HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_FINAL_Stream_Typing_Tech_Memo_200812.pdf Soundview Consultants LLC
Environmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use 1 Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Technical Memorandum
To: Dale Fonk, ADF Properties LLC File Number: 2087.0001
From: Ann Boeholt, Soundview Consultants LLC Date: August 7, 2020
Re: Stream and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment – 4409 Northeast Sunset
Boulevard, Renton, WA 98059 (King County Tax Parcel Number 0323059093)
Dear Mr. Fonk,
Soundview Consultants LLC (SVC) conducted a stream and fish and wildlife habitat assessment of
the approximately 0.81-acre property located at 4409 Northeast Sunset Boulevard in Renton,
Washington in Pierce County, Washington (Figure 1). The site consists of one parcel located in the
Southwest ¼ of Section 03, Township 23 North, Range 05 East, W.M. (King County Tax Parcel
Number 0323059093). This assessment was conducted to support the future construction of a mixed-
use building (commercial/residential) and associated infrastructure on the subject property. SVC
investigated the site to evaluate the regulatory status of the stream known to exist in the southern
portion of the property and to complete a review for other fish and wildlife habitat located on or
adjacent to the subject property. This Technical Memorandum was prepared to document the results
of this assessment and help inform a stream typing determination.
Figure 1. Subject Property Location.
Subject Property
Location
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Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Background Data
Prior to the site investigation, staff conducted background research using U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) topographic maps, Pierce County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats
and Species (PHS) and SalmonScape mapping tools, Washington State Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) water typing system, City of Renton Surface Water Classifications map, previous
stream habitat assessments in the area, local precipitation data, and various ortho-photographic
resources. Additional research included analysis of LiDAR imagery and 1-foot contours in the
downstream reaches of Honey Dew Creek.
The NWI map (Attachment B1), SalmonScape map (Attachment B3), and the DNR stream typing
map (Attachment B4) do not identify a stream on or near the subject property. These maps indicate
that the upstream extent of Honey Dew Creek (a type N, non-fish bearing waterbody, according to
the DNR stream map) terminates west of Union Avenue Northeast—approximately 1,780 feet west
of the subject property. The PHS map (Attachment B2) does not identify any fish and wildlife habitat
on or near the subject property. The King County Hydrology map (Attachment B5) shows a stream
crossing the subject property along the road (Sunset Blvd), rather than along the southern portion of
the site, but this map does not denote fish presence or absence. The Renton Surface Water
Classification Map (Attachment B7) identifies the stream reach within this area as a Type Ns stream
and shows a change to a type Np classification downstream of the culvert under Union Avenue
Northeast. Additionally, a past stream habitat assessment by Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc
concluded that the stream reach within the immediate area is a Type Ns stream (SWC, 2018). No
other regulated streams or priority habitats or species are documented within 315 feet of the subject
property.
The City of Renton’s Stormwater Engineer provided information regarding the as-built condition of
the parallel 615-ft long stormwater culverts downstream of the subject property (Attachment B8)
including photos taken inside these culverts (Attachment B9). These photos taken inside the culverts
downstream of the subject property in September 2018 (a normal rainfall year) clearly show that at
least one of the culverts had no flow at that time.
Precipitation
Precipitation data was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
weather station at the Sea-Tac Airport Station in order to obtain percent of normal precipitation
during and preceding the investigation. A summary of data collected is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. May 2020 Precipitation Summary1.
Site Visit
Date
Day
Of Day
Before 1 Week
Prior 2 Weeks
Prior 30 Days Prior
(Observed/Normal) Year to Date
(Observed/Normal)2
Percent of
Normal
(Month/Year)
5/7/20 0.00 0.11 0.51 1.26 2.10/2.43 31.90/31.36 86/102
1. Precipitation volume provided in inches. Data obtained from NOAA (http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sew)
for Sea-Tac Airport.
