HomeMy WebLinkAboutCoulon FilesGENE COULON' P',E[;ORIAL BEACH
PARK EXTENSION HIS 1970-80 �"
Introduction
Action Sponsor:
Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Renton
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
I(206) 235-2560
Proposed Action:
Construction of an extension to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and modifi-
cations to the existing park.
1 Project Location:
The. park is located on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Washington in
Renton, Washington.
Lead Agency:
City of Renton
Responsible Official/Contact Person:
John Webley, Director
City of Renton Department of
Parks and Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
(206) 235-2560
Authors & Princi al Contributors/Location of Background Data:
Environmental Analysis and Document Preparation:
Wilsey & Ham, Inc,
Central Park Building
1980 - 112th Avenue N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Soil Investigations:
Rittenhouse -Zeman & Associates, Inc.
13837 N.E. 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
Aquatic Biology:
Nautilus
P.O. Box 993
Sequim, WA 98382
Hydraulic Engineering Investigation:
Norman Associates
Coastal and Hydraulic Engineers
4605 148th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98005
i
Master Plan Development:
Jones & Jones
105 South Main Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Licenses Required:
Bond *issue passed by citizens, Shoreline Substantial Development Permit,
filling permit, State hydraulics permit, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' per-
mitv-harbor area lease, Coast Guard permit, water and sewer hookup permits,
building and grading permit.
Cost of,Copies: $5.00
Date of Issue of Draft: December 7, 1979
Date of Issue of Final: March 13, 1980
I
Table of Contents
. Pdge
Introduction................................:.........................
i
Tableof Contents .....................................................
iii
I
Recipients of the Final EIS ...........................................
1
Summary of Contents of the Draft EIS:
TheProposed Project....................................... .............
Summary of Environmental Impacts
3
7
..............>t:....
Summary of Mitigating Measures •..... ............................
10
Summaryof Alternatives .................................... ..
10
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts ..................................... ."...
11
Description of the Proposal ............................................
13
1
Existing.Conditions, Environmental Impacts and Mitigation -
Elements of the Physical Environment:
Topography ..........::...'.........:
19
... Geology and Soils ... ........................................
19
Air...............................................................
23
Water........................................................:....
26
Vegetation........................
27
,.............................
Wildlife.........................................................
29
Noise............................................................
32
Natural Resources ......•
35
..................................::......
Light and Glare ... ... ... ...
36
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emission .......................:...
36
LandUse ..........................................................
36
Elements of the Human Environment:
Population and Housing ............................................
41
Transportation/Circulation........................................
41
Public Services ...................................................
46
Energy...................................................
49
...:....
Utilities..........::.......................................
49
Health and Safety .. .............. .............. ........ ....
52
Aesthetics........................................................
53
Recreation......................................................
53
Archaeology/History...............................................
54
The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Man's Environment
and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity
and�Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitments of Resources........... 57
Alternatives to the Proposal.:............:...::::::::::::::::�:::::::: 59
Unavoidable -Adverse Impacts .. 61
References............................................................ 63
' List of Elements of the Environment ................................... 65
Appendix: Nois.e........................................................ 67
Letters of Comment to Draft EIS ....................................... 71
Responseto Comments .................................................. 95
ill
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
1:
Vicinity Map ...............................................
14
Figure2:
Site Plan ..................................................
15
Figure
3:
Soil Sampling Sites ........................................
20
Figure
4:
Noise Measurement Sites ....................................
33
Figure
5:
Generalized Land Use .......................................
37
Figure6:
Zoning .....................................................
38
Figure
7:
Census Tracts ................................................
42
LIST OF
TABLES
Table
I:
Summary of Pollutant Concentrations -Renton Area .............
25
Table
II:
Existing Noise Levels .......................................
32
Table III:
Predicted Ldn Noise Levels,.... ...........................
34
Table
IV:
Population Characteristics and Trends .......................
43
Table
V:
Population Growth Projections ...............................
44
Table
VI:
Housing Characteristics...,........ .........................
44
iv
1
1
a
1
Recipients of the Final E I S
Federal:
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
Department of Housing & Community Development
Environmental Protection Agency
Fish & Wildlife Service
NOAA - National. Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
State:
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Department of Ecology
Department of Fisheries
Department of Game
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Transportation, State Highway Commission
Department of Social and Health Services
Governor's Office
Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Office of Planning and Community Affairs
Office of Program Planning and Fiscal Management
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regional:
Bonneville Power Administration
Community Services -Administration
METRO - Water Pollution Control
METRO - Transit
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency
Puget Sound Council of Governments
Seattle -King County Department of Public Health
King County:
County Council: District'6, Bruce Laing
District 8, Bob'Grieve
Department of Budget and Program Planning
Parks Division
Planning Division, Community Planning
ICity of Renton:
Mayor
City Council
Fire Department
Planning Commission
Planning Department
Police Department
Public Works Department
1
Utilities/Services:
Pacific Northwest Bell
Puget Sound Power and Light
Renton School District No. 403
Seattle Water Department
Washington Natural Gas Company
Libraries:
Renton Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Newspapers:
Daily Journal of Commerce
Renton Record Chronicle
Seattle Times
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
.Private Organizations and Others:
Burlington Northern
Greaten -Renton Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Boys Home
Northwest Steelhead & Salmon Council of Trout Unlimited
Seattle Audubon Society
Washington Environmental Council
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
f
1
Summary of Contents of Draft EIS
THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The City of Renton Department of Parks and Recreation proposes, to construct
a major extension and modifications to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park,
located on the south shore of Lake Washington within Renton.
The site is a narrow parcel of undeveloped waterfront property that was
created 'by fill for the previous industrial use of the. site.-:. The fill
resulted in angular projections and steep banks into the lake, In many
locations rubble such as concrete and lumber are exposed and much'of the site
supports only sparse vegetation due to the glanular, infertile nature of the
fill.
The goal of the development is to serve the recreational needs,•of Renton
citizens through the development of as natural a waterfront and shoreline
park as possible with associated improvements and activities not possible in
other park areas.
This goal will be accomplished through:
• Improvements.to the existing swimming park to relieve overcrowding,
parking and circulation problems.
• Development of over one mile of Lake Washington shoreline in a manner
that enhances its natural and environmental potential while providing
significant unstructured recreational uses.
• Expansion and improvement of the water -related activity through the
expansion of boat launches, landings, day moorage, overwater piers and
protected water.
• Development of necessary service buildings for the purpose of recrea-
tion and maintenance.
Construction of the first phase would begin in the summer of 1980 and would
be completed by the end of 1982.
The proposed project is further described in the fold -out plan map on the
following page.
3
I
1
1
�I
1
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Topography, Geology and Soils
The extension area would be extensively graded to reshape shoreline areas to
create a more natural, sloping shoreline. Small areas of fill (totaling
approximately one acre) would be utilized to eliminate existing, artifi-
cially angular projections into the lake, and to improve functioning of the
boat launch.
Shoreline grading and fill operations could result in turbidity and silta-
tion of Lake Washington adjacent to the site. Several mitigating measures
are identified to control shoreline erosion and minimize turbidity and sil-
tation of the lake.
'
Water
There may be an increase in stormwater runoff from the site due to increased
1
impermeable surfaces. Siltation of the lake may occur due to construction
activity along the shoreline. Water quality within the existing drainage
ditch would be improved because of the proposed relocation of the ditch,
inclusion of an oil/water separator and settling basin, shading and by aera-
'
tion from the proposed weir. The Parks Department will cooperate. with. Public
Works to assure that the proposed settling basin and oil/water separators are
constructed.
iVegetation
Several existing dominant groups of trees and shrubs have been incorporated
'
into the master plan and would' be retained. Much of the site would be
cleared and all disturbed areas would be planted following recontouring.
