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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_SEPA_CHECKLIST_JUNE_13_2025_V2SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 1 (WAC 197-11-960) SEPA1 Environmental Checklist Purpose of checklist Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization, or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal. Instructions for applicants This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or “does not apply” only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-making process. 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. Instructions for lead agencies Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. Use of checklist for nonproject proposals For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B, plus the Supplemental Sheet for Nonproject Actions (Part D). Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non- projects) questions in “Part B: Environmental Elements” that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. 1 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/Checklist-guidance SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 2 (WAC 197-11-960) A. Background Find help answering background questions2 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: 3 Plus Empire 2. Name of applicant: Hai Zeng, business owner/ representatives Julie Templeton, Stuart McFeely, Architects 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Business email address 3plusempire@gmail.com Business Address: 2900 Lind Ave SW, Suite B, Renton WA 98057 Hai Zeng: 206-778-9765, haihw86@gmail.com Design Professional contact: Julie Templeton, Architect, jul.templeton@gmail.com 757-771-7439 Stuart McFeely, Architect, stuartmcfeely@gmail.com, 206-330-9195 2470 S Ferdinand St, Seattle WA, 98108 4. Date checklist prepared: 4/8/2025 5. Agency requesting checklist: Renton Department of Community & Economic Development 6. Proposed timing of schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Upon SEPA and zoning approval (anticipated in Q2 of 2025) applicant will apply for a building permit to build out, from there the tenant will build out the space in two phases. Tenant improvement completed ASAP upon permit approvals. Occupancy in Q3 or Q4 of 2025 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No. The entire build-out is shown on the submitted plans, and shall be completed in two phases through the building permitting process. 2 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-A-Background SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 3 (WAC 197-11-960) 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. None 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. Transfer of cannabis license withing WSLCCB is pending: Trade Name: Hash Dog, License # 437269, UBI# 6033591530010005 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board license is required Tier 3 Cannabis growing and processing (license transfer is pending) Trade Name: Hash Dog, License # 437269, UBI# 6033591530010005 Other permits or approvals necessary for construction phase: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Notice of Construction Permit required before construction can commence. Approval from Renton Fire Department required Building Permit required for construction 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) Existing site contains a warehouse / office building that is partially occupied and partially vacant. The building is surrounded by parking lot to the north, west and south. To the east is a lawn area between the existing building and the east side property line. Currently Suite A is occupied by Soul Shine, also a tier 3 cannabis producer. 3 Plus Empire, the applicant/ business owner for suite B proposes to occupy approximately 33,150 sq ft of an approximately 73,000 sq ft warehouse and office building on a site approximately 188,882 sq ft. The proposal will be fully contained within the existing building. SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 4 (WAC 197-11-960) 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. 2900 Lind Ave SW, Renton WA 98057 (Suite B of existing building) TRACT A OF REPLAT OF LOT 7 BLOCK 1, BURLINGTON NORTHERN ORILLIA INDUSTRIAL PARK OF RENTON, DIV. 1, ACCORDINGLY TO PLAT RECORDED IN VOLLUME 115 OF PLATS PAGE 92 IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON SITUATE IN THE NW CORNER OF SECTION 30 TOWNSHIP 23 W.M IN N, RANGE 5 THE CITY OF RENTON, KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON B. Environmental Elements 1. Earth Find help answering earth questions3 a. General description of the site: The site is developed with a warehouse building, The building is surrounded by paved parking lot to the north, west and south. To the east is a 20’ building setback where there is grass/ open area. Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: The site is flat b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? 0% c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them, and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Soils have not been investigated for this proposal as it is within an existing building on a previously developed site with no new ground disturbance proposed. 3 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-earth SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 5 (WAC 197-11-960) d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. 0 f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Does not apply (N/A) g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? No change to existing site coverage h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. N/A no ground disturbance 2. Air Find help answering air questions4 a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Cannabis production and processing results in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odorous compounds to the atmosphere. Emissons of VOC’s and odors are regulated under Washington’s Clean Air Act. Permitting by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) is required prior to commencement of construction. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. N/A – all sources of emission are on site and described above c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Proposed HVAC system is a ductless system with no exhaust air. Air in growing/ drying and processing rooms and any other rooms that contain cannabis flower shall be provided with charcoal air filtration. 4 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-Air SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 6 (WAC 197-11-960) 3. Water Find help answering water questions5 a. Surface: Find help answering surface water questions6 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. None onsite or directly adjacent to the site 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. No 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. N/A 4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No 5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? 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 5 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water 6 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water/Environmental- elements-Surface-water SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 7 (WAC 197-11-960) b. Ground: Find help answering ground water questions7 1. Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give a 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 (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. N/A c. Water Runoff (including stormwater): 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. N/A 2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. It is unlikely, as operations are contained within the existing building. 3. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: N/A 7 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water/Environmental- elements-Groundwater SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 8 (WAC 197-11-960) 4. Plants Find help answering plants questions a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: ☒ deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other ☐ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other ☐ shrubs ☒ grass ☐ pasture ☐ crop or grain ☐ orchards, vineyards, or other permanent crops. ☐ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ☐ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other ☐ other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None removed, street & parking lot trees indicated on site plan will remain. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known, no investigation conducted d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. Existing landscaping shall remain (red maple & non-native cedars) e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Unknown, not investigated 5. Animals Find help answering animal questions8 a. List any birds and other animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Examples include: 8 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-5-Animals SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 9 (WAC 197-11-960) • Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: • Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: • Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: No environmental studies or investigations have been conducted for this project. b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. None proposed e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known 6. Energy and natural resources Find help answering energy and natural resource questions9 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. Project is connected to the existing power grid and will utilize municipal power for business operations 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. None 9 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-6-Energy-natural-resou SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 10 (WAC 197-11-960) 7. Environmental health Health Find help with answering environmental health questions10 a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur because of this proposal? If so, describe. Cannabis growing can involve potentially hazardous chemicals. The proposed grow operation will be fully contained indoors. 1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None known 2. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. None, no proposed ground disturbance 3. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. To be utilized within the business on a regular basis: fertilizer, carbon dioxide, and cleaning solutions 4. Describe special emergency services that might be required. None anticipated 5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. Install carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide monitors as appropriate. Charcoal air filtration systems in rooms used for growing, trimming and processing cannabis. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? None 2. What types and levels of noise would be created 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)? No extraordinary noise beyond that generated by normal travel to and from the site, delivery trucks (UPS USPS DHL FedEx etc) 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: 10 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-7-Environmental-health SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 11 (WAC 197-11-960) None 8. Land and shoreline use Find help answering land and shoreline use questions11 a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. A portion of the existing warehouse building is used for cannabis growing. Another portion is proposed to be used for a new grow operation. The area for proposed grow operation is currently vacant and was previously used for the storage of boats. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses because of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? No 1. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how? No c. Describe any structures on the site. There is an existing warehouse on site that is divided into suites. The building is a one story building with partial second floor areas d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? IH (heavy industrial) f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The site has a Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation of Employment Area (EA) and a zoning designation of Heavy Industrial (IH) g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. 11 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-8-Land-shoreline-use SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 12 (WAC 197-11-960) High Seismic Hazard Area i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? 7 part time employees with addition part time employees during harvest times. Total around 20 employees between full time and par time j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? 0 k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. N/A l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any. N/A m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: N/A 9. Housing Not applicable to this project 10. Aesthetics Find help answering aesthetics questions12 a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? No proposed structures b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? No new obstructions c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: N/A 11. Light and glare Find help answering light and glare questions13 a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? 12 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-10-Aesthetics 13 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-11-Light-glare SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 13 (WAC 197-11-960) No changes are proposed for addition outdoor lighting. The business operations occur indoors and late nights are not expected. 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? N/A d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: If outdoor lighting is added or modified it shall be shielded and directed downwards to avoid spilling over to adjacent properties. 12. Recreation Find help answering recreation questions a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? N/A b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. N/A c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: N/A- this project is in an industrial zone 13. Historic and cultural preservation Find help answering historic and cultural preservation questions14 a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers? If so, specifically describe. N/A b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. None are known to us. The property is already developed and no ground disturbance will occur. 14 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-13-Historic-cultural-p SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 14 (WAC 197-11-960) c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. None d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. No environmental resource disturbance anticipated. 14. Transportation Find help with answering transportation questions15 a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Site is bound by Lind Ave SW and SW 29th St, there is an existing paved, asphalt parking lot with curb cuts connecting the parking lots to the streets. b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? There is a King County Metro bus stop located at the corner of Lind Ave SW & SW 29th St served by bus route 153. c. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle, or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). No new improvements are required to the existing roads, streets, pedestrian or state transportation facilities. The City of Renton land use regulations require bicycle parking in the quantity of 10% of the required vehicle parking be accommodated for this proposal. The required bicycle parking will be added indoors inside the existing warehouse facility. The parking location & size is indicated on the floor plan. d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. The proposal will not use water, rail or air transportation. There is a 20’ wide trackage easement & 20’ spur tract and open space and BSBL reservation on the east side of the property. There is a 30’ wise spur tract, open space and BSBL reservation on the south side of the property. The existing tracks adjacent to the property will not be used or affected by this proposal. 15 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-14-Transportation SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 15 (WAC 197-11-960) e. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? A Level 1 traffic study was prepared by William Popp Associates. The anticipated employee schedules were submitted to the traffic engineer. The traffic study concludes that zero AM or PM peak hour trips will be generated. The traffic study is submitted as a part of this application. f. Will the proposal interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. NO g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Employee shifts are scheduled to avoid peak commute times. 15. Public services Find help answering public service questions16 a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. No b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. N/A 16. Utilities Find help answering utilities questions17 a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other: The site is served by public utilities: electricity, water, refuse, telephone, sanitary sewer 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. No new utilities are proposed. The existing power feed and service panel will be upgraded. 16 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-15-public-services 17 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-16-utilities