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SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 16
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist: Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background [HELP]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: City of Renton Urban Forest Management Plan
2022-2032
2. Name of applicant: City of Renton – Urban Forestry & Naturasl Resources Division
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Ian Gray, Urban Forestry &
Natural Resources Manager, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057, 425-430-6601
4. Date checklist prepared: 11/8/2021
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): The City of Renton Urban
Forestry Management Plan 2022-2032 is scheduled for adoption in 2022.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No. This Plan lists the work plan for the next 10
years. There are no planned capital improvement projects identified in the plan.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal. The only environmental information relevant to this
plan would be requirements for shoreline exemptions where trees are removed or replaced
within those restricted areas – nothing is proposed currently and any changes would follow
reporting and permitting rewuiirements.
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. No – this is a
non-project plan.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
The Plan must undergo a SEPA review.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the
project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain
aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may
modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) The City of Renton
proposes the adoption of an updated Urban Forest Management Plan, a comprehensive city-
wide arboriculture guiding document for programmatic and asset management needs for the
urbna forest for the next ten years and beyond. The urban forest encompasses parks, streets
and natural areas within the City of Renton boundaries of approximately 24 square miles.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location
of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If
a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a
legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should
submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans
submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The Plan is applicable throughout the
City of Renton’s city limits encompassing approximately 24 square miles.
B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help]
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 16
a.General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ The City of Renton
has areas of steep slopes, some hills, a plateau, and river valley areas.
b.What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The slopes vary from
flat (zero percent) to very steep (over 90 percent). Steep slopes exist along the Maple Valley
Highway to the north and south of the Cedar River Valley (southern edge of Renton
Highlands; northern edge of Scenic Hill and Rolling Hills), along the eastern side of I-405
(eastern edge of the Renton Highlands), along the southern (SR 900) and eastern (Rainier
Ave N) edges of Renton West Hill, along the western (SR 167) and northern (I-405) edges of
Talbot Hill, along the western edge (I-405) of Scenic Hill and in the canyons of May Creek
and Honey Creek from Union Ave NE to Lake Washington Blvd N.
c.What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of
long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
According to the USDA’s Web Soil Survey, the main soil types within the City include:
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, Alderwood and Kitsap soils, Arents-Alderwood material, and
Indianola loamy sand. Alderwood gravelly sandy loam makes up over 30% of the City’s area
and is considered prime farmland. Using engineering classifications: there is a wide variety of
highly variable glacial deposits in the City that include clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, and
boulders. In the river valley areas, there is a variety of modern alluvium and undifferentiated
deltaic deposits. Adoption of the Urban Forest Management Plan will not itself result in the
removal of agricultural soil. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be
evaluated for their impact to agricultural soils prior to implementation.
d.Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. Within the City, there are areas of unstable soils including steep slopes and historic
coal mines. Some alluvial deposits in the Cedar River Valley and old Black River Valley may
be subject to liquefaction during seismic events. Sensitive areas are mapped by the City and
are subject to regulation under Renton Municipal Code Title IV, Development Regulations.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated
for their soil conditions prior to implementation.
e.Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. N/A, non-project action.
f.Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
N/A, non-project action.
g.About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? N/A, non-project action.
h.Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: N/A,
non-project action
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2.Air [help] a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and
maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if
known. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in air emissions,
however, the Plan’s programs may be a source of emissions from arboricultural manitenance
activity, operations, or maintenance through equipment and vehicles.
b.Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. N/A, non-project action. Specific projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for off-site sources of emissions prior to
implementation.
c.Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: N/A,
non-project action. However, standard emissions controls for arboricultural equipment will
be utilized. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their
potential impact and corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
3. Water [help] a.Surface Water: [help] 1)Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and
provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. There are multiple surface
water bodies in the City of Renton. The City’s northwest boundary is the shoreline of Lake
Washington. The rivers and streams that run through the City include the Cedar River, Black
River, May Creek, Springbrook Creek, Soos Creek, and Johns Creek. There are also
wetlands located in many locations throughout the City. Where required, project specific
impacts will be addressed and mitigated.
2)Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. N/A, this is a non-project action.
However, the Plan’s programs and projects may require work within 200 feet of surface water
bodies. The projects will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts at the time of
application. Where required, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated.
