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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLUA-07-082_Report 01• CITY OF RENTON
PLANNING / BUILDING / PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 2, 2008
To: City Clerk's Office
From: Stacy Tucker
Subject: Land Use File Closeout
Please complete the following information to facilitate project closeout and indexing by the City
Clerk's Office.
Project Name:
LUA (file) Number:
Cross-References:
AKA's:
Project Manager:
Acceptance Date:
Applicant:
Owner:
Contact:
PID Number:
ERC Decision Date:
ERC Appeal Date:
Administrative Approval:
Appeal Period Ends:
Public Hearing Date:
Date Appealed to HEX:
By Whom:
HEX Decision:
Date Appealed to Council:
By Whom:
Council Decision:
Mylar Recording Number:
BNSF Bridge Replacement
LUA-07-082, SME
BNSF Railway Co.
BNSF Railway Co.
BNSF Railway Co. -Dan MacDonald
August 3, 2007
Date:
Date:
Project Description: The applicant seeks a Shoreline Permit Exemption to replace the decking
and support/super structure of an existing railroad bridge over the Cedar River. The track
configuration of the bridge will be the same (i.e. single track) and there will be no change to the
abutment of pier structures. The existing bridge is a 128ft through truss steel bridge. The new
bridge will be a 128ft steel deck plate with a girder bridge with 25ft concrete approach spans at
each end on augured-pile abutments. No materials will enter the river and no work will occur in the
water. Work areas will be hung with construction tarp materials intended to catch spill over of
construction materials. .
Location:
Comments:
BNSF Railway Bridge 2.36 located roughly southwest of the
Renton Community Center
•
August 2, 2007
EXEMPTION FILE NUMBER: LUA07-082 SME
APPLICANT:
OWNER:
Dan MacDonald, for
BNSF Railway Co.
2454 Occidental Ave. S. Ste#I-A'
Seattle, W A 98134-1451
BNSF Railway Co.
•
PROJECT NAME: BNSF Railway Co. Bridge Number 2.63 Decking and
Sub/Superstructure Replacement Project
PROPOSAL: The applicant seeks a Shoreline Permit Exemption to replace the decking
and support/super structure of an existing railroad bridge over the Cedar River. The track
configuration of the bridge will be the same (i.e. single track) and there will be no change
to the abutment or pier structures. The existing bridge is a 128ft through truss steel
bridge. The new bridge will be a 128ft steel deck plate with a girder bridge with 25ft
concrete approach spans at each end on augured-pile abutments. No materials will enter
the river and no work will occur in the water. Work areas will be hung with construction
tarp materials intended to catch spill over of construction materials.
PROJECT LOCATION: BNSF Railway Bridge 2.3610cated roughly southwest of the
Renton Community Center
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: NA
SEC-TWN-R: 17-23N-5E
WATER BODYIWETLAND: Cedar River
CORPS PUBLIC NOTICE NUMBER: NA
DATES OF PROPOSED WORK: August 2007 through December 2007
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: None
-._-------------------
•
An exemption from a Shoreline Management Substantial Development Permit is hereby
granted on the proposed project described on the attached form for the following
reason(s):
Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments,
including damage by accident, fire or elements.
The proposed development is consistent or inconsistent with:
CONSISTENT INCONSISTENT
Policies of the Shoreline Management
Act.
The Master Program.
Neil Watts, Director
Development Services Division
Date
2. 2007 1
To appeal this determination, a written appeal--accompanied by the required $75.00
filing fee--must be filed with the City's Hearing Examiner (1055 South Grady Way,
Renton, W A 98057, 425-430-6515) no more than 14 days from the date of this decision.
Your submittal should explain the basis for the appeal. Section 4-8-110 of the Renton
Municipal code provides further information on the appeal process.
• Transmittal
QSIELoPMI:NI SERVICES •
CITY OF RENTON ..., .... • ~
JUL 19 20n? ©(Q)~~ -iMii
RECEIVEDJnterMountain Resources
101 North Fourth Avenue, Suite 203 / P.O. Box 1724/ Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-263-9391 Tel 208-263-7013 Fax info@intermountainresources.com
Attention: Date: '1 J!et )01 Job Name:
I ~! \,vA-q?:'OS7 ,
I Regarding: S f P.4
We are sending you:
L-J Original of letter
L..J Copy of letter
L..J Drawings
L..J Prints
L..J Plans
I
cries 'p~te •• p. No.