2. Year-to-date precipitation is for the 2019/2020 water year from October 1st, 2019 to the onsite date.
Precipitation levels during the May 2020 site investigation were at statistical normal for both the prior
month and for the 2019/2020 water year (86 percent and 102 percent of normal, respectively). This
precipitation data suggests that relatively normal hydrologic conditions were encountered during the
time of the site investigations, though groundwater in the Pacific Northwest region typically begins to
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use 3 Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
decrease during the late Spring. Such conditions were considered in making professional wetland
determinations.
Since our research included review of flow conditions within the stormwater culverts in September of
2018, we also reviewed precipitation records for that time period:
Table 2. September 2018 Precipitation Summary1.
Site Visit
Date
Day
Of Day
Before 1 Week
Prior 2 Weeks
Prior 30 Days Prior
(Observed/Normal) Year to Date
(Observed/Normal)2
Percent of
Normal
(Month/Year)
9/6/18 0.00 0.00 0.00 .12 0.17/1.01 38.2/36.23 17/105
1. Precipitation volume provided in inches. Data obtained from NOAA (http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sew)
for Sea-Tac Airport.
2. Year-to-date precipitation is for the 2017/2018 water year from October 1st, 2017 to the onsite date.
Precipitation levels during the September 2018 culvert inspections were below statistical normal for
the preceding 30 days (17 percent of normal) and at normal levels for the calendar year (105 percent
of normal). The difference between 0.17 (observed rainfall for the 30 days prior) and 1.01 inches
(normal rainfall for the period August 6 to September 5) is slight (less than an inch of rainfall in 30
days) and unlikely to result in a significant change in low flow conditions, as that amount of rainfall
can easily be absorbed by the landscape. Considering that the end of summer/beginning of fall is
generally the driest time of the year in the Pacific Northwest region, this precipitation data suggests
that relatively normal hydrologic conditions were encountered during the time of the September 2018
culvert inspections.
Methods
A formal investigation was performed by qualified SVC staff in May 2020. The investigation consisted
of a walk-through survey of the subject property and accessible areas within 315 feet of this area for
potentially regulated streams, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or priority habitat species. Additional
investigations were conducted down-drainage to determine whether there were any unmapped natural
downstream barriers and to assess general habitat conditions for the stream drainage that flows
through the property.
Ordinary high water (OHW) mark determinations were made using WSDOE’s method as detailed in
Determining the Ordinary High-Water Mark for Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State
(Anderson et. al., 2016) and the definitions established in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
90.58.030(2)(b) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-22-030(11). To mark the OHW of
potentially regulated streams, blue surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied to
vegetation.
The fish and wildlife habitat assessment was conducted by a qualified fish and wildlife biologist. The
experienced biologist made visual observations using stationary and walking survey methods for both
aquatic and upland habitats noting any special habitat features or signs of fish and wildlife activity.
Results
The 0.81-acre subject property is located in a residential and commercial setting and is a currently
graded, vacant lot with an undeveloped forested section on the southern end. The subject property
is adjacent to commercial properties to the east and south; private residences with forested areas to
the west; and Northeast Sunset Boulevard to the north.
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Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Honey Dew Creek crosses the southeastern corner of the property, within a mixed coniferous and
deciduous forest stand (see site map, Attachment A). The creek is culverted upstream and emerges
from this culvert at the eastern boundary of the subject property. The vegetation within the forest
stand consists of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), red alder (Alnus rubra) and bigleaf maple (Acer
macrophyllum) with an understory of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), and vine maple (Acer circinatum), as
well as non-native invasive species including Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Japanese
knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), English ivy (Hedera helix), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). Topography on the site slopes gently from east to west with
elevations ranging from approximately 392 feet above mean sea level (amsl) on the northeastern
corner of the site to 389 feet amsl on the southwestern corner of the site along Honey Dew creek. A
King County contours map is provided in Attachment B6.
