the construction schedule, and to minimize reductions to existing traffic capacity. To lessen effects on traffic, the duration of activities will be minimized and reductions in capacity will be limited and will be targeted to a period when they will have the least effect. 4-18 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment This chapter presents an analysis of the potential effects the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will have on people and the environment. To determine these effects, WSDOT initiated 21 different studies. The 1-405 Project Team documented their detailed analyses in discipline reports that illustrate how the project might affect the area. The discipline report topics that were prepared for the project are listed below: ■ Air Quality ■ Cultural Resources ■ Cumulative Effects ■ Economics ■ Energy ■ Environmental Justice ■ Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ■ Floodplains ■ Hazardous Materials ■ Land Use Patterns ■ Land Use Plans and Policies ■ Noise ■ Public Services and Utilities ■ Section 4(f) Evaluation ■ Soils, Geology, and Groundwater ■ Social Elements ■ Surface Water and Water Quality ■ Transportation ■ Upland Vegetation and Wildlife ■ Visual Quality ■ Wetlands These topics follow guidelines from the National Environmental Policy Act and provide information that satisfies numerous federal, state, and local regulations as listed in Exhibit 5-1 on page 5-5. The complete discipline reports are provided in Appendices F through Z on a CD included with this Environmental Assessment (EA). The study area for each discipline report varied, depending on the geographic extent of the potential effects being evaluated and the type of data needed for the analysis. For example, the analysis of recreation Chapter 5 The Environment What is a discipline report? A discipline report focuses on an environmental topic (discipline) or concern, such as wildlife, noise, water quality, or other built or natural resource. It presents an analysis of the environment with respect to the discipline, describes how the project may affect the environment, and recommends how best to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the environment. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT What are best management practices? Best management practices, commonly referred to as BMPs, are methods used to minimize or avoid environmental effects. The term 'BMP' is widely used to refer to a variety of common management techniques. These practices represent the most practical methods available and are continually being improved. BMPs are most commonly applied to minimize erosion during construction such as by using silt fences, to control and treat stormwater with BMPs like wetponds and other facilities, and to protect fish and streams during in -water work by limiting work periods to when the fewest fish, particularly salmonids, are expected to be present. facilities required WSDOT to collect data on parks within one -quarter mile of the 1-405 right-of-way. To assess effects on economic characteristics, however, WSDOT used census information and the Puget Sound Regional Council's Transportation Analysis Zone data because these data include a wider geographic area around 1-405. How was environmental information used to improve the project? Once the 1-405 Project Team collected the environmental baseline data, team members met with the roadway design engineers to identify places where project construction effects on the environment could be reduced. For example, to reduce effects on wetlands, WSDOT overlaid wetland locations on the preliminary design plans and adjusted the roadway alignment, reduced the number of roadside slopes by adding retaining walls, and adjusted the location of stormwater facilities. The team visited the study area several times to examine culverts and to determine ways to minimize or avoid effects to streams. They also made similar efforts to reduce or avoid effects to floodplains, and they identified means to reduce the project's effects in terms of noise and visual quality. How were potential effects evaluated? After making modifications to minimize or avoid effects, WSDOT again compared the project design to the existing conditions. This comparison enabled WSDOT to determine environmental, social, and economic changes that would result from constructing and operating the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. For example, scientists evaluated what could happen to water quality both during and after construction. Economists examined the effects of traffic congestion on social and economic conditions. The analysis of project effects took into consideration standard construction practices that have been developed to avoid adverse effects. For example, exposure of bare ground during construction can increase erosion and wash soil into local streams. Because of this potential for adverse effects, WSDOT requires contractors to use best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion and maintain water quality. These standard practices reduce adverse effects and are considered part of the project. The following sections of this chapter summarize the project's effects as reported in the discipline reports. Many of these studies found that the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not cause any adverse effects 5-2 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT and therefore these studies are not summarized in this chapter. The discipline reports that found no effects are: ■ Air Quality: This project will not affect regional air quality and will be in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Dust and odors may be present during construction, but these effects will be minor and temporary. ■ Cumulative Effects: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is not expected to have adverse cumulative effects on air quality, surface water, wetlands, or fish. Wetlands will likely be positively affected because the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank will develop higher quality wetlands than those being filled by the project. ■ Economics: This project will benefit the economy by reducing traffic congestion. People will find it easier to get to work and to shopping centers and businesses will be able to move freight more efficiently. In addition, the project will generate roughly $800,000 in city sales tax revenue that would be split between Tukwila and Renton. ■ Energy: The project will reduce fuel consumption by reducing the number of drivers who take alternate routes to avoid congestion. ■ Environmental Justice: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have disproportionately high or adverse effects on minority and/or low-income people. ■ Hazardous Materials: The study area has 14 sites where hazardous materials have been used or stored. None of these sites will be affected by the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. No substantial operational effects were identified during this study. This study represents an initial site assessment to identify hazardous material sites in the study area. Further investigation is recommended for any parcels acquired for this project. There is a low risk that the project will release contaminants as a result of disturbing soils, groundwater, or sediments in construction areas where contamination is present. ■ Land Use Patterns: This project is not expected to change the existing or planned land use patterns for Renton or Tukwila. WSDOT will need to acquire property and easements in several areas. These acquisitions are considered to be minor; however, twelve businesses will need to be displaced to make room for the project's stormwater facilities. ■ Land Use Plans and Policies: As part of the overall 1-405 Corridor Program, this project supports local jurisdictions' land use and growth management plans. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT ■ Social Elements. Minor, temporary increases in traffic congestion during construction may add to travel times for the public, neighborhood residents, and community service agencies. Once the project is complete, travelers in the study area will benefit from higher speeds and reduced travel times. This project will have no effect on community interactions or cohesion. ■ Upland Vegetation and Wildlife: This project will permanently remove about 13 acres of low quality wildlife habitat, which is less than 0.01 percent of the total available habitat in the study area. There are no federal or state listed protected wildlife species or wildlife habitat within the study area. Greater detail can be found in the discipline reports included with this EA as Appendices F through Z. Appendix B presents the measures that WSDOT has committed to follow during construction to minimize and avoid effects to the built and natural environments. How will the project affect traffic? On a typical weekday, 127,000 vehicles travel through the project area. During morning and afternoon peak Please refer to the Renton Nickel travel times, congestion slows drivers down. The most Improvement Project Transportation Discipline Report in Appendix V for a congestion is seen in the morning on southbound 1-405 complete discussion of the approaching SR 167; however, congestion is also transportation analysis. present on northbound 1-405 approaching SR 167. In these areas, typical speeds can be as low as 25 mph. During the afternoon peak travel time, congestion is greatest along southbound 1-405 approaching SR 167 and on southbound SR 167 just south of 1-405. Congestion is also present along the other travel How will this project improve traffic? directions in the project area. Typical speeds during When this project is completed, the Renton peak hours can range from 35 mph to about 50 mph. Nickel Improvement Project will: This level of congestion creates safety concerns. ■ Increase the number of vehicles able to Accident data show that the project area has a higher travel through the study area. accident rate than what is average for the 1-405 corridor. ■ Improve travel speeds. Sixty percent of these accidents are rear -end collisions, ■ Improve safety by reducing the potential which is consistent with the high traffic volumes. for congestion -related accidents. When construction is complete in late 2010, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will increase the number of vehicles able to travel through the study area. Our traffic model predicts that about 138,000 vehicle will travel through the project area daily in 2014. If the project is not built, congestion will restrict freeway travel to only 129,000 vehicles a day and travel speeds would be as much as 20 mph slower than if the project is built. 54 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT Currently, this section experiences high levels of traffic congestion and associated accidents. These congestion - related accidents account for over 80% of the total accidents in the area. The additional lane will reduce these congestion -related accidents. Because the additional lane will require narrow shoulders and lanes at some locations, a slight increase in sideswipe accidents may occur. Overall, however, the additional lane will reduce the total number and severity of accidents in this area. What environmental federal, state, and local laws and regulations do we refer to in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project? The laws and regulations listed in Exhibit 5-1 provide the legal framework for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project EA. These interrelated laws and regulations give us thresholds for evaluating how a transportation project might affect each resource and guide our responses. Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances Discipline Reports Federal 42 USC 4231 and 40 CFR 1500-1508 National Environmental Policy Act - promotes the desire All for a sustainable environment balanced with other essential needs of the present and future. Established a supplemental mandate for federal agencies to consider potential environmental consequences of proposals and to provide the public an opportunity to comment prior to implementation. 16 USC 470 (Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act) — requires federal agencies to take Environmental Justice into account the effects of their undertakings on historic or potential historic properties, and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment. 49 USC 303 Section 4(f) of 1966 DOT Act — preserves the beauty and integrity of public parks and Section 4(f) Resources and recreation areas, waterfowl and wildlife refuges, and historic sites considered to have national, Environmental Justice state, or local significance. 23 USC 109(h) Federal Aid Highway Act — calls for uniform interstate design standards to Transportation, Social Elements, accommodate traffic forecast in the future 20 years. Economics, and Environmental Justice 23 USC 128 Highways — provides the community an opportunity for a public hearing at or near the Social Elements and Economics project. 23 USC CFR 771 FHWA Right of and Environment — provides requirements to FHWA to All implement NEPA for highway projects. Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(f) Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-5 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework (continued) Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances Discipline Reports Federal 42 USC Safe Water Drinking Act — protects public health by regulating the public drinking water Transportation; Geology, Soils, supply including its sources. and Groundwater; and Hazardous Materials 33 USC 1251 Clean Water Act — mandates the identification and protection of waters in each state. Surface Water and Water Makes it unlawful for any person to discharge pollutants from a point source into navigable waters, Quality, and Floodplains; unless a permit is obtained. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; and Cumulative Effects Endangered Species Act of 1973 — provides for the conservation of endangered and threatened Fisheries and Aquatic species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Resources, Wetlands, Upland Vegetation and Wildlife, and Cumulative Effects 33 USC 401 (Section 10) Rivers and Harbors Act — provides the process for approvals to Fisheries and Aquatic construct any bridge, causeway, dam, or dike over or in any port, harbor, canal, navigable river, or Resources and Cumulative other navigable water of the United States. Effects 16 USC 1451 Coastal Zone Management Act — preserves, protects, develops, and where Fisheries and Aquatic possible, restores or enhances the resources of the nation's coastal zone. Resources, Wetlands, and Cumulative Effects 15 CFR 923 to 940 Regulations for Coastal Zone Management — requires states to develop a Wetlands and Cumulative management program that identifies and evaluates coastal resources in need of management or Effects protection by the state. 16 USC 703-712 Migratory Bird Treaty Act — makes taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds Upland Vegetation and Wildlife unlawful. 16 USC 668a-d Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act — prohibits any form of possession or Upland Vegetation and Wildlife taking of bald and golden eagles. 42 USC 4905-4913 Noise Control Acts — intends an environment free from noise that jeopardizes Noise and Vibration health or welfare. 23 CFR 772 Noise Abatement — provides procedures for noise studies and noise abatement Noise and Vibration measures to help protect the public health and welfare, supplies noise abatement criteria, and establishes requirements for information to be given to local officials for use in the planning and design of highways. 42 USC 103 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act — Hazardous Materials Superfund Cleanup — addresses abandoned, accidentally spilled, or illegally dumped hazardous waste that pose current or future threats to human health or the environment. 40 CFR Resource Conservation and Recovery Act — provides procedures and standards for Hazardous Materials hazardous/chemical waste management. Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(fl Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. 5-6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework (continued) Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances Discipline Reports Federal USC 7401 Clean Air Act — sets national pollution control standards; allows individual states to have Air Quality and Cumulative stronger pollution controls, not weaker pollution controls than those set for the nation. Effects Relocation — allows for reimbursement for payment of costs incurred under all Federal Highway Public Services and Utilities Administration (FHWA) utility agreements. 45 CFR 91 Age Discrimination Act — prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or Social Elements and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Age Discrimination Act applies to persons of all Environmental Justice ages. N-4720.6 Civil Rights Restoration Act — prohibits discrimination throughout an entire agency if Environmental Justice any part of the agency receives federal financial assistance. 29 USC Section 504 Rehabilitation Act — prohibits an "otherwise qualified handicapped individual" Environmental Justice to be excluded from participation in a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. 49 CFR American Disabilities Act — prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for Environmental Justice persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. 42 USC 2000(d) Title VI of Civil Rights Act — prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, Social Elements, Economics, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. and Environmental Justice PL 91-646, as amended Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act — Social Elements and Economics assures that the unique circumstances of any displaced person are taken into account and that persons in essentially similar circumstances are accorded equal treatment. President's Executive Order 11990 Wetlands Protection — prohibits adverse effects associated Wetlands and Cumulative with the destruction or modification of wetlands and new construction in wetlands, wherever Effects practicable. U.S. DOT Order 56601A Wetlands — requires federal and state agencies to avoid the adverse Wetlands and Cumulative effects associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands. Effects President's Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management — requires federal agencies to avoid Floodplains to the extent possible the long and short-term adverse effects associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development where there is a practicable alternative. President's Executive Order 12898 Environmental Justice — requires each federal agency to Social Elements and identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of Environmental Justice its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations. President's Executive Order 13166 Improving Access for those with Limited English Social Elements and Proficiency — requires federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for Environmental Justice services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide access to those services. Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(f) Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework (continued) •Reports State AC 150/5200-33A FAA Advisory Circular — provides guidance on certain land uses that have Surface Water and Water Quality the potential to attract hazardous wildlife on or near public -use airports. Chapter 197-11 and Chapter 468-12 WAC State Environmental Policy Act — requires the Noise and Vibration; Wetlands; state and local agencies to consider the likely environmental consequence of a proposal before Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; approving or denying the proposal. Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; and Wetlands Chapter 70-107 RCW Noise Control — provides the state statutory authority for establishing Noise and Vibration maximum noise levels permissible in identified environments, and thereby provides use standards relating to the reception of noise within such environments. RCW 47.40.010 Roadside Improvement and Beautification — declares as a proper highway Visual Quality purpose, the planting and cultivating of any shrubs, trees, hedges, or other domestic or native ornamental growth, the improvement of roadside facilities and view points, and the correction of unsightly conditions, upon the right-of-way of any state highway. Chapter 36.70 RCW Growth Strategies Act — guides and regulates the physical development Land Use Patterns, Plans, and of a county or region through connecting both public and private projects and coordinates their Policies execution. RCW 36.70A.070 as amended Growth Management Act — guides the development and Wetlands; Geology, Soils, and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations for counties and cities. Groundwater; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; and Cumulative Effects Chapter 90.48 RCW Water Pollution Control Act — requires the use of all known, available, Surface Water and Water Quality; and reasonable methods by industries and others to prevent and control the pollution of the Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic waters of the State of Washington. Resources; Wetlands; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; and Cumulative Effects Chapter 173-200 WAC Ground Water Quality Standards — establishes water quality standards Geology, Soils, and Groundwater for groundwater and applies to all groundwaters of the state that occur in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of land or below a surface water body. Chapter 173-201A WAC Surface Water Quality Standards — establishes water quality Surface Water and Water Quality; standards for surface waters of the State of Washington consistent with public health and public Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic enjoyment of the waters and the propagation and protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Resources; Wetlands; and Cumulative Effects Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(f) Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. 5-8 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework (continued) Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances Discipline Reports State Chapter 220-110 WAC Hydraulic Code — establishes regulations for the construction of hydraulic Surface Water and Water project(s) or performance of other work that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state, and sets forth procedures for obtaining a hydraulic and Aquatic Resources; and project approval (HPA). Cumulative Effects Chapter 246-290 WAC Public Water Supplies — defines basic regulatory requirements that protect Geology, Soils, and the health of consumers using public drinking water supplies. Groundwater WAC 232-12-292 Washington State Bald Eagle Protection Rules — protects and maintains the Upland Vegetation and Wildlife bald eagle population so that the species is not classified as threatened, endangered, or sensitive in Washington State. Rules promote cooperative efforts to manage eagle habitat needs through a process which is sensitive to landowner goals as well. Chapter 90.58 RCW Shoreline Management Act — adopts guidelines for local governments when Fisheries and Aquatic developing master programs for shorelines of statewide significance. Resources, Wetlands, and Cumulative Effects Chapter 47.44 RCW Franchises — requires rules to be adopted to provide for a hearing or an Public Services and Utilities opportunity for a hearing with respect to any franchise application involving the construction and maintenance of utilities or other facilities within the highway right-of-way. Chapter 468.34 WAC Utility Franchises and Permits — provides the application requirements for Public Services and Utilities franchises and permits. Chapter 70-105 RCW Hazardous Waste Management Act — establishes a comprehensive Hazardous Materials statewide framework for the planning, regulation, control, and management of hazardous waste. The intention of this framework is to prevent pollution and conserve resources of the state. Chapter 173-303 WAC Dangerous Waste — implements the Hazardous Waste Management Act Hazardous Materials and provides processes and standards for management of dangerous and extremely hazardous waste. Chapter 173-360 WAC Underground Storage Tank — addresses the threat posed to human Hazardous Materials health and the environment by leaking underground storage systems containing petroleum and other regulated substances. Chapter 70.105D RCW Model Toxics Control Act — raises sufficient funds to clean up all Geology, Soils, and hazardous waste sites and to prevent the creation of future hazards due to improper disposal of Groundwater; and Hazardous toxic wastes into the state's lands and waters. Materials Chapter 173-340 WAC Model Toxics Control Act — addresses the releases of hazardous Geology, Soils, and substances caused by past activities. Groundwater; and Hazardous Materials Chapter 173-326 WAC Commercial Low-level Radioactive Waste — institutes a user permit Hazardous Materials system and issues site use permits for generators, packagers, or brokers using the Hanford low- level radioactive waste disposal facility. Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(f) Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-9 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT Exhibit 5-1. Regulatory Framework (continued) Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances Discipline Reports State Governor's Executive Order 89-10 (Protection of Wetlands) — stated goals of the order are no Wetlands and Cumulative net loss in function and acreage of existing wetlands and an increase in the quality and quantity of Effects wetlands. Governor's Executive Order 90-04 Protection of Wetlands — requires rigorous enforcement of Wetlands and Cumulative agencies' authority to assure wetlands are protected. Effects Governor's Executive Order 93-07 Commitment to Diversity and Equity in Service Delivery Environmental Justice and in the Communities of the State — directs all executive agencies and institutions of higher education to initiate actions to integrate the principles of diversity into all facets of workplace community and in the delivery of services to the people of Washington. Reaffirms the commitment to the elimination of all barriers to employment that artificially restrict hiring, promotion, recruitment, and tenure on the basis of any physical, cultural, religious, language, or other status that is not directly related to the performance of a job. WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual — guides WSDOT, engineering consultants, and many local Surface Water, Floodplains, and agencies in design of stormwater systems for transportation projects. Water Quality; and Cumulative Effects Local Renton Municipal Code 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations — manages and protects Surface Water and Water environmental quality and human health and welfare including wetlands, floodplains, and Quality; Floodplains; Soils, groundwater sources. Geology, and Groundwater; and Cumulative Effects Tukwila Municipal Code 16 Buildings and Construction — provides requirements for Surface Water and Water development and activity within the city districts including public access with bridges and other Quality; Floodplains; and structures. Cumulative Effects King County Code 20.62 King County Landmarks — protects, enhances, and perpetuates the use Section 4(f) Resources of buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects of historical, cultural, architectural, engineering, geographic, ethnic, and archaeological significance located in King County. Notes: Discipline Reports include: Transportation; Noise and Vibration; Surface Water and Water Quality; Floodplains; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Wetlands; Upland Vegetation and Wildlife; Geology, Soils, and Groundwater; Air Quality; Visual Quality; Social Elements; Economics; Land Use Patterns; Land Use Plans and Policies; Historical, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources; Environmental Justice; Public Services and Utilities; Section 4(f) Resources; Hazardous Materials; Energy; and Cumulative Effects. 5-10 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will increase noise levels in some areas. WSDOT will construct a noise wall along the north edge of South 14th Street on Talbot Hill to reduce traffic noise in this area. Sound is an element of daily life that people call noise when they perceive it as unpleasant, unwanted, or disturbingly loud. WSDOT considered this project's effect on noise so that we could understand the potential effect of traffic and construction noise on public health and welfare. How noisy is the project area? Some places in the study area already approach or exceed the noise abatement criteria (NAC) for sensitive receptors. Most exceedances are at residences. The NAC for recreational areas and residences is 67 decibels (dBA) measured during the loudest hours of the day when traffic volumes are high but not congested. The places currently approaching or exceeding 67 dBA include approximately: ■ 105 residences' ■ 2 parks ■ 2 trails ■ 1 aquatic center Ten of these residences exceed the criteria because of noise from local traffic on Main Avenue South, SW Grady Way, and Southcenter Boulevard. Currently, no existing noise walls are located parallel to 1-405 within the project limits. However, existing retaining These numbers are residential equivalents. This term is defined on page B-1 of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Noise and Vibration Discipline Report in Appendix P. 5.1 Noise and Vibration i Noise from traffic is an issue for many freeway neighbors Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Noise and Vibration Discipline Report in Appendix Q for a complete discussion of the noise and vibration analyses. What is noise? Noise is unwanted sound. A meter measures sound electronically and combines the overall sound frequency into one level that simulates how a typical person hears sound. Loudness, in contrast to sound level, refers to how people subjectively perceive a sound. This varies from person to person, but most people judge relative loudness between sound levels similarly. The human ear can barely perceive a 3-dBA increase, but a 5- or 6-dBA increase is readily noticeable and seems as if the sound is about one and one- half times as loud. A 10-dBA increase seems to be twice as loud to most listeners. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-1l Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION walls, limited jersey barriers, and topography shield some residential areas. How will project construction affect noise? Construction activities will generate noise. Construction is usually carried out in several reasonably discrete steps, each of which has its own mix of equipment and, consequently, its own noise characteristics. Adverse effects may result from construction noise levels generated by heavy equipment including heavy trucks, excavators, jackhammers, and pile drivers. However, these noises would be temporary, occurring only during the construction period. How will the completed project affect noise levels? The project will increase noise levels primarily at residences in the Renton Hill, Steeplechase, and Talbot Hill neighborhoods. Noise levels will slightly rise over time with an increase of 0 to 3 dBA by the year 2030. A 3 dBA increase in noise levels is barely recognizable by the human ear. If no noise walls are built, the project would increase the noise levels at thirty-nine residences from below the NAC to at or above the NAC. These 39 residences added to the existing 105 residences make a total of 144 residences that are predicted to experience noise levels at or above the NAC of 67 dBA set for residences in 2030. If this project is not built, no additional residence(s) would approach or exceed the NAC until at least 2030. Exhibits 5-2 through 5-7 illustrate how noise levels will be affected by this project. What measures are proposed to minimize noise effects during construction? Construction noise will be reduced, when feasible, by using enclosures or walls to surround noisy equipment, installing mufflers on engines, using quieter equipment or construction methods, minimizing operation time, and locating equipment far from sensitive receptors such as residences. For a complete list of proposed mitigation measures, see Appendix B. 5-12 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION Legend Le Existing ROW 4 ---- New ROW i C- Stream ,v O Sheet Matchline t • Noise Levels 4 Predicted to be i Below the Noise s Abatement Criteria (NAC) ONoise Levels Predicted to = Approach or Exceed the NAC Due to 1-405 Traffic I-405 I O Noise Levels Southern S°unc�e'' Predicted to Project Limit �rei1 - Approach or Exceed the -.. NAC Due to Local Traffic 518 �I� Proposed ~' Noise Wall rc�r Tukwila Park'Wa,y dr0 N � 1 i t W+E o - S c o _ ' 0 250 500 'Westfie'Id i6 Feet t Shoppil'ngtewn ■ ► MaI-I.. f i y Map Location d I _ © Renton wJW�.. 2 3 14 .` Tuk lla 5 -; r- 167 Exhibit 5-2. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 7 of 6) I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-13 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION u il Legend Existing ROW ---- New ROW Stream Sheet Matchline °�s� ti ,r • Noise Levels a, Predicted to be Below the Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) ONoise Levels Predicted to Approach or Exceed the NAC Due to 1-405 Traffic 9�e O Noise Levels Predicted to " Approach or ? Exceed the r NAC Due to L .'" Local Traffic N , ® ► Proposed Noise Wall cue �e r O J< .5 - 4a } < N d WWI", S Im 0 25=0 500 [ Feet Green R1v Map Location 5 © Renton 6 . ,2 3 41 Tukwila 5 c. 167 Exhibit 5-3. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 2 of 6) 5-14 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION Legend Sw nth st Existing ROW ° ---- New ROW e Stream k�kn Sheet Matchline • Noise Levels * Predicted to be Below the Noise Abatement Criteria . z (NAC) • O Noise Levels /a� = j 4! • Predicted to Approach or Exceed the NAC Due to . - Way 1-405 Traffic +*` O Noise Levels Predicted to t Approach or Exceed the r NAC Due to Local Traffic Proposed Noise Wall Grady SW t6th St SW 16th St r n D N m W+E d N S - m s a 250 500 Feet e a m �6 m Map Location { n Renton 6 1--2 4 j t,M Tukwila 5 r, 1 i • 167 Exhibit 5-4. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 3 of 6) 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-15 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION r © t•µ grow r _ 1• +q �d ©� Alt _.: A . WIN 40 405 •'' -' �. ' 4L Own a• r AL'~ All TP .— ` •'tom i It ' .J ' T PaoQaoP AW 46 1 ,x . K Repto VC:UI•JlJlf ' yy Iwo' I� r Sheet 4 � Sheet 5 y Exhibit 5-5. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 4 of 6) 5-16 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION r g =_ Sheet 4 hee St 5 v' .. g ��a S � i `' - 11111111/ S � T/ n "_- Y1• • K•I 1f—!t TP i • `I ff r 1]me1� ] .. .016 Tt=,. 40 � 4.,. r t + Renton,'t A,,� j t Exhibit 5-6. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 5 of 6) I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-17 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION f ar 40 a WAS ,�� " .ten 4 •. Aa no 1 i t i" • . •�r R r � �' gar �`r* 'All �° R �` tv • r � / r I[ � ¢ 'A• t � �' w mow. � s r 1 _ ~ Renton •*+ 1 vf,yj ... Exhibit 5-7. Predicted Noise Levels in 2030 with Project Built (sheet 6 of 6) 5a18 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION What measures are proposed to minimize noise effects during operation? The 1-405 Project Team determined that one noise wall is both reasonable and feasible for the study area. The noise wall will be built along the northbound 1-405 ROW along South 14th Street beginning west of the South 14th Street/South 15th Street intersection and ending east of Talbot Road. Exhibit 5-8 displays this location. This noise wall will reduce noise levels below the NAC at 43 residences. Another 101 residences in other areas of the project will still approach or exceed the NAC in 2030, but walls for these residences are not reasonable, not feasible, or both. Project noise effects without noise wall What do the terms feasible and reasonable mean? WSDOT evaluates many factors to determine whether barriers will be feasible and/or reasonable. To be feasible, a barrier must be constructible where noise levels will be reduced at least 7 dBA for one or more receptors and will be reduced at least 5 dBA at most of the first row of receptors. WSDOT determines reasonableness based on how many receptors benefit by a reduction in noise of at least 3 dBA, the cost effectiveness of the barriers, and concerns such as aesthetics, safety, and the desires of nearby residents. Project noise effects with noise wall Exhibit 5-8. Effect of Noise Wall Along Northbound 1-405 Right-of-way This simulation visualizes how the proposed noise wall in the 1-405 right of way will appear to drivers on 1-405 southbound I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-19 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE AND VIBRATION This page intentionally blank. 5-20 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Many features of the roadway design contribute to avoiding and minimizing effects to wetlands. Filling 1.66 acres of wetlands is unavoidable and an additional 0.64 acres will be disturbed temporarily. Mitigation for these effects will come from the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. Wetlands are a valuable environmental resource. In addition to providing vital habitat for many plants and animals, wetlands help to moderate stormwater flows by slowing and retaining floodwater during periods of rain, thereby minimizing downstream flooding. Wetlands can also clean water of material such as dirt and oil. What wetlands are located in the study area? The 1-405 Project Team identified twenty-nine wetlands totaling 19.4 acres within the Renton Nickel Improvement Project study area. The Springbrook Creek basin contains the highest number of wetlands and the largest total wetland area with fifteen wetlands covering 15.39 acres. The remaining fourteen wetlands totaling 4.01 acres occur along SR 167 and are associated with Panther Creek. No wetlands occur in the portion of the Cedar River basin that lies within the study area. How will project construction temporarily affect wetlands? Construction will temporarily affect some wetland areas and wetland buffers during clearing activities to accommodate the project improvements. WSDOT will also need to place temporary fill in some wetlands and buffers to allow enough space for construction. It is anticipated that 0.64 acres of wetland will be disturbed temporarily. These construction disturbances will result in a short-term loss of wetland functions because wetland and upland vegetation will need to be cleared. After the project is complete, these areas will be restored and replanted with appropriate vegetation. Habitat functions will be temporarily reduced for these wetlands, but these functions will return as new trees, shrubs, and emergent 5.2 Wetlands Wetland mitigation will improve local area wetlands Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Wetland Discipline Report in Appendix Z for a complete discussion of the wetlands analysis. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-21 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: WETLANDS plants become established. Where vegetation is cleared or trimmed, wetlands will still retain some water quality and quantity function, although at a diminished level until the vegetation is completely reestablished. WSDOT will develop a project -specific plan before construction to identify how restoration will occur. Erosion and sedimentation caused by project activities would increase the amount of sediment settling within wetlands and reduce the quality of habitat available for invertebrate life and habitat for plants. Also, loose sediment would reduce the potential water quality and quantity benefits provided by those wetlands. However, best management practices (BMPs) will be implemented as required in the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual to minimize erosion and sedimentation during construction. How will wetlands be permanently affected by the project? To construct this project, 1.66 acres of wetland will be permanently filled. This affects 11 of the 29 identified wetlands as shown on Exhibits 5-9 and 5-10. Some of the affected wetlands will be completely filled, while others will be only partially filled. Filling a portion of a wetland or altering its vegetation can reduce the wetland's capacity to store stormwater, filter pollutants, protect stream banks from erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. Of the eleven affected wetlands, the project will fill two wetlands completely and ten wetlands partially. The largest wetland in the study area, Wetland 25L along SR 167, accounts for 60 percent of the total wetland fill. Wetland 1.7R is a narrow ditch -associated wetland, which accounts for 28 percent of the total affected area. This wetland will be completely filled to allow for the additional northbound lane along 1-405. 5-22 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment DIE ENVIRONMENT: WETLANDS Legend Local Road Wetlands -- - Arterial Road ''- Permanent Wetland Impact Freeway Temporary Wetland Impact Open River/Creek Channel Park Piped River/Creek Channel El Renton ® Inset Box Tukwila stt Fort Dent Park a C sw 7M St s I F ;aft,w.y lack swlan t m Dr : A0 SW2MSt I� 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0A Miles er Mal ACR. Evens B U K W I L S'"" "' 0.4L . w 0.5L �`�� • a do Exhibit 5-9. Wetland Effects (from 1-405/1-5 Interchange to 1-405/SR 167 Interchange) SW 25,E St I• • I I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-23 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: WETLANDS 25L , R u� • ••t r y.-. Legend Local Road Wetlands Medal Road - Permanent Wetland Impact Freeway . Temporary Welland Impact Open River/Creek Channel Park Piped River/Creek Channel F7 Renton ® Inset Box Tukwila 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 04 T Miles I A Exhibit 5-10. Wetland Effects (1-405/SR 167 Interchange to 1-405/SR 169 Interchange) 5-24 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WETLANDS What measures are proposed to avoid, minimize, and mitigate effects to wetlands? During project design, the 1-405 Project Team reviewed the wetland mapping and compared it to their current footprint of the road improvements. Where feasible, the team modified the footprint to avoid or minimize effects to wetlands. In most cases, permanent effects to wetlands were avoided by adjusting the project footprint. In some cases, effects were limited by adding a retaining wall versus using a sloping roadway edge that would need more space. Unavoidable wetland fills will be mitigated by constructing or enhancing other replacement wetlands to meet the "no net loss" guidance mandated under federal and state executive orders. WSDOT, in partnership with the City of Renton, is developing a mitigation bank called the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. The mitigation bank has the advantage of creating wetlands that contribute to aquatic ecosystem functions that are lacking in the local watershed while providing safe, high -quality habitat away from the dangers of a roadside location. The 1.66 acres of permanent effects to wetlands for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will be compensated by credits from the bank. What is "no net loss"? Washington State Executive Order 90-04 mandates that the actions and activities of state agencies achieve a goal of "no net loss" of wetland acreage and function. In recognition of the "Wetlands Executive Order," WSDOT has adopted the "no -net - loss" goal as agency policy. To ensure no net loss to wetlands, WSDOT entered into an agreement with Ecology titled the Implementing Agreement between the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Ecology Concerning Wetlands Protection & Management dated July 1, 1993. What is a mitigation bank? A mitigation bank site is a property purchased and developed to earn credits to compensate for adverse effects to wetlands due to development activities of other agencies, utilities, or in specific instances, private sector developers. Credits are generated through the restoration, creation, and/or enhancement of wetlands. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 _5-25 THE ENVIRONMENT: WETLANDS This page intentionally blank. 5-26 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment 5.3 Water and Aquatic Resources The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will add 15 acres of new impervious surface to the area. Runoff from an equal area of the highway will be treated for How quantity and water quality. Some stream habitat and some buffers will be either permanently or temporarily affected by the project. To help improve stream habitat, the box culvert at Springbrook Creek will be removed and the streambed restored. WSDOT will need to add fill to some floodplains to build this project. To compensate for this fill, an equal amount of fill will be removed from the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. Water and aquatic resources are essential for maintaining human health, fish and wildlife habitat, and vegetation. These resources are important elements of the ecosystem in which we live and the significance of these resources for food, livelihood, employment, income, and cultural value is widely recognized. These resources can be affected by roadway projects because paved surfaces can change the pattern of water flow, which in turn degrades streams and affects natural habitats and fish. These changes can also affect flooding. What water resources are found in the project area? Surface water The Renton Nickel Improvement Project crosses two major rivers: the Green River to the west and the Cedar River to the east. Tributaries to the Green River that are also crossed by the highway include Cottage Creek, Gilliam Creek, an un- named tributary to Gilliam Creek, Springbrook Creek, Panther Creek, Rolling Hills Creek, an un-named tributary to Rolling Hills Creek, and Thunder Hills Creek. No Cedar River tributaries cross the highway in the study area. The crossing locations for the streams listed above are shown on Exhibit 5-11. Water resources are important to protect because they support many different species including people Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report in Appendix V, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report in Appendix L, and Floodplains Discipline Report in Appendix M for a complete discussion of these analyses. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-27 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES i i �--- � I-405 z Northern _Lj - Project Limit J at SR 169 , � ! I s� Cedar nK •. \'\ Sunset River /By Bl.ck Rlver yhy �P R,par,.n F.r.a Unnamed Tributary to 169 Rollings Hills Creek SW 7th St \\ Rdlirg Hdls Creek HThunder k \ Dent SArirlgbrook e W Cottage Park Creek Sw`aev R E N T O N Creek 518 Green - SW 16th St ' River 3 ' N O Panther o --•\ I Gilliam Creek m Creek Wetlands rn Southern T U K W I L A Unnamed Tnbutary Project Limit £ to Gilliam Creek t D, i at I-5 N w ztLh si_ Panther I Legend Creek \ o P4 r Open River/Creek Channel I I Piped River/Creek Channel L_ ., f SW 34th St 167 ---, Local Road Arterial Road Freeway 181 w 41 st St Park i Renton - -- -'--' SR 167 , ;Tukwila Southern 17' Project Limit Lake at SW 41st St _ Mill Creek o 025 05 Miles Exhibit 5-11. Surface Waterbodies in the Study Area. None of these waterbodies will be affected by this project. Rolling Hills Creek and overflow culvert at the 1-405/SR 167 interchange Fish habitat Residential, commercial, and industrial development has greatly altered the rivers and streams in the study area. This alteration has included bank hardening, such as installing riprap and placing streams in concrete channels; reducing or removing streamside vegetation; straightening stream channels; and removing in -stream habitat. These alterations have also resulted in loss of the historic floodplains associated with most of these waterbodies. Substantial changes have also occurred in the vegetation surrounding these waterbodies. What was once predominantly mature native vegetation has been replaced by a mix of immature 5-28 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES native vegetation and non-native invasive plant species, such as blackberry, reed canarygrass, and Japanese knotweed. Water quality Within the study area, the state includes the Green River, Springbrook Creek, and the Cedar River on the list of impaired water bodies. Ecology publishes this list every two years. The problems affecting each waterbody are: ■ Green River — low dissolved oxygen, high fecal coliform bacteria, high temperature ■ Springbrook Creek — low dissolved oxygen, high fecal coliform bacteria ■ Cedar River — high fecal coliform bacteria (downstream from study area) Floodplains Floodplains identified from flood insurance rate maps are associated with the Green River, Springbrook Creek, Panther Creek, and Rolling Hills Creek. At the project's north end, 1-405 also crosses the Cedar River floodplain. Exhibit 5-12 shows that the primary floodplain within the study area is associated with the Green River and Springbrook Creek. What fish species live in the project area? Many fish and other aquatic species inhabit the rivers, streams, and wetlands in the study area. The species found in these different waterbodies vary greatly depending on the type, size, and quality of the waterbody, and how it is connected to other waterbodies. Fish species in the area include both anadromous and resident salmonids and a variety of other resident fish. Some of these species are listed on the federal and state endangered species lists. Other aquatic species found in the area include macro and microinvertebrates, lamprey, crayfish, amphibians, and freshwater mussels and clams. Many species of salmonids can be found in the study area, including chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon; steelhead trout; and sea -run cutthroat. In addition, bull trout, Dolly Varden, and resident cutthroat trout are known to use the waterbodies in the study area. Three of these species, chinook, bull trout, and Dolly Varden, are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The Green River, Cedar River, and Springbrook Creek are all critical habitat for chinook What is a floodplain? A floodplain is the level area bordering river channels that is inundated during flood level flows. These areas of river valleys are frequently defined in terms of the likelihood of flooding in a given year. Hence, the "100- year" flood event is the flood having a 1 % chance of occurring during any given year. Flood insurance rate maps identify 100-year floodplains that are used to determine the risk of flooding for a given area. What are macroinvertebrates and microinvertebrates? Macroinvertebrates are small animals without backbones, which are visible to the naked eye (insects, worms, larvae, etc.). Microinvertebrates are similar to macroinvertebrates, but are not visible to the naked eye. Waterbodies have communities of aquatic macro and microinvertebrates. The species composition, diversity, and abundance of the macro and microinvertebrates in a given waterbody can provide valuable information on the relative health and water quality of a waterway. What are anadromous vs. resident fish? Anadromous fish are born in freshwater streams, rivers, or lakes, spend their adult phase in the ocean, and return to spawn in the waters where they were born. Resident fish spend their entire lives in freshwater systems and do not migrate into saltwater environments. What is the Endangered Species Act? An Act of Congress passed in 1973 that governs how animal and plant species whose populations are dangerously in decline or close to extinction will be protected and recovered. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-29 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES salmon within the study area. The Green River and the Cedar River are bull trout critical habitat within the study area. Coho salmon and Pacific and river lamprey, which are federal species of concern under the Endangered Species Act, can be found in the waterbodies in the vicinity of the study area as well. I-405 t-t - Northern \ J n Project Limit a at SR 169 _ , `1 'Aim ♦ ♦ �\ f �� \ ry e, 4 • ♦ P, bd. 9 Rover ♦� Green a Sunset BUJ �O'�\,� r Rip Arlen Forest oe>. s. ^r h St ,r IF / d •nt 1 Ws 1 Perk i S,M Gtsd R E N O N / SW 16th St :k anther to m Legend 1 m I / etlenda F o Trail I-405 `,m 0 Southern T U K W I L A / xl SW z3rd St �' n `. Local Road Project Limit at I-5 1 tl 0i w —Arterial Road 1 w 27tn St m Freeway y / 1 Open River/Creek Channel Piped River/Creek Channel 1� \ 34th St Study Area Limits Id ! o 100 Year Floodplain aa`i 1 167 500 Year Floodplain L / 1 W 41 st St ® Springbrook Creek Wetland 181 1 & Habitat Mitigation Bank Park i 1 SR I� I i Renton Southern ' 1 Project Limit Tukwila t I at SW 41st St % / 1 � t__ F-i 0 0�25 0.5 1 f i Miles .oxta Exhibit 5-12. Floodplains within Renton Nickel Improvement Project Study Area Source: FEMA maps published March 15, 1996 Anadromous salmonid species primarily use the rivers and streams in the study area for upstream and downstream migration and rearing. However, these streams provide some limited spawning habitat for chinook, coho, pink, sockeye, and chum salmon and 5-30 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES steelhead within the study area. Resident cutthroat trout use the study area for all life stages. How are water resources currently managed in the project area? Stormwater A variety of facilities such as wetponds, biofiltration swales, ecology embankments, filter strips, and constructed wetlands currently treat stormwater along the project corridor. However, large portions of the highway do not have detention or water quality treatment for runoff because these facilities were not required when 1-405 was originally built. Greater detail on the function of these stormwater facilities can be found in the Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report in Appendix V. Floodplains Floodplain management within the Renton Nickel Improvement Project area is influenced by federal, state, and local regulations or guidance. However, counties and cities bear the primary responsibility for regulating activities allowed in floodplains. City codes in both Tukwila and Renton prohibit projects within the 100-year floodplain that cause any rise in the base floodplain elevation. This is known as the zero -rise requirement. As several 100-year floodplains occur within the study area, these regulations apply to the project. These codes also dictate that projects must not reduce the amount of flood storage volume on a floodplain. For any fill placed in the floodplain, the project must compensate by removing equal volumes of fill at equivalent elevations. How will project construction affect water resources and fish? Stormwater During construction, work crews clear, grade, and prepare the site for new pavement. Preparing the area to be paved exposes bare soil. The exposed soil is easily eroded by rainfall and water runoff, which can create short-term effects to water quality. These effects to water quality are minimized by using required sediment and erosion control measures that are commonly referred to as best management practices (BMPs). Because Stormwater pond near 1-405 How do best management practices (BMPs) protect water quality? Erosion control BMPs are used to minimize the amount of soil that washes from construction sites into streams, lakes, or wetlands. Examples of erosion control BMPs include installing filter fabric fence downstream of all areas where water collects and discharges, covering all areas of exposed soil with plastic or straw, and minimizing the amount of area cleared. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-31 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES WSDOT will follow these standard practices, effects on water quality are expected to be minor. For more detailed information on these BMPs, see the Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report in Appendix V Construction can also create the potential for unexpected spills of hazardous materials such as fuel, oil, paint, and other potentially toxic liquids, which may be temporarily stored on site. These materials present the greatest risk near open waterbodies such as where streams and rivers pass under the highway. To prevent unexpected spills of hazardous materials to waterbodies, a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan will be prepared before construction starts. Along with the Temporary Erosion Sediment Control Plan, these two plans identify the measures that will be used to help maintain good water quality during construction. Fish Project construction will have several temporary effects on fish and aquatic resources. These temporary construction effects are primarily related to in -water disturbances and stream diversions, in -stream sedimentation, and removal of stream buffer and riparian vegetation. Potential effects to streams include: ■ The introduction of fine sediment to streams during the construction of culvert extensions or replacements, and from stormwater facility discharges from construction areas. However, the amount of sediment entering the streams is expected to be small. ■ Construction noise that could disturb or displace fish could occur for relatively long periods (weeks to months) at any given stream crossing. This is most likely to occur at the Springbrook Creek box culvert crossing during construction of the new southbound and northbound bridges. For all in -stream work, the work window specified in various permits and approvals will limit the potential noise effects to fish because these windows are designed to allow work when salmonids are not expected to be present. Pile driving may be necessary for installing one bridge support that will be within the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). The support will be isolated from the water when it is installed. ■ Artificial lighting will be required for some work areas and night time work. Lighting will be directed to illuminate work areas and avoid direct illumination of the affected waterbodies to limit effects to fish behavior. 5-32 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES Floodplains The 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue will be replaced to accommodate the new lanes. The existing bridges will be replaced with new southbound and northbound bridges that will span not only the side channel of Springbrook Creek but also the main channel and Oakesdale Avenue. These bridges will cross a 100-year floodplain and construction will require placing new piers and fill in the floodplain. In addition to fill used to construct the new 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue, fill will also be placed on the south side of 1-405 between Oakesdale Avenue and Lind Avenue, and some minor fill could also occur on the west side of SR 167 at SW 23rd Street where Panther Creek, a tributary to Springbrook Creek, crosses the highway. The other floodplain crossings at the Green River, Rolling Hills Creek, and the Cedar River will not be affected by this project. How will project operation affect water resources and fish? Stormwater This project will add approximately 15 acres of new impervious surface area to the highway drainage area. The drainage area currently has 115 acres of impervious surface collectively. This results in almost 13 percent more impervious surface within the project limits. The roadside areas that will not be paved, will generally be landscaped with grass and some shrubs. Runoff collected from areas of the highway that are equivalent in size to the new impervious area will be treated for both quality and flow control (detention). The location of new stormwater flow control facilities can be seen in Exhibit 5-13. Portions of the 1-405 study area fall within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated wildlife hazard management area around the Renton Municipal Airfield. This area encompasses all land within 10,000 feet of the airport. Direct coordination with the FAA and the Renton Municipal Airfield staff confirmed that the proposed 1-405 facilities, east of Springbrook Creek and along SR 167 to the north of the SW 23rd Street channel, are where wildlife hazard management and plantings are required. How does runoff from a forest area compare with runoff from a highway? For a forested area in King County, approximately 55 percent of the rain that falls each year eventually appears as water in a stream. The remainder of the rainwater either percolates into the soil or is evaporated back into the atmosphere. However, for a highly impervious area, approximately 85 to 90 percent of annual rainfall eventually appears as water in a stream and the remaining water replenishes either the groundwater or the atmosphere. Source: King County Surface Water Design Manual 2005. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-33 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES r{ I-405 m Northern Project Limit o at SR 169 m �L Perk Catlar 2/ dq �/ Rlvar e y...i oil- J Park �/ Black River `-- yN-1, Rlparfan Forest 169 O SW 7th St N Fort \ ip Dent \ We G1.1 Park \ S44 Grind R E N T O N 3 SW 16th nSt i < CO G1.2 I-405 Southern T U K W I L A £ ! SW 23rd St `ma Legend Project Limit I m Local Road at I-5 n sw 27th St m - Arterial Road o f S3.1 o 'a - Freeway m Park v m I SW 34th St 167 Renton f II I � Tukwila Lake SW 41 st St --- Open River/Creek Channel 181 1i 1 /`� i Piped River/Creek Channel SR 167 Stormwater Flow Control Facility Southern Project Limit � S 3.1 Facility Number at SW 41st St _J I. r 0 0.25 0.5 T - � � I Miles xoxrx Exhibit 5-13. Stormwater Flow Control Facility Locations Fish Overwater and in -stream structures This project will permanently affect about 1.04 acres of stream habitat because of construction either in streams or over water. These effects will occur primarily in three locations: where the Springbrook Creek box culvert will be removed, where the 1-405 bridge over the creek's side channel will be replaced, and where Panther Creek crosses SR 167. The habitat quality of the streams affected by the project is already low, due to historic 5-34 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES modifications to the streambeds including channel straightening, removal of in -stream structure, encroachment of non-native plant species, and lack of riparian cover. Details on these effects can be found in the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Disciple Report for this project in Appendix L of this environmental assessment. Riparian buffer encroachment Most of the streams affected by the Build Alternative will experience limited riparian buffer effects. The effects to fish, if any, from this project's encroachments on riparian buffers will be small in magnitude and difficult to measure, particularly considering the already degraded condition of the existing riparian buffers. In total, approximately 2.39 acres of riparian vegetation will be affected by this project either temporarily (0.88 acre) or permanently (1.51 acres). Stream flow Increases in stream peak flows resulting from added impervious area can cause harm to, or kill, fish. Harm typically occurs when fish or other aquatic species are unable to get out of high flow areas and are swept downstream or battered against rocks or stream banks. Negative effects on stream flow are expected to be minimized because WSDOT will provide flow control for runoff from new impervious area to address changes in stormwater discharge to fish -bearing streams. Stormwater flow control facilities will be designed in accordance with the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual. Fish passage All culverts affected by the project were assessed to determine if they are barriers to up or downstream fish passage. Fish passage barriers were evaluated to determine if replacing culverts was warranted and would benefit fish. As a result of this analysis, no fish passage culvert replacements are planned as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Water quality Highway runoff contains several pollutants of concern: nutrients such as phosphorous, which is generally bonded to dirt particles; heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc; and petroleum hydrocarbons from oil and grease. These contaminants accumulate on the road surface and rain eventually washes them away. How does the Highway Runoff Manual (HRM) protect water and aquatic resources? The HRM criteria were developed to protect receiving waters from adverse hydrologic changes and water quality degradation. This manual also provides guidance to support WSDOT in complying with the Endangered Species Act requirements. WSDOT maintains this manual to include all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention and treatment for stormwater runoff discharges consistent with state and federal law. The HRM, developed by WSDOT, will be used as the design standard for this project and reflects the best available science in stormwater management to ensure that WSDOT projects adequately protect the functions and values of critical environmental areas including wetlands, streams, lakes, and marine waters. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-35 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES Springbrook Creek side channel currently has piers in the floodway The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will provide enhanced water quality treatment of areas equal to the new impervious area for all new freeway pavement added as part of this project. The project will use ecology embankments and stormwater treatment wetlands in accordance with the WSDOT HRM. This project will not affect any of the 303(d) listed waterbodies in this area: ■ The Green River is 303(d) listed for dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform bacteria, and temperature. None of these parameters will be affected by runoff from this project. ■ Springbrook Creek is 303(d) listed for dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria. None of these parameters will be affected by runoff from this project. ■ The Cedar River is also listed on the state's 303(d) list but only for fecal coliform. This parameter will not be affected by runoff from this project Floodplains Replacing the 1-405 bridge over Springbrook Creek will add approximately 11,200 cubic yards of fill to the floodplain. In addition, some piers will need to be placed in the floodplain to support the bridge. What measures are proposed to avoid or minimize effects on water resources during construction? The Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control plan and the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures plan will be written before construction begins. These documents will specify the stormwater and erosion control BMPs that will be used during construction. For a list of recommended measures see Appendix B. What measures are proposed to avoid or minimize effects on water resources during operation? Stormwater WSDOT has designed 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 not expected to contribute to any exceedances of 5-36 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES Washington State water quality standards listed in WAC 173-201(A). Floodplains Adding fill to the floodplain of Springbrook Creek is an unavoidable negative effect. WSDOT will compensate for this fill with excavation within the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank. To construct this bank, large volumes of material will be removed. The excavation, which is required to construct the wetlands, will provide sufficient floodplain storage to compensate for the fill placed within the floodplain to construct the new 1-405 northbound and southbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue. In addition, the box culvert that currently exists in the Springbrook Creek main channel will no longer be necessary once the new bridge is in place. Removal of this culvert from the channel will be counted as part of the compensatory storage for the fill and new piers. WSDOT will also analyze the effectiveness of the fill mitigation to confirm that the 100-year floodplain elevation will not change, meeting the zero -rise requirement for floodplains. If the mitigation bank is demonstrated to be inadequate for floodplain mitigation, then another site will be found to provide compensatory storage. In addition, WSDOT will evaluate revised stream crossings prior to construction to ensure that the structures will not cause the flood elevations to change. Bridge piers placed within the floodplain will be designed to minimize hydraulic disturbance to flow. This can be achieved by designing piers that are all the same size and placed in lines parallel to the flow path. How will the project compensate for unavoidable negative effects to fish or aquatic resources? In cooperation with resource agencies, WSDOT will help to develop plans for habitat improvement, restoration, or construction to mitigate the effects of the roadway widening and the increased width of stream crossings. Specific mitigation plans will be included in the permit applications for construction of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Mitigation will take the form of on - site, in -kind mitigation (such as underplanting native trees in an area near where trees had to be removed to construct the project) or off -site mitigation to improve What is underplanting? Underplanting involves planting trees beneath an existing canopy of larger trees or shrubs. This planting technique is often used to establish a stand of coniferous trees, which will eventually mature and become the dominant vegetation type, under an existing deciduous tree canopy. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-37 THE ENVIRONMENT: WATER AND AQUATIC RESOURCES habitat conditions in areas away from the project where mitigation might be more beneficial. Two of the streams 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. WSDOT will address overwater, in -stream, and riparian buffer effects to enhance in -stream fish habitat to the maximum extent practicable. This will also satisfy the requirements of the local critical areas regulations, the Hydraulic Code, and the Endangered Species Act. To achieve this end, WSDOT will select mitigation options during the design -build process. These are possible mitigation options: ■ Plant native riparian vegetation to improve habitat and provide stream shading along each stream where vegetation will be cleared. The extent of riparian planting will be dictated by the extent of the clearing effects. ■ Plant native riparian vegetation outside of the study area in places where restoring native riparian buffers may have a greater benefit to fish and aquatic species. Mitigation could be concentrated along streams with high fish use where important stream processes and functions related to riparian buffers (e.g., large woody debris (LWD) recruitment levels, litter fall, and bank stabilization) are impaired. ■ Install in -stream habitat features (e.g., boulders or LWD) in the streambed up or downstream of the project to increase the habitat complexity of the affected waterbody. ■ Participate in an off -site mitigation opportunity, such as a mitigation bank, that will offset the effects of the project. This type of mitigation can provide watershed scale benefits that may not be realized by providing on -site mitigation. All mitigation for this project will be provided in areas where mitigation is viable in the long term. Mitigation related to the project will occur on one or more waterbodies in the immediate vicinity of the project footprint (on -site mitigation). 5-38 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment 5.4 Public Services and Utilities Construction of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will have minor short-term effects on public services and utilities in the study area. Relocation of utility lines may cause temporary, minor disruptions in service. The project will improve response time for emergency service vehicles along 1-405 and SR 167. Public services and utilities are important to consider because they enhance and simplify the quality of human life. They allow us to live in a safer environment and enjoy a higher standard of living. Transportation projects may affect public services and utilities by disrupting service during construction. Construction effects may include relocating, adjusting, or protecting utility lines or facilities. These activities may interfere with police, fire, and emergency services. Public services include fire, police, schools, parks and recreational facilities, transit, and maintenance services. Utilities include municipal agencies, special utility districts, and private companies that provide services such as electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater or stormwater collection, and telecommunications. This section summarizes the 1-405 Project Team's analysis of the project's potential effects on public services and utilities. What are the public services and utilities in the study area? Several entities provide public services to the communities within the study area, including police protection, fire and emergency medical services, schools, religious institutions, community centers, cemeteries, and government offices. The location of these service centers are shown in Exhibit 5-14. Utilities (electricity and natural gas, telephone service, cable service, water, sewer, solid waste collection and recycling) are provided to the community by both public and private providers. Valley Medical Center, off of SW 43rd Street, is the largest non-profit health organization between Seattle and Tacoma. This facility is also one of only three Level III Trauma facilities in King County. Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Public Services and Utilities Discipline Report in Appendix R for a complete discussion of the public services and utilities analysis. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-39 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES Gree O v ,e - d � F y ant 'Tukwila ElemeriWry School Park Tukwila City Hall & Tukwila :at Offices of Human Services 405 Southern. T U K W I L ct Limit f I-5 to U.S. Heathworks i �_J 1 is I i � s I-405 Northern �SertoriSchooll Project Ll mlt at SR 169 )ji Coopsrative Sdv on Army Ali -Ca to SwAces Renton Corps y� ' mCommunity Ctr. / clinic * .I Renon CWWM41 sibn Lutheran Church rn y Mt glint � , Renton ` Pery _' -� CemNery, High oR\� l School era a 'Sunset B��a/ - Station 11 "wy clack Rlver RlpaNan Forest $t.AMhorry'e Renton Area Youth 169 Family Services - --' th St Renton City Hat i.-_ Tooth Plangent N% • W gW Fred R E N O N SW 16th St SQ` Station 14 - m Lewntl �LtJI Cemerary c Panther D* C r e q e k D City Hall o J Wetlands Q- Talbot HlllCommunity Comer SW 23rd St... L Demeirtary School, Ca mmurktY�murce center ��SW N I 27th St m ° * Fire Station + Heelth and Social Services Sli I 0 O I` 1 1 [aLibrary Q Religious 1—ion 34th St 515 j Schml J Vallay Medical ■ Senior Cenbr AdukCare of Renton' -_.__-___+ Clinics + Railroad W 41 t St Stream Bagby Chiropraetiei L Pac Clinics /- Study Area Limas Mount Rainier Kldnay Conte Valley Municipality Medical - Center Lake SR 167 Southern —J Park 167 Project Limit 0 0.25 0.5 T — I at SW 41st St Miles Exhibit 5-14. Existing Public Services in the Renton and Tukwila Area How will project construction affect public services and utilities? Construction activities will have minor short-term effects on public services and utilities in the study area. Services that depend on public roads such as school buses, solid waste collection, and emergency services may experience some minor, temporary delays during some construction phases. Traffic delays may be caused by: ■ Detours ■ Construction activities 5-40 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES ■ Increased truck traffic importing or removing fill material to and from a project site To minimize effects on traffic, the duration of activities will be minimized and reductions in capacity will be targeted to a period when they will have the least effect. WSDOT will also comply with safety standards and work to minimize effects on road capacity during construction. For example, construction of the new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 will be staged so that traffic flow can be maintained. The new structure will be built to the west, so that the existing bridge can remain in service. This will minimize effects on public services, in particular emergency response times. Utilities Many utilities cross over and under 1-405 and SR 167 and several of these will be affected by the project. Investigations are underway in consultation with the utility owners and agencies to determine the extent and nature of the possible effects and to develop strategies for relocating and/or protecting the existing utilities, if required. The 1-405 Project Team expects to find that most utilities already have adequate protection. A few utilities may require their protective casings to be extended in place and some may need to be relocated. Relocating utility lines and/or cables may cause temporary outages. These outages are anticipated to be short term and intermittent. Outages will be coordinated with service providers to ensure that inconveniences to the public are minimized. The potential utility conflicts that have been identified are summarized below. These probable utility conflicts will be resolved prior to construction. Electric power The 1-405 Project Team has identified potential conflicts with overhead power transmission lines. These lines cross over Benson Road and their height may need to be increased to provide adequate clearance for the new Benson Road Bridge. WSDOT may also have to relocate the tower associated with the step-down transformer south of 1-405 and east of Longacres Drive. Natural gas The 1-405 Project Team identified a number of natural gas lines, all owned by Puget Sound Energy, that have probable conflicts; WSDOT does not anticipate relocating these lines. Where needed, the existing protective How are underground utilities protected in place? Underground utilities are protected by concrete encasements, sleeves, or slabs. This type of protection ensures that roadways or other structures placed on top of them will not collapse the pipe. It also protects the roadway or structure against collapse and wash out should a pipe break or start to leak. Transmission lines crossing Benson Road I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-41 THE ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES How are utilities being coordinated? The 1-405 Project Team is currently working with the utility providers to verify all existing utilities in the study area and to provide a strategy to assure that the relocations are done efficiently and in a timely manner. Utilities will be relocated under the provisions provided in each provider's franchise agreement. The 1-405 Project Team will determine the best timing for relocations through communications with the utility provider and with WSDOT. The 1-405 Project Team has identified three possible approaches: ■ Relocate utilities prior to awarding the construction contract. ■ Begin the relocation process before selecting the contractor and then assign responsibility to the contractor to identify any remaining utilities. ■ Give the successful contractor the full responsibility to coordinate all utility relocations. The 1-405 Project Team has future meetings scheduled with the various providers to confirm existing utility locations, as well as to refine the team's approach for relocating utilities. casings will be extended to accommodate roadway widening. Telephone/cable The 1-405 Project Team identified several buried phone lines near the BNSF railroad tracks. These lines may require some minor shifts, but the 1-405 Project Team anticipates that these shifts could occur without major disruption of service as long as the lines have enough slack for adjustment. Water supply Widening northbound 1-405 will encroach on the existing the 60-inch City of Seattle water line that provides water for Tukwila within the study area and will reduce the clearance to the line. The water line will be protected by installing a protective lining around the pipe. A fill slope will then be used along the highway edge that will allow future access to the pipe for repairs and maintenance. The 1-405 Project Team has identified one City of Renton water line near Benson Road that is expected to be relocated. This relocation will be staged so that no major service disruption occurs. In addition, the City's fire protection system in Benson Road will remain in place until the new system is energized. A 60-inch City of Seattle water main crosses SR 167 at approximately SW 23rd Street. The 1-405 Project Team is currently field verifying this line location and evaluating its existing protection. Sewer system The 1-405 Project Team has identified several potential sanitary sewer line conflicts in the study area; however, these lines are not anticipated to need relocation. One line, a 90-inch sewer line near Springbrook Creek, will require special design considerations. The 1-405 Project Team is currently evaluating the bridge design around this line. How will the completed project affect public services and utilities? WSDOT expects an increase in average travel speeds of up to 20 mph along 1-405 when the project is completed. The project will also increase the number of vehicles that can travel through the corridor. This will enhance mobility and reduce response times for fire and emergency medical service vehicles along 1-405 and SR 167. 5-42 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES However, we do not expect the increases in speed and capacity to be substantial enough to affect traffic patterns or conditions on local streets. Emergency services will experience essentially the same conditions on local streets with or without the project. What measures are proposed to minimize effects on public services and utilities during construction? 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. In addition, WSDOT expects to meet the commitments in the I-405 Corridor Program Final EIS. Construction scheduling and staging plans will be developed to ensure that emergency and school transportation access is maintained. If temporary disruptions in service are unavoidable, emergency and school transportation service providers will be contacted and kept informed. We will develop contingency plans for unforeseen interruptions of access or services before construction begins. What measures are proposed to minimize effects on public services and utilities during operation? Public services and utilities will not be negatively affected by the project following construction. Therefore, no measures are proposed. How are utilities relocated so that service is not disrupted? When utilities are relocated, the move is staged so that no major disruption in service occurs. Usually, the existing line is kept in place and in service while the new line is being laid. Once the new line is in place, it is tested, treated, and connected to the existing service. The shift from the existing line to the new line usually occurs during off-peak hours (when there are the fewest users). I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-43 THE ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES This page intentionally blank. 5-44 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment 5.5 Historic, Cultural, and Archaeological, and Section 4(f) Evaluation The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not adversely affect any historic properties or Section 4(f) resources in the study area. During construction of the new bridge over Springbrook Creek, the project will temporarily detour the Springbrook Trail where it currently crosses under 1-405. Citizens appreciate recreational resources because they help to improve the quality of life within our communities. Public spaces that are enjoyable, accessible, and diverse in their social and recreational functions enrich minds bodies, and spirits. Likewise, cultural and historic resources provide an important link to the past while establishing meaningful connections to lives today. They serve as memories and symbols of a community's accomplishments and represent the distinctive architecture, landscape, and engineering design of our region. How will the project affect historic, cultural, and archaeological resources? The 1-405 Project Team identified 124 historic architectural resources within the project's Area of Potential Effect. One of these resources, the Renton Fire Station, is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Renton Fire Station and three other resources are currently listed on the Washington Historic Register. None of these resources will be affected by the project. The 1-405 Project Team did not identify any archaeological or ethnographic sites in the Area of Potential Effect. However, there are a few areas of moderate archaeological probability. WSDOT will develop an unanticipated discovery plan before construction begins. If crews encounter archaeological resources during construction activities, additional studies may be required to evaluate the eligibility of resources for the National Register of Historic Places. If the resource The Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Cultural Resources Discipline Report in Appendix G and the Section 4(o Discipline Report in Appendix S for a complete discussion of these analyses. What is the Area of Potential Effect (APE)? According to 36 CFR 800, the APE is the area within which an undertaking may cause direct or indirect changes to the character of historic properties. Therefore the APE can extend beyond the actual area where construction is planned. For the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, the APE boundary extends one city block from the current ROW in select locations where there is greater visibility and where noise may carry greater distances because of local topography. The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation concurred with the APE limits for this project. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-45 THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION What is feasible and prudent? The terms, feasible and prudent, are integral to the Section 4(f) process and they refer to the viability of an alternative that avoids the use of a Section 4(f) resource. The term "feasible" refers to the constructability of a project —whether or not it can be built using current construction methods, technologies, and practices. The term "prudent" refers to how reasonable the alternative is —in essence, whether or not it makes sense. An alternative may be rejected if it is not feasible and prudent for any of the following reasons: ■ Does not meet project purpose and need. ■ Has excessive construction costs. ■ Poses severe operational or safety problems. ■ Has unacceptable impacts (social, economic or environmental). ■ Causes serious community disruption. ■ Has a combination of any of the above. What is minimize harm (minimization)? Minimization involves developing measures during a project's planning phase to reduce the potential effects to a resource. Minimization measures can include alignment shifts, a commitment to off-season construction, replacement of land or facilities, restoration or landscaping, or payment of fair market value for affected lands. is found to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, WSDOT will develop appropriate mitigation. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has concurred with these findings as shown in Appendix C. What is Section 4(f)? Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 USC 303) prohibits the FHWA from approving a transportation project that uses land from a significant public park, recreation area, wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or land of an historic site of national, state, or local significance, unless: 1. There is no feasible and prudent alternative. 2. The project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property. A feasible and prudent alternative must be selected if it avoids using this land. Measures that minimize the harm to the resource must be identified and incorporated if use of the Section 4(f) resource is unavoidable. A Section 4(f) evaluation must be prepared if any resources protected by Section 4(f) are used by a project. The Section 4(f) Evaluation: 1. Describes the affected properties. 2. Discusses the specific use(s) of the resources. 3. Identifies and evaluates alternatives that avoid use of Section 4(f)-protected lands. 4. Identifies measures to minimize harm resulting from unavoidable effects to Section 4(f) resources. 5. Includes coordination with officials having jurisdiction over or administering the lands that will be affected. 6. Identifies the applicability or non -applicability of Section 4(f) to a property. 5-46 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION What constitutes a "use" of Section 4(f) resources? "Use" of Section 4(f) resources occurs when: Land is permanently incorporated into a transportation facility. 2. The "use" results in temporary or permanent adverse changes that occur during project construction, such as removing mature vegetation or altering contours. 3. The "use" is indirect and substantially impairs the activities, features, or attributes of the land. An example of indirect use may be excessive noise level increases or diminished aesthetic features. Short-term temporary occupancy during construction is not always considered a use if certain conditions are met. These conditions ensure that the land will be restored to a condition which is at least as good as that prior to the project, changes are minimal, and agency agreements are in place for the temporary use. What Section 4(f) resources might be affected by the project? There are ten publicly -owned parks, four architecturally historic properties, and no waterfowl or wildlife refuges near the proposed Renton Nickel Improvement Project right-of-way. Exhibit 5-15 compares each of the properties with Section 4(f) criteria and identifies those resources that are protected Section 4(f) properties. The location of each property is shown in Exhibit 5-16. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-47 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION Exhibit 5-15. Park and Recreation Areas and Historic Properties and Section 4(f) Criteria Property Park and Recreation Areas Ikawa Park, Tukwila Publicly Owned Yes Open to the Public Yes Major Purpose is Recreation Yes Significant as a Park Yes Section 4(f) Protected Pro ert Yes Tukwila Park, Tukwila Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Duwamish/Green River Trail, Tukwila Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Interurban Trail, Tukwila Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Springbrook Trail, Renton Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Renton Hill Park (also known as Freeway Park), Renton Yes Yes Yes No No NARCO Community Park, Renton Yes Yes Undeveloped No No Cedar River Trail, Renton Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Cedar River Park, Renton Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Liberty Park, Renton PropertiesHistoric Property Yes Yes Yes Yes Listed on or Eligible for NRHP Yes Section 4(f) Protected Pro ertt Columbia and Puget Sound Railroad Segment' No No Renton Substation, Snoqualmie Falls Power Company' No No Renton Fire Station' Yes No Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation' No No 1. Listed on the Washington State Heritage Register. FHWA has concurred with WSDOT's finding that this property is not eligible for protection under Section 4 ft 5-48 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION \ Gree (\ 6 � \ �r v �, \ Fort \\ P I Park \ I � r--.. - I-405 Columbia/ Puget Sound Northern 1 I Project Limit Railroad at SR 169 Renton Fire ti Station `� Renton S Substation Sunset B\�a Black River Riparian Forest SW 7th St I Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation VOOOOO SW GtadY WaY W I-405 Southern T U K W I L A =1 Project Limit r f at I-5 /n 0 --� 181 I' I - \ I�- i 0—_ SW 16th-S-f 'N i SW 23rd St 1SW 27th St I SW 34th St I SW 41st St — SR 167 Southern ' Project Limit ' at SW 41st St Exhibit 5-16. Resources Identified in the Study Area What did we conclude about the project's use of Section 4(f) resources? Direct effects, proximity effects, and construction effects were examined for each Section 4(f) resource. During the planning phase for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT considered and incorporated avoidance alternatives to eliminate potential effects to Section 4(f) resources. As a result, this project will not require acquisition of any Section 4(f) resource lands, will not impose any adverse temporary occupancy on resource lands, and will create no constructive use effects at any of the identified Section 4(f) resources. a !TRENTON \ \ \ 169 NARCO Property Pan y cre D m Well ds Q• a 0 o c � ti� P a to 1 t 1 I; o I +s•• Legend _ 'a I 1 4(f) Resource �A Non 4(f) Resource - 1/4mile Study Area iri I Stream I — Trail Local Road — Arterial Road � Freeway T Waterbody mom o - o es a.s es Park Municipality I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-49 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION The Springbrook Trial will be closed during construction for public safety reasons where it passes under 1-405. A signed detour will be provided during the closure and notices will be provided to the Cascade Bicycle Club and the City of Renton. These notices will be posted to keep the public informed about the construction. The detour will extend from SW Grady Way to a point just south of SW 16th Street on the sidewalk and road edge of Oakesdale Avenue SW. The trail will be fully restored following construction. When the trail reopens, it will have been slightly modified to avoid the new bridge supports but this realignment will be very minor. 5-50 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Architectural treatments will be applied to new permanent structures under the 1-405 corridor's context sensitive solutions plan to enhance the look of the project. In general, existing topography and vegetation will screen the project from freeway neighbors; however, some people will have their views affected negatively. When a person views the environment during an everyday commute or on a first-time trip through an area, the visual characteristics strongly influence a response, either positive or negative. This section describes how WSDOT studied visual quality for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project and examined how construction and operations will affect the views found within the local communities. What is the current visual character of the study area? The general character of the study area ranges from built to vegetated landscapes. Several important regional landforms can be seen from the study area including the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Closer views of the landscape adjacent to 1-405 and SR 167 are urban or semiurban,2 with the exception of the Panther Creek Wetlands along the eastern edge of SR 167, which is more forested. Several urban parks provide additional areas of natural vegetation, as do the vegetated buffers for the Green River, Springbrook Creek, and Panther Creek drainages Some natural vegetation and landscaping also occurs within parts of the right-of-way (ROW). 2 WSDOT Roadside Classification Plan 5.6 Visual Quality People traveling 1-405 will see views change as the corridor improvements are constructed Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Visual Quality Discipline Report in Appendix Y for a complete discussion of the Visual Quality analysis. How is Visual Quality Determined? The 1-405 Project Team determined the visual quality of existing views using three criteria: ■ Vividness is the memorability of landscape components as they combine in striking and distinctive visual patterns. ■ Intactness is the visual integrity of the natural and human landscape and its freedom from encroaching elements. ■ Unity is the visual coherence and compositional harmony of the landscape considered as a whole. Source: Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects (FHWA-HI-88-054). U.S. Department of Transportation. 1981. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-51 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: VISUAL QUALITY How will project construction affect visual quality? What types of construction activities will Project construction will temporarily affect visual quality by be seen as this project is built? removing vegetation and by bringing medium and heavy- duty equipment into the area. The most noticeable ■ Constructing temporary structures for temporary changes to the visual character and quality of bridge work the project area will be primarily from the activities listed to ■ Constructing the new Benson Road the left. Bridge over 1-405 and demolishing the old structure once the new one is When traffic is slow, drivers view the area for longer operational periods and will be more affected by the visible presence ■ Constructing the new noise wall on of medium and heavy-duty construction and demolition Talbot Hill. equipment. Traffic slowdowns through the study area are ■ Excavating and removing vegetation not unusual, but their duration and frequency could outside of the existing roadway increase noticeably during construction. Specifically, these slowdowns will occur in the Talbot Hill Is Stockpiling materials and equipment in Neighborhood for construction -related to the noise wall staging areas and Benson Road improvements. In addition, light and ■ Operating construction equipment, glare will increase during nighttime construction periods including hauling trucks, earthworking due to lighting needed to operate. heavy equipment, and cranes The visual character of the area for nearby businesses ■ Placing temporary traffic or construction and residences will also change as screening vegetation signs and temporary retaining or screening walls and/or earth is removed. ■ Placing temporary barriers to separate traffic from roadway widening How will the completed project affect construction visual quality? The project will cause minor changes to visual quality for Who are freeway users? both freeway users and freeway neighbors. These changes are primarily from: Freeway users experience views from the road. They are the drivers that use 1-405 ■ Increasing the paved highway width on 1-405 and and SR 167 in the study area. These adding a southbound auxiliary lane on SR 167 within people see the area from the roadway for a the study area. relatively short period of time, but see it more clearly because they are closer than ■ Constructing retaining walls. freeway neighbors. ■ Replacing Benson Road Bridge over 1-405. Who are freeway neighbors? ■ Replacing the 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek Freeway neighbors experience views toward and Oakesdale Avenue with new northbound and the road. They are the people that live, southbound bridges. work, and recreate within sight of the ■ Constructing a noise wall within the ROW near the freeway. These people see the study area Talbot Hill neighborhood. for much longer periods of time than freeway users, but the views for freeway neighbors The project will primarily affect freeway users who have are often distant and screened by vegetation direct though short-term views of the project. In most and topography. cases, existing topography and vegetation will screen the project from freeway neighbors who have a continuous view of the project. However, some freeway neighbors will be able to see the project changes clearly. 5-52 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: VISUAL QUALITY To compensate for negative visual effects caused by this project, WSDOT has worked with the affected communities to develop visual guidelines for the 1-405 corridor called context sensitive solutions (CSS). These guidelines will provide unity and cohesiveness for the project. For example, replacing the Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 will have some positive effects on visual quality because CSS treatments such as architectural piers, railings, and lighting will improve the visual quality of this structure for views toward the road and reduce effects to visual quality for views from the road. View toward existing Benson Road View toward new Benson Road Bridge with CSS treatments Vegetation removed within the ROW (particularly stands of medium to large size trees) to accommodate the new traffic lanes and associated facilities will negatively affect visual quality in some areas. For 1-405, vegetation will be removed to replace the Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue bridges. Stands of large cottonwood and poplar trees on either side of the new bridge will not be replaced due to ROW limitations in this area. Additional ROW will not be acquired for the sole purpose How are Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) used for this project? The CSS guidelines incorporate the communities' design preferences. These reflect an 1-405 theme of "Culture, Nature, and Progress," with nature being the dominant theme. These guidelines will be applied fully to permanent elements, which are limited on the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. One example of full treatment is the new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-53 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: VISUAL QUALITY View toward existing Springbrook Creek Side Channel Bridge and trail underneath View toward new 1-405 southbound and northbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue and trail underneath of replanting these trees. Some trees and vegetation will also be removed to construct the retaining wall on the slope south of the Tukwila City Hall. For SR 167, trees and vegetation will be removed within the ROW of the southbound auxiliary lane from 1-405 to SW 41st Stree+t. Facilities such as the noise wall and retaining walls will negatively affect visual quality in some areas. The noise wall will extend from west of the intersection of South 14th Street and South 15th Street east to Talbot Road. The wall will be approximately 18 feet high and 2,150 feet long. This wall will block views of downtown Renton for residents along South 14th Street. Will the project create new sources of light, shadow, or glare? Overhead lighting in the study area will be similar to existing conditions; therefore, no new effects are expected. The planned 1-405 bridge replacements and widenings will increase shadow and shade effects. In particular, replacement of the 1-405 bridge over the Springbrook Creek side channel will increase shadows and shading over Springbrook Trail, which will affect recreational viewer groups using this trail. Also, the 1-405 bridge widening over Talbot Road and the Benson Road Bridge replacement over 1-405, which includes removing the earthen berm adjacent to southbound 1-405, will increase shadow and shade effects for freeway, local traffic, and pedestrian viewers on Talbot Road. No new sources of glare are anticipated because the new structures will be similar to the existing ones. What measures are proposed to minimize effects on visual quality during construction? Measures used to minimize effects on traffic and social resources will also serve to minimize effects on visual quality during construction. 5-54 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: VISUAL QUALITY What measures are proposed to minimize effects on visual quality during operation? Guidelines from the Roadside Classification Plan (RCP) and CSS process for the 1-405 corridor will be applied to compensate for the negative visual effects caused by the project. The RCP identifies a treatment level 2 for roadside restoration, which is the treatment level that will be used for this project. Guidelines for treatment level 2 can be found in Appendix B. For this project, the expected life of the roadside restoration will be affected by future master plan phases. In locations where the future master plan phases will redisturb the roadside, fast-growing vegetation (such as poplars and maples) will be used to quickly achieve the required functions within the expected life of the planting The CSS guidelines for the 1-405 corridor complement the RCP and provide another layer of compensation for unavoidable negative project effects. The permanent project elements will have the "full" CSS guidelines applied where appropriate and practicable. A list of applicable guidelines is available in Appendix B. The new Benson Road Bridge over 1-405 is the main project feature that will receive the "full" CSS treatments because it is a permanent project element. Temporary project elements will also receive "limited" CSS architectural treatments as described below: ■ Apply texture to concrete surfaces to reduce apparent scale and to blend with other elements within the corridor. ■ Darken concrete surfaces to aid in reducing reflective sunlight glare and apparent reduction of scale. The full CSS treatments will be applied during future Master Plan phases for the overall 1-405 corridor. 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.). For improvement projects such as this, the RCP requires roadside restoration from right- of-way to right-of-way throughout the project limits. 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. How do permanent and temporary project elements differ? Permanent project elements are part of the 1-405 Corridor Master Plan. Temporary project elements are not part of the Master Plan and will therefore be reconstructed during future Master Plan phases. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-55 THE ENVIRONMENT: VISUAL QUALITY This page intentionally blank. 5-56 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment 5.7 Soils, Geology, and Groundwater The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will be constructed in a highly variable geologic area that includes large liquefaction zones that can be problematic during earthquakes. The new bridges will be designed to current seismic standards and will be founded on deep piles to avoid damage from soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Although project construction will likely increase erosion, disturb moisture -sensitive soils, and produce construction -related vibration, these effects will be temporary. The project will not affect the City of Renton's water supply wells. WSDOT considers soils, geology, and groundwater because these are major factors in determining the types of foundations, pavement sections, subsurface drainage, retaining walls, and bridges required for the project. When we refer to soils and geology, we mean the physical material that makes up the ground. These physical characteristics also determine the risk of landslides, liquefaction, erosion, and other types of behavior, which can affect the environment. Groundwater pertains to the water contained in the soil and bedrock below the ground's surface. We consider groundwater quality and quantity because changes to quality and quantity can affect water supplies for drinking water, and water available for surface waterbodies such as lakes, streams, and wetlands. What is the geology of the study area? The existing topography and surface geology of the Puget Sound region are largely the result of Pleistocene glacial, Holocene river, and volcanic processes. During the last century, human activities caused large-scale landscape modifications, such as the lowering of Lake Washington in the early 1900s and widespread topographic changes associated with urbanization. The geology of the study area consists of a variety of soil types and bedrock. These are described in the following sections. The geologic conditions of an area determine how bridge foundations can be constructed Please refer to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project Soils, Geology, and Groundwater Discipline Report in Appendix U for a complete discussion of the analysis for these topics. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-57 Environmental Assessment ( October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: SOILS, GEOLOGY, AND GROUNDWATER What are engineered fills? Engineered fill is soil that is placed and compacted according to design specifications for the construction of roads, structures, or buildings. What are sandstone, siltstone, and coal? Sandstone and siltstone are sedimentary rocks composed of sand and silt -sized particles that have become compressed and cemented until they form a rock. Coal is formed from peat that has been compressed and heated. Pacific Northwest tectonic setting. Source: Troost 2003. Soils Engineered roadbed fill underlies 1-405 and SR 167 except for where bridges have been constructed. Non - engineered fill, consisting of coal mine tailings (crushed rock and coal) and concrete blocks underlies 1-405 approximately at milepost (MP) 3.1, near a tunnel associated with the abandoned Renton Coal Mine.3 Non - engineered fill underlies much of the Cedar River Valley to the west of the study area between MP 2.8 and the northern end of the project. These fills were likely not compacted to design specifications for constructing roads. Glaciers deposited the soil underlying the areas near the 1-5/1-405 interchange, south of the Benson Road Bridge over 1-405, and south of the Cedar River. These deposits near the 1-5/1-405 interchange consist of glacial till, an unsorted, crudely -stratified mix of very dense silt, sand, gravel, and cobbles. The most common surface material in the study area is alluvium, which is sediment deposited by flowing water. Recessional outwash, sediment deposited by flowing water from a glacier, underlies the study area near Benson Road and south of the Cedar River. This sediment generally consists of stratified sand, interbedded with thin silt layers, and scattered gravel -rich layers. Renton Formation bedrock underlies the study area between the 1-405 interchanges with 1-5 and SR 181 as well as between the SR 167 interchange and the Cedar River. The Renton Formation generally consists of weathered sandstone with siltstone and coal interbeds and scattered conglomerate (i.e., gravel -rich sandstone) layers. Near the SR 181 interchange, the sandstone is intruded by basalt. Earthquake activity The study area is in a region of active tectonics where earthquakes occur because of the interaction of tectonic plates. These plates, pieces of the Earth's crust, move independently of each other. Offshore of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, the Juan de Fuca oceanic crustal plate is moving northeastward toward, and converging with the North American 3 Walsh and Bailey, 1989. Coal Mine Subsidence at Renton, Washington, in Galster, R.W, Coombs, H.A., Bliton, W.S., Neff, G.E., McCrumb, D.R., Laprade, W.T., Evans, W.D., Jr., Robinson, R.A., Koler, T.E., Warfel, M.R., West, L., Bailey, J.S., Marcus, K.L., and Schuster, R.L., eds., Engineering Geology in Washington, Volumes I and 11. Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Bulletin 78, p. 703-712. 5-58 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment THE ENVIRONMENT: SOILS, GEOLOGY, AND GROUNDWATER continental crustal plate.4 The study area is on the North American plate. Strong seismic ground shaking can be made more damaging to structures by the effects of deep, soft ground. Soft ground can act like a "bowl of jello" increasing ground acceleration and movement at the surface. Most of the study area is underlain by soft soils that have the potential to liquefy during an earthquake. Exhibit 5-17 shows where the project has the highest liquefaction potential. Other geologic units underlying the study area, such as till, bedrock, or organic soils have a much lower potential to liquefy. hern Limi 69L6kr MP 4 ti F .,..SW.: W IVi r W" • s R E'N'T O N A h St 3 b er to Legend hi m r + e e Stream 1-405 .:.,.. ^ { .. o o' o — Trail ProjactLimrt � rT Local Road �� , { -- at 1-5 Arterial Road ♦ { ie f er-j; Freeway �` I ` Waterbody I i Park 26 Municipality Liquefaction Potential Very low ® bedrock very low (-1 very low to low f .b SR 167 ,.... 0 low t Southern i f� low to moderate Protect Limit r moderate to high ---,,^ at SW 41st St _J high D.25 5 =3 peat r r { water Exhibit 5-17. Liquefaction Potential in the Study Area. Source: Palmer et al. 2004 4 Yeats et al., 1997, The Geology of Earthquakes. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 5-59 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 THE ENVIRONMENT: SOILS, GEOLOGY, AND GROUNDWATER What is an aquifer? An aquifer is an area of saturated geologic materials that are capable of producing useable quantities of groundwater on a long- term, sustainable basis. What are Sole -Source Aquifers? Sole Source Aquifers are U.S. EPA - designated aquifers where few or no reasonable alternatives exist for acquiring drinking water. What are groundwater resources in the study area? The most important aquifer in the study area exists along the Cedar River, known as the Cedar Valley Aquifer. The Cedar Valley Aquifer is an EPA -designated "Sole -Source Aquifer." This aquifer has been subdivided into several smaller aquifer subunits. The Delta Aquifer subunit is located along the lower drainage of the Cedar River and is the closest to the 1-405 project as shown in Exhibit 5-18. The Delta Aquifer is unconfined and composed of alluvial sediments deposited by the lower Cedar River. -- I I-405 L Northern j Project Limit ^ ' =_I at SR 169 Legend IlStrew- ---- ✓i N ' MP — Tra: LocaRc., i i • y�A , . Arterial Roac. . `.s �s�nset i Freeway d B�'� MP 3.5 waterbody •:� h, ill,'�' _ Murnicipairty - " Sole Source ® t SW,Tth St if J,' � Aquifer Location 1 tsd SWG MP2s tirP3 RENTON ° Exhibit 5-18. Boundaries of the Cedar Valley Sole -Source Aquifer in the vicinity of the Study Area Sources: City of Renton, 2003 and Federal Register, October 3, 1988 The Delta Aquifer portion of the designated Sole -Source Cedar Valley Aquifer produces good quality water for potable use. The groundwater meets all Washington State Department of Health water quality criteria. The City of Renton uses this aquifer for drinking water and therefore has established Aquifer Protection Zones for the Sole -Source Cedar Valley Aquifer and its production well fields. To protect its sole -source aquifer, the Renton Municipal Code specifies construction requirements for stormwater facilities and pipelines, sewer pipelines, storage limitations for hazardous/toxic substances and other requirements for activities within the aquifer protection zones. The Green-Duwamish River Valley Aquifer is also in the study area and is an unconfined aquifer system. 5-60 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Tne ENN'►RONylENT: Sons, GEOLOGY, AND GKouNDwATER Groundwater is shallow in this aquifer, often less than 10 feet below ground surface, but varies considerably with surface topography and season. Groundwater flow in the Green-Duwamish River Valley Aquifer is complex. The presence of wetlands and drainage ditches locally influences groundwater flow patterns. Most of the groundwater discharges to the Green-Duwamish River, but some groundwater may also discharge to the Delta Aquifer and Lake Washington. The presence of shallow groundwater can require additional construction measures, such as dewatering trenches that will be dug for utilities and highway excavation. It can be reasonably expected that excavations will encounter shallow groundwater between the SR 181 interchange and the SR 167 interchange on 1-405 and between the 1-405 interchange and SW 41st Street on SR 167. Areas that have been previously filled, such as those where previous construction of 1-405 or nearby buildings has taken place, may have a deeper water table depending on the thickness of the fill. How will project construction affect soils, geology, and groundwater? Liquefaction -prone soils The new northbound and southbound 1-405 bridges over Springbrook Creek will be designed to current seismic standards, which may include supporting the bridges on new deep pile foundations. The soil under the bridge approaches may need to be improved to minimize the risk of seismically induced liquefaction. Moisture -sensitive soils Most of the soils that will be encountered during construction are moisture sensitive. These soils include alluvium, till, weathered bedrock, and existing embankment fills. Heavy earthmoving equipment tracking on moisture - sensitive soils during wet weather, in areas of seepage, or in areas of shallow groundwater will tend to degrade the subgrade into a soft, unstable material. WSDOT and the local earthmoving contractors are aware of these types of conditions and routinely use a variety of methods to minimize adverse effects. What is liquefaction? Liquefaction usually occurs in saturated, loose, granular soil such as sand, silty sand, and sandy silt. During a strong earthquake, these soils lose their grain - to -grain contact and essentially become slurry with characteristics like quicksand. What do you mean by subgrade? The subgrade is the in -place material on which the pavement or embankment fills are placed. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 5-61 TnE ENv►HONN►ENT: Sons, GEo►.ocv, nno GaounoNNA,rEa Erosion Most soil types in the study area are susceptible to erosion. Erosion potential also increases when: ■ Hillsides are cut creating a steep, bare slope. ■ Fill is placed to widen existing embankments. ■ Fill material is stockpiled prior to being placed during construction. Erosion will be minimized, but not completely eliminated, through the standard implementation of BMPs that are designed to control erosion. Groundwater Construction will not take place over the sole -source aquifer recharge area, therefore the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not affect the City of Renton's supply wells. How will the completed project affect soils, geology, and groundwater? Once construction is complete and the highway is in use there will be no effect to soils, geology, and groundwater. The conditions along the alignment are not unusual for the Puget Sound area and are routinely encountered by WSDOT in their design, operation, and maintenance plans. What measures are proposed to minimize effects on soils, geology, and groundwater during construction? The majority of potential negative effects associated with the construction and operation of the project will be avoided or minimized through the use of BMPs and by following the procedures outlined in the WSDOT Geotechnical Design Manual and Bridge Design Manual. Contractors and consultants associated with this project will follow these procedures. A brief summary of these procedures is listed in Appendix B. 5-62 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Chapter 6 List of Preparers Name Education Years of Affiliation Contribution Certifications/Licenses Experience Weiming Bian South Renton Stormwater Engineer MS, Civil Engineering 22 HNTB Licensed Professional Engineer Gayle Birrell QA/QC Review Coordinator AB, English 35 HDR Engineering Alan Black 1-405 Stormwater Design Lead BS, Civil Engineering 21 - HNTB Licensed Professional Engineer Certified Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Steven Boch Guidance and Review BS, Civil Engineering 30 FHWA Licensed Professional Engineer - Bradley Bowden Historic and Cultural Resources DR MS, Anthropology 14 Historical Research Registered Professional Archeologist Associates Benn Burke Wetland Delineation BS, Fisheries Biology 14 Adolfson Associates Wetland DR Karen Comings Energy DR, MS, Civil and Environmental Engineering 3 David Evans and Surface Water and Water Quality DR, BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering Associates Floodplains DR, Licensed Professional Engineer EA Author Steven Dampf Historic and Cultural Resources DR MS, Cultural Resource Management 7 Historical Research BA, History Associates Ross Fenton 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Contract Manager BS, Civil Engineering 32 HDR Licensed Professional Engineer Karin Fusetti Land Use Patterns DR, BA, Planning & Design 16 Entranco Public Services and Utilities DR Jon Gage Visual Quality DR MLA, Landscape Architecture 8 David Evans and BS, Environmental Policy & Assessment Associates Registered Landscape Architect Phyllis Gregoire Hazardous Materials DR MS, Geophysics 5 GeoEngineers BS, Geology Licensed Engineering Geologist Licensed Geologist Lisa Grueter Land Use Plans and Policies DR MCP, Masters of City Planning 18 - Jones & Stokes BA, Social Ecology American Institute of Certified Planners 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 6-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 LIST OF PREPARERS Name Education Years of Affiliation Contribution Certifications/Licenses Experience Erika Harris Environmental Justice DR BA, Economics 8 Parametrix Bruce Jensen Floodplains DR, MSE, Civil & Environmental Engineering 19 DMJM Harris Surface Water and Water Quality DR BA, Field Biology & Environmental Sciences Licensed Professional Engineer Derek Koellmann Fisheries and Aquatic Resources DR BS, Environmental Policy and Assessment 9 Anchor Environmental LLC Paul Korsmo Social DR MS, Biology 22 DMJM Harris BA, Anthropology Robert LeClair GIS Analysis/Graphics MCRP, Regional and City Planning 13 DMJM Harris BS, Business Administration Ginette Lalonde Air Quality DR BS, Civil Engineering 6 Parsons Brinckerhoff Michael Lapham Transportation DR MS, Urban and Regional Science 6 Mirai Associates BA, Urban Geography James Leonard Guidance and Review MBA 45 FHWA BA, Environmental Engineering Licensed Professional Engineer Ilon E. Logan Wetland Delineation, Certificate of Wetland Science and 6 Adolfson Associates Wetland DR Management BA, English Literature Doug MacAskill Engineering Road Lead BS, Civil Engineering 26 Parsons Transportation Licensed Professional Engineer Group Alexander McKenzie- Soils, Geology, and Groundwater DR MS, Geology 4 Johnson BS, Geology Golder Associates Registered Professional Geologist Jason McKinney Reviewer BA, Sociology 5 HNTB Douglas J. Morell Soils, Geology, and Groundwater DR Ph.D, Hydrogeology 30 Golder Associates MS, Geochemistry BS, Geology Registered Geologist and Hydrogeologist Erica Natali Economics DR BA, Economics 4 Berk & Associates Gene Niemasz Roadway Lead MS, Business Administration 18 Parsons Transportation BS, Civil Engineering Group Licensed Professional Engineer Linda Osborn Section 4(f) DR BLA, Landscape Architecture 28 Osborn Pacific Group BA, Botany 6-2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project - October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment LIST OF PREPARERS Name Education Years of Affiliation Contribution Certifications/Licenses Experience Katherine Probert EA Author: Editor BA, Fine Arts and French 22 DMJM Harris Robert L. Plum Soils, Geology, and Groundwater DR BS, Civil Engineering 37 Golder Associates MS, Civil Engineering Licensed Professional Engineer Allison Ray 1-405 Environmental Manager BA, Environmental Studies 7 WSDOT Patrick Romero Noise DR BS Environmental Science 8 Parsons Brinckerhoff MS, Environmental Policy and Management Brett Sheckler Economics DR BS, Economics 7 Berk & Associates Laura Smith Deputy Contract Manager BS, Civil Engineering 25 HNTB Licensed Professional Engineer Mike Stimac Cumulative Effects DR BS, Electrical Engineering 37 HDR Engineering MS, Fisheries Registered Professional Engineer Brad Thiele Upland Vegetation and Wildlife DR BS, Biology 11 DMJM Harris Stacy Trussler 1-405 South Project Manager MS, Environmental Engineering 15 WSDOT BS, Civil Engineering Licensed Professional Engineer Karl Westby Traffic Analysis Lead Ph.D, Civil Engineering 15 Westby Consulting, LLC MS, Transportation BA, Urban and Regional Planning 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 6-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 LIST OF PREPARERS This page intentionally blank. 6-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Chapter 7 References Palmer, S.P., Magsino, S.L., Bilderback, E. L., Poelstra, J.L., Folger, D.S., and Niggeman, R.A. 2004 Liquefaction Susceptibility Map of King County. Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, 1:100,000. Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) 2003 Destination 2030. May 24, 2001, revised May 22, 2003. Renton, City of 2003 Map of Current Cedar Valley Sole -Source Aquifer Boundary. Troost, K.G. 2003 Introduction to Workshop on Geologic Research in the Seattle Area: Seattle -Area Geologic Mapping Project and U.S. Geological Survey, October 20, 2003. U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration 1982 Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. Federal -Aid Highway Program Manual. Volume 7, Chapter 7, Section 3. Washington, D.C. 1981 Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects (FHWA-HI-88-054). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1988 Sole Source Aquifer Designation of the Cedar Valley Aquifer, King County, WA. Federal Register. Volume 53, Number 191. October 3, 1988. Washington D.C. Walsh, T.J., and Bailey, M. J. 1989 Coal Mine Subsidence at Renton, Washington, in Galster, R.W, Coombs, H.A., Bliton, W.S., Neff, G.E., McCrumb, D.R., Laprade, W.T., Evans, W.D., Jr., Robinson, R.A., Koler, T.E., Warfel, M.R., West, L., Bailey, J.S., Marcus, K.L., and Schuster, R.L., eds., Engineering Geology in Washington, Volumes I and II. Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Bulletin 78, p. 703-712. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 2003 State Water Quality Standards, Title 173, Chapter 173-201(A). Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 2004 Priority Species List: Vertebrates. [Online] Available http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phsvert.htm, 2004. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) 2005 Bridge Design Manual. 2005 Geotechnical Design Manual. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 7-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 REEERFINCEs 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Air Quality Discipline Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Inc. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Cumulative Effects Analysis Discipline Report. Prepared by HDR. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Cultural Resources Discipline Report. Prepared by Historical Research Associates, Inc. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Economics Discipline Report. Prepared by Berk and Associates. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Energy Technical Memorandum. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Environmental Justice Discipline Report. Prepared by Parametrix. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report. Prepared by Anchor Environmental, LLC 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Floodplains Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Hazardous Materials Discipline Report. Prepared by GeoEngineers, Inc. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Land Use Patterns Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Land Use Plans and Policies Discipline Report. Prepared by Jones & Stokes. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Noise Discipline Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Inc. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Public Services and Utilities Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Section 4(f) Evaluation. Prepared by Osborn Pacific Group, Inc. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Social Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Soils, Geology, and Groundwater Discipline Report. Prepared by Golder Associates. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Transportation Discipline Report. Prepared by 1-405 Traffic Group. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Upland Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 7-2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment REFERENCES 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Visual Quality Discipline Report. Prepared by DMJM Harris. 2005 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Wetlands Discipline Report. Prepared by Adolfson Associates, Inc. 2004 Environmental Procedures Manual. September 2004. 2004 Highway Runoff Manual M31-16. Olympia, WA. WSDOT Engineering and Regional Operations Division, Environmental and Engineering Programs, Headquarters Environmental Affairs and Hydraulics. 2004 Hydraulics Manual M23-03. March 2004. 2004 I-405 Urban Design Guidelines Manual. 2001 I-405 Corridor Program NEPA/SEPA Final Environmental Impact Statement. 1996 Roadside Classification Plan. 1993 Implementing Agreement between the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Ecology Concerning Wetlands Protection & Management dated July 1, 1993. Yeats, R.S., Sieh, K, and Allen, C.R. 1997 The Geology of Earthquakes: Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 568 p. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 7-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 REFERENCES This page intentionally blank. 7-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Appendix A GLOSSARY GLOSSARY 100-year flood event A flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year. abutment Earth retaining wall structure which supports the end of a bridge. acceleration Measurement of strong ground shaking from an earthquake, commonly expressed as a fraction of the acceleration of gravity (1g). access The ability to enter or approach a facility or to make use of a facility. accessibility The ability to conveniently travel through an area and reach your destination, e.g., shopping, services, home. acquisition The process of obtaining right-of-way necessary to construct or support a project. amphibians A group of vertebrate animals that spend part of their time on land and part in the water; so they are considered an intermediate form between fish and reptiles. Amphibians must return to the water to breed and they have distinct larval and adult forms. anadromous fish A fish species, such as salmon, that spends a part of its life cycle in the sea and returns to freshwater streams to spawn. aquifer Aquifers are underground reservoirs. The water that reaches these chambers is usually much cleaner than the water of reservoirs at the earth's surface. Many pollutants are filtered out as the water passes through the soil on its way to the aquifer. The top layer of the aquifer is called the water table. Most of the void spaces in the rocks below the water table are filled with water. aquifer protection zone An area where the project will be required to prevent infiltration of stormwater runoff from the highway. For instance, the City of Renton water supply includes wells that are located in close proximity to the 1-405 corridor and Cedar River. arterial A major street that primarily serves through traffic, but also provides access to abutting properties. Arterials are often divided into principal and minor classifications depending on the number of lanes, connections made, volume of traffic, nature of traffic, speeds, interruptions (access functions), and length. auxiliary lane A lane added between interchanges —from one on -ramp to the next off -ramp. It is dedicated to traffic entering and leaving a freeway and provides motorists with more time and extra room to accelerate or decelerate and merge when getting on and off the freeway. a -weight A standard frequency weighting that simulates how humans perceive sound and whlch is measured in decibels expressed as dBA. base flood A flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year; also called the 100-year flood. baseline A line serving as a basis, as for measurement, calculation, or location. basin The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries, draining water, organic matter dissolved nutrients, and sediments into an ocean, lake, or stream. bedrock Bedrock is referred to as the rock underlying gravel and/or soil and is sometimes visible on the surface as outcrops. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY best management Best management practices, referred to commonly as BMPs, are methods used to practices (BMPs) minimize or avoid effects to water quality such as sediment getting into streams during construction. Examples of BMPs include installing filter fabric fence downstream of exposed slopes, around existing drainage inlets, and along river, stream, and drainage channels near work areas to prevent sediment -laden stormwater from entering streams. bicycle lane A portion of a roadway reserved for preferential or exclusive use by bicycles through signs and pavement markings. biofiltration swale These facilities consist of broad, shallow grassy channels that are typically 200 feet long and designed so that stormwater flows slowly through the swale. The vegetation and soil matrix filters and absorbs pollutants from stormwater runoff. bottleneck A narrow or obstructed section of a highway; a point or an area of traffic congestion. box culvert A concrete box structure that drains open channels, swales, or ditches under a roadway or embankment. buffer A transitional area that separates uses that are not naturally compatible. Often the buffer is green space, and is termed a landscape buffer. Other times, a buffer can take the shape of a structure. For example, a neighborhood commercial use can separate industrial and residential uses quite effectively. capacity The maximum sustained traffic flow of a transportation facility under prevailing traffic and roadway conditions in a specified direction. channelization Structural alteration made to a stream's channel to speed the flow of water and thus prevent it from flooding; usually involves cutting off meanders to straighten a stream. Code of Federal The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the arrangement of the general and permanent Regulations rules published by the federal government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent areas subject to federal regulation. Each volume of the CFR is updated once each calendar year. compensatory floodplain The removal of material from a site in the same floodplain and at the same elevation to storage compensate for the placement of any fill within the limits of the regulatory floodplain. congestion A condition characterized by unstable traffic flows that prohibit movement on a transportation facility at optimal legal speeds. Recurring congestion is caused by regularly occurring excess volume compared with capacity. Nonrecurring congestion is caused by unusual or unpredictable events such as traffic accidents. conservation Defined by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as the use of all methods and procedures which are necessary to bring any endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to the ESA are no longer necessary. context sensitive solutions Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) represent a philosophy wherein safe transportation solutions are designed in harmony with the community. CSS strives to balance environmental, scenic, aesthetic, cultural, and natural resources, as well as community and transportation service needs. Context sensitive projects recognize community goals and are designed, built, and maintained to be sustainable while minimizing disruption to the community and the environment. The selected 1-405 theme of "Culture, Nature, and Progress," with nature being the dominant theme, will be carried into corridor -wide and local 1-405 designs. continental crust The type of the earth's crust which constitutes the continents and the offshore continental shelves. Continental crust generally ranges from about 22 miles to 37 miles thick. A_2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY corridor Road or highway right-of-way and the adjacent area that is visible from and extending along the highway. The distance the corridor extends from the highway varies depending on different intrinsic qualities, such as land use and topography, or the corridor could be a defined distance, such as one -quarter or one-half mile. critical areas Critical areas include both hazard areas (such as floodplains and steep slopes) and environmentally sensitive areas (like wetlands and streams). Critical areas also include areas that are important for protecting groundwater. The state Growth Management Act requires counties to protect the "functions and values" of critical areas. Examples of wetland functions are filtering out pollutants, providing wildlife habitat, controlling floods, and recharging groundwater. critical habitat Under the Endangered Species Act, (1) the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a federally listed species on which are found physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species, and that may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a listed species when it is determined that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. cultural resources Any historic (or prehistoric) district, site, building, structure, or object that is either listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Examples include such items as artifacts, records, structures, and remains. culvert A concrete structure that drains open channels, swales, or ditches under a roadway or embankment. cumulative effect Effect on the environment which results from the incremental effect of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively noticeable actions taking place over a period of time. decibel The decibel (dB) is used to measure sound level and is a logarithmic unit. deciduous Trees that shed their leaves annually to allow them to cope with the stress of cold or dry conditions. delay The increased travel time experienced by a person or a vehicle because of circumstances that impede the desirable movement of traffic. demand The desire for travel by potential users of the transportation system. Department of As the federal steward of the nation's transportation system, the DOT comprises agencies Transportation (DOT) that provide transportation services to the American public, including the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. direct effect Effect caused by the proposed action and occurring at the same time and place. downstream In the direction of the flow of a stream or river. duration The period of time during which something continues such as specific construction activity or a noise event. easement An agreement between the property owner and either an agency or service provider to ensure access across a piece of property. Easements are generally set up to provide access for utilities or road maintenance, without changing ownership of the property. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY ecology embankment Ecology embankments are used to provide water quality treatment for highway runoff. They consist of a trench that is dug along side the highway shoulder, lain with perforated pipe, and backfilled with a filtration media. Water from the road flows off the roadway, is filtered by the media, and carried off site by the pipe. ecosystem A community of interdependent organisms and the physical environment they inhabit. effect Includes ecological effects (such as the effects on natural resources and on the components, structures, and functioning of affected ecosystems), aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic, social, or health effects, whether direct, indirect, or cumulative. Effects may include those resulting from actions that may have both beneficial and detrimental effects, even if on balance the agency believes the effect will be beneficial. encroachment Intrusion by roads or development into habitat areas that reduces the area available to wildlife or reduces the functions of the habitat area. Endangered Species Act The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, was adopted to prevent the. (ESA) extinction of plants and animals. energized When a new utility system is brought into service, the system is first tested and then charged to deliver that product to customers. Energized indicates the system is fully operational and receiving the commodity needed to deliver the utility's product. environmental justice The process of identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse health and/or environmental effects on minority and/or low-income populations. erosion The wearing away of soil or rock by the action of running water, wind, ice, or geologic agents. For this document, erosion relates primarily to stormwater runoff. exit gore An exit gore is the roadway feature that separates an exiting lane from the main lanes. The gore can be either painted or built or a combination of both. falsework The temporary frame that supports the weight of a bridge or other structures during construction. Federal Highway One of several agencies in the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FHWA provides Administration (FHWA) federal financial assistance to the states through the Federal Aid Highway Program, the purpose of which is to construct and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. federal -listed species Species of wildlife that are considered to be at -risk and are protected by U.S. laws. fill Fill refers to materials placed to construct structures within waters of the United States, including streams and wetlands. Fill materials can be rock, sand, or dirt. filter strip These are grassy slopes that filter and diffuse stormwater running off highway shoulders. Flood Insurance Rate The insurance and floodplain management map produced by the Federal Emergency Maps Management Agency. These maps identify the areas subject to flooding during a 1- percent-annual-chance (100-year) flood event in a community. Flood insurance risk zones, which are used to compute actuarial flood insurance rates, also are shown. floodplain The total area subject to inundation by a flood, including the floodway. floodway The channel of the river or stream, and those portions of the adjoining floodplains that are reasonably required to carry and discharge the base flood flow. The "reasonably required" portion of the adjoining floodplains is defined by flood hazard regulations. A-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY franchise A legal agreement between WSDOT and a municipality or a service provider describing how a utility will work within WSDOT's right-of-way. general-purpose lane A freeway or arterial lane available for use by all traffic. glacier A major body of ice that moves under the influence of gravity. Examples of glaciers include the numerous glaciers on Mount Rainier, or the continental ice sheet on Antarctica. groundwater Groundwater is the part of precipitation that seeps down through the soil until it reaches rock material that is saturated with water. Groundwater slowly moves underground, generally at a downward angle (because of gravity), and eventually seeps into streams, lakes, and oceans. Growth Management Act A state law passed by the legislature in 1990 and amended in 1991. This law addresses (GMA) the negative consequences of unprecedented population growth and suburban sprawl in Washington state. The GMA requires all cities and counties in the state to do planning and has more extensive requirements for the largest and fastest -growing counties and cities in the state. Its requirements include consistency of transportation and capital facilities plans with land use plans. high -occupancy vehicle These vehicles carry two or more passengers and can drive in the lane restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants. These vehicles are buses, vanpools, and carpools. impervious areas Surfaced areas (e.g., roadways, parking lots, and rooftops) where rainfall or runoff cannot infiltrate into the ground. infiltration The downward movement of water from the surface into the subsoil. jurisdiction A municipal government agency, such as a city or county. As appropriate, the term "jurisdiction" also includes federal and state agencies and federally recognized tribes. landscape Landform and landcover forming a distant visual pattern. Landcover comprises water, vegetation and manmade development, including cities. large woody debris Naturally -occurring or artificially -placed coniferous or deciduous logs, limbs, or root wads, 12 inches or larger in diameter, used as a habitat element in a stream or river. liquefaction (of soil) Transformation of a granular material from a solid state into a liquefied state as a consequence of increased pore -water pressures, commonly induced by strong earthquake shaking. macroinvertebrate Small animals (insects, worms, larvae, etc.) without backbones, which are visible to the naked eye. Waterbodies have communities of aquatic macroinvertebrates. The species composition, diversity, and abundance can provide valuable information on the relative health and water quality of a waterbody. minimization Minimization involves measures developed during the planning phase of a project to reduce potential effects to a resource. Minimization measures could include alignment shifts, a commitment to off-season construction, replacement of land or facilities, restoration or landscaping, or payment of fair market value for affected lands. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-5 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY mitigation Defined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-766 as: (1) avoiding the effect altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action; (2) minimizing effects by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce effects; (3) rectifying the effect by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; (4) reducing or eliminating the effect over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action; (5) compensating for the effect by replacing, enhancing or providing substitute resources or environments; and/or (6) monitoring the effect and taking appropriate corrective measures. National Ambient Air Standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for pollutant Quality Standards concentrations in outside air throughout the country. National Environmental The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is considered to be the basic Policy Act (NEPA) "National Charter" for protection of the environment. NEPA requires that, to the extent possible, the policies, regulations, and laws of the federal government be interpreted and administered in accordance with the protection goals of the law. It also requires federal agencies to use an interdisciplinary approach in planning and decision -making for actions that affect the environment. Finally, NEPA requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) on all major federal actions significantly affecting the human environment. National Pollutant The national program for issuing, modifying, revoking and reissuing, terminating, Discharge Elimination monitoring and enforcing permits, and imposing and enforcing pretreatment requirements System (NPDES) under Sections 307, 318, 402, and 405 of the Clean Water Act. National Register of The Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the Historic Places National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological resources. Properties listed in the register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. The National Park Service administers the National Register, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. noise abatement criteria The FHWA noise abatement criteria specify exterior and interior noise levels for various land activity categories such as residential and commercial. All noise sensitive uses within the Renton Nickel Improvement Project study area are residential or Category B uses. WSDOT considers a noise impact to occur if predicted equivalent hourly noise levels approach within 1 dBA of the noise abatement criteria, which is 67 dBA for residential uses. Thus if a noise level is 66 dBA or higher, it will approach or exceed the FHWA noise abatement criterion of 67 dBA for residential uses. noise level The weighted sound pressure level measured by using a metering characteristic with an "A" frequency weighting network and reported as dBA. noise wall Designed wall that acts as a noise buffer between populated areas of a city and the highway system running through those areas. nutrient Essential chemicals needed by plants and animals for growth, such as phosphorus. off-peak In relation to public services and utilities, off-peak means those times when the fewest customers use the service or utility. A-6 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY ordinary high water mark The line on the shore established by the change in water levels and indicated by physical characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank or the presence of litter and debris. The presence and action of water generally leaves an impression on the streambed and banks that makes a distinct separation between the stream and the adjacent areas and indicates the location of the ordinary high water mark. outfall The outlet or mouth of a drain pipe or culvert. outreach Efforts made to contact members of the general public or specific targeted groups or individuals to provide project information and to obtain input on the project. outwash Sediment deposited by flowing water originating from a glacier, typically referring to sediments deposited in the Pleistocene by large continental ice sheets. Outwash that is deposited and then subsequently overrun by an advancing ice sheet is known as advance outwash. Outwash that is not overrun is commonly called recessional outwash. Outwash typically consists of sand (0.003 inches to 0.19 inches in diameter) and gravel sized particles (0.19 inches to 2.9 inches in diameter). peak flow Peak flow refers to a specific period of time when the discharge of a stream or river is at its highest point. For this report, peak flow refers to the 100-year storm event. peak hour The hour in the morning or in the afternoon when the maximum demand occurs on a given transportation facility or corridor. pervious surface A surface through which water can percolate down into the lower layers and eventually into the groundwater. These surfaces are generally vegetated soil areas. piers A vertical support or substructure unit that supports the spans of an elevated structure such as a bridge. pollutant Generally, any substance introduced into the environment that adversely affects the usefulness of a resource. For this report, pollutants of concern are those that affect water quality and that can enter the surface water as part of the stormwater runoff. production well A well that produces water for the public drinking water system. programmatic These are commitments made by WSDOT within the Environmental Impact Statement for commitments the overall 1-405 corridor. As the proposed improvements for the entire corridor were called a "program", the commitments are referred to as programmatic. publicly owned Property that is owned and/or operated by a public entity. If a governmental body has a proprietary interest in the land (such as fee ownership, drainage easements, or wetland easements), it can be considered publicly owned. Land subject to a public easement in perpetuity can also be considered to be publicly owned for the purpose for which the easement exists. Puget Sound Regional The Puget Sound Regional Council is an association of cities, towns, counties, ports, and Council (PSRC) state agencies that serves as a forum for developing policies and making decisions about regional growth and transportation issues in the four -county central Puget Sound region (i.e., Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Kitsap Counties). Record -of -Decision (ROD) A lead agency's document that identifies build alternatives and specifies those that are environmentally preferable. retaining wall Structure used to retain earth in areas where the natural grade cannot be maintained. right-of-way Land legally established for public use by pedestrians, vehicles, or utilities. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY riparian buffer The aquatic and terrestrial habitat adjacent to streams, lakes, estuaries, or other waterways. riprap A sustaining wall of stones on a soft bottom. runoff Rainwater or snowmelt that directly leaves an area as surface drainage. salmonid Any member of the family Salmonidae, which includes all species of salmon, trout, and char (including bull trout). saturated The condition when all pore or open spaces in a geologic material are completely filled with groundwater at or greater than atmospheric pressure. scoping This process refers to efforts by the agencies to involve the public and other concerned groups in determining what issues (scope) should be evaluated for a specific project. Meetings specifically focused on soliciting information to determine issues and what should be considered in a project's scope are held early in a project's development. These scoping meetings help define what issues and environmental concerns are important to the public and agencies. sediment Material that originates from weathering and erosion of rocks, dirt, or unconsolidated deposits and organic material. Sediment travels through the movement of water, particularly stormwater runoff and is usually suspended within the water. sedimentation Particles deposited or settling out of the water column and forming sediment on the bed of a channel or water course. semiurban landscape Landscape characterized by intermixed built and natural or naturalized elements, with built elements prevailing. sensitive receptors Land uses that are considered sensitive to noise effects such as residences. sensitive species Any wildlife species native to Washington State that is vulnerable or declining and is likely to become endangered or threatened throughout a significant portion of its range within the state without cooperative management or removal of threats. shallow groundwater Groundwater encountered at depths of less than ten feet. side channel This is a secondary stream that splits off the main channel. social resources Social elements of the environment, including population, housing, community facilities, religious institutions, social and employment services, cultural and social institutions, government institutions, military installations, and neighborhood cohesion. sole -source aquifer An aquifer that has been designated by the EPA as the sole or principal source of drinking water for an area. A sole source aquifer receives special protection. Federal financial assistance cannot be used for any project that might contaminate the aquifer. However, federal money can be used to help plan or design a project in such a way that it will not contaminate the aquifer. span Section of a superstructure between two supports; also, length between supports. species of concern Species whose conservation standing is of concern to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but for which status information is still needed for consideration to list the species under the Endangered Species Act. A-8 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY Spill Prevention Control An SPCC plan is implemented to minimize effects to soil, surface water, and groundwater. and Countermeasures The SPCC plan addresses procedures, equipment, and materials used in the event of a (SPCC) Plan spill of contaminated soil, petroleum products, contaminated water, or other hazardous substances. staging area Areas in unused right-of-way that will be used for employee parking, large equipment storage, and material stockpiles during construction of the project improvements. State Environmental Policy State legislation passed in 1974, which establishes an environmental review process for all Act (SEPA) development projects and major planning studies prior to taking any action on these projects. SEPA includes early coordination to identify and mitigate any issues or effects that may result from a project or study. stormwater The portion of precipitation that does not naturally percolate into the ground or evaporate, but flows overland, in channels, or in pipes into a defined surface water channel or a constructed stormwater facility. stormwater detention Storing stormwater in manmade facilities such as ponds and releasing the stormwater at a controlled rate. This process helps control how much and how fast stormwater enters streams and rivers. Controlling the flow of stormwater helps maintain existing base flood levels and minimizes erosion of stream banks. stratified Sediment deposited in layers. subgrade The in -place material on which the pavement or embankment fills are placed. subsidence The collapse or excessive settlement of the ground into an underground void space. substation A substation is the part of an electricity transmission and distribution system where voltage is transformed from high to low voltage using transformers. till An unsorted to poorly layered deposit of clay to boulder sized sediment deposited by a glacier. Till deposited at the base of a glacier is usually hard or very dense, and is known as lodgment till. Till deposited at the margins of a glacier is known as ablation till, and is usually much less dense than lodgment till. Till is often referred to as hardpan. transmission line Transmission lines refer to the cable carrying electricity on its way from producer to consumer. Transmission lines are identified by voltages of 115 kilovolt, and above. tributaries A stream or other body of water that contributes its water to another stream or body of water. underdrain A drain installed at the base of a fill embankment or cut wall to control seepage and eliminate water pressure against the wall. undertaking A project that is funded or permitted by a federal agency or on federal land that has the potential to affect historic properties. unity Measures the degree of visual coherence and compositional harmony of the landscape when considered as a whole. High unity frequently reflects the careful design of individual components and their relationship in the landscape. uplands Any area that does not qualify as a wetland because the associated hydrologic regime is not sufficiently wet to elicit development of vegetation, soils, and/or hydrologic characteristics associated with wetlands, urban landscape Landscape characterized predominantly by built elements. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-9 - Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY vanpool A prearranged ridesharing function in which a number of people travel together on a regular basis in a van, usually designed to carry five or more persons. vegetative community A unique area of vegetation within an ecosystem that is composed of specific species of plants. vehicle Any car, truck, van, motorcycle, or bus designed to carry passengers or goods. viewer groups Classes of viewers differentiated by their visual response to 1-405 and its setting. viewer location Evaluated based on viewer position, distance to resource, and direction. Position is typically categorized as superior (looking down at the resource), normal (looking level at the resource), or inferior (looking up at the resource). Distance to the visual resource is categorized as foreground, middleground, and background. View direction is identified by cardinal direction (north, south, east, or west). viewer sensitivity When fewer people see a defined view or they are not particularly concerned about the view, low viewer sensitivity results. High viewer sensitivity results when many viewers see a view frequently or for long periods, and are very aware of and concerned about a view. Viewer sensitivity does not imply support for or opposition to a proposed project. Rather viewer sensitivity is a neutral term and represents an important parameter in assessing visual quality. viewers People who have views of the project. Viewers are usually discussed in terms of general categories of activities, such as resident, boater, jogger, or motorist, and are referred to as "viewer groups." viewpoint The position of the viewer. For example, a pedestrian with a viewpoint on the Benson Road Bridge over I-405 looking southbound has a view of Renton's Talbot Hill neighborhood and commercial areas. views What can be seen of the project's study area either from the road or toward the road. Sensitive or special views, some of which are listed in municipal codes, are identified for use in simulations. visual character Describes impartially what exists within the landscape. The existing visible natural and built landscape features and their relationships define visual character. These relationships consider dominance, scale, diversity, and continuity to further define character. visual effect The degree of change in visual resources and viewer response to those resources caused by highway development and operations. visual quality The essential character of a landscape as perceived by sight and analyzed through visual quality analysis. While many factors contribute to a landscape's visual quality, they can ultimately be grouped under three headings: vividness, intactness, and unity. Water Resource Inventory A WRIA may include more than one watershed. Washington State is divided into 62 Area (WRIA) WRIAs for water and aquatic resource management issues. The terms "WRIA" and "watershed" are frequently used interchangeably. watershed The region of land that drains into a specific body of water, such as a river, lake, sea, or ocean. Rain that falls anywhere within a watershed will eventually drain into the body of water associated with that watershed. A_10 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY wetland and habitat A project constructed to enhance wetlands and their associated habitat. The concept is mitigation bank that these "banks" are completed in advance of planned transportation projects to mitigate for unavoidable effects on wetlands and habitat within the project area. Because these banks are generally sized to provide sufficient mitigation for several projects in one location, the mitigation bank creates more useable habitat and higher functioning wetlands than may be possible on an individual project scale. wetlands Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. zero -rise requirement The zero -rise requirement prohibits projects that cause any rise in the base floodplain elevation (generally, the 100-year elevation). 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-11 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY This page intentionally blank. A-12 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Appendix B AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES Appendix B AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES 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 PM10 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. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project B-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES 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. ■ WSDOT will post appropriate signs that communicate revised access information to potential customers. ■ As part of construction management, access measures will be prepared and included in the contract specifications. 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. ■ 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. aos Co„ d., .qqr. EI Programa del corredor 1-405 y el Proyecto do melon Nickel icwww.wwrw.rr,.r...wn� 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. No in -water pile driving will be required to isolate surface water from work areas. B-2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ WSDOT will restore temporarily cleared areas to preconstruction grades 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: ■ 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. ■ 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. ■ 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 an approved 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. ■ For unavoidable stream and buffer effects, WSDOT will mitigate at a site or sites within the same watershed. 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 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project g-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX B: Avo1DANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES fill placed within the floodplain during construction of the new 1-405 northbound and southbound bridges over Springbrook Creek and Oakesdale Avenue. WSDOT will hydraulically 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 an additional site will be found for compensatory storage. In addition, WSDOT will evaluate headloss at stream crossings prior to construction. 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. ■ If WSDOT encounters an underground storage tank within the right-of-way (ROW), WSDOT will What is remediation? assume cleanup liability for the appropriate Remediation is an action to identify, eliminate, decommissioning and removal of the underground or minimize hazardous substances that pose storage tank. If this occurs, WSDOT will follow all a threat to human health or the environment. applicable rules and regulations associated with underground storage tank removal activities. ■ WSDOT will ensure that the surrounding What is the Model Toxics Control Act properties and population are not exposed to the (MTCA)? contaminants on the site. For example, WSDOT MTCA is Washington Administrative Code will ensure that the site is properly contained after that describes a process to identify, construction is completed so contaminants do not investigate and clean up properties that may migrate off site and the health and Safety of all on - threaten human health or the environment. 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 required 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) B-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES 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. Noise and Vibration To reduce construction noise at nearby receptors, the following activities will be incorporated by WSDOT where practicable: ■ Require early construction of permanent noise barriers to provide noise shielding. ■ 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 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 resilient bed liners in trucks being loaded on site. ■ Prohibit banging of dump truck 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(t) Mitigation for effects on Section 4(f) resources is not required because no Section 4(f) resources are affected by this project. 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. In addition, if temporary disruptions in service are unavoidable, emergency and school transportation service providers will be contacted and kept informed. Contingency plans for unforeseen interruptions of access or 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. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project B-5 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ 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 and Oakesdale bridges and widening the Talbot Road bridge. If it is not possible to maintain trail traffic during construction, then the team will identify appropriate, safe detours for use by cyclists and/or pedestrians. Soils, Geology, and Groundwater Contractors and consultants associated with this project will follow these procedures: What is an admix? An admix is a product, such as cement or kiln dust, that is mixed into soil to improve the characteristics of the soil, such as workability and compactability. WSDOT will reduce degradation of moisture -sensitive soils by maintaining proper surface drainage to avoid ponding of surface water or groundwater; by minimizing ground disturbance through limiting the use of heavy equipment, limiting turns, and/or not tracking directly on the subgrade; and by covering the final subgrade elevation with a working mat of crushed rock and/or geotextile for protection. A soil admix such as cement may also be mixed into the subgrade to add strength and stabilize the ground. ■ If WSDOT identifies areas where dewatering will be necessary for utility work, then WSDOT will take steps to minimize the potential settlement effects. These steps may include recharge wells and/or cut-off shoring walls, as well as surveying adjacent properties to monitor for settlement. ■ WSDOT identified a 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. ■ Large construction projects will cause ground vibrations as a result of heavy equipment use. WSDOT will determine acceptable limits for off -site construction -related vibration before beginning construction. WSDOT will demonstrate that off -site ground vibrations are within the limits set for the project through the use of vibration monitoring equipment. ■ New bridges underlain by liquefaction prone soils will be designed to current seismic standards. The What is compaction grouting? bridges will be founded on deep piles and/or the soil Compaction grouting is a method of improving under the bridges will be improved. Soil improvement the soil by injecting a thick grout into the soil, measures, if needed, will likely consist of compaction causing the soil to become denser. The 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 (GDM), 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. ■ A large earthquake can damage existing roads, utilities, and structures near new embankment fills. WSDOT will identify these areas and mitigate risks using ground modifications or other procedures identified in the WSDOT GDM. B-6 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIx B: AVOIDANCE,, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ 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 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. 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. ■ For contruction within 300 feet of a lake or stream, or where concentrated construction site discharge may flow directly to surface waters, all site grading and initial stabilization could be scheduled to occur only during the dry season, May 1 through September 30. 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. ■ If other construction activities occur during the wet season, such as subgrade or pavement installation, utilities placement, or curbs and sidewalks, a plan will be developed that: 1) Limits disturbed area activities to a maximum of 48 hours at any single location, and includes provisions for temporarily ceasing construction and quickly stabilizing the site when rainfall greater than one-half inch in a 12-hour period is measured at the site. 2) Uses alternative means to treat construction site runoff such as overland flow across a vegetated surface, uses coagulants in the sediment ponds or other stormwater chemical treatment measures, or uses polymer soil stabilizers to reduce erosion. If coagulants are used, then a nontoxic compound will be used as approved by WSDOT. ■ 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. ■ Clearing activities will be staged such that construction areas are cleared no earlier than one week ahead of starting construction where practicable. If this is impractical, then cleared areas will be immediately mulched, covered with plastic, or otherwise stabilized. ■ WSDOT will be required to obtain a NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. WSDOT will ensure that water encountered during construction meets the standards specified in the NPDES permit prior to the discharge of the encountered water to a surface waterbody. 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 submitted before bridge construction begins. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project B-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES 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; ■ Divert trips from construction areas by encouraging the use of Park and Rides; 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. ■ 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 Measures used to minimize effects on transportation and social resources will also serve to minimize effects on visual quality during construction. Wetlands Measures described for Surface Water and Water Quality as well as Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will also apply to wetlands. In addition, 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 after the project is complete. WSDOT will develop a project specific plan before construction begins 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: B-g 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDI\ B: AVOIDANCE., MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ Air Quality ■ Cultural Resources ■ 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 can 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 WSDOT has designed 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 will also require measures to minimize hazards associated with wildlife attraction to stormwater detention ponds because of the project proximity to the Renton Municipal Airfield. The following are guidelines 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 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project B-9 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIx B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES net or solid cover within 24 hours after the end of the storm event. That is, the pond should drain from the 2-year design storm depth to the bottom or covered depth within 24 hours or less. ■ 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. ■ 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 Services and the Port of Seattle's Wildlife Manager to ensure the these objectives are met. Upland Vegetation and Wildlife Structures are being added or modified to help protect wildlife resources in the study area. One new noise wall will be built along 1-405 that may help reduce noise effects to wildlife in this area. 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 to 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 negative visual effects caused by the project. For improvement projects such as this, the RCP requires roadside restoration from ROW to ROW throughout the project limits. For this project, the roadside will be restored to a treatment level 2, which will include the following guidelines: ■ Restore environmental and visual functions, and where possible, 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. ■ Adjust grading limits to preserve and protect vegetation for screening purposes. ■ Grade slopes to provide corridor continuity. ■ 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 up to 2 inches in diameter in pedestrian areas. 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. B-10 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ Select and locate plant material to facilitate driver guidance and to screen visual distractions and undesirable views. ■ Locate plantings to enhance views. ■ Select vegetation and design planting density to achieve blending with adjacent land use and/or to meet screening objectives by the tenth year after construction. How do permanent and temporary project elements differ? Permanent project elements are part of the 1-405 Corridor Master Plan. Temporary project elements are not part of the Master Plan and will therefore be reconstructed during future Master Plan phases. 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 reconstruction in the master plan phases. In locations where this reconstruction will disturb the roadside after this project, fast-growing vegetation (such as poplars and maples) shall 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 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 stepping and battering walls to reduce apparent height, using a consistent design vocabulary throughout the corridor, using lighter weight materials for spans to produce reduced structural silhouettes, applying texture to the concrete surfaces to reduce apparent scale, and applying concrete sealants for uniform color and to limit the effects of graffiti. ■ Shield roadway light fixtures to minimize glare and ambient light spillover into adjacent residential areas. ■ 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. ■ Darken concrete surfaces to aid in reducing reflective sunlight glare. 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project B-11 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX B: AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES ■ 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 is the main project feature that will receive the "full" CSS treatments described above because it is a permanent project element. Temporary project elements will also receive "limited" CSS architectural treatments as described below: ■ Apply texture to concrete surfaces to reduce apparent scale and to blend with other elements within the corridor. ■ Darken concrete surfaces to lessen reflective sunlight glare and apparent reduction of scale. The full CSS treatments will be applied during future Master Plan phases for the overall 1-405 corridor. 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. Mitigation banking is one early -action approach identified in the 1-405 Corridor Program NEPA/SEPA Final Environmental Impact Statement and the project 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 agency representatives to create What is a mitigation bank? mitigation that specifically contributes aquatic ecosystem functions A mitigation bank site is a property that are lacking in the local watershed while providing safe, high- purchased and developed by a quality wildlife habitat away from the dangers of a roadside location. public agency or utility to earn This approach will be used as the wetland mitigation for unavoidable credits to compensate for adverse effects to wetlands due to effects to wetlands within the Bank service area. Therefore, the 1.66 development activities of other acres of permanent effects to wetlands for the Renton Nickel agencies, utilities, or in specific Improvement Project will be compensated for with credits from the instances, private sector Bank. developers. Credits are generated The mitigation ratios that will be used to compensate for effects to through the restoration, creation, and/or enhancement of wetlands. wetlands at the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank have been designed to meet the "no net loss" guidance. B-12 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Appendix C AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 23 August 2005 Ms. Leslie Betlach, Director, City of Renton Parks Division 1055 South Grady Way Renton WA 98055 RE: Springbrook Trail, Renton Consultation Summary Dear Ms. Betlach: 600 —10811 Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 RECEIVED JAN 3 0 2006 URBAN CORRID02S OFFICE The 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project will build an additional lane northbound and southbound on 1-405 from 1-5 to SR 169. Several bridges within the project area will be widened or replaced based on their cost, life expectancy, and existing soil conditions. To construct the new lanes, the project will replace Springbrook Creek Side Channel Bridge and Oakesdale Avenue Bridge with a single structure. These two bridges currently span the creek, Springbrook Trail, and Oakesdale Avenue. This letter summarizes the consultation between Leslie Betlach, Director, Parks Division, and Linda Osborn, IA05 Project Team concerning the construction effects on Springbrook Trail. During the consultation, it was confirmed that the trail under the highway and for a distance of about 300 feet 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 detour. The detour will extend from SW Grady Way to a point just south of SW 161h Street on the sidewalk and road edge of Oakesdale Avenue SW. WSDOT will fully restore the trail following construction. The alignment of the restored trail may be shifted slightly west to avoid the placement of the northernmost bridge pier. This shift will only be in the proximity of the pier and will not affect the rest of the trail alignment. The 1405 Project Team completed a Section 4(f) Evaluation for Springbrook Trail. We prepared the evaluation based on guidance contained within the FHWA Section 4(f) Policy Paper issued March 1, 2005; Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 771.135 (Section 4(f)); and the WSDOT Environmental Procedures Manual published in September 2004. This evaluation concluded that the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not require acquisition of land from this trail; will not impose any adverse temporary effects; and will create no constructive use effects at Springbrook Trail. The envisioned temporary occupancy does not constitute a "use" because the closure will be temporary and over a shorter duration than the construction of the full project and an acceptable detour for trail users will be in place while a portion of the Springbrook Trail is closed. This was discussed and agreed on during the consultation on August 18, 2005. Submitted by, AMA U0�� Allison Ray 1-405 Project Environmental Manager Washington state O, Department of Transportatlan Renton Parks Division Concurrence: Signature Date Leslie Betlach, Director, Renton Parks Division C:IWSDOT Urban GorridorsV405 4F ProjecfslRenfon NkkeABeUach 9-12-2005 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE. STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1063 5, Capitol Way, Suite 106 - Olympia, Washington 98501 Mailing address, PO Box 48343 • Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-3065 - Fax Number (360) 586-3067 • Wabsite; www.dahp.wa.gov Ms. Connit Walker Gray Cultural Resource Specialist Washington State Department of Transportation Northwest Washington Division Urban Corridors Office 401 Second Avenue South, Suite 560 Seattle, Washington 98104-3850 In future correspondence please refer to: Log: 021505-02-FHWA Property: I-405 Renton South Nickel Project Re: Archaeology - No Historic Properties Dear Ms, 'Walker Gray: January 6, 2006 —' IlOC�i�li :. ' CONTROL JAN Project NO- �_--- ----�� File No nnntroi Thank you you for contacting our office and providing a copy of the cultural resources discipline report tntided,1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement I-5 to SR 169: Cultural Resources Discipline Report. We concur with your professional recommendations and your finding of No Historic Properties Effected regarding archaeological resources within the APE, We also agree with your determination that the project will have no adverse affect on the Renton CoalMine Hoist Foundation (45KJ211), the Renton Substation of the Suoqualmie Falls Power Company (45KI74), the Renton Fire Station (45KI209), or the Columbia and Puget Sound Railroad (45K1538). We would appreciate receiving any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CPR$0DA(a)(4). These comments are based on the information available at the lime of this review and on the behalf of the State Historic Preservation Off"iccr in conformance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations 36CFR800, Should additional information become available, ouf assessment may be revised. In the event that archaeological or historic materials are discovered during project activities, work in the immediate vicinity must stop, the area secured, and this office and the concerned tribes notified. Sincerely, Matthew Sterner, M-A., RPA Transportation Archaeologist (360) 586-3082 rnarthew.stemer@dahp.wa.gov Post-i!