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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map SR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_Final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: May 27, 2025 Project File Number: PR25-000032 Project Name: 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Land Use File Number: LUA25-000107, ECF Project Manager: Clark H. Close, Current Planning Manager Owner/Applicant/ Contact: Blake Costa, City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location: West side of 116th Ave SE between SE 160th St and SE 162nd St Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review to construct sidewalk and stormwater improvements within the right-of-way of 116th Ave SE between SE 160th St and SE 162nd St across the street from Cascade Elementary School. The sidewalk construction project is approximately 880 linear feet and is located adjacent to Residential-6 (R-6) and Residential-8 (R- 8) zoning districts and designated Residential Medium Density (RMD) in the Comprehensive Plan. The project proposes to install a new sidewalk, ADA- compliant curb ramps, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to improve pedestrian safety and access. In addition, the existing roadside ditch will be replaced with a new stormwater conveyance system, and the west side of the roadway will be regraded to manage runoff and connect to existing infrastructure. No private property impacts or easements are required. No trees are proposed to be removed. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, there is a moderate coalmine hazard and regulated slopes are present within the project area. Site Area: 2.57 acres STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance with Mitigation DNS-M. Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA 25-000107, ECF Report on May 27, 2025 Page 2 of 5 SR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_Final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations. A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials: Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period. B. Mitigation Measures 1. The applicant shall prepare and submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prior to the start of any ground-disturbing activities. In addition, the applicant shall provide notification to the Duwamish Tribe’s cultural committee prior to the start of construction per the Duwamish Tribe's comments. C. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Construction Documents Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map Exhibit 4: Drainage Design Report, prepared by SCJ Alliance, dated March 2025 Exhibit 5: SEPA Environmental Checklist Exhibit 6: Construction Mitigation Description Exhibit 7: Project Narrative Exhibit 8: Duwamish Tribe Comments Comment Letter, dated April 29, 2025 Exhibit 9: Staff Response Email to the Duwamish Tribe’s Comment Letter, dated May 14, 2025 Exhibit 10: King County Metro Comments, dated April 25, 2025 Exhibit 11: Staff Response to King County Metro Comments, dated May 14, 2025 Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes D. Environmental Impacts The proposal was circulated and reviewed by various city departments and divisions to determine whether the applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following probable impacts: 1. Air Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work during construction activities. Project development impacts during construction would include Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA 25-000107, ECF Report on May 27, 2025 Page 3 of 5 SR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_Final exhaust emissions from construction workers’ vehicles, construction vehicles, and other equipment. Temporary increase in fugitive dust due to sediment removal is also anticipated. The increase in dust would be localized and temporary. Standard best management practices would be utilized to control emissions during construction, including minimizing idling of construction equipment. Dust control would be mitigated through the use of temporary erosion control measures, watering, and stabilizing disturbed soils. No increase in long term emissions is anticipated for the sidewalk construction and stormwater conveyance system project. No further site-specific mitigation for the identified impacts from typical vehicle and construction exhaust is required. Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 2. Water a. Storm Water Impacts: The applicant submitted a Drainage Design Report, prepared by SCJ Alliance, dated March 2025 (Exhibit 4). The project would impact existing drainage infrastructure by replacing the open stormwater ditch along the west side of 116th Ave SE with a new piped stormwater conveyance system (Exhibit 7). The project would result in 5,659 square feet of new hard surface and 17,824 square feet of replaced hard surface. According to the drainage report, the project site is divided into two (2) separate Threshold Discharge Areas (TDAs) with two (2) discharge points. For both TDAs, water that flows offsite is collected and conveyed to the City of Renton’s stormwater system located along 116th St (TDA 1) and 119th St (TDA 2), respectively. The new improvement would continue to collect and convey the runoff and discharge into the Renton conveyance system at the predeveloped rate maintaining the existing discharge patterns and locations. For example, stormwater runoff from TDA 1 flows to the north and is collected by a single catch basin, then conveyed through the City’s underground conveyance system, which is comprised of a 12-inch (12”) concrete pipe. The conveyance system eventually releases stormwater into Ginger Creek. To mitigate any potential surcharging that could result from the addition of new sidewalk and conversion of the existing drainage swales into a buried pipe network, the conveyance system from the beginning of each TDA through to approximately ¼ mile of conveyance pipe was modeled by the project engineer. There are no existing problems, and the model indicated that the proposed additions to the conveyance network and new sidewalk do not negatively impact the existing system. The results show the system passing the 25-year peak storm without surcharging any new or existing structures or pipes. According to the drainage report, the soils onsite are comprised of predominantly Arents, Alderwood material and Alderwood gravelly sandy loam as classified by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) web soil mapper. According to the SEPA Environmental Checklist (Exhibit 5), the proposed sidewalk and back of sidewalk would need to be filled with crushed surfacing base course to meet the proposed grade. Topsoil Type A would be used for fill material at the back of the sidewalk in existing vegetative areas. The fill material would come from WSDOT approved pits or other pits that meet the specification requirements. The total cut would be 720 cubic yards (cy) and the total fill would be 130 cy. During construction, there is potential for temporary increases in sediment and runoff. These risks would be mitigated through implementation of erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs), including silt fencing and inlet protection. Overall, the project is expected to improve long-term stormwater function and reduce erosion along 116th Ave SE. Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA 25-000107, ECF Report on May 27, 2025 Page 4 of 5 SR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_Final Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 3. Environmental Health a. Noise Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from the construction of a new cement concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter, and stormwater improvements on the western side of 116th Ave SE between SE 162nd St and SE 160th St. The construction noise, anticipated from July 2025 to September 2025, would be regulated through the city’s adopted noise level regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC. The city’s noise regulations limit haul hours between eight-thirty (8:30) am to three-thirty (3:30) pm, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved by the Development Services Division. Permitted work hours in or near residential areas are restricted to the hours between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., Monday through Friday (Exhibit 6). Work on Saturdays is restricted to the hours between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work is permitted on Sundays. All noise levels would be required to comply with City of Renton code (Chapter 7, Noise Level Regulations) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC 173-60, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels). The anticipated temporary noise impacts would be those commonly associated with utility construction. No further site-specific mitigation is proposed. Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 4. Historic and Cultural Preservation Impacts: The project site is located within the ancestral lands of the Duwamish people. According to the SEPA Environmental Checklist (Exhibit 5), there are no known landmarks, features, cultural or archaeological resources occupying the project site. However, the Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation Office submitted a comment letter (Exhibit 8), identifying the area as culturally significant, with a low probability of encountering unknown archaeological deposits. The letter notes that there are approximately three (3) traditional place names within two (2) miles of the project area and that the Tribe’s predictive model indicates a moderately low risk for encountering cultural resources based on the project parameters. The Duwamish Tribe recommends that an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) be prepared and implemented, particularly if ground disturbance extends below fill or impervious surfaces into native soils. The Tribe also requests notification if archaeological work or monitoring is conducted and the opportunity to be present during such activities. The Tribe emphasized the importance of preserving native trees, particularly any suspected culturally modified trees, which hold cultural significance, as well as including native vegetation in any proposed landscaping. The Tribe requests to be notified if any tree suspected to be culturally modified is identified within the Area of Potential Effects (APE). These recommendations and concerns were acknowledged in the City’s staff response to the Duwamish Tribe (Exhibit 9). As such, staff recommends as a mitigation measure that the applicant prepare and submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prior to the start of any ground-disturbing activities. The applicant shall provide notification to Tribes’ cultural committee prior to the start of construction. Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall prepare and submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prior to the start of any ground-disturbing activities. In addition, the applicant shall provide notification to the Duwamish Tribe’s cultural committee prior to the start of construction per the Duwamish Tribe's comments. Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA 25-000107, ECF Report on May 27, 2025 Page 5 of 5 SR_ERC_Report_LUA25-000107_250527_Final Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; RCW 27.53 Archaeological Sites and Resources; RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and Records; and City of Renton Comprehensive Goals and Policies, LU-AA, LU-44, and LU-45; and Duwamish Tribe Comment, dated April 29, 2025. 5. Transportation Impacts: The proposed sidewalk project along 116th Ave SE would result in short-term transportation impacts during construction, as work would occur within an active right-of-way that functions as a Minor Arterial and includes a King County Metro bus stop at 116th Ave SE and SE 160th St (Exhibit 5). Temporary impacts may include partial lane closures, pedestrian detours, and restricted access to the bus stop and adjacent properties. These impacts would be managed through a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) submitted to the City of Renton for review and approval (Exhibit 6). Because Metro transit facilities are located within the project area, the applicant must also comply with King County Metro’s coordination requirements, including submittal of a Construction Request Form and all approved TCPs and permits (Exhibit 10). Coordination with King County Metro may require temporary relocation of bus stops, advance notification to riders, and attendance at site meetings. The completed project is anticipated to improve long-term pedestrian safety and connectivity, supporting non-motorized travel without generating new vehicle trips. No further site- specific mitigation is proposed. Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. The proposal has been circulated to city department and division reviewers. Where applicable, their comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.” ✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report. The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2025. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848 CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: 116th Ave SE Sidewalk Project Land Use File Number: LUA25-000107, ECF Date of Meeting May 27, 2025 Staff Contact Clark H. Close Current Planning Manager Project Contact Blake Costa, City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location West side of 116th Ave SE between SE 160th St and SE 162nd St The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Construction Documents Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map Exhibit 4: Drainage Design Report, prepared by SCJ Alliance, dated March 2025 Exhibit 5: SEPA Environmental Checklist Exhibit 6: Construction Mitigation Description Exhibit 7: Project Narrative Exhibit 8: Duwamish Tribe Comments Comment Letter, dated April 29, 2025 Exhibit 9: Staff Response Email to the Duwamish Tribe’s Comment Letter, dated May 14, 2025 Exhibit 10: King County Metro Comments, dated April 25, 2025 Exhibit 11: Staff Response to King County Metro Comments, dated May 14, 2025 Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes Docusign Envelope ID: AEC556D5-B1D2-466F-A8B7-3AD302417848