An
area of marsh vegetation would be established along the relocated drainage
ditch at the south end of the expansion area and adjacent to the beached
barges at the north end of the expansion area.
Wildlife
Diversity and extent of upland wildlife habitat would be slightly reduced due
to regrading and• planting of the site. Fish habitat (salmon) would be
improved by elimination of angular projections from the shoreline created by
previous fill. Fill projections associated with the boat launch may create
minor disruptions to juvenile salmon migration causing confusion and in-
creased predation. The Department of Fisheries' approval and a hydraulics
permit will be required prior to any construction activity within the lake or
drainage ditch.
A small area of marsh habitat would be created along the relocated drainage
ditch (including nesting islands) and surrounding the proposed barges at the
north end of the park.
Air Quality
There would be no deterioration in air quality due to the project. The
increased traffic and increased emissions resulting would be offset by
reduced federal emissions standards. The result would be an overall improve-
ment of air quality conditions. There would be short-term increases in
summertime dust levels during construction of the project.
Noise
There would be temporary increases in noise during construction of the pro-
ject. upon completion, there would be a slight increase in noise levels on
the site due to the increased activity.
Light and Glare
The proposed development would add several sources of light from exterior
safety lighting. The lighting would be screened from adjacent residences by
vegetation and distance.
Land Use
The site would be converted from unused land to a use as recreational land.
Land use on adjacent properties would not be altered.
Natural Resources
Normal amounts of non-renewable resources would be consumed by construction
of the proposed project. Construction would commit the site to recreational
use for the foreseeable future.
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emission
There would be no increased risk of explosion or hazardous emission due to
the proposed development of the expansion area.
Population and Housing
The proposed project would not have a significant effect•on the population or
housing characteristics in the area.
Transportation/Circulation
The project would result in generation of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 addi-
tional vehicular trips to the site on peak use summer days. Lake Washington
Boulevard has sufficient capacity to handle the projected increase without a
reduction in the level of service.
.11
1
Proposed entrance and internal. circulation improvements and the addition of
a second entrance would improve traffic safety associated with the park.
Public Services
There would be a significant increase in recreational services offered by the
Renton Park Department.
Additional funds would be required.annually for maintenance and operation of
the expanded facility.
Energy
Increased supplies of energy would be required for the proposed construction
and continued operation of the facilities. Increased fuel consumption by
recreationists a$ the site would be offset by reduced fuel consumption in
other areas. Visitors would not be using energy at home, while at the park,
and the facilities would be closer to the homes of users than other beach
parks in the region.
Utilities
A slight increase in demand for utilities would result in insignificant
impacts to utility systems.
' Health
No conditions would be created by the proposed development which would create
health hazards to visitors at the site or to surrounding residents.
Public safety would be improved by. improvements to the traffic system,
' stronger separation of the swimming beach and boat launch, and by regrading
of the existing steep shorelines to gentler slopes. The expanded park would
be of direct benefit to public health providing a new opportunity for active
recreation.
IAesthetics
Aesthetics of the site would be improved by recontouring of the artificially
fiat fill surfaces and by extensive planting. Several provisions would be
made for public enjoyment of lakeside views.
Recreation
There would be a significant increase in the types of recreational activities.
and use of the site. Existing conflicts between user groups would be reduced
by physical separation of activities.
' Archaeology/History
There are no known archaeological or historical resources, and impacts due to
the proposed project are unlikely.
9
SUMMARY OF MITIGATING MEASURES
GeoloQyand Soils
The use of temporary detention facilities during construction would allow
settling of silt before runoff enters the lake. Construction during the dry
season and planting immediately after construction will also minimize
erosion.
Water
Silt traps and oil/water separators in all catchbasins, in parking or roadway
areas, would remove silt, petroleum products and some heavy metals from
stormwater runoff. The use of bulkheads or the construction of the leading
edge of fill first (filling in behind the leading edge), and the use of
granular fill would minimize the potential for turbidity and siltation of the
lake shoreline.
Ve_qetati on
Planting immediately following regrading would mitigate the loss of vegeta-
tion.
Wildlife
Potential impacts to fish would be mitigated by elimination of angular pro-
jections of fill associated with the boat launch preventing potential dis-
ruption of juvenile salmon migration along the shoreline. limiting con-
struction activities (particularly pile -driving) to the summer and early
fall would avoid potential impacts to incubating salmon eggs.
Air Quality_
Use of proper operational techniques during construction would minimize the
level of dust resulting from construction activities.
Improvements to internal circulation would minimize vehicular pollutant
emissions by reducing congestion.
Transportation/Circulation .
Traffic congestion and potential hazards would be reduced by proposed
improvements to parking, internal circulation and entrances.
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
The present proposal is a substantially less intensive alternative than was
previously proposed (see PROJECT DESCRIPTION).
10
1
1
1
1
I
ii
1
1
I
No -Action
A decision not to approve the proposed development would leave the site in
its existing state and prohibit recreational, -use of the land as designated by
the Comprehensive Plan. The major result of no action would be to prevent or
delay all of the environmental impacts discussed in this document from occur-
ring at the expansion site.
Less Intensive Development
If the amount of fill required for development or the number of facilities
and structures were reduced, there could be lower construction and mainte-
nance costs to the City than the current proposal. Infinite adjustments
could be made to the proposed park extension, such as no fill and no overlook
tower or multi -purpose building, fill and dredging only at the boat ramps
with no stream relocation, -fill only to smooth existing angular projections
into the lake, or no boat ramp expansion.
Any of these less intensive alternatives would have approximately the same
overall impacts. The City expenditure for construction and maintenance
would be somewhat less if fewer facilities are constructed. Fish movement
would not be improved from existing conditions without fill to smooth out the
shoreline; however, fish movement might be slightly improved by elimination
of the .proposed fill associated with the boat launch ramp.
Alternative Location
There are no comparable areas of undeveloped shoreline along the south end of
Lake Washington that would be suitable for park development. Virtually the
entire shoreline is intensively developed for residential, commercial, or
industrial use.
Development away from the lake would not allow the water -oriented views and
activities associated with the proposal. Existing park congestion and con-
flicts would continue to become worse.
UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
Geology and Soils
' Decrease in soil permeability due to buildings, paving and compaction. Repo-
sitioning and overcovering of soils.
Water
Possible increase in stormwater runoff volume. Temporary, slight turbidity
and siltation associated with fill.
' 11
Vegetation
Elimination of sparse second -growth vegetation and replacement with grass,
shrub and tree areas.
Wildlife
Possible elimination of a few common species from the site resulting from a
decrease in extent of habitat but offset by increase in diversity resulting
from the new marshes.
Noise
Slight change in noise patterns due to changes in internal circulation.
Natural Resources
Consumption of common building materials for construction of new facilities.
Transeortation/Circulation
Increase in traffic volumes to the park.
Public Services
Significant increase in funding required for maintenance and operation.
Energy
Consumption of additional quantities of energy for heating and operation of
expanded facilities, travel to and from the site, and power boat usage.
Utilities
Increased consumption of water and electricity requiring internal extensions
for each system.
12
Description of the Proposal
NAME OF PROPOSAL AND SPONSOR
The City of Renton Department of Parks and Recreation is proposing to con-
struct. an extension to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
' LOCATION
The park is located on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Washington within
the city limits of Renton, Washington. The park is adjacent to and would be
an extension of the existing Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park as shown in
' Figures 1 and 2.
