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SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 26
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:
Southport West
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2. Name of applicant:
SECO Development
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Bhavik Rao
1133 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste 90
425-241-8990
4. Date checklist prepared:
May 6, 2022, Updated June 21, 2022
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Renton, Community and Economic Development
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The project that is analyzed in this Environmental Checklist involves site preparation work,
construction, and operation of the project referred to as the Southport West. Site preparation and
construction could begin in approximately 2023 with project occupancy occurring by approximately
2032.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
There are no plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with
this proposal at this time.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
-Master Site Plan Approval Preliminary Geotechnical Report (Haley & Aldrich, 2022);
-Greenhouse Gas Emission Worksheet (EA, 2022); and,
-Transportation Report (TENW, 2022).
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.
There are no other known applications that are pending approval for the Southport West site.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if
known.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
- Demolition Notice
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Renton-King County Department of Health
- Plumbing Permits
Washington State Department of Ecology
- Construction Stormwater Permit
Local Agencies
City of Renton
- Master Site Plan Application
- Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review
- Building and other minor site development permits
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.)
Existing Site Conditions
The Southport West site is located in the City of Renton, adjacent to Gene Coulon Park, and north
of Southport Drive N (see Figure 1 for a vicinity map and Figure 2 for an existing conditions map).
The 10.09-acre project site currently consists of impervious gravel yard and asphalt, a Puget Sound
Energy switchgear and an office/warehouse building.
Proposed Project and Uses
The proposed Southport West project would provide a northern gateway to the city of Renton and
would consist of five, nine-level office buildings with approximately 1,250,000 sq. ft. of office space
and 50,000 sq. ft. of retail space (Towers 1-5). Parking for 2,900 vehicles would be provided in a
shared 4- and 5-level parking garage. An additional approximately 130,000 sq. ft. office tower
(Tower 6) is a potential future phase in the southwest corner of the site.
Construction of the project would occur in four phases, as follows:
• Phase I – Tower 1 and Tower 2
• Phase II – Tower 3 and Tower 4
• Phase III – Tower 5
• Phase IV – Tower 6
Refer to Figure 3 for a site plan.
Source: EA, Google Maps, 2022
Southport West
Environmental Checklist
Figure 1
Vicinity Map
Project Site North
Source: ZGF, 2022
Southport West
Environmental Checklist
Figure 2
Existing Conditions
Project Site
Source: ZGF, 2022
Southport West
Environmental Checklist
Figure 3
Site Plan
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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 project site is located in the City of Renton southwest of the intersection of Southport Access
Road and Lake Washington Blvd N. The site is bordered by The Bristol apartments to the north,
office buildings to the northwest, a Boeing facility to the southwest, and the BNSF railway corridor
to the south. The legal description for the project site is attached to the plans that are on-file with
the City of Renton. See Figure 1 for a vicinity map and Figure 3 for a site plan.
B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The site is generally level. City of Renton mapping indicates steep slope area in the northwest
corner of the site (associated with Johns Creek).
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.
The sequence of soils generally present on the site, starting at the ground surface and moving
downward, consists of the the following soils:
• Very loose to medium dense, silty sand. This layer extends from the existing grade to a
depth of about 20 to 50 feet below the existing ground surface.
• Soft to medium stiff and stiff silt and clay. This layer has a thickness varying from 0 to 35
feet.
• Medium dense to dense, slightly silty sand. This soil layer ranges in thickness from about
10 to 45 feet.
See the Preliminary Geotechnical Report that is included with the project application for additional
information.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If
so, describe.
There do not appear to be indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity.
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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.
Approximately 25,000 cubic yards of excavation and 39,200 cubic yards of fill would be required for
the project. The depth of excavation is anticipated to not exceed approximately two feet below
ground level, except for building cores where excavation will be deeper: locations are currently
being designed. The source of fill is not known at this time but would be from an approved source.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally
describe.
