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CRITICAL AREAS
DETERMINATION REPORT
FOR
STRADA DA VALLE LLC – U.S. BANK EXPANSION
RENTON, WA
Wetland Resources, Inc. Project #17029
Prepared by
Wetland Resources, Inc.
9505 19th Avenue SE, Suite 106
Everett, WA 98208
(425) 337-3174
Prepared for
Strada da Valle LLC
Attn: Brad Merlino
5050 1st Ave. S, Ste 102
Seattle, WA 98134
Telephone: (206) 255-8485
Prepared at the Request of:
Cornerstone Architectural Group
Attn: Rick Utt
6161 NE 175th Street, #101
Kenmore, WA 98029
Original:
April 13, 2017
Revised:
May 15, 2017
ATTACHMENT 4
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1
1.1 CRITICAL AREAS CLASSIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................2
2.0 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS .............................................................................................2
3.0 CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION REPORT ............................................................................3
3.1 PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA AND DATA FROM THE PROPOSAL’S GEOTECHNICAL REPORT .........3
3.2 FIELD DETERMINATION METHODOLOGY .........................................................................................4
3.3 WETLAND BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS .........................................................................5
4.0 PLANNED REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS OF CRITICAL AREAS ASSESSMENTS .................................7
5.0 PLANNED REQUEST FOR A DETERMINATION OF NON-REGULATION .......................................8
6.0 USE OF THIS REPORT ..............................................................................................................10
7.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................11
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL. ..........................................................................1
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORMS
APPENDIX B: WASHINGTON STATE DEPT. OF ECOLOGY WETLAND RATING FORM AND FIGURES
APPENDIX C: CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION MAP
APPENDIX D: MEMORANDUM FROM PROJECT CIVIL ENGINEER ZACHARY J. EVANS, PE OF BUSH, ROED,
& HITCHINGS, INC. (MAY 10, 2017)
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Strada da Valle LLC Critical Areas Determination Report
WRI #17029 – May 2017 U.S. Bank Expansion 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The subject U.S. Bank Expansion project is proposed at the north end of the existing office
building that is situated on a 3.08-acre parcel of land (Assessor’s parcel #3023059103) located at
2500 East Valley Road in the City of Renton, Washington, within a portion of Section 30,
Township 23N, Range 05E, W.M. Access between the subject parcel and East Valley Road is
provided by two existing driveways on the west side of the parcel. The subject parcel is located
within the Duwamish-Green Watershed, Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA) 9.
Surrounding land uses consist primarily of commercial and industrial development. The east
boundary of the subject parcel abuts the west boundary of State Route 167 (Valley Freeway)
right-of-way and is located approximately 40 feet west of the westernmost edge of the paved
Valley Freeway improvements. The subject parcel is located approximately 1.3 miles east of the
Green River. The subject parcel is entirely developed, primarily with an existing office building
and associated concrete-paved impervious surfaces (driveways, parking stalls, and walkways).
Topography of the subject parcel is relatively flat.
Wetland Resources, Inc. (WRI) conducted a site investigation on February 7, 2017 to locate
wetlands, streams, or critical wildlife habitat that may exist on or adjacent to the subject parcel.
Aerial view of the subject parcel. Figure 1:
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There are no wetlands on the subject parcel. There is also no stream or lake on, abutting, or
adjacent to the subject parcel. Similarly, there is no critical wildlife habitat on, abutting, or
adjacent to the subject parcel.
There is one Category III wetland present off-site, to the east of the subject parcel. That wetland
is identified as “Wetland A” on the Determination Map in Appendix C. Wetland A received 5
points for habitat on the Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Hruby 2014).
The applicant, Strada da Valle LLC, is proposing to construct a two-bay truck parking garage as
an extension to the existing on-site building. The garage will be built against part of the north
face of the existing building on the subject parcel.
1.1 CRITICAL AREAS CLASSIFICATIONS
Cowardin System Classifications
According to the Cowardin System, as described in Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats
of the United States (Cowardin 1979), the classification of the off-site wetland critical area is as
follows:
Wetland A: Palustrine, Forested, Seasonally Flooded (PFOC).
City of Renton Classifications
Pursuant to RMC 4-3-050F.2.e, the off-site critical area is classified as a Category III wetland
under the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update (Hruby 2014).
Using this system, Wetland A received a total score of 19 points, with a habitat score of 5 (see
Appendix B).
2.0 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
The work for this Report was conducted by Scott Walters and Tess Amen.