' OTHER AGENCY FILE NUMBERS
None.
CONSTRUCTION'SCHEDULE
It is anticipated that the first construction would be initiated in the
summer of 1980 with completion by the end of 1982. Waterfront work would be
' completed during summer and early fall in compliance with Department of
Fisheries' requirements to avoid potential impacts to spawning salmon.
MAJOR PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
' The proposed plan for the extension area is illustrated in Figure 2.
The extension area includes approximately 30 acres in a narrow shoreline
strip extending northward a mile from the park (15.3 acres are above water
and 14.1 acres are below water).
The site is undeveloped waterfront property that was created by fill for the
previous industrial use of the site. The fill resulted in angular pro-
jections and steep banks into the lake. In many locations rubble such as
concrete and lumber are exposed and much of the site supports only sparse
' vegetation due to the granular, inf erti1e nature of the fill.
The goal of the development is to serve the recreational needs of Renton
' citizens through the development of as natural a waterfront and shoreline
' 13
3,
'T ...........
Af Ev<� 154olAID
ol
..........
......... .
CGlerran
WZ=5
IV, . .............
SR A
it
ti
IN
j5A 1517A*
etTV6 COOLOAJ AW
yy
jjryn Mawr
.... ..........
N.
ih
_0
H
17'
. .......... .
.2
........... . .........
40
0-
id 200 oo-
";V
-41 CX
-v,
VICINITY MAP FIG. 1.
14
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i.
park as possible with associated improvements and activities not possible in
other park areas.
The major elements include expansion of the existing boat launch ramp, addi-
tion of a second vehicular access from Lake Washington Boulevard, internal
pedestrian -and vehicular' circulation, day moorage for boats, picnic shel-
ters, concession and restroom buildings, fishing piers, a fixed -pier wave -
break, and fill, grading, and planting of the site.
The entire shoreline will be regraded to eliminate abrupt dropoffs while
minimizing offshore fill. The land will be contoured into a series of earth
mounds. Two additional shelters and an observation tower will be located on
these earth mounds with views of the rowing area and Lake Washington vistas
from Mount Rainier to Mercer Island. A fishing pier with shelter would
provide all-weather angling opportunities for all ages and for the handi-
capped at the north end of the park. Three fishing piers and restrooms are
planned, with some piers using existing pilings if future tests prove them to
be structurally adequate. Over 1.5 miles of paved walking and jogging trails
will be provided along the shore and through wooded glades connecting picnic
shelters, fishing piers and other facilities.
The boat launch will be improved and enlarged with four renovated ramps
provided with side piers to allow tie-up space for boats waiting to be
loaded. The ramps would be wide enough to permit simultaneous use by two
vehicles during peak hours. Eighty-three drive -through spaces will be pro-
vided to minimize the need to back trailers, and an additional twenty-five
spaces for overflow parking will be provided. The boat launch facility will
be developed so that it could remain open twenty-four hours a day, with
moorage for a police boat provided along an extension of the existing pier.
The "Waterwalk", an interconnected series of piers, allows people to walk
well out onto Lake Washington. Three shelters will allow year-round enjoy-
ment of the walk for fishing, viewing and picnicking. It would enclose an
area of water for rental rowboats, and other related small craft. This area -
also connects to an adjacent water area along the northern half of the park,
protected by a log boom where more room is available for beginning sail -
boaters and other quiet water training needs. Access through the boom will
be provided at both ends.
In keeping with the park purpose of providing essentially passive shore -
related recreation, the overall character of the park would be informal and
16
1
'
natural -appearing. Heavy use areas near the boat launch
irrigated
and multi
-purpose
building would be and carefully maintained. However,,as
one walks
north along the shoreline the landscape would become more
natural
by degrees
'
with increasing, emphasis on lower maintenance materials.
Fencing
and screen
planting will separate the park from the adjacent railroad. A
new main-
tenance facility will provide needed equipment, materials
storage
and a work
area.
' The proposed plan would provide for separation of boaters and swimmers
through a redesigned entrance road and separate parking areas. A substantial
berm would visually separate the swimming beach area from the boat launch.
area. The separation would be further emphasized by relocation of the
existing drainage ditch.
The existing drainage ditch would be moved to the southwest side of the boat
launch. The water quality within the ditch would be improved by construction
of a settling basin and an oil/water separator. above the park. The proposed
channel would be designed to appear as a natural stream bed incorporating a
'
marshy area and instream islands and would flow past one of the existing
'
picnic shelters.
The use of the northern portions of the park extension area would be more
passive. Development would consist primarily of open spaces, walkways,
small fishing piers, a picnic shelter, an overlook tower and two small
parking areas. Two barges would be beached to recreate a feeling for the
historical use of the site which was water -oriented and industrial (see
ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORY section).
Lake fill for the entire project would consist primarily of several small
areas to "round -off" the angular fills that were created by the previous
industrial use of the site and to provide a more natural appearing shoreline.
Additional fill is proposed' adjacent to the boat launch to improve func-
tioning and safety and to provide a physical and visual separation between
the existing swimming beach and the boat launch. A total of approximately
one acre of surface area would be filled.
The entire plan represents a scaling down of the number of facilities and the
quantity of fill proposed in the original master plan prepared for the
extension area in 1976. Fifteen acres of fill were originally proposed for
the park. The presently proposed park extension represents.a commitment to
' � 17
work with the existing site conditions and limitations rather than exten-
sively modifying the site to accommodate all recreation demands as pro-
posed in the original master plan.
EXISTING LAND USE PLANS AND REGULATIONS
A master plan for the park entitled: Lake Washington Beach Park - The Phase
II Planning Program and Master Plan was adopted by the City of Renton in
April, 1977. The plan recommended approximately 15 acres of fill and elab-
orate shoreline modification and structures. The facilities recommended
would have been extremely expensive and of questionable feasibility from
engineering and environmental standpoints. A recognition of these and other
limitations led to the the development of the present proposal.
The site is zoned G (General) and H-I (Heavy Industry). Both of these
categories would allow the proposed park development.
The City of Renton Comprehensive Plan designates the site as recreation use.
The Shoreline Management Master Plan for the City of Renton allows recrea-
tional use of the site and identifies restrictions and regulations for speci-
fic facilities. ' The proposal is consistent with the City`s Shoreline Manage-
ment Master Program.
19
I
Existing Conditions, Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
■ Elements of the Physical Environment
TOPOGRAPHY
Existing Conditions
The site is essentially a flat shelf several feet higher than Lake Washington
with steep banks. This topography is the result of fill and grading for the
previous industrial use of the site. There are only minor variations in
topography throughout the site.
Environmental Impact
The proposed plan recommends minor regrading throughout the site. The banks
along the lake would be cut back in several locations to create a more
gradual, natural and accessible slope to the shoreline. The material from
the cuts would be 9 Y laced in other areas to create mounds, "adding variety and
p
providing views as well as providing more secluded spaces in the cut areas.
Approximately 65,000 cubic yards of material would be repositioned within
the site. No need for significant quantities. of imported fill is antici-
pated. Proposed fill within the lake is discussed in the following section.
IGEOLOGY AND SOILS
Existing Conditions
A geology and soils engineering consultant was engaged to evaluate soil
conditions of the site. Onshore test pits and borings and offshore borings
were utilized to identify existing conditions (see Figure 3). The full
report of the findings is available for review at the Renton Parks and
Recreation Department. A .summary is presented here.