No other potentially regulated wetlands, waterbodies, or fish and wildlife habitat were identified on or
within 315 feet of the subject property.
Honey Dew Creek
A stream, Honey Dew Creek, exhibiting a defined channel (approximately 4 feet wide on average and
as much as 10 feet wide in a few areas) was observed crossing the south end of the property. This
stream enters the site from a culvert (approximately 1000 feet long) at the east end of the site. The
stream exits the site onto a residential property to the west and continues on until it enters a dual
culvert at the west boundary of the adjacent property. The paired downstream culverts are
approximately 615 feet long and cross underneath the commercial properties to the west and then
under Northeast Sunset Boulevard.
Stream conditions onsite consist of a highly silted substrate throughout the entirety of its bed, a
moderate amount of woody material, very little pool/riffle structure, and a moderate amount of
overhanging vegetation. Much of this riparian vegetation is dominated by invasive species such as
Himalayan blackberry, yellow flag-iris, Japanese knotweed, English ivy, and reed canary grass. This
stream moves at a moderate pace but appears to be impounded on site relative to flows above and
below this area. Downstream of the site, between Northeast Sunset Boulevard and Union Avenue
Northeast, the stream is choked and impeded by reed canary grass and does not exhibit the same
pooling or impeded stream flows relative to the reach on-site.
Discussion and Regulatory Considerations
Fish and wildlife habitats and species are regulated features per Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Title
IV, Chapter 3 (Development Regulations – Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts) and are
subject to protective buffers under the same title.
The City’s stream classification is “based on” the State’s Permanent Water Typing System; however,
there is a key difference in the way the States’ classification and RMC consider physical barriers. The
State’s description for Type F streams discounts physical barriers—it considers that physical barriers
could always be removed:
"Type F Water" means segments of natural waters, which are within the bankfull widths of defined channels
and which contain fish habitat, whereas "Fish habitat" means habitat which is used by any fish at any life
stage at any time of the year, including potential habitat likely to be used by fish which could be recovered by
restoration or management and includes off-channel habitat.”
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Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Whereas, per Renton Municipal Code, RMC 4-11-190 DEFINITIONS S, a physical barrier can in fact
be considered impassable and therefore an interruption of Type F waters if the human-made barrier
could not be modified to provide salmonid passage without significant impacts and expense
(emphasis added):
SALMONID MIGRATION BARRIER: An in-stream blockage that consists of a natural drop (no
human influence) with an uninterrupted slope greater than one hundred percent (100%) (forty five (45) degree
angle) and a height in excess of eleven (11) vertical feet within anadromous salmon-bearing waters or a height
in excess of three (3) vertical feet within resident trout-only bearing waters. Human-made barriers to salmonid
migration (e.g., culverts, weirs, etc.) shall be considered barriers to salmonid migration by this definition, only if
they were lawfully installed; permanent; present a complete barrier to salmonid passage based on hydraulic drop,
water velocity, water depth, or any other feature which would prevent all salmonids from passing upstream; and
in the opinion of the Community and Economic Development Administrator cannot
be modified to provide salmonid passage without resulting in significant impacts to
other environmental resources, major transportation and utility systems, or to the
public, and would have significant expense. For the purposes of this definition, “significant
expense” means a cost equal to or greater than fifty percent (50%) of the combined value of the proposed site
buildings, structures, and/or site improvements, and existing buildings, structures, and/or site improvements
to be retained.”
While the DNR stream map designates this reach of Honey Dew Creek as a type N (non-fish), stream
and the City recognizes it as such, the WDFW Area Habitat Biologist has reported seeing resident
trout just downstream of Union Avenue NE (Larry Fisher, personal communication). Mr. Fisher
further stated the array of stormwater culverts immediately upstream of Union Avenue NE are 100%
impassable; however, WDFW considers these long culverts to be impermanent barriers and so may
consider the stream to be a Type F at the subject property location.