. _ (;>1<, ?1rz1.n L::I ====-
:~ese are transmitted as checked below:
L-J Task order
W Change order
L.D5J Other
~For your use L-I For approval
L..-J As requested L-I For review/comment
Remarks:
'Vril\. ' wi~ cJI
L-I Please Retum
L-IOther
Please notify us at once with any COncerns or comments,
per this transmittal.
Signed ~ oS. r~ e (1-tR-
HANSON-WIL& INC.
Engineers -Consultants
1621 114~ Avenue SE, Suite 200
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Tel (425) 635-0800
Fax (425) 635-0900
TO: Derek Akesson
CITY OF RENTON
1055 SOUTH GRADY WAY
RENTON, WA 98057
WE ARE SENDING YOU:
___ Shop drawings
___ Copy of Letter
COPIES DATE NO.
-,-,X ,--_Attached
~X,--_ Prints
___ Change order
..
ITTER OF TRANSMITTAL
DATE:
ATTN:
RE: ..
27 July 2007 JOB NO.
DEREK AKESSON
06RR064
___ Under separate cover via _____ the following items:
____ Specifications ___ Reproducibles
___ Calculations
___ Sketches
___ Other
DESCRIPTION
1 7/2/07 Conformed Plans for Cedar River Brid~e
THESE ARE TRANSMITTED as checked below:
___ For approval
___ For your use
....:..:X,--_As requested
___ For review and comment
___ No exceptions taken
___ Make corrections noted
___ Revise and resubmit
___ Rejected -see remarks
___ Submit
___ Return
___ copies for distribution
___ corrected prints
__ FOR BID DUE ___ 20 RETURNED PRINTS AFTER LOAN TO US
REMARKS:
Edward Allard BNSF
COPY TO: File: 06RR064 -Correspondence SIGNED:
If enclosures are not as noted, please notify us at once.
------------------------
HANSON-WIL& INC.
Engineers -Consultants
1621 114lh Avenue SE, Suite 200
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Tel (425) 635-0800
Fax (425) 635-0900
TO: Derek Akesson
CITY OF RENTON
1055 SOUTH GRADY WAY
RENTON, WA 98057
WE ARE SENDING YOU:
___ Shop drawings
___ Copy of Letter
COPIES DATE NO.
_X:..:...._Attached
X Prints ....:..:..-
___ Change order
~TTER OF TRANSMITTAL
DATE: 26 July 2007 JOB NO. -",06""RocR",0",94.:...... __ _
ATTN: DEREK AKESSON
RE:
___ Under separate cover via
--
_____ the following items:
____ Specifications Sketches ___ Reproducibles
___ Calculations ___ Other
DESCRIPTION
1 7/12/07 Conformed Plans for Renton Bridges
THESE ARE TRANSMITTED as checked below:
___ For approval
___ For your use
-,X:..:...._As requested
For review and comment --
__ FOR BID DUE ___ 20
REMARKS:
Edward Allard BNSF
___ No exceptions taken
Make corrections noted --
Revise and resubmit --
___ Rejected -see remarks
___ Submit
___ Return
___ copies for distribution
___ corrected prints
__ RETURNED PRINTS AFTER LOAN TO US
COPY TO: File: 06RR094 -Correspondence SIGNED:
If enclosures are not as noted, please notifY us at once.
• •
UPDATED
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
InterMountain Resources, BNSF Environmental Consultant
Attn: Pierre Bordenave
101 North Fourth Avenue, Suite 2031 P.O. Box 1724
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-263-9391 T 1208-263-7013 F 1 info@intermountainresources.com
PURPOSE OF CHECKLIST:
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to
consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the
environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts
from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency
decide whether an EIS is required.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental
agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant,
requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give
the best description you can.
You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you
should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire
experts. If you really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not
know" or "does not apply". Complete answers to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later .
. Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations.
Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on
different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its
environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or
provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact.
USE OF CHECKLIST FOR NON PROJECT PROPOSALS:
Complete this checklist for non project proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN
ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).
For nonproject actions (actions involving decisions on policies, plans and programs), the references in the
checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proposer," and
"affected geographic area," respectively.
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page I ofl3
• • A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
BNSF Railway Co. (BNSF) Bridge Number 2.36 Railroad Bridge Decking and Sub/Superstructure
Replacement Project
2. Name of applicant:
BNSF
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Dan MacDonald, Manager Engineering
BNSF Railway Co.