The portion of the proposed park expansion, presently above lake level, has
all been developed by previous filling and is nearly level. The property was
previously used as a cargo transfer area, and log storage area as suggested
by the numerous piles driven offshore. The iakeshore itself is characterized
,by a line of logs and timbers, large concrete blocks, some quarry stones, and
considerable miscellaneous debris. The shoreline generally is steep, and
appears to be subject to active undercutting by wave action. Immediately
offshore are a'series. of pile clusters and submerged concrete blocks and
metal service ladders.
19
M
d
LL
a
z
a
a
J W
U) N
The onshore borings encountered very loose to medium dense, gravelly, sandy
fill to depths of 12 to 18 feet. Underlying the fill in the borings are
medium dense to dense, saturated, fine to coarse sands with gravel. Boring
number 2 had approximately 4 feet of peat beneath the fill, followed by very .
loose to loose sand and gravel grading to medium dense, silty, fine to medium
sand and gravel at 36 feet. Although massive rubble was not encountered in
the borings, exposures along the shoreline indicate that large quantities of
wood, concrete, bricks, and other materials may be present.
At the offshore boring locations, very loose to soft sand and silts were
present to depths of 13 feet. Underlying these soft, saturated soils are
medium dense to dense, saturated, fine to medium sands with gravel. The
offshore -soils are characterized by surficial, very loose to loose,.and soft
materials to depths about ten feet below mudline at the borings. Closer to
shore, the near -surface muds and soft soils are approximately one to three
feet deep.
Groundwater at the onshore boring locations was encountered -at approximately
7 feet. The groundwater table is probably at lake level near the shoreline.
Some borings indicate rises with increasing distance from the lakefront. In
addition, the fill probably has lenses of permeable soil containing perched
or trapped water. Also, the silty areas, that appear in the fill, trap water
at the ground surface and result in ponding during wet weather.
Environmental Impact
Onshore clearing and grading, within the areas already filled will expose
rubble or debris which should be covered by soil. Clearing and grading will
result in minor, temporary increases in erosion potential.
Due to the silty nature of the on -site soils, proper compaction will be
difficult or impossible when the soils are more than a few percent above
their "optimum moisture" content. Periods of warm, dry weather are the most
desirable condition for a successful filling program. If filling is required
during
periods of wet weather, the
fill should
consist of clean sand and
gravel.
Clean "sands and gravels are
not normally
moisture sensitive, and can
usually
be compacted under a variety of climatic
conditions.
feet
for two
Mounds
rising up to 20 above
surrounding
grade are proposed
1 ocati.ons
in the park. Because of
the weak nature of the subsoil, these
21
fills will undergo settlements of approximately one foot. This would not be
a problem -in a park setting.
Considering that the existing onshore fills are of variable density and
contain quantities of both organic and inorganic rubble, lightweight frame
structures supported by conventional spread or continuous footings may be
subject to substantial settlement; this will be caused more by long-term
settlement of the fill than from the imposed loads. Therefore, consideration
should be given to the use of driven timber piling for support.
Approximately 21,000 cubic yards of clean, granular fill is proposed along
the lakeshore as shown in Figure 3. I.n addition, approximately 9,000 cubic
yards of rip -rap is proposed (much of this will be above water). Placing
thick layers of fill within the lake atop the loose or soft soils can cause
localized shear failures, thereby displacing the mud and causing significant
turbidity. The volume of soft soil or mud displaced would be least from
fills near the shore, and greater from fills at greater depths.
A Hydraulics Permit and Department of Fisheries' approval will be required
for any construction activity within the lake.
Mitigating Measures
Onshore clearing and grading should be completed during the summer months to
minimize the potential for erosion and siltation of the lake. Disturbed
areas should be seeded immediately after' grading is completed to stabilize
surface soils. Temporary silt traps should be constructed above the shore-
line within drainage swales.
Fill should be placed according to technical specification identified by the
consulting soils engineer to minimize settlement and other potential prob-
lems. Building foundation design must consider possible'soil settlement as
identified in the soils report.
Depending on final design configurations, several approaches are available
which can reduce mud displacement resulting from filling within the lake.
One approach would be to build vertical or near vertical bulkheads, then
placing fill, behind them. This tends to trap the mud, but does increase
long-term settlements of the fill. If this approach is utilized, it is
important to remove the mud immediately behind the bulkhead to reduce
"active" lateral earth pressures. Mud displacement can also be reduced by
building the leading edge of the fill first, and trapping the mud as if with
a bulkhead.
22
a
In the southern portion of the park where a steep or near vertical bank is
planned, a rip -rap bank covered by a walkway would be constructed with
provision for daylighting the water below to allow fish passage.
To the north, "sliver beaches" and minor shoreline modification have been
planned. Water depths of about 6-15 feet are present near areas where
existing park grade is some 3-6 feet above lake elevation. In these areas,
it would be appropriate to excavate the above -water portion of the park
shoreline downward to the lowest practical elevations to minimize the poten-
tial for erosion and shear failures or mud displacement beneath the water
surface.
AIR
Existing Conditions
The Gene Coulon~ Memorial Beach Park is part of the Puget Sound basin and has
a typical northwest Pacific Coast marine climate. Temperatures are mild and
precipitation moderate, -with the majority of rain occurring in the winter
V months. Winds are generally southerly during the winter and northerly during
the summer.
!� Temperatures in the area vary from a monthly average of 40OF (40C) in January
to 650F (170C) in July. The annual average temperature is about 50OF (100C).
Precipitation can vary from 25 to 65 inches (64 to 165 cm) ,,but averages
about 45 inches (114 cm) annually. Snow occurs occasionally during the
winter but rarely lasts longer than two or three days.
Winds are of moderate speed with the prevailing direction generally south-
westerly. It is expected that winds at the park will be out of the south to
southwest during the winter months and out of the north to northwest during
the summer.
Meteorology creating the "worst case" air quality conditions is most likely
to occur for several days during the late winter months with overcast skies
and .light southerly winds. Localized inversions can occur under northerly
winds during the late summer and fall months, but usually disperse each
afternoon. The air drainage condition associated with stagnant air will flow
generally from the hill westerly towards Lake Washington.
The expansion site is located within the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control
Agency non -attainment areas for carbon monoxide, oxidant and particulate
23
matter secondary standard. The major source of these pollutants is the auto-
mobile, with stationary source activity reponsible for particulate matter. It
is currently projected that these pollutants will be in compliance with the
ambient air quality standards by the 1982 deadline.
Table I summarizes the data taken from air monitoring stations in the Renton
area. As shown on Table I, the particulate levels are within the standards.
Carbon monoxide levels are approaching the eight -hour standard during the
"worst case" winter months in downtown Renton. Hydrocarbons (non -methane) are
in excess of the standard. Oxides of nitrogen are well within the annual
standard and show the highest average levels during the summer months.
Based on, the data, it is expected that the conditions in the vicinity of the
park are similar to the recorded concentrations at the monitoring sites. Back-
ground concentrations of carbon monoxide are expected to be about 3 ppm. There
is a small amount of pollutant emissions due to railroad activity on adjacent
rail lines, although the activity level is quite low. The emissions produced
are negligible when compared to the total emissions from vehicles on Lake
Washington Boulevard.
Environmental Impact
Air pollution will be created almost solely from vehicles using the park.
Pollutants associated with heating buildings and the railroad are expected to
be negligible.
The major impact will be the increase in carbon monoxide concentrations from
the additional traffic volumes. For the purpose of estimating air quality
impacts, it may be assumed that the proposed expansion will generate approxi-
mately 1,000 additional vehicle trips daily by 1982. By 1990, an additional
2,200 trips will be added to the current . traff i c levels independent of any
expansion. A California Division of Highways line source model was used to
predict the existing and future concentrations of carbon monoxide at a receptor
in the park.
