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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWP273205Congestion Relief & Bus Rapid Transit Projects 1-405, Renton Nickel Improvement Project SCOPING REPORT \ Green\` /e Black River Riparian Forest o \ 7 m Fort \ p Dent Park \ Y S t ' K, T U K W I L A ! ?x) } Cn Q o ` Q � I to m t IQ I I i Miles i AM 0menu of am APR - i 2005 Transportation jIIJ- � \ m om 'r P\ liberty \Park Cedar d River Aj Park P �`S Onset B\-, a \ d� �e \ Y sue\ SW 7th St Gradl Wal / sW R E N T O N SW 16th St tp Cn Cn Panther m 0 o Creek m 0 Wetlands Q v (n J SW 27th St \ L Legend SW 34th St Stream — Trail JLocal Road / Arterial Road SW 41 st St —( — Freeway Waterbody Park 42 Municipality April 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction................................................................................................................................1 1.1. What is scoping?..................................................................................................................1 1.2. How will this document be used?.........................................................................................1 1.3. What is this project's history?..............................................................................................1 1.4. What will this project build?..................................................................................................2 1.5. What is new?....................................................................................................................... 2 2. Public Comments.......................................................................................................................3 2.1. General Comments Applicable to all Projects...................................................................... 3 2.2. Comments Specific to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project........................................11 3. Agency Comments...................................................................................................................17 3.1. General Comments Applicable to all Projects from the Agency Scoping Meeting.............17 3.2. Comments specific to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project from the Agency ScopingMeeting................................................................................................................33 3.3. Comments from the City of Renton Meeting January 31, 2005......................................... 38 3.4. Written Comments Received by Mail from Agencies.........................................................43 Appendices Appendix A Agency Scoping Meeting...................................................................................... A-1 AppendixB Scoping Meeting................................................................................................... B-1 Appendix C Copies of Mailed Comments................................................................................ C-1 Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report i rV1456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS BA Biological Assessment BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway BRT bus rapid transit CSS Context Sensitive Solutions EA Environmental Assessment EEI Early Environmental Investments EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement FHWA Federal Highway Administration FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FTA Federal Transit Agency GIS Geographic Information System GP general-purpose HOT high -occupancy toll HOV high -occupancy vehicle HRM Highway Runoff Manual NB northbound NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NTP Notice to Proceed RFP Request for Proposals ROD Record of Decision SB southbound SEPA State Environmental Policy Act Sound Transit Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority TDM Transportation Demand Management UPRR Union Pacific Railway USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WDFW Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation Renton Nickel Improvement Project ii Scoping Report c\01456\task ftcoping meetings\scoping _final 04011 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. What is scoping? "Scoping" is a term used by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to describe the process of defining content, or scope, of environmental documents. We use scoping to determine what project options should be considered as well as what environmental issues and topics need to be evaluated in the document. Over all, scoping includes identifying the range of proposed actions, environmental elements and effects, and mitigation measures to be analyzed. WSDOT held a scoping meeting for tribes, federal, state, and local agencies during the day on January 25, 2005. WSDOT followed this by holding a scoping meeting for the public on January 27 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two weeks prior to the meetings, WSDOT published a legal notice. The legal notice stated that WSDOT would receive scoping comments through February 10, 2005. In addition to the legal notice, WSDOT sent a newsletter to residences and businesses within the project vicinity, informing them of the scoping meeting and comment deadline. This newsletter included a return postcard that could be cut from the newsletter and mailed to WSDOT with comments on the project. 1.2. How will this document be used? The purpose of this report is to provide the public, tribes, federal, state and local agencies, and WSDOT with information that will help define the content, or scope, of the environmental assessment being prepared for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. To prepare this report, WSDOT reviewed comments from the public and agencies. During the public scoping meeting, the team encouraged the individuals present to provide written scoping comments on forms provided at the meeting or in another format of their choice. WSDOT also spoke with the public and recorded their comments. This report includes responses to both the written and oral public comments received by the project team. At the agency scoping meeting, WSDOT responded orally to comments made during the meeting. 1.3. What is this project's history? WSDOT worked with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit), King County, and local governments to develop strategies to reduce traffic congestion along the Interstate 405 (1-405) corridor. The 1-405 Corridor Program Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) documents these strategies. The selected alternative in the EIS is called the Master Plan, which plans to widen 1-405, and improve mass transit throughout the corridor. Completion of the Master Plan will take place in stages. Sections of the plan will be built as funding becomes available. Sections to be built first are prioritized based on greatest need (i.e., greatest congestion). Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 INTRODUCTION Funding for these early projects comes from the statewide transportation -funding plan called the "nickel package," which was approved by the Washington State Legislature in 2003. The nickel package is funding projects in three critical traffic hotspots along the 1-405 corridor: Renton, Bellevue, and Kirkland. WSDOT will analyze the project components of the 1-405 Master Plan that are specific to the proposed projects. For the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, WSDOT will document their analyses and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA). Information in the Final EIS and other corridor environmental documents will be referenced and incorporated into the EA to the maximum extent possible. Decisions reached in the previous corridor EIS and ROD will not be revisited. In addition, documents will be prepared which support regulatory compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and permitting requirements of other regulatory agencies. 1.4. What will this project build? The 1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project (the project) benefits both 1-405 and SR 167. The project improvements are: ■ Adding a northbound auxiliary lane from SR 181 to SR 167, ■ Adding a southbound auxiliary lane from SR 169 to SR 167, and ■ Extending the SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately one half mile north from its current beginning. Additional highway improvements being studied in the EA are: ■ Adding a southbound auxiliary lane from SR 181 to 1-5, ■ Adding a southbound auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the SW 41st Street off -ramp, and ■ Adding a northbound auxiliary lane from 1-5 to SR 181 (see Section 1.5 below). The project reduces congestion approaching the SR 167 interchange and complements the recently completed southbound 1-405 to southbound SR 167 flyover ramp. Specific project benefits are improved safety, reduced congestion at chokepoints, increased travel speeds during peak commuter travel hours, improved freight movement, and meaningful environmental improvements. 1.5. What is new? Since the time the scoping meeting was held, WSDOT has made an addition to the project. This addition is a northbound auxiliary lane from 1-5 through SR 181. This part of the roadway crosses the Green River, but WSDOT does not plan to widen the bridge here at this time. Because the bridge will not be affected, we do not expect this change to introduce new elements to the scoping presented in this report. For those that would like to comment on this change, comments must be provided to WSDOT no later than April 15, 2005. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 2 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS 2.1. General Comments Applicable to all Projects The following comments have been numbered as PG-1 etc. to provide an easy way to reference between comments. PG stands for Public comments on General issues not specific to one project. Comment PG-1 Commenter: Comment(s): Sheila Dwyer O "Fix 520 bridge to two people in HOV lane." © "Too much money." © "Also, too many employees who work on the roads stand around." Responses: O Thank you for your comment. We will forward your comment to the SR 520 project team. © WSDOT is very interested in finding ways to keep project costs reasonable. If you have suggestions on how to reduce project costs, please contact Colleen Gants at (425) 456-8555. © Construction contractors hired by WSDOT are responsible for independently managing their staff. Employees of these contractors generally work very hard on the projects. A casual observer passing by in a moving vehicle may see employees momentarily standing still, but this does not mean those workers are not performing their job. Comment PG-2 Commenter: Comment(s): Denton Fender O Just do it within budget and on time!" Response: O Thank you for your comment, WSDOT is very focused on keeping projects within budget and on time. Comment PG-3 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O All four of the projects, by the time they are finished, they'll be outmoded or outdated! Just like 1-5 was. " Response: O Thank you for your comment. Project construction is primarily limited by the availability of funding. Funding is available to complete improvements at congestion hotspots. The current plan is using traffic models to forecast out to 2030 to help prioritize projects. The improvements made at these hot spots are the first step forward towards the Master Plan. These initial projects will operate better than if no improvements are made; the projects will not solve all the congestion problems in the corridor. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 3 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-4 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O "'Nickel Project' how dumb do you think the public is about how their money is spent? Very tacky title to place on this project" Response: O Thank you for your comment. The term 'nickel' in the name of these project refers to the funding source for these projects, the legislative action called the 'nickel package.' This funding package is the five cent (nickel) gas tax. WSDOT's motivation in naming the projects 'nickel projects' is to demonstrate where the public's nickel gas tax is being invested. Comment PG-5 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O `You will do what you want no matter what tax payers want. We vote it down and you do it anyway and we all pay for unnecessary items." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Steady population growth in Washington State has created considerable traffic congestion on our freeways. The state legislature has agreed that these projects are necessary and should be funded in order to improve quality of life for Washington residents. Comment PG-6 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O "Please make sure it looks good. No more ugly gray concrete! Use plenty of landscaping and good design! We have to live with this for years. Olympia is a good example." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT is incorporating context sensitive solutions into the Nickel Improvement Projects where appropriate. Context sensitive solutions (CSS) are techniques used to provide a visually pleasing quality to road projects. CSS involves all partners working together to develop transportation facilities that fit with the physical surroundings and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. For more information on context sensitive solutions please see our website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/csd/. Comment PG-7 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O `If you can improve traffic flow without making it worse, I'm all for it. 1 understand it's the "Nickel" project and would hate to see it become the Dime or Quarter project. Things are expensive enough already." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Please see responses to PG-1, PG-2, and PG-3 for other comments on budget and improving traffic. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 4 Scoping Report rA01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-8 Commenter: Comment(s): Renee Such O "You are always cutting more roads. It's like a cancer- the more you cut, the more cars come. We need to educate about fewer car trips, car-pooling, and use mass transit. The roads are ruining our environment." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The 1-405 Master Plan includes multi -modal, balanced investments, which include Transportation Demand Management (TDM), managed lanes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and bike and pedestrian facilities and is documented in the 1-405 Corridor Program Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is the first step toward the Master Plan. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will invest in TDM. A key principle to TDM is educating single occupancy drivers that they have options to driving alone. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will implement TDM measures during construction and will extend the HOV lane along SR 167 to complement the available HOV lanes for carpools, vanpools, and transit. Comment PG-9 Commenter: Comment(s): Curtis D. Tatro O `It's time to stop putting band -aids on our interstates when people are taking parallel roads to avoid freeway back-ups, it tells you there are not enough lanes. Instead of adding one, 405 should be 6 lanes north and south, SR167 should be 4 each way plus HOV - LOOK AHEAD!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. Project construction is primarily limited by the availability of funding. The ultimate vision or Master Plan addresses congestion relief to the year 2030. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is the first, fully funded step toward the ultimate vision for the 1-405 corridor. The 1-405 'Record of Decision' recommended a balanced multi -modal approach to resolving transportation issues along the 1-405 corridor. As recommended, improving current HOV facilities, introducing a BRT system, and adding general-purpose lanes for single occupant vehicles will be incorporated into the 1-405 corridor as the Master Plan is implemented. Comment PG-10 Commenter: Comment(s): Jack Pearson O "1-405 should have two more lanes added in each direction. HOV lanes should be eliminated. This will stop the "stop and go" traffic at rush hour and reduce air pollution." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The 1-405 Master Plan will add at least two lanes in each direction along the length of the 1-405 corridor. The Nickel Improvement Projects are a first step toward implementing the master plan. The 1-405 'Record of Decision' recommended a balanced multi -modal approach, including HOV facilities, to resolve transportation issues along the 1-405 corridor. HOV lanes move more people than general-purpose lanes and therefore provide transportation alternatives for those people willing to carpool, vanpool, and use mass transit. By encouraging transit, carpools, and vanpools, fewer cars use the road and more traffic travels at higher speeds, therefore less air pollution is generated. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 5 r:\01456\task 6\sooping meedngs\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-11 Commenter: Comment(s): Marcia Smith O "The 'on' ramps and 'off are designed poorly — not enough time! It's a wonder there aren't more deaths because of this. If new ones are added, this should be taken into consideration." Response: O Thank you for your comment. New on -ramps or off -ramps planned as part of the Nickel Improvement Projects will be designed to current standards, and past accident records will be reviewed and safety improvements will be made wherever feasible and required. For the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, some improvements will be to add auxiliary lanes that begin with a dedicated on -ramp or end in a dedicated off -ramp. These lanes will allow traffic entering the freeway more time to accelerate and traffic exiting the freeway more time to decelerate outside of the through lanes. Comment PG-12 Commenter: Comment(s): N. Alexander O 'I don't see why you won't put your time money and energy in the monorail project. This is what the voters want. Since I live in south Seattle area, I'm not interested in these projects. I am ONLY interested in Monorail that will serve this area. Your projects are only piecemeal efforts to our traffic problems. Monorail is the answer. Current system is and has not been working. Why don't you see this?" Response: O Thank you for your comment. After examining different options for high capacity transit, WSDOT decided that BRT was the best option to serve the needs of the eastside. This decision was supported by Metro Transit, Sound Transit, the FTA, and the FHWA and is documented in the 1-405 Corridor Program EIS. Comment PG-13 Commenter: Comment(s): Lillian Meier O 'Isn't this a never-ending situation? It appears projects are to add lanes for what usually are primary single occupancy vehicles. Why not try working with public transportation to improve ridership — this improves social, environmental and economic issues in the NW. Bus schedules and routes are confining. My idea along the lines of Yransit' centers what about shuffle services to and from highway access points (home to work — door to door) in pilot areas like Downtown Bellevue, Boeing, or south (Kent) industrial areas to improve ridership? Maybe a group of select volunteers in target areas and then big publicity." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT is very interested in multi -modal solutions to traffic congestion and has incorporated plans into the Master Plan for the 1-405 corridor to expand the current system. After examining different options for high capacity transit, WSDOT decided that BRT was the best option to serve the needs of the eastside. This decision was supported by Metro Transit, Sound Transit, the FTA, and the FHWA as documented in the 1-405 Corridor Program EIS. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 6 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-14 Commenter: Comment(s): Robert and Dawn Kaufmon O `This is what voted for— do those projects! Especially the one in Bellevue. We experience this bottle -neck constantly— read it is rated in the top 5 worst in the U.SP Response: O Thank you for your comment. Comment PG-15 Commenter: Comment(s): John Burroughs O "When will we start an 1-605 project that bypassed the whole Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Woodinville, Tacoma area? 405 is no longer a bypass but an inner urban thoroughfare." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The 1-605 proposal was a separate transportation study. The eastside bypass freeway was considered in the screening of alternatives for the corridor EIS. The EIS did not carry the bypass alternative forward because it is outside the Urban Growth Area; it would not save time for north -south travel; it would have large environmental impacts; and the benefits would not outweigh the costs. Comment PG-16 Commenter: Comment(s): David F. Plummer O "Delete all these projects as they will only increase congestion on all segments of 1-405, both N-bound and S-bound." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT has evaluated the projects effects and determined that the benefits outweigh any potential negative secondary effects for traffic. The Environmental Assessment will contain a complete discussion of the benefits of this project. This document will be published in May 2006. Comment PG-17 Commenter: Comment(s): Patricia Martin O "Even though it will be a great inconvenience during construction years, these projects are very much needed. Bravo!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 7 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-18 Commenter: Derek Dexheimer Response: Comment(s): O All these projects are short-term fixes for a permanent problem. They will be complete after oil production has peaked and begun its terminal decline. Money must be spent on real solutions, like mass transit, being supported in these projects." O Thank you for your comment. Although the Renton Nickel Improvement Project is a road widening project, the overall Master Plan for the 1-405 corridor includes multi -modal approaches to transit. Comment PG-19 Commenter: Comment(s): Susan Dykstra O `1 totally support 1)1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project, 2) 1-405 Renton Project, 3) SR 518 Sea- Tac to 1-5 project." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Comment PG-20 Commenter: Comment(s): Roy McMurtrey O "Please! NO MORE ROADS! No more asphalt. No more "improvements" until we have subway system or light rail!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. The EIS examined several high capacity systems, including monorail. BRT was selected because this system operates in improved access HOV lanes presently servicing 1-405, 1-90, and SR 520. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the BRT system can be implemented more economically than monorail or other similar forms of mass transit, and it can serve more destinations with fewer impacts. Comment PG-21 Commenter: Comment(s): Jo Nettleton O "Residences along 405 suffer from noise pollution, Ripley Lane North Renton, Misty Cove Condo's, and houses along Lake Washington. Freeway comes too close and there isn't a barrier wall. Can there be? Thank You." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The places cited in this comment are beyond the project limits for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Within the project limits, the environmental assessment process will thoroughly investigate the issues of increased noise from this project. Mitigation strategies for noise will be constructed where they are reasonable and feasible. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 8 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-22 Commenter: Comment(s): Charles Brown O "WSDOT has spent multi -millions of dollars on these projects (s-curves, etc.) and the results are no improvement. Retention of the same planners, project managers, construction companies (same people) is a waste of my money and your time. Get knowledgeable people soon." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT has obtained regional consensus on a 20 year vision that links integrated, multi -modal transportation needs and land use. The 1-405 Nickel Projects are vital components to implementing this forward -thinking vision, as documented in the nationally -recognized Master Plan Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. Comment PG-23 Commenter: W. R. Feri Comment(s): O "HOV lanes cause the biggest problems on 405. HOV lanes stop all three lanes at 167 and again at 1-5. This is a bummer. I pay the same taxes as the beautiful HOVers. No wonder we have road rage!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. HOV lanes provide a benefit to traffic in that they move more people than general-purpose lanes. WSDOT recognizes the problem of weaves that occur from HOV to GP lanes as drivers enter and exit the freeway. The Master Plan includes direct HOV ramps at both the SR 167 and 1-5 interchanges. With completion of the Master Plan, HOV vehicles will no longer have to weave across traffic and cause congestion at these interchanges. Comment PG-24 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O `The environment is not my concern. 1 would like to see some traffic relief. Washington has some of the worst traffic in the U.S. with all of the taxes we expend, it should have been fixed years ago." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Comment PG-25 Commenter: Comment(s): Keith Wilbur O "l want to see Monorail considered/implemented in 405 corridor and all major corridors, to provide a transit system that will move people and not add to surface congestion." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The EIS examined several high capacity systems, including monorail. BRT was selected because this system operates in improved access HOV lanes presently servicing 1-405, 1-90, and SR 520. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the BRT system can be implemented more economically than monorail or other similar forms of mass transit, and it can serve more destinations with fewer impacts. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report g rA01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PG-26 Commenter: Comment(s): Donna Haman O "1 have a comment about allowing mini vans and SUVs to be sold without proper mud flaps. Stop it!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT has no authority over the type of mud flaps that are put on vehicles. Comment PG-27 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O "Kudos to the 1-405 team - very thorough and informative." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Comment PG-28 Commenter: Comment(s): Renay Bennett O "These are my personal concerns regarding environmental issues pertaining to the expansion of 405. through 1. More noise than we already have. O 2. Air pollution. 3. Impacts to Mercer Slough wildlife and long-term viability. 4. Historically significant places and objects. 5. Absence of long-term planning and its effect on our community and environment. 6. Cost/benefit analysis." Response: O through © Thank you for your comment. The environmental assessment process will investigate your concerns in discipline reports focused on noise, air pollution, surface water, wetlands, wildlife, historic places, and land -use planning. Planning for the 1-405 corridor extends out to the year 2030 (see also the response to PG-22). O WSDOT has developed the Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP) based on the latest cost estimating experience around the country and elsewhere in the world. CEVP is an intense workshop process, somewhat resembling value engineering. A team of top engineers from private firms, public agencies from around the country, risk managers, and WSDOT engineers examine each project. WSDOT follows this process yearly. To be on top of changes in industry costs, i.e., rise in steel costs, but also to understand the project's risks and how they have changed. A basic benefit cost analysis was conducted on this project. The analysis is how WSDOT prioritizes its improvement projects across the state during the planning stage. This analysis showed that this project had a 3:1 benefit cost ratio; traditionally a 1:1 is considered good. It should be noted, however, that this project is part of an overall corridor improvement program that will add two new lanes in each direction. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 10 Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS 2.2. Comments Specific to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project These comments have been numbered PR-1 etc. to provide an easy way to reference between comments. PR stands for Public comments on Renton project issues. Comment PR-1 Commenter: Comment(s): Sheila Dwyer O "Need to do something about the Kent/Auburn exit [exit to SR167 off of 1-405]: 1 am in bumper to bumper traffic for about 40 minutes in 2 lanes that are exiting to 167 Kent/Auburn while 1 just want to go straight. We need another lane for us who do not want to exit there, so we don't have to wait." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The Renton Nickel Improvement project will add a northbound and southbound lane along 1-405 at the approaches to the SR 167 interchange. The new lanes will provide additional storage for vehicles exiting to SR 167 and will improve the straight through movement at this important interchange. The Master Plan for the interchange include constructing general-purpose and HOV direct -connector ramps between 1-405 and SR 167. These future HOV ramps will allow HOV traffic to get from SR 167 to 1-405 (and vice -versa) without having to weave across the general-purpose lanes. Comment PR-2 Commenter: Comment(s): Timothy J. Seaning O "Noise abatement Please! It is very loud with noise from 1-405 in and around Renton." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The environmental assessment process will take a close look at noise increases that would be caused by this project. Noise abatement will be constructed where they are reasonable and feasible. Comment PR-3 Commenter: Comment(s): Jeff Brachs O "Consider extending project limits to 1-5 to the west (south). Add NB lane to result in NB 1-5 ramp to NB 1-405 to be an ADD lane, not the current merge. This is a high frequency congestion location." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The project limits extend to 1-5 as noted in Sections 1.4 and 1.5. Project construction is primarily limited by the availability of funding. A northbound 1-5 to northbound 1-405 ramp, while not included in this stage of 1-405 improvements, is being evaluated for inclusion in future Master Plan improvements. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 11 r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PR-4 Commenter: Comment(s): Dustin Metzger O `1 think the lane additions to 405 are essential. Traffic crawls at speeds comparable to those on surface streets during the morning and afternoon commutes. Perhaps a longer exit lane to 167 from 405 N." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project adds one lane to the northbound and southbound approaches to the SR 167 interchange. This improvement provides additional storage for vehicles exiting 1-405 to SR 167 and will reduce average travel times along 1-405. Comment PR-5 Commenter: Comment(s): Kunnan Chen O `Add one more lane on both sides from 405 exit 5 to 1-5." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Project construction is primarily limited by the availability of funding. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is the first phase toward construction of the I- 405 Master Plan. The Master Plan will add up to two lanes along the entire 30-mile corridor. This includes the improvement which you've suggested. Comment PR-6 Commenter: Comment(s): Charlie Harris O 1405 `north' from 1-5 to 167 is critical." Response: O Thank you for your comment. Comment PR-7 Commenter: Comment(s): Carol L. Simmons O "Yes, connecting 405 to 167 will relieve traffic along 518 connection to 1-5 and also along 181 and 167 if you make an exit 2 lanes or 3 lanes from 518 and 1-5 to 167 Not down 405. See map. "(See photocopy of comment in Appendix for Map) Response: O Thank you for your comment. Improvements to SR 518 are being examined in the EA for the SR 518 , Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 project. More information on the SR 518 projects can be found on lone at http://www,wsdot,wa.gov/projects/sr518 . Your comment has been forwarded to the SR 518 team. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 12 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PR-8 Commenter: Comment(s): R & C Yarbrough O "The Renton Hill Neighborhood has seen an increase of approximately 60 homes in the last 2 year. Streets are steep and narrow. Due to limited parking, people park on the streets causing a constant yielding to uphill traffic. Reducing access even further should NOT happen!" Response: O Thank you for your comment. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not affect the access to Renton Hill. In the Master Plan, the two bridges, which currently provide access to Renton Hill, are expected to be removed to accommodate the wider 1-405 roadway. This issue of replacement bridges and access to Renton Hill will be addressed under an environmental process separate from the Nickel Improvement Projects if and when funds become available for improving this stage of the Master Plan. Comment PR-9 Commenter: Comment(s): Dan Feighner O "Phase one no problem, future plans for phase 2 may be a huge problem as the City of [Walker's Subaru] Renton just moved us car dealers out here as an `auto mall.' We barely have enough property to operate now." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not affect adjacent car dealer properties, and this includes Walker's Subaru located north and west of the 1-405 / SR 167 interchange. Some vacant parcels may be acquired to accommodate stormwater mitigation. The 1-405 Master Plan is expected to require additional right-of-way in this area and may affect local businesses. This issue will be addressed under an environmental and scoping process separate from the Nickel Improvement Projects, Comment PR-10 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry M Brown O "Noise near Holiday Inn." © `Definitely need a R in and R out ramps at SW 27th (Strander)" p `Additional storm runoff to Panther Creek Wetlands" 0 "Provide Storage Capacity" © "Why does it take 5 years?" Response: O Thank you for your comments. The environmental assessment process will investigate noise increases that could result from the project and noise mitigation will be applied where they are reasonable and feasible. © The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not add any new ramps to existing highways. The Master Plan includes HOV direct access ramps to/from SW 27th to SR 167 to/from the south. © & O Stormwater is a major concern for any roadway project and will be investigated as part of the environmental assessment processes. We will adhere to the WSDOT stormwater manual and treat 100% of new impervious surface. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 13 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS © The project schedule is controlled by the flow of funds from the state legislature and the time required to accomplish the work. Work includes completing the environmental assessment process (or NEPA process), establishing means of mitigation, designing the project, obtaining permits to do the work, contracting to have the project built, and building the project. This work could be accelerated with increased funds at the discretion of the legislature. Comment PR-11 Commenter: Comment(s): Anonymous from Burien O "[Renton Nickel] This is by far the most important. 181 to 167 on 405 is a nightmare almost 24 hours a day. People actually stop going south from 167 to merge. © [SR 518 Sea- Tac Airport to 1-5] This is another big need although I don't see many wrecks." © "Hurry and build the lanes!!" Response: O through © Thank you for your comments. Comment PR-12 Commenter: Comment(s): Bernard W. Johnson O "This project should NOT impact the environment anymore than the current 1-405, SR169, or SR167 do now." © "These improvements (long over due) should reduce current impacts..." © "Still waiting for 1-605 to reduce overall impacts of 1-405 on MY neighborhood: Kennydale for the last forty years." Response: O & © Thank you for your comments. The purpose of the environmental assessment process is to determine what effects might occur as a result of the project and develop ways to avoid those effects or to mitigate for them. In some cases, roadway improvements actually reduce effects on the environment. The Environmental Assessment for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will be published at the end of April 2006. © See the response to PG-15. Comment PR-13 Commenter: Comment(s): Craig Koeppler O From comment form: "Zero additional surface flow into existing drainage conveyance systems between S. Grady Way and 1-405 west of Talbot Rd." "Improve traffic flow to Rainier Ave northbound from northbound and souhbound 1-405." © Comment at Scoping meeting: Expressed concern about flooding around Renton Place and the Cinema in the north-east quadrant of the 405/167 interchange. He said this area floods, "...three times a year because of a 72" to 48" pipe restriction in the underground drainage line which passes through the Renton Village parking lot." Response: O & © Thank you for your comments. Effects that the project might have on surface water and local flooding will be investigated during the environmental assessment processes. WSDOT has worked closely with the City of Renton to address traffic congestion between SR 167 and Rainier Avenue. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project 14 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Master Plan improves the Rainier/Grady intersection from a failing condition to one that operates within acceptable limits Comment PR-14 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O "View of Renton from freeway higher up to see downtown." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT will implement `Context Sensitive Solutions' (CSS) throughout the 1-405 corridor. CSS addresses corridor aesthetics and views to and from the corridor. Comment PR-15 Commenter: Comment(s): Arland "Buzz' Johnson O "Noise levels for those who live under the 405 freeway [should be studied]" © "My only problem has been with apartment house 1 block away from 405 with noise caused by freeway." © "Construct sound wall one part of 405 that they expanded to one lane southbound and northbound lanes." Response: O through © Thank you for your comments. The environmental assessment process will take a close look at noise increases that would be caused by this project. Noise abatement will be constructed where it is reasonable and feasible. Comment PR-16 Commenter: Comment(s): not provided O A City of Renton employee says that raptors (probably eagles) fly by the Renton City Hall building. Response: O Thank you for your comment. The presence of and effects on raptors, including eagles, will be investigated as part of the environmental assessment process. The protection of bald eagles and other threatened and endangered species will be addressed under the Endangered Species Act by preparing a biological assessment. The team will make sure to investigate for eagles that might be affected by the project. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 15 c\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 PUBLIC COMMENTS Comment PR-17 Commenter: Comment(s): Wesley A. Carpenter O "I'm a cable project engineer for Sprint Communications. Recently Sprint purchased the Sprint Cable Project old MCl/Worldcom switch site on 1415 Maple just south of 1-405 in Renton. This site is just Engineer off the freeway in the area affected by the new lane addition. 1 wanted to see if I could be added to your project mailing list. If possible 1 would also like to get additional information on the preliminary designs for this project. Sprint is currently planning to extend their existing long distance fiber optic cable route from the railroad corridor which crosses underneath your project footprint all the way into this new site on Maple Ave. This would be an excellent opportunity for Sprint to partner with WSDOT to avoid future problems on these projects." Response: O Thank you for your comment. WSDOT will contact you to coordinate utility concerns, future planning, and conflicts. Your name has been added to our mailing list. Comment PR-18 Commenter: Comment(s): Jeffery L. Keller O It would appear that the project slated for the Renton area is sadly under funded for what needs to be done to relieve congestion. The northbound lane needs to extend all the way to interstate 5 along with a southbound lane all the way to interstate 5. In looking at the funding for all three projects one sees that there is yet again no cost parity between the northern projects and the southern projects. Could this relate to the economic demographic differences between the northern and southern project areas? Adding lanes to reach all the way to 1-5 would serve more to relieve congestion for commercial and commuter traffic in this section of the corridor per dollar spent. In closing please add me to the email list so that I may attend future public meetings on the design of this project. Having driven through this corridor for well over twenty years gives me some insight into the problem. Response: O Thank you for your comment. The project limits extend to 1-5 as noted in Sections 1.4 and 1.5. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is the first fully funded phase of the 1-405 Project. This first phase awarded the project $485 million for "worst -first" improvements along the 1-405 Corridor, and this money was split on a roughly one-third basis between the Bellevue, Kirkland, and Renton sections of 1-405. These areas contain sections of 1-405 with the highest congestion. The Master Plan for the 1-405 Corridor recommends construction of two additional general- purpose lanes plus auxiliary lanes in both directions along the 1-405 corridor. These ultimate improvements address your recommendation. Your name has been added to our mailing list. Comment PR-19 Commenter: Comment(s): Mary Margaret O A single access to Old Renton Hill above the S-curve of 405 is NOT ACCEPTABLE. We Bouchard must have 2 for safety and ease of travel." Response: O Thank you for your comment. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not affect the access to Renton Hill. (See response to comment PR-8.) Renton Nickel Improvement Project 16 Scoping Report r.\01456\1ask 6\scoping meetings\scoping —final 0401 3. AGENCY COMMENTS 3.1. General Comments Applicable to all Projects from the Agency Scoping Meeting Comments and questions were recorded by WSDOT during the agency scoping meeting. The recorded comments were then verified by the attendees and written answers were formulated by WSDOT. The questions, comments and responses from that meeting have been numbered AG-1 etc. to provide an easy way to reference between comments. AG stands for Agency comments on General issues. Comment AG-1 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT Will you be defining the context for these specific projects within the overall corridor? Response: Yes, WSDOT will be defining the projects within the overall corridor program for the 1-405 projects. In the discipline reports and the environmental assessment, WSDOT will describe how the Nickel projects relate to the Master Plan for the 1-405 corridor. Comment AG-2 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, How are you going to avoid impacting what was built in the Nickel project when the future Muckleshoot Tribe phases are built? Stormwater ponds are an example; will the ponds being built now have the capacity to cover future phases or will they need to be rebuilt? How do the detention ponds get modified, if necessary, for road widening beyond these projects in the future? Response: WSDOT is developing conceptual stormwater pond designs for the future construction packages. The Renton Implementation Project facilities have not yet been designed, however, wherever possible, stormwater ponds for the Nickel Projects will be utilized for future phases. Comment AG-3 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA How will the project accommodate future stormwater treatment needs for quality/quantity? Fisheries Response: The provisions for accommodating future stormwater treatment needs for quality and flow control vary by basin. WSDOT is developing stormwater conceptual pond designs for each basin to meet needs of the future construction packages. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 17 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-4 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA The current design only accounts for a one -lane option. Given the restrictions in ROW, how are Fisheries you going to accommodate future improvements? What additional measures are being accommodated now to allow for additional lanes in the future? Will you have enough ROW to accommodate future stormwater needs? Designing stormwater systems to accommodate the eventual addition of additional lanes in either direction —consistent with the EIS. Response: Additional right-of-way is required for Master Plan (future) roadway improvements which include construction of two additional lanes in each direction, with major changes to the existing interchanges. Master Plan design improvements are being accommodated under the Renton Nickel Improvement Project wherever possible. For example, the new Benson Road structure will accommodate the ultimate 1-405 build -out. The design team is developing stormwater management concepts for the master plan that are consistent with the EIS. The proposed stormwater flow control and water quality treatment facilities for the current design have considered these, but do not fully implement them due to the restriction in right-of-way. Comment AG-5 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS Does any of this work tie in with WSDOT's watershed characterization work that Dick Gersib is doing? Response: The watershed characterization work that was completed by Dick Gersib's group was reviewed and taken into consideration when WSDOT discussed mitigation options for the Nickel projects. Comment AG-6 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS Will you be doing enhanced water quality treatment? Response: Yes — as required/defined by the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual. Comment AG-7 Commenter: Comment(s): Rick Logwood, How extensive has been or will be your evaluation of construction impacts? For example, what about City of Bellevue impacts to arterial streets and other access/circulation issues to local jurisdictions? If other issues are identified, will they need to be evaluated later? Impacts will trigger other local agency codes/restrictions. Response: WSDOT did address construction effects on a corridor level in the Programmatic FEIS. WSDOT will now be looking at specific construction effects related to the Nickel Projects for each discipline analyzed in the environmental assessments. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 18 Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetingslscoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-8 Commenter: Comment(s): Kate Stenberg, USACE Has a wetlands survey been completed? If so, what are the impacts? Specifically, how many acres of wetlands are present? How much of the project area has been examined to identify wetlands? What is the status of wetland takes? What other wetland delineations have been done besides around the tunnel? Response: The Nickel areas have been examined for wetland identification. Field work is still in progress for survey work and delineations of wetlands. Because survey is not yet complete, impact numbers are not available at this time but will be included in the wetland discipline reports. Comment AG-9 Commenter: Comment(s): Kate Stenberg, USACE Does the wetland survey differentiate between those stormwater ponds that are built in wetlands? Response: No, there is no distinction in the field flagging. Currently, the delineation includes all areas that "have wetland characteristics." This includes wetlands, stormwater facilities built in uplands that have wetland characteristics, stormwater facilities built in wetlands, ditches excavated in wetlands, and ditches excavated in uplands that have wetland characteristics and may be regulated per the "Talent Decision." The distinction will be made during the data analysis and effects assessment phase (related to what features are wetlands, what are regulated Talent -jurisdiction ditches, and what are stormwater facilities). Authorization of that phase by WSDOT is pending. Comment AG-10 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT Will the road widening cause impacts to the current HOV lane during construction? Since those lanes are essentially full currently during peak hour, I expect that there will be impacts. Since the HOV lane doesn't have a lot of capacity, any increase of traffic that you put into that lane will cause impacts. You may need to consider limiting the HOV lane to three persons, instead of the current two -person requirement. Will construction be during the 2007 to 2011 timeframe? Response: Currently, it is not anticipated that the HOV lane will be affected any more than the general purpose lanes during the typical commute times. It may be possible that the HOV lane will be affected during nighttime hours, but this should not affect the overall performance of 1-405. Lane shifts may be required to provide an adequate safety buffer for temporary barriers, construction activities, etc. In addition, transportation demand management (TDM) measures will be implemented to help mitigate traffic impacts during construction. Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the successful Design/Build Contractor is anticipated to occur in November 2007, with Construction expected to start by February 2008 and completed by December 2010. Comment AG-11 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA Have you thought about habitat connectivity along this stretch? You should actively check with the resource agencies that know the area. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 19 r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Response: WSDOT will look at habitat connectivity in the appropriate discipline reports for the environmental assessments. The research on habitat connectivity will include gathering information from all appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. Comment AG-12 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA Are you tracking commitments made in the EIS? Response: Yes, WSDOT will ensure that the commitments made in the Programmatic FEIS are revisited in the Nickel Project environmental assessments. These commitments have been listed in a document that has been shared with the environmental team writing the EA. Comment AG-13 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Do you want comments on NEPA/permitting? I echo Jennifer Quan's (USFWS) comments and Fisheries the reference to Dick Gersib — we want the watershed analysis to consider that. Response: WSDOT is accepting comments on both NEPA and permitting for the Nickel Projects during the scoping period for the Nickel projects. The watershed work WSDOT has completed is available on the WSDOT website by accessing http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/environment/watershed/technical report.htm. Comment AG-14 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA As you look at water quantity issues, put equal emphasis on base flows, in addition to dealing Fisheries with peak flows. Response: Comment Noted — The project proposes a very small increase in impervious area to the existing basin contributing to base flows. Our designs follow the WSDOT design guidelines, which include consideration of infiltration. Comment AG-15 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Regarding the issue of on- and off -site mitigation sites, I have a concern about the tracking and Fisheries monitoring of sites. There are a number of sites that have been identified for the 520 project and we want to make sure that this is a coordinated effort. Is there a central repository so that you can identify which mitigation can be counted to which project? Using watershed -based analyses to identify on- or off -site opportunities for riparian protection or enhancement. Track the projects with a centralized and accessible database for all Urban Corridors projects. Response: Project staff within the Urban Corridors Office routinely communicate about potential mitigation sites to ensure that multiple projects are not planning to utilize the same mitigation site. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 20 Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AGA 6 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Regarding land use and cumulative effects, we'll be looking at indirect effects, which brings up Fisheries the adequacy of land use ordinances. There is a patchwork of local jurisdictions and we'll need to address critical area ordinances and other local regulations. Specifically, some communities have good critical area ordinances, others do not. What are we going to do to help mitigate effects if the critical area ordinance or other regulations don't address? Response: WSDOT will comply with jurisdictional regulations, but the analysis of these regulations is the responsibility of local cities and counties. WSDOT does not have the authority or responsibility to do so. Comment AG-17 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA On page 3, there is a list of potential mitigation activities dealing with aquatic resources. Sounds Fisheries like what you're asking for are additional or specific ideas to enhance the list? Is that right? Response: WSDOT will accept ideas on possible mitigation activities; however, suggestions must be provided prior to development of the impacts analysis scheduled to begin April 22, 2005 for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Comment AG-18 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, The project analysis needs to take a hard look at fish use of the stream systems. The analysis needs to Muckleshoot Tribe look at a longer view with Bellevue staff, not a one-time fish survey look. The discipline report needs to include all additional information that has been developed. Please don't make me go to all the links where the information can be found, make sure you include all relevant past and current reports. Response: Existing fisheries information for the study area will be discussed in the Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Report. WSDOT will interview staff from the Cities of Bellevue, Renton, and Tukwila, local Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Area Habitat Biologists, the Muckleshoot Tribe, other tribal interests, and appropriate members of the Multi -Agency Permitting Team to gather existing information on fisheries use in the study area. In addition, WSDOT will conduct literature and internet searches to collect additional fisheries and aquatic resource information. This information will be summarized in the Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Report with references provided. Comment AG-19 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS I really appreciate Kate (Stenberg, USACE) bringing up the wildlife corridor. I didn't know we had that opportunity. The project should do a landscape analysis to identify what is moving through there. Also, the project needs to consider any upland habitat - forested areas - and needs to maintain those upland functions with specific attention to anything that has trees on it. Mitigation for some of that [the upland habitat] could be combined - with enhancement of a wildlife corridor. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 21 001456\task 6\scoping meetings%coping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Response: WSDOT will analyze the effect of the projects on wildlife corridors. Where feasible, the projects will replant trees within the right-of-way. Comment AG-20 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS I want to request a review of construction, maintenance, and operational impacts for ESA. Response: Information on the effects of construction and operation of the Nickel projects will be provided in the Biological Assessments (Bas). Pre -consultation coordination with the Services will also take place. The 1-405 projects will follow WSDOT's maintenance program to address maintenance effects; and operational effects for stormwater and noise are analyzed in the BAs per federal and state regulations and policies. Comment AG-21 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS Also pay attention to potential recovery needs for bull trout. There is a draft Recovery Plan for bull trout, which identifies a number of actions needed for bull trout recovery. The plan identifies Lake Washington and its tributaries as foraging, migratory and overwintering (FMO) habitat and the needs [as it relates to recovery] for this habitat as maintaining and improving habitat conditions - water quality, habitat, etc. Response: WSDOT will review the draft Recovery Plan for the Coastal -Puget Sound Bull Trout published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on July 1, 2004. Information pertinent to the study area will be included in the Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Report for both the Bellevpe and Renton Nickel Improvement Projects. Specific attention will be paid to Lake Washington and its tributaries as they relate to various life history stages of bull trout. Where applicable, mitigation actions will be recommended that would improve bull trout habitat conditions. Comment AG-22 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA I'm also interested in the same issues that Mike Grady brought up, secondary impacts and local regulations. We want to be involved in any future discussions on that issue. For the cumulative and secondary effects, you can start with what you did earlier, check against the specific project, add to it, check assumptions and make changes accordingly. I hope that is the plan. Also, consider the construction impacts and cumulative impacts of other construction projects. Response: In regards to secondary effects and local regulations, please see response provided in AG-16 above for question provided by Mike Grady. For cumulative effects, WSDOT will include both the projects noted in the Programmatic FEIS as well as any projects that have become funded since 2002. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 22 Scoping Report r\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-23 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT For cumulative effects, I hope what can happen is that you can remind us, and those who weren't involved, of the conclusions that were already reached in the EIS so that we don't need to reinvent anything. Make sure you double check your assumptions and make sure you're still in the same range. Response: The cumulative effects analysis for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will use the cumulative effects analysis in the I-405 Corridor Program Final EIS as a starting point. The 1-405 Corridor Program cumulative effects analysis focused on air quality, energy, farmlands, fish and aquatic habitat, surface water, and wetlands. However, for the Renton Nickel Project, it is anticipated that neither energy nor farmlands will be included in the cumulative effects analysis. Farmlands should not to be affected at all by the project. Energy will likely not be analyzed because the difference in energy consumption at the regional level, with or without the project, is predicted to be unmeasurable. Thus, the project -level analysis will be conducted, based on the results of scoping, agency consultations, and the anticipated direct and secondary effects on air quality, surface water, wetlands, and fish and aquatic habitat due to the Renton Nickel Project. All assumptions will be revisited to ensure that they are still correct. Comment AG-24 Commenter: Comment(s): Rick Logwood, City of Regarding hazardous materials: Have any sensitive or contaminated soils been identified? Use Bellevue of contaminated fill is an issue. Look at historical fill. Response: The Programmatic FEIS reviewed hazardous materials within the corridor. The discipline reports for the Nickel Projects will look at specific hazardous materials within each project corridor. The project teams acknowledge that unknown fill materials have a high potential for contamination. Comment AG-25 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA Will comment forms be online? Response: Scoping comment forms will not be available on-line. Written comments can be mailed to Allison Ray and Paul Krueger at the following address: 600 108th Ave NE, Suite 405, Bellevue, WA 98004. Comment AG-26 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA Will comments be attributed to individuals? Response: Yes, comments within the scoping report will be attributed to specific individuals. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 23 001456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-27 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA When will the comments be ready? Response: The scoping reports for the Nickel projects will be published in April 2005. Comment AG-28 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Linking the level and effectiveness of stormwater treatment for water quality and quantity effects Fisheries to the limiting factors of the local tributaries (see draft recovery plans). Response: WSDOT and FHWA will include stormwater mitigation as part of the project description when the Biological Assessment is submitted to the agencies for consultation. Currently, WSDOT and FHWA will not consult on 1) the effectiveness of stormwater mitigation strategies, or 2) the effects of stormwater on listed species as both issues are under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency. However, this issue is being discussed at the executive levels of FHWA, WSDOT, USFWS, and NMFS (NOAA) and WSDOT will follow whatever protocol is decided upon. Comment AG-29 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Fisheries Retrofitting existing impervious surfaces for water quality and quantity treatment. Response: WSDOT is developing stormwater conceptual pond designs for each basin to meet needs of the future construction packages. Each step in the corridor project will be designed with thb intent to reach the level of retrofit consistent with the Corridor ROD and EIS by the end of the Master Plan construction. See also comment AG-36. Comment AG-30 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT Any removal of impervious surface that would be somehow altered or affected should be identified. Response: Any removal of existing impervious areas will be documented in the Preliminary Hydraulic Report. Comment AG-31 Commenter: Comment(s): Leonard Newstrum, Have traffic staff agreed to 11' lanes? How does that affect the transportation analyses that were Town of Yarrow Point done for the corridor? Obviously, an 11' lane will not perform as well as 12' lane. Does it contribute to a higher accident rate? Response: The project level analysis will take into account the width of the lanes. Only one section of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project is considering an 11-foot lane. The analysis done for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project 24 Scoping Report c\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS corridor for the selected alternative is still valid. The long range plan of the corridor is to have 12- foot lanes throughout. Not only is highway capacity (i.e., overall vehicle through put) a function of lane width, but it is also a function of the number of lanes in the system. For this project, the 11- foot lane is an additional capacity lane and its length is approximately Y of a mile. Therefore the 11-foot lane is expected to increase overall through put. This short stretch of 11-foot lanes would also have a negligible effect on accident rates; in fact, the project is expected to decrease accidents by reducing congestion on 1-405 through the project area. Comment AG-32 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT Which streams in the project area are fish bearing? Response: WSDOT will conduct a complete assessment of fish bearing streams in the project area as part of the Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Reports for both projects. For each waterbody, the assessment will include information on species use during different life stages. In the Renton Nickel Improvement Project study area, there is known anadromous and/or resident fish use in Gilliam Creek, the Green River, Springbrook Creek, Panther Creek, Rolling Hills Creek, and the Cedar River. Several smaller streams in the study area are presumed to have fish use. In the Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project study area, there is known anadromous and/or resident fish use in Trail Creek, Mercer Slough, Kelsey Creek, and Sturtevant Creek. Several smaller streams in the study area are presumed to have fish use. Comment AG-33 Commenter: Comment(s): Nick Afzali, City of With regard to the lane reduction from 12' to 11', 1 think the analysis on the corridor EIS was based on Renton 12' lanes. However, the project level document will consider the configuration that is being proposed. Response: Yes, the corridor EIS was based on 12' lanes and the project level analysis will be based on the proposed configuration including the width of lanes. Comment AG-34 Commenter: Comment(s): Pat Klavas, MAP Team F&W WAC is for all fish, not just salmonids, I have the same comments as Kate (Stenberg, USACE). Response: The Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Reports for both projects will include information on salmonids, resident fish, macroinvertebrates, lampreys, crayfish, amphibians, freshwater mussels and clams, and the habitat areas on which they depend. Comment AG-35 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA What role will the contractors have with regard to advance mitigation? How will it all be coordinated? When will it happen? Are there other early actions that the contractor should be aware of? The contractors need to be kept up to speed on early environmental commitments. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 25 rA01456\1ask 6\scoping meetlngs\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Response: WSDOT will prepare separate contracts for the advanced mitigation sites. It is expected that pre - qualified contractors with more environmental expertise will bid on the environmental works than the typical transportation contractors. Therefore, the contractors for the advance mitigation sites and the Nickel projects will likely be different. WSDOT will ensure that both contract documents include all necessary environmental information. Comment AG-36 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Fisheries Are you going to retrofit for existing impervious area? Is it similar to Bellevue? Response: The Nickel projects are much smaller projects relative to the Master Plan. The proposed Bellevue project would add 28 percent new impervious area and the Renton Nickel Improvement Project would add 10 percent new impervious area. WSDOT and the Department of Ecology require retrofit when the project adds more than 50 percent new impervious area. We are investigating ways to add retrofit measures appropriate for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project that can also be upgraded for the Master Plan. Comment AG-37 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA With regard to stormwater, I assume you're going to do water quality testing and identify the status Fisheries of tributaries and link those to the WRIA planning efforts? Since you're not retrofitting, I propose you look at ways for Renton and Bellevue to look at limiting factors - water quality/quantity - to see to what extent you can enhance the treatments that have been currently proposed. In some areas this might mean doing less, in others doing more. Response: WSDOT will identify water quality/quantity issues as part of the discipline report analysis, and we will refer to the Highway Runoff Manual to identify appropriate treatment opportunities. However, no water quality testing is planned in the present EA scope of work. Water quality evaluations will rely on existing data. We will review existing records for TMDLs and will provide context sensitive stormwater management concepts. Comment AG-38 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS The downside of piecemealing is not capturing all the potential impacts. Have you looked at future Bellevue plans? Have you reached the 50% threshold with those future improvements (the Implementation Plan)? Response: Yes, the project team is looking at future 1-405 improvements (Master Plan) as we evaluate stormwater facilities for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. We will add the new impervious area of the Nickel project to that of future 1-405 projects to remove the "piecemealing" influence as we test for the 50% threshold. We are looking at this issue with the expectation that it would be better to make progress toward practicable retrofit on each project to avoid delaying the retrofit until it is triggered by the threshold. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 26 Scoping Report c\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-39 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, I will send formal comments. Think about the idea that some of the systems are limiting now Muckleshoot Tribe (temperature, DO). They are not on the 303d list but need to be looked at in that context. Discipline reports need to pull this together and look at the net effect. Response: Water quality will be a subject within the Surface Water discipline report (Also see comment AG- 37). Your comment will be passed to the author of that report so that it will be included in our investigation. Formal comments were required by February 10, 2005 to be included in scoping. Comment AG-40 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, You need to look at mitigating velocity along with volumes and peak flows. Increased velocities are Muckleshoot Tribe more problematic in simplified channels than in more complex systems. You need to look at it from a small fish's perspective, could they get away from those discharge areas? Look at increased volume, velocities and increased durations, not just peak flows. If you've improved the velocities, you still might have impacts to small fish because of extended flow duration. Increasing slower velocities is an important mitigation point to consider in this project. Response: Discharge points within the project are located downstream from detention facilities. Detention facilities are designed using MGSFlood which attenuates peak flows and duration from 1/2 the 2- year to 50-year flow events. This results in achieving flow duration standards set by Ecology and matching existing discharge rates to the water body. By matching the existing peaks and durations that the full range of flows occur, the flow control method addresses your concern for changes in peak velocities and the duration that velocities will occur. In instances (like the Cedar River) where Ecology has agreed to allow direct discharge, Ecology has analyzed the water body and has determined the water body to be of sufficient size that the flow peaks and durations are not a concern, so velocities are expected to be within the acceptable range as well. Comment AG-41 Commenter. Comment(s): Patty Betts, USEPA This goes back to EPA's guidance on NEPA. The team needs to be looking not just at existing conditions but reflecting on what makes a functional system, not at only whether or not the project is better or worse than existing conditions. How does the project relate back to a functional system? Response: Where appropriate, WSDOT will compare existing and future conditions to thresholds drawn from the best available science. As part of the Early Environmental Investments (EEI) program, a WRIA-level watershed approach was implemented for mitigation site selection. EEI sites were identified using criteria that included functional assessments of water resources including streams, wetlands, and other fish habitat. The process also included coordination with basin planning efforts within the WRIAs to address limiting factors and work toward the overall functional improvement of the basin. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 27 rA01456\1ask 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-42 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS NOAA Fisheries and USFWS released joint comments to the proposed revisions to the stormwater manual that has been developed by the Department of Ecology. This speaks to the issues that Karen (Walter, Muckleshoot Tribe) just brought up. It also speaks to our concerns over the lack of detention for the Cedar River. I will email an electronic copy if you like. Response: The 1-405 Team is in regular communication with WSDOT Headquarters Hydraulics and is routinely kept aware of any pending changes on the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual (HRM). We understand that the WSDOT HRM update staff is tracking pending changes to the Ecology manual, but we would appreciate if you could send us a copy of the e-mail that USFWS and NOAA Fisheries provided to Ecology. Comment AG-43 Commenter: Comment(s): Allen Quynn, City of Renton Is the DOT stormwater manual comparable? Response: The WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual is equivalent with the Ecology manual but differences exist, and these differences are being discussed between the two state agencies. These differences are primarily due to the linear nature of highway projects, target pollutants, and maintenance of highway corridors. Comment AG-44 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, Muckleshoot The team needs to look at frequencies. Will they be kept the same? If not, you'll need to look Tribe at mitigation strategies. Response: The WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requires that flow control look at both the frequency of peak flows and the duration of peak flows from the site. By using this approach, the design can address any potential impact on the frequency and duration of higher velocities and erosion that occur in the downstream systems. The 1-405 Team is working with the WSDOT Watershed Characterization Team in the hopes that greater benefits can be realized through basin level flow control opportunities. Comment AG-45 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS The problem with looking only at (managing for) peak and duration is that it only mitigates the physical aspects of the stream channel (i.e. erosion) and it hasn't been designed to minimize impacts to fish. Response: See the response to AG-40. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 28 Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-46 Commenter: Comment(s): Allen Quynn, City of Renton You are going to follow the Ecology standard, is that right? Response: See the response to AG-43 Comment AG-47 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, With regard to trying to tie stormwater treatment to the limiting factors related to fish and wildlife, is the team NOAA Fisheries meeting the Ecology 2001 Stormwater Manual or DOT's Highway Runoff Manual? Both are being updated. We should focus more on what the fish and wildlife resources need and adapt the project to meet those needs. If we go with the prescriptive approach, we look at enhanced treatment. But it doesn't get you out of the ESA box. The team needs to look at all the work that's been done — the WRIA efforts and the discipline reports. Then, focus on those areas that have needs and design the project to meet those needs. Response: See the response to AG-28 and AG-43. The team will review and incorporate needs identified by WRIA and the discipline reports wherever feasible. Comment AG-48 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, The point from NEPA/SEPA is to analyze impacts regardless of gaps in laws and regulations. Just USEPA because it doesn't apply doesn't mean there is no impact. Look at it from the perspective of what does the system need? Response: WSDOT will identify all known effects of the Nickel projects in the discipline reports and environmental assessments. Comment AG-49 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, Timing is important. The draft recovery plans will be done late spring of this year. These will start to be NOAA Fisheries implemented at the time you're coming out with your discipline reports. It will be a good opportunity to share information. Response: WSDOT will coordinate with NOAA on this issue, please provide WSDOT with copies of the draft recovery plans when they become available. Comment AG-50 Commenter: Comment(s): Patty Betts, Are you developing scopes of work for some of these areas? Is there an opportunity to look at the USEPA scopes of work for NEPA? It would be helpful. Is there an opportunity to provide feedback on defining the baseline and what projects are going to be considered for cumulative effects? I would like to be able to comment now rather than later. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 29 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Response: The scopes of work and contracts have already been finalized for the Nickel projects. However, the project teams welcome specific comments on projects that should be considered as part of the cumulative effects report. Comment AG-51 Commenter: Comment(s): Allen Quynn, City of Renton Are there any utility issues along the corridor? Response: Several existing utilities cross over and under the 1-405 and SR 167 corridors and many of these services will be affected by the proposed widening. Investigations are underway in consultation with the utility owners and agencies to determine the extent and nature of the conflict and to develop strategies for relocation and/or protection, if required. Comment AG-52 Commenter: Comment(s): Bernard Van DeKamp, City of Will you be providing initial drafts of the discipline reports for agency review? Bellevue Transportation Response: No, WSDOT will not provide initial drafts of the discipline reports for agency reviews. Agencies will be provided with copies of the discipline reports at the beginning of the public comment period on the environmental assessment. Comment AG-53 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA Fisheries The BA is starting before the discipline reports are complete. Are you sticking to that schedule? Response: Portions of the BA are starting before the discipline reports are complete. These include preparing the BA outline, defining the action area and preparing text and a figure describing the action area, preparing the project setting/location, preparing a description of the proposed action, and starting to develop conservation measures, proposed construction activities, and general species information. The analysis of effects will occur after the needed discipline reports are complete. Comment AG-54 Commenter: Comment(s): Leonard Newstrum, The design freeze in spring seems pretty close. There still seems to be many issues that Town of Yarrow Point need to be resolved. Response: The project teams will work together to resolve all known issues prior to the design freeze for the discipline reports. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 30 Scoping Report r\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-55 Commenter: Comment(s): Leonard Newstrum, Fifteen percent of design will be sketchy. So, you'll have sketchy design plus the design Town of Yarrow Point requirements document to provide to the contractor? Response: It is important to note that while the overall percent completion is 15%, critical components will be developed to sufficient detail to allow the Design/Build Contractors, and others, to fully understand the design intent, schedule, constructability, and cost, thereby minimizing uncertainty and changes during final design and construction. The 15% design will establish the footprint, wall locations, channelization, cross -sections, etc. The Design / Build project execution is widely accepted and in other States has proven itself to be the method of choice for projects of this nature. Comment AG-56 Commenter: Comment(s): Leonard Newstrum, Do we ever get to see the design requirements document? Town of Yarrow Point Response: Consultation with affected municipalities and others along the 1-405 corridor will continue throughout project development. This process includes review of documents before they are issued to the design/builder. Comment AG-57 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA My concern about design build is that if you don't know all the specifics, it's hard to do the Fisheries analysis. Response: WSDOT intends to develop designs to a level of detail which allows the reviewer to understand and analyze project effects. Comment AG-58 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, The tribe will provide technical comments. If there are impacts to fishing, that's another issue. What Muckleshoot Tribe we typically do is discuss those issues with the Corps through their permitting process. We predicate those based on what you told us was the project. If it's different, all bets are off. I'm not involved in ESA consultation. I need to be kept up on the information. After today, there is no place for us in the fishing and fisheries area. Not sure how the info will come to me. But need to be kept informed so that in the end, I don't raise red flags. Response: WSDOT will work closely with the Muckleshoot Tribe to consistently provide project updates throughout the NEPA process. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 31 r:101456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AG-59 Commenter: Comment(s): Mike Grady, NOAA The tribes can be at the table during the ESA consultation at the discretion of the agency. My Fisheries preference would be to have them involved in the ESA consultation. Response: Per comment from NOAA, WSDOT will expect NOAA to notify tribes of ESA consultation for the Nickel projects. Comment AG-60 Commenter: Comment(s): Kate Stenberg, USACE When you get to the public notice stage that is too far down the road. Bring the tribes in early in the process. Response: Please see response to question AG-58. Comment AG-61 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, Suggestion to provide organizational chart and team contact information in the binder. Muckleshoot Tribe Response: This comment will be shared with other 405 project teams to ensure incorporation of the organization chart into future scoping packets. Comment AG-62 Commenter: Comment(s): King County Please ensure that WSDOT staff coordinate closely with King County Metro staff during development and Staff refinement of alternatives. Please discuss further with David Hull, Transportation Planner (206-2634734; david.hull@metrokc.gov). All projects should maintain transit speed and reliability during construction by providing priority through and around traffic queues. More police should be provided to direct traffic and to help transit coaches through traffic jams. Response: Comment noted. WSDOT will coordinate with King County as appropriate during the environmental and design processes. Comment is noted. WSDOT tries to minimize the impact construction has on the traveling public during the traditional commute times and therefore WSDOT typically allows capacity reduction only during the off peak hours. On some projects, this has not been feasible due to the physical constraints of the construction area. WSDOT is committed to working with the transit agencies along with the local cities to keep them informed on construction issues as they relate to each organization. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 32 Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS 3.2. Comments specific to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project from the Agency Scoping Meeting These comments have been numbered AR-1 etc. to provide an easy way to reference between comments. AR stands for Agency comments on Renton project issues. Comment AR-1 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDCT Regarding Benson Road, will the existing road be removed? Response: Yes, a portion of the existing Benson Road in the vicinity of the existing Benson Road bridge over 1-405 will be reconstructed to align with a new Benson Road structure over 1-405. The portion of existing Benson Road replaced by the reconstructed roadway will be removed. Comment AR-2 Commenter: Comment(s): Pat Klavas, MAP Team The team needs to note if filling is going to occur at Benson Road. There is a tributary on the (WDFW) backside of Sam's Club. Is the project going to reach that location? Response: WSDOT is examining a parallel alignment for Benson Road. The "parallel" option shifts the alignment of Benson Road closer to Sam's Club; however, fill will not be allowed to encroach on the existing tributary between Sam's Club and existing Benson Road. Retaining walls will be utilized when necessary to prevent Benson Road fill from reaching the tributary. Comment AR-3 Commenter: Comment(s): Jennifer Quan, USFWS With regard to the Gilliam Creek detention pond, the detention pond seems to cut right through creek. Is there passage for fish through that enclosed detention area? Response: WSDOT is assessing fish passage issues in the Fisheries and Aquatics Resources Discipline Reports for both projects. WSDOT will also conduct interviews with City of Tukwila staff and local WDFW Area Habitat biologists and review existing information to determine if there is known or anecdotal information on fish use upstream of the detention ponds. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 33 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment ARA Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, I believe there is Coho use farther upstream at Gilliam Creek but I am not sure of the details. Muckleshoot Tribe Tukwila did an analysis on stormwater and they also found Coho further upstream. Response: Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. prepared the Gilliam Creek Basin Stormwater Management Plan (Stormwater Plan) dated March 9, 2001 for the City of Tukwila. The Stormwater Plan states: "Fish habitat within the Gilliam Creek watershed is restricted to open -channel segments in the lower reach downstream of 1-5. This lower reach, totaling 2,900 feet in length in the Southcenter Mall and Crystal Springs sub -basins, has been fragmented by urban development. Fish have not been found in any of the remaining segments of open channel within the watershed." However, as stated in the answer to question AR-3 above, WSDOT will seek out alternative sources of information to determine if there is known or anecdotal information on fish use upstream of the pond. Comment AR-5 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, City of Is the sole -source aquifer impacted by the Nickel project? Renton Response: Impacts to the sole source aquifer will be examined in the groundwater discipline report. It is expected that the Nickel project will not affect the aquifer, because physical widening of southbound 1-405 occurs south of the Zone 1 boundary of the aquifer. Comment AR-6 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, City of Are you going to touch Panther Creek? Renton Response: Panther Creek crosses SR 167 in a 36" pipe near the SW 41st Street off ramp. This crossing falls within the study area for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Field surveys are presently underway to determine whether or not the proposed widening on the west side of SR 167 affects the existing outfall. Effects to this crossing, if any, will be evaluated and mitigated as part of the project. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 34 Scoping Report c\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY CommENTs Comment AR-7 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, City of Are you impacting (acquiring) any businesses or residences along the corridor? Renton Response: The proposed footprint of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project does not encroach on any existing businesses or residences. Potential right-of-way acquisition for mitigation purposes is limited to vacant properties where feasible. New wetland delineation in the vacant parcel planned for mitigation along SR 167 may mean that WSDOT has to acquire an adjacent business property for this part of the project. Comment AR-8 Commenter: Comment(s): Kate Stenberg, USACE There is overlap with a project we have on 167 (167 HOV project). That project does have impacts on the east side of SR 167. We need to look at logical termini, independent utility, and cumulative impacts. When the MAP Team went out, they did find resident fish in that system. I don't know the current plan for dealing with the culvert. Response: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will coordinate with the SR 167 Stage 3 HOV project to ensure that both teams are aware of the project areas, scopes, and schedules. Comment AR-9 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT With regard to the 43rd Street interchange, King County has done a lot of work to figure out solutions for this interchange. King County is concerned about making sure that this widening project is looked at from the perspective of what happens at that interchange and the impact on traffic even though it's not within the project area. Response: WSDOT is aware of proposed improvements to the existing SR167/43rd Street Interchange developed under King County's Carr Road Study, WSDOT's HOV Stage 3 Project, the 'HOT Lanes' Project, and the SR 167 Corridor Study, and this information has been considered. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project is compatible with these projects. Comment AR-10 Commenter: Comment(s): Allen Quynn, City of Springbrook discharges to the Black River. There is a pump station that restricts movement of Renton salmon. Response: Fish passage issues will be discussed in the Fish and Aquatic Resources Discipline report. Thank you for your comment, we will pass it to the author of that report. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 35 rA01456Uask ftcoping meefingslscoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment All I Commenter: Comment(s): Allen Quynn, City of There are two pollution containment ponds (the Renton Pollution Control Facility) on the west side Renton of 1-405 by Cedar River. Will they be impacted? Response: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will not affect the two pollution containment ponds near Cedar River. Physical widening of southbound 1-405 as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project occurs east of Cedar Avenue, and drainage of the section of new impervious surface which slopes north (approx. 2,700' x 12' area) will be conveyed through the existing pollution containment ponds before entering Cedar River. Comment AR-12 Commenter: Comment(s): Kate Stenberg, USACE With regard to the mitigation bank, with the proposed impacts to how the water flows through on the SR 167 piece, has there been talk about rerouting flows? All that water goes to Springbrook Creek. If the volume of water changes entering Springbrook, will the flow changes impact the mitigation bank? Response: We are coordinating with SR 167 and many other projects on the hydrology as well as environmental coordination, in general. Detailed design of the bank will include hydrologic modeling at full build out in the basin. SR 167 plans, 1-405 watershed solutions for drainage, and City of Renton land use plans are a large part of the banking design effort. Hydrology experts have looked at the SR 167 part of this project and found that the changes could affect a part of the bank along the creek. This information will be carefully considered as part of the bank design. Comment AR-13 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, Panther is on the 303d list and should be looked at for temperature and dissolved oxygen effects. Muckleshoot Tribe The Department of Ecology is not present today but I would imagine that they would also like this information. Response: Discussion of 303(d) listed water bodies within the project area will be part of the Surface Water and Water Quality Discipline Report. We appreciate the advanced notice that Panther Creek is on the 303(d) list and will pay attention to this in the effects section of this report. See also response to Comment AG-37. Comment AR-14 Commenter: Comment(s): Doug Dobkins, MAP There is the need for coordination with the other SR 167 project. I believe there were some water Team quality issues. There is overlap going through that Panther Creek area. Need to coordinate them. Response: The Renton Nickel Improvement Project will coordinate with the SR 167 Stage 3 HOV project to ensure that both teams are aware of the water quality issues in Panther Creek. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 36 Scoping Report rA014Wtask 6\.scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AR-15 Commenter: Comment(s): Karen Walter, DOT built a new stormwater facility at the 1-405 and SR167 interchange. I hope someone is Muckleshoot Tribe looking at how it functions and how it relates to this project. Will the Nickel project use this stormwater facility? Response: The Nickel Project does not affect the stormwater facility in the northeast quadrant of the SR 167 interchange and it will remain in place. The project design for Nickel stormwater will not utilize the existing pond series as a stormwater facility. The 1-405 Stormwater Team has been in contact with the NW Region Water Quality Section which currently monitors the pond series for turbidity and pH. As reported by the NW Region, the pond has been consistently performing well and allowing flow through the berms and media overflows. Comment AR-16 Commenter: Comment(s): Ann Martin, KCDOT I am concerned about construction impacts on the HOV lane. Demand management might create some good response, especially with 167. We should consider these comments for SR 518, at least as they apply. Response: The 1-405 Nickel Projects will implement transportation demand management elements as part of construction mitigation. Your comment will be forwarded to the SR 518 team. Comment AR-17 Commenter: Comment(s): Ryan Zulauf, Renton The environmental issue I am concerned about is creating any new nesting areas for Canada Municipal Airport Geese and Seagulls near the 1-405/SR167 interchange, and in the valley. Both bird species plague the airport and create a safety hazard to people on board aircraft. Response: WSDOT is aware of this concern and will be meeting with the City of Renton and the Federal Aviation Administration to discuss this concern. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 37 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS 3.3. Comments from the City of Renton Meeting January 31, 2005 Comment AR-18 Commenter: Comment(s): Abdoul Gafour, The City of Renton has drinking water supply on the north end of the project. The 405 team needs Utility Engineering to show city well and recharge areas, and the impacts to groundwater quality and quantity. Also, Supervisor the EA needs to discuss how to protect groundwater during construction, the mitigation measures, and how the mitigation measures will be enforced. Response: WSDOT is aware of the city well and recharge areas and these will be examined in the groundwater discipline report. The section of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project which passes through the recharge area falls between Cedar River and a point west of the Cedar Avenue overpass. Much of this section will not be widened under the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. The additional GP lane will be added by restriping this section of 1-405 with 11' versus 12' lanes and by reducing the width of the outside shoulder to 2'. Comment AR-19 Commenter: Comment(s): Abdoul Gafour, The City does not feel that their comments on the Corridor EIS and North Renton project have Utility Engineering been properly addressed. It is not adequate to say that there will be no impacts to groundwater. Supervisor Response: Comments noted. The groundwater discipline reports for both the Renton Nickel Improvement Project and the Renton -to -Bellevue Project will fully examine impacts to groundwater. Comment AR-20 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, To clarify, the Cedar and Renton overpasses will remain unchanged for the Renton Nickel Improvement Renton Fire Deputy Project. There are two proposals for Benson Road, and the Fire Department's concerns will be Chief addressed if Benson Road stays open during construction. There needs to be a discussion of impacts if it is decided that existing Benson Road needs to be temporarily closed down during construction. Response: Comments noted. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 38 Scoping Report r:T1456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AR-21 Commenter: Comment(s): Leslie Betlach, Will there be a trail located along Benson? The City needs a bike lane on each side of Benson. Parks Director Response: The proposed cross-section for Benson Road includes two 12' vehicle lanes, two 5' bike lanes/ shoulders, and a 6' sidewalk on the west side of the roadway, for a total width of 40'. Comment AR-22 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, Will the project touch any of Panther Creek? Transportation Systems Director Response: At the south end of the proposed SR 167 widening, the cross culvert carrying Panther Creek flows may have to be extended. See also response to Comment AR-6. Comment AR-23 Commenter: Comment(s): Abdoul Gafour, Will the project add any additional hydrants along corridor? Utility Engineering Supervisor Response: Any existing hydrants affected by the construction will be replaced and additional hydrants will be added if required under current standards. Comment AR-24 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, Will the project remove any existing hydrants at Benson Road? Renton Fire Deputy Chief Response: Yes. Any existing hydrants affected by the construction will be replaced and additional hydrants will be added if required by current standards. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 39 r:\01456\task6\scopingmeeflngs\scoping _ final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AR-25 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, To clarify, during construction WSDOT will leave Benson Road as is and will not cut into the existing Renton Fire Deputy fire protection system until the new system is energized. Chief Response: Correct. The existing fire protection system will remain in -place until the new system is energized. Comment AR-26 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, When does the construction -staging plan come out? Transportation Systems Director Response: The project team will develop a conceptual construction staging plan for constructability purposes. The final construction staging details will be the responsibility of the Design/Build Contractor. Comment AR-27 Commenter: Comment(s): Keith Woolley, Will the project be placing girders when widening structures? Will WSDOT have to close 1-405 Civil Engineer, during removal of the existing Benson Road bridge? Will there will be localized closures at Benson Transportation Systems Road? Response: Final design of structures rests with the Design/Builder; however, it is likely precast concrete beams will be used for bridge widenings. Existing Benson Road bridge will likely be cut up while still in place, and the pieces removed and carted away during short-term closures of 1-405. It will be the Design/ Builder's responsibility to come up with acceptable methodology. Short-term lane closures or local diversions on Benson Road will be required when connecting the realigned Benson Road to the existing Benson Road. Comment AR-28 Commenter: Comment(s): Abdoul Gafour, Has the team already made utility contacts for the project? Utility Engineering Supervisor Response: Yes. A package summarizing the proposed Nickel Improvements and possible existing utility effects was sent out to all affected agencies, including Renton, in early December 2004. A Utilities Kick-off meeting was held with the Agencies in the 1-405 office on 19 January 2005. Review comments were requested by 18 February 2005. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 40 Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Comment AR-29 Commenter: Comment(s): Abdoul Gafour, The City has old waterlines located near Benson Road. During construction, pile driving and vibration Utility Engineering could cause impacts to those waterlines (both during and after construction). The team should look at Supervisor these possible impacts to the old waterlines, and determine how project staff and city staff can work together to determine appropriate actions. The team can avoid impacts to these waterlines through coordination with the city. Response: WSDOT is aware of the City's water line near Benson Road and will ensure that the RFP documents for the Nickel Project include the usual precautions to be taken during construction. Comment AR-30 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, There may be high-pressure fuel lines within the project area. Renton Fire Deputy Chief Response: WSDOT is aware of a Jet Fuel line which crosses Benson Road and SR 167. Comment AR-31 Commenter: Comment(s): Ron Straka, The City can provide as -built information to the 405 team. Utility Engineering Supervisor Response: Thank you. The 1-405 Team would welcome whatever information the City can provide. Comment AR-32 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, There are multiple grades of petroleum products that run from the facility in Renton to SeaTac, Renton Fire Deputy however, the City is not sure if Jet Fuel is one of these. Chief Response: Comment noted. Comment AR-33 Commenter: Comment(s): Gregg Zimmerman, In the project area, Olympic Pipeline carries liquid petroleum products, and Williams/PSE carry natural P/B/PW Administrator gas. Response: Comment noted. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report 41 r.101456\task 6lscoping meefingstscoping _final 0401 AGENcy CommENTs Comment AR-34 Commenter: Comment(s): Larry Rude, The project will not be touching Williams' lines. Renton Fire Deputy Chief Response: Comment noted. Comment AR-35 Commenter: Comment(s): Sandra Meyer, Will there be regular utility meetings? Transportation Systems Director Response: Absolutely. WSDOT is hoping to hold meetings with each of the affected Agencies on a regular basis starting sometime after the 18th of February. Comment AR-36 Commenter: Comment(s): Ron Straka, The City will provide comments on utility concerns. Who will be responsible for and pay for utility Utility Engineering relocations? Supervisor Response: Who pays will be determined by existing agreements between the City and State. Comment AR-37 Commenter: Comment(s): Keith Woolley, How will you widen the structure over the railroad tracks? Will the contractor work from the structure or Civil Engineer, from below on railroad property? Will there be an opportunity to cantilever? Transportation Systems Response: The Design/Builder in consultation with WSDOT and the affected rail companies (UPRR and BNSF) will determine the construction methods and final design details. Renton Nickel 'Improvement Project 42 Scoping Report r.101456ttask 6lscoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS 3.4. Written Comments Received by Mail from Agencies The following letter was received from the City of Renton. Responses to the letter are shown in the boxes along the right side of each page. February 10, 2005 Allison Ray, 1-405 Renton Nickel Project Environmental Manager Washington State Department of Transportation 1-405 Project Team Office 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004 Subject: 1-405 Renton Nickel Project Environmental Assessment Scoping Comments Dear Ms. Ray: The City of Renton submits the following comments for consideration with regards to the Renton Nickel Project Environmental Assessment (EA) Scoping. General: The City may request that WSDOT have an independent Environmental Coordinator while constructing these projects. One was used during the 1-405 Renton I/C to Sunset Boulevard (Renton "S" Curves) Project, and having this independent expertise worked very well and assured proper attention was given to these issues. Water Utility: The project will impact the City's existing drinking water wells and water treatment facilities. The City requests: 1. Geo-technical investigation and analysis of impact to groundwater quality and quantity from the construction of support structures penetrating the City's drinking water well field and the Cedar Valley Aquifer. Provide basis for all analyses and conclusions made in the evaluation. 