2454 Occidental Avenue South, Suite 1-A
Seattle, WA 98134-1451
206-625-6150 Tel 206-625-6115 Fax danniel.macdonald@bnsf.com
4. Date checklist prepared:
June 2007
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Renton Planning/Building/Public Works Department
Development Services Division
Development and Planning Section
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
August 2007 through December 2007.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this
proposal? If yes, explain.
In conjunction with this project the City of Renton's Hardie Avenue SW, Rainier Avenue SW, and
Shattuck Avenue S rail-only bridges (railroad crossing structures over the respective roadways) will be
replaced. The City of Renton projects would include landscaping, roadway improvements, update
signage, reconfiguration, etc. (SEPA Checklists submitted in May of 2007)
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly
related to this proposal.
The following listing of environmental information was included in the City of Renton's SEPA Checklists for
the three roadway projects:
1. Preliminarv Cultural Resource Assessment for the Rainier/Hardie Avenue Project: Rainier Avenue and
Shattuck Avenue Railroad Bridge Replacement. Western Shores Heritage Service, Inc (April 26, 2007)
2. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment BNSF Railway Company (BNSFl Railroad Bridge Replacement,
Shannon & Wilson, INC (November 16, 2006)
3. Preliminarv Results of Pile Analyses, BNSF Shattuck Avenue Bridge Design. Renton. WA, Jacobs
Associates (May 14, 2007)
4. Geotechnical Engineering Report, City of Renton-Rainier Avenue Improvement Project BNSF Railroad
Bridge. Renton, Washington, Milbor-Pita & Associates, Inc (September 2005)
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 2 of 13
• •
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
BNSF Railway Co. (BNSF) Bridge Number 2.36 Railroad Bridge Deck Replacement
2. Name of applicant:
BNSF
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Dan MacDonald, Manager Engineering
BNSF Railway Co.
2454 Occidental Avenue South, Suite 1-A
Seattle, WA 98134-1451
206-625-6150 Tel 206-625-6115 Fax danniel.macdonald@bnsf.com
4. Date checklist prepared:
June 2007
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Renton Planning/Building/Public Works Department
Development Services Division
Development and Planning Section
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
August 2007 through December 2007 ..
--------------------~
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this
proposal? If yes, explain.
In conjunction with this project the City of Renton's Hardie Avenue SW, Rainier Avenue SW, and
Shattuck Avenue S rail-only bridges (railroad crossing structures over the respective roadways) will be
replaced. The City of Renton projects would include landscaping, roadway improvements, update
signage, reconfiguration, etc. (SEPA Checklists submitted in May of 2007)
8. List any environmentalinfonnation you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly
related to this proposal.
The following listing of environmental information was included in the City of Renton's SEPA Checklists for
the three roadway projects:
1. Preliminarv Cultural Resource Assessment for the Rainier/Hardie Avenue Project: Rainier Avenue and
Shattuck Avenue Railroad Bridge Replacement Western Shores Heritage Service, Inc (April 26, 2007)
2. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) Railroad Bridge Replacement,
Shannon & Wilson, INC (November 16, 2006)
3. Preliminary Results of Pile Analyses, BNSF Shattuck Avenue Bridge Design. Renton, WA, Jacobs
Associates (May 14, 2007)
4. Geotechnical Engineering Report. City of Renton-Rainier Avenue Improvement Project BNSF Railroad
Bridge, Renton. Washington, Milbor-Pita & ASSOCiates, Inc (September 2005)
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 2 of 13
• •
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly
affecting the properly covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
No applications are pending for either government approvals or other proposals which would directly,
affect the property covered by this proposal.
10. List any governmental approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Not applicable; No in-water work is proposed with this bridge decking and superstructure replacement
project, no changes to the location of the existing bridge support structures, piers, or abutments. A
courtesy notification of the proposed work will be prepared for the Department of Army, Corps of
Engineers, Seattle Regulatory District; the U.S. Coast Guard -Thirteenth District; and the Washington
Department of. Fish and Wildlife -Habitat Division.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project
and site.