Erosion is possible in conjunction with any construction activity. Implementation of a Temporary
Erosion Sedimentation Control (TESC) plan would mitigate potential impacts from excavation
activity. Once the buildings are operational, no erosion is anticipated.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 95 percent of the project site is covered with impervious surfaces under existing
conditions (including impervious gravel yard and asphalt surcace, and warehouse and smaller
structures) and approximately 95 percent percent of the project site would be covered with
impervious surfaces after project construction.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Temporary Erosion Control Plan approvals (including Construction Best Management Practices,
Erosion and Sediment Control Approvals) would be submitted as components of the building permit.
Best Management Practices will be instituted to reduce soil being tracked onto the roadway and
water quality will be maintained during excavation per City of Renton and King County standards.
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.
The proposed project could result in localized increases in air emissions due to construction
vehicles, equipment and activities. Dust could also result during construction activities. Emissions
would not be expected to result in exceedance of ambient air quality standards.
The proposed project has been designed to conform to the applicable regulations and standards
of agencies regulating air quality in Renton. These include the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
(PSCAA).
In order to evaluate the climate change impacts of the proposed project, a Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Worksheet has been prepared to estimate the emissions footprint for the lifecycle of
the project on a gross-level basis. The emissions estimate is based on the combined emissions
from the following sources:
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• Embodied Emissions - extraction, processing, transportation, construction and disposal of
materials and landscape disturbance;
• Energy-related Emissions - energy demands created by the development after it is
completed; and,
• Transportation-related Emissions - transportation demands created by the development
after it is completed.
The Worksheet estimate is based on building use and size. In total, the estimated lifespan
emissions estimate for the project is approximately 1,837,767 MTCO2e. The Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Worksheet used to estimate the project emissions is contained in Appendix A, GHG
Emissions. Emission estimates do not take into account any sustainability measures that could
be incorporated into the project, such as LEED certification.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If
so, generally describe.
A Boeing aircraft production facility is located to the immediate west of the site. There are no
offsite sources of air emissions or odors associated with the adjacent Boeing facility or other
sources that are expected to affect the proposed project.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
The following measures could be implemented to further control emissions and/or dust during
construction:
• Best Management Practices would be instituted to minimize dust created during
excavation activities.
• Demolition dust would be handled in accordance with PSCAA regulations and sprinkling
during demolition.
• The existing buildings onsite would be evaluated for asbestos-containing materials prior
to demolition. If asbestos is found, EPA and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency regulations
would be adhered to relative to removal and disposal.
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.
Johns Creek is located in the northeast corner of the site. Johns Creek flows north toward Gene
Coulon Park before eventually draining into Lake Washington. The creek enters the project area
from the south through a double culvert beneath the BNSF railway to cross the northeastern tip
of the site. There is an additional buried culvert next to the double culvert. All culvers are located
on BNSF property. Johns Creek exits the project area underneath a bridge to the north where it
enters Gene Coulon Park and discharges to Lake Washington, approximately 1,000 feet north of
the project area.1
1 This information is based in part on the July 2016 Stream Assessment and Final Mitigation Plan for Southport
Access Road Improvements by GeoEngineers.
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Johns Creek is a Type F stream that is prescribed a standard 115-foot buffer in accordance with
RMC 4-3-050G.2. The City requires an additional 15-foot building setback from the boundary of
the critical area buffer. Also, a wetland has been mapped by the City of Renton on the south side
of the trail tracks bordering the project site.
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.
The project has been designed to avoid new impacts to Johns Creek and its associated buffer.
The project does not include any activities that would occur in proximity to Johns Creek. However,
to replace existing Puget Sound Energy (PSE) facilities displaced by the project, PSE will propose
and implement as a separate project installation of electrical substation within the currently
unvegetated gravel and pavement portion of the stream buffer on the west side of Johns Creek;
it is assumed that this development would be limited to the already unvegetated compacted gravel
area within the Johns Creek buffer.
Pursuant to RMC 4-3-050.L.1.b, and 4-3-090-D-2-a-iii, the project seeks to avoid and minimize
impacts to the critical areas and ensure no net loss of overall ecological function.
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.
No fill or dredge material would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No. The proposed project is not anticipated to require any surface water withdrawals or diversions.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site
plan.
