HomeMy WebLinkAboutTalbot Hill ES SEPA DNS
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7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
SEPA DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
Talbot Hill Elementary School Field Improvements
Proponent and Lead Agency: Renton School District
(RSD)
The official project file containing the SEPA checklist
and related plans and documents is available for public
review during normal business hours at the following
location:
Contact: Matthew Feldmeyer
Executive Director of Capital Planning
and Construction
Renton School District
7812 South 124th Street
Seattle, WA 98178
capitalprojects2@rentonschools.us
Phone: (425) 204-4403
Description of Proposal: The proposal includes field and site improvements to Talbot Hill
Elementary School. The project will construct field perforated underdrains, a collector line, a
StormTech stormwater detention facility, and a flow control structure. The proposed stormwater
system will connect into the existing on-site private system and maintain the current drainage
pattern to the City of Renton public stormwater system located on Talbot Hill Road S. The
existing field is sand, and grass seeded field, which will be restored in kind and soil amendment
will be provided to all other disturbed landscaped areas.
Location of Proposal: 2300 Talbot Rd S. Renton, WA 98055; King County Parcel Number
3023059073; in Section 30, Township 23, Range 05.
Public and Agency Comments: This SEPA Threshold Determination is based on the public
record, including comments from agencies, tribes, property owners, and other interested parties
via mailings, publications and postings conducted by RSD. RSD issued notice of the SEPA
Checklist for comment on April 24, 2024, requesting the submittal of comments by May 8, 2024.
One agency comment was received from the City of Renton on May 7, 2024, regarding concerns
with sensitive slopes, protected slopes, and coal mine hazard areas present on site.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. Earth - The project area is approximately 1.46 acres and is relatively flat. The subject
property (10.85 acres) is relatively flat, with small portions of steep slopes in the
Talbot Hill Elementary School
SERVICE | EXCELLENCE | EQUITY
7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
south/southwest portion of the site with greater than slopes ranging from 18 to 30% per
the submitted Geotechnical Report prepared by Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. dated
June 5, 2024. The project proposes to affect a total of approximately 63,600 sf of field
area. The stormwater system will require excavation and backfill for the detention trench
and pipes totaling approximately 36,100 cubic feet of soils. The final grading is proposed
to meet the existing grades. The existing athletics field is a sand and grass seeded field.
The proposed source of fill will be clean imported sand and topsoil. A TESC Plan will be
prepared to control the potential for erosion in accordance with the requirements of the
County’s stormwater management program plan and design manual.
2. Air – Best Management Practices will be employed to minimize dust-related emissions
during construction. Methods include limiting the idling of construction equipment,
using water sprays, minimizing vehicle speeds on unpaved surfaces, and minimizing
work during high winds. After construction, no additional emissions to air are anticipated
to result from the proposal.
3. Water –There are no surface water bodies on the site. The project will construct field
perforated underdrains, a collector line, a StormTech stormwater detention facility, and a
flow control structure. The proposed stormwater system will connect into the existing on-
site private system and maintain the current drainage pattern to the City of Renton public
stormwater system located on Talbot Hill Road S. Stormwater design is based on the
requirements of the 2022 City of Renton Water Design Manual. Prior to construction, a
TESC plan will be prepared, and Best Management Practices will be implemented to
minimize erosion.
4. Plants – There are no existing trees or other vegetation within the project area, as it is
currently used for athletic fields. The sand and grass seeded fields (approximately 1.46
acres) will be restored.
5. Animals – The site likely contains typical animals such as songbirds and small mammals.
The Puget Sound region is part of the Pacific Flyway. The proposal is not anticipated to
cause impacts to endangered, threatened, or sensitive species.
6. Environmental Health – There is a gas transmission pipeline located adjacent to the north
of the site (offsite), running along S 23rd Street. There is no known contamination on the
site, however it is possible that spills could occur during construction. Any soils
contaminated by spills would be excavated and disposed of in a manner consistent with
the level of contamination and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
7. Noise – Temporary, short term noise impacts will occur typical of construction activity.
Construction is anticipated to take place in summer 2024. Construction will occur during
the hours and within the noise levels specified in Renton noise ordinances.
