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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 26 PSE_Talbot_SW basin memo_2016_1104_combinedTechnical Memorandum
K:\project\31900\31983H\ProjectDocs\Reports\Stormwater pond tech memo\PSE_Talbot_SW pond memo_2016_1104.docx
11241Willows Road NE
Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone (425) 822-4446
Fax (425) 827-9577
Otak was hired by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to evaluate the existing stormwater basin at the
Talbot Hill Substation for the presence/absence of wetlands and assess potential regulatory
jurisdiction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates wetlands under Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the City of Renton (Renton) regulates wetlands under Section 4-3-
050 (Critical Areas Regulations) of the Renton Municipal Code (RMC). The existing stormwater
basin is proposed to be regraded and expanded to support drainage and facility improvements at the
substation. This technical memorandum summarizes the findings of the background research and
field survey, and addresses regulatory jurisdiction of the stormwater basin and expansion area
regarding wetlands and other aquatic habitats. The Talbot Hill Substation is located in the City of
Renton, King County, Washington.
A map of the review area (Figure 1), ground level photographs, and wetland determination data
forms are included as attachments. The review area included the project area (proposed limit of
disturbance) plus 200 feet to assess potential impacts to aquatic resources beyond the project area
boundaries. No jurisdictional wetlands or other aquatic resources were observed in the review area
as documented in this technical memorandum.
Methods
Methods for determining the presence/absence of wetlands in the project area included a review of
available published information and a field investigation by an Otak biologist. The review area for
this study included the project area shown on Figure 1 plus 200-feet in accordance with RMC
Chapter 4-3-050-F.2(e)i.
To: Jeff McMeekin
Puget Sound Energy
From: Jeff Gray, Senior Wetland Biologist
Copies: File
Date: November 4, 2016
Subject: Regulatory assessment of existing stormwater
basin at the PSE Talbot Hill Substation -
Renton, Washington
Project No.: 31983.H
Jeff McMeekin, Puget Sound Energy Page 2
Talbot Hill Substation – Stormwater Basin Review Memo November 4, 2016
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1. Background Review
Available published information was reviewed prior to the field effort to identify any previously
documented wetlands, streams, or other site characteristics (e.g., vegetation community patterns,
topography, soils, or water courses) that would indicate the presence of wetlands within and around
the project area. These maps are typically used as guidance, and do not supersede conditions in the
field. The following sources were reviewed as part of this effort:
• RMC Chapter 4-3-050 (Critical Areas Regulations).
• King County iMap, accessed at http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/GIS/Maps/iMAP.aspx
on October 28, 2016.
• Renton’s COR Maps - GIS mapping data, accessed at
http://rp.rentonwa.gov/SilverlightPublic/Viewer.html?Viewer=COR-Maps
• Renton’s Surface Water Classifications and Wetlands Map, accessed at
http://rentonwa.gov/uploadedFiles/Government/FIT/GIS/PDF_Files/WaterClass%20and%
20Wetlands_22x34_reduced.pdf
• Renton’s Surface Water Network Map, accessed at
http://rentonwa.gov/uploadedFiles/Government/FIT/GIS/PDF_Files/Surfacewater%20Net
work(1).pdf
• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Salmonscape mapping data,
accessed at http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html
• WDFW Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) mapping data, accessed at
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/phsontheweb/
• Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Forest Practices Application Mapping
Tool, accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protectiongis/fpamt/default.aspx
• National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapping data, accessed at
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soils Survey mapping data, accessed at
http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm
• Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Natural Heritage Program data,
accessed at http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_trs.pdf; and,
• Aerial photo of the vicinity using public web-based mapping service (Google Earth Pro) on
October 28, 2016.
Soil units mapped within the review area include: 1) Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, and 2) Arents, Alderwood material, 6 to 15 percent slopes (Table 1-1). The majority
(approximately 95%) of the study area is mapped as Alderwood gravelly sandy loam. Neither of the
two soil units mapped in the review area are listed as hydric by NRCS. Both soil units are classified
as moderately well drained.