Scott Walters holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology and Applied
Vertebrate Ecology. Additional training includes an advanced certificate in Aquarium and
Aquatic Sciences, and a post-Baccalaureate certificate in Wetland Science and Management
from the University of Washington. Scott has worked as an ecologist on projects across the
country for over 9 years, including scientific study of wetlands, environmental restoration
monitoring, endangered species monitoring, and shorebird population research.
Tess Amen possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and
Conservation) from the University of Washington. Tess is scheduled to complete a post-
Baccalaureate certificate in Wetland Science and Management from the University of
Washington in June 2017. In addition, Tess has participated in environmental restoration work
with the Washington Conservation Corps and has volunteered as a Roving Ambassador with the
Woodland Park Zoo.
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3.0 CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION REPORT
3.1 PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA AND DATA FROM THE PROPOSAL’S GEOTECHNICAL REPORT
Prior to conducting the site investigation, public resource information was reviewed to gather
background information on the subject parcel and the surrounding area in regards to wetlands,
streams, and other critical areas. These sources included the following:
USDA/NRCS Web Soil Survey
The Web Soil Survey indicates Tukwila Muck present at the subject parcel. Tukwila Muck is
mapped as hydric (i.e. wetland) soil per the USDA/NRCS. A more detailed soil map unit
description is provided in section, 3.2.2 Soils Criteria and Mapped Description, below.
StreamNet Mapper
This public resource maps Panther Creek along the east side of the Valley Freeway. A segment
of Panther Creek is located approximately 0.2 miles north of the subject parcel as well.
WDFW SalmonScape Interactive Mapping System
StreamNet Mapper confirms the presence of Panther Creek identified by StreamNet.
USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
Wetland A is shown immediately off-site to the east of the subject parcel. No wetlands are
depicted on the subject parcel.
WDFW Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) Interactive Map
According to the WDFW Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) online mapping application, no
priority species or habitats are present on the subject parcel. This resource identifies Panther
Creek as described above. A large wetland system is also mapped approximately 230 feet east of
the subject parcel, east of the Valley Freeway improvements.
City of Renton Public GIS Streams and Wetlands Maps
The Renton Map public GIS mapping system indicates a wetland within the west margin of the SR
167 freeway along the east edge of the subject parcel. Additionally, Panther Creek is identified
along the east edge of the freeway right-of-way.
On-Site Soils Data from the Geotechnical Report Prepared for the Subject Proposal
A Geotechnical Report for the subject proposed U.S. Bank Expansion Project dated April 17,
2017 was prepared by Terra Associates, Inc. following a test boring for soils data in the location
of the proposed building expansion performed on April 1, 2017 under the auspices of Terra
Associates. The first paragraph of Section 3.2 (Soils) of the Geotechnical Report states as
following:
The soils observed in the test boring consist of approximately 9.5 feet of fill overlying native
lacustrine and alluvial deposits. The fill soils generally consist of loose to medium dense, moist,
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silty fine sand to fine sandy silt with varying amounts of gravel and scattered brick fragments, and
stiff, moist, clayey silt with scattered angular siltstone fragments.
3.2 FIELD DETERMINATION METHODOLOGY
Wetland boundaries were determined using the routine approach described in the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains,
Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). Under the
routine methodology, the process for making a wetland determination is based on three steps:
1.) Examination of the site for hydrophytic vegetation (species present and percent cover);
2.) Examination of the site for hydric soils;
3.) Determining the presence of wetland hydrology.
The following criteria must be met in order to make a positive wetland determination:
3.2.1 Hydrophytic Vegetation Criteria
The Corps Manual and 2010 Regional Supplement define hydrophytic vegetation as “the
assemblage of macrophytes that occurs in areas where inundation or soil saturation is either
permanent or of sufficient frequency and duration to influence plant occurrence.” Field
indicators are used to determine whether the hydrophytic vegetation criteria have been
met. Examples of these indicators include, but are not limited to, the rapid test for hydrophytic
vegetation, a dominance test result of greater than 50%, and/or a prevalence index score less
than or equal to 3.0.
3.2.2 Soils Criteria and Mapped Description
The 2010 Regional Supplement (per the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils) defines
hydric soils as soils “that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long
enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.” Field
indicators are used to determine whether a given soil meets the definition for hydric
soils. Indicators are numerous and include, but are not limited to, presence of a histosol or histic
epipedon, a sandy gleyed matrix, depleted matrix, and redoximorphic depressions.