8. Land and Shoreline Use – The current use of the site is the existing Talbot Hill
Elementary School. Adjacent properties are single family residential to the north, west,
and south. The adjacent property to the east is a park. The use will not change as a result
of the proposal, nor will the proposal increase impacts to nearby or adjacent properties.
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7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
The City of Renton critical area maps denote potential sensitive slopes, protected slopes,
landslide hazard area, and coalmine hazard area within or near the project area. Per the
Geotechnical Report, no area on the site met the criteria for sensitive slopes. The
southwest portion of the site met the criteria for a protected slope and the west, south, and
east perimeters met the criteria for a Medium and High Landslide Hazard Areas. A
northern portion of the site is mapped as a high coal mine hazard area, and the southwest
corner is mapped for medium coal mine hazard area. Per the Geotechnical Report,
planned improvements will not impact the condition of the existing protected slopes,
landslide hazard, and the coal mine hazard with the implementation of TESC plans
BMP’s that will mitigate any potential adverse impacts to geological hazard areas.
9. The proposal is located within the existing field development footprint and no work is
proposed outside of the existing fence line except for the proposed connection to the
onsite stormwater facility. The site is not in the vicinity of a shoreline of the state. The
proposal will not modify enrollment or staffing at the school.
10. Aesthetics – The project does not propose any structures and no views in the immediate
vicinity will be impacted. No aesthetic impacts are expected.
11. Recreation – The school property includes an athletic field and a play area. Adjacent to
the east of the site is Thomas Teasdale neighborhood park. The existing athletic field
will be temporarily displaced during construction. Once completed, the project will
continue to provide recreational opportunities on site and will provide upgraded an
upgraded athletic field.
12. Historic and cultural preservation – There are no known landmarks, features, or other
evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation. Washington Dept. of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation (DAHP) WISAARD database did not identify evidence of historic,
archeological, scientific, or cultural landmarks, or evidence of such on or within the
vicinity of project site. No disturbance to cultural or historical resources is expected and
no modifications to existing buildings are proposed. If any cultural or archaeological
objects are found during work on the site, work will stop, and the Washington State
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation will be notified.
13. Transportation – The proposal will not modify existing access or result in transportation
impacts. There will be no change to the quantity of onsite parking spaces.
THRESHOLD DETERMINATION: In reaching the Threshold Determination, the
Responsible Official reviewed the completed environmental checklist, environmental
information on file with RSD, City of Renton, and public/agency comments, relying on the
information therein to exercise substantive authority under the Washington State Environmental
Policy Act, pursuant to RCW 43.21C.060. This Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) is
issued under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-340 and pursuant to the
criteria and procedures of WAC 197-11-300 through 197-11-340 and 197-11-390. The
Responsible Official has determined that the proposal does not have a probable significant
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7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
adverse impact with adherence to local, state, federal regulations and the incorporation of the
following practices.
1. If during constructions soils are found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or other
contaminants, extra precaution will be taken to avoid escaping dust, soil, erosion, and
water pollution during grading and site construction. Contaminated soils generated
during site construction shall be managed and disposed of in accordance with state and
local regulations, including the Solid Waste Handling Standards regulation (Chapter 173-
350 WAC).
2. A TESC Plan shall be prepared and all BMP recommendations listed in the Geotechnical
Report to reduce the potential for off-site sediment transport shall be utilized.
3. All imported fill mut be clean fill utilizing an approved source.
4. A Construction General Stormwater permit, if required, is to be obtained prior to
clearing, grading, or excavation activities.
The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from issue date (issue date: June 17,
2024). Comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 1, 2024. Comments can be mailed or
emailed to the address listed above. There is no agency appeal of this DNS; appeals are
governed by RCW 43.21C.075.
Responsible Official: Matthew Feldmeyer, Executive Director of Capital Planning and
Construction.
6/13/24
Matthew Feldmeyer, Executive Director of Date
Capital Planning and Construction
Renton School District
Published in the Seattle Times: June 17, 2024