3)Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
Indicate the source of fill material. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result
in direct alteration of the environment. Specific projects that are subject to environmental
review will be evaluated for potential impacts and corresponding mitigation measures prior to
implementation.
4)Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. N/A, non-project action.
Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in withdrawal or diversion of surface water.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
potential impacts and corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
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5)Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. N/A, non-
project action. However, some portions of the City are within or adjacent to 100-year
floodplains. Projects that are subject to environmental review will identify floodplain boundaries
prior to implementation.
6)Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
b.Ground Water: [help] 1)Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general
description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water
be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if
known. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in withdrawal or
discharge of ground water. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will
identify withdrawal or discharge plans prior to implementation.
2)Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals
or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. N/A, non-project action. However, no waste
material will be discharged into the ground during projects recommended by this Plan.
c.Water runoff (including stormwater): 1)Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. N/A, non-project action. Expansion
and maintenance of urban forests mitigates stormwater runoff.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. N/A, non-
project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in waste materials entering ground
or surface waters. Projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
potential impacts and corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
3)Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe.
N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in reduction or control of
surface, ground and runoff water nor impact drainage patterns. Projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for potential impacts and their corresponding reduction
and control measures prior to implementation.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any: N/A, non-project action. Urban Forests typically mitigate negative
surface water impacts and forest maintenance or expansion would only improve this.
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4. Plants [help] a.Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
__x__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
__x__evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__x__shrubs
__x__grass
__x__pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
__x__ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
__x__water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
__x__other types of vegetation
b.What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? N/A, non-project
action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in removal or alteration of
vegetation, however, the Plan’s programs and projects may result in these impacts.
Vegetation maintenance of City right-of-way, parks, natural areas, easements, and city
facilities is a component of the Urban Forestry & Natural Resiource program
and is conducted for public safety and regulatory compliance. Projects that are
subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential vegetation impacts
and corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
c.List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. N/A, nonproject
action. Projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their potential
impact to threatened or endangered plant species on or near the site.
d.Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: N/A, non-project action. However, native vegetation is prefenced in
urban forestry best nmanagement practices which intersects with habitat preservation and
resiliency. Native vegetation is promoted and invasive vegetation is recorded for future
removal and mitigation. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be
evaluated for vegetation plans before implementation.
e.List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. N/A, non-project
action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for noxious
weeds and invasive plant species on or near the site before implementation.
5. Animals [help] a.List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: gulls
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: opossum, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel
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fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
b.List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. According to the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, the following animals are listed as threatened in the City: bull trout
(Salvelinus confluentus), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), streaked horned
lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
According to NOAA, the City is within the critical habitat for Puget Sound ESU Chinook
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Puget Sound DPS Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their potential
impact to threatened or endangered wildlife species on or near the site. Specific projects that
are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their potential impact to threatened or
endangered wildlife species on or near the site.
c.Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. N/A, non-project action. However, the entire
state of Washington is within the Pacific flyway and two rivers in Renton watersheds (Cedar
and Green Rivers) are spawning routes for salmon and steelhead trout. Specific projects will
be subject to individual environmental review before implementation.
d.Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: N/A, non-project action. Specific
projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential impacts to
wildlife and their corresponding preservation or enhancement measures prior to
implementation.
e.List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. N/A, non-project action.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for invasive animal
species on or near the site prior to implementation.
6.Energy and Natural Resources [help] a.What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself use energy.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for energy and
other natural resource uses prior to implementation.
b.Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself affect
the potential use of solar energy. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review
will be evaluated for effects of the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties
prior to implementation.
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c.What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: N/A, non-project
action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself reduce or control energy impacts, however,
improved urban forest canopy cover can help mitigate urban heat islands. Specific
projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for energy
conservation features prior to implementation.
7. Environmental Health [help]
a.Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result
in direct environmental health hazards, however, the potential impacts from the Plan’s
programs and projects are currently unknown. Specific projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for potential environmental health hazards and
corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
1)Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
N/A, non-project action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will
be evaluated for known or possible contamination at the site prior to
implementation.
2)Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity.
N/A, nonproject action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be
evaluated for existing hazardous chemicals or conditions at the site prior to
implementation.
3)Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project.
N/A, non-project action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will
be evaluated for toxic or hazardous chemicals during the development, construction, or
lifetime of the project prior to implementation.
4)Describe special emergency services that might be required.