The proposed project is replacement of the decking and support I super structure of an existing railroad
bridge over the Cedar River. This railroad bridge typically carries freight for various commercial,
interstate commerce entities on the 'East Side" industrial corridor, with the primary transport customer
being Boeing. The project would update and upgrade an aging structure that is seeing an increased use
and is needed to ensure the safe transport of rail freight and to protect the Cedar River below from
possible impacts related to a failing bridge. The track configuration of the bridge will .be the same (i.e.
single track) and there will be no change to the abutment or pier structures. The existing bridge is a
128-ft through-truss steel bridge (pier to pier distance). The new bridge will be a 128-ft steel deck plate
girder bridge with 25-ft concrete approach spans at each end on augered-pile abutments. The existing
piers will be saw-cut to remove the top 2'7" of each pier. The decking of the main span will be steel with
ballast on top. (See attached bridge plan and profile). This type of structure will include a drainage
trough directing rain water flow off of the bridge structure to infiltration swale areas on the outside areas
of the bridge.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of
your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range if known., If a
proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a
legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should
submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans
submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist.
The proposed project is located within the limits of the City of Renton and is located on the portion of
BNSF railroa'd which crosses over the Cedar River. The legal description of the project location is: in a
portion of Section 17, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Willamette Meridian, King County.
Approximate Lat! Long: N 47°28'51.5"; W 122°12' 1.3" (see attached vicinity map).
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. EARTH
a. General description of the site (circle one); flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
Typical railroad grade
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 3 of 13
• •
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope?)
The natural terrain within the project footprint is flat; however, the railroad embankment
averages about a 40% slope.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, grevel, peat, muck)?
If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland.
Soils generally consist of imported fill and alluvium deposits of sands, gravels and railroad
ballast material.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
Yes, this area is a designated seismic hazard zone.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed.
Indicata source of fill.
Minimal addition of clean ballast.
f. Could arosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion from the site is not anticipated. The embankments will be topped with open grade
crushed rock and side slopes and all disturbed areas will be reseeded with low maintenance
native vegetation andlor grasses. In addition, the contractor will be required to develop an
erosion control plan consistent with BNSF policy and protocol standards for erosion control and
pollution prevention.
g. About what percant of tha site will be covared with impervious surfaces after projact construction
(for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Less the 5% of the site will be covered with impervious surface.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
2. AIR
An Erosion Control Plan, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Best Management
Practices will be utilized to reduce and control erosion and other impacts to the earth.
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors,
industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally
describe and give approximate quantities if known.
During construction activities there may be short-term increases in air emissions associated with
construction equipment.
As this project will not increase rail traffic utilizing the rail-only bridges, there will be no long-term
increase in rail emissions.
b. Are there any off-site sources of amission or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally
describe.
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page4of13
• •
No.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
The contractor will employ Best Management Practices for the control of both fugitive dust and
emissions; these will be undertaken during construction in accordance with Puget Sound Clean
Air Agency (PSCAA) guidance. The control of fugitive dust will use applicable measure as
outlined under PSCAA Regulation I, Section 9.15, Fugitive Dust Control Measures which
include:
3. WATER
1. The use of control equipment, enclosures, and water suppression techniques,
as practical, and curtailment during high winds;
2. Surfacing roadways and parking area with asphalt, concrete, or gravel;
3. Treating temporary, low-traffic areas (e.g., construction sites) with water or
chemical stabilizers, reducing vehicle speeds, constructing pavement or rip rap
exit aprons, and cleaning vehicle undercarriages before they exit to prevent the
track-out of mud or dirt onto paved public roadways; or
4. Covering or wetting truck loads or allowing adequate freeboard to prevent the
escape of dust-bearing materials.
a. Surface Water:
1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round
and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide
names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
Cedar River
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters?
If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
Yes, the purpose of the project is to replace the decking on the existing BNSF Bridge 2.36, over
the Cedar River. Work areas will be hung with construction tarp materials intended to catch
potential spill over of construction materials. This Best Management Practice (BMP) will
generally follow the BMP "Diaper Netting" described on page 52 of WSDOT's Regional Road
Maintenance and Endangered Species Act guidelines:
http'nwww wsdot wa goY/majntenancelpdflGyjdelineslPart2 pdf
The project will generate construction debris (from the existing structure) that contains both lead
paint and creosote treated wood. The material will be disposed of in accordance with federal
laws and none will be discharged into ground water.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface
water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of
fill material.
None.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrewals or diversions? Give general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No.
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 5 of 13
• •
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site plan.
No.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe
the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
No.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other
sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals ... ;
agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the
number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the
system(s) are expected to serve.
