HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_ERC_Determination_Internal Routing_Upper_Balch_Pit_190221.pdfDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL (SEPA) DETERMINATION OF
NON-SIGNIFICANCE - MITIGATED (DNS-M)
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
APPLICANT/OWNER: Segale Properties LLC, Mike Pruett, PO Box 88028, Tukwila, WA 98138
PROJECT NAME: Upper Balch Pit
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a 10-year Special Fill and Grade permit and SEPA
Environmental Review for 230,000 cubic yards of fill that would be imported into an existing sand/gravel pit. The total site area
is 14.4 acres and is located at 301 Monroe Ave NE (APN 1623059059). The subject site is zoned Residential-10 (R-10). The Upper
Balch Pit has been used as an upland fill and reclamation since 1982. Prior to 1982, the site was used as a permitted sand and
gravel pit from 1962 to 1982. The subject property currently has a valid Special Fill and Grade permit (LUA10-056) which allows
the Upper Balch Pit to be filled to an elevation of 325 feet. The current land use permit is set to expire on November 2, 2020.
The project is proposing to continue filling the pit to support an anticipated residential development where final grades would
be at or near the grades of the surrounding streets. Access to the site would continue through a gate located along Jefferson
Ave NE. The site contains 24 significant trees above elevation 325. Existing trees below this elevation would be removed as part
of the existing fill and grade permit and 11 trees would be retained above the proposed final grade. Previous land use file
numbers are SP-032-82, SP-033-87, LUA92-174, LUA00-064, and LUA10-056.
PROJECT LOCATION: 301 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056
LEAD AGENCY: City of Renton
Environmental Review Committee
Department of Community & Economic Development
The City of Renton Environmental Review Committee has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact
on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). Conditions were
imposed as mitigation measures by the Environmental Review Committee under their authority of Section 4-9-070D Renton
Municipal Code. These conditions are necessary to mitigate environmental impacts identified during the environmental review
process. Because other agencies of jurisdiction may be involved, the lead agency will not act on this proposal for fourteen (14)
days.
Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 8, 2019. Appeals must
be filed in writing together with the required fee with: Hearing Examiner, City of Renton, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA
98057. Appeals to the Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and more information may be obtained from the Renton City
Clerk’s Office, (425) 430-6510.
PUBLICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2019
DATE OF DECISION: FEBRUARY 18, 2019
SIGNATURES:
Gregg Zimmerman, Administrator
Public Works Department Date
Rick M. Marshall, Administrator
Renton Regional Fire Authority Date
Kelly Beymer, Administrator
Community Services Department Date
C.E. “Chip” Vincent, Administrator
Department of Community & Economic
Development
Date
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200, ext. 2
www.rentonwa.gov
DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE – MITIGATED (DNS-M)
MITIGATION MEASURES AND ADVISORY NOTES
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
APPLICANT/OWNER: Segale Properties LLC, Mike Pruett, P.O. Box 88028, Tukwila, WA 98138
PROJECT NAME: Upper Balch Pit
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a 10-year Special Fill and Grade permit and
SEPA Environmental Review for 230,000 cubic yards of fill that would be imported into an existing sand/gravel pit.
The total site area is 14.4 acres and is located at 301 Monroe Ave NE (APN 1623059059). The subject site is zoned
Residential-10 (R-10). The Upper Balch Pit has been used as an upland fill and reclamation since 1982. Prior to
1982, the site was used as a permitted sand and gravel pit from 1962 to 1982. The subject property currently has
a valid Special Fill and Grade permit (LUA10-056) which allows the Upper Balch Pit to be filled to an elevation of
325 feet. The current land use permit is set to expire on November 2, 2020. The project is proposing to continue
filling the pit to support an anticipated residential development where final grades would be at or near the grades
of the surrounding streets. Access to the site would continue through a gate located along Jefferson Ave NE. The
site contains 24 significant trees above elevation 325. Existing trees below this elevation would be removed as
part of the existing fill and grade permit and 11 trees would be retained above the proposed final grade. Previous
land use file numbers are SP-032-82, SP-033-87, LUA92-174, LUA00-064, and LUA10-056.
PROJECT LOCATION: 301 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056
LEAD AGENCY: The City of Renton
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
MITIGATION MEASURES:
1. All 24 significant trees above the 325 foot elevation shall remain until such time as it is deemed
necessary to remove each tree for fill purposes.
2. The applicant shall provide a Fill Source Statement free from tainted solid inert waste landfill materials
or the property owner shall be required to submit and comply with an Environmental Analysis, at the
City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused to the groundwater and the aquifer
protection zone.
3. The applicant shall limit the number of trucks accessing the project site to a maximum of 250 trip ends
(truck imported material to the site) per day in order to reduce adverse transportation impacts. In
addition, the property owner may be required to submit and comply with a Transportation Impact
Analysis, at the City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused by the increased number of
trips over years prior.