No, the project site does not lie within a 100-year floodplain.
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.
No. There would be no discharge of waste materials to surface waters.
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.
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No. Groundwater would not be withdrawn for drinking water purposes. The depth of excavation
for the majority of the proposed development is anticipated to not exceed approximately two feet
below ground level, which would not extend into groundwater located approximately seven to 10
feet below ground level. Proposed building cores excavation could extend to a depth of
approximately 20 feet below ground level.Excavation below approximately 7 to 10 feet below
ground level would likely require dewatering system using drilled wells or well points. Dewatering
would be conducted consistent with applicable City of Renton requirements and would include
filtation, de-sedimentation and return of water to the system for drainage to Lake Washington (as
under current groundwater flow conditions).
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.
Waste material would not be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources. The
proposed buildings would connect to the City’s sewer system and would discharge directly to that
sewer system.
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.
Existing and new impervious surfaces constructed on the site are and would continue to be the
source of runoff from the proposed project. Piped stormwater conveyance systems will be
extended to collect and convey stormwater to natural discharge locations which ultimately drain
to Lake Washington. As well, a portion of the development will connect to an existing stormwater
outfall to John’s Creek.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
The proposed stormwater collection system and associated mitigation measures are expected to
prevent waste materials from entering the ground water or surface waters.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the
site? If so, describe.
The proposed stormwater collection system and associated mitigation measures would not be
anticipated to affect drainage patterns in the site vicinity.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and
drainage pattern impacts, if any:
The proposal will comply with the applicable City requirements relating to surface water runoff
control and water quality, including the City's Surface Water Design Manual (2017).
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4. Plants [help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_ __deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other,
_X__evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other conifer
_X__shrubs
_X_ grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____other types of vegetation
Existing vegetation is limited to the extreme edges of the project area. This includes prior
mitigation plantings immediately adjacent to the recently installed Johns Creek culvert under the
Southport Access Road. South of this area, the immediate Johns Creek stream corridor is
vegetated primarily with invasive Himalayan blackberry. The extreme southern project area
boundary is vegetated primarily with Himalayan blackberry, while the northern project area
boundary is vegetated with a row of closely-planted conifer trees.
Trees are limited to the conifers described above along the northern project area boundary. There
are no landmark trees rooted within the project area.
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species List does not list
any threatened or endangered species within the project area.
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
No vegetation is anticipated to be removed under the proposal.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No threatened or endangered species are known to be 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:
Street frontages and courtyards would be planted with native and adaptive plant species.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
Invasive species known to be on the site include Himalayan blackberry, which is located within
the Johns Creek stream buffer. The proposal does not include any development within the Johns
Creek buffer.
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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:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
Current species use in the vicinity of the project area is expected to be limited to urban
species and occasional crossing of the site to connect to other more suitable habitat in the
vicinity, predominantly by bird species.
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
There are no ESA-listed salmonid species present in the Johns Creek. According to aspecies list
generated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Information for Planning and Conservation
(IPaC) website, threatened or endangered species other than fish that should be addressed in
the project area include marbled murrelet, streaked horned lark, and yellow-billed cuckoo.
However, none of these terrestrial species have been documented in the project area, and there
is no suitable habitat for any of these species in the project vicinity.2
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Yes. The entire Puget Sound area is within the Pacific Flyway, which is a major north-south flyway
for migratory birds in America, extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Every year, migratory birds
travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to
breeding grounds, or travelling to overwintering sites.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Existing habitat function is currently low. Existing invasive plant species provide some habitat
value for birds and small mammals. Gravel areas provide no value. Proposed street trees and
planter vegetation would provide some limited wildlife habitat to urban tolerant wildlife.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
The site is located in an urban, developed area and no known invasive species are known to be
on or near the site. Invasive species known to be located in King County include European
starling, house sparrow and eastern gray squirrel.
2 Ibid.
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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.
Electricity or natural gas would be the primary sources of energy that would serve the proposed
Southport West. During operation, these energy sources would be used for project heating,
cooling, hot water, cooking, and lighting.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe.
No. The project would not be expected to affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent
properties.