According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the soil map unit Tukwila Muck is predicted to occur
on the subject property. Tukwila Muck is identified as a hydric soil. This very poorly drained
soil is likely to be found in areas that experience frequent ponding and has very high available
water storage in its profile. Available water capacity is described as moderately high to high.
While Tukwila Muck may exist at the site of Wetland A, it is absent from the proposed project
area. As described in the excerpt from the Geotechnical Report referenced in section 3.1 above,
on-site soil in the location of the proposed building expansion is comprised of fill material, which
is not a hydric soil.
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3.2.3 Hydrology Criteria
Wetland hydrology encompasses all hydrologic characteristics of areas that are periodically
inundated or have soils saturated to the surface for a sufficient duration during the growing
season. Areas with evident characteristics of wetland hydrology are those where the presence of
water has an overriding influence on the characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic
and chemically reducing conditions, respectively. The strongest indicators include the presence
of surface water, a high water table, and/or soil saturation within at least 12 inches of the soil
surface.
3.2.4 Wetland Demarcation
Wetland delineation flags were installed along the western edge of the portion of Wetland A that
lies to the east of the subject parcel (see Appendix C) to demarcate its extents. In the case of off-
site wetland areas, such as Wetland A, the edge(s) adjacent to an investigated parcel are
demarcated with flagging. The nearest flag to the subject parcel boundary was placed
approximately 6 feet to the east of the boundary.
Bush, Roed & Hitchings, Inc. (professional civil engineers and land surveyors) had a field survey
crew field locate wetland flags installed to the east of the subject parcel, and then had its office
staff plot the locations of the flags in relation to the subject parcel’s boundary. Subsequently,
they prepared and provided a CAD file with the wetland flag locations plotted, and an
interpolated dashed line indicating the western extent of flagged Wetland A.
3.3 WETLAND BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS
Based on the results of the site investigation, one wetland (Wetland A) was identified off-site, to
the east of the subject parcel. No wetlands are located on the subject parcel. Wetland A is linear
and lies within the west margin of the Valley Freeway right-of-way (see Appendix C). We
classified this wetland pursuant to RMC 4-3-050F.2.e.
3.3.1 Off-site Wetland A
Wetland A is a depressional wetland located off-site to the east of the subject parcel within the
Valley Freeway’s west margin. The wetland extends north and south of the subject parcel within
the Valley Freeway’s west margin.
Dominant vegetation within the wetland includes: hardhack (Spiraea douglasii; FACW), reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea; FACW), and duckweed (Lemna minor; OBL). The majority of the
dominant species rate “facultative” or wetter, indicating that a hydrophytic vegetative
community is present.
Typical soils in Wetland A extending from 0 to 16 inches below the surface have a Munsell color
of black (10YR 2/1), with prominent strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features, and a
silty loam texture. Soils were saturated at the time of our February 2017 site investigation. This
soil profile meets the Redox Dark Surface (F6) hydric soil indicator.
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Precipitation, surface water runoff, and culverts draining areas east of the freeway provide
hydrology to the wetland. Ponding up to 10 inches deep and saturated soils were observed in
Wetland A during the February 7, 2017 site visit, thus meeting the Surface Water (A1), High
Water Table (A2), and Saturation (A3) primary indicators of hydrology.
Given the hydrophytic community, hydric soils, and presence of hydrology, the area mapped as
off-site Wetland A meets the criteria for a wetland.
3.3.2 Non-wetland Areas
In non-wetland areas adjacent to the western edge of the off-site wetland (Wetland A), dominant
vegetation includes: western red cedar (Thuja plicata; FAC), red osier dogwood (Cornus alba;
FACW), Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis; FACW), trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus; FACU), and
English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).
Typical soils from 0 to 18 inches below the soil surface in the area adjacent to the wetland have a
Munsell color of dark brown (10YR 3/3), with a loamy sand texture. Soil was slightly moist at the
time of our February 2017 site investigation. This soil profile does not meet any hydric soil
indicators.
No hydrological indicators were observed in the non-wetland areas adjacent to Wetland A.
Although a hydrophytic vegetation community is present, given the lack of hydrology and hydric
soils, the areas mapped as non-wetland adjacent to Wetland A do not meet the criteria for
wetlands.
