HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWARR Station Stream Assessment FINAL
1101 South Fawcett Avenue, Suite 200
Tacoma, Washington 98402
253.383.4940
April 24, 2017
Puget Sound Energy
PO Box 97034 EST-05E
Bellevue, Washington 98009-9734
Attention: Elaine Babby
Subject: Stream Assessment
SWARR Station
Renton, Washington
File No. 9186-024-00
INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
GeoEngineers, Inc. (GeoEngineers) was contracted by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to perform stream
assessment services at their SWARR Station facility in the City of Renton, Washington (Figure 1 – Vicinity
Map). The project site is located on a portion of one parcel (Parcel No. 2023059071) that is approximately
16.7 acres in size. The site was developed by Washington Natural Gas (now Puget Sound Energy) in 1965
as a “peak shaving” facility for periods of high natural gas demand during cold weather. We understand
there is a mapped stream (Rolling Hills Creek) that flows north through a culvert under the center of the
property and, therefore the City of Renton is requiring a stream study.
Figures 2 and 3 depict the site plan for the project and display stream habitat conditions identified during
the site visit. This report has been prepared to provide baseline stream habitat information on the project
site in accordance with Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 4-8-120D.19.
Project Description
PSE is proposing to conduct site exploratory work within the developed area of the site, to investigate
underground tank conditions, conduct vegetation maintenance and gather information for a later phase of
work, which will include upgrading the facilities. As part of this work, trees located adjacent to the tanks
need to be removed due to roots growing into the underground tanks.
There are 11 trees proposed for removal that are located at the northwest end of the SWARR facility
boundaries near the underground storage tanks. The trees to be removed consist of 10 Douglas fir trees
and 1 lodgepole pine tree that range from 12- to 20-inch diameter at breast height (DBH). The location of
the trees is indicated on Figure 3 and a photograph of this area is included in Appendix B. An arborist report
for trees to be removed, is being prepared by others.
Puget Sound Energy | April 24, 2017 Page 2
File No. 9186-024-00
Project Location and Site Description
The project site is located at 2100 Benson Drive South in Renton, Washington (Figure 1). The SWARR
station is located on an approximately 16-acre parcel; however, the developed portion of the site is limited
to the south 8 acres of the property. The property is bordered to the north by forested habitat and Benson
Road South, to the east by businesses and South Puget Drive, to the south by single family homes and to
the west by the PSE Seattle South Gate Station, tennis courts and single family homes. The property is
located within Section 20 of Township 23 North and Range 05 East of the Willamette Meridian (WM).
The fenced southern portion of the property which includes the developed area, contains forested habitat
with little understory vegetation around the edges of the improved area and maintained grass areas over
the remaining areas. The northern portion of the parcel (outside of the fenced facility) is undeveloped and
forested with shrub understory. Figure 2 provides a site overview of the parcel, facility boundary and City of
Renton mapped stream data. Figure 3 depicts the site plan for the property with vegetation coverage.
DATA REVIEW
Environmental maps of the project area were collected and reviewed as part of a paper inventory. The
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil
Survey indicates two soil types on the property: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes
and Beausite gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes (USDA-NRCS 2016). Soil survey information is
included in Appendix A (Data Review Maps).
Additional information was obtained from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Forest Practices Application Review System (FPARS), and Washington State Department of
Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) Interactive map viewer (DNR 2015;
WDFW 2016). DNR FPARS maps a non-fishbearing and fishbearing stream flowing north through the
property; WDFW PHS data does not map a stream on the project site (DNR 2015; WDFW 2016). No other
streams are mapped on the project site (DNR 2015; WDFW 2016). PHS maps do not indicate any other
priority habitats or species within 2,000 feet of the project vicinity (Appendix A).
City of Renton GIS data (http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=27497) was also reviewed. A stream
(Rolling Hills Creek) is mapped on the project site and is classified as non fishbearing perennial and non
fishbearing seasonal. In addition, according to the Renton GIS data, there are no floodways, no 100-year
floodplain or waterbodies mapped on the site or in the vicinity of the project site (Figure 2).
FIELD INVESTIGATION
GeoEngineers’ biologist conducted a field assessment on March 22, 2017 to document stream habitat
conditions on the site. A wetland delineation was not conducted as part of this field investigation.
Representative photographs of the site have been included in Appendix B.
Stream Assessment Methods
The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of streams is evaluated and delineated by examining breaks in the
topography, drift lines, shifts in vegetation and signs of water marks, according to United States Army Corps
of Engineers (USACE) protocol as referenced from Regulatory Guidance Letter (No. 05-05), Ordinary High
Puget Sound Energy | April 24, 2017 Page 3
File No. 9186-024-00
Water Mark Identification, December 7, 2005 and according to the Washington State Department of
Ecology (Ecology) 2016 guidance (Anderson, et al 2016). The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) was
also referenced for the definition of OHWM (WAC 173-22-030 § 11).
City of Renton maps Rolling Hills Creek as flowing north through the project site and types the stream as
non fishbearing (Figure 2). During the site visit, the stream was observed flowing into a culvert at the south
end of the property and discharges into an open stream channel approximately 760 feet to the north
(Figure 3). The stream is located within a culvert through the SWARR facility; there is no stream channel
through the SWARR facility and no evidence of water flow where the stream is mapped.
Below is a description of site conditions within the project site and Table 1, on the following page,
summarizes information regarding the stream features delineated within the area of investigation.
Site Conditions
The information below was gathered during the field investigation.
Vegetation
The SWARR facility contains forested habitat with little understory vegetation around the edges and
maintained grass areas over the remaining areas. Figure 3 depicts the site plan for the property with
vegetation coverage. Forested areas on the property had trees that ranged from 6- to 24-inch DBH.
Coniferous forested areas are mainly around the facility to the south and west and consisted of Douglas fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Deciduous
forested areas dominate the parcel and consist of big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), red alder (Alnus
rubra) and black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera). The understory vegetation was sparse and consisted
of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis), snowberry
(Symphoricarpos albus) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium).
Hydrology
Figure 3 depicts water flow through the site. Stormwater ditches were identified throughout the site and
are depicted on Figure 3. These stormwater ditches are maintained conveyance features.
Puget Sound Energy | April 24, 2017 Page 4
File No. 9186-024-00
TABLE 1. ROLLING HILLS CREEK
Rolling Hills Creek – Information
Location Mapped through the center
of the property
South end of the property, looking south at where the stream
enters underground culvert.
WRIA 9 – Duwamish-Green
Local Jurisdiction City of Renton
Stream Type Ns (south end) and Np
(north end)1
Buffer Width2
Ns: 50 feet
Np: 75 feet
It is assumed that the buried
portion of stream is not buffered.
Average Channel
Width Approximately 1 foot3
Gradient N/A
Duration Perennial
Description Summary
Documented Fish
Use None4
Connectivity
DNR maps Rolling Hills Creek as flowing north and west into the Black River. City of Renton
Maps depict the stream as flowing north and west, discharging into Springbrook Creek.
Springbrook Creek discharges into the Black River, which flows into the Green River, which
becomes the Duwamish River and eventually discharges into the Puget Sound.
Riparian/Buffer
Condition
It is assumed that there is no buffer where the stream is underground. To the south, the
daylighted stream has an impacted stream buffer because of the single-family homes but
there are some deciduous forested areas. To the north, the daylighted stream has an
impacted stream buffer due to homeless activity and surrounding roads but there are also
some deciduous forested areas.
Notes:
1 City of Renton GIS (http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=27497)
2 RMC Chapter 3 (Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts), Section 4-3-050 (G) (Development Standards).
3 Average Channel Width derived from site observations.
4 Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) PHS data (WDFW 2017).
SUMMARY
GeoEngineers performed stream assessment services at the PSE SWARR facility property to provide
baseline stream habitat information for the proposed site exploration project. One stream (Rolling Hills
Creek) is mapped as flowing through the site but is located within a culvert under the property. Since there
is no stream channel through the property and no evidence of water flow, it is assumed that there is no
stream buffer associated with the creek through the center of the property. The daylighted, south portion
of the creek that is mapped as non fishbearing seasonal, will have a 50-foot-buffer. The daylighted north
end of the creek, that is mapped as non fishbearing perennial, will have a 75-foot-buffer.
Puget Sound Energy | April 24, 2017 Page 5
File No. 9186-024-00
LIMITATIONS
GeoEngineers has prepared this letter report in general accordance with the scope and limitations of our
proposal. Within the limitations of scope, schedule and budget, our services have been executed in
accordance with the generally accepted practices for stream assessments in this area at the time this
report was prepared. No warranty or other conditions, express or implied, should be understood.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Puget Sound Energy, authorized agents and
regulatory agencies following the described methods and information available at the time of the work. No
other party may rely on the product of our services unless we agree in advance to such reliance in writing.
The information contained herein should not be applied for any purpose or project except the one originally
contemplated.
The applicant is advised to contact all appropriate regulatory agencies (local, state and federal) prior to
design or construction of any development to obtain necessary permits and approvals.
REFERENCES
Anderson, Paul, S. Meyer, P. Olson and E. Stockdale. 2016. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark for
Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State. Washington State Department of
Ecology Publication No. 16-06-029. Available at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/
documents/1606029.pdf
GretagMacbeth. 2000. Munsell® Soil Color Charts. New Windsor, New York.
Renton, City of. Renton Municipal Code, Title IV Development Regulations, Chapter 3, Environmental
Regulations and Overlay Districts, Section 4-3-050 – Critical Areas Regulations. Available at:
http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/renton/
Renton, City of. Maps and GIS data. Available at: http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=27497
Riley, Don T. 2005. Ordinary High Water Mark Identification. United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE), Regulatory Guidance Letter, No. 05-05).
United States Department of Agriculture – National Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2016.
Web Soil Survey. Available at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/.
United States Department of Agriculture – National Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2017.
National Hydric Soils List by State.
Washington State Administrative Code. 2007. WAC 173-22-030. Definitions. Available at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-22-030.
Washington State Administrative Code. 1997. WAC 222-16-030. Water Typing System. Available at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=222-16-030.
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2016. Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) on
the Web. Available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/
Puget Sound Energy | April 24, 2017 Page 6
File No. 9186-024-00
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2015. Forest Practices Application Review
System (FPARS) Mapping Application. Available at: https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protectiongis/
fpamt/index.html?maptheme=WaterType&extent=-14385498.437950825,5552851.
051296187,-12532664.872318646,6457865.466192433
Sincerely,
GeoEngineers, Inc.
Jennifer L. Dadisman, PWS Joseph O. Callaghan, MS, PWS
Biologist Associate Biologist
JLD:JBL:JOC:cam:tjh
List of Figures:
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Site Overview
Figure 3. Site Plan
List of Appendices:
Appendix A. Data Review Maps
Appendix B. Site Photographs
One electronic copy submitted
Disclaimer: Any electronic form, facsimile or hard copy of the original document (email, text, table, and/or figure), if provided, and any attachments are only a copy
of the original document. The original document is stored by GeoEngineers, Inc. and will serve as the official document of record.
μ
SITE
Vicinity Map
Figure 1
6:$556WDWLRQ Stream Assessment
Renton, Washington
2,000 2,0000
Feet
Data Source: Mapbox Open Street Map, 2016
Notes:
1. The locations of all features shown are approximate.
2. This drawing is for information purposes. It is intended to
assist in showing features discussed in an attached document.
GeoEngineers, Inc. cannot guarantee the accuracy and content
of electronic files. The master file is stored by GeoEngineers,
Inc. and will serve as the official record of this communication.
Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N
P:\9\9186024\GIS\MXD\918602400_F01_VM.mxd Date Exported: 03/22/17 by ccabrera
Stream isPiped Through the SiteStream Outlets to ChannelStream EntersUndergroundCulvertBENSON
R
D
S
BENSON DR SPUGET D
R
S
TALBOT RD SS 18TH STS 21ST STS 19TH STEAGLE RIDGE DR SS 22ND CT
S 16TH STSE PUGET DRS 17TH STTHOMAS LNWELLS CT SWILLIAMS AVE SS 18TH STRolling Hills C
r
e
e
k Site OverviewRenton Stream AssessmentRenton, WashingtonFigure 2μ200 0 200FeetLegendParcel BoundaryFacility BoundaryStreams (Classified)Type NpType NsNotes:1. The locations of all features shown are approximate.2. This drawing is for information purposes. It is intended to assist in showing features discussed in an attached document. GeoEngineers, Inc. cannot guarantee the accuracy and content of electronic files. The master file is stored by GeoEngineers, Inc. and will serve as the official record of this communication.Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetP:\9\9186024\GIS\MXD\918602400_F02_SiteOverview.mxd Date Exported: 04/19/17 by cchelf Data Source: Streams and critical areas obtained from City of Renton GIS,http://rentonwa.gov/government/.Roads, 2015 aerial and parcel boundaries from King County GIS.http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/gis.aspxNo floodway, no 100-year floodplain or waterbodies mapped in the vicinity.
!{!{@Stream EntersUnderground Culvert@StormwaterDitch
@11 Trees to be removed@Swale@Rolling Hills CreekOutlets to Channel@Water Becomes Subsurface@
Low Area BetweenRoad Fill and Berm@Water sheet flows through area.@
Conveyance Intake!!
!
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!@Access to Site@
StormwaterDitch@StormwaterDitchRolling Hills CreekBENSON DR SPUG ET DR S
BENSO
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S
S 22ND CTWELLS CT SSite PlanRenton Stream AssessmentRenton, WashingtonFigure 3LegendParcel BoundaryCulvertTrees to be RemovedFacility BoundaryExcavation AreasVegetation CoverBlack Cottonwood and Red Alder forestwith western red cedar un understory.Trees range from 8 to 24 inch DBH.Mostly Evergreen forest with Douglas fir,western red cedar and lodgepole pine.Trees range from 12-20 inch DBH.Deciduous forest of red alder, Big leafmaple.Mainly Deciduous forest (red alder,big-leaf maple) with trees rangingfrom 6 to 20 inch DBH.Mowed GrassShrub and GrassNotes:1. The locations of all features shown are approximate.2. This drawing is for information purposes. It is intended to assist in showing features discussed in an attached document. GeoEngineers, Inc. cannot guarantee the accuracy and content of electronic files. The master file is stored by GeoEngineers, Inc. and will serve as the official record of this communication.Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetP:\9\9186024\GIS\MXD\918602400_F03_SitePlan.mxd Date Exported: 04/18/17 by cchelf Data Source: Streams and critical areas obtained from City of Renton GIS,http://rentonwa.gov/government/.Roads, 2015 aerial, conotours and parcel boundaries from King County GIS.http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/gis.aspxNo floodway, no 100-year floodplain or waterbodies mapped in the vicinity.μ100 0 100Feet
APPENDIX A
Data Review Maps
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
3/29/2017
Page 1 of 3525660052567005256800525690052570005257100525720052573005257400525660052567005256800525690052570005257100525720052573005257400559600559700559800559900560000560100560200
559600 559700 559800 559900 560000 560100 560200
47° 28' 3'' N 122° 12' 35'' W47° 28' 3'' N122° 12' 3'' W47° 27' 35'' N
122° 12' 35'' W47° 27' 35'' N
122° 12' 3'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84
0 200 400 800 1200
Feet
0 50 100 200 300
Meters
Map Scale: 1:4,310 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil
line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more
accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as
of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: King County Area, Washington
Survey Area Data: Version 12, Sep 8, 2016
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Aug 31, 2013—Oct 6,
2013
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor
shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
3/29/2017
Page 2 of 3
Map Unit Legend
King County Area, Washington (WA633)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
AgC Alderwood gravelly sandy
loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
8.0 12.8%
AgD Alderwood gravelly sandy
loam, 15 to 30 percent
slopes
44.9 72.0%
BeC Beausite gravelly sandy loam,
6 to 15 percent slopes
6.8 10.8%
BeD Beausite gravelly sandy loam,
15 to 30 percent slopes
2.7 4.4%
Totals for Area of Interest 62.5 100.0%
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
3/29/2017
Page 3 of 3
Screen shot of PHS map at the project site.
APPENDIX B
Site Photographs
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ills Creek
SE PUGET DR
S 21ST ST
S 19TH ST BENSON RD
SEAGLE RIDGE DR SBENSON DR SPUGET DR
S
Photo 9
Photo 8
Photo 5
Photo 1
Photo 10
Photo 7
Photo 6
Photo 2
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo Appendix
Figure B-1
µ200 0 200
Feet
Legend
Parcel Boundary
Facility Boundary
Streams (Classified)
Type Np
Type Ns
Notes:1. The locations of all features shown are approximate.2. This drawing is for information purposes. It is intended toassist in showing features discussed in an attached document. GeoEngineers, Inc. cannot guarantee the accuracy and contentof electronic files. The master file is stored by GeoEngineers,Inc. and will serve as the official record of this communication.
Projection: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
P:\9\9186024\GIS\MXD\918602400_FB1_SiteOverviewPhotos.mxd Date Exported: 03/30/17 by cchelf
Data Source: Streams and critical areas obtained from City of Renton GIS,http://rentonwa.gov/government/.Roads, 2015 aerial and parcel boundaries from King County GIS.http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/gis.aspx No floodway, no 100-year floodplain or waterbodies mapped in the vicinity.
Photo 9Looking west at south end property
Photo 8Looking west
Photo 2Looking south along the east edge of the facility
Photo 7Looking north
Photo 10Rolling Hills Creek enters the site
Photo 3Underground storage tanks and treesto be removed (yellow ribbons)
Photo 1Stream discharges from culvertnorth of SWARR facility
Photo 4Stream is mapped as flowing throughlow area in center of photo
Photo 5Typical stormwater ditch and outfall
Photo 6SWARR facility
SWARR Station Stream Assessment
Renton, Washington