Jeff McMeekin, Puget Sound Energy Page 3
Talbot Hill Substation – Stormwater Basin Review Memo November 4, 2016
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NWI wetlands are not mapped in the review area, and Renton does not indicate any surface waters
(streams or wetlands) occurring within the review area. No streams or wetlands are mapped in the
review area or vicinity by WDNR, WDFW, and King County online resources listed above.
The project is located at approximately 410 feet above mean sea level on the top of a ridge that
separates the Lower Cedar River watershed [Water Resource Inventory (WRIA) 8: Cedar-
Sammamish] and the Lower Duwamish River watershed (WRIA 9: Duwamish-Green).
2. Field Investigation
In accordance with federal, state, and local requirements, the review area was surveyed in the field
for the presence of wetlands using the three-parameter approach detailed in the Corps of Engineers
Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE, 1987), and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (USACE, 2010). Following
routine methodology, data on vegetation, soils, and hydrology were recorded on USACE wetland
determination data forms at four data points to document site conditions. Data point locations are
shown on Figure 1. Data points were located in the field at topographic low points (i.e., depressions)
in the review area where wetlands would most likely occur.
Soils
Hydric soils are defined as soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil profile (USACE 2010).
Soil samples were obtained at representative data points by digging a pit to a depth of at least 18
inches to determine the presence or absence of hydric soil indicators using the Field Indicators of
Hydric Soils In the United States, Version 7.0 (NRCS 2010). Soil colors were evaluated against a
Munsell® soil color chart (Gretag/Macbeth 2000) to distinguish hydric from non-hydric soils.
Hydrology
Wetland hydrologic conditions are considered present if, during the growing season, an area has 14
or more consecutive days of flooding or ponding; or a water table 12 inches or less below the soil
surface, during the growing season at a minimum frequency of 5 years in 10, depending on soil and
plant community conditions (USACE 2010). Primary and secondary wetland hydrology indicators
were also used to evaluate the presence or absence of wetland hydrology at each data point.
Vegetation
Representative vegetation communities were documented at four data points during the field survey
to determine the presence or absence of hydrophytic vegetation indicators. At each data point, three
strata were inventoried, including trees within a 30-foot diameter plot, shrubs within a 15-foot
diameter plot, and non-woody herbaceous plants within a 5-foot diameter plot. Plant species in each
stratum were identified and the percent cover recorded. Each species was listed following the
Jeff McMeekin, Puget Sound Energy Page 4
Talbot Hill Substation – Stormwater Basin Review Memo November 4, 2016
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scientific nomenclature given in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) PLANTS
database (NRCS 2016). The wetland indicator status for each species was assigned using the 2016
National Wetland Plant List for the Western Mountains, Valleys & Coast Region (Lichvar et al. 2016).
Findings - Existing Conditions
No federally or locally regulated wetlands or streams or their buffers are located within the review
area. Four data points were recorded at topographical low areas to document upland habitats as
shown on Figure 1. The following includes a description of the existing conditions of the existing
stormwater basin and proposed expansion area.
The existing stormwater basin was originally constructed in the 1990’s, and is now overgrown with
vegetation dominated by Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) with a few black cottonwood
(Populus trichocarpa) trees. The upland vegetation community on the side slopes and basin edges
consists of red alder (Alnus rubra), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), beaked hazelnut (Corylus
cornuta), Himalayan blackberry, and swordfern (Ploystichum munitum). The basin soils were dry to a
depth of 18 inches at the time of the site visit, and had 10YR 3/2 and 10YR 3/3 dominant matrices
with no redoximorphic features. Data points #1 and #2 document the upland site conditions in the
basin.
The stormwater basin is a linear depression located on the south side of the fenced-in substation
between the substation and a gravel access road. A perched discharge/inlet pipe is located on the
north side of the stormwater basin that was originally intended to drain the substation yard, but no
flows were observed or appeared to have occurred recently. The stormwater basin did not appear to
be functioning as there was no observable evidence that it is currently receiving or discharging
stormwater. There was a record amount of rainfall for the month of October 2016, but there were
no signs of prolonged inundation (e.g., stained leaves) or flow paths (e.g., scour, gravel sorting,
erosion) to or from the inlet and outlet pipes. No herbaceous plants were observed due to the dense
Himalayan blackberry cover and leaf litter.