Based, however, on our site inspection, the segment of Honey Dew Creek on the subject property
meets only some of the criteria for a Type F stream: it is within a defined channel approximately 4
feet wide on average (10 feet wide at the most), with a moderate amount of woody material and a
moderate amount of overhanging vegetation. This stream reach appears to be seasonal and is not
likely to support fish populations for multiple reasons: the stream habitat onsite is degraded and has
deficiencies in both pool/riffle structure and preferred substrate (overabundance of silt); there is a
lack of spawning habitat in the reach onsite which limits the potential for breeding in the immediate
vicinity; there is a lack of pools and riffles, impoundment of flows, and an abundance of detritus which
all likely contribute to eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen; finally, the stream bank is dominated
by invasive species including English ivy, reed canary grass, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use 6 Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
blackberry that degrade stream/riparian habitat in multiple ways1. Moreover, it appears that the stream
lacks flow in the late summer of normal rainfall years.
While stream habitat is definitely one factor determining fish use in this area, it is not the only
component restricting their presence. The overall length of the culverts upstream (~1100 ft) and
downstream (~615 ft) are likely prohibitive to fish migration through this area, even if flow did persist
year round. Per RMC 4-11-190 Definitions S: “Salmonid Migration Barrier” these culverts are likely
considered salmonid migration barriers, by the City of Renton, due to their potential limitations on
fish migration and the associated prohibitive cost of removing them.
Additionally, the DNR Stream Typing map, the WDFW SalmonScape map, and the City of Renton
Surface Water Classifications map show the end of fish use ~1/2 of mile downstream of the culvert
under Union Avenue Northeast. This likely reflects the potential barriers created by the culverts under
Union Avenue Northeast and Northeast Sunset Boulevard, as well as the culvert connecting the
eastern boundary of the site and the area upstream of Duvall Ave NE.
Finally, WAC 222-16-031(3)(b)(ii)(A) (the Interim Stream Typing System) could also apply to this
situation. This code describes where the State shall waive or modify stream characteristics that would
otherwise lead to a determination of a Type 3 (which is also a Type F) water, when the following is
present:
(A) Waters have confirmed, long term, naturally occurring water quality parameters incapable of
supporting fish.
Considering currently available information about fish use, along with the condition of the physical
and riparian habitat onsite, the likely barriers upstream and downstream, the lack of spawning habitat
and the potential for water quality issues, this area likely does not support any fish populations; thus,
the WAC identified above would apply. Additionally, this reach is likely restricted from repopulation
by barriers upstream and downstream that have been in place since the early 1980’s and that are too
cost prohibitive to remove. Finally, it appears that the stream reach above Union Avenue Northeast
and Northeast Sunset Boulevard lacks perennial flow. As such, it is our conclusion that this drainage
1 Invasive species often lack the typical growth pattern that provides ideal shade resources for stream
habitats and tend to outcompete native species that normally provide this benefit (Bennet, 2006).
Invasive species do not attract the types of insect species that stream associated fish and wildlife
species prefer to prey upon (Allan, 2003). Invasive plants often have shallow root structures and
outcompete other species with deeper root systems that typically provide better soil stabilization along
stream banks and this contributes to an increase in bank erosion and streambed siltation (Bennet,
2006). Invasive species such as reed canary grass and yellow flag iris can restrict stream flows which
also increases silt deposition and can lead to increased stream temperatures overall (Bennet, 2006;
Talmage, 2004). Reed canary grass has been shown to increase evapotranspiration and lower available
groundwater in riparian areas which further influences stream flow regimes (Antieau, 1998). Yellow
flag iris and reed canary grass also have been shown to limit the more dynamic, high velocity flows
that create the scour that removes an abundance of deposited silt from the system (Antieau, 1998;
Talmage, 2004).
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use 7 Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
should be considered a Type Ns (non-fish, seasonal) stream per RMC 4-3-050.G.7.a.iv., and regulated
as such.