3.3.3 Wildlife
The narrow off-site wetland critical area is somewhat forested, providing limited habitat for
urban wildlife. The immediately adjacent freeway and surrounding commercial and industrial
development (including the subject parcel) isolate forested Wetland A. Nevertheless, the wetland
critical area and the vegetated portion of its buffer, which together lie within the west margin of
the freeway right-of-way, provide minimal habitat elements in the form of resources such as food,
water, thermal cover, and hiding cover in close proximity. Given the small size of Wetland A, as
well as the isolated nature of this wetland created by nearby development, this off-site wetland
provides relatively low-quality wildlife habitat. The habitat associated within Wetland A does
not meet the definition of Critical Habitat as set forth in RMC 4-11-030.
Mammalian species expected to occur within the wetland critical area and its vegetated buffer
within the west margin of the Valley Freeway right-of-way include gray squirrel (Sciurus spp.),
Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), skunk (Mephitis spp.), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Given the
habitat available, it is expected that the following avian species may use the area: American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia),
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), Ruby-
crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia) activity was observed within the wetland during the site visit. No threatened or
endangered species are known or expected to be associated with the subject parcel. In sum, no
critical wildlife habitat area is present on, abutting, or adjacent to the subject parcel.
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4.0 PLANNED REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS OF CRITICAL AREAS ASSESSMENTS
No wetlands, streams, lakes, or critical wildlife habitat are present on the subject parcel. One
wetland (Wetland A) is adjacent to the eastern boundary of the subject parcel, but no streams,
lakes, or critical wildlife habitat abut or are adjacent to the subject parcel.
We understand that, pursuant to subsection F.7 (Waiver of Submittal Requirements) of Renton
Municipal Code (RMC) Section 4-3-050 (CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS), Strada da
Valle LLC intends to request from the City a waiver of both (1) the habitat assessment report
(aka a habitat data form) submittal requirement and (2) the wetland assessment report submittal
requirement.
Concerning the topics of criteria for waiver of habitat assessment report and wetland assessment
report submittal requirements, the relevant portions of Subsection F.7, presented in italics below,
read as follows (some of the text outside of the subsection titles has been underlined and
boldfaced):
7. Waiver of Submittal Requirements: An applicant may request that the
Administrator waive the report requirement pursuant to subsection D of this Section, where it
has been determined through field documentation that critical areas
are not present or as specified below:
a. Habitat Assessment: In cases where a proposal is not likely to significantly
impact the critical habitat and there is sufficient information to determine the effects of a
proposal, an applicant may request that this report be waived by the Administrator.
*
*
*
c. Wetland Assessment: The wetland assessment shall be waived by the
Administrator when the applicant provides satisfactory evidence that a
road, building or other barrier exists between the wetland and the
proposed activity, when the buffer area, determined with a wetland categorization,
needed or required will not intrude on the applicant’s lot, or when applicable data and
analysis appropriate to the project proposed exists and an additional report is not necessary.
As noted above in section 3.3.3 of this report, critical wildlife habitat is not present on, abutting,
or adjacent to the proposed project site. In view of the introductory clause of above-quoted
subsection F.7 of RMC 4-3-050, and considering the field documentation herein provided that
critical habitat is not present, a waiver of the habitat assessment requirement is appropriate.
(Consideration of subsection F.7.a is only needed when critical habitat is present, which is not the
case here.)
Concerning a request for a waiver of the wetland assessment submittal requirement, above-
quoted subsection F.7.c of RMC 4-3-050 sets forth three alternative criteria, each of which
begins with the word “when.” (Note that the use of the word “or” after the second of the three
criteria makes each of the criteria independent.) The satisfaction of any one of those three
criteria qualifies an applicant for a wetland assessment submittal requirement waiver.
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The first of those alternative three criteria is satisfied under the circumstances of the proposed
project site conditions and the proposed building addition. Concerning the existence of a barrier
between Wetland A and the proposed U.S. Bank Expansion building addition project, the civil
engineer for the U.S. Bank Expansion project, Zachary J. Evans, PE of Bush, Roed, & Hitchings,
Inc. (Professional Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers) prepared a memorandum dated May 10,
2017 in which he explains in detail the existing physical circumstances of the subject parcel. This
explanation includes subject parcel’s existing improvements and drainage system (and drainage
pattern away from Wetland A) that act as a barrier, and the planned retention of existing
improvements between the site of the proposed building addition that will continue to act as such
a barrier (see Appendix D).