The increase in traffic will increase.the peak hour carbon monoxide concen-
tration less than 0.1 mg/m3 by 1980. By 1991, concentrations will be about 20%
of the present levels, even with normal increases in the traffic.
The current federal standards for vehicle emissions are becoming more strin-
gent which will cause a decline in vehicle -related emissions. Based on exist-
ing data and implementation of federal law, vehicle emissions are expected to
decline about 7% by 1980 and about 85% by 1990.
24
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
t'J
TABLE I
SUMMARY OF POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS
RENTON AREA
Particulate Matter
(ug/m3)
Location
1978
1977
1976
1975
Standard
S.E. District Health Center
36
38
38
27
60
Renton Municipal Building
37
51
'50
37
60
Location
Period
Carbon Monoxide
ppm
Hydro-
carbons
Nitrogen
Dioxide
1-Hour
8-hour
6-9 AM
Study
Max.
Max.
Max.
Period
Average
Airport Way & Logan Ave.
January -March 1977
9.0
8.0
-
-
Puget Power Yard
June -July 1977
3.2
2.0
0.70
0.02
March -April 1977
4.2
3.3
1.37
-
October -November 1976
8.1
6.6
-
0.01
June -July 1976
2.2
1.3
-
0.04
Standards:
Carbon Monoxide 1-Hour Standard - 35 ppm
Carbon Monoxide 8-dour Standard - 9 ppm
Hydrocarbons 6-9 AM, 3-Hour Average-0.24 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Average-0.05 ppm
There may be a short-term increase in dust levels due to summertime construc-
tion. However, this would be confined to the area under construction and would
cease upon completion. Watering procedures and good operational techniques
should keep dust levels to a minimum.
Mitigating Measures
Dust resulting from construction work can be minimized through the use of good
operational techniques such as watering of exposed areas. Puget Sound Air
Pollution. Control Agency regulations require that precautions be taken to
minimize the entrainment of dust in the ambient air.
25
WATER
Existing Conditions
Surface the
water of site consists of roughly one -mile of Lake Washington
shoreline and a portion of a City of Renton drainage ditch that flows into the
lake. A few small, intermittent streams enter culverts east of the expansion
area and flow under the fill to the lake.
Water quality within the lake is generally high. The lake supports a substan-
tial fish population and is used intensively for recreation.
The quality of the drainage ditch water is law. Oil, discolored water, high.
temperatures, concentrations of certain heavy metals and occasional fish kills
have been observed in the ditch. These factors are apparently the results of
runoff from the adjoining industrial area, streets and extensive parking
areas.
Stormwater within the park either infiltrates the soil and enters the ground-
water 'table or runs off directly into the lake. The groundwater table is
generally near the lake level but is higher at increasing distances from the
lake. _
Environmental Impact
Two proposed construction activities could result in significant temporary
turbidity and siltation of the waters of Lake Washington. These are the minor
fill and the proposed grading of the expansion area. Fill could displace soft
mud deposits on the lake bottom resulting in turbidity flows. Exposure of
soils on land areas can, result in erosion and subsequent siltation and tur-
bidity due to the proximity of the lake. Measures to control each of those
potential impacts are discussed in the GEOLOGY AND SOILS section.
Since the project would utilize sanitary sewers, there would be no point source
impact to water quality other than from site runoff. Impacts to site runoff.
water quality could result from pollutants washed from paved surfaces and'
potential nutrients washed from planted areas. Runoff from paved surfaces
contains silts, oil products, nutrients and heavy metals. !Nutrients from
planted areas are a result of fertilizing lawns and gardens.
The drainage ditch at the south end of the expansion area will be relocated and
modified to create a marsh environment. This will have a minimal impact on
water quality within the ditch or lake. Due to the existing low water quality,
26
any collection of aquatic life from the ditch for human consumption should be
discouraged until water quality is improved. A settling basin and oil trap has
been suggested for the ditch on adjacent property but it is not part of the
present proposal. The settling basin would remove silt and many heavy metals.
The oil trap would be necessary to prevent oil slicks which may remain in the
proposed marsh for longer periods than in the present ditch due to increased
surface area and slower moving water. Any construction activity within the
drainage ditch will require a Hydraulics Permit and Department of Fisheries
approval. ,
Mitigating Measures
Silt traps and oil/water separators for the on -site storm sewer system would
be incorporated within all catchbasins in parking lots or roadways. These
devices will remove oil products, silt and many heavy metal compounds before
the stormwater enters the lake. The effectiveness of such devices is entirely
dependent on routine maintenance. The responsibility for maintenance would be
placed with the Parks Department.
Frequent sweeping of the streets and parking areas could also significantly
reduce impacts to runoff quality by reducing silt, litter and some of the heavy
metals and nutrients. Use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides on the
site should be carefully controlled to minimize the excess nutrients or poisons
washing into the lake.
The settling basin and oil/water separators suggested for the drainage ditch
would improve the appearance of water within the proposed marsh area. Estab-
Iishment of tall vegetation along the banks of the ditch would shade the water
and mi ght resul t i n reduced water temperatures wh i ch woul d be f avorabl e to f i sh
life. Frequent sweeping of city streets and the expansive industrial parking
lots where paved would also improve the quality of water within the drainage
ditch. The quality of water within the ditch should be monitored periodically
due to potential human recreational use and consumption of aquatic life.
IVEGETATION
Existing _Conditions
The ^site was previously cleared and graded for industrial use, but not paved.
Thus, the entire site is in the early stages of vegetation succession. The
n
. 27
l`I
vegetation is primarily alder, cottonwood scotch broom blackberry
and
grasses. The site comprises a variety of open grass areas, shrub areas, and
small stands of young trees. ■
Limited surveys of the nearshore lake bottom indicate that aquatic plants are
restricted to the shallower portions of the project area, especially in the
silty southernmost portion, where algal assemblages were the only plants
found. Macrophytic plants (Elodea sp.) appear to be limited to the less silty
northern portions of the site, undoubtedly due to effects of increased water
turbidity and associated limitation of light, depressing photosynthetic activ-
ity.
No marsh habitat is -found within the study area, although some minimal marsh
vegetation is found on the island adjacent to the original park. No rare or
endangered species are known to exist on the site.
Environmental Impact
Vegetation from most of the site would be eliminated due to the extensive
grading proposed, and it would be replaced by new plantings. The plantings
would primarily be formal lawns and trees in the southern portion of the
extension area with more natural open grassy areas and groves of shrubs and
trees, to the north. Maintenance of open areas in grass will require periodic
mowing to suppress weed, shrub and tree growth.
Many of the desirable trees adjacent to the present boat launch ramp would be
retained in a grove adjacent to the proposed multi -purpose building. This
location includes several of the largest trees in the extension area.
Limited aquatic vegetation will be eliminated in fill areas. Silt from fill
areas may cloud the water, reducing sunlight penetration and thereby reducing
plant growth. After construction activity ceases, the aquatic plants will grow
back.
A new marsh -area is proposed within the relocated drainage ditch west of the
boat launch area and would probably support a productive stand of cattails
along the banks and on the small nesting islands proposed for the channel. A
marsh area will also be created surrounding the barges in the northern portion
of the park. Mosquitoes are not expected to be a problem since the native
mosquitoes do not feed during normal park -use hours.
28
Mitigating Measures
Mitigating measures that are incorporated in the proposal include the follow-
ing.