2. Development of a detailed water quality monitoring plan for potential groundwater contamination from construction activities and from accidental spills of hazardous chemicals. 3. Development of an emergency response and recovery plan in the event of a hazardous chemical spill. Transportation: City Arterials and Local Streets The EA should address potential changed traffic patterns and mitigations on City streets due to the reduction in 1-405 capacity caused by reduced shoulders and lane shifts. Currently, backups on 1-405 approaching SR 167 result in increased traffic on Bronson, Main, Grady, Benson, and South 43rd Street. The EA should address potential traffic mitigation due to any short-term closures of 1-405 related to the Benson Road Overpass reconstruction. For example, the City Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r.1014%task 6\scoping meelings\scoping _final 0401 The size of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project does not warrant WSDOT providing staffing to the City of Renton. WSDOT will consider, on a case -by -case basis, providing the City of Renton with staff if a larger 1405 project is funded. As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, "WSDOT and the City will, on a case -by -case basis, negotiate costs associated with the staffing needs to assist City coordination, review, and comments." 1. Golder Associates is writing the Renton Nickel 'Geology, Soils and Groundwater' discipline report. In this report, the Cedar Valley Aquifer will be discussed. Golder Associates have also been retained to write the 'Soils and Groundwater' discipline report for the Renton -to -Bellevue project, and they have attended several coordination meetings with Renton city officials, as requested, to discuss the Cedar Valley Aquifer and potential effects. The Renton - to -Bellevue Geotechnical/Environmental discipline report is in draft form and will be released later this year. The Report discusses the aquifer and potential effects of construction. 2. The above mentioned Report indicates that the SPCC Plan will address fuel and chemical spills. 3. Comment noted. A Spill Control and Countermeasures Plan will be defined as deliverable in the Design/ Build RFP document. The EA will cover any effects associated with changes in travel patterns resulting from the Renton Nickel Improvements Project. The EA will cover construction impacts as they relate to traffic. 43 AGENCY COMMENTS anticipates Bronson/Main/Grady as the only potential detour option. Potential improvements to this route to accommodate 1-405 diverted traffic should be addressed, such as the SR-900/SR-515 intersection. The sign bridge for southbound (SB) SR 167 located north of 1-405 currently limits the northbound (NB) left -turn storage at Grady Way. The northward extension of the SIB SR 167 HOV lane will trigger a review of SR 167 southbound signage south of Grady Way. As part of this EA, the City recommends WSDOT review the jersey barrier to c-curb SR 167 median transition in the vicinity north of I- 405. Pedestrian / Non -Motorized The EA should address continuous safe and convenient pedestrian access through the 1-405 work area, including Longacres Drive, Oakesdale, Lind, Talbot, and Benson. The Springbrook Trail also crosses under 1-405 in the vicinity of Oakesdale. The EA should address trail impacts, closures, details, etc., including appropriate notification to the public. A long-term desire of the City is to have pedestrian access from Benson Road to Talbot Road in the vicinity of 1-405. Traffic Modeling and Simulation Research has shown long-term construction zone impacts to freeway capacity and to diversion routes on arterials. Traffic modeling and simulation should be conducted using appropriate tools in order to fully identify and understand the impacts on local arterials, streets and intersections during construction. Benson Road Overpass WSDOT and the City will continue to analyze the traffic, non -motorized, and emergency response operations for two options for replacement of the Benson Road overpass — either, 1) replacement on new alignment to the west of the existing structure, or, 2) replacement on the existing alignment with a full closure for 6-8 months. The impact of increased truck traffic on Benson Road and any proposed haul routes should be addressed with special consideration given to appraising the impact of heavy dump trucks used to bring in fill (in the case of the 'parallel' option), or, hauling out materials (in the event the 'existing alignment' option is selected). The Benson Road Overpass site is flanked by apartments. WSDOT should address noise issues concerning, but not limited to, such activities as demolition, construction and hauling. City staff and officials must approve of either option before such option proceeds into the design -build contract. Destination information contained on the subject sign bridge, which is beyond the limits of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project, will still apply after the project works are completed. Consequently, no changes to the existing sign bridge are expected at this time. The EA will address all effects on pedestrian access and Section 4(f) resources. The comment is noted, however, please provide the 1-405 team information on how the long-term desire of the City relates to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. A staging concept will be developed to identify what the potential effects may be on both 1-405 and the local streets. This will be covered in the EA. Depending on the magnitude of the effects, additional modeling may be necessary but will be determined once the staging concept is developed. Only Option 1 (new alignment) will be examined in the EA. Option 1 and Option 2 (same alignment) were examined by the Renton Traffic Analysis Task Force that is comprised of City and 1-405 representatives. Option 2 was dropped from consideration because the impacts to local traffic operations during the closure of Benson Road could not be mitigated, either at the Talbot overcrossing or the intersection of Benson Road with Puget Drive. The team concluded that two additional lanes would be required along Talbot. Road to cope with the expected traffic increase during construction of Option 2. Unfortunately, the position of existing bridge piers carrying 1-405 traffic over Talbot Road prevent widening of Talbot Road by two lanes without replacing the Talbot Road structure. Potential effects to City streets and infrastructure caused by construction activities will be evaluated during the Environmental process. In addition, the Design/Build Contractor will have an obligation to comply with all applicable State and City by-laws, weight and height restrictions, hours of operation, etc. while operating on adjacent streets, including Benson Road. WSDOT will address all noise effects, including construction and operation, in the Environmental Assessment. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 44 Scoping Report r:1014561task ftcoping meetingslscoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS Aesthetics / Landscaping Because the Benson Road Overpass replacement will install a "master plan" element, final recommendations of the Context Sensitive Solutions effort should be applied to this element. Aesthetics and landscaping should be addressed in the EA. Specifically, due to proposed extensive use of retaining walls, wall face treatment must be addressed. Motorized Freight Hazard Mitigation The EA should address potential enhancements to the shoulder barriers atop retaining walls to reduce the potential for hazardous materials either running or tipping off the roadway. There are numerous locations within the City where such an incident would have detrimental impacts to the natural environment and to valuable City resources, such as its sole source aquifer. STORMWATER: General Comments 1. Water quantity control (detention) and water quality improvements will be required for all existing and proposed right-of-way improvements. The quantity and quality controls should be designed using a standard equivalent to the most recent edition of the Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (Ecology Manual). 2. If WSDOT storm systems currently, or are proposed to, discharge to City storm systems, the downstream system capacities should be analyzed and off -site improvements made as part of the project, as needed. The hydrologic and hydraulic analysis would need to account for the total tributary area under future land use conditions. 3. Water quality and quantity impacts should be mitigated for the same local drainage basin so there is no impact immediately downstream of the project. The mitigation will need to show that there are no temporary or long-term impacts due to increased peak rate and volume of runoff, along with changed water quality, downstream of the project. 4. Separate stormwater facilities must be provided for each sub -basin or threshold discharge area as defined in the Ecology Manual. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings%coping _final 0401 The nickel project is the first phase of the 1-405 Master Plan. CSS elements in the nickel project will be examined for how well they transition between existing and new features, as well as temporary and permanent features. CSS will be applied in the nickel project whenever practicable. Comment noted. The Geology, Soils, and Groundwater Discipline Report will examine risks associated with hazardous material accidents. WSDOT Design Standards and mitigation identified in the discipline report will be applied. 1. The Renton Nickel Improvement Project proposes to add less than 10 percent new impervious area. The Master Plan will add more impervious surface and retrofit of existing pavement will be done under the implementation phase. Both the WSDOT and Ecology thresholds for retrofit are required when the project adds more than 50 percent new impervious area. We are investigating ways to add initial mitigation within the right-of-way, but these were not available at the time of the scoping meeting. The WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual is generally deemed equivalent with the Ecology manual but differences exist, and are being discussed between the two state agencies. These differences are primarily due to the linear nature of highway projects, target pollutants, and maintenance of highway corridors. 2. The WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requires that flow control look at both the frequency of peak flows and the duration of peak flows from the highway corridor. By using this approach, the design can mitigate any potential impact on the downstream systems for flow frequencies between 50% of the 2-year and the 50-year recurrence interval. This is typical of the King County Level 3 flow control. In prior meetings with the City staff, we have agreed to additionally mitigate any potential impact during the 100-year event where practicable. 3. This request is consistent with the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requirements which we are following. 4. This request is consistent with the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requirements which we are following. 45 AGENCY COMMENTS 5. Upstream flows that are currently being conveyed through WSDOT right-of-way will continue to be conveyed downstream after proposed improvements are constructed. A hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of all existing and proposed culverts and storm systems that cross 1-405 should be performed to verify that the systems have adequate capacity to convey the 100-year/24-hour storm event for the total tributary area under future land use conditions. If the analysis indicates that the system has insufficient capacity, then it should be replaced with a properly sized facility. This is needed to ensure that adequate stormwater conveyance can be provided across the I- 405 corridor and that the project will not create upstream drainage problems. 6. Any City -owned structures that have to be relocated or are impacted by the project should be fully coordinated with the City as to sizing and location and provided at no cost to the City. 7. If WSDOT proposes an exemption from providing detention and water quality for existing impervious surface (retrofitting), then it must show that the proposed new impervious area does not exceed 50% of the existing impervious surface, within the project limits, which is defined by the project length and width of the right-of-way. Although the redevelopment threshold may not be exceeded for the Nickel Project, it could very well be exceeded for the 1-405 Master Plan where an additional two lanes are proposed. How does WSDOT propose to address this issue? When applying the criteria to determine if the project is exempt from having to retrofit existing and new impervious surfaces for flow control and water quality treatment, the criteria should also include the northbound or southbound lanes where improvements are proposed. 5. The 1-405 Team agrees that this is the appropriate time to address potential culvert replacement issues, and suggests that the City and the 1-405 Team initiate a process to identify culverts which need replacing due either to existing flow restriction or anticipated future flow conditions. Compliance with the HRM is presumed to address sizing needs for cross -culverts since provision of stormwater detention facilities mitigates for changes in peak flows. As a result, changes in peak flows and corresponding downstream impacts are not anticipated. Identification of future land uses and future stormwater capacity needs for City areas outside the 1-405 right-of- way is within the expertise of the City. The 1-405 team will, by necessity, look to the City to identify future flow conditions and the locations where culvert upsizing should be considered due to future flows. Once appropriate sizing for cross -culverts is identified, WSDOT and the City can discuss appropriate cost -sharing for these upgrades. The 1-405 Team is also concerned with removing existing cross -culverts that are currently restricting flows, as downstream drainage routes and stormwater facilities may be adversely affected by increased flows if these cross -culverts were to be upsized. While the 1-405 Team is willing to discuss where it can assist the City in obtaining appropriately sized cross -culverts to optimize operation of City systems, it is beyond the scope of project to provide downstream improvements that are required solely as a result of changes in City runoff. The 1-405 team would be happy to include potential downstream facility issues as part of a discussion on culvert sizing and replacement needs. WSDOT and the City can discuss appropriate cost -sharing for these upgrades. 6. Agreed - The 1-405 Project Team will continue to work with the City staff to assure that these concerns are addressed. The STATE will be responsible for replacement costs of drainage structures that need to be relocated due to the proposed widening unless a pre- existing franchise or agreement says otherwise. Responsibility for costs to increase City drainage system capacity will be considered on a case by case basis. 7. This comment is consistent with the 1-405 Project Team approach. The approach will be to combine the new impervious area of the Nickel project to the impervious area of future projects to remove the "piecemealing" influence as we test for the 50% threshold. We are looking at this issue with the expectation that it would be better to make progress toward practicable retrofit on each project to avoid delaying the retrofit until it is triggered by the threshold. When applying the percent of new impervious area criteria, we include all new impervious area proposed by the project. This includes all WSDOT highway pavements (the northbound or southbound lanes improvements) and Renton Nickel Improvement Project 46 Scoping Report r:\01456,task fteoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS 8. If retrofitting of existing storm systems to provide flow control and water quality treatment for existing and new impervious surfaces is not proposed, then WSDOT will need to investigate whether it is technically feasible to separate the storm system serving the existing impervious area with the new impervious area requiring water quality treatment. 9. As part of the Nickel Project, design the proposed stormwater facilities in such a way as to allow for expansion for ultimate 1-405 improvements. 1-405 Northbound This portion of the project proposes to add a general- purpose lane northbound from approximately 400 west of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe/Union Pacific (BNSF/UP) railroad tracks to the SR 167 interchange. The City has the following concerns: There is an existing ditch that runs along the south side of 1-405. This ditch receives runoff from the north side of I- 405 that is conveyed through WSDOT right-of-way and receives direct runoff from 1-405. Expansion of the roadway to the south will require the conveyance capacity of the ditch be analyzed by WSDOT to determine if improvements are needed. These improvements may include the widening of the ditch and/or a new pipe system down to the outfall to Springbrook Creek. The project will need to maintain the existing drainage patterns and ensure that tributary areas outside of WSDOT right-of-way have acceptable drainage and are not adversely impacted by the project. 1-405 Sorthbound This section of the project proposes to add two general- purpose lanes on the north side of the freeway between the SR 167 interchange and Benson Road and a single general-purpose lane from Benson Road to approximately 500 feet south of the Maple Valley Highway (SR-169). In addition, Benson Road could potentially be realigned between Sam's Club and approximately 1,000 feet north of 1-405. The Benson Road overpass will be widened for future expansion of 1-405 under the ultimate project. The City's concerns are as follows: 1. Renton Village: Storm runoff generated from the additional two lanes is proposed to discharge to a stormwater facility which is tributary to Rolling Hills Creek. However, prior to discharging into Rolling Hills Creek, the facility will discharge into a flume behind Sam's Club, and then into a culvert across Talbot Road and into the storm system that serves the Renton Village Shopping Center. Portions of this storm system are undersized resulting in flooding of the parking area behind the Shopping Center and adjacent to Rolling Hills Creek. Additionally, Rolling Hills Creek is tributary to two large sub -basins that cross 1-405 from the south, the Thunder Hills Creek sub -basin and the North Talbot Hills sub -basin. Consequently, any proposed project discharge upstream of Rolling Hills Creek must be analyzed for potential downstream impacts. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 8. The design will follow the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual, which allows collection and treatment of an "equivalent area." The manual defines an equivalent area as "an existing impervious surface area for which stormwater runoff treatment and flow control can be provided in place of treatment and flow control for an area of new impervious surface. "Equivalent" means equal in size, located in the same drainage basin (threshold discharge area), and having similar use characteristics (for example, similar average daily traffic) to the new impervious surface." 9. In Renton, future highway reconstruction is considerable. The 1-405 Team is developing stormwater conceptual pond design for the future construction packages. Pond designs for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project will accommodate the future designs wherever possible. This request is consistent with the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requirements that we are following. The 1405 Project Team will continue to work with the City staff to assure that these concerns are addressed. The WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requires that flow control look at both the frequency of peak flows and the duration of peak flows from the highway corridor. By using this approach, the design can mitigate potential effects on the downstream systems for flow frequencies between 50% of the 2-year and the 50-year recurrence interval. In prior meetings with the City staff, we have agreed to additionally mitigate any potential impact during the 100-year event where practicable. 