® Fax Note 7671 Dale pages � To L Fri codoepi. Co. 1 Phone It Phone # Fax N C •' J Fax H APARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY $ HISTQRIC PRESERVATION Prorecf fhe Fusl, Shone the Future C-2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE VFAT8 p� ``E,,- EI Y ED a= OCT 5 — 2005 y ,889 °Y URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE STATE OF WASHINGTON Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1063 S. Capitol Way, Suite 106 • PO Box 48343 • Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-3065 • fax Number (360) 586-3067 September 13, 2005 Ms. Connie Walker Gray Cultural Resource Specialist Washington State Department of Transportation Northwest Washington Division Urban Corridors Office 401 Second Avenue South, Suite 560 Seattle, Washington 98104-3850 In future correspondence please refer to: Log: 021505-02-FHW A Property: 1405 Renton South Nickel Project Re: Three non -eligible properties 400 Cedar St.; 415 Cedar St.; 435 Cedar St. Dear Ms. Walker Gray: Thank you for contacting the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The above referenced properties have been reviewed on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer under provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) and 36 CFR Part 800. My review is based upon documentation contained in your communication. Research indicates that the above referenced properties are not currently listed in the Washington Heritage Register or National Register of Historic Places. The referenced properties are ,NOT ELIGEBLE for the National Register of Historic Places under criterion C. As a result of this finding, further contact with DAHP is not necessary. However, if additional information on the property becomes available, or if any archaeological resources are uncovered during construction, please halt work in the area of discovery and contact the appropriate Native American Tribes and DAHP for further consultation. Please note that DAHP requires that all historic property inventory and archaeological site forms be provided to our office electronically. If you have not registered for a copy of the database, please log onto our website at www.dahp.wa.gov and go to the Survey/Inventory page for more information and a registration form. Also note that DAHP has developed a set of cultural resource reporting guidelines. You can obtain a copy from our website. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment. Should you have any questions, please contact me. Sincerely, "Russell Holter Project Compliance Reviewer 360-586-3533 Y'•:.OEPARTMENT OF ARCNAQOLOCsY 8 HISTORIO PRESERVATION 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE This page intentionally blank. C-4 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE .. Washington State Department of Transportation Douglas S. MacDonald Secretary of Transportation August 1, 2005 Aliyson Brooks, Ph.D. State Historic Preservation Officer Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1063 S. Capital Way, Suite 106 Olympia, NVA 98504-8343 MS-48343 Re: 1-405 South .Renton, .Log Number 021505-02-FHWA Revised Determination of Eligibility Forms Dear Dr. Brooks: Northwest Washington Division Lima;; Corridors Office 401 Second Avenue South, Suite 560 Seattle, WA 58;04-3050 206-464-1220; Fax 206-464- ,190 TTY: 1-800-833-6388 wVwi.vssdat.xa.gov Thank you for your comments (Russell H.olter, June 21, 2005) on the determinations of eligibility for the above referenced Project. As Mr. Hotter requested, I have enclosed for your review revised determinations of eligibility (both hard copies and DAHP Historic Property Inventory Database records) for the following properties: • 400 Cedar Avenue S. • 415 Cedar Avenue S. • 435 Cedar Avenue S. Historical Research Associates (HRA) conducted additional background research, allowing us to better assess potential National Register eligibility of these three resources. Because this area of Renton was developed to support employees of the Denny -Renton Clay & Coal Company, HRA historians examined historic records to determine if a connection exists between these houses and prominent Denny -Renton Clay & Coal Company workers. HRA researchers examined King County property cards, tax assessment rolls, and city directories at the Puget Sound Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives. These records, which contain property -specific information between 1900 and 1970, revealed the names of individuals and companies associated with the properties. Only one house-400 Ceda: Avenue South —was associated with the Denny - Renton Clay & Coal Company tract. However, HRn found no evidence that this resource was associated with significant events or people ��•ithir: this context. Further, based or, more intensive research, HRA concluded that none of the properties appear to be associated with significant people or events in Renton or its surroundings within any other historic context important to the history of the area. In addition, these resources are not important examples that embody distinctive characteristics of an architectural style, do not represent the work of a master architect, and do not possess high artistic value. Therefore, we maintain that these resources are not eligible for listing in the 'ltiabonal Register of Historic Places. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-5 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE To summarize previous correspondence, there are three historic resources within the API?, all of which are listed in the Washington Heritage Register (WHR): the Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45i{174), the Renton Fire Station (45KI209), and the Renton Coat Mine Hoist Foundation (4510211). If you have questions, please call me at 206464-1236, email at gravciw.wsdot.wa:gov. Alternatively, you can reach Allison, Ray, 1405 Environmental Coordinator, at 425.456.8610, email at rayalli�ci),wsdot.wa.goy. Thank you for your continued interest in this project. We look forward to your concurrence on the determinations of eligibility for this project. We respectfully request to hear from you by September 6, 2005. On behalf of FArl- A and WSPOT, we thank you in advance for your time. Sincerely, Connie Walker Gray Cultural Resources Specialist Enclosures Cc: Brad Bowden, HRA Jim Leonard, FHWA urban Projects Manager Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Coordinator C-6 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE sTArg FILE COPY O� v ti �o STATE OF WASHINGTON Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1053 S. Capital Way, Suite 106 a Olympia, Washington 98501 (Mailing Addrass) PO Box 48343 • Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-9065 Fax Number (360) 585,3067 -- June 21, 2005 Data pag°les ,Vs. Connie Walker -Gray Post -its Fax Nate 7671 _ n To f,. From Cultural Resources Specialist ca WSDOT Urban Corridors ca'mepi. ' " Phone 600108th Avenue NE Phone Suite 405 Fax Fax �? Bellevue, WA 98004 In future correspondence please refer to: Log: 021505-02-FHWA . Property. 1405 Renton South Nickel Project Re: Determination of Eligibility Dear Ms. Walker -Gray: Thank you for contacting our office. We have reviewed the materials you provided to our office for the abovementioned project and concur with your professional opinion that the Renton Fire Station and the Renton Substation are eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. We also concur with the determination of eligibilities for 118 of the remaining properties inventoried in the I-405 Renton South Nickel project with the following exceptions: 400 Cedar Avenue S. 415 Cedar Avenue S. 435 Cedar Avenue S. information as to why they should not be considered eligible Please provide this office with additional resources within the project APE. We would appreciate receiving any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CFR800.4(a)(4) and the survey report when it is available. These comments are based on the information available at [he time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations 36CFR800. Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Russell Holter Project Compliance Reviewer (360) 586-3533 russe l lh @ c ted. wa. gov ArNavr,11cTCQr7n RY nFPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-7 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Washington Slate Department of Transportation Douglas S. MacDonald Secretary of l-ransportation 24 May 2005 Mr. Russell Holter Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1063 S. Capital Way, Suite 106 Olympia, WA 98504-8343 MS-48343 Northwest Washington Division Uroar==. Corritlors Office 401 Second Avenue South, Suite 560 Seatiie, WA 38 ; 04-3850 206-464-1220 ! Fax 206-464-1 190 TTY: 1.800-833-6388 WWW-Wsdot.wa.gov Re: I405 South Renton Determinations of Eligibility Forms for Historic Resources, Log Number 021505-02-FHWA Dear Mr_ Halter: Per your request on Tuesday May 10"' 2005,1 am sending printed copies of the I-405 South Renton Determination of Eligibility forms for historic resources. These correspond with the compact disc I sent you on May 2, 2005 that includes OAHP Historic Property Inventory Database forms for all properties within the APE. These forms were prepared by Historical Research Associates (HRA) in March 2005. I hope the hard copies will aid your review. If you have questions, please call me at 206-464-1236, email at grayc(R)wsdot.wa.eov. Alternatively, you can reach Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Coordinator, at 425.456.8610, email at rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov. We look forward to your concurrence on our determinations of eligibility. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you need additional information. Sincerely, tom -fie Walker Gray U Cultural, Resources Specialist Enclosures Cc: Allison Ray,1-405 Environmental Coordinator Jim Leonard, FHWA Urban Projects Manager C-8 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TR►BA►, CORRESPONDENCE Past-!t' fi,._ .. • ._ AdIbIL Wash'r FA Depa DQU0 Secretary 02 May 2005 Allyson Brooks, PhD. State historic Preservation Officer Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1063 S. Capital Way, Suite 106 Olympia, WA 98504-8343 MS-48343 Washington Omsion riders Office id Avenue South, Suite 560 M 98104-3850 4220 1 Fax 206-464.1190 300-833.6388 ;dot.wa.gov Re: 1 405 South .Renton Determinations of Eligibility Forms for Historic Resources, Log Number 021505-02-FHWA Dear Dr. Brooks: I have enclosed for your review a compact disc of Historic Property Inventory Forms for all historic resources located within the APE of the above -referenced project. These forms were prepared by Historical Research Associates (HRA) in March 2005, and have been prepared on the OAHP Historic Property Inventory Database. HRA conducted a windshield survey of all historic resources within the APE, and recorded 123 individual resources. Given the high number of resources, I am requesting your concurrence on our determinations of eligibility for these resources prior to completion of the discipline report. Once we receive your concurrence, HRA will proceed with their evaluation of potential effects on historic resources_ HRA identi fied 119 new resources, none of which were recommended eligible. WSDOT, on behalf of FHWA, concurs with these findings. There are four (4) previously identified historic properties in the APE. Three of these are listed in the Washington Heritage Register (WH R): the Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45KI74), the Renton Fire Station (45KI209), and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation (45KI211). 1223 S_ 3rd Street was identified in a King County survey, and is recommend not eligible. The area within and adjacent to the APE was evaluated as an historic district. We conclude that the Town of Renton/Renton Hill is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because it lacks integrity of design, setting., feeling and association. While there are several historic resources with integrity within this area, the number of 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-9 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE resources with historic integrity within the APF comprises less than 25% of the total number of resources. Historic integrity of the area is compromised by an abundance of modern buildings, including as City Hall, contemporary city and private office buildings, several recent commercial properties, and contemporary light industrial properties dating from the 1960s through the 1990s. The current I-405 right-of-way further diminishes this area's historic integrity by separating the industrial and commercial properties west of the roadway from the residential properties east of the roadway. This will be further discussed in the forthcoming Discipline Report. However, the Renton Hill area (east of 1-405, outside the APE) may meet NRHP eligibility criteria for a historic district. This area is entirely outside of the APE and was not formally evaluated. If you have questions, please call me at 206-464-1236, email at grayc@w0PLw- a.aov_ Alternatively, you can reach Allison Ray,1-405 Environmental Coordinator, at 425,456.8610, email at rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov. We would greatly appreciate a response by June 3, 2005, and we look forward to your concurrence on our determinations of eligibility. Sincerely, Connie Walker Gray Cultural Resources Specialist Enclosures Cc: Allison Ray, T-405 Environmental Coordinator Jim Leonard, FHWA Urban Projects Manager C-10 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE ----Original Message ----- From: Donna Hogerhuis [mailto:donna.hogerhuis@muckleshoot.nsn.us] Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 3:04 PM To: Gray, Connie Subject: RE: Contract 6913, Archaeological Impacts RE: I-405 Nickel Improvement Project, King County WA Request for review of APE This e-mail is in response to your letter dated May 9th regarding the APE for the 1-405 Nickel Improvement Project, King County W.A. Please note my comments to page two of your letter, fourth paragraph. 1. The paragraph implies that where road construction has taken place previously potential sites in this area have been destroyed. I was left with 'a'feeling that further study is not needed along the actual roadbed. This can be misleading as sites can and do exist below areas of fill or construction and if the road bed area is not available for survey work but will be reconstructed (excavation) then a monitor should be present during grubbing activities. 2. Areas to add to "mostly likely to contain archaeological resources" are shoreline areas of water bodies, streams and rivers (existing and historic flows), staging areas and borrow pits. 3. If sites are encountered a there will need to be an MOA /treatment plan proposed for the discovered site. This should be discussed in the APE. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the APE for the 1-405 Nickel Improvement Project. Donna Hogerhuis, Cultural Specialist Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 39015 172nd St SE Auburn WA 98092 donna.hogerhuis@muckleshoot.nsn.us Ph. 253-676-3273 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-11 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE; hob SS�Tp O� o A. � � 3i. w� 4° STATE OF WASHINGTON Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1063 S. Capitol Way, Suite 106.Olympia, Washington 98501 (Mailing Address) PO Box 48343. Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-3M Fax Number (360) 506.3067 February 15, 2005 Ms. Connie Walker -Gray Cultural Resources Specialist WSDOT Urban Corridors 600 108th Avenue NE Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 In future correspondence please refer to: Log: 021505-02-FHWA Property. 1405 Renton South Nickel Project. Re: APE Concurrence Dear Ms. Walker -Gray: 'We have reviewed the materials forwarded to our office for the above referenced project. Thank you for your description of the area of potential effect for the project. We concur with the definition of the APE. However, we would suggest that (at a minimum) the one tax lot rule apply throughout the APE, Therefore, additional areas located between the Duwamish River and BNSF rail corridor should also be included in the APE and subsequently evaluated for cultural resources. We look forward to the results of your cultural resources survey efforts, your consultation with the concerned tribes, and receiving the survey report. A cursory survey of the project area demonstrates the presence of a variety of cultural sites and properties both inside and adjacent to the APE. We would appreciate receiving any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CFR800.4(a)(4) and the survey report When it.is available. These comments are based on the information available at the time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer in conformance with Section 106 .of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations 36CFR800. Should additional information become available, our assessment may be revised. Please note that as of July 1, 2005, OAHP will be requiring the use of OAHP Archaeology Site Forms for all archaeological survey projects. You can obtain a copy of the Axchaeology Site form from our website at www.oahp.wa.gov. Also note that as of January 1, 2005, OAHP requires that all historic property inventory forms provided to our office be submitted in an electronic version using the Historic Property Inventory Database, Sincerely, Russell Holter Project Compliance Reviewer (360) 586-3533 russellb@cted.wa.gov ADMINISTERED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT C-12 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL. CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Project5 February 1], 2004 ,Dr. Allyson Brooks State Historic Preservation Officer 1063 S. Capital W ay,, Suite 106 PO Box 48343 Olympia, WA 48504-8343 Mr_ Craig Holstine Washington State Department of Transportation Environmental Services Office PO Box 47332 Olympia, WA 98504-7332 .RE: FHWA/WSDOT 1-405 Area of potential Effects Determination Dear Dr. Brooks: 1-405 Project Temporary Location 600 — t De Avenue NE, Suite 320 Bellevue, WA 98004 Fax: 425-453-4M Pursuant to compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations 36CFR800, the Federal Highway Administration (MMA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are beginning consultation and cultural resource studies for the 1-405 Congestion Relief and Bus Rapid Transit Projects. There will be four projects in all including the North Renton., South Renton, Kirkland, and Bellevue segments. FHWAMSDOT have contracted with Historical Research Associates Inc., (PIRA) to conduct the cultural resource work. In consultation with WSDOT, the staff at HRA, has reviewed the development plans for the proyects to recommend an Area Of Potential Effects (APE) for archaeological and historic structures survey. For archaeology, HRA recommends that the APE be. limited to the extent of ground disturbance resulting from construction activities. The area of ground disturbance for these projects will equal 100 feet either side of the 1.405 roadway, as well as locations for ramps, interchanges, temporary construction areas, and other features. As FHWA/WSDOT foresees no disturbance to the ground surface outside of this allowance HRA feels that impacts to potential cultural resources will be confined to this area. Previous construction, including filling and banking, of the existing 1405 roadway may have already impacted some areas within 100 feet of the roadway. The archaeological investigations will be focused upon High Probability Areas (HPAs), dcfined in the project's Programmatic EIS as "areas adjacent to water courses or lakes". The Washington state Ar-xaPtbntknt.al.TraesttonsUon.- 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-13 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Programmatic VS identifies only the most significant and sensitive HPAs within the project corridor however, smaller streams, creeks and lakes will also be considered for investigation. HRA archaeologists will conduct a pedestrian survey of li?As spaced at transects no wider than 20-meter intervals. Shovel scrapes to expose mineral soil and auger or sbovel probes in alluvial areas considered highly sensitive for the potential presence of subsurface archaeological remains will be conducted at the discretion of the archaeological field uipervisor. The survey will take into account historical changes to the APE such as rerouting of streams. For historic structure survey, HRA recommends an APE limited to one city block either side of the right -of --way. In areas where there is considerable open space bttween the existing highway and adjacent buildings, the APE will include buildings and structures adjacent to this open space. This will assure that historic resources proximate to the right-of-way are surveyed. Given the. existing presence of an interstate highway in the project area and WSDOTs plans to 11- mit the proposed improvements to an area within 1()o feet of either side of the existing roadway, we believe that this APE will encompass any historic buildings or structures with the potential to be affected by the proposed improvements. Alex Maass, of Historical Research Associates Inc., will contact your office next week to discuss our proposed APE with you. On bcbalf of FWHA and WSDOT, we thank you in advance for your time, and look forward to talking with you. Sincerely. iCraig St e Project Director Washington State Department of Transportation Enc1. Project Map CC: Greg Griffith Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer CC: Christina Martinez 11105 Environmental Lead CC- honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Tribe C-14 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE CC; Laura Murphy Archaeologist, Muckicshoot Tribe CC: The Honorable Cecile Hansen, Chair Duwamish Tribe CC: The Honorable Herman A. Williams, Jr. Chair, Tulalip Tribe CC: Hank Gobin Cultural Resources Manam 'Nlalip Tribe CC; Honorable %nnie I Armstrong, Chair Suquamish Tribe CC: Charlie Sigo, Cultural Resources Specialist, Suquatnish Tribe CC: Honorable Joseph 0. Mullen, Chair Snoqualmie Tribe CC: Alex Maas, Project Archaeologist Historical Research Associates, Inc. CC: I-405 Project File 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-15 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE This page intentionally blank. C-16 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Karen Walter Honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Tribe 39015 172"d Avenue SE Auburn, WA 98092-9763 RE: Consultation for 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Daniels: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The 1-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north frorn its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between I-405 and the SW 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. V' W—hilt.. Stele Department of Transportation 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-17 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE. Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-$610 or rali�a?wsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or aravcQ)wsdot.wa.eov. Sincerely, �6'9 Allison Ray I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108`i' Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT AIW Mw—hing — sf.f. , "p=—t of T--Po If.. C-18 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — t08th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 February 8, 2005 Honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Tribe 39015 172D1 Ave SE Auburn, WA 98092 RE: Consultation for 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Daniels: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington, State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The 1405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the S W 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4)..Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. Washington state •, Department of T-portatlon 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-19 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief 6 Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identi fving key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact meat (425) 456-8610 or rayalli a.` sdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or grayc()wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Allison Ray 1-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 1081h Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen. Jollie, WSDOT r.. we,nington 3t,tn �� Dap,rtment of han,portatlon C-20 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Laura Murphy Honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Tribe 39015 172"d Avenue SE Auburn, WA 98092-9763 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Daniels: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning _. Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the SW 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. Amok Waeh�ngton wr stet. Department of T—ponmf— I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-21 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Sus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NF, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or ra alli(awsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or Qravcl'7u.wsdot.wa.P-ov. Sincerely, ,P \ " V�?Vvr Allison Ray I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108`I' Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT Waahington State , wDeportment of Trennportatlon C-22 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Donna Hogerhuis Honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Tribe 39015 172nd Avenue SE Auburn, WA 98092-9763 RE: Consultation for 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Daniels: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR t67 between I-405 and the SW 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. .. 1' Washington stato gap-t...t of Traneport.t1- 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Environmental Assessment I October 2006 C-23 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in. this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or Myalli@._wsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or gravc(&wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Allison Ray I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108`hAve NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT T "a"MOWashington state-„ par<mnM o1 7rannpartallon C-24 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Reliet S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 Honorable Joseph O. Mullen, Chair Snoqualmie Indian Tribe PO Box 280 Carnation, WA 98014 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Mullen: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The 1-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: a One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 a One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between i-405 and the SW 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4)..Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. G nn -/' ment 0o/ Trena Ka/Ion 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-25 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit projects 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging ,your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or ravalli(a)wsdot.wa,gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or grayc(w-wsdot.wa. ov. Sincerely, Rr� Allison Ray 1-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108t1i Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT ... wa:n>�to„ scare �� bepamnent of TMnsportallon C-26 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 108th Avenue. NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 February 8, 2005 Honorable Cecile Hansen, Chair Duwamish Tribe 4117 West Marginal Way SW Seattle, WA 98106 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Hansen: The Federal Highway Administration (.FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from. SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 1.67 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between I-405 and the SW 4 1 " Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSOOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process anchor undertaking. Weehington Stata Departmant of Trnnaportatlon 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-27 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief &Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with ,your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or rayallirwsdot.wa.Mov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or grayc( wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Allison Ray I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108'h Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT low State ', Waahkoepnrt-tment o} Tranapoltatlon C-28 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 - 108th Avenue Ng, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 Honorable JerryVleninick, Chair Yakama Tribe PO Box 151 Toppenish, WA 98948 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Meninick: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to 1- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between I-405 and the SW 4 1 " Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, ,you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. AWA TrWashington State Dopo,t-t of Trnnaportatlon 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-29 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or rayalli(cr),wsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section t06 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or grayc@wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, �V�(JV�AA� Allison Ray 1-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108lh Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT T0* n'ptott State DapaRment of Transportation C-30 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004' Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Johnson Meninick _ Honorable Jerry Meninick, Chair Yakama Tribe PO Box 151 Toppenish, WA 98948 RE: Consultation for 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Meninick: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County, The 1-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the SW 41"Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. �, W P*.h4 gton State Department of haneportatnon 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-31 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Sus Rapid Transit Projects 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or rayailiC;wsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or ayc(d)wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Allison Ray I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108`h Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jolliet WSDOT A., r W—hlnW— Stole �Dop.n.-M of TranapoAotlon C-32 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE. Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Moses Dick Squeochs Honorable Jerry Meninick, Chair Yakama Tribe PO Box 151. Toppenish, WA 98948 RE: Consultation for 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Meninick: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDDT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The 1-405 Renton Mickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to 1- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 1.67 between I-405 and the SW 41s°Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDDT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. Alft Wesaington Stata �� epertmont of T—spottatloe 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-33 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief 5 Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 —108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects, Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or ravaili ,wsdot.wa.gov. If you have any questionsabout the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or Uayc(a�wsdot.wa.p,ov. Sincerely, AIlison RaV?wr I-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108a' Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT look sshfngton state W D p-tm t of T—port tt.. C-34 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestfon Relief 6 Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425456-9600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Ian Kanair Honorable Joseph O: Mullen, Chair Snoqualmie_Indian Tribe PO Box 280 Carnation, WA 98014 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Mullen: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDDT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between I-405 and the SW 41" Street off -ramp. To ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. AML vir W—hWat.. stet. D.partm t of Tr "wnatlon 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-35 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or rayallj(a-);wsdot.wa V . If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or graycQwsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Allison Ray l 1-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108'h Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jolliet WSDOT oTr Wa�hington f W' O�partmanf of AttaportBflon C-36 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Retief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425456-8500 Fax 425456-8600 February 8, 2005 ATTN: Kellie .D. Kvasnikoff Honorable Joseph O. Mullen, Chair Snoqualmie Indian Tribe PO Box 280 Carnation, WA 98014 RE: Consultation for I405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Dear Chairperson Mullen: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document the environmental consequences and possible mitigation measures for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project within the existing Interstate 405 corridor located in Renton and King County. The I-405 Renton Nickel Project includes the following: • One new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • One new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 • Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning Additional highway improvements being studied in the environmental assessment include one new southbound lane from 'SR 181 to I- 5 and an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between I-405 and the SW 4 1 " Street off -ramp - TO ensure that we take into account the effects of this undertaking on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the WSDOT is initiating formal Section 106 consultation pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4). Recognizing the government -to - government relationship that the FHWA has with the tribe, they will continue to play a key role in this undertaking as the responsible Federal agency. However, since the WSODT has been delegated the authority from FHWA to initiate consultation and we will be directly managing the cultural resources studies and carrying out this undertaking, you may contact us for assistance with the process and/or undertaking. w �rW.W.9t— state D.P.ft—t at Ts portauoa 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-37 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 Your response to this letter, acknowledging your interest in participating in this undertaking as a consulting party and identifying key tribal contacts, would be greatly appreciated. Please provide a response by March 9, 2005, and please provide us with your comments on the area of potential effects. Should you have any questions about this project, you may contact me at (425) 456-8610 or rayallita'�,wsdot.wa goy. If you have any questions about the Section 106 process, you may contact Connie Gray at 206- 464-1236 or grayc@wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Per �W��Vr Allison Ray 1-405 Renton Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 600 108`h Ave NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Enclosure cc: Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Office Jim Leonard, Federal Highway administration Connie Gray, WSDOT Colleen Jollie, WSDOT Aft Washington State 7, Dapartt= of 7ranap-tatlon C-38 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Prcl;- tr 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 . ° , 1 V December 16, 2005 4. Honorable Cecile Hansen, Chair Duwamish Tribe j 4717 West Marginal Way SW Seattle, WA 98106 RE: 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, King County — Cultural Resource Discipline Report Dear Chair Hansen: Per provisions of 36CFR800, we are continuing consultation for the above project. Enclosed please find a copy of the Cultural Resource Discipline Report (dated November 2005), which summarizes the cultural resources assessment conducted by Historical Research Associates, Inc. (HRA) for the above project. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project includes a8 areas of ground disturbance —including demolition, construction, staging, equipment storage locations, stormwater management facilities, and wetland and stream mitigation sites —as well as one additional parcel on either side of the 1-405 corridor outside of the ground disturbance area. Investigations included primary and secondary source background research, reconnaissance survey, subsurface archaeological investigations, and recordation of all historic resources 50 years old and older. As noted in the report, HRA encountered no archaeological resources as a result of this investigation. There was one recorded archaeological site (451<I6) within the APE, which was a shell midden near the Green River. This site was destroyed during the construction of the 1-405/SR 181 interchange in the late 1960's. HRA did identify four Washington Historic Register (WHR'}listed sites within the project APE. One of these resources, the Renton Fire Station/Renton Historical Museum, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The remaining WHR-listed resources —the Columbia and Puget Sound Rail Road and Trestle (45K1538), Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45K174), and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation (45K1211) have been determined not eligible for listing in the NRHP. In addition to these previously -recorded resources, HRA identified, surveyed, and inventoried 118 resources constructed before 1956. None of the newly recorded resources are NRHP-eligible. Further, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have an effect, either direct or indirect, on historic properties. .... j 4Vashlagton state IF DOPWti o tat Tnn—ortaiian 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-39 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Page 2 December 16, 2005 If you have knowledge of traditional cultural properties in or near the proposed project area, or should you have comments or questions regarding the project, you may contact me at 425.456.8610 or rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov, or you may reach Connie Walker -Gray, UCO's Cultural Resources Specialist at 206.464.1236 or GrayC@wsdot.wa.gov by no later than January 17, 2006. Sincerely, Allison Ray 1-405 Corridor Environmental Manager Enclosure cc; Jim Leonard, FHWA Connie Walker Gray, WSDOT - UCO Colleen Jollie, WSDOT Matthew Sterner, DAHP AW wa,mnyton state �'p Department of T-pertatw C-40 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Corngestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Protects 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 -Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 December 16, 2005 Honorable John Daniels Jr., Chair Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 39015 172"d Avenue SE Auburn, WA 98092 RE: 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, King County - Cultural Resource Discipline Report Dear Chair Daniels: Per provisions of 36CFR800, we are continuing consultation for the above project. Enclosed please find a copy of the Cultural Resource Discipline Report (dated November 2005), which summarizes the cultural resources assessment conducted by Historical Research Associates, Inc. (HRA) for the above project. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project includes all areas of ground disturbance —including demolition, construction, staging, equipment storage locations, stormwater management facilities, and wetland and stream mitigation sites —as well as one additional parcel on either side of the 1-405 corridor outside of the ground disturbance area. Investigations included primary and secondary source background research, reconnaissance survey, subsurface archaeological investigations, and recordation of all historic resources 50 years old and older. As noted in the report, HRA encountered no archaeological resources as a result of this investigation. There was one recorded archaeological site (45KI6) within the APE, which was a shell midden near the Green River. This site was destroyed during the construction of the 1-405/SR 181 interchange in the late 1960's. HRA did identify four Washington Historic Register (WHR)-listed sites within the project APE. One of these resources, the Renton Fire Station/Renton Historical Museum, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The remaining WHR-listed resources —the Columbia and Puget Sound Rail Road and Trestle (45KI538), Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45K174), and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation (45K1211)— have been determined not eligible for listing in the NRHP. In addition to these previously -recorded resources. HRA identified, surveyed, and inventoried 118 resources constructed before 1956. None of the newly recorded resources are NRHP-eiigible. Further, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have an effect, either direct or indirect, on historic properties. .9111� Washington State �� nepartrnon! of Tnrtaportnrion 11-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-41 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Page 2 December 16, 2005 If you have knowledge of traditional cultural properties in or near the proposed project area, or should you have comments or questions regarding the project, you may contact me at 425.456.8610 or rayaili@wsdot.wa.gov, or you may reach Connie Walker -Gray, UCO's Cultural Resources Specialist at 206.464.1236 or GrayC@wsdot.wa.gov by no later than January 17, 2006. Sincerely, Allison Ray 1-405 Corridor Environmental Manager Enclosure cc: Laura Murphy, Cultural Resources (Attachment) Jim Leonard, FHWA Connie Walker Gray, WSDOT - UCO Colleen Joilie Matthew Sterner, DAHP 'WaaMngton Sta[s C-42 1405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 December 16, 2005 Honorable Bill Sweet, Chair Snoqualmie Tribe PO Box 280 Carnation, WA.98014 RE: 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, King County - Cultural Resource Discipline Report Dear Chair Sweet: Per provisions of 36CFR800, we are continuing consultation for the above project. Enclosed please find a copy of the Cultural Resource Discipline Report (dated November 2005), which summarizes the cultural resources assessment conducted by Historical Research Associates, Inc. (HRA) for the above project. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project includes all areas of ground disturbance —including demolition, construction, staging, equipment storage locations, stormwater management facilities, and wetland and stream mitigation sites —as well as one additional parcel on either side of the 1-405 corridor outside of the ground disturbance area. Investigations included primary and secondary source background research, reconnaissance survey, subsurface archaeological investigations, and recordation of all historic resources 50 years old and older. As noted in the report, HRA encountered no archaeological resources as a result of this investigation. There was one recorded archaeological site (45KI6) within the APE, which was a shell midden near the Green River. This site was destroyed during the construction of the 1-405/SR 181 interchange in the late 1960's. HRA did identify four Washington Historic Register (WHR)-listed sites within the project APE. One of these resources, the Renton Fire Station/Renton Historical Museum, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The remaining WHR-listed resources —the Columbia and Puget Sound Rail Road and Trestle (45KI538), Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45KI74), and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation (45KI211)— have been determined not eligible for listing in the NRHP. In addition to these previously -recorded resources, HRA identified, surveyed, and inventoried 118 resources constructed before 1956. None of the newly recorded resources are NRHP-eligible. Further, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have an effect, either direct or indirect, on historic properties. DeaSte to oepaftmw.—t t oT Transportation 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-43 Environmental Assessment j October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Page 2 December 16, 2005 If you have knowledge of traditional cultural properties in or near the proposed project area, or should you have comments or questions regarding the project, you may contact me at 425.456.8610 or rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov, or you may reach Connie Walker -Gray, UCO's Cultural Resources Specialist at 206.464.1236 or GrayC@wsdot.wa.gov by no later than January 17, 2006. Sincerely, Allison Ray 1-405 Corridor Environmental Manager Enclosure cc: Kellie. Kvasnikoff, Cultural Resources (Attachment) Jim Leonard, FHWA Connie Walker Gray, WSDOT - UCO Colleen Jollie, WSDOT Matthew Sterner, DAHP .. Department of Sranaportation C-44 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Congestion Relief d Bus Rapid Transit Projects 600 — 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Main 425-456-8500 Fax 425-456-8600 December 16, 2005 Honorable Ross Sockzehigh, Chair Yakama Nation PO Box 151 Toppenish, WA 98948 RE: 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project, King County — Cultural Resource Discipline Report Dear Chair Sockzehigh: Per provisions of 36CFR800, we are continuing consultation for the above project. Enclosed please find a copy of the Cultural Resource Discipline Report (dated November 2005), which summarizes the cultural resources assessment conducted by Historical Research Associates, Inc. (HRA) for the above project. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project includes all areas of ground disturbance —including demolition, construction, staging, equipment storage locations, stormwater management facilities, and wetland and stream mitigation sites —as well as one additional parcel on either side of the 1-405 corridor outside of the ground disturbance area. Investigations included primary and secondary source background research, reconnaissance survey, subsurface archaeological investigations, and recordation of all historic resources 50 years old and older. As noted in the report, HRA encountered no archaeological resources as a result of this investigation. There was one recorded archaeological site (451<I6) within the APE, which was a shell midden near the Green River. This site was destroyed during the construction of the 1-405/SR 181 interchange in the late 1960's. HRA did identify four Washington Historic Register (WHR)-listed sites within the project APE. One of these resources, the Renton Fire Station/Renton Historical Museum, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The remaining WHR-listed resources —the Columbia and Puget Sound Rail Road and Trestle (45K1538), Renton Substation of the Snoqualmie Falls Power Company (45KI74), and the Renton Coal Mine Hoist Foundation (45K1211 }— have been determined not eligible for listing in the NRHP. In addition to these previously -recorded resources, HRA identified, surveyed, and inventoried 118 resources constructed before 1956. None of the newly recorded resources are NRHP-eligible. Further, the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not have an effect, either direct or indirect, on historic properties. �/.. Washington State `rAlp Deparhnant M Transportation 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project C-45 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 APPENDIX C: AGENCY AND TRIBAL CORRESPONDENCE Page 2 December 16, 2005 If you have knowledge of traditional cultural properties in or near the proposed project area, or should you have comments or questions regarding the project, you may contact me at 425.456.8610 or rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov, or you may reach Connie Walker -Gray, UCO's Cultural Resources Specialist at 206.464.1236 or GrayC@wsdot.wa.gov by no later than January 17, 2006, Sincerely, Allison Ray 1-405 Corridor Environmental Manager Enclosure cc: Johnson Meninick, Cultural Resources (Attachment) Jim Leonard, FHWA Connie Walker Gray, WSDOT - UCO Colleen Jollie, WSDOT Matthew Sterner, DAHP 'rT Nt9tun fa,f '7�� par trncr�4 Of 'i nnspwtrfion C-46 1 405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment Appendix D PROJECT BENEFITS What benefits will the project provide? The Build Alternative will benefit the area by reducing congestion at chokepoints, reducing the duration of congestion during peak commuter travel hours, and improving freight movement. This section of 1-405, from the 1-5 interchange to the SR 169 interchange, is congested due to large traffic volumes and merging and diverging traffic. The new lanes will help relieve congestion and improve safety by providing motorists with more time and extra room to accelerate or decelerate and move into and out of the stream of traffic when getting on and off the freeway. This provides a smoother transition for motorists getting on and off 1-405 in Tukwila and Renton and helps decrease rear -end and sideswipe collisions. The project reduces congestion approaching the SR 167 interchange and it complements the completed southbound 1-405 to southbound SR 167 flyover ramp. This project will construct one noise wall along South 14th Street from the intersection of South 14th Street and South 15th Street east to Talbot Road. This wall will benefit residents in that area by lowering noise levels. Another benefit of this project is that it continues the application of the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) design choices made by the communities within the 1-405 corridor. The Benson Road Bridge realignment over 1-405 will reflect the application of these design choices as explained in Chapter 4. Appendix D Project Benefits I-405 SOUTHBOUND AMM Existing 4z� 9 Proposed The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will add a lane in both directions. In particular, the new lane will relieve the heavy congestion experienced on 1-405 southbound between SR 169 and the SR 167 interchanges. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project D-1 Environmental Assessment I October 2006 Appendix E MOBILE SOURCE AIR TOXICS Appendix E Mobile Source Air Toxics April 25, 2006 To: Karen Comings, 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project From: Ginette Lalonde, Parsons Brinckerhoff Subject: 1-405 — Mobile Source Air Toxics Qualitative Analysis Mobile Source Air Toxics On February 3, 2006 FHWA released interim Guidance on Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) analysis in NEPA documents. This guidance is interim because MSAT science is still evolving. Currently, EPA has not established regulatory concentration targets for relevant MSAT pollutants appropriate for use in the project development process. The 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project build alternative would have an average annual daily traffic capacity 7% higher than the predicted no build alternative and it is unlikely to substantially increase MSAT emissions. Therefore, analysts conducted a qualitative assessment of MSAT emissions projection. Background The Clean Air Act identified 188 air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has assessed this expansive list of toxics and identified a group of 21 as mobile source air toxics, which are set forth in an EPA final rule, Control of Emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources (66 FR 17235). The EPA also extracted a subset of this list of 21 that it now labels as the six priority MSATs. These are benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, diesel particulate matter/diesel exhaust organic gases, acrolein, and 1,3-butadiene. The EPA issued a Final Rule on Controlling Emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources (EPA 2001). This rule was issued under the authority in Section 202 of the Clean Air Act. In its rule, EPA examined the impacts of existing and newly promulgated mobile source control programs, including its reformulated gasoline (RFG) program, its national low emission vehicle (NLEV) standards, its Tier 2 motor vehicle emissions standards and gasoline sulfur control requirements, and its proposed heavy duty engine and vehicle standards and on -highway diesel fuel sulfur control requirements. The EPA is in the process of assessing the risks of various kinds of exposures to these pollutants. The EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is a database of human health effects that may result from exposure to various substances found in the environment. The IRIS database is located at http://www.epa.gov/iris. The following toxicity information for the six prioritized MSATs was taken from the IRIS database Weight of Evidence Characterization summaries. This information is taken verbatim from EPA's IRIS database and represents the Agency's most current evaluations of the potential hazards and toxicology of these chemicals or mixtures. • Benzene is characterized as a known human carcinogen. E-1 I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX E: MOBILE SOURCE AIR Toxics • The potential carcinogenicity of acrolein cannot be determined because the existing data are inadequate for an assessment of human carcinogenic potential for either the oral or inhalation route of exposure. • Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen, based on limited evidence in humans, and sufficient evidence in animals. • 1,3-butadiene is characterized as carcinogenic to humans by inhalation. • Acetaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen based on increased incidence of nasal tumors in male and female rats and laryngeal tumors in male and female hamsters after inhalation exposure. • Diesel exhaust (DE) is likely to be carcinogenic to humans by inhalation from environmental exposures. Diesel exhaust as reviewed in this document is the combination of diesel particulate matter and diesel exhaust organic gases. • Diesel exhaust also represents chronic respiratory effects, possibly the primary noncancer hazard from MSATs. Prolonged exposures may impair pulmonary function and could produce symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, and chronic bronchitis. Exposure relationships have not been developed from these studies. Affected Environment The EPA has issued a number of regulations that will dramatically decrease MSATs through cleaner fuels and cleaner engines. Between 2000 and 2020, FHWA projects that even with a 64 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), these programs will reduce on -highway emissions of benzene, formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, and acetaldehyde by 57 percent to 65 percent, and will reduce on -highway diesel PM emissions by 87 percent, as shown in Exhibit 4-2. E-2 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project October 2006 1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX E: MOBILE SOURCE AIR TOXICs Exhibit 4-2. Mobile Source Air Toxic Emission Trends Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) 6 (trillions/year) DPM+DEOG (-87 %) 3 Formaldehyde (-65 %) Acetaldehyde (-62 %) 1,3-Butadiene (-60%) Acrolein (-63%) 0 2000 Operational Impacts Emissions (tons/year) 200,000 2005 2010 2015 2020 100,000 For the Build Alternative, the amount of MSATs emitted would be proportional to the vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Because the estimated VMT under the Build Alternative is only 7% higher than the No Build Alternative, it is expected there would be no substantial difference in overall MSAT emissions between the alternatives. Also, regardless of the alternative chosen, emissions will likely be lower than present levels in the design year as a result of EPA's national control programs that are projected to reduce MSAT emissions by 57 to 87 percent between 2000 and 2020. Local conditions may differ from these national projections in terms of fleet mix and turnover, VMT growth rates, and local control measures. However, the magnitude of the EPA -projected reductions is so great (even after accounting for VMT growth) that MSAT emissions in the study area are likely to be lower in the future in nearly all cases. References USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation), Federal Highway Administration, 2006. Interim Guidance on Air Toxics Analysis in NEPA documents. Washington D.C. I-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project E-3 Environmental Assessment I October 2006