ADIVISORY NOTES:
The following notes are supplemental information provided in conjunction with the administrative land use
action. Because these notes are provided as information only, they are not subject to the appeal process for the
land use actions.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Page 1 of 2 LUA18-000703
ADVISORY NOTES TO APPLICANT
The following notes are supplemental information provided in conjunction with the administrative land use
action. Because these notes are provided as information only, they are not subject to the appeal process for
the land use action.
Planning:
(Contact: Clark H. Close, 425-430-7289, cclose@rentonwa.gov)
1. RMC section 4-4-030.C.2 limits haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday unless
otherwise approved by the Development Services Division.
2. New multi-family and other nonresidential construction activities shall be restricted to the hours
between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., Monday through Friday unless otherwise
approved in advance by the Development Services Division. Work on Saturdays shall be restricted to the
hours between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work shall be permitted on
Sundays.
3. Within thirty (30) days of completion of grading work, the applicant shall hydroseed or plant an
appropriate ground cover over any portion of the site that is graded or cleared of vegetation and where
no further construction work will occur within ninety (90) days. Alternative measures such as mulch,
sodding, or plastic covering as specified in the current King County Surface Water Management Design
Manual as adopted by the City of Renton may be proposed between the dates of November 1st and
March 31st of each year. The Development Services Division’s approval of this work is required prior to
final inspection and approval of the permit.
4. A National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required when more than one acre is
being cleared.
5. The applicant may not fill, excavate, stack or store any equipment, dispose of any materials, supplies or
fluids, operate any equipment, install impervious surfaces, or compact the earth in any way within the
area defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained.
6. The applicant shall erect and maintain six foot (6') high chain link temporary construction fencing around
the drip lines of all retained trees, or along the perimeter of a stand of retained trees. Placards shall be
placed on fencing every fifty feet (50') indicating the words, “NO TRESPASSING – Protected Trees” or on
each side of the fencing if less than fifty feet (50'). Site access to individually protected trees or groups
of trees shall be fenced and signed. Individual trees shall be fenced on four (4) sides. In addition, the
applicant shall provide supervision whenever equipment or trucks are moving near trees.
7. This permit is shall comply with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The permitted is responsible
for adhering to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (2007) and
/or your U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit.
Development Engineering:
(Contact: Jonathan Chavez, 425-430-7288, jchavez@rentonwa.gov)
1. See Attached Development Engineering Memo dated February 7, 2019.
Fire Authority:
(Contact: Corey Thomas, 425-430-7024, cthomas@rentonrfa.org)
Environmental Impact Comments:
1. No comments at this time.
Exhibit 20
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ADVISORY NOTES TO APPLICANT
Page 2 of 2 LUA18-000703
Technical Services:
(Contact: Amanda Askren, 425-430-7369, aaskren@rentonwa.gov)
1. No comments at this time.
Community Services:
(Contact: Leslie Betlach, 425-430-6619, lbetlach@rentonwa.gov)
1. No comments at this time.
Police:
(Contact: Cyndie Parks, 425-430-7521, cparks@rentonwa.gov)
1. No comments at this time.
Building:
(Contact: Craig Burnell, 425-430-7290, cburnell@rentonwa.gov)
1. Recommendations of the geotechnical report must be followed as a condition of building permits.
2. The applicant would be required to submit an annual grading license to the Building Department.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: February 7, 2019
TO: Clark Close, Planning
FROM: Jonathan Chavez, Development Engineering
SUBJECT: Upper Balch Pit – Special Grade and Fill Permit
301 Monroe Ave NE
LUA 18-000703
I have reviewed the Land Use Application for the above-referenced project located at 301 Monroe Ave
NE (APN: 1623059059). The applicant is applying for a Special Grade and Fill Permit to continue filling
the site. The applicant is also proposing to increase the fill elevation from 325 feet to approximately 345
feet in preparation for a future residential development.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Site is approximately 14.4 acres in size and is rectangular in shape. The existing site is undeveloped
with landscaping and trees along the perimeter of the site. The site is currently being filled to an
elevation of 325 feet under a 10-year Special Grade and Fill Permit (LUA10-056) that is set to expire on
November 2, 2020.
Water Water service is provided by the City of Renton. The site is within the Highlands 565
Pressure Zone. The static water pressure is approximately 98 psi at ground elevation of
338-feet. The site is located within the Aquifer Protection Area, Zone 2. There is an
existing 16-inch City water main located in Monroe Ave NE, east of the property that
can deliver a maximum capacity of 5500 gallons per minute (gpm) – (see Water plan no.
W-045801). There is an existing 12-inch City water main within an easement and private
road (extension of NE 2nd St) adjacent to the south property line, which can deliver a
maximum capacity of 3,400 gpm – (see Water plan no. W-045801D).
Sewer Sewer service is provided by the City of Renton. There is an existing 12-inch wastewater
main located in Monroe Ave NE (see City plan no. S-151002).