1. Retention of existing shrubs and trees in areas where grading is not
proposed.
2. Replanting of all areas upon completion of construction.
3. Construction in phases so that entire site is not stripped of vegeta-
tion at one time.
4. Creation of a new marsh habitat.
5. Creation of several areas of shrubs and trees that will be allowed to
9Y
row essential) in a natural condition. These would be located
generally in the northern portion of the park.
WILDLIFE
Existing Conditions
Information related to wildlife use of the site was obtained from several
sources. A thorough study of aquatic biology in the vicinity of the park was
conducted in 1975 and 1976 for the Puget Sound Power and Light Company.' A
subconsultant (Nautilus Association) was hired by Jones & Jones in 1979 to
' further investigate aquatic and terrestrial biology of the park expansion
area. The results of these investigations were supplemented with site visits
during preparation -of this Draft EIS.
Terrestrial habitat of the site consists of grassy areas, shrubby areas and
tree groves all in early stages of succession following industrial use of the
site. When compared to more natural shorelines, the edge effect along the
lake shoreline is of limited value because of prior disturbances and Indus-
trial use. Only two locations have dense shrubs along the lakeshore, the
area immediately east of the boat launch ramp and a small area near the
proposed location for the beached barges.
Terrestrial wildlife populations are correspondingly limited and comparable
to most undeveloped suburban land.
VIA
The lake provides habitat for waterfowl and fish populations. Waterfowl
include migratory.and resident wild bird populations, and resident domestic
breeds.
Fish species are
abundant and diverse
in the waters of
the
park. Over
twenty
species of fish
were captured in or
adjacent to the
park
during the
Puget
29
Sound Power and Light studies, including sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and
steelhead, cutthroat trout and coho salmon.
Cedar River sockeye salmon are a species which were introduced to Lake
Washington in 1935 and are perhaps the most important species in the lake
relative to commercial fisheries management. The behavior of sockeye fry
(juveniles just after emergence from the egg) and the wide range in time of
emergence from the egg lead to extensive, short-term,use of the littoral
shoreline during the period from January through May, even though 90% of
spawning occurs in the Cedar River. A limited beach spawning occurs along
the eastern shore, which also contributes fry to the littoral habitat. After
emergence, fry remain in the littoral zone for a short period before moving
offshore for a 12-15 month period of feeding on planktonic crustacea prior to
smoltification and migration to salt water.
Environmental impact
Roughly one-half of the terrestrial wildlife habitat would be disturbed or
destroyed during construction. Much of this would be re-created as the
proposed plantings become established. Although diversity and total.popula-
tions of terrestrial habitats would be reduced due to the more uniform
vegetation. types, overall populations and diversity would be increased due
to the newly created marsh habitat along the drainage ditch and adjacent to
the proposed barges in the extension area.
Filling operations on top of the heavily silted bottom will not only cover
important littoral zones with resulting local destabilization of the fish
community, but may also have more widespread effects due to siltation of
adjoining areas. Siltation may depress plant activity (photosynthesis) due
to light reduction effects of turbidity, both for single -celled plants
floating in the water (phytoplankton) and for plants attached to the bottom
and other substrates. Reduced plant production could lead to overgrazing
effects. Visual planktonic feeders such as juvenile sockeye and longfin
smelt will experience impaired feeding due to decreased light intensities.
Large amounts of suspended materials lead to gill damage in small fish such
as juvenile sockeye.
If the mitigating measures identified in the SOILS and WATER sections of this
document are followed, siltation and its effects should be slight and tempor-
ary. Although some shallow -water shoreline habitat would be buried, the
30
gradual slopes and granular fill proposed should minimize impacts to sockeye
salmon. Pile -driving in the lake could damage salmon eggs within shoreline
gravels.
Angular projections such as those proposed adjacent to the boat launch con-
9 P J P P J
fuse juvenile salmon migrating along the shoreline and may force them into
areas of increased predation. In contrast, the curved areas of fill proposed
in several locations north of the boat launch may improve conditions by
eliminating existing angular projections of fill and the resulting steep
shorelines. The proposed piers and breakwaters will be designed to permit
{
passage of fish along the shoreline.
The proposed marsh along the existing drainage ditch and surrounding the
barges will result in additional habitat; however, intense human activity
and lack of surrounding habitat immediately adjacent to the small marsh area
;t
may limit wildlife use of the marsh to common, relatively tolerant species.
In winter, when human activity is reduced, this area may become attractive to
wintering waterfowl, particularly those species that may graze on the adja-
cent lawns. Impacts of the proposed construction to waterfowl habitat should
be relatively minor.
Mitigating Measures
Allowing the vegetation within the expansion area to grow essentially wild
with a minimum of maintenance (mowing, weeding, pruning) would improve the
quality of terrestrial wildlife habitat. Planting trees and shrubs along the
shorelines of the lake and drainage ditch would reduce shallow water tempera-
tures and improve conditions for aquatic life. The inclusion food -
.of
producing species would further improve the value of the proposed plantings
for wildlife.
Any measures to minimize water quality impacts would also benefit wildlife.
Elimination of the proposed fill areas projecting into the lake adjacent to
the boat launch ramp would improve migration movement of juvenile sockeye
salmon along the shoreline. To meet Department of Fisheries regulations, all pile- driving should be
conducted between the months of July and October to avoid potential impact to
incubating salmon eggs.
31
NOISE
Existing Conditions
To determine the existing noise levels on the site, measurements were taken
at two locations at three different times on the site (see Figure 4). A
summary of the noise readings is shown in Table II.
TABLE II
EXISTING NOISE LEVELS
(dBA)
Site 1
Site 2
Time
Park Entrance
Northern Portion
Midday:
(2-3 PM)
L10
53
56
L50
50
49
L90
48
40
Peak Hour:
(5-6 PM)
L10
62
73
L50
58
60
L90
52
55
Night:
(12-1 AM)
L10
54
47
L50
51
37
L90
1 47
35
Noise measurements were taken on Tuesday, August 28, 1979, with a Bruel and
Kjaer 2209 Type I Sound Level Meter with a 4165 microphone and wind screen
attached, calibrated with a 4230 calibrator. Weather was overcast and tempera-
ture was about 70OF cooling to 50OF at night. Winds were northerly in the
daytime at 7-10 MPH'and were calm during the night readings.
The principal sources of noise at Site 1 included cars and light plane flyovers
from Renton Municipal Airport during the day. A lawnmower in the park was also
audible. Trains pass the park occasionally through the day but none were
measured during the monitoring period. Night readings were due -to sounds from
occasional cars, and I-405 noise was also detectable in the background.
32
1
r
I
\ oLil
1
.
1-
.
t
I �
I
I .
y
i
I-
i -_
.i
.
I
I
i
r
i
i
i
33
Site 2 noises included traffic on Lake Washington Boulevard, light plane fly-
overs and a police siren. Night noises were mostly due to cars on Lake
Washington Boulevard, and I-405 traffic was audible in the background.
Based on the readings shown in Table II, the existing Ldn noise levels are
approximately as follows:
Site 1-58dBA
Site 2 - 53 dBA
Based on EPA guidelines, adverse noise impacts exist at Site 1 at the park
entrance. Levels at Site 2 are in the "generally acceptable" category. The
noise levels at all sites are within the state standards (see APPENDIX for a
general description of noise).
Environmental Impact
The proposal includes expansion of the park facilities and a resultant
increase in traffic volumes. Therefore, the two principal noise impacts
created by the expansion will be the long-term increase in noise levels
created by additional traffic in the vicinity of the site and a short-term
increase in noise during construction of the new facilities. Table III shows
the predicted Ldn with and without park expansion.
