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2105 South C Street 17625 130th Avenue NE, Suite 102
Tacoma, Washington 98402 www.robinson-noble.com Woodinville, Washington 98072
P: 253.475.7711 | F: 253.472.5846 P: 425.488.0599 | F: 425.488.2330
October 21, 2021
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and Rhoda Palermo
9414 South 202nd Street
Kent, Washington 98031
Infiltration Evaluation
Southeast 192nd Street and 120th Avenue Southeast
Renton, Washington
RN File No. 3546-001A
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Palermo:
Introduction
This letter presents our evaluation of infiltration potential at King County Parcel 6198400340
located at the northwest corner of Southeast 192nd Street and 120th Avenue Southeast, Renton,
Washington. The approximate location of the site is shown on the Vicinity Map, presented as
Figure 1.
The site is approximately 1.0 acres in size and currently undeveloped. Site grades are generally
flat within the project and surrounding area. We understand that you plan to short-plat the
property.
You have requested that site subsurface soils be evaluated for infiltration capabilities of
collected stormwater from the planned new structures. The City of Renton uses the 2016 King
County Stormwater Design Manual (KCSM) with supplemental City of Renton Surface Water
Design Manual (RSWM) for determination of infiltration feasibility. We evaluated infiltration
feasibility of the site for shallow infiltration systems including drywells, infiltration trenches and
permeable pavement.
Subsurface Soil and Ground Water Conditions
The geology of the area is mapped on the Geologic Map of the Renton Quadrangle, King
County, Washington by D.R. Mullineaux (U.S. Geological Survey, 1965). The site is mapped as
being underlain by glacial till. We explored subsurface conditions at the site on September 20
and 21, 2021, by performing four pilot infiltration tests (PITs).
PITs were excavated to depths of approximately 2.0 to 2.8 feet to test infiltration capabilities.
After testing for infiltration, explorations extended down beneath the base of the PIT to
evaluate soil and potential groundwater mounding conditions beneath the test. The PIT
explorations were continued to depths of approximately 3.3 to 4.4 feet below the ground
surface.
The explorations were located in the field by a representative from this firm who also examined
the soils and geologic conditions encountered, and maintained logs of the explorations. The
approximate locations of the explorations are shown on the Site Plan in Figure 2. The soils were
Infiltration Evaluation
120th Ave SE and SE 192nd St
October 21, 2021
RN File No. 3546-001A
Page 2
Robinson Noble, Inc.
visually classified in general accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System, a copy of
which is presented as Figure 3. The logs of the explorations are presented in Figures 4 and 5.
The explorations generally encountered a dark brown topsoil layer that was approximately 1.0
to 1.4 feet in thickness. Underlying the topsoil, we encountered weathered till from depths of
approximately 1.0 to 3.5 feet. The weathered till consisted of loose to medium dense, brown
silty sand with gravel and roots. Below the weathered till, we encountered dense to very
dense, gray to grayish-brown mottled brown silty sand with gravel. We interpret this material as
partially weathered glacial till, though less deeply weathered than the overlying soils. The
partially weathered till was observed from depths of approximately 2.0 to 4.4 feet. These soils
are consistent with the mapped geology and suggest the entire site is underlain by glacial till.
We did not encounter groundwater seepage during our site explorations. We did observe
indications of groundwater based on the mottled layering observed in the partially
weathered till at a depth of approximately 2.0 feet. The silty, glacially consolidated soils
interpreted to underlie the site are considered poorly draining. During the wetter times of the
year, we expect perched water conditions to occur as pockets of water on top of these
materials. Perched water does not represent a regional groundwater “table” within the upper
soil horizons. Volumes of perched groundwater vary depending upon the time of year and the
upslope recharge conditions.
Conclusions and Recommendations
It is our opinion that infiltration is feasible at the site at shallow depths. We have not been
provided with a proposed site plan for the project. Our testing was performed to evaluate
shallow infiltration systems such as permeable pavements, drywells and infiltration trenches at
existing site grades. Evidence of high groundwater elevations were encountered as shallow as
2 feet below existing grades. This distinction would eliminate the feasibility of using infiltration
systems such as a trench or drywell. Permeable pavements appear to be the only feasible
approach for infiltration at the site. Site grading could affect this infiltration feasibility. We do
not expect significant grading at the site due to the relatively flat topography within the project
area.