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:
The project will be LEED certified and will be fully compliant with the current Washington State
Energy Code. Additionally, the project will provide electric vehicle charging stations.
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.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past
uses.
The property was part of the former Shuffleton Steam Plant that was built in 1929 on ground
leveled by dredge-and-fill activities. The plant, which was located directly north of the property,
was an oil-fired, steam-powered electricity-generating plant from 1929 to 1989. In addition,
there was a gasoline underground storage tank (UST) that was located on the property. The
Shuffleton Steam Plant was demolished in the mid-1990s, and a comprehensive
environmental cleanup was completed at that time. Prior to cleanup actions, the former COCs
in soil and groundwater were gasoline-range hydrocarbons, benzene,oil-range hydrocarbons
(as a result of mineral oil spills and leaks from transformers and capacitors), carcinogenic
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs), and vinyl chloride.
Cleanup actions were conducted over the years at many locations across the property and
involved excavation of impacted soil associated with spills, leaks, and the former gasoline
USTs, and installation and operation of of an air sparge system to treat COCs in groundwater.
Following shut down of the AS system, five consecutive quarters of groundwater sampling
show vinyl chloride concentrations less than the laboratory detection limit equivalent to the
MTCA Method A CUL.
Therefore, there is no known impacted soil or groundwater at the property that will be
encountered during redevelopment activities. However, if any signs of unknown impacts in soil
are encountered, an environmental consultant will be on-call to address.
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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.
None are known.
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.
During construction, paint products, diesel fuel for construction and generators, sealants and
other typical construction materials may be stored on site. No toxic or hazardous chemicals
are anticipated to be stored, used or produced during the project’s operation.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
No special emergency services are anticipated to be required as a result of the project. As is
typical of urban development, it is possible that normal fire, medical, and other emergency
services may, on occasion, be needed from the City of Renton.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
As noted above, there is no known impacted soil or groundwater at the property expected to be
encountered during redevelopment activities. However, if any signs of unknown impacts in soil
are encountered, an environmental consultant will be on-call to address.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Traffic noise associated with I-405 and surrounding streets may be relatively high at
certain times of day. Traffic noise is not expected to adversely affect the proposed
Southport West project.
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)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site.
Construction-related noise would occur as a result of on-site construction activities
associated with the project, primarily related to demolition and site grading.
Construction noise would be short-term and would be the most noticeable noise
generated by the proposed project. It is expected that primary construction hours
would occur from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday. Some excavation work could
occur during evenings or weekends to reduce truck trips during peak traffic. The
proposed project would comply with provisions of Renton’s Noise Level Regulations
(RMC, Chapter 7, Section 8-7-2 and RMC 4-4-030 C3). Once the project is
operational, no significant long-term noise impacts are anticipated. See the discussion
below (7. Environmental Health, b 3) for additional discussion on noise mitigation.
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3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
As noted, the project would comply with provisions of the City’s Noise Level
Regulations (RMC, Chapter 7, Section 8-7-2); specifically: construction hours would
be limited to standard construction hours (non-holiday) from 7 AM to 6 PM and
Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 7 PM. If extended construction hours are
necessary, the applicant would apply for a noise variance.
The project would also conduct construction consistent with the City’s construction
standards for construction near residential areas (RMC 4-4-030 C3) including
construction activities restricted to the hours between 7 AM and 8 PM weekdays, with
work on Saturdays restricted to 9 AM to 8 PM. No work is permitted on Sundays. If
extended hours are deemed necessary, the applicant would apply for a variance.
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.
Surrounding land uses include:
• North – the Southport Office Campus, consisting of three 9-story office buildings and
a 7-story parking garage, and the Bristol at Southport II mixed-use apartments,
consisting of three 5-story buildings. To the north of the Southport development is
Gene Coulon Park.
• East – BNSF Right-of-Way, Lake Washington Boulevard and the 5-story Southport
Residence Inn and the I-405 right-of-way/NE Sunset Boulevard interchange.