47 AGENCY COMMENTS 2. Downstream System: Flows from Rolling Hills Creek discharge into two culverts under the 1-405 interchange before recombining and entering the Panther Creek Wetlands on the southeast corner of the interchange. Flows continue west in a culvert across SR 167 and enter into a pipe system on East Valley Road and SW 19th Street before outfalling to Springbrook Creek. This entire downstream system will require hydraulic analysis to determine any potential conveyance problems. These pipe systems/culverts may require upgrades to eliminate potential flooding as a result of the Nickel Project improvements. SR 167 Southbound WSDOT proposes to add one general-purpose lane on the west side of the freeway from the 1-405/SR 167 interchange to SW 41st Street. The City's concerns are as follows: 1. The runoff from the additional lane will discharge into an existing ditch that runs along the west side of the freeway. The ditch receives runoff from the backside of businesses along East Valley Road (EVR) and from SR 167 and conveys this runoff north to the SW 23rd Street drainage channel. The current proposal shows a proposed stormwater facility to be located in an undeveloped parcel between EVR and SR 167. If WSDOT plans to discharge to the ditch, a drainage capacity analysis must be performed to show the ditch can convey all tributary flows without creating flooding impacts to adjacent properties. Another alternative WSDOT may want to consider is to discharge runoff from the SR 167 improvements into the storm system on East Valley Road, which from a hydraulics standpoint, may be the only option. WSDOT would need to investigate the East Valley Road storm system capacity to see if improvements are warranted. 2. The existing ditch also provides storage and helps to attenuate runoff from adjacent parcels. This natural storage must be maintained or compensated for at another location within the same drainage system. 3. Capacity analysis will be required for the SW 23rd Street Drainage Channel due to the increase in runoff from the project. This channel receives runoff form a large tributary basin, which includes Panther Creek, on the east side of SR 167. The channel runs adjacent to a large wetland on the south side between East Valley Road and Lind Avenue SW. 4. On the southern limit of the SR 167 improvements, flows from Panther Creek on the east side of the freeway become divided. Some of Panther Creek crosses SR 167 in a culvert which discharges into an open channel on the west side of the freeway and then into the storm system on East Valley Road which continues down SW 34th Street before outfalling to Springbrook Creek. The proposed additional lane will require that the culvert be extended to the west into the open channel. A hydraulic analysis will be required to determine the impacts of extending the culvert, as well as a capacity analysis to determine if the runoff from the project will require improvements to the channel and/or storm system in East Valley Road. To potentially minimize downstream impacts in this area, the City would like WSDOT to consider the possibility of redirecting Panther Creek flows into the Panther Creek Wetlands and allow it to flow to the north and 2. By providing the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual required level of flow control, affects on the downstream system are not expected. See response to general stormwater comment #5 above for more detail. 1. This comment is consistent with the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual requirements which we are following. Most likely we will mitigate changes in flow and discharge along the existing flow path as required to maintain existing wetland hydrology. WSDOT will continue to work with the City staff to identify the best discharge alternative. 2. Agreed — We will investigate this issue. 3. By providing the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual required level of flow control, the project methodology assures that there will not be an impact on the downstream system. 4. The widening will be accomplished with retaining walls. We will evaluate the need for culvert extensions once we have the survey data. WSDOT is considering changes to the Panther Creek channel and wetland system on the east side of SR-167 as part of a future project. The permitting process is expected to take longer than the schedule would allow for it to be included in the Nickel Project. WSDOT will continue to work with the City staff to identify the best design considering flooding issues and the need to avoid impacts to wetland hydrology downstream of this culvert. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 48 Scoping Report r:\0145b\task ftcoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS into the SW 23rd Street Channel. This concept was identified by the City as a way to reduce flooding in the East Valley Road storm system and to increase wetland function. The resulting increase in flow in the wetland would provide additional water recharge for migratory fish that use the wetlands for rearing and refuge. WETLANDS: General Comments 1. At a minimum, the project should be held to a "no net loss" of wetland area, function, and value. Replacement ratios for wetland mitigation should satisfy Renton's wetland replacement ratios for wetland impacts in Renton. The Department of Ecology or the Army Corps of Engineers' replacement ratios should be acceptable if they are equal to, or more stringent, than Renton's. 2. Wetland mitigation should be done in the same local drainage basin and as close as possible to where the impact occurs. The City is working with WSDOT to develop the Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank that, if approved and implemented, could be used as a mitigation site for the Renton Nickel Project impacts. 1405 Northbound There may be wetlands along 1-405 Northbound between Springbrook Creek and SR 167. Wetland investigation and delineations should be conducted in this area to determine if the project improvements will result in any impacts to the wetlands. 1-405 Southbound No comments at this time. SR 167 Southbound The west side ditch may contain wetlands. Wetland delineation will be required to determine class and function so appropriate mitigation can be applied for any wetland impacts resulting from the filling for the additional lane. STREAM BUFFERS/FISH HABITAT: General Comments 1. The project should provide mitigation to provide for "no net losses" of stream buffer area, function, and value. In addition, the project's impacts to fish habitat (spawning, rearing, and passage) should be held to the same standard. Replacement ratios (2:1) for impacts to stream buffers and fish habitats should be required. 2. Mitigation should be incorporated at the location of the impact to the maximum degree possible, but the additional mitigation could be done offsite within the same drainage basin within Renton. A mitigation fund could be established for acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of stream buffer and/or prime fish habitat sites that have been determined to be beneficial to improving salmon habitat within Renton. 3. The project should not only mitigate for the action impacts but should have a restoration element to offset prior impacts and the fact that mitigation benefits are not immediately achieved, especially when it comes to stream buffers. Any existing culverts or other stream crossing structures that are barriers or restrictions to Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r:\01456\task 6\smong meetings\scoping _final 0401 1. WSDOT's current wetland policy does implement a "no net loss" approach, and WSDOT will meet or exceed the City of Renton's wetland replacement ratios. 2. WSDOT looks forward to working with the City to develop the Springbrook Habitat and Wetland Mitigation Bank and agrees that mitigation should occur within the same local drainage basin whenever practical. WSDOT will identify existing wetlands in the EA and any associated effects from the project. WSDOT will identify existing wetlands in the EA and any associated effects from the project. In addition to the Wetland discipline report for the EA, a Wetland Biology Report will be prepared for permitting purposes and any other appropriate regulatory requirements. 1. 1-405 Team staff will document effects to stream buffers, functions, and values and fish habitat resulting from the project. Once the effects of the project have been determined, a compensatory mitigation plan will be prepared to address the effects. The mitigation plan will need to be approved by applicable permitting agencies. 2. Mitigation for the project effects has not yet been established, as the ultimate effects of the project have not been determined. Once the effects of the project have been determined, a compensatory mitigation plan will be prepared to address the effects. This mitigation plan may include both on and off -site mitigation opportunities. 3. Mitigation will be performed to offset effects from the project. Fish passage barriers within the project limits are being documented and will be evaluated for replacement where appropriate. 49 AGENCY COMMENTS fish passage should be replaced with new structures that don't prevent or restrict fish passage. 4. WSDOT will need to comply with the City's proposed new stream buffer standards that are currently being adopted and the City's Shoreline Master Program regulations for the Cedar River and Springbrook Creek. 1-405 Northbound Impacts to the riparian habitat of Springbrook Creek, as a result of widening the 1-405 box culvert, must be mitigated. 1-405 Southbound Thunder Hills Creek and Rolling Hills Creek may be impacted by the proposed improvements. SR 167 Southbound Any improvements to the SW 23rd Street Channel will need to include mitigation for riparian wetland and habitat. Because of the direct connection of the channel with Springbrook Creek, salmonid species have the opportunity to use the channel to migrate from Springbrook Creek to the Panther Creek Wetlands. FLOODPLAIN: General Comments 1. The project should be required to provide compensatory storage for filling of any floodplain. A "zero rise" to the floodway standard should be applied to the project. 2. The project is also required to comply with all FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards, since Federal funding will be used. No encroachment into the floodplain should be allowed unless a hydraulic analysis can demonstrate that the zero rise standard can be achieved. The hydraulic analysis should be based upon future land use condition 100-year flood flows. 1-405 Northbound 1. Adding the extra lane will also require the widening of the 1-405 bridge over Springbrook Creek. WSDOT will need to show that any required structures such as bridge piers, columns or abutments will not result in an increase in the 100-year water surface elevation of the Creek. Also, that adequate clearance between the 100-year water surface elevation and the lowest bridge cord is provided. 2. Any filling in the 100-year floodplain will require compensatory storage. This project must mitigate for the loss of floodplain storage due to filling of the floodplain by removing an equivalent volume of compensatory storage. Compensatory storage determination shall be based on filling up to the City's modeled 100-year flood elevation under future condition flows, which is 13.7 NGVD 29, revised future condition flows. 50 4. WSDOT will comply with any applicable City of Renton regulations when permitting this project. It is presently anticipated that the existing Springbrook Creek Culvert will not have to be extended under the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. Recent investigations have determined that the existing culvert is long enough to accommodate the proposed 12' widening of 1-405; however, the existing headwall may have to be modified. Potential effects to the existing stream and riparian habitat will be evaluated and mitigation proposals developed as the design develops. Widening planned under the Renton Nickel Improvement Project does not physically affect Thunder Hills or Rolling Hills Creeks. Potential effects to the existing stream buffers will be evaluated and mitigation proposals developed as the design develops. There are no anticipated effects to the SW 23rd Street channel as part of the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. However, should changes be made to the project design that would affect the SW 23rd Street channel, mitigation would be performed for those effects. 1. WSDOT will follow applicable FEMA floodplain requirements. 2. Comment noted. WSDOT will include applicable federal regulations for floodplain requirements as performance criteria for the final design. 1. This request is consistent with the WSDOT Bridge Manual requirements. 2. Understood. The channel excavation at the Early Environmental Investment site is expected to provide this compensatory storage, but this will be verified as the design continues. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r1014561task Mscoping meetingMscoping _final 0401 AGENCY COMMENTS 1-405 Southbound The area near the 1-405 and SR 167 interchange on the Renton Village site is mapped as a 100-year FEMA Floodplain. If improvements occur in this area, mitigation for floodplain impacts will be required. SR 167 Southbound The area near the SW 23rd Street Channel where widening is proposed is mapped as a 100-year FEMA Floodplain. Floodplain impacts at this location will need to be analyzed and mitigation provided. SHORELINES: General Comments The project should comply with the currently adopted Washington State Department of Ecology Shoreline Management Guidelines and City adopted Master Shoreline Program regulations for the Cedar River and Springbrook Creek. 1-405 Northbound Springbrook Creek falls under shorelines of the State and the City of Renton's Master Shoreline Program regulations. FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE Liberty Park Emergency vehicle access to the Wells 1, 2 and 3 facility must be maintained both during and after construction. Benson Road Overpass Closure of the Benson Road during construction will impact emergency vehicle response to areas served by Stations 11, 13, and 14. An additional Fire Department Aid Car may need to be staffed to address this impact. The addition of opticom pass -card gates for emergency vehicle access options should also be considered. General Comments Intersection changes due to this project should result in emergency vehicles being able to travel in all directions when in emergency response mode and not be limited by physical barriers that may be present for normal traffic flow considerations. Emergency vehicle access options should include, but not be limited to, opticom pass -card gates at Grant Avenue and Beacon Way on Renton Hill to optimize emergency vehicle response times both during and after construction to affected areas. Please refer to the attached issue paper Renton Fire Department Response to Areas Affected by the Proposed Benson Road Closure for additional discussion regarding this issue. PARKS 1. Maintain bike accessibility with bike lanes along each side of Benson Road. Make bike lane connection to downtown area. 2. The Thunder Creek Trail connection under 1-405 to Benson Road needs to be evaluated with recommendations and accommodations made for trail connections and development. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report r.\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 Understood. WSDOT will consult applicable ordinances for floodplain requirements. Understood. WSDOT will consult applicable ordinances for floodplain requirements. WSDOT will comply with all appropriate state and local regulatory requirements. Comment noted. WSDOT will comply with all appropriate local regulatory requirements. Existing emergency vehicle accesses to the Wells will be maintained at all times. The RFP documents will be written accordingly. Comment noted. The current proposal to re -align Benson Road should allow the Contractor to avoid total closures for extended periods. Any short-term closures to construct tie- ins, etc. could be designed to allow passage of emergency vehicles if necessary. It is not anticipated that there will be any intersection changes occurring with this project. If this changes, then this will be discussed with the City. 1. A 40' wide section is anticipated for the re -aligned length of Benson Road. The section will be comprised of a two- lane roadway with 5' bike lane / shoulders on both sides, and a sidewalk along the west side of the roadway only. The bike lane / shoulders will connect to the existing Benson Road shoulders at the limits of the re -alignment; however, there are no plans to extend the improvements beyond the reconstruction limits or to the downtown area. 2. through 11., WSDOT will address all effects on existing trails due to the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. WSDOT will work with the City of Renton to identify mitigation measures as appropriate. 51 AGENCY COMMENTS 3. Ensure the Burnett Trail has continued access under 1-405 from the north to the south with a connection to the Cascade Trail. 4. The Cascade Trail Follows Shattuck Avenue South to South 15th Street, crosses SR-515 (Benson Road) and ties into and follows Puget Drive. This trail route needs to be maintained. 5. A connection for the Oakesdale Avenue SW trail under 1-405 needs to be accommodated and maintained. 6. The existing Springbrook Trail under 1-405 and along the entire Springbrook Creek needs to be maintained. 7. The SW 16th Trail with connections to the Oakesdale Trail, Springbrook Trail and the Christenson/Interurban trail needs to be maintained. 8. The Christenson and Interurban trails need to be maintained. 9. The Monster Road Trail connection under 1-405 needs to be maintained. 10. Pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular access to Liberty Park, Cedar River Park, and Narco needs to be maintained. 