Since, as explained in detail in Mr. Evans’ memorandum, the width of the impervious parking lot
driveway and the 6-inch high vertical curb that currently exist between the upland project site
(location of proposed activity) and Wetland A, together with the subject parcel’s existing
stormwater detention and conveyance system (features that are shown on EXHIBITS 1, 2, and 3
within Appendix D), are all to be retained in place, they will act as a barrier separating Wetland
A from the upland project site.
The various components of this barrier described in Mr. Evans’ memorandum will act together
to direct all of the subject parcel’s stormwater runoff away from the Valley Freeway right-of-way
and Wetland A, thus preventing the upland project area from delivering any storm water runoff
to Wetland A
Also, because of the extent of the existing parking lot and driveway pavement and vertical
curbing between the upland proposed building addition project site and the offsite wetland, the
paved parking lot and driveway to be retained are at least as substantial a barrier as a road for
purposes of RMC 4-3-050F.7.c.
For the above reasons, the paved parking lot and driveway constitute an “other barrier” for
purposes of RMC 4-3-050F.7.c, making a request for, and grant of, a waiver of the wetland
assessment submittal requirement consistent with RMC 4-3-050F.7.c.
5.0 PLANNED REQUEST FOR A DETERMINATION OF NON-REGULATION
We also understand that, pursuant to subsection g (Sites Separated from Critical Areas,
Nonregulated), below, of RMC 4-3-050B.1 (Lands to Which These Regulations Apply and Non-
regulated Lands), Strada da Valle LLC plans to submit a request to the Administrator of the
Renton Department of Community and Economic Development for a determination that the
proposed project site is a non-regulated land for purposes of the Renton wetlands critical areas
regulations because of the pre-existing, intervening, and lawfully created parking lot and
stormwater detention and conveyance system improvements that were installed before the City’s
August 20, 1991 issuance of a certificate of approval for the existing building on the subject
parcel. Excerpts from RMC 4-3-050B.1 are set forth below in italics (our comments concerning
those excerpts are set forth below in non-italicized type):
RMC 4-3-050B.1 (Lands to Which These Regulations Apply and Non-regulated Lands):
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g. Sites Separated from Critical Areas, Nonregulated: As determined by the
Administrator, these regulations may not apply to development proposed on sites that are
separated from critical areas by pre-existing, intervening, and lawfully created structures,
roads, or other substantial existing improvements. For the purposes of this Section, the
intervening lots/parcels, roads, or other substantial improvements shall be found to:
i. Separate the subject upland property from the critical area due to their height or
width; and
As explained in the memorandum from project civil engineer Zachary Evans, PE (see Appendix
D), the extent of the proposed retained width of the existing impervious parking lot driveway
(which is a 60-foot-total width of concrete between Wetland A and the closest point of the
proposed building addition) and the 6-inch high vertical curb will serve as a barrier separating
Wetland A from the project site on the subject upland property.
ii. Substantially prevent or impair delivery of most functions from the subject upland
property to the critical area. Such determination and evidence shall be included in the
application file. Public notification shall be given as follows:
In general, the primary functions upland areas can potentially provide to an adjacent wetland are
protection and enhancement of the wetland’s functions. The three categories of functions
provided by wetlands are water quality, hydrology (flood protection), and habitat.
As explained in project civil engineer Zachary Evans’ memorandum (see Appendix D), the
existing east parking lot and driveway improvements already prevent delivery of runoff from any
portion of Lot 3 into Wetland A (with the possible exception of a small amount of runoff from the
eastern edge of the landscape strip that lies between the east parking lot and Wetland A). Mr.
Evans’ memorandum further explains that, with the proposed addition project, the runoff from
Lot 3 will continue to be prevented from draining to the wetland.
The proposed retained substantial intervening improvements will continue to prevent any
stormwater runoff from both (1) the proposed building addition’s project site area (the area that is
referred to as the “subject upland area” in above-quoted RMC 4-3-050B.1.g.ii) and (2) the area
of those retained intervening improvements from draining to the east into Wetland A.
Therefore, there is no hydrologic connection between the off-site wetland area and the subject
upland property area where development activity is proposed. Thus, the subject upland area is
currently prevented, and will continue to be prevented, from providing protection or
enhancement functions to the water quality or flood protection functions of Wetland A.
Additionally, no screening, vegetative structure, or other habitat elements are present within the
existing paved area to remain, and no substantial alteration of this condition is proposed.
Therefore, protection or enhancement, by the subject upland property area, of habitat functions
in the adjacent off-site wetland is also currently prevented and will continue to be prevented.