TABLE III
PREDICTED Ldn NOISE LEVELS
(24-hour average)
Noise
Measurement
Site
Existing
Level
Predicted Level
Without Expansion
Predicted Level
With Ex ansion
(1979)
(1980)
Change
1980)
Change
1
58
58
0
58
0
2
53
53
0
53
0
As shown in Table III, there will be no increase in noise levels at Site 2.
The daytime noise levels will increase adjacent to Site 1 by about 1 dBA, but
when averaged over 24 hours there will be no discernable increase.
By 1990, the additional traffic will create no increase in noise levels at
Site I without the park expansion. The Ldn is predicted to increase 1 dBA by
1990 with the expansion, and levels at Site 2 will remain unchanged.
34
i
According to EPA criteria, there will be only a slight increase in noise
levels due to the proposed expansion. Three dBA is the required increase
before the human ear can detect a significant change in noise levels. Since
the increase in traffic is confined principally to daytime hours on weekends
and in summertime, the late night noise levels will remain essentially
unchanged from existing levels. The area will remain in compliance with
state standards.
There will also be a short-term increase in daytime noise levels due to
construction activity. (For information on construction noise levels, refer
to APPENDIX.) Noise from construction activities will generally range from
69 to 95 dBA, with some higher peaks if impact equipment is used. Con-
struction noises around the site will cease upon completion of the project.
Mitigating Measures
Long-term mitigating measures are difficult to implement because the princi-
pal noise increase is due to traffic generated by the site expansion. The
noise levels predicted are based on the traffic generation predicted by the
City of Renton.
Noise abatement procedures during construction could include:
- The use and maintenance of properly operating mufflers and quieting
devices;
- The use of quietest available machinery and equipment;
- The use of electric equipment in preference to gas, diesel or pneumatic
machinery;
- Locating construction equipment as far from nearby noise sensitive pro-
perties as possible;
- Shutting off idling equipment;
- Limitation of construction hours to coincide with the normal workday
period (e.g. 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).'
�. NATURAL RESOURCES
The vacant land designated for the park expansion has no significant value as
agricultural land or as a source of mineral or timber resources. The site
would be converted to public use for the foreseeable future. Much of the
dominant natural vegetation of the site would be retained and the more
desirable species would be encouraged.
1 35
Normal amounts of non-renewable resources would be consumed duing the con-
struction of parking lots, trails, and buildings in the expanded park.
Materials used would include concrete, lumber, metals, asphalt and fossil
fuel s.
LIGHT AND GLARE
Existing Conditions
There are presently no sources of light and glare within the expansion area
with the exception of sunlight and reflection from the lake.
Environmental Impact
Limited exterior lighting will be provided within the southern half of the
expansion area. Lighting will be of low intensity, as necessary for safety,
and will generally be separated from adjacent properties by distance and
screened by vegetation. Thus, there will be no significant impact from the
proposed expansion due to light or glare.
RISK OF EXPLOSION OR HAZARDOUS EiMISSION
There are no unusual risks of explosion or hazardous emission connected to
the expansion of the Gene Coulon Beach Park except a potential temporary risk
during construction. Safety requirements and precautions would be observed
during the time of construction, and would largely compensate for any poten-
tial construction hazards. Paint and fuel will be stored in the park main-
tenance building but implementation of standard safety requirements will
avoid potential hazards.
LAND USE
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton Comprehensive Land Use Plan (1976 Revision) designates
recreational use for the area of 'the existing Gene Coulon Beach Park and
adjoining expansion property. A designation of heavy industry is given to
the area south of the park, high density multi -family is assigned to the area
to the east, and .at the northern end, single-family residential use is
specified.
Existing land use conforms to the Plan designations (see Figure 5). The land
between the Burlington Northern railroad right-of-way and the Interstate 405
corridor is primarily vacant, with a golf driving range, a mobile home park,
36
Gr�l�FlN
C�GF D�vlNb �ANG� r
i
fa' ClSTl�l1G P � J
I �
1
�kNF�GEToN
0
iv
OLI! �. '. �� •
A
- _`EE-t
SnuCsc.E fAI1lr U1
,Qg1Dl�llrliYL
I �
SNVGt.�E F��lyl
REa�pEArflr�4
I
w�
Ibty
til S�MGC� FA/7J/Gi'J
N11,225�L�ENf7�9'L
. R V.
GENERALIZED
LAND USE FIG. 5.
L
37
IN, F a
IIN1111[L�11 Inns
■
. t
-- r
z
2E5(p,qA)6/0AJ
H-1 -
I L-1
T
17
Gf7
jig
2.00
F R�
tz, j: I G
J i 1 1 G-6006� Residential
'IG-72001—
GS Single-family.
'
Residential
SR-2
= —, Two-family
R-3 Residential
g 4__= Multi -family
T=.i—Trailer Park
11 1-.,--Business Use
H-1 -.—Heavy Industry
1 —Public Use
4d
ZONING FIG. 6.
C
38
0
1 and the Griffin Home (foster home for boys) located at the northern end of
the area. Single-family residences adjoin the site to the north and extend
along the eastern side of interstate 405.
The western edge of the expansion area is coincident with the shore of Lake
Washington and was formerly used as an area for log shipping and storage.
The Shuffleton Power Plant, a steam -generating plant operated by Puget Sound
Power and•Light Company, is located at the southwest corner of the park, and
the large plant buildings and parking lots of the Boeing Company and Pacific
Car and Foundry occupy the area south of the park.
Zoning
Single-family residential (GS-1 and G)'is the zoning designation for the
existing park, and heavy industry (H-1) is specified along the lakeshore
extending northward as shown in Figure 6. Heavy industry zoning also covers
the entire area south of the park.
A small area
of B-1,.business
use, is applied to a trailer storage business
located east
of the
park entrance and this is adjoined by a multi -family
residential (R-4)
area. The remainder of the land around the east and north
sides of the
park'is
zoned single-family residential (G-6000) except for a
trailer park
(T) and
a public use (P-1) zone.
Environmental
Impact
The expansion of recreation use in the area north of the existing park would
be consistent with the land use policy of the City of Renton. Development of
park facilities and access would alter vacant land and convert it to passive
recreational use.
Land use patterns in the adjacent areas would not be expected to change, and
no significant impact to land use is expected due to the expansion.
Recreational development would be permitted under the present zoning desig-
nation (G and H-1) and therefore, no zoning change would be necessary.
i
t
�
39
■ Elements of the Human Environment
POPULATION AND HOUSING
Existing Conditions
The Gene Coulon Beach Park is located in Census Tract 253, shown in Figure 7,
which is coincident with PSCOG's AAM District 3820. For purposes of com-
parison, the area was analyzed (see Table IV) to assess the characteristics and
growth trends of the population closest to the site, as well as the City of
Renton and King County as a whole. Table V shows the projected area growth for
the surrounding AAM Districts as compared to the County, and Table VI shows the
housing characteristics. The housing information is collected from the 1970
Census tables and is therefore ten years out-of-date (especially note dollar
figures).
Environmental Impact
The proposed .park expansion is not expected to have a significant effect on
existing population or housing characteristics or trends. Visitors to the park
mostly live in southern King County, and as these areas grow in population, the
park visitation figures are expected to increase proportionately. The park
expansion- itself, however, is not expected to draw a significant increase of
new people or housing to the Renton area.
TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton Traffic Engineering Division has reviewed the proposed park
expansion and has provided the following information related to traffic.