Per the land survey for the project, there is an outlet pipe from the stormwater basin that discharges
to the southside of the access road within a transmission line right of way (ROW). The pipe outfalls
into an isolated depression that was likely used as a gravel pit to construct the access road
embankment. This pipe was not found in the field. Vegetation in the depression is dominated by
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Soils were dry to a depth of 20 inches at the time of the site
visit, and had 10YR 3/2 and 10YR 4/3 dominant matrices with no redoximorphic features. Data
point #3 documents the upland site conditions at the topographical low point in the vicinity of the
surveyed outfall location.
Jeff McMeekin, Puget Sound Energy Page 5
Talbot Hill Substation – Stormwater Basin Review Memo November 4, 2016
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The proposed expansion area northeast of the existing stormwater basin includes upland forest
habitat with a canopy of big leaf maple and Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii) trees. The understory
consisted of salal (Gaultheria shallon), vine maple (Acer circinatum), snowberry (Symphoricarpos ablus),
beaked hazelnut and swordfern. Soils were dry to a depth of 20 inches at the time of the site visit,
and had 10YR 3/2 and 10YR 3/3 dominant matrices with no redoximorphic features. Data point
#4 documents the upland site conditions in the proposed expansion area.
No wetlands or other aquatic resources were observed within 200 feet of the project area. A large
Himalayan blackberry field abuts the project area to the north and east, and a transmission line
ROW parallels the project area to the south beyond the gravel access road. Upland forest vegetation
in and near the ROW includes big leaf maple, red alder, beaked hazelnut, orchard grass (Dactylis
glomerata), reed canarygrass, and bentgrass (Agrostis sp.). No areas of surface ponding or
saturated/muddy soils were observed within the ROW. A linear patch of upland forest slopes
downhill away from and west of the project area near the gated entrance. The fenced-in Talbot Hill
Substation yard is located north and west of the project area.
Additionally, no habitat conservation areas as defined at RMC Chapter 4-3-050-G.6 (Habitat
Conservation Areas) are located within the review area, and no WDFW-listed Priority Habitats and
Species are mapped in the review area.
Regulatory Assessment of Proposed Action and Summary
No wetlands or other aquatic resources regulated by the USACE under Section 404 of the CWA and
by Renton under RMC Section 4-3-050 (Critical Areas Regulations) are located in the project area.
The existing stormwater basin did not meet the definition of a regulatory wetland, and is therefore
not regulated as such. No wetlands were observed in the project area or within 200 feet, and buffers
from wetlands off-property therefore likely do not extend into the project area. Additionally, a
review of available published information (Renton’s COR GIS Maps, King County iMap, NWI,
WDNR online resources, WDFW PHS maps, and NRCS soils map) did not indicate the presence of
wetlands or other aquatic resources in the review area.
PSE Talbot Substation - Wetlands Presence/Absence Study
Review area limits and data point locations.
Legend
100 m
N➤➤N
© 2016 Google
© 2016 Google
© 2016 Google
Ground Level Photographs of Project Area
Puget Sound Energy Talbot Hill Substation 1 November 4, 2016
Stormwater Facility Review Memo
Photo 1: View facing south of Data Point #1 in the abandoned stormwater basin overgrown
with Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). The inlet pipe is shown at the bottom-center of
the photo.
Photo 2: Photo of upland forest habitat at Data Point #2 in the abandoned stormwater basin.
Ground Level Photographs of Project Area
Puget Sound Energy Talbot Hill Substation 2 November 4, 2016
Stormwater Facility Review Memo
Photo 3: View facing east of the meadow at Data Point #3 within the transmission line ROW.