We understand that the City of Renton uses the 2017 RSWM as derived from the 2016 KCSM.
Hydrologic Analysis and Design is presented in Chapter 5.2 of the RSWM. Due to the
indications of high groundwater elevations, we considered the use of permeable pavements at
the site. Chapter 5.2.1 of the RWSM provides design considerations and requirements for
permeable pavements.
Infiltration Testing
The infiltration rates were measured for the site by conducting four Small Pilot Infiltration Tests
(PITs) in the weathered till soils while trying to maintain water levels during the testing under
the topsoil layer. The approximate locations of these tests are shown on the attached Site Plan
as Figure 2. The tests were completed in general accordance with Reference 6-A of the
RSWM.
Infiltration Evaluation
120th Ave SE and SE 192nd St
October 21, 2021
RN File No. 3546-001A
Page 3
Robinson Noble, Inc.
Table 1 below presents the measured unfactored infiltration rates.
Table 1. Measured Unfactored Infiltration Rates
PIT-1 PIT-2 PIT-3 PIT-4
PIT area 15.8 ft2 14.8 ft2 14.0 ft2 14.9 ft2
Test Depth (feet) 2.8 2.0 2.3 2.2
Unfactored
Infiltration Rate
(inches/hour)
2.4 0.7 0.6 3.0
In general, the measured infiltration rates for PITs 1 through 4 are consistent and in agreement
with the anticipated rates for weathered glacial till soils. Chapter 5.2.1 of the RSWM provides
correction factors, or ranges of factors, for infiltration design. These factors are dictated by type
of test performed, geometry of the facility, and subgrade soils below the infiltration gallery.
Permeable Pavements: The manual recommends that a correction factor of 0.33 to 1 be
applied to the measured infiltration rates for permeable pavements and is based on site
variability and size of the infiltration facility. In general, slight variation was observed in the
measured infiltration rates and observed geology on the subject property. We therefore
recommend that a correction factor of 0.7 be used for this variability. An additional correction
factor of 0.9 to 1 should be placed on the measured infiltration rate based on quality of
aggregate base material that will be used under the pervious pavement. We are unaware of the
aggregate to be placed at this time, so we recommend that this correction factor be applied as
0.9.
Table 2 provides correction factors based on the RSWM correction factors for permeable
pavements.
Table 2. Design Infiltration Rates
PIT-1 PIT-2 PIT-3 PIT-4
Unfactored
Infiltration Rate
2.4 0.7 0.6 3.0
Total Correction
Factor 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63
Design Infiltration
Rate (in/hr) 1.5 0.4 0.4 1.9
It is our opinion that the infiltration rates determined at the site can be used for
permeable pavement design. Based on the results of our analysis, we recommend an
average infiltration rate of 1.0 inches per hour be used for permeable pavement design.
Infiltration Evaluation
120th Ave SE and SE 192nd St
October 21, 2021
RN File No. 3546-001A
Page 4
Robinson Noble, Inc.
Groundwater Protection
Water being infiltrated from a pollution generating surface should meet the requirements of
Groundwater Protection as set forth in Section 5.2.1 of the RSWM. We have reviewed the
King County iMap GIS database and the site appears to be located within a groundwater
protection area related to Wellhead Protection Areas – five year time of travel. For sites located
within a groundwater protection area, the soil is considered acceptable for protection of
groundwater if the soil has a cation exchange capacity of greater than 5 and an organic content
of greater than 1.0 percent and meets one of the following criteria:
1. The soil has a measured infiltration rate of less than 2.4 inches per hour or logged as one
of the classes from the USDA Textural Triangle (Figure 5.2.1.A of the RSWM) with the
exception of sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam, OR
2. The soil has a measured infiltration rate less than or equal to 9 inches per hour, and is
composed of less than 25% gravel by weight with at least 75% of the soil passing the #4
sieve. The portion passing the #4 sieve must meet one of the following gradations:
a. At least 50% must pass the #40 sieve and at least 2% must pass the #100 sieve.
b. At least 25% must pass the #40 sieve and at least 5% must pass the #200 sieve.
Table 3 presents the results from water quality standards testing from the samples collected in
the infiltration test areas. The detailed results are provided in Appendix A. The grain-size
analyses results are shown in Appendix B.