Per RMC 4-3-050.G.2, Type Ns streams are subject to standard 50-foot buffers from the delineated
OHW mark with an additional 15-foot critical areas setbacks. However, this buffer width can be
reduced to 40 feet with a Buffer Reduction plan, or 25 feet in some areas with a Buffer Averaging
plan. No other potentially regulated streams and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are
identified onsite.
Conclusion
Considering the current stream habitat conditions on site, the lack of perennial flow, the lack of
documented fish use in this area, the evidence of past assessments and classifications agreeing with
our findings, and the potential barrier culverts upstream and downstream of the site, it is SVC’s
determination that this stream does not support thriving fish populations in this area and is potentially
permanently restricted from experiencing any new migration of fish. Accordingly, the stream reach
on the subject property is given a Type Ns classification per Renton Municipal Code, which is
consistent with the City’s existing classification of this stream. As such, this stream reach is subject to
the regulatory buffers outlined in the previous section of this memorandum. Additionally, it is
recommended that a formal request to the Community and Economic Development Administrator
be made pursuant to the above referenced code, as it is nearly definitive that daylighting two significant
stretches of culvert would have immense financial impacts and likely also place undue burden and
impacts on transportation, utilities, and the general public.
Regardless of the stream classification, it is worth emphasizing that the proposed project will not
directly affect the stream; the existing condition of streambank and riparian vegetation is poor and the
subject development proposal includes substantial native vegetation planting and riparian habitat
improvement. SVC is confident in the stream classification presented in this Technical Memorandum
and we will be glad to further discuss our findings with the City’s third party consultant.
If you have any questions, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
____________________________ _______________
Ann Boeholt, SPWS Date
Senior Environmental Planner
August 7, 2020
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use 8 Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
References
Allan, J.D., M.S. Wipfli, J.P. Caouette, A. Prussian, and J. Rodgers. 2003. Influence of streamside vegetation
on inputs of terrestrial invertebrates to salmonid food webs. Canadian Journal of Fish and Aquatic Science,
60:309-320.
Anderson, P.S., S. Meyer, P. Olson, and E. Stockdale. 2016. Determining the Ordinary High-Water Mark
for Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State. Publication No. 16-06-029. Final Review
Draft. Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, Washington State Department of
Ecology. Olympia, Washington.
Antieau, C.J. 1998. Biology and Management of Reed Canarygrass, and Implications for Ecological
Restoration. Washington State Department of Transportation. Olympia, Washington
Bennet, Max. 2006. Managing Himalayan Blackberry in Western Oregon Riparian Area. OSU
Extension Service, EM 8894. Corvallis, Oregon
Talmage, E. & E. Kiviat. 2004. Japanese knotweed and water quality on the Batavia Kill in Greene
County, New York: Background information and literature review. Hudsonia Ltd.
http://www.gcswcd.com/stream/knotweed/reports/litreview/JKandwaterquality.pdf
Hitchcock, C.L. & A. Cronquist, Ed. by D. Giblin, B. Ledger, P. Zika, and R. Olmstead. 2018. Flora
of the Pacific Northwest, 2nd Edition. U.W. Press and Burke Museum. Seattle, Washington.
Renton Municipal Code (RMC). 2020. Title IV: Development Regulations – Chapter 3:Environmental
Regulations. Current through May 04, 2020. Website: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/
Renton/.
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc (SWC). 2018. Sunset Critical Areas Report. March 22nd, 2018. Fall
City, Washington.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC). 2020. Title 173: Ecology, Department of - Chapter 22: Adoption
of designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state. May 06 2020. Website:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173
Washington Administrative Code (WAC). 2020. Title 222: Forest Practices Board - Chapter 16:
Definitions. May 06 2020. Website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=222
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment A – Existing Conditions Map
`````````````
`
`
`
`
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```````````````````XY
Z-5
Z-4
Z-3
Z-2
Z-1
City of Renton, WA, City of Renton - IT GIS and PW Utilities
XXXX NE SUNSET BLVDRENTON, WA 98059
KING COUNTY PARCEL NUMBERS:0323059093
SUNSET HIGHLANDS
SUNSET HIGHLANDS - EXISTING CONDITIONS
¢
0 40 8020 Feet
PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ONLYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTIONSOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC ASSUMESNO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PLAN SET
DATE:
JOB:
BY:
SCALE:
FIGURE NO.
6/8/2020
2087.0001
DLS
11 " = 40 '
www.soundviewconsultants.com
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions LLC
Type NsStream
XY Culvert
OHWM
Standard 50' Stream Buffer
Potential 40' Reduced Stream Buffer
` `OHW of Type (Ns Stream)
Site Boundary
Culvert
```
`
``
`````
``````
Z-5 Z-4 Z-3 Z-2 Z-1
City of Renton, WA, City of Renton - IT GIS and PW Utilities
SUNSET HIGHLANDS - EXISTING CONDITIONS
¢
0 140 28070 Feet
PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ONLYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
www.soundviewconsultants.com
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions LLC XXXX NE SUNSET BLVDRENTON, WA 98059
KING COUNTY PARCEL NUMBERS:0323059093
SUNSET HIGHLANDS DATE:
JOB:
BY:
SCALE:
FIGURE NO.
6/8/2020
2087.0001
DLS
1
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC ASSUMESNO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PLAN SET
OHWM
Standard 50' Stream Buffer
Potential 40' Reduced Stream Buffer
` `OHW of Type (Ns Stream)
SW Culvert
Site Boundary
1 " = 140 '
Type NsStream Sunset Blvd
Whitman CtAnacortes AveSunset Bl
v
d Sunset Blvd
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B – Background Information
This attachment includes a USFWS NWI map (B1); WDFW PHS map (B2); WDFW SalmonScape
map (B3); DNR stream typing map (B4); Pierce County stream and wetland inventory (B5); King
County contours map (B6); City of Renton surface water classifications map (B7); City of Renton As-
Built Plan of CMPA entrance to Honey Creek (B8); and September 2018 photos taken by the City
within stormwater culverts between Whitman Court Northeast and Northeast Sunset Boulevard (B9).
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B1 – USFWS NWI Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B2 – WDFW PHS Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B3 – WDFW SalmonScape Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B4 – DNR Stream Typing Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B5 – King County Hydrology
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B6 – King County Contours Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B7 – Renton Surface Water Classifications Map
Subject Property
Location
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B8 – City of Renton As-Built Plan of CMPA Entrance to Honey Creek
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment B9 – September 2018 Photos taken within Stormwater
Culverts Between Whitman Court Northeast and Northeast Sunset
Boulevard
Figure 1: Pipe 107290. September 2018. 54” CMP 111.7 feet upstream
of invert north of NE Sunset Blvd.
Figure 2. Pipe ID: 107291 (parallel to 107290), 54in CMP, 56.8 feet
upstream of invert north of NE Sunset Blvd
(i.e. under NE Sunset Blvd).
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Figure 3. Pipe ID: 107292 (upstream of 107290), 54in CMP. Note the lack of flow and only
remnant puddling. This culvert is downstream of the subject property and represents
normal conditions for this time of year, showing that this stream reach lacks perennial flow.
This corroborates with anecdotal observations of the stream on the subject property
becoming reduced to mud, with no flow, during the late summer and early fall.
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment C – Site Photographs
Stream Conditions On-site Near Eastern Boundary
Invasive Species Present On-site
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Stream Conditions North of NE Sunset Blvd (Downstream)
Upstream end Stream Conditions (Near East Boundary)
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Location of Crossing at NE Sunset Blvd.