Storm The site is undeveloped with a perimeter trees. The current site topography appears to
route all runoff towards the center of the site, where it infiltrates completely. There is
no mapped on-site conveyance system. The City of Renton has a 21” HDPE overflow
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Upper Balch Pit, PRE 18-000655 Page 2 of 2
November 1, 2018
pipe on the east side of the property. There is an existing 36-inch stormwater main
located in Monroe Ave NE, east of the property.
Streets This site fronts Monroe Ave NE, a Collector Arterial Street, on the east side of the
property. The available right of way (ROW) width on the frontage of Monroe Ave NE is
60 feet (as per the King County assessor map). Per RMC 4-6-060, the minimum right of
way width for a Collector Arterial with 3 lanes is 94’.
CODE REQUIREMENTS
SURFACE WATER
1. A Preliminary Drainage Plan and Technical Information Report (TIR), dated December 21, 2018,
was submitted by CPH Consultants with the Land Use Application. Based on the City’s flow
control map, the site falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard area matching Forested Site
Conditions and is within the Lower Cedar Drainage Basin.
a. Soil amendments will be required for any additional filling of the site past the
previously approved elevation of 325 feet.
2. A Construction Stormwater Permit from Department of Ecology is required since clearing and
grading of the site exceeds one acre.
3. A geotechnical report, dated November 9, 2018, completed by Terra Associates, Inc for the site
has been provided.
4. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
a. Temporary Erosion Control shall be installed and maintained to the satisfaction of the
representative of the City’s Community and Economic Development Department for
the duration of the project.
b. Weekly reports on the status and condition of the erosion control plan with any
recommendations of changes or revisions to maintenance schedule or installation shall
be submitted by the project Engineer of record to the City Inspector.
5. The project site contains a temporary easement to the City for a surface water drainage
overflow system. The Surface Water Utility is interested in coordinating with the applicant on
the schedule for filling the site to allow the storm system overflow to function during, and upon
completion of, the fill work proposed by the special fill and grade permit application. The
Surface Water Utility is also interested in exploring options related to relocating the existing
overflow storm system in coordination with the future site development to accommodate the
development while allowing for some type of overflow system.
TRANSPORTATION
1. The Applicant is requesting haul hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and night hauling from 7:00
p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The Applicant is also requesting to allow 250 truck
trip ends per day. The current permit (#LUA 10-056) allows for 210 truck trip ends per day.
a. The Transportation Division has reviewed the Applicant’s proposed increase in number
of vehicle trips and hauling hours and have no concerns or issues.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Project Location Map
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: February 18, 2019
Project File Number: PR18-000567
Project Name: Upper Balch Pit
Land Use File Number: LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Project Manager: Clark H. Close, Senior Planner
Owner/Applicant: Segale Properties LLC, Mike Pruett, P.O. Box 88028, Tukwila, WA 98138
Contact: Jamie Schroeder, CPH Consultants, LLC, 11431 Willows Road NE, Ste. 120,
Redmond, WA 98052
Project Location: 301 Monroe Ave NE
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting a 10-year Special Fill and Grade permit and SEPA
Environmental Review for 230,000 cubic yards of fill that would be imported
into an existing sand/gravel pit. The total site area is 14.4 acres and is located at
301 Monroe Ave NE (APN 1623059059). The subject site is zoned Residential-10
(R-10). The Upper Balch Pit has been used as an upland fill and reclamation since
1982. Prior to 1982, the site was used as a permitted sand and gravel pit from
1962 to 1982. The subject property currently has a valid Special Fill and Grade
permit (LUA10-056) which allows the Upper Balch Pit to be filled to an elevation
of 325 feet. The current land use permit is set to expire on November 2, 2020.
The project is proposing to continue filling the pit to support an anticipated
residential development where final grades would be at or near the grades of
the surrounding streets. Access to the site would continue through a gate
located along Jefferson Ave NE. The site contains 24 significant trees above
elevation 325. Existing trees below this elevation would be removed as part of
the existing fill and grade permit and 11 trees would be retained above the
proposed final grade. Previous land use file numbers are SP-032-82, SP-033-87,
LUA92-174, LUA00-064, and LUA10-056.
Site Area: 628,574 SF Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
NE 4th St Monroe Ave NE NE 2nd St
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 2 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
The applicant is requesting a Special Fill and Grade permit and Environmental Review to allow the continued filling
and reclamation operation of the Upper Balch Pit. The applicant is seeking a Special Permit to fill the pit to support
an anticipated residential development. Final grades would be at or near the existing grades of the surrounding
streets and land area at the completion of the permit (Exhibits 7-9). Filling is proposed to continue with suitable fill
materials. Such materials would include clean dirt, soils, sand and gravel and other similar clean materials, including
rock and broken concrete (not asphalt concrete) smaller than 8 inches in diameter, and minor amounts of organic
materials, including peat. The source of the fill material would be surplus/excess from approved sources at local
project sites. Approximately 230,000 cubic yards of fill material is anticipated to bring the pit up to street level.
Approximately 14.3 acres would be effected by grading and filling activity (Exhibit 2).
In years past, the owner received a Special Fill and Grade permit to fill the pit to an elevation of 325 feet Mean Sea
Level (MSL) with approximately 1,000,000 cubic yards of imported fill over many years (Exhibit 4). The applicant has
indicated that fill materials and 10-year duration would be the same as permitted under previous permits. The
Upper Balch Pit is located on the west side of Monroe Avenue NE, just south of NE 4th St. It is a gravel borrow pit,
approximately 14.4 acres in size and is located in the Residential 10 (R-10) zone and the Residential High Density
(RHD) land use designation. The subject site is currently unusable and undeveloped, there are no structures or
improvements on the site other than a paved haul road and a perimeter-screening fence. The applicant did not
provide subdivision plans for future residential development with this application. However, the applicant did
indicate that once the target elevation is reached they would hydroseed the surface after completion of grading and
filling activity.
The Upper Balch Pit was permitted and authorized for gravel excavation operations from 1960-1982. The subject
site has been an upland fill and reclamation site since 1982, operating under Special Permits SP-032-82, SP-033-87,
LUA92-174, and LUA00-064, and LUA10-056. The most recent and still active permit (LUA10-056) is set to expire on
November 2, 2020. The applicant is requesting that this new Special Fill and Grade permit be approved with a ten-
year expiration period like the previous two (2) Special Permits (LUA00-064 and LUA10-056). Fill would occur as
material becomes available over the life of the permit, nevertheless, the fill and reclamation operation is estimated
to be completed by spring of 2020.
The applicant is proposing to generally adhere to City of Renton grading work hours, which are from seven o’clock
(7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., Monday through Friday (RMC 4-4-060.J.6). Work may be permitted on
Saturdays and Sundays only if approved in writing in advance by the Administrator. The applicant has also requested
permission to work on Saturdays as well. The current Special Permit (LUA10-056) allows a maximum of 210 truck
trips ends per day with weekday hauling from eight thirty o’clock (8:30) a.m. to three thirty o’clock (3:30) p.m. and
night hauling from eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. to five o’clock (5:00) a.m. The applicant is requesting 40 additional truck
trips and longer night hauling hours from seven o’clock (7:00) p.m. to six o’clock (6:00) a.m., Monday through
Saturday.
Power lines run through the northeast portion of the site in a 150-foot wide Puget Sound Energy Easement
(AF#3425304 and #2571770). The property presently has a large fill bench on the west side of the site at the site
entrance along Jefferson Ave NE. The subject site would continue to be accessed through a gate located along
Jefferson Ave NE for ingress and egress. The route allows traffic to be controlled via the signal light at the
intersection of Jefferson Ave NE and NE 4th St. The applicant is proposing to use Monroe Ave NE as an alternate
access point, in which case traffic would be controlled by the signal light at Monroe Ave NE and NE 4th St (Exhibit 3).
However, at this time there are no entrances to the property off of Monroe Avenue NE. A paved access road leading
from the fill bench to the central portion of the site is present along the southwest corner of the parcel and a non-
paved construction road leads to the central portion of the site in the northwest corner of the parcel. Trucks are
able to turnaround in the pit. The fill bench is roughly 45 feet above the lowest site elevation and crews have placed
fill material over the entire base of the pit.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 3 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
The project site contains a Temporary Storm Drainage Easement (AF#2007092800176) to the City for a surface
water drainage overflow system. The easement terminates once the pit is filled to an elevation of 325 feet. The City
of Renton Surface Water Utility would be interested in exploring options related to relocating the existing overflow
storm system while allowing for some type of overflow system on the subject site (Exhibit 20).
To the north of the site is a small commercial center including such stores as McDonald’s, Renton Collision Center,
U-Haul, and Discount Tires, to the east (across Monroe Ave NE) is the Greenwood Cemetery, to the south (across NE
2nd St) is the City of Renton Transportation Department and Maintenance Shops, and to the west (across Jefferson
Ave NE) is King County Parks and Renton Shop, other King County owned properties and a vacant property recently
acquired by Renton Technical College. The applicant has indicated that best management practices (BMPs) would be
used to minimize dust on the construction site. Any dust on the roadway and/or fill surface area would be mitigated
with water trucks or metered fire hoses used to wet down the areas used by construction equipment. A wheel-
washing facility exists on-site and would be utilized throughout the duration of the project. Control of dust and mud
would be in accordance with RMC 4-4-060.J.8, Control of Dust and Mud and noise levels would be in accordance
with RMC 4-4-060.J.5, Maximum Noise Levels.
PART TWO: 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. All 24 significant trees above the 325 foot elevation shall remain until such time as it is deemed
necessary to remove each tree for fill purposes.
2. The applicant shall provide a Fill Source Statement free from tainted solid inert waste landfill materials
or the property owner shall be required to submit and comply with an Environmental Analysis, at the
City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused to the groundwater and the aquifer
protection zone.