Table 3. Water Quality Standards
PIT-1 PIT-2 PIT-3 PIT-4
Cation Exchange (Na, mEq/100 g) 9.1 7.71 15.8 6.2
Organic Content (%) 4.94 3.08 4.66 3.88
Gravel Content (%) 13.9 25.1 13.3 23.3
Sand or Finer Content (%) 86.1 74.9 86.7 76.7
Percent Passing #40 Sieve (%)* 81.2 79.1 78.4 69.2
Percent Passing #100 Sieve (%)* 50.4 54.3 57.4 46.0
Percent Passing #200 Sieve (%)* 37.1 43.0 47.2 35.3
USDA Textural Triangle Class* Sandy
Loam
Sandy
Loam
Sandy
Loam
Sandy
Loam
*Based on total weight of soil smaller than gravel (#4 sieve)
As shown in Table 3, all four samples have cation exchange capacity of greater than 5 and
organic content of greater than 1.0 percent. Although measured infiltration rates were generally
less than 2.4 inches per hour the soils were classified as Sandy Loam, not meeting the
requirements of Item 1 of the water quality standards above.
Infiltration Evaluation
120th Ave SE and SE 192nd St
October 21, 2021
RN File No. 3546-001A
Page 5
Robinson Noble, Inc.
We then evaluated Item 2 of the water quality standards above. Measured infiltration rates
were evaluated as less than 9 inches per hour. We took an average value of the gravel and
sand content percentages in Table 3. This calculated value was determined to be 18.9 percent
gravel and 76.9 percent sand meeting the requirements of Item 2 above. Item 2a was further
evaluated and samples appear to contain more than 50 percent passing the #40 sieve and 2
percent passing the #100 sieve.
It is our opinion, based on the results of water quality and infiltration testing, that the
underlying soils at the site will provide adequate water quality treatment for the planned
permeable pavement.
Use of This Letter
We have prepared this letter for Mr. and Mrs. Palermo and their agents, for use in design of this
project. This letter is not a complete geotechnical report. The data and letter should be provided to
prospective contractors for their bidding and estimating purposes, but our letter, conclusions, and
interpretations should not be construed as a guarantee of subsurface conditions. Our
recommendations are based on the soil conditions encountered during this study.
Within the limitations of scope, schedule and budget for our services, we have strived to take
care that our services have been completed in accordance with generally accepted practices
followed in this area at the time this letter was prepared. No other conditions, expressed or
implied, should be understood.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. If there are any questions concerning
this letter or if we can provide additional services, please call.
Sincerely,
Robinson Noble, Inc.
Barbara A. Gallagher, PE
Associate Engineer
MGL:BAG:am
Five Figures
Appendix A – Water Quality Test Results
Appendix B – Grain Size Results
Note:
Basemap taken from
Renton 7.5-minute
series. USGS 2020
Nelson and Rhoda Palermo: Infiltration Evaluation
Vicinity Map
Figure 1
Project
Site
PM: JRW
October 2021
3546-001A
Scale 1" = 50'0 50 100TP-4TP-3TP-2TP-1AA’Approximate Location ofCross Section A-A’TP-1
PIT-1
Number and Approximate
Location of Pilot Infiltration Test
LEGEND
40’0’
Approximate Scale
Figure 2
Site Plan
Nelson and Rhoda Palermo: Infiltration Evaluation
PM: JRW
October 2021
3546-001A
Note:
Basemap taken from King County iMap.
https://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/iMap/
PIT-1PIT-2
PIT-3
P I T-4
Unified Soil Classification System
MAJOR DIVISIONS GROUP
SYMBOL GROUP NAME
WELL-GRADED GRAVEL, FINE TO COARSE GRAVEL
POORLY-GRADED GRAVEL
SILTY GRAVEL
CLAYEY GRAVEL
WELL-GRADED SAND, FINE TO COARSE SAND
GW
GP
GM
GC
SW
SP POORLY-GRADED SAND
SILTY SAND
CLAYEY SAND
SILT
CLAY
ORGANIC SILT, ORGANIC CLAY
SILT OF HIGH PLASTICITY, ELASTIC SILT
CLAY OF HIGH PLASTICITY, FAT CLAY
ORGANIC CLAY, ORGANIC SILT
PEATPTHIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS
GRAVEL CLEAN GRAVEL
GRAVEL
WITH FINES
SAND CLEAN SAND
SAND
WITH FINES
INORGANIC
INORGANIC
ORGANIC
ORGANIC
COARSE -
GRAINED
SOILS
MORE THAN 50%
RETAINED ON
number 200 SIEVE
MORE THAN 50% OF
COARSE FRACTION
RETAINED ON NO. 4
SIEVE
MORE THAN 50% OF
COARSE FRACTION
PASSES NO. 4 SIEVE SM
SC
ML
CL
OL
MH
CH
OH
FINE -
GRAINED
SOILS
MORE THAN 50%
PASSES NO. 200 SIEVE SILT AND CLAY
SILT AND CLAY
LIQUID LIMIT
LESS THAN 50%
LIQUID LIMIT
50% OR MORE
NOTES:
1) Field classification is based on
visual examination of soil in general
accordance with ASTM D 2488-83.
2) Soil classification using laboratory
tests is based on ASTM D 2487-83.
3) Descriptions of soil density or
consistency are based on
interpretation of blowcount data,
visual appearance of soils, and/or
test data.
SOIL MOISTURE MODIFIERS
Dry- Absence of moisture, dusty, dry
to the touch
Moist- Damp, but no visible water
Wet- Visible free water or saturated,
usually soil is obtained from
below water table
PM: JRW
October 2021
3546-001A
Unified Soil Classification System
Figure 3
Nelson and Rhoda Palermo: Infiltration Evaluation
LOG OF EXPLORATION
DEPTH (ft) USC SOIL DESCRIPTION
ROBINSON NOBLE, INC.
FILE NO 3546-001A
FIGURE 4
PIT ONE
0.0 – 1.3 SM Dark brown to black silty fine to medium sand with gravel and organics (loose, moist)
(Topsoil)
1.3 – 2.3 SM Light brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel and roots (loose to medium dense,
moist) (Weathered Till)
2.3 – 3.5 SM Grayish brown mottled brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel and roots
(medium dense to dense, moist) (Weathered Till)
3.5 – 4.4 SM Gray mottled brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel (very dense, moist)
(Partially Weathered Till)
Samples were collected at 2.2, 3.0, and 4.1 feet
Groundwater seepage was not encountered
Test pit caving was not encountered
Test pit was completed at 4.4 feet on 9/20/2021
PIT TWO
0.0 – 1.0 SM Dark brown to black silty fine to medium sand with gravel and organics (loose, moist)
(Topsoil)
1.0 – 1.7 SM Brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel and roots (loose to medium dense,
moist) (Weathered Till)
1.7 – 2.1 SM Grayish brown silty fine to coarse sand with gravel and trace roots (dense, moist)
(Weathered Till)
2.1 – 3.5 SM Gray mottled brown silty fine to coarse sand with gravel (very dense, moist) (Partially
Weathered Till)
Samples were collected at 1.6 and 2.8 feet
Groundwater seepage was not encountered
Test pit caving was not encountered
Test pit was completed at 3.5 feet on 9/20/2021
PIT THREE
0.0 – 1.2 SM Dark brown to black silty fine to medium sand with gravel and organics (loose, moist)
(Topsoil)
1.2 – 2.0 SM Grayish brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel and roots (loose to medium
dense, moist) (Weathered Till)
2.0 – 3.3 SM Light gray mottled brown silty fine to coarse sand with gravel and trace roots (very
dense, moist) (Partially Weathered Till)
Samples were collected at 1.6 and 2.8 feet
Groundwater seepage was not encountered
Test pit caving was not encountered
Test pit was completed at 3.3 feet on 9/21/2021
LOG OF EXPLORATION
DEPTH (ft) USC SOIL DESCRIPTION
ROBINSON NOBLE, INC.