N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself require emergency services,
however, the potential impacts from the Plan’s programs and projects are currently
unknown. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated
for special emergency services prior to implementation.
5)Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: N/A,
non-project action. However, the Plan identifies regulations, recommendations and
strategies to implement a source control program which would control environmental
health hazards through inspection and enforcement of best management practices at
pollution-generating properties.
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b. Noise 1)What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? N/A, non-project action. Specific projects that are
subject to environmental review will be evaluated for surrounding noise prior to
implementation.
2)What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of
the Plan will not itself create any short-term or long-term noise, however, the potential
impacts from the Plan’s programs and projects are currently unknown. Specific projects
that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for types and level of noise prior
to implementation.
3)Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: N/A, non-project action.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential
noise and corresponding measures to reduce or control noise impacts prior to
implementation.
8.Land and Shoreline Use [help] a.What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses
on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. The following land uses are present in the City:
industrial, commercial, residential, community and public services, recreational, and resource
conservation. Adoption of the Plan will not itself affect any land use on nearby or adjacent
properties, however, the potential impacts from the Plan’s programs and projects are currently
unknown. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
individual land uses prior to implementation.
b.Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How
much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a
result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or
forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? In the past, the City contained
working farmlands as a small part of the economic base. Adoption of the Plan will not itself
convert any agricultural or forest land. Specific projects that are subject to environmental
review will be evaluated for effects to working farm or forest land prior to implementation.
1)Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business
operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so,
how: N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself affect or be affected by
surrounding working farm or forest land, however, the potential impact from the Plan’s
programs and projects are currently unknown. Specific projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for effects to working farm or forest land prior to
implementation.
c.Describe any structures on the site. There are many types of structures in the City
including: industrial, commercial, residential, community and public service buildings.
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d.Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the
Plan will not itself demolish any structures.
e.What is the current zoning classification of the site? The City zoning classifications include
residential, commercial, industrial, urban, and resource conservation areas.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The City comprehensive
plan land use designations include residential low density, residential medium density,
residential high density, commercial mixed use, commercial office residential, and
employment area.
g.If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? The
City shoreline master program designations include natural environment, urban
conservancy, single family residential, shoreline high intensity, shoreline high intensity
isolated lands, and aquatic shoreline.
h.Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
The City has multiple critical areas including flood hazard areas, seismic hazard areas, steep
slopes, habitat conservation areas, wellhead protection areas, streams, lakes, and wetlands.
i.Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? The City
has a full time resident population of approximately 102,153 in 2021.
j.Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? N/A, non-project
action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself displace any people.
k.Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: N/A, non-project
action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
potential displacement and corresponding measures to avoid or reduce displacement
impacts prior to implementation.
L.Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any: N/A
m.Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any: N/A, non-project action. Specific projects that are
subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential impacts to agricultural and
forest lands and corresponding measures to reduce or control impacts prior to
implementation.
9. Housing [help] a.Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan and its
corresponding programs and projects are not intended to provide housing units.
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b.Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan and its
corresponding programs and projects are not intended to eliminate housing units.
c.Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: N/A, non-project action.
Adoption of the Plan and its corresponding programs and projects are not intended to
affect housing. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated
for potential impacts to housing and corresponding measures to reduce or control impacts
prior to implementation.
10. Aesthetics [help]
a.What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? N/A, non-project action. Adoption of
the Plan will not itself result in a structure.
b.What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? N/A, non-project
action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
view alteration and obstruction prior to implementation.
Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: N/A, non-project action.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential
aesthetic impacts and corresponding measures to reduce or control impacts prior to
implementation.
11.Light and Glare [help] a.What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? N/A
b.Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? N/A
c.What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? N/A
d.Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: N/A
12. Recreation [help]
a.What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
The City’s recreation opportunities include a recreation center, swimming pool, ball fields,
sports courts, public parks, trails, open space, a golf course, two lake-front beaches, and a
public boat launch. The Renton History Museum, Memorial Stadium, and Carco Theatre
provide additional opportunities.
b.Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. N/A,
non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself displace any existing recreational
uses.
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c.Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be
provided by the project or applicant, if any: N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not
itself displace any existing recreational uses.
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help] a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed
in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so, specifically describe. N/A,
non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself involve any historical building, structures,
or sites. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their
proximity to historical buildings, structures and sites prior to implementation.
b.Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may
include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural
importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such
resources. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself involve any cultural
resources. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their
proximity to cultural resources prior to implementation.
c.Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or
near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and
historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. N/A, non-project action.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their impacts to
cultural and historic resources on or near the project site prior to implementation.
d.Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to
resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. N/A, non-project
action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their
impacts to cultural and historic resources and corresponding mitigation measures prior to
implementation.
14. Transportation [help] a.Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe
proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Multiple streets and
highways serve the City of Renton. Major highways passing through the city include Interstate
405 and State Routes 167, 169, 515 and 900. Major arterials include Rainier Avenue, Grady
Way, NE 4th Street, Oakesdale Avenue, Carr Road, and Duvall Avenue.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If
not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Public transportation within the City
limits includes bus services provided by Sound Transit and King County Metro. Transportation
hubs include Renton Transit Center and the South Renton Park and Ride.
c.How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How
many would the project or proposal eliminate? N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not
itself add or eliminate parking spaces. Specific projects that are subject to environmental
review will be evaluated for impacts to parking prior to implementation.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 16
d.Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or
state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or
private). N/A, non-project action. The Plan’s programs and projects may occur in the immediate
vicinity of existing transportation facilities. Specific projects that are subject to environmental
review will be evaluated for impacts to transportation facilities prior to implementation.
e.Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation?
If so, generally describe. N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself use water,
rail, or air transportation. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be
evaluated for impacts to transportation facilities prior to implementation.
f.How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known,
indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as
commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these
estimates? N/A, non-project action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself affect the amount of
vehicular trips per day, however,the potential impacts from the Plan’s programs and projects
are currently unknown. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be
evaluated for effects to transportation prior to implementation.
g.Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest
products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. N/A, non-project action. The
potential impacts from the Plan’s programs and projects are currently unknown, however, it is
unlikely any project would affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural or forest
products. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for the
movement of products prior to implementation.
h.Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: N/A, non-project action.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for their impacts on
transportation and corresponding measures to reduce or control impacts prior to
implementation.
15.Public Services [help]
a.Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police
protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. N/A, non-project
action. Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in an increased need for public services.
b.Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. N/A,
non-project action. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated
for their impacts to public services and corresponding mitigation measures prior to
implementation.
16. Utilities [help] a.Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other stormwater system, green infrastructure
Describetheutilitiesthatareproposedfortheproject,theutilityprovidingtheservice,andthegeneralconstructionactivitiesonthesiteorintheimmediatevicinitywhichmightbeneeded.N/A,non-projectaction.AdoptionofthePlanwillnotitselfresultinutilityconstruction,however,thePlanrecommendsimprovementprojectsforcanopycoverprovidedbytrees-greeninfrastructurewhichwouldbemaintained,enhancedandexpandedbytheCityortheircontractor.Specificprojectsthataresubjecttoenvironmentalreviewwillbeevaluatedfortheirimpactspriortoimplementation.C.Signature[HELP]Theaboveanswersaretrueandcompletetothebestofmyknowledge.Iunderstandthattheleadagencyisrelyingonthemtomakeitsdecision.Signature:74-it%±jNameofsignee:IanHGrayPositionandAgency/Organization:UrbanForestry&NaturalResourcesManager/CityofRentonDateSubmitted:11/08/2021D.Supplementalsheetfornonprojectactions[HELP](ITISNOTNECESSARYtousethissheetforprojectactions)Becausethesequestionsareverygeneral,itmaybehelpfultoreadtheminconjunctionwiththelistoftheelementsoftheenvironment.Whenansweringthesequestions,beawareoftheextenttheproposal,orthetypesofactivitieslikelytoresultfromtheproposal,wouldaffecttheitematagreaterintensityoratafasterratethaniftheproposalwerenotimplemented.Respondbrieflyandingeneralterms.1.Howwouldtheproposalbelikelytoincreasedischargetowater;emissionstoair;production,storage,orreleaseoftoxicorhazardoussubstances;orproductionofnoise?ThePlanwillnotitselfincreasedischargetowater;emissionstoair;production,storage,orreleaseoftoxicorhazardoussubstances;orproductionofnoise;however,thePlan’sprogramsandprojectshavethepotentialfortheseeffects.Forexample,projectsrecommendedbythePlanthatrequiretreeworkmayresultinexhaustemissions,dust,andnoisefromarbor/culturalequipment.Specificprojectsthataresubjecttoenvironmentalreviewwillbeevaluatedforpotentialimpactsandcorrespondingmitigationmeasurespriortoimplementation.Proposedmeasurestoavoidorreducesuchincreasesare:ForthePlanadoption,therearenospecificmeasuresplannedtoreducetheseimpacts.Bestmanagementpracticeswillbeusedtominimizeimpacts,inaccordancewithlocal,state,andfederallaws,duringtheplanningandconstructionofanyapplicableprojects.Proposedprojectswillbereviewedandaddressedonanindividualbasisbypermittingagenciespriortoimplementation.SEPAEnvironmentalchecklist(WAC197-11-960)Ju’y2016Page14of16
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 15 of 16
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Adoption of the Plan
will not itself result in direct effects to plants, animals, fish, or marine life. The Plan identifies
problems and conceptual solutions for improving habitat conditions for plants, animals and fish.
Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for potential
impacts to vegetation and wildlife and corresponding mitigation measures prior to
implementation.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: For the Plan
adoption, there are no specific measures planned to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish
or marine life. Renton’s Municipal Code will be enforced to conserve plants, animals, fish and
marine life and best management practices will be used to protect vegetation and wildlife, in
accordance with local, state, and federal laws, during the planning, design, construction and
operations of any applicable programs and projects. Proposed projects will be reviewed and
addressed on an individual basis by permitting agencies prior to implementation
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Adoption of the Plan will
not itself result in the direct depletion of energy or natural resources. Some projects may
require the use of energy resources. For example, arboricultural work requires fuel for
equipment operation and delivery of materials. Specific projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for potential impacts to energy resources and
corresponding mitigation measures prior to implementation.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: For the Plan
adoption, there are no specific measures planned to protect or conserve energy and natural
resources. Best management practices and procedures to protect or conserve energy and
natural resources will be used in the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of the
infrastructure proposed by the Plan, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, for any
applicable projects. Proposed projects will be reviewed and addressed on an individual basis
for energy and natural resources impacts by appropriate agencies prior to implementation.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or
areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks,
wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
Adoption of the Plan will not itself result in direct effects to environmentally sensitive
areas or areas designated for governmental protection, however, there is potential for
the Plan’s programs and projects to occur in the immediate vicinity of sensitive areas.
For example, tree work in riparian areas. Specific projects that are subject to environmental
review will be evaluated for potential impacts and corresponding mitigation measures prior to
implementation.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: For the Plan
adoption, there are no specific measures planned to protect environmentally sensitive areas or
areas designated for governmental protection. Best management practices and procedures to
protect these resource areas will be used in the design, construction, operations, and
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 16 of 16
maintenance of the infrastructure proposed by the Plan, in accordance with local, state, and
federal laws, for any applicable projects. Proposed projects will be reviewed and addressed on
an individual basis for impacts to environmentally sensitive areas and areas designated for
government protection by permitting agencies prior to implementation.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or
encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? Adoption of the Plan will not itself
result in direct effects to land and shoreline use and will not allow or encourage land or
shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans. Specific projects that are subject to
environmental review will be evaluated for land and shoreline use prior to implementation.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: The Plan is designed to
support City land use plans, including adhering to the guidelines set by the state Growth
Management Act. Applicable projects will be required to comply with local, state, and federal
guidelines and regulations regarding land and shoreline use. Proposed projects will be
reviewed and addressed on an individual basis for impacts to land and shoreline use by
permitting agencies prior to implementation.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities? Adoption of the Plan will not itself increase demands on transportation,
public services, or utilities. The Plan itself is partly in response to population growth and
increased demands on the urban forest. The Plan recommends anticipating needs imposed by
changing demographics and a changing climate to enhance resource resiliency for program
sustainability and increased demands on operations and asset maintenance.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: The Plan itself was
developed, in part, as a response to the need to improve the sustainability and safety of the
City’s urban forest. The Plan includes estimated costs and staff resources to accommodate the
workplan for the next ten years.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements
for the protection of the environment. The 2022-2032 City of Renton Urban Forest Management
Plan does not conflict with any known local, state, or federal environmental laws or
requirements. Specific projects that are subject to environmental review will be evaluated for
adherence to environmental laws or requirements prior to implementation.