11. The Cedar River Trail needs to be maintained. Previous Meetings The meeting records from the January 31, 2005, meeting accurately reflect comments by the City regarding the Renton Nickel Environmental Assessment Scoping. City Reviewers: Staff involved in reviewing the subject document project are: Sandra Meyer, Transportation Systems Director Nick Afzali, Transportation Planning and Programming Manager Keith Woolley, Civil Engineer, Transportation Systems Dan Hasty, Civil Engineer, Transportation Ron Straka, Surface Water Utility Supervisor Abdoul Gafour, Utility Engineering Supervisor Leslie Betlach, Parks Director Stanley Engler, Fire Marshall Peter Renner, Facilities Director See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 See response previous page for question 2 WSDOT has provided answers to the January 31 comments in this scoping report. Renton Nickel Improvement Project 52 Scoping Report rA0145611ask ftcoping meetingslscoping _final 0401 APPENDIX A AGENCY SCOPING MEETING Agency Scoping Meeting An agency scoping meeting was held on January 25, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the City of Newcastle Community Room. WSDOT held this meeting so that other agencies could provide input in defining the scope for the environmental study on both the Renton Nickel Improvement Project and the Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project. The meeting began with Introductions of staff (attendees are listed below) and an overview of the 1-405 Nickel Projects followed by more detailed project descriptions. The Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project was presented first with a question and answer session followed by the Renton Nickel Improvement Project and another question and answer period. The questions that were asked during this meeting were recorded and are presented with answers in the Agency Questions sections in this report. List of Attendees: Agency Representatives Cyndy Knighton - City of Tukwila Jim Laughlin - Washington State Department of Transportation Jim Walker - City of Newcastle Jeff Johnson - City of Newcastle Kathryn Stenberg - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Leonard Newstrum - Town of Yarrow Point Ann Martin - King County Department of Transportation Sandra Meyer - City of Renton Doug Dobkins - MAP Team Pat Klavas - MAP Team Jennifer Quan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patty Betts - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Shawna Mulhall - City of Renton Michael Paine - City of Bellevue Michael Grady- NOAA Fisheries Bernard Van DeKamp - City of Bellevue Transportation Department Rick Logwood - City of Bellevue Karen Walter- Muckleshoot Tribe Nick Afzali - City of Renton Allen Quynn - City of Renton Dan Hasty - City of Renton Fritz Timm - City of Newcastle Renton Nickel Improvement Project scQgft WRO Explorer Browser. Ink A-1 r:\01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 AGENCY SCOPING MEETING It was noted that Department of Ecology representatives were not in attendance due to a conflict. The MAP team will communicate and share information with Department of Ecology representatives 1-405 Project Team Representatives Christina Martinez —1-405 Project Team, Environmental Manager Keith McGowan —1-405 Project Team, Environmental Manager Stacy Trussler — 1-405 Project Team, Tukwila/Renton (1-90 south) Segment Manager Denise Cieri —1-405 Project Team, Bellevue/Kirkland Segment Manager Sonya Rosengren —1-405 Business Team Erik Nyce -1-405 Bellevue Improvement Project Colleen Gants —1-405 Project Team, Public Information Allison Ray —1-405 Renton Improvement Project Environmental Manager Paul Krueger —1-405 Bellevue Improvement Project Environmental Manager Tracey McKenzie —1-405 Project Team, Regulatory Compliance Leader Dale Anderson —1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project EA Manager Karen Comings —1-405 Renton Nickel Improvement Project assistance EA Manager Jan Aarts —1-405 Bellevue Improvement Project EA Manager Ross Fenton -1-405 Project Team, S. Renton/Tukwila Engineering Contract Manager Ron Ohlsen -1-405 Project Team, Bellevue Engineering Contract Manager Barrett Hanson -1-405 Project Team, S. Renton/Tukwila Engineering Lead Doug Macaskill -1-405 Project Team, S. Renton/Tukwila Deputy Engineering Contract Manager Alan Black -1-405 Project Team, Stormwater Design Lead Sharon Wright —1-405 Project Team, Early Environmental Investment Manager Todd Merkens —1-405 Communications Team Derek Koellmann -1-405 Project Team, Fish and Aquatic Resources Lead Melinda Posner —1-405 Bellevue Public Involvement Coordinator Renton Nickel Improvement Project A-2 Scoping Report r:\01456\lask 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 APPENDIX B PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING Public Scoping Meeting WSDOT held a public scoping meeting at the Renton High School Commons on January 27, 2005 for the Renton Nickel Improvement Project. This meeting was held so that the public could have an opportunity to discuss the project with WSDOT staff. Posters were presented in an open -house format that provided information on the various aspects of the project. Topics presented by poster were: • What is the purpose of a "Scoping" Meeting? • How do the nickel projects relate to the Master Plan? • 1-405 public process • 1-405 Corridor Program purpose and need • 1-405 program schedule • How project designs are being developed • 1-405 project timeline • What's being evaluated in the Renton Nickel Improvement Project EA? • Which environmental elements will be analyzed in the project EA? • 1-405 nickel project traffic hotspots • Options for reducing traffic noise In addition to the posters, verbal presentations were given each hour. The meeting was attended by sixty-four people. Several people provided written comments on the comment forms that were provided. Other comments were received from returned postcards that were sent out in a newsletter describing the project. Renton Nickel Improvement Project Scoping Report B-1 rA01456\task 6\scoping meetings\scoping _final 0401 APPENDIX C COPIES OF MAILED IN COMMENTS Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR181toSR167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41 st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1405 to SW 41st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? Izz, I�WYV Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. -I K 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? (over) AMW Washington State -'/ Department of Transportation [a Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 Sftr_ICj06i 4l%fli ���lflit!li�llEt��ftl�ltt f�ilt)ft�ll iltllllll�lYilltltlttFll fold here -tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalli@wsdotwa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdot. wa.gov/projects/1-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR181toSR167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41 st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. ....._ ................... -. ...__._...__....- ...._.__... . 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? (over) A �W-� Washington State Department of Transportation I 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project? __. _ _ _ _ fold here —tape closed before sending place stamp here to mail Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 _—_._—__-------_..----------------------------------------- fold here —tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalii@wsdotwa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdot.wa.gov/projects4-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT response, provide your contact information: l IM Phone and/or email Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41 st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005, 1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? 2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? W76na'ow--_in- . M ,W)w eon � J (over) Washington State �// Department of Transportation 4. Do you have any other comments about the propo d pro' t?.Ve .............. r fold here -tape closed before sending place stamp here to mail Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 fold here -tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalii@wsdotwa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdof. wa.gov/projecfs/1-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT response/l)rovide your contact information: Address 5- J Ake, ke, *ref ► 74,(I e [ � 6Ie ? 8/0/ Phone and/or email o• �S Z, tae66 )(14 Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41 st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1-405 to SW 41 st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005. 1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and WIIYi 01) ........ ........ . ""IV . . ........... 2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? (over) AMAk M�� Washington State - Department of Transportation 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project? place stamp here to mail Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 fold here -tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalii@wsdot.wa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdot.wa.gov/projects11-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT response, provide your contact information: Address Phone and/or email Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR181toSR167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1405 to SW 41st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? 2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? (over) .1. Washington State -,/ Department of Transportation fold here —tape closed before sending place stamp here to mail Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 fold here —tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalii@wsdot.wa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdot. wa.gov/projects4-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT response, provide your contact information: Name Address Phone and/or email Renton Nickel Improvement Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project • Build one new northbound lane from SR 181 to SR 167 • Build one new southbound lane from SR 169 to SR 167 and from SR 181 to 1-5 • Extend SR 167 southbound HOV lane approximately a half mile north from its current beginning • Add an auxiliary lane on SR 167 between 1-405 and the 41st Street off - ramp Please provide your comments on this project by February 10, 2005 Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what will be studied during the environmental review for the Renton Nickel Project. Before construction can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential natural and built environmental impacts within the project limits-1-405 from 1-5 in Tukwila to SR 169 in Renton, and along SR 167 south from 1405 to SW 41 st Street. Please provide your comments in the areas below and leave this form with a staff person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive it by February 10, 2005. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? 2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts. 3. What measures should WSDOT consider to reduce potential impacts? (over) .sip. MWashington State — Department at Transportation 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project? fold here -tape closed before sending place stamp here to mail Allison Ray Renton Nickel Improvement Project WSDOT 600 - 108th Avenue NE, Suite 405 Bellevue, WA 98004-9800 ------_...-------_..__ — — — — _________ ..._...._ — — — ——— _--_ fold here -tape closed before sending For additional questions or comments, contact: Allison Ray rayalli@wsdotwa.gov 425-456-8500 www. wsdot wa. gov/projects/1-405 To be added to our mailing list or for a formal WSDOT response, provide your contact information: Name "kL %PIN12 L Ie2if Z Z !/ J} ( V4V' ,gZ9'PV Address ?j ��%l/ I�L�`"-9 � o� o ENTON RENT( SUBARU MITSUBISNI OR C w t a a c «F W o C +' o C Zo Is Ql E C +r t 0 �a R 3:O iii (n iA 2 y -0 0 C • E U c 0 cu cu a> a_ c t O a W c I~ 10 °E a a ;C m C O co 00 O Q C cu o °O LO in U) cn 'ON -No 16 a)U ai o a FD o CU Z z H A C N all > E Co c(_� o m co LO CD Q� E LO E CD > co — — U L a m cn vini Q CY' Q c •cB Z d W ai U (o c O U a) U) (B a� c O t O a 0 c w� 0 cw c w m CmE ct Z W �a ;G U O U � r-- -O (D O a � a � (O Lo L U � O C Q 00 U H L � O U) V c) 0 LO In u)w O O a U Y (D Z U c Z _ O E > O CS E C C o m E M LO U E y > o o O ca c - -.> y � , O / — E Q- w fib33 YU J� O U N �� Washiligton State girtnient of Transpa7fttlion have a comment about the: d 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project Q $R 5091SR 518 Interchange Project 01405 Renton Nick i Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: � I 9AV c- a Cis lam, T- 11 'J CQW-r Please contact me: Name: .:D5 ji h Mailing Address: llcco,- r� Phone: i �m�il�►Qdr�� ; .. , F r � ; Washington State % ` n � `— 's` `' �Lv Department of 'Transportation�); j - I ha v comment about the: 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509ISR 518 Interchange Project 1405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: 7, -�(�� G �U �Uyyli ✓FiJ[��Y i ✓l ,� 10 ?x ctAc+he� Ulu-Fc>� do ❑ P16 n e: Name: ITT Mailing Address: �'P�i1�-6\_4I Phone: U, Vw? 0 Email Addre �- r ,. ,! P - , AMIk WrFffl Washington State Department of Transportation I hay comment about the: ® I-4 5 Bellevue Nickel Project ©SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 16 1 1-405 Renton Nickel Project 2"SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: I '/I ST --'N n [ -7 /A 0,9 rJ Please contact me: Name: s1 Mailing Address:. Phone: Email Address: 2 Washington State Department of Transportation I I I have a comment about the: AN 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project ® SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project -01405 Renton Nickel Project 19 SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: I vy�z 1 l ❑ Please contact me: Name: I Mailing Address:" �✓ Phone: Email Address ;%J /,I 3 Aft Washington State 1 Department of Transportation I I I have a comment about the: i 111405 Bellevue Nickel Project O SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project O 1405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project I Comment: / 401 E) Please contact me: Name: Mailing Address Phone: Email Address: -------------------------- I �► �Washington State �I/ Department of Transportation i I i I I have a comment about the: 17'f-405 Bellevue jVi k I Project URIR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project NO( �05 Renton Niicckyll Project WK 51B Sea-TacAirport to 1-5 Project Ok_ I N� I I I 1 I` ❑ Please contact me: Name: Mailing Address: j Phone: I Email Address: I' �I/ Washington State - Department of Transportation I G 1 have a comment about the: 01405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 2 405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: t- IC C, t'1 d v c fy H1 ✓C LO to-,ly ❑ Please contact me: Name: w Mailing Address: Phone: Email Address: I ivash�ng�+e�t+ stwts ~ Departme�tt sf Transportallonw J. I, i tioia cordr gat about the: <1.405 B' dievue Nickel Project 'D SR 509/SR 518-Interchange Project 1405 Renton Nicket Project ,SR 518 Sea-Tadhrpott-Io"1=5 Project Comment: �� o Can i N pY-Oq�e Yc ' C 1r9ant Uv tH YrG =-� wt)YSe 11 v ; w'. �se.contact me: Name: CL Ir , Mailing Address: ' r ' = Phone: EmO,Address tib i,Lpd KA 4ti U U N CU `O O CL d Cll � CT � C O co L If O C Q CX� � cu QJ pp O r LO Lo Q� or� M ►, U � U ai 'o m L• a D- o U Y CD Z _U z � � C E > O E =C 6 m W co LO ►O CD CD CD - a i Washington State I Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: �i ❑ 1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project �I 1-405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac ort to 1-5 Proj ct i Comment; s I I I Please contact me: Name: V1,J I Mailing Address': 21 S Z`�'- d Phone: Email.Address:`+� AMI. Washington State Department of Transportation have a comment about the: ❑ I-405 Bellevue Nickel Project O SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project l 1-405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: CbVtsi ( PX kAdl NIS Aa a ADD larr� =-,y t uffmi- Mvy i c g h f rP 9kxr4 CMg[Shlrl 1 cvam?, 0 Please contact me: Name: %�(QcX1j Mailing Address: , Phone: I ddress' Ot { Email AG I Washington State AIF Department of Transportation l have a comment about the: ❑ 1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509LSR 518 Interchange Project * 405 Renton Nickel Project O SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: ? 64 rC C 1" JAAS QiE Sli;p{' O'� C a,�1 poi ✓G'c`�i �P 'fry -�n off G'v1 s v ✓'i� r e. Erriairkdress: 4-vk Fp,4Q ) c^"%� ------- �� Washington State Trp Department of Transportation I I have a comment about the: I ❑ 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project i ❑ 1-405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project I I Comment:. 42� C2t P Q I ❑ Ple se contact me: Name: C�LlJv Mailing Address: r SL(q, Phone: IS; - Email Address: Washington State Department of Transportation i I have a comment about the: %1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509ISR 518 Interchange Project A1405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment:211 i..PA. - - -_r _ V Wig 1y + S I F 7E,¢y� ❑ Please contact me: Name: Mailing Address: _ (� Mr_ Curtis D. Taotro Phone: 419 Renton Ave. S Renton WA 98055-3015 l Email Address: Washington State Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: ❑ 1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project ❑ 1-405 Renton Nickel Project t� ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport tp 1-5 Project Comment: e.ts la 0 V p,, f' r 6,115 w7- r.f �un -r 13 Please contact me: Name: Mailing Address: 3 G Phone: Email Add ress�o Washington State Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: E4 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 211405 Renton Nickel Pr .ject ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: Z-77_ .Zrj V 11Please contactMailing Address: r Email Address*, VJ/ Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: ❑ 1405 Bellevue Nickel Project h SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project td 17.405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: 5r; sT 9% 5Az ti.F i., 44-,� cry ikc?y �q yF ._ Go D Please contact me: Name: jCuhn..avr G Lt% Mailing Address: V1 5. (,vAWfX- Phone: Email Address: — — — — — — — — — —' AMI, MWashington State�� ��' Department of Transportatioa�Dy ve a comment about the�� 6� Gam' -11405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 5091SR 18 Interchange Project 405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Commept;"5 d Please contact me: Name: iling Addre t one: I e �-- ��+�----------I----- ---- 4. rgi ton State a eet Transportation a comment aboA,,the: 5 OR ' 1116.04a"Nick fi"Froject sR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 'IbSiren'ton"Nickel Project SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment:5"R 3°q, SJp ,�n1�.y .7T(� 3''� Rce.,,.�AY �I '7'7Q,i:tc�S G4uSE craJ4Fsr+�wJ . �-- ��+�----------I----- ---- 4. rgi ton State a eet Transportation a comment aboA,,the: 5 OR ' 1116.04a"Nick fi"Froject sR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 'IbSiren'ton"Nickel Project SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment:5"R 3°q, SJp ,�n1�.y .7T(� 3''� Rce.,,.�AY �I '7'7Q,i:tc�S G4uSE craJ4Fsr+�wJ . Washington State Department of Transpoftation I have a comment about the: I-405 Bellevue Nickel Project SR 509/SR 518 Intercharrgemeet $I-405 Renton Nickel Project *SR 18 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Proj!S�, 1\yU I e 1 v 4-i�tS a v�Pvyc- 3\ v��S USua Comment: 1 aQQ�.Cs Vc-OtQ,�sg a ram •,s ,� or,Mo r�l� S11 `� O<CuOUvtCyy¢M\c1e5 wnsh�-- 1 � ai tt 11 �t 1 `�— I � tunOrcY`Q C�QP�SY��.p "`-�'tntS ithOt'o�\ `Soe�i1.\� i � ��conoMtL l�auv5 �v A',, WO. -�v3 scrieOS�pS �- � CCJes c)",.,- ccsvt�lvt�. :I �C Please contaGI ��� etVI QC.CeBS �Uli�i ��W��'L% WOi - vOi ov: th ❑ ct mVale: Ptlo4 a"eag Vkke- Mailing Address: — ��b a'l SE Sbv,� d o s Phone r, 4z., mail AdditesS �_- o.�� � � �b� i• { , - = g b�- cn. e�:{-:v Q a�i S'E,�2� €V �v!r�te:ptS c^"' WashinotonState V/APF Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: 21-405 BellevueNickel Project -0 SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project �S(1-405 Renton Nickel Project SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment:H i S 'L S V0 7- � 0 lzD r' —9)0 C/`f xt`;P�n,E�vcGgcrJ1C�— N�Ck Lu�s7o�U�Y-1,e TT 2 0-j7?-0 WOeQs T .:t j(F v S ❑ Please contact me: Name: O()96-/2 i bV h/AJ k o tlF mrO Mailing Address: S 3 SC M,f IZ f i OVZ SeC Phone: E az,6" goot . Eir!ailAddr r if; V/PF Department of Transportation a comment about the: ' 405 Bellevue Nickel Project D SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project t .405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project :,omment: VO „,,ll - T to o �_ _c - •� AO �iUeeiPL� 'lease contact me: Name: No Mailing Address: 2gkc:� Phone: 20G, &-((o V,-c L Email Address: JV8 I have a comment about the: 2(1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project *405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: h E Ail 7Z S f %, FZW 7 /45 ift2 AY` Y X/V CX'rh,5Z i J Please contact me: Name: zif} ll_p /C fL l'/_I�AIZX' i Mailing Address: Phone: Email Address: A91W Washington State Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: i 405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 5d I-/-405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment_: _�, �1� — Grc.Q� `&t- CA — !.P.M_ / ♦ li O Please contact me: Name: Mailing Address: Phone: Email Address: AAW � Washington State wI/ Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: SI 1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project OSR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 1-405 Renton Nickel Project IN SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: �%(� %lusC nrk,,t& Ke . r-4 i'n x� , jJ 2. * ❑ Please contact me: Name: 00 Hein+ A Mailing Address: 1661 r,46LG (ZIm6E, PC S rlI 2OU-; ^ i 9809 Phone: /% 7 Email Address: IYY- 17o,3 6M IL. CAM AM► Washington State V, Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: 41-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ta�'I-405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project ASR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project ❑ Please contact me: Name: C—,— O'C' psJ �\ L Sr Mailing f Susan Dykstra 3465 West Mercer Way Phone: _ Mercer Island, WA 98040 Email Ac �) -�-4,S ) _ I -� S � Adw i Washington State Department of Transportation I I I have a comment about the: O 1405 BellevueNickel Project O SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project 'I A 1405 Renton Nickel Project O SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Comment: !I }k 'I ❑ Please contact me: Phone: it Email Address: ---------------------------------- Adow Washington State Department of Transportation i I hZ405 comment about the: ellevue Nickel Project /SR /SR 518 Interchange Project j la -405 Renton Ni el Project ;?R �Sea-TacAi ort to 1-5 Pr 'ect�Airport of Comment: /tam' h I-- / / V /-? P Mailing Add _ _ 1/! .r..- 171� Email Address: %p s 2 6 z7 ------------------------------ AdW WoWashington State Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: 13 1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project '(405 Renton Nickel Project Comment: ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project ❑ SR518 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project Washington State V, Department of Transportation I have a comment about the: \❑,1-405 Bellevue Nickel Project ❑ SR 509/SR 518 Interchange Project ]$[ 1405 Renton Nickel Project ❑ SR 51.8 Sea-Tac Airport to 1-5 Project J \Comment: W if 2t;Nr-ou i`�r AJer`1fj�o,rr�pD i i. I)ye t?Hrkc,r 9`I' �� liar Dry i 1,e 7s A cP�trr ye•;/ ❑ Please conact me: Name: - Y�4ra�—o u yvL.:` Mailing Address: A GJy 0575" Phone: Lmail Address: Q E 2_ � 3� 7 1 C 1 1 1