FILE NO 3546-001A
FIGURE 5
PIT FOUR
0.0 – 1.4 SM Dark brown to black silty fine to medium sand with gravel and organics (loose, moist)
(Topsoil)
1.4 – 2.1 SM Brown silty fine to medium sand with gravel and roots (loose to medium dense,
moist) (Weathered Till)
2.1 – 3.7 SM Grayish brown mottled brown silty fine to coarse sand with gravel and trace roots
(very dense, moist) (Partially Weathered Till)
Samples were collected at 1.8 and 3.0 feet
Groundwater seepage was not encountered
Test pit caving was not encountered
Test pit was completed at 3.7 feet on 9/21/2021
RN File No. 3546-001A
October 2021
Appendix A
Water Quality Standards
RN File No. 3546-001A
October 2021
Appendix B
Grain Size Analysis
Sample Description USCS Classification
Source:PIT 1 SM, Silty Sand
Depth (ft):2.8
Moisture (%):35.9%
Atterberg Limits Coefficients Specification
Liquid Limit n/a D10 0.020 No Specification Given
Plastic Limit n/a D30 0.061
Plasticity Index n/a D60 0.205
D90 1.541
CC 0.89
CU 10.14
The results of this analysis were obtained in general accordance with ASTM D6913.
Grain Size Analysis Report
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0.0010.010.1110100Percent Finer (Passing) by WeightGrain Size in Millimeters
Sieve Opening in Inches Mesh Openings per Inch
Hydrometer Analysis
#41½#10¾⅜#60#100#2003#40#20½Sieve Analysis, U.S. Standard Sieve Sizes
Fine
Gravels Sands
Fines (Silt or Clay)
Coarse Fine Coarse Medium
0.0 %62.9 %37.1%
Figure A1
Grain Size Analysis Report
Palermo Short Plat
JRW
Oct. 2021
3546-001A
Sample Description USCS Classification
Source:PIT 2 SM, Silty Sand
Depth (ft):2
Moisture (%):26.0%
Atterberg Limits Coefficients Specification
Liquid Limit n/a D10 0.017 No Specification Given
Plastic Limit n/a D30 0.052
Plasticity Index n/a D60 0.196
D90 1.482
CC 0.80
CU 11.22
The results of this analysis were obtained in general accordance with ASTM D6913.
Grain Size Analysis Report
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0.0010.010.1110100Percent Finer (Passing) by WeightGrain Size in Millimeters
Sieve Opening in Inches Mesh Openings per Inch
Hydrometer Analysis
#41½#10¾⅜#60#100#2003#40#20½Sieve Analysis, U.S. Standard Sieve Sizes
Fine
Gravels Sands
Fines (Silt or Clay)
Coarse Fine Coarse Medium
0.0 %57.0 %43.0%
Figure A2
Grain Size Analysis Report
Palermo Short Plat
JRW
Oct. 2021
3546-001A
Sample Description USCS Classification
Source:PIT 3 SM, Silty Sand
Depth (ft):2.3
Moisture (%):51.1%
Atterberg Limits Coefficients Specification
Liquid Limit n/a D10 0.016 No Specification Given
Plastic Limit n/a D30 0.048
Plasticity Index n/a D60 0.174
D90 1.889
CC 0.82
CU 10.98
The results of this analysis were obtained in general accordance with ASTM D6913.
Grain Size Analysis Report
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0.0010.010.1110100Percent Finer (Passing) by WeightGrain Size in Millimeters
Sieve Opening in Inches Mesh Openings per Inch
Hydrometer Analysis
#41½#10¾⅜#60#100#2003#40#20½Sieve Analysis, U.S. Standard Sieve Sizes
Fine
Gravels Sands
Fines (Silt or Clay)
Coarse Fine Coarse Medium
0.0 %52.8 %47.2%
Figure A3
Grain Size Analysis Report
Palermo Short Plat
JRW
Oct. 2021
3546-001A
Sample Description USCS Classification
Source:PIT 4 SM, Silty Sand
Depth (ft):2.2
Moisture (%):50.2%
Atterberg Limits Coefficients Specification
Liquid Limit n/a D10 0.021 No Specification Given
Plastic Limit n/a D30 0.064
Plasticity Index n/a D60 0.289
D90 2.091
CC 0.66
CU 13.61
The results of this analysis were obtained in general accordance with ASTM D6913.
Grain Size Analysis Report
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0.0010.010.1110100Percent Finer (Passing) by WeightGrain Size in Millimeters
Sieve Opening in Inches Mesh Openings per Inch
Hydrometer Analysis
#41½#10¾⅜#60#100#2003#40#20½Sieve Analysis, U.S. Standard Sieve Sizes
Fine
Gravels Sands
Fines (Silt or Clay)
Coarse Fine Coarse Medium
0.0 %64.7 %35.3%
Figure A4
Grain Size Analysis Report
Palermo Short Plat
JRW
Oct. 2021
3546-001A