Photo 4: View facing south of upland forest habitat at Data Point #4 in the proposed
stormwater basin expansion area.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' diameter) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. - Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 1 (B) 4.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' diameter)
1. Rubus armeniacus 90 yes FAC Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Corylus cornuta 10 no FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
50% = 50, 20% = 20 100 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' diameter) UPL species x5 =
1. - Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
6. 3 - Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 50% = , 20% = = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 10' diameter)
1. -
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes No 2.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 100
Remarks: No hydrophytic vegetation indicator present. 100% bare ground due in herbaceous layer due to dense blackberry cover.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 11/1/16
Applicant/Owner: PSE State: WA Sampling Point: 1
Investigator(s): Jeff Gray Section, Township, Range: S20, T23 N, R5 E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 0-2
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Not all three wetland indicators present. Data point located near outfall pipe at lowest point in abandoned stormwater basin.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: 1
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-18 10YR 3/2 90 loam gravels; dry
10YR 3/3 10
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No
Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: No hydric soil indicators present.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Yes
No
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No primary indicators of wetland hydrology present. Area dry despite record rainfall for month of October 2016.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' diameter) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Acer macrophyllum 35 yes FACU Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. Populus trichocarpa 7 no FAC
3. Pseudotsuga menziesii 25 yes FACU Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 5 (B) 4.
50% = 33.5, 20% = 13.4 67 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 20 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' diameter)
1. Rubus armeniacus 15 yes FAC Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Corylus cornuta 15 yes FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
50% = 15, 20% = 6 30 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' diameter) UPL species x5 =
1. Polystichum munitum 10 yes FACU Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
6. 3 - Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 50% = 5, 20% = 2 10 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 10' diameter)
1. -
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes No 2.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 90 (leaf litter, rocks)
Remarks: No hydrophytic vegetation indicator present.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 11/1/16
Applicant/Owner: PSE State: WA Sampling Point: 2
Investigator(s): Jeff Gray Section, Township, Range: S20, T23 N, R5 E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 2-5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Not all three wetland indicators present. Data point located near outfall pipe at eastern edge of abandoned stormwater basin.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: 2
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-16 10YR 2/2 100 loam gravels; dry
16-20+ 10YR 3/3 100 loam gravels; dry
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No
Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: No hydric soil indicators present.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Yes
No
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No primary indicators of wetland hydrology present. Area dry despite record rainfall for month of October 2016.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' diameter) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. - Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' diameter)
1. Rubus armeniacus 10 yes FAC Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
50% = 5, 20% = 2 10 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' diameter) UPL species x5 =
1. Phalaris arundinacea 86 yes FACW Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Agrostis capillaris 3 no FAC Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Dactylis glomerata 8 no FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Cirsium arvense 3 no FAC 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
6. 3 - Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 50% = 50, 20% = 20 100 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 10' diameter)
1. -
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes No 2.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0
Remarks: No hydrophytic vegetation indicator present.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 11/1/16
Applicant/Owner: PSE State: WA Sampling Point: 3
Investigator(s): Jeff Gray Section, Township, Range: S20, T23 N, R5 E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 2-5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Not all three wetland indicators present. Data point located in depression south of access road south of abandoned stormwater basin.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: 3
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-16 10YR 3/2 100 loam gravels; dry
16-20+ 10YR 4/3 100 loam dry
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No
Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: No hydric soil indicators present.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Yes
No
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No primary indicators of wetland hydrology present. Area dry despite record rainfall for month of October 2016.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' diameter) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Acer macrophyllum 40 yes FACU Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 0 (A) 2. Pseudotsuga menziesii 30 yes FACU
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 4 (B) 4.
50% = 35, 20% = 14 70 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 0 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' diameter)
1. Gaultheria shallon 30 yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Corylus cornuta 10 no FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. Acer circinatum 10 no FAC OBL species x1 =
4. Oemleria cerasiformis 5 no FACU FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
50% = 27.5, 20% = 11 55 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' diameter) UPL species x5 =
1. Polystichum munitum 15 yes FACU Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
6. 3 - Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic. 50% = 7.5, 20% = 3 15 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 10' diameter)
1. -
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes No 2.
50% = , 20% = = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 85 (leaf litter)
Remarks: No hydrophytic vegetation indicator present.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 11/1/16
Applicant/Owner: PSE State: WA Sampling Point: 4
Investigator(s): Jeff Gray Section, Township, Range: S20, T23 N, R5 E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 2-5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Not all three wetland indicators present. Data point located in proposed expansion area northeast of existing stormwater basin.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: 4
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-16 10YR 3/2 100 loam gravels; dry
16-20+ 10YR 3/3 100 loam gravels; dry
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No
Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: No hydric soil indicators present.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Yes
No
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No indicators of wetland hydrology present. Area dry despite record rainfall for month of October 2016.
Project Site: PSE - Talbot Hill Substation