In view of the above, delivery of all functions from the subject upland building addition project
site area to Wetland A will be prevented by the intervening improvements proposed to be
retained between the proposed building expansion and Wetland A. Under these circumstances,
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the wetland critical areas regulations should not apply to the proposed U.S. Bank expansion
development proposal per subsection g of RMC 4-3-050B.1.
6.0 USE OF THIS REPORT
This Determination Report is supplied to Strada da Valle LLC and Cornerstone Architectural
Group as a means of determining critical area conditions on and adjacent to the subject parcel,
as required by the City of Renton during the permitting process for the proposed U.S. Bank
Expansion project. This report is based largely on readily observable conditions and, to a lesser
extent, on readily ascertainable conditions. No attempt has been made to determine hidden or
concealed conditions.
The laws applicable to wetlands are subject to varying interpretations and may be changed at
any time by the courts or legislative bodies. This report is intended to provide information
deemed relevant in the applicant's attempt to comply with the laws now in effect.
The work for this report has conformed to the standard of care employed by wetland ecologists.
No other representation or warranty is made concerning the work or this report, and any implied
representation or warranty is disclaimed.
Wetland Resources, Inc.
Scott Walters
Associate Ecologist & Wildlife Biologist
Tess Amen
Ecological Technician
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7.0 REFERENCES
Cowardin, et al. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S.
Department of the Interior. FWS/OBS-79/31. December 1979.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands. Technical Report WRPDE-4.
US Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Lichvar, Tobert W. and J.T. Kartesz. 2014. National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.0. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research
and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH and BONAP, Chapel Hill, NC.
http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil
Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update. Publication
#14-06-029. Washington Department of Ecology. Olympia, WA.
Munsell Color. 2012. Munsell Soil Color Book. Munsell Color, Grand Rapids, MI.
NRCS. 2017. Web Soil Survey. United States Department of Agriculture.
http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.
King County. 2015. iMap Interactive Mapping Tool.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/GIS/Maps/iMAP.aspx.
Renton, City of. Renton Municipal Code. Chapter 3, Environmental Regulations and Overlay
Districts. Title IV, Development regulations (current through Ordinance 5832, passed
February 13, 2017).
Renton, City of. Renton Map Public GIS Mapping System.
http://rp.rentonwa.gov/SilverlightPublic/Viewer.html?Viewer=COR-Maps.
StreamNet. 2017. StreamNet Mapper. http://www.streamnet.org/data/interactive-maps-and-gis-
data/.
Terra Associates, Inc. 2017. Geotechnical Report. U.S. Bank Expansion. Project No. T-7638. April
17, 2017.
US Army COE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western
Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0). Vicksburg, MS.
USFWS. 2017. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Online Mapper.
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html.
Washington DNR. 2017. Forest Practices Application Mapping Tool (FPAMT).
https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protectiongis/fpamt/index.html#.
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WDFW. 2017a. Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) Interactive Map.
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/phsontheweb/.
WDFW. 2017b. SalmonScape Online Mapping Application.
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: ) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
US Bank Expansion / 2500 E Valley Rd Renton/King 2/7/2017
Strada da Valle LLC WA S1
SW, TA S20, T23N, R05E, WM
Outwash 80%
A 47.45575 -122.21674 WGS 84
Tukwila muck PFOCx
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Partially within rip-rap.
10m
Populus balsamifera* 20 N*FAC
20
5m
Spiraea douglasii 33 Y FACW
33
1m
Phalaris arundinacea 20 Y FACW
Lemna minor 10 Y OBL
30
83
3
3
100%
0
0
0
0
0
00
✔
✔
*Not rooted in the wetland.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S1
0-16 10YR 2/1 94 7.5YR 4/6 6 Si Lo Occasional (due to saturation)
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔10"
ponded
ponded ✔
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: ) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
US Bank Expansion / 2500 E Valley Rd Renton/King 2/7/2017
Strada da Valle LLC WA S2
SW, TA S20, T23N, R05E, WM
Upland hillslope Convex 80%
A 47.45575 -122.21674 WGS 84
Tukwila muck PFOCx
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Edge of riprap
10m
Thuja plicata 55 Y FAC
55
5m
Cornus sericea 15 Y FACW
Rubus ursinus 10 Y FACU
Salix sitchensis 10 Y FACW
Prunus laurocerasus 7 N FACU
42
1m
3
4
75%
0
0
0
0
0
00
✔
✔
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S2
0-18 10YR 3/3 100 Lo Sa Slightly moist
✔
✔
✔
✔✔
Slightly moist