Himalayan Blackberry Dominating the Stream Banks
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Location of Upstream Invert of NE Sunset Blvd Culvert Crossing
Downstream Invert of Culvert on the Eastern Boundary
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
Attachment D – Qualifications
All field inspections, jurisdictional wetland determinations, OHW determinations, habitat
assessments, and supporting documentation, including this Stream and Wetland and Fish and
Wildlife Habitat Assessment prepared for the Sunset Highlands Mixed Use site , were prepared
by, or under the direction of, Ann Boeholt of SVC. Site inspections were performed by Jake Layman
and report preparation was completed by Jake Layman.
Ann Boeholt
Senior Environmental Planner
Professional Experience: 30 years
Ann Boeholt is a Senior Environmental Planner and a Certified Senior Professional Wetland Scientist
with 30 years of experience in aquatic resources management in western Washington. Ann earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the Evergreen State College and completed
coursework and a thesis towards a Master of Science in Aquatic Ecology from the University of
Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences. Ann has formal training and extensive
experience in wetlands delineations and ratings, shorelands management, fish and wildlife and marine
assessments, ordinary high water mark determinations, environmental planning, negotiations and
permitting, native plant selection, care and maintenance, ecological performance monitoring and
scientific data analysis, mitigation banking and alternative mitigation programs. She listed as a
Qualified Wetland Scientist by Pierce County and as a WSDOT Junior BA author.
Ann served as Project Manager for several significant projects within Pierce County, including the
successful development of Pierce County’s In-Lieu Fee Program and the aquatic habitat restoration
design and construction of the 15-acre South Midland Wetland Reserve.
As a Senior Environmental Planner, Ann is responsible for project planning and management,
including researching regulations, analyzing and sharing findings, participating in strategic planning of
projects, reviewing and finalizing assessment reports and permit applications, supporting projects
through the permit review process, and related tasks.
Jake Layman
Environmental Scientist
Professional Experience: 10+ years
Jake Layman is an Environmental Scientist with a varied background in fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic
invertebrate biology and stream and lake ecology. Jakes’s expertise includes endangered species
monitoring, lake limnology assessments, water chemistry profiles, off-channel habitat characterization,
laboratory management, and terrestrial and aquatic amphibian identification with associated habitat
assessments. Jake also has experience in fish population assessments, stream typing, spawning
escapement, environmental disaster recovery, and amphibian toxicology research. Jake has over 10
years of experience at the federal and state level conducting ecological monitoring surveys throughout
eastern and western Washington. He worked with the National Park Service to conduct environmental
compliance monitoring on park construction projects, infrastructure maintenance projects, and federal
highways projects. This position also included environmental spill response, fish exclusion surveys in
support of construction, and effectiveness monitoring on Engineered Log Jam (ELJ) projects. Jake
has worked with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to assess and
2087.0001 Sunset Highlands Mixed Use Soundview Consultants LLC
Stream & Wetland & Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment August 7, 2020
inventory fish passage barriers and monitor culvert removal projects throughout Western Washington.
While working for WDFW, Jake managed the daily operation for the intensive habitat study, on off-
channel wetlands, for the Chehalis Aquatic Resources Protection Plan (ASRP).
Jake earned Bachelor’s degrees in both Biology, with an Ecology specialization, and Geography, with
a Natural Resource Management specialization, from Central Washington University. In addition, Jake
also has a Minor in Environmental Studies and a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and Cartography form Central Washington University. Jake has received 40-hour wetland delineation
training (Western Mtns, Valleys, & Coast and Arid West Regional Supplement), Jake has received
training from the Washington State Department of Ecology in Environmental Negotiations; Navigating
SEPA; Conducting Forage Fish Surveys; Puget Sound Coastal Processes, Shoreline Modifications, and Beach
Restoration; Using the Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines for Marine Shoreline Stabilization; How to Determine the
Ordinary High Water Mark; and Using the Revised Washington State Wetland Rating System (2014) in Western
Washington.