• South – BNSF right-of way, Southport Drive, Lowe’s retail store, and the Griffis Lake
Washington apartments (two 5-story buildings), and the Landing shopping center;
• West – the Boeing Renton production facility consisting of a number of industrial light
manufacturing buildings for 737 aircraft assembly.
The proposed Southport West project would result in an intensification of on-site development
consistent with the surrounding land use pattern,and the introduction of an office population
associated with the proposed development.
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?
No, the site has not recently been used as working farmland or forest land.
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:
No. The site is located in an urban area and would not affect or be affected by working farm or forest
land; no working farm or forest land is located in the vicinity of this site.
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c. Describe any structures on the site.
Existing buildings on the site are associated with the Puget Sound Energy switchgear operations
and include an approximately 15,800 sq. ft. prefab steel storage warehouse, a two-story, 2,181
sq. ft. control house building, two 600 sq. ft. structures, and two 65 sq. ft. structures.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Yes. All existing buildings on the site would be demolished.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
The site is zoned UC-2.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The Comprehensive Planning Land Use Map in the Renton Comprehensive Plan identifies the site
as CMU (Commercial Mixed Use).
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
The project site is not located within a designated shoreline area.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so,
specify.
Yes. City of Renton mapping identifies steep slopes associated with Johns Creek in the northeast
corner of the site. A portion of Johns Creek also runs through the site.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
It is estimated that approximately 9,650 employees/visitors (9,000 office employees and 650 retail
workers and visitors) could work in or visit the completed project. This calculation is based on
International Building Code occupant load factors. An additional approximately 6,000 misc. visitors
could visit the site during events.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
The completed project would not displace any people. Existing employees associated with the
existing Puget Sound Energy operations would likely continue services at the new facility location.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
No displacement impacts would occur and no mitigation measures are necessary.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 18 of 26
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected
land uses and plans, if any:
No significant adverse land use impacts are anticipated. The City of Renton Comprehensive Plan
(2015) designates the project site as a Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) area. Per CMU policies,
these are “areas with established commercial and office areas near principle arterials…. The
intention of this designation is to transform strip commercial development into business districts
through the intensification of uses and with cohesive site planning, landscaping, signage,
circulation, parking, and the provision of public amenity features”. Consistent with the CMU land
use designation, the Southport West project would convert an underutilized light industrial site
into a compact, mixed-use development with office, retail/restaurant and parking uses. Consistent
with the CMU policies, the project will be located in close proximity to transit when the bus rapid
transit (BRT) corridor along I-405 is anticipated to be put into service in 2024. The project
represents a cohesive planning effort and is the second phase of the completed 2.4 million sq. ft.
Southport Development.
The project will improve access on Park Avenue as well as bring in new and diverse job
opportunities to the Renton area by adding additional infrastructure to facilitate high tech
companies.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of
long-term commercial significance, if any:
The project site is not located near agricultural or forest lands of commercial significance and no
mitigation measures are necessary.
9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
No housing units would be provided as part of the project.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
No housing units would be eliminated by Southport West.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
No significant adverse housing impacts are anticipated and no measures are proposed.
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?
The tallest height of the proposed 9-story office buildings (Towers 1-5) would be approximately 146
feet, including mechanical space. Principal exterior building materials would include glazed curtain
wall, stone and steel for the office towers and precast concrete panel for the parking garage. The
Tower 6 building would be of similar height and design as Towers 1-5.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 19 of 26
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
Views of the existing one-story warehouse building, and five other small structures and PSE
equipment and paved areas on the site would be replaced by views of a new office development
consisting of five, nine-story buildings and a four to five-level parking garage. An additional office
building would be built in the southwest corner of the site. Therefore, redevelopment of the site
would change the aesthetic character from a relatively open, minimally built industrial property to
a new office development with roadways and landscaping.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
No significant adverse aesthetic impacts are anticipated, and no measures are proposed. The
project will comply with the Development Standards in RMC 4-2-120A and is intended to complete
the entrance of the Southport Development and create an aesthetically pleasing face by screening
the parking garages with light and visually attractive offices, retail space, and landscaping. The
project would be built at the same height and scale as the existing offices to the south, for
aesthetic cohesion. The materials proposed to be used would include a combination of curtain
wall, stone, concrete, and steel, intended to create a high-quality timeless palette. The applicant
has also hired the same landscaping designers to continue the same spacious landscaping style
implemented on the southerly phase of the existing offices, allowing light and air between
buildings and connecting the offices with carefully designed northwest gardens and pathways.