3. The applicant shall limit the number of trucks accessing the project site to a maximum of 250 trip ends
(truck imported material to the site) per day in order to reduce adverse transportation impacts. In
addition, the property owner may be required to submit and comply with a Transportation Impact
Analysis, at the City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused by the increased number of
trips over years prior.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan (C0.00)
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map
Exhibit 4: Topography Map (C0.02)
Exhibit 5: TESC Plan (C1.00)
Exhibit 6: TESC Detail (C1.100)
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 4 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
Exhibit 7: Overall Grading and Storm Drainage Plan (C3.00)
Exhibit 8: Site Sections (C3.01 and C3.02)
Exhibit 9: Storm Drainage Pond Plan and Sections (C3.20)
Exhibit 10: Storm Drainage Details (C3.100)
Exhibit 11: Tree Retention Plan (TR1.00)
Exhibit 12: Technical Information Report, prepared by CPH Consultants, dated December 21, 2018
Exhibit 13: Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation, prepared by Terra Associates, Inc., dated
November 9, 2018
Exhibit 14: Wetland Reconnaissance Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc.,
dated July 30, 2010
Exhibit 15: Wetland Reconnaissance Critical Areas Update, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc.,
dated January 9, 2019
Exhibit 16: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 17: Environmental Checklist
Exhibit 18: SEPA Comments Received (Seattle & King County Public Health, Environmental Health
Services Division; Seattle Public Utilities; and King County Solid Waste Division)
Exhibit 19: Completed Fill Source Statement for Segale Properties LLC, dated January 29, 2019
Exhibit 20: 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. Earth
Impacts: The applicant provided a Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation, prepared by Terra Associates,
Inc., dated November 9, 2018 (Exhibit 13). The focus of the geotechnical study was on stormwater
management for future residential development. This report indicated that steep slopes are present
around the perimeter of the property that consists primarily of medium dense outwash. The south and
east slopes of the property are heavily vegetated while the west and north slopes have moderate
vegetation.
The geotechnical engineer observed the soil and groundwater conditions at the site by excavating two
(2) test pits to a maximum depth of 14 feet below current site grades on September 20, 2018. In
addition to the test pits, the applicant took samples of the native sand and gravel from two (2) sections
of the exposed embankments. The soil conditions observed in Test Pit TP-1 consisted of medium dense
to dense, inorganic fill material. This test pit was completed in the approximate center of the reclaimed
area. The soil conditions observed in Test Pit TP-2 consisted of approximately eight and one-half feet of
medium dense fill material overlying medium dense gravel with sand to the termination of the test pit.
The gravel with material was also observed in the two samples taken from the native banks around the
mine area. The geotechnical engineer found that there was no groundwater in either test pit.
Since a majority of the soils typically suitable for infiltration have been removed from the site through
the mining process, the ability to infiltrate site stormwater would require that future facilities be located
along the perimeter of the site and only a portion of the facility would expose the native sand and gravel
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E5C4030-D64E-4473-A477-9502F17081D1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 5 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
material. As such, it will be necessary to construct the infiltration facilities by excavating into the native
embankments and then fill the facility with a free draining material that closely matches the hydraulic
conductivity of the native soils (Exhibits 9 and 10).
The applicant would be required to meet the City requirements by demonstrating that the development
would not result in unexpected settlement due to lack of compaction or preloading for residential
development, soil erosion and sedimentation, landslide, slippage, or excess surface water runoff
(Exhibits 5 and 6). For example, weekly reports on the status and condition of the erosion control plan
with any recommendations of changes or revisions to maintenance schedule or installation would be
required to be submitted by the project engineer of record to the City inspector for the duration of the
project. As a result, the City’s existing grading regulations would be sufficient to mitigate the impacts of
the proposed project. Further geotechnical considerations would be evaluated under a future land use
application (i.e. subdivision) or a future building permit application.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
2. Air
Impacts: It is anticipated that some short-term air quality impacts could be associated with filling and
grading the site. Project development impacts during construction may include periods of increased dust
generated as a result of filling and grading and exhaust from vehicles and equipment. Dust control
would be mitigated through the use of temporary erosion control measures, watering or other
measures to remediate impacts as needed (Exhibits 16 and 17).
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Wetland, Streams, Lakes
Impacts: In addition to the geotechnical engineering evaluation, the applicant provided a Wetland
Reconnaissance Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated July 30, 2010
(Exhibit 14) and a Wetland Reconnaissance Critical Areas Update, prepared by Raedeke Associates,
Inc., dated January 9, 2019 (Exhibit 15). Pursuant to the Memorandum and Critical Areas Update,
this subject site varies in vegetative cover and hydrology. This is due to the ongoing filling activity
that changes the porosity of the soils that line the pit. The pit contain black cottonwood, Douglas fir,
red alder as well as Himalayan blackberry, cutleaf blackberry, California dewberry, giant horsetail,
beaked hazelnut, Kentucky bluegrass, reed canarygrass, lamp rush, sword fern, and tall mannagrass.
The side slopes are vegetated with a mix of deciduous trees and shrubs common to the region.
Central and southern portions of the pit contain areas of unvegetated fill and areas vegetated by
grasses, herbs, and shrubs common to the region.
The lowest portions of the site are located at the bottom of the eastern slope. This low area was
ponded with stormwater at the time of the 2019 Wetland Reconnaissance Critical Areas Update.
Along the east slope of the site, two (2) storm drainage pipes convey water from Monroe Ave NE.
The larger of the two (2) is a black PVC pipe that is 2-feet in diameter. It extends from the top of the
slope, at the east edge of the site, and drains downslope to the west. The pipe runs all the way
downhill to the lowest portion of the site where water is ponded. The second pipe is located
approximately 15 feet south of the first. It is black corrugated plastic, 1.5-feet in diameter. It also
appears to begin at the top of the slope; however, this pipe ends less than half way down the slope.
The Wetland Scientist did not observe any water draining from this pipe at the time of their visit.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 6 of 9
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The majority of the property consists of unvegetated fill and well-draining steep slopes vegetated by
weedy herbaceous and shrub species. The area with hydric soil and hydrophytic vegetation is
supported by diverted stormwater and water ponding upon compact fill, which does not meet
criteria to be considered a wetland. The Wetland Reconnaissance reports made the conclusion that
they did not identify any wetlands or streams within the property boundaries or in the immediate
vicinity and the areas where some surface water exists are a result of storm drainage discharge to
the site from the adjoining roadways.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
b. Ground Water
Impacts: The subject site is located within the Maplewood Wellfield Ten Year Capture Zone 2 and
contains protected slopes. The Protected Slopes located on the site were created as a result of the
gravel extraction. The applicant has indicated that only approved clean material would be imported
to the subject site, which complies with the requirements of placing fill in an Aquifer Protection
Zone. Furthermore, the applicant would be required to provide a Fill Source Statement to report the
source location of the fill materials brought into the pit at such time as the fill source sites are
known. As such, the City of Renton would be able to screen for inert waste and verify that the
imported fill material comes from an approved source and all required permits are obtained from
both the City of Renton and King County. The City also requires an annual grading license for fill.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
c. Storm Water
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Technical Information Report (TIR), prepared by CPH
Consultants, dated December 21, 2018 (Exhibit 12). Based on the City’s flow control map, the site
falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard area matching Forested Site Conditions and is within
the Lower Cedar Drainage Basin. For the purposes of the Grade and Fill Permit, no drainage review is
required since the project proposes no new impervious surface and all surface water currently
drains into the bottom of the pit where it then infiltrates. No runoff flows off-site. It is anticipated
that stormwater runoff from a future residential development would infiltrate in the northwest
portion of the site. Field testing by the project’s geotechnical engineer was completed and
summarized in a Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation, dated November 9, 2018. Based on results of
grain size distribution testing, the report recommended a preliminary design infiltration rate of
seven inches (7”) per hour for stormwater facilities. For the future residential development, the
applicant would be required to demonstrate compliance with most current adopted surface water
design manual. As of the date of this Report, the most current manual is the 2017 Renton Surface
Water Design Manual (RSWDM).
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
4. Vegetation
Impacts: The applicant has identified 24 significant trees on the project site above the existing end fill
elevation of 325 feet MSL (Exhibit 11). The trees located below this elevation are scheduled to be
removed as part of the existing Grade and Fill permit (LUA10-056), thus it is not practical to retain these
trees as the pit continues to be filled. The applicant is proposing to remove 13 trees above elevation 325
feet MSL due to the proposed continued filling and grading activity. These 13 trees proposed to be
removed are located at elevations below proposed finished grades of the site. The applicant is proposing
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 7 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
to retain 11 trees which would comply with the minimum twenty percent (20%) tree retention
requirements of the Residential-10 (R-10) zone. No tree replacement would be required per RMC 4-4-
130. The existing trees above elevation 325 feet MSL provide landscape screening, habitat, and some
aesthetic quality to the existing reclamation site. As such, staff recommends as a condition of approval
that all 24 significant trees above the 325 foot elevation remain until such time as it is deemed
necessary to remove each tree for fill purposes.
Mitigation Measures: All 24 significant trees above the 325 foot elevation shall remain until such time
as it is deemed necessary to remove each tree for fill purposes.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; RMC 4-4-130 Tree Retention and
Land Clearing Regulations; and RMC 4-4-070 Landscaping.
5. Environmental Health
a. Environmental Health Hazards
Impacts: The applicant has indicated that the project would adhere to current Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA)
standards during activities of fill and grade. As indicated in the ground water section above, a Fill
Source Statement would be required by the City of Renton in order to screen for clean material and
inert waste. A Fill Source Statement must be certified by a Professional Engineer or Geologist
licensed in the State of Washington for more than 100 cubic yards of imported fill to a project site
located in Zone 2 of the Aquifer Protection Area. It is required that a fill material be sampled at the
fill source site and analyzed by a laboratory to rule out contamination. A fill source site may qualify
for an abbreviated fill source statement if the source site has never been filled, developed, or
subjected to use that could have introduced chemical contamination to the site. The abbreviated
format does not require sampling and analysis to fill to detect contamination and, therefore,
reduces applicant costs. For the Upper Balch Pit, the current and previous land uses at fill source site
include the following: a) 1940 to 2010 – Laurelon Terrance Condominiums; b) 2010 to 2013 –
Construction area for adjacent hospital expansion building; and c) 2013 to current – parking lot that
will be developed into a hospital building (Exhibit 19). Per RMC 4-4-060.N.4, fill materials shall have
no more than minor amounts of organic substances and shall have no rock or similar irreducible
material with a maximum dimension greater than eight inches (8").
In years past, fill on the Upper Balch Permit was permitted to be limited to clean dirt, soil, sand,
gravel, and other similar clean materials, provided that rock and broken concrete smaller than 8
inches in diameter and minor amounts of organic matter may be included. The Upper Balch Pit is
proposing that a portion of its site would be filled with concrete material (inert waste material).
Chapter 173-350 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for Solid Waste Handling allows only up to
250 cubic yards total for inert waste fill. Any volume of inert waste fill material after 250 cubic yards
would likely trigger an Inert Waste Landfill permit with Seattle King County Public Health (Exhibit
18). According to WAC 173-350-410, tainted solid inert waste landfills apply to the following
materials: cured concrete; asphaltic materials; brick and masonry; ceramic material produced from
fired clay or porcelain; glass; and stainless steel and aluminum.
Any concrete, asphalt paving, and/or bricks that originates in or from Seattle would also be banned
from use as fill at the Upper Balch Pit. Per Seattle Municipal Code 21.36.089, concrete, asphalt
paving, and bricks generated in Seattle must be reused on or off site, recycled, and/or beneficially
used. Use as fill, either through a Grade and Fill Permit or Inert Landfill Permit, would not be in
compliance with City of Seattle code requirements.
King County has a similar recycling ordinance regarding construction and demolition. The inclusion
of broken concrete (in combination with the volume of material needed for this project) would
trigger the need for an inert waste landfill permit. Concrete, along with other readily recyclable
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E5C4030-D64E-4473-A477-9502F17081D1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 8 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
materials generated in King County, is not allowed to be landfilled (including placement in an inert
waste landfill). Additional information on the landfill ban can be found under King County Ordinance
18166. WAC 173-350-410 Inert waste landfills, states that any project using more than 250 cubic
yards or more of inert waste would require permitting as an inert waste landfill. Otherwise, if no
inert waste materials (as defined in WAC 173-350-410) are used as fill for this project, then an inert
waste landfill permit would not be needed and the project would not be in jeopardy of being in
violation of the King County requirement to not landfill concrete and other solid waste materials
tainted through exposure from chemical, physical, biological, or radiological substances, such that it
presents a threat to human health or the environment. Therefore, staff recommends as a mitigation
measure, that the applicant provide a Fill Source Statement free from tainted solid inert waste
landfill materials or the property owner shall be required to submit and comply with an
Environmental Analysis, at the City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused to the
groundwater and the aquifer protection zone.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall provide a Fill Source Statement free from tainted solid
inert waste landfill materials or the property owner shall be required to submit and comply with an
Environmental Analysis, at the City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused to the
groundwater and the aquifer protection zone.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; WAC 173-350-410 Inert waste
landfills; and RMC 4-4-060.N.4, Grading, Excavation and Mining Regulations – Fills: Fill Material.
b. Noise
Impacts: Noise impacts would result from filling and grading the site. Continued levels and types of
noise from truck and equipment operation and truck hauling would occur. The construction noise
would be regulated through the City’s adopted noise level regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC, Noise
Level Regulations and RMC 4-4-030. The City’s construction standards limit haul hours between 8:30
am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by the Development Services
Division. Work on Saturdays is restricted to the hours between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm. No work is
permitted on Sundays. Night truck hauling and Saturday work is being requested as part of the
permit.
The approved permit previously allowed haul routes from SB I-405 to NE 3rd St to Jefferson Ave NE.
The maximum noise levels for haul trucks is governed by Chapter 173-62 WAC, Motor Vehicle Noise
Performance Standards. No residences are located within 300 feet of the subject property and the
project impacts are anticipated to remain relatively minimal on the neighbors.
The existing job shack on-site is proposed to remain until fill operation are completed. Temporary
noise impacts are anticipated that would be commonly associated with a job shack. In years past,
the City has not received any complaints on the project regarding unsightliness or noise. The City’s
allowance for night hauling would allow the City to deny night hauling based on perceived risk to
public health, safety and welfare should the City receive any complaints from the neighbors in the
future.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: Not applicable.
6. Transportation
Impacts: The project site is fronted by Monroe Ave NE to the east, NE 2nd St to the south, and Jefferson
Ave NE to the west. NE 2nd St and Jefferson Ave NE are private streets with no public right-of-way
adjacent to the project site. The site is currently accessed through a gate located along Jefferson Ave NE.
This location is expected to remain as the primary point of access, for the temporary truck traffic, to
complete the proposed grade and fill activity. The truck traffic is expected to vary depending on the
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Upper Balch Pit
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Report of February 18, 2019 Page 9 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Upper_Balch_Pit_190218
availability of fill material. Haul hours shall be restricted to 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise
approved in advance by the Development Services Division.
The hauling route is anticipated to result in impacts to public streets and private streets, as such the City
may require the applicant to bond for road maintenance of Jefferson Ave NE or Monroe Ave NE to cover
a proportionate share of maintenance or repairs should the City find the fill operations result in impacts
to these streets. This was a condition of approval under Special Permit (LUA10-056). Another condition
of approval for the last Special Permits (LUA00-064 and LUA10-056), was that the applicant was limited
to a maximum of 210 trip ends (truck importing material) to the site per day in order to avoid adverse
impacts to the flow of traffic on NE 4th St.
The applicant is also requesting to increase the maximum number of truck trip ends from 210 to 250 per
day. According to the Renton Transportation Department, the proposed increase in number of vehicle
trips and hauling hours (particularly night time hauling) is not anticipated to have significantly greater
adverse transportation impact beyond the previously approved 210 trip ends, particularly due to night
hauling.
Under Special Permit (LUA10-056), the applicant was required to provide written notice to the City of
Renton for approval for proposed night hauling. The previous approved night hauling plan, completed in
June 2017, was limited to the hours of eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. to five o’clock (5:00) a.m. The applicant
is requesting haul hours from eight thirty o’clock (8:30) a.m. to three thirty o’clock (3:30) p.m. and two
(2) hours more of night hauling from seven o’clock (7:00) p.m. to six o’clock (6:00) a.m., Monday
through Saturday. These additional nighttime hours are approaching the AM Peak hour which could
result in neighbor complaints and/or could negatively impact the morning commute along the approved
haul route. To mitigate for potential impacts the project proposal could have on traffic flow along the
haul route and traffic during the AM Peak Hour, staff recommends as a mitigation measure, that the
applicant limit the number of trucks accessing the project site to a maximum of 250 trip ends (truck
imported material to the site) per day in order to reduce adverse transportation impacts. In addition,
the property owner may be required to submit and comply with a Transportation Impact Analysis, at the
City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused by the increased number of trips over years
prior.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall limit the number of trucks accessing the project site to a
maximum of 250 trip ends (truck imported material to the site) per day in order to reduce adverse
transportation impacts. In addition, the property owner may be required to submit and comply with a
Transportation Impact Analysis, at the City’s sole discretion, to mitigate for adverse impacts caused by
the increased number of trips over years prior.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review and RMC 4-4-030 Development
Guidelines and Regulations – General.
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
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” (Exhibit 20).
9 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 together with the required fee to: Hearing Examiner, City of Renton, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA
98057, on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 8, 2019. RMC 4-8-110 governs appeals to the Hearing Examiner and
additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, Renton City Hall –
7th Floor, (425) 430-6510.
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CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Upper Balch Pit
Land Use File Number:
LUA18-000703, ECF, SP
Date of Meeting
February 18, 2019
Staff Contact
Clark H. Close
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Jamie Schroeder
CPH Consultants, LLC
11431 Willows Road NE, Ste.
120, Redmond, WA 98052
Project Location
301 Monroe Ave NE
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan (C0.00)
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map
Exhibit 4: Topography Map (C0.02)
Exhibit 5: TESC Plan (C1.00)
Exhibit 6: TESC Detail (C1.100)
Exhibit 7: Overall Grading and Storm Drainage Plan (C3.00
Exhibit 8: Site Sections (C3.01 and C3.02)
Exhibit 9: Storm Drainage Pond Plan and Sections (C3.20)
Exhibit 10: Storm Drainage Details (C3.100)
Exhibit 11: Tree Retention Plan (TR1.00)
Exhibit 12: Technical Information Report, prepared by CPH Consultants, dated December 21, 2018
Exhibit 13: Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation, prepared by Terra Associates, Inc., dated
November 9, 2018
Exhibit 14: Wetland Reconnaissance Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc.,
dated July 30, 2010
Exhibit 15: Wetland Reconnaissance Critical Areas Update, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc.,
dated January 9, 2019
Exhibit 16: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 17: Environmental Checklist
Exhibit 18:SEPA Comments Received (Seattle & King County Public Health, Environmental Health
Services Division; Seattle Public Utilities; and King County Solid Waste Division)
Exhibit 19: Completed Fill Source Statement for Segale Properties LLC, dated January 29, 2019
Exhibit 20: Advisory Notes
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