Access to the park is provided by both Lake Washington Boulevard with vehicular
access at the south end, and by water (Lake Washington) for pleasure boat
users. Most boat users arrive at the park by means of
the street system,
so
this section will concentrate on automobile traffic on
adjacent streets
and
within the park.
"C"
The capacity,of Lake Washington Boulevard at Level of
Service is 1,200
vehicles per hour. The 1979 Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
is 6,000. Peak hour
traffic demand on Lake Washington Boulevard occurs on weekdays between-6:30
and
8:00 AM and between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. The projected
1990 ADT without
the
proposed park expansion is 8,200. The present two lanes
are scheduled in
the
41
i Lk
y-�_:• � r pabnaY pT +Yt.� 1 '�� E -..r �: 1�_ rii I� 1 1 ;,{I-• , ;,.` `� �• •`
9 C�5 i ,� •• � � i lli 1/
G.-L Pt y . e _� a L''
tom__ rr t
Csikina I Y-" 11 N tC� '7
�z '�'�f •FaDM ' � ,. * 4 Point -�,r I f
I�i ` '!- _ -- ..,r;`_ �: i ��; : 3 y'I _ t • . �'�Jill' - 1-„ ! _ � `:
,Ai7wnsS BAJIIGf.S :!rllc; 'E_:: .e < •, :.s �'� �,-• `' f L\1-
} '� i , i � r- ' � ti�� i � I -� 1 � � 1 �_ �.."J irfield�+r"r•�--.�_.. �
�� , _ � �� tit \`\ i �� �•�� � � /
reY
Point+ - 248 :_r �••-__`����
1�, ..-�: � , , � I } V''u �7Cg�))) / _ter _' ' I f E �;` ' �ti•-�
,. I � L .�L/ � ,•, � i 1 •!r"'_"f i : ! • �'� J, r � ,` --i fir/'. rs'. J•• .';r,.; F3$tga��-'-�; •,� ,` ,
saileY 249:.
�v. ---� '-��r,\`�!"_ Jri r' r f � ,�^� •�' ��lla3Lra �J I 4i ys�J' :� �, �.�J �.:`,.' i ,!_
- h
rt Hills
i -
�O + t _ - Ti �! fJ I_ '.; )f •,- 247
3oarthPt' 25O ` 36 Ws a. 3i
KersttYdal — t
SITE f _
99j ty n Mawr '--•- +-.-a.' _, _ r - -_ , _ - ,n
s:..� �1-,. .%. �.r +� �t,T. r - i' r ,f _i r I• lCoalE3eFd`�_.
ILO
511,
.k ( AlleVW
261, 6 253
Riverton"..
. A -- _
256
iU5 - I p fF i Ind
Am
am
2591,
• `` � ,� - � C.� .T`� ---I _ _ '- _� _.. .-:.w
38 31 `.^'39'
___`— _.- �"+�': '�� �i`-i^. �� j�- ��` �1 , I �1. +'I I t��, �� � .' •� sly
- - - •.Y�::_--� Lra
l CENSUS TRACTS FIG. 7.
J
4z
1
I
1
1
I
7
W
U
Cd
d
I
1
1
1
1
1
f
1
LH
C
W
a
G
d
LI7
U
a-�
W
F-
U
d
CL'
d
U
Z
O
M
W
O
0-
CD
CL
C
O
M
32
�E
aE
O
tD
n
m
O
CO
,--I
t!)
ko
L1f
cc
U
^
I�
CO
N
N
Ci
r•-i
M
O
C31
LD
rl
+ ^I
N
M
Ln
CTI
Ln
CO
r♦
C
rl
w
ri
ri
,G
ri
.--I
Q
0
Ln
O
LD
N
r1
Ln
LD
p
co
N
_
ra
C
^
^
a)
I"
Ln
01
Ln
01
r1
rl
N
M
Ln
.-I
a
CV
CV
r1
O
CO
O
O
Chi
W
.- +
q:*•
m
m
LD
CO
N
LC)
01
�
�
,--I
C�
O
M
N^
r1
CV
—A
CV
CV
a
CV
rt
ri
r-I
n
l"
CO
ri
Lt"1
N
rl
co
LD
.--I
Ln
co
1�l
.
.
N
N
�
CO
M
lD
O
1l
M
O
O
N
'" 1
M
N
Ln
C\J.
dQ
M
p
cn
LO
co
t•
m
LnLn
In
UD
N
LC)
LCI ,
I�
LO
Cd
er
CV
m
N
^
CV
�--1
N
N
rl
M
O
�
LD
�
co
0
LD
N
p
1
c
LM
N
(M
N
m
O
M
LC)
N
Ln
M
M
rl
r1
N
M
r1
Ln
p
tl'7
LC)
d•
�
LD
CO
M
LD
I,,
O
M
N
O
f"
M
O
CM
U;
CV
a;
r--1
^
N
N
N
CV
M
N
r.y
u.
co
t
Ln
a
M
d
N
LD
an
ii
O
CO
N
co
�
w
LD
Ln
O
C
M
O
cn
r--I
ri
N
M
LnIct
O
t
N
CO
N
Lin
p
1�
LD
CV
LSD
LAC)
^D
Lo
to
en
N
M
LD
M
O
M
n
tin
p
O
^
CV
N
N
N
L17
rl
C
CY
r-1
LC)
Q
C�1
LD
lD
Ln
Ln
Ln
N
•
Ln
CO
CV
rt
%0
Ln
O
Ln
Ln
M
CO
r+
f+' l
M
^
N
N
N
N
�•
tt
ri
ri
O
O
Lp
r4
Q
W
O
CO
Ln
N
d•
Ln
O
CV
M
Ln
LD
M
N
O
Ln
Ln
N
N
rl
, M
tT
Lp
O
rl
M
f�
l0
Ct
Ln
ri
Lp
Ln
1-I
Ln
N
d•
CO
N
I�
^
N
N
N
M
w
LG
LD
rl
O
O
• •
lC
W
+.1
+)
4-J
a-)
C71
C11
et
t*
10
U
M:
u
U
r0
to
1
•--1
m
%D
FE
ru
O
•r
f6
r-
r-
O
1
1
I
+
(
r
U
�
a
a.
on
oN
'•`
m
M
Ln
O
C)
•r
C/1
CL
CL
z
d
CS
V1
O
CO
W
i•¢••
C
n
!\
W
YC
U
d
N
a)
C)
L D
W
d
W
U
, 4
rl
d
L!)
CL'
2:
nn
`T J
W
co
d
H
N
Z
O
h
U
W
'7
C
CL
2
F--
3
O
0
Q
O
f1
O
a-
ic
iL
ct
M
M
tta
�
t0
O
O
M
00
0
0
M
as
as
%)
w
w
w
M
M
f,,
cr
N
C
as
ri
as
M
Ln
•r
w
w
w
�
r-I
r-1
r-i
rl
r♦
N tD t0 Oi M
O 1• 00 cc) n O1
O 14 N r+ O —
w w n w w
mv rr N 01 Cf t0
as as -4 r-1 r-1
Ct
t-
tp
O
n-1
O
et
eY
N
t0
00
t0
00
00
to
�
m
00
w
w
w
w
w
M
N
as
r-1
N
fn
as
as
r-f
as
r--1
1
0 CQ 00 LL7 ri
C) LO N ENO f� tjj
Ln ri tG N l!'J
MCr fC1 01
W
U
r-i
CD
t0
00
00
�O
t•
(on
or
OQ
Cl
04
m
O
4qr
LO
fