HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit_4_Habitat_Report
Prepared for:
The Boeing Company
Renton, Washington May 27, 2021
Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
Renton, Washington
The Boeing Company
Wood Project #PS21204600
RECEIVED
09/22/2021
AMorganroth
PLANNING DIVISION
DocuSign Envelope ID: B4935183-EB19-4C01-9D78-4C1FBAF79833
‘Wood’ is a trading name for John Wood Group PLC and its subsidiaries
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
3500 188th Street SW
Suite 601
Lynnwood, Washington 98037
USA
T: 425-921-4000
www.woodplc.comMay 27, 2021
Thomas Doty
Construction Manager, Facilities and Asset Management
The Boeing Company
Renton, Washington
Subject: Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
Renton, Washington
Dear Mr. Doty,
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., is pleased to provide the enclosed Habitat Data
Narrative Report performed in support of the Apron D Slot Drain Project for new slot drains surrounding
fuel containment vaults URE-789 and URE-790 at the Boeing-Renton facility.
Sincerely,
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
Theresa Price
Environmental Planner/Botanist
Cliff Whitmus
Principal Scientist
Direct Tel: (480) 236-5087
E-mail: theresa.price@woodplc.com
Direct Tel: (425)0921-4023
E-mail: cliff.whitmus@woodplc.com
tp
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Enclosure: Habitat Data Narrative Report
DocuSign Envelope ID: B4935183-EB19-4C01-9D78-4C1FBAF79833
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Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
Renton, Washington
The Boeing Company
Prepared for:
The Boeing Company
Renton, Washington
Prepared by:
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
3500 188th Street SW, Suite 601
Lynnwood, Washington 98037
USA
T: 425-921-4000
Wood Project # PS21204600
May 27, 2021
DocuSign Envelope ID: B4935183-EB19-4C01-9D78-4C1FBAF79833
Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
Wood Project #PS21204600 | The Boeing Company | May 27, 2021 Page ii
Table of contents
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Project Description .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Apron D Stall D1 .................................................................................................................................................. 1
3.0 Renton Municipal Code 4-8-120D ................................................................................................................................ 1
4.0 Habitat Data Narrative Report ........................................................................................................................................ 2
4.1 Habitat Diversity .................................................................................................................................................. 2
4.2 Migration Corridors ............................................................................................................................................ 3
4.3 Cover Type and Associated Species ............................................................................................................ 3
4.3.1 Vegetative Cover ................................................................................................................................ 3
4.3.2 Associated Fish and Wildlife .......................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Identification of Disturbed Areas .................................................................................................................. 6
4.5 Existing Habitat Values and Functions........................................................................................................ 6
4.5.1 Temperature ......................................................................................................................................... 6
4.5.2 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.5.3 Reach Sinuosity ................................................................................................................................... 7
4.5.4 Vegetative Conditions ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.5.5 Floodplain Condition ........................................................................................................................ 7
4.5.6 Habitat Values and Functions at the Project Site .................................................................. 7
4.6 Habitat Alterations and Impacts and Proposed Habitat Management Program ...................... 8
5.0 References .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
List of figures
Figure 1 Vicinity and Site Maps
Figure 2 Aerial Photo of Project Location
Figure 3 Apron D Storm Drainage Plan
Figure 4 Apron D Paving Plan
List of tables
Table 1 Small Mammals Reported to Occur Along the Lower Cedar River
Table 2 Birds Reported to Occur Along the Lower Cedar River
Table 3 Non-Native Fish Species Introduced into the Lake Washington/Lake Union System
Table 4 Different Aquatic Life Uses and Their Associated Numeric Temperature Criteria
List of appendices
Appendix A Site Photographic Log
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1.0 Introduction
The Boeing Company (Boeing) proposes new slot drains surrounding fuel containment vaults URE-789
and URE-790 on Apron D at the Boeing Renton plant in Renton, Washington. Project activities are located
within the 200-foot Shoreline Setback. As part of permit applications for facility improvements adjacent to
shorelines, the Renton Municipal Code (RMC) requires a habitat data report to document existing
conditions and describe measures to be taken to protect shoreline resources. This Habitat Data Narrative
Report has been prepared to meet the requirements for Habitat Data Report - Narrative Report as
detailed in RMC 4-8-120D.
2.0 Project Description
2.1 Apron D Stall D1
The proposed Apron D site improvements include installation of new slot drains to capture and convey
runoff surrounding the fuel containment vaults URE-789 and URE-790 of stall D1 (Figures 1 and 2).
Locations of the proposed new slot drains are depicted on Figures 3 and 4. The proposed improvements
include:
Sawcut and remove approximately 750 square-feet of existing concrete and asphalt apron pavement
Install approximately 96 linear feet of 13-inch slot drain
Infill concrete and asphalt for new slot drain (approximately 750 square-feet or less)
The proposed project will occur on developed property consisting of paved, impermeable surfaces and
will not result in the creation of additional impermeable surface area. In addition, there will be no trees or
plantings removed or disturbed as part of this project. No construction activities will occur, and no
structures will be placed below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of the Lower Cedar River (LCR).
This report provides a description of the habitat attributes of the project site where the proposed project
is to occur, as defined by RMC 4-8-120D.
3.0 Renton Municipal Code 4-8-120D
Under RMC 4-8-120D (Submittal Requirements—Specific to Application Type: Land Use Applications), the
City of Renton requires a Habitat Data Report be included with Boeing’s permit application submittal for
the proposed project:
Habitat Data Report: Habitat data reports include:
a. Site Plan: The site plan shall indicate:
i. The vegetative cover types reflecting the general boundaries of the different plant
communities on the site;
ii. The exact locations and specifications for all activities associated with site development
including the type, extent and method of operations;
iii. Top view and typical cross-section views of critical habitat/wildlife habitat to scale;
iv. The results of searches of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and
Non-Game Data System databases;
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v. The results of searches of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority
Habitat and Species database.
b. Narrative Report: A narrative report shall be prepared to accompany the site plan which
describes:
i. The layers, diversity and variety of habitat found on the site;
ii. The location of any migration or movement corridors;
iii. The species typically associated with the cover types, including an identification of any
critical wildlife species that might be expected to be found;
iv. Identification of any areas that have been previously disturbed or degraded by human
activity or natural processes;
v. A summary of existing habitat functions and values, utilizing a habitat evaluation procedure
or methodology approved by the City;
vi. A summary of proposed habitat alterations and impacts and proposed habitat
management program. Potential impacts may include but are not limited to clearing of
vegetation, fragmentation of wildlife habitat, expected decrease in species diversity or
quantity, changes in water quality, increases in human intrusion, and impacts on wetlands or
water resources.
This report fulfills requirement b above to provide a Habitat Assessment Narrative. Boeing retains
responsibility for preparation of a Site Plan to meet requirement a above.
4.0 Habitat Data Narrative Report
This section presents the habitat data Narrative Report, as required by the City of Renton and described in
RMC 4-8-120D, will provide pertinent habitat and ecological function information for the immediate
project site where the proposed project is to occur.
4.1 Habitat Diversity
The Lower Cedar River (LCR) downstream of Interstate 405 (approximately 1.6 miles) is an artificial channel
created early in the 20th century and is completely constrained between levees and revetments. This reach
was regularly dredged to prevent flooding from the time of its completion in 1912 until the mid-1970s.
Portions of the reach were again dredged in 1999 for the first time since the mid-1970s. Flood-control
dredging is proposed during the summer of 2015. In-stream habitat in the reach is almost entirely glide,
with little habitat complexity. Land uses prevent floodplain connectivity and have eliminated the potential
for re-connection with a natural floodplain or the establishment of a riparian corridor. Channelization and
existing land uses also prevent significant large woody debris (LWD) from accumulating in the channel.
The reach is also very low-gradient and depositional, and the substrates have high levels of fine sediments
(Corps, 2004; Parametrix and Adolfson, 2010).
The shoreline along the LCR adjacent to the project site consists of developed property belonging to
Boeing and the City of Renton.
With realignment of the Cedar River into Lake Washington in 1912, the zone of sediment deposition was
localized through the City of Renton (Perkins, 1994). The vast majority, if not all, of the non-suspendable
sediment load is now deposited along this reach because Lake Washington lies at the river’s mouth. With
the path of the river fixed by armored banks, progressive infilling of the channel resulted. Sediment is
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continually deposited in the downstream 2 miles of the river and in an enlarging delta in Lake
Washington.
Aquatic habitat within the LCR adjacent to the project site consists of a low relief benthic habitat
composed of small cobbles with some gravel and no boulders. LWD in the stretch of the LCR adjacent to
the project site is extremely limited (Appendix A, Photos 1 and 6). River discharged at the time of site
visit on May 17, 2021 was approximately 893 cubic feet per second (USGS, 2021). Channelization of the
LCR has eliminated meanders within the lower river, such that the lower 1.6 miles of river consists of a
uniform glide habitat with a nearly complete absence of riffles and pools. Habitat diversity along the LCR
adjacent to the project site is extremely limited.
4.2 Migration Corridors
A query of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Priority Habitat and Species database
(https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/phs/maps) identified five salmonid species that use the LCR
as a migration corridor:
Chinook salmon;
Coho salmon;
Sockeye salmon;
Steelhead and rainbow trout; and
Coastal cutthroat trout.
Two of the above species, Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Puget Sound steelhead, are listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Bull trout, a member of the char family, may also be found in the LCR and is also listed as threatened
under the Endangered Species Act. Population status information and extent of use of this area is
currently unknown. Adult and subadult size individuals have been observed infrequently in the LCR (below
Cedar Falls), Lake Washington, and at the Locks. No spawning activity or juvenile rearing has been
observed and no distinct spawning populations are known to exist in Lake Washington outside of the
upper Cedar River above Lake Chester Morse (not accessible to bull trout within Lake Washington) (King
County, 2000). It is unlikely that bull trout use the Cedar River as a migratory corridor.
4.3 Cover Type and Associated Species
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (Wood), biologists, Theresa Price and Cheyenne
Ginther, conducted a site survey on May 17, 2021, to assess vegetative cover and habitat along the LCR
shoreline adjacent to and within 100 feet upstream and downstream of the proposed project site.
Appendix A provides a photographic log depicting habitat conditions and vegetation along the riparian
zone of the west bank of the LCR adjacent to the project site.
The project site is on the east shoreline of the LCR on Boeing Apron D and consist entirely of concrete and
asphalt surfaces. Typical plant and animal assemblages and associations that would be expected along the
riparian corridor of the LCR are, for the most part, absent along the stretch adjacent to the project site.
4.3.1 Vegetative Cover
The riparian zone along the east bank of the LCR adjacent to and within 100 feet upstream and
downstream of the project site comprises an approximately 70-foot-wide vegetated band. The vegetated
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band is bisected by an approximate 9-foot-wide asphalt path (Cedar River Trail) that runs in the upland
parallel to the river. The vegetated band consists of a relatively narrow strip (approximately 16 to 22 feet
wide) adjacent to the river of primarily planted and volunteer native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
groundcover, with some non-native trees and shrubs present. Representative photos of the riparian
habitat adjacent to the project site are provided in Appendix A. No vegetation, including trees, are
located within the proposed construction footprint.
Native trees and shrubs include snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana), red osier
dogwood (Cornus sericea), Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis), Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra), western swordfern
(Polystichum munitum), Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium),
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), shore pine (Pinus contorta contorta), spruce (Abies sp.), and alder
(Alnus rubra). Non-native plants were observed primarily along the fenceline west of Apron D and along
the east side of the paved path and include red maple (Acer rubrum), horse chestnut (Aesculus
hippocastanum), low cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.), hardy fuchsia (Fuschsia sp.), Japanese privet (Ligustrum
japonicum), camellia (Camellia sp.), and winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus). Approximately 60 percent
of the upland area is grass/lawn.
The limited riparian vegetation along the east bank adjacent to the project site and the highly developed
shorelines along both banks of the LCR severely limit habitat availability and use by multiple plant and
animal species.
In addition to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Priority Habitat and Species database
referred to above, a query of the Washington Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Heritage
Program online mapper (https://www.dnr.wa.gov/NHPdata) was performed. No rare plants and rare/high-
quality ecosystems were identified in the vicinity of the project site.
Critical wildlife species occurring at the project site include the salmonids identified in Section 4.2.
4.3.2 Associated Fish and Wildlife
4.3.2.1 Mammals
No mammals were observed during the site visit. Given the level of development and paved surface area
in the project area, it is likely that only small mammals such as beaver, squirrels, mice, rats, voles, moles,
raccoons, opossums, muskrats, and river otters use the riparian areas along the LCR shoreline adjacent to
and within 100 feet upstream and downstream of the project areas. Richter and Azous (1997), conducting
small-mammal surveys in a wetland along the LCR, reported 13 species of mammals (Table 1). These, as
well as other small mammals common to the Puget lowlands, may occur along the LCR adjacent to the
project site.
4.3.2.2 Birds
Several bird species were observed during the site visit included American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos),
mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), common merganser (Mergus merganser), bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens), gadwall (Marceca strepera), and several
unidentified songbird species. Richter and Azous (1997) conducted bird surveys in a wetland of the LCR
between late May and mid-June in 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, and 1995 to determine distribution and
relative abundance. They reported 58 species of birds (Table 2). King County also reported bird species
observations in 2008 and identified changes in bird populations and habitat preferences (King County,
2008).
It is likely that all of these birds, as well as other species of birds common to the Puget lowlands, nest or
forage in the project vicinity.
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4.3.2.3 Amphibians and Reptiles
No amphibians or reptiles were observed during the site visits; however, it is likely that amphibian (e.g.,
Anurans) and reptile species (e.g., turtles) found in the Lake Washington basin may use the areas within
the site vicinity. Richter and Azous (1997) reported the occurrence of the following amphibian species in
the LCR and in King County (2016):
Ensatina (salamander) (Ensatina eschscholtzii)
Long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylus)
Northwestern salamander (A. gracile)
Pacific tree frog (Pseudoacris regilla)
Red-legged frog (Rana aurora)
Western red-backed salamander (Plethodon vehiculum)
Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodonitdae)
Roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa)
Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas)
No information was located listing reptile species occurring along the LCR in the project vicinity; however,
reptiles listed for King County (King County, 2016, 2008) that could occur in the project vicinity include:
Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea)
Northwestern garter snake (T. ordinoides)
Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Rubber boa (Charina bottae)
Slider (Trachemys scripta)
Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
Western terrestrial garter snake (T. elegans)
4.3.2.4 Fish
No fish were observed in the LCR adjacent to the project sites during the site visit. The Lake Washington
system, including the LCR adjacent to the project site, hosts many fish species, including five salmonid
species: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (O. kisutch), sockeye/kokanee salmon
(O. nerka), coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki), and steelhead/rainbow trout (O. mykiss) (King County,
2008; WDFW, 2021). Anadromous forms of each of these species use the Cedar River system as migratory,
forage, nursery, and spawning habitat. As such, individuals are present in the river both as adults during
migrations to spawning grounds and as juveniles (Kerwin, 2001). All of these species occur seasonally in
the LCR adjacent to the project site. Additionally, there have been isolated reports of coastal/Puget Sound
bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and kokanee occurring in the Lake Washington system; however, it is
believed that few bull trout occur in the Lake Washington system, if they occur at all. Puget Sound
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Chinook salmon, Puget Sound steelhead trout, and bull trout are federally listed species under the
Endangered Species Act.
Species endemic to the Lake Washington system include the northern pike minnow (Ptychocheilus
oregonensis), peamouth (Mylocheilus caurinus), sculpins (Cottus spp.), and longfin smelt (Spirinchus
thaleichthys) (Weitkamp et al., 2000; Wydoski and Whitney, 2003). Twenty-four non-native fish species
(Table 3) have been identified in the Lake Washington/Lake Union system. A number of these species are
now believed to be no longer present in the system. Some of these species are known to prey on juvenile
salmon (e.g., smallmouth bass) while others are potential competitors with juvenile salmonids for food
(Kerwin, 2001).
4.4 Identification of Disturbed Areas
The entire project area is highly developed and disturbed. As stated in Section 4.1, the lower 1.6 miles of
the LCR is an artificially-created channel with extensive development along both banks.
4.5 Existing Habitat Values and Functions
The LCR adjacent to the project site has very limited habitat value and is low functioning. A combination
of two habitat assessment methods was used to provide a qualitative assessment of the existing habitat
values and functions. These habitat assessment methods were the U.S. Environment Protection Agency’s
(EPA’s) Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use of Wadeable Streams and Rivers (Barbour et al., 1999) and
the U.S. Forest Service’s Stream Inventory Handbook: Levels I and II (USFS, 2020). Both methods
incorporate the use of the physicochemical and biological parameters to assess habitat value and
functionality. The EPA’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocols incorporates both benthic invertebrate and fish
assemblages’’ data in evaluating habitat value and function. For the purposes of this project, neither
benthic invertebrate nor fish assemblage data were collected as part of the evaluation process due to
necessity of applying for and receiving the necessary permit to gather such data. The habitat assessment
is based on physicochemical conditions observed at the project site:
Temperature,
Water quality,
Reach sinuosity,
Vegetative conditions of the stream banks and the riparian zone, and
Condition of the floodplain (e.g., accessibility from the bank, overflow, and size).
Each of the above parameters is discussed below.
4.5.1 Temperature
Mean monthly water temperatures in degrees Celsius in the LCR at Renton for the period of March 1992
through September 2021 (USGS, 2021) are as follows:
January – 6.1 July – 15.8
February – 6.4 August – 16.0
March – 7.6 September – 13.8
April – 9.5 October – 11.0
May – 11.7 November – 8.2
June – 13.4 December – 6.4
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The warmest water temperatures occur during the months of June, July, August, and September; however,
even the highest mean monthly temperatures are compliant with Washington State aquatic life
temperature criteria (Table 4), with the exception of the char spawning and rearing beneficial use. Char
(e.g., bull trout) do not spawn in the LCR and it highly unlikely that they use the LCR as rearing habitat.
4.5.2 Water Quality
No site-specific water quality data was found for the project site; however, water quality monitoring has
been conducted in South Lake Washington by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Washington
State’s Water Quality Assessment (303[d] & 305[b] Report) (Ecology, 2021) identified exceedances of
water quality standards for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen in the LCR. No chemical exceedances
of state water quality criteria were identified for the LCR adjacent to the project site.
4.5.3 Reach Sinuosity
As discussed above, the lower 1.6 miles of the LCR are channelized and much of the shoreline on both
banks is restrained by bulkheads. There is no sinuosity within the entire 1.6 miles of the LCR. Stream
sinuosity can provide increased habitat complexity through the creation of pools, riffles, and glides, as
well as the creation of off-channel habitat.
4.5.4 Vegetative Conditions
As described previously, riparian vegetation is limited along both banks of the LCR within 100 feet of the
project site. As such, habitat diversity and functionality along the reach of the LCR is severely limited.
4.5.5 Floodplain Condition
The LCR is an artificially-created channel and confined by levees and bulkheads on each bank. Except in
extreme discharge conditions, the LCR has very little connectivity within its floodplain and virtually no
potential for formation of off-channel habitat within the floodplain. Because of the low gradient of the
LCR, it functions as a sediment depositional zone. The City of Renton and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers periodically dredges the LCR for flood-control purposes. The City of Renton last performed
flood-control dredging back in 2016.
4.5.6 Habitat Values and Functions at the Project Site
A qualitative assessment of the LCR adjacent to the project site indicates that it provides very low habitat
value and function due primarily to the sparse riparian vegetation and habitat complexity.
4.5.6.1 Ecological Function
Riparian habitats have important ecological functions other than providing habitat for birds and other
wildlife. Healthy riparian vegetation protects banks from erosion, influences in-channel aquatic habitats,
maintains favorable water temperature for fish through shading, filters runoff, and provides nutrients.
Riparian vegetation creates meanders, increases habitat complexity, and can protect against scour during
severe storm events. Riparian habitats link upland and aquatic habitats. Upland habitats have a critical role
in watershed function and affect riparian and aquatic habitats, particularly in drier, low-elevation sites.
The riparian zone along the east and west banks of the LCR within 100 feet of the project site is discussed
in Section 4.3.1, above. The primary ecological functions provided by riparian vegetation along the east
and west banks of the LCR within 100 feet of the project site include:
Nesting and foraging habitat for birds and small mammals,
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Input of terrestrial insects from overhanging vegetation,
Input of allochthonous organic matter (via leaf fall),
Limited erosion control, and
Limited habitat complexity.
The LCR is a manmade channel created in 1912 when the river was diverted as a tributary to the former
Black River directly to Lake Washington. The LCR is channelized and substantially altered that, so that
there is very limited riparian area to provide all of the potential ecological functions of an unaltered
habitat. Riparian vegetation provides very little, if any, shading the LCR because of the dominance of small
shrubs and the lack of large trees. Both banks of the river in the project area are contained within levees
and/or flood-control walls, so there is no potential for the creation of meandering or off-channel habitat.
Because of the extensive development along both banks of the river in the project area (Boeing to the
east and west and the Renton Municipal Airport to the west), there is little, if any, transition between
riparian and upland habitats.
4.6 Habitat Alterations and Impacts and Proposed Habitat Management
Program
The project will not involve any in-water components or work below the OHWM, no portion of the project
occur in the riparian zone of the LCR, and no external lighting will be installed as part of the proposed
project. No components of the proposed project occurring in the 200-foot shoreline zone will affect
existing habitat or ecological conditions within the 200-foot shoreline zone or within the adjacent LCR.
No habitat management or mitigation programs are required for the proposed project and none are
proposed.
5.0 References
Barbour, M.T., Gerritsen, J., Snyder, B.C., and Stribling, J.B. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in
Streams and Wadeable Rivers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, EPA 841-B-99-
002, Washington, D.C.
Corps – see U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Ecology – see Washington State Department of Ecology
Kerwin, J. 2001. Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Limiting Factors Report for the Cedar-Sammamish Basin
(Water Resource Inventory Area 8). Washington Conservation Commission, Olympia.
King County. 2000. Literature Review and Recommended Sampling Protocol for Bull Trout in King County.
Final Draft. https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/2000/kcr848.pdf (accessed May 26, 2021).
———. 2008. King County Biodiversity Report 2008. King County, Seattle, Washington.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/biodiversity/king-county-biodiversity-
report.aspx (accessed March 23, 2020).
———. 2016. Herp Species in King County. King County Biodiversity Report 2008. King County, Seattle,
Washington. https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-
plants/biodiversity/defining-biodiversity/species-of-interest/herps.aspx (accessed March 23, 2020).
Parametrix and Adolfson Associates, Inc. (Parametrix and Adolfson). 2010. City of Renton Shoreline Master
Program Update Restoration Plan. Prepared for the City of Renton, Washington,
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http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.177.6266&rep=rep1&type=pdf (accessed
May 19, 2021).
Perkins, S.J. 1994. The shrinking Cedar River – Channel changes following flow regime regulation and bank
armoring, in Proceedings of Effects of Human-Induced Changes on Hydrologic Systems. American
Water Resources Association 1994 Annual Summer Symposium, p. 649-658.
Richter, K.O., and Azous, A.L. 1997. Amphibian distribution, abundance, and habitat use, in Azous, A.L., and
Horner, R.R. (eds.), Wetlands and Urbanization – Implications for the Future, final report. Puget Sound
Wetlands and Stormwater Management Research Program, Washington State Department of Ecology,
Olympia, King County Water and Land Resources Division, Seattle, Washington, and University of
Washington, Seattle. http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/archive-documents/wlr/ wetlands-
urbanization-report/wet-rept.pdf (accessed May 26, 2021).
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2004. Cedar River at Renton Flood Damage Reduction Operation
and Maintenance Manual – Cedar River Section 205 (Renton, Washington). U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Washington.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS). 2020. Stream Inventory Handbook: Levels I and II (Version 2.20). USFS, Pacific
Northwest Region, Region 6, Portland, Oregon.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2021. USGS Water Monthly Statistics for the Nation – USGS 12119000
Cedar River at Renton. Department of the Interior, USGS, National Water Information System,
https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/monthly?site_no=12119000&por_12119000_149017=1179
603,00010,149017,1992-02,2020-10&format=html_table&date_format=YYYY-MM-
DD&rdb_compression=file&submitted_form=parameter_selection_list (accessed May 18,
2021).
Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). 2008. Washington State’s 2008 Water Quality
Assessment (303[d] & 305[b] Report). Ecology, Olympia, http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/303d/
2008/index.html (accessed April 15, 2012).
———. 2021. Washington State’s 2008 Water Quality Assessment (303[d] & 305[b] Report). Ecology,
Olympia, https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/ApprovedWQA/ApprovedPages/ApprovedSearchResults.aspx
(accessed May 19, 2021).
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), 2021, SalmonScape. 2017.
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html (accessed May 26, 2021).
Weitkamp, D.E., Ruggerone, G.T., Sacha, L., Howell, J., and Bachen, B. 2000. Factors Affecting Chinook
Populations – Background Report. City of Seattle, Seattle, Washington.
Wydoski, R.S., and Whitney, R.R. 2003. Inland Fishes of Washington. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda,
Maryland, and University of Washington Press, Seattle.
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Figures
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ApronD_HabitatNarrativeReport_Figures_20210527.xlsxVICINITY AND SITE MAPS
Date: 05/20/2021 Proj. No. PS21204600
Figure 1
Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
Renton, WA
By: tlp
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ApronD_HabitatNarrativeReport_Figures_20210527.xlsxAERIAL PHOTO OF PROJECT LOCATION
(in yellow)
Date: 05/20/2021 Proj. No. PS21204600
Figure 2
Habitat Data Narrative Report
Apron D Slot Drain Project
By: tlp
Apron D Slot Drain Project
(approximate location)
Cedar River Trail
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ApronD_HabitatNarrativeReport_Figures_20210527.xlsxDate: 05/20/2021By: tlpProj. No. PS21204600Figure 3APRON D STORM DRAINAGE PLANHabitat Data Narrative Report Apron D Slot Drain ProjectRenton, WAAPRON D BRIDGECEDAR RIVER COMMERCIAL WATERWAYDocuSign Envelope ID: B4935183-EB19-4C01-9D78-4C1FBAF79833
ApronD_HabitatNarrativeReport_Figures_20210527.xlsxDate: 05/20/2021By: tlpProj. No. PS21204600Figure 4APRON D PAVING PLANHabitat Data Narrative Report Apron D Slot Drain ProjectRenton, WAAPRON D BRIDGECEDAR RIVER COMMERCIAL WATERWAYDocuSign Envelope ID: B4935183-EB19-4C01-9D78-4C1FBAF79833
Tables
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Table 1: Small Mammals Reported to Occur Along the Lower Cedar River¹
Apron D Slot Drain Project, Renton, Washington
Common name
Scientific name
(Genus species) Common name
Scientific name
(Genus species)
Creeping vole Microtus oregoni Montane shrew Sorex monticolus
Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Shrew-mole Neurotrichus gibbsii
Ermine Mustela ermine Southern red-backed vole Clethryonomys gapperi
Forest deer mouse Peromyscus oreas Townsend’s chipmunk Tamias townsendii
Long-tailed vole Microtus longicaudus Trowbridge’s shrew Sorex trowbridgei
Marsh shrew Sorex bendirei Vagrant shrew Sorex vagrans
Masked shrew Sorex cinereus
Note(s)
1. Source: Richter and Azous, 1997.
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Table 2: Birds Reported to Occur Along the Lower Cedar River1
Apron D Slot Drain Project, Renton, Washington
Common name
Scientific name
(Genus species) Common name
Scientific name
(Genus species)
American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Northern pygmy owl Glaucidium gnoma
American goldfinch Carduelis tristis Orange-crowned warbler Vermivora celata
American robin Turdus migratorius Pine siskin Carduelis pinus
Black-capped chickadee Parus atricapillus Pacific-slope flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Purple finch Carpodacus purpureus
Bewick’s wren Thryomanes bewickii Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta Canadensis
Brown-headed cow bird Molothrus ater Red-breasted sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber
Black-headed grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus
Brown creeper Certhia Americana Rufous-sided towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Black-throated gray warbler Dendroica nigrescens Ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula
Chestnut-backed chickadee Parus rufescens Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Sora Porzana Carolina
Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii Song sparrow Melospiza melodia
Common raven Corvus corax Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus
Common yellow throat Geothlypis trichas Steller’s jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis Swainson’s thrush Catharus ustulatus
Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Townsend’s warbler Setophaga townsendi
European starling Sturnus vulgaris Vaux’s swift Chaetura vauxi
Evening grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Violet-green swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Fox sparrow Passerella iliaca Virginia rail Rallus limicola
Great blue heron Ardea herodias Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus
Golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa Western tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii
Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus Wilson’s warbler Cardellina pusilla
Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris Winter wren Troglodytes hiemalis
MacGillivray’s warbler Geothlypis tolmiei Wood duck Aix sponsa
Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia
Note(s)
1. Source: Richter and Azous, 1997. Table lists only species reported by Richter and Azous (1997). Other species have been
observed during other investigations and during the field visit on May 17, 2021.
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Table 3: Non-Native Fish Species Introduced Into the Lake Washington/Lake Union System¹
Apron D Slot Drain Project, Renton, Washington
Common name
Scientific name
(Genus species) Status
American shad Alosa sapidissima Uncommon strays
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar Can exceed 1,000 per year
Black bullhead Ictalurus melas Extinct
Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Common
Bluegill Lepomis macrocheilus Common
Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis Rarely caught
Brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Rare, may be extinct
Brown trout Salmo trutta No observed reproduction
Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Rarely caught
Cherry salmon Oncorhynchus masou Extinct
Common carp Cyprinus carpio Abundant
Fathead minnow Pimephales notatus Unknown
Goldfish Carassius auratus Intermittent
Grass carp Ctenopharengodon idella Triploids only
Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush Extinct
Lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis Extinct
Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Common
Pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus Abundant
Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui Common
Tench Tinca tinca Abundant
Warmouth Lepomis gulosus No observed reproduction
Weather loach Misgurnus angillicaudatus No observed reproduction
White crappie Pomoxis annularis Uncommon
Yellow perch Perca flavescens Abundant
Note(s)
1. Source: Kerwin, 2001.
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Table 4: Different Aquatic Life Uses and Their Associated Numeric Temperature Criteria¹
Apron D Slot Drain Project, Renton, Washington
Beneficial use Temperature2 (°C)
Char Spawning and Rearing 12
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat 16
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration 17.5
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only 17.5
Note(s)
1. Source: Ecology, 2008.
2. Based on the 7-day average of the daily maximum temperatures.
Abbreviation(s)
°C = degrees Celsius
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Appendix A
Site Photographic Log
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Habitat Data Narrative Report
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Appendix A: Apron D Slot Drain Project Photo Log
Photo 1 Looking toward the north end of the project site along the east bank of Lower Cedar River
– planted native vegetation including sword fern, Nootka rose, and willow.
Photo 2 Looking toward the north end of the project site along the fence line and trail – red maple,
spirea, turfgrass, and shore pine.
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Photo 3 Looking toward the south end of the project site along the east bank Lower Cedar River –
sword ferns, scouring rush, willow, alder, turfgrass, shore pine, and rugosa rose.
Photo 4 Looking toward the south end of the project site from north of the project site, along the
trail (fence line is obscured by trees) – shore pine and turfgrass.
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Photo 5 Approximately the middle of the project site looking north along the east bank of the
Lower Cedar River – sword fern, red osier dogwood, horsetail, and alder on edge of water.
Photo 6 Approximately the middle of the project site looking south along the east bank of the
Lower Cedar River – sword fern, horsetail, unidentified grass and herbaceous groundcover,
willow in background.
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