The project will generate construction debris (from the existing structure) that contains both lead
paint and creosote treated wood. The material will be disposed of in accordance with federal
laws and none will be discharged into ground water.
c. Water Runoff (Including storm water):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if
any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other
waters, If so, describe.
Runoff from the bridge will be drained to either end of the bridge and the constructed infiltration
swales out of the river channel. Infiltration will occur into open, clean, drain rock areas.
2) Could waste material enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
The project will generate construction debris (from the existing structure) that contains both lead
paint and creosote treated wood. The material will be disposed of in accordance with federal
laws and none will be discharged into ground water.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
All fill areas will be constructed out of open graded rock ballast; therefore, runoff will be
infiltrated in swales.
4. PLANTS
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
----2L deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
__ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
--2L shrubs
--2L grass
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 6 of 13
•
__ pasture
__ crop or grain
•
__ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
__ water plants: water lily, eel grass, milfoil, other
__ other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
None anticipated.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, sockeye salmon, and bull trout are recognized as
using this section of the Cedar River for migration purposes only. No in-water work is proposed,
so no impacts to transient fish are expected. The overhead construction work will have no
different impacts on fish within the waterway as the existing operations of this section of railroad.
5. ANIMALS
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be
on or near the site:
Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: seagulls
Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other
Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
The listed fish species in B.4.c.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain
Generally, The City of Renton is part of the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds. This section of
the Cedar River is also a migration route for fish species and upriver spawning I rearing.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
None.
6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the
completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing,
etc.
None.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
No.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other
proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
Environmental Checklist, BNSF -Cedar River Bridge Number 2.36
June 21, 2007
Page 7 ofl3
·' •
None,
7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
a. Aro thero any environmental health hazards, including exposuro to toxic chemicals, risk of fire
and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a rosult of this proposal? If so,
describe,
Possible environmental health hazards at the project site include creosote timbers associated
with the existing bridges and support structures, the potential presence of lead paint on the
bridge. In addition, some construction equipment will use fuels that inherently have a potential
to spill or ignite.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be roquirod.
Special emergency services are not likely to be required given the low probability of a serious
incident involving any of the aforementioned environmental health hazards. However both the
City of Renton and BNSF operations crews maintain spill control materials. BNSF additionally
has a process in place to address emergency situations and will notify the appropriate
environmental agency immediately upon an emergency happening. BNSF and its contractor
maintain an emergency plan of contact information for accidents and injuries during project
work.
2) Proposed measures to roduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
A Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan and an Erosion Control Plan for
construction activities will be developed for this project and required to be included in the
contractor's Work Plan. The bridge has been tested for lead paint. All removal of contaminants
will be disposed of according to federal regulations. Potentially hazardous materials will be
contained and removed to an approved oft-site handling facility. If exposure to workers is a
concern prior to off-site removal, the painted areas will be wrapped with protective, plastic
sheeting. The suspended tarp under the bridge work area (Diaper Netting BMP) will additionally
contain potentially hazardous materials until containment for removal can be done.
In addition, all contractors will be required to develop a site specific safety plan for their
employees that complies with all federal environmental rules and regulations during construction
and which minimizes or eliminates impacts associated with environmental health hazards.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the aroa which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)?
None.
2) What types and levels of noise would be croated by or associated with the project on a short-
term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what
hours noise would come from the site.
On a short-term bllsis noise generated from construction activities would occur during the hours
of 7am to 10pm in accordance with the City of Renton's noise ordinance.
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June 21, 2007
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The highest level of noise generated during construction would result from sawing activities.
General construction activities will generate noise levels around 89 dba while sawing will
generate noise levels of 101 dba.
On a long-tenm basis noise would be consistent with the previous use for rail traffic but as rail
capacity would not increase noise levels will not exceed current levels.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Construction activities generating noise above background levels will be in compliance with the
noise ordinance established by the City of Renton and occur during the hours of 7am to 8pm.
8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
The site is currenlly used by the BNSF Railway Co. to provide rail freight transportation in the
Renton commercial I industrial business region. Adjacent properties include a variety of
commercial businesses.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
No.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
The site has one railroad bridge, which spans the Cedar River. The bridge is situated on a rail
line that was originally built by the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad Transportation Company
(S&WW) with the tracks constructed by the Columbia Puget Sound (C&PS) Railroad Company.
The portion where the bridge is located was completed in 1877. The bridge is composed of
concrete, steel and wood.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
The decking and superstructure will be replaced, the piers and abutments will not.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
The site is currenlly zoned as commercial arterial (CA) west of Shattuck Avenue S and center
downtown (CD) east of Shattuck Avenue S (see attached zoning map).