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it
mainly occur?
The proposed project is not expected to result in light- or glare-related impacts from stationary
sources or mobile sources (vehicles). At times during the construction process, area lighting of
the job site (to meet safety requirements) may be necessary, which would be noticeable proximate
to the project site. In general, however, light and glare from construction of the proposed project
is not anticipated to adversely affect adjacent land uses.
Once operational, interior and exterior building lighting and lighting from vehicles maneuvering
on-site could at times be visible from adjacent properties and streets/roadways.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with
views?
No. Light and glare associated with the proposed project is not expected to cause a safety hazard
nor interfere with views.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
No off-site sources of light or glare are anticipated to affect the proposed Southport West project.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
No significant adverse light or glare impacts are anticipated, and no measures are proposed.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 20 of 26
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate
vicinity?
Gene Coulon Park is located directly northeast of the project site. This 57-acre facility on the Lake
Washington shoreline contains a swimming beach, children’s plan area, eight-lane boat launch, two
restaurants, picnic pavilions, picnic shelters, small boat harbor with day moorage, 900 foot
pier/waterwalk with picnic floats, canoe launch, two miles of paths and trails, fishing pier, tennis
courts, plant species identificiation walk and maintenance building and offices.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No, the proposed project would not displace any existing recreational uses.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
No significant adverse recreation impacts are anticipated and no measures are proposed. The
project would include landscaped outdoor spaces including rooftop terrace, elevated decks at the
top level of the parking structure, and individual decks from office floors. The project would also
include an approximately 9,000 sq. ft. playground area.
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.
There are no 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.
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.
There are no known or visible landmarks, features, or other evidence of Native American or
historic use or occupation on the site. The site is located in the vicinity of the shoreline of Lake
Washington.
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.
Potential impacts to historic resources on or near the site were evaluated by consulting the
Washington Information System for Architectural & Archaeological Records Data.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 21 of 26
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.
No significant adverse impacts to resources are anticipated, and no measures are proposed.
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.
The proposed project is primarily served by I-405, Southport Drive N, Lake Washington Blvd N,
Garden Ave N, as well as the existing and future Park Ave N extension.
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?
The site is served by King County Metro and Sound Transit. The closest transit stops are located
on Southport Drive N west of Garden Ave N. King County Metro’s Rapid Line F is located adjacent
to the site on Southport Drive providing service south of the site along Logan Ave through Renton
and to Tukwila, SeaTac, and Burien.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project
proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The project would include approximately 2,900 parking spaces. Parking spaces associated with
the existing office/warehouse building and the Puget Sound Energy switchgear would be
eliminated. The project has coordinated with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and PSE will lead
engineering design and sizing of the replacement facility as a separate project.
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).
As part of the proposed project, Park Ave N would be extended into the site which would be a
further extension of the City’s Park Ave Extension north of Southport Drive.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
The site is located a few hundred feet south of the southern tip of Lake Washington and adjacent
to an existing limited use rail line used occasionally by Boeing. The site is also located about a
half-mile east of the existing Renton Municipal Airport. The project proposal is not anticipated to
use water, rail, or air transportation.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 22 of 26
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?
The proposed project is estimated to generate approximately 10,222 new weekday vehicular trips
with peak volumes anticipated to occur during the AM peak period (7-9 AM) and PM peak period
(4-6 PM). These estimates are based on studies documented in the ITE Trip Generation Manual,
11th Edition for the proposed land uses.
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.
No. The proposal will not interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
The following measures are identified to mitigate transportation impacts of the proposed
Southport West project.
• Off-Site Improvements. Based on the results of the traffic analysis, the existing transportation
facilities in the study area are anticipated to accommodate the additional traffic generated by
full buildout of the proposed Southport West project, with the following exception:
Garden Ave N/N Southport Dr intersection (#3) will operate at LOS F in the PM peak hour.