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The site is a designated employment area -valley (EAV) west of Rainier Avenue SW, a
commercial corridor (CC) between Rainier Avenue SW and Shattuck Avenue S, and urban
center -downtown (UCO) east of Shattuck Avenue S.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Not Applicable
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
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June 21, 2007
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The entire site is in a seismic hazard area. The Cedar River is identified to be an important
salmon passage way for spawning/rearing purposes for certain threatened and endangered
Puget Sound species.
i. Approximate/y how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
None.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
None.
I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal are compatible with existing and projected land uses
and plans, if any:
The project has been developed in cooperation with the City of Renton. In addition, the project
is compatible with the City of Renton's Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program and the
current zoning classifications for the project area
9. HOUSING
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-
income housing.
None.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
None.
10. AESTHETICS
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the
principal exterior building material(s) proposed.
The new bridge will be 20 feet high, measured from bottom of lowest point on steel beam to top
of bridge sign mounted to walkway handrail.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
No change in general perspective from the existing condition. However we expect aesthetic
improvements by the replacement of existing truss members (approx. 26' high) with steel beams
below the bridge. As a result of this different configuration, there will be less structural bulk to
look through or obstruct views.
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June 21, 2007
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c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
See above, otherwise none proposed.
11. LIGHT AND GLARE
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
None.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
No.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
None.
12. RECREATION
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Passive use, i.e. walking and biking.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
None.
13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for. national state. or local preservation
registers known to be on or next to the site? If so. generally describe.
The Renton Fire Station (45KI209) is the nearest property nominated for listing on the NRHP.
As it is located 2000 feet northeast of the project site it will not be affected by the proposed
project.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural
importance known to be on or next to the site.
The rail-only bridge to be replaced is contained within a previously recorded site, the Columbia
and Puget Sound Railroad (45KI538). This site is a 16.6 mile-long segment of railroad between
Seattle and Cedar Grove. The tracks were constructed by the Columbia and Puget Sound
(C&PS) Railroad Company but the line was originally graded and built by the Seattle and Walla
Walla Railroad Transportation Company (S&WW). The portion of the site within the project area
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June 21. 2007
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was completed in 1877. Several features of the railroad were recorded in 1996 including the
railroad trestle over Rainier Avenue SW which was described as largely undisturbed; with rails,
ties and original earthwork features intact. The railway has not been formally evaluated for
nomination.
The Renton Fire Station (45KI209) is located about 1000 feet west of the project in downtown
Renton and is nominated for listing on the NRHP. It was designed in the art deco style by Ivan
M. Palma in 1939 and built by the Works Progress Administration.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
All disturbances will be in existing BNSF railroad fill. No native ground will be excavated.
However, in the event that any historic or cultural resources are discovered, construction will be
halted in the discovery area, and the remaining area covered and secured against further
disturbance. Communication will then be established with county administrative and law
enforcement personnel, DAHP, and authorized tribal representatives.
14. TRANSPORTATION
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the
existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
• Houser Way S., no change in access
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximata distance to the nearest
transit stop?
No, the site is not currently served by public transit.
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project
eliminate?
None.
d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets,
not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private?
No.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so,
generally describe.
The project will occur on the BNSF right-of-way and will utilize the existing BNSF operations
capabilities to transport a portion of construction materials for the new bridge decking I
superstructure improvement and for removing excess or waste materials. Staging areas for
the construction of both bridges will occur on the railroad right of way.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known,
indicate when peak volumes would occur.
The project is not expected to generate new traffic.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
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June 21, 2007
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None anticipated.
15. PUBLIC SERVICES
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, health care, schools, othar)? If so, genarally describe.
No.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
None.
16. UTILITIES
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricitv. natural gas, water, refuse service,
telaphone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other: stann water system
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the
general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed.
Not applicable.
C. SIGNATURE
I, the undersigned, state that to the best of my knowledge the above infonmation is true and complete. It
is understood that the lead agency may withdraw any declaration of non-significance that it might issue
in reliance upon this checklist should there b any willful misrepresentation or willful lack of full
disclosure on my part.
Proponent: / >
Name Printed: -PA»..Jt e( WlA c..-i:>"",04lP
Date: 0'/ II"Z-/2 0<.0 7
I
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June 21, 2007
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