It is important to note that the traffic analysis and resulting peak hour LOS at these
intersections does not include the new direct access ramps interchange with I-405 at N 8th
Street which will be completed by 2031. When the new interchange is completed, it is
anticipated that this intersection would experience improved operations and meet City LOS
standards (due to traffic shift). Consistent with City LOS standards documented in the
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan (Policy T-49), the project will provide
transportation management plan elements to encourage use of other modes such as transit
and other non-single occupant vehicle modes. Therefore, no project-specific off-site
transportation improvements are proposed to mitigate LOS impacts.
• Transportation Impact Fees. To mitigate long-term traffic impacts, the City of Renton requires
payment of a traffic impact fee. The City’s currently adopted 2021-2022 impact fee rate is
$14.58 per SF for office uses and $26.58 per SF for retail uses. Final transportation impact
fees will be paid based on the current impact fee rate at the time of building permit issuance
less any applicable transportation impact fee credit.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 23 of 26
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.
It is anticipated that the proposed project would generate an incremental need for increased public
services due to the addition of employees, as well as visitors to the site. To the extent that
emergency service providers have planned for gradual increases in service demands, no significant
impacts are anticipated. Applicable City impact fees for schools, parks, fire and transportation would
be paid to cover a proportionate share of the cost of system improvements needed to serve the new
development.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
While the increase in employees and visitors associated with the proposed project may result in
incrementally greater demand for emergency services, it is anticipated that adequate service
capacity is available within the City of Renton to preclude the need for additional public
facilities/services. As well, applicable impact fees would be paid to cover a proportionate share of
the cost of system improvements needed to serve the new development.
16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other ___________
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the
service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity
which might be needed.
The project will construct public 12” water and sanitary sewer mains to serve the new
development. Domestic and fire sprinkler water connections as well as sanitary side sewers will
connect to the new or existing utility mains as appropriate.
• Water – (Renton Public Utilities)
• Sewer – (Renton Public Utilities)
• Natural Gas – (Puget Sound Energy)
• Electrical – (Puget Sound Energy)
• Garbage – (Republic Services)
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 24 of 26
C. Signature [HELP]
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Name of signee ___Rich Schipanski _________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization Planning & Environmental Review Manager,
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, PBC
Date Submitted: _June 21, 2022_______
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 25 of 26
D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions [HELP]
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or
at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in
general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro-
duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
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?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 26 of 26
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?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
Appendix A
GHG Emissions Worksheet
Southport West
Section I: Buildings
Type (Residential) or Principal Activity
(Commercial)# Units
Square Feet (in
thousands of square
feet)Embodied Energy Transportation
Lifespan
Emissions
(MTCO2e)
Single-Family Home..............................98 672 792 0
Multi-Family Unit in Large Building .......0 33 357 766 0
Multi-Family Unit in Small Building .......0 54 681 766 0
Mobile Home.........................................0 41 475 709 0
Education ..............................................0.0 39 646 361 0
Food Sales ...........................................0.0 39 1,541 282 0
Food Service ........................................0.0 39 1,994 561 0
Health Care Inpatient ............................0.0 39 1,938 582 0
Health Care Outpatient .........................0.0 39 737 571 0
Lodging .................................................0.0 39 777 117 0
Retail (Other Than Mall)........................50.0 39 577 247 43138
Office ....................................................1,330.0 39 723 588 1794629
Public Assembly ...................................0.0 39 733 150 0
Public Order and Safety .......................0.0 39 899 374 0
Religious Worship ................................0.0 39 339 129 0
Service ..................................................0.0 39 599 266 0
Warehouse and Storage ......................0.0 39 352 181 0
Other .....................................................0.0 39 1,278 257 0
Vacant ..................................................0.0 39 162 47 0
Section II: Pavement...........................
Pavement..............................................0.00 0
Total Project Emissions:1837767
Emissions Per Unit or Per Thousand Square Feet (MTCO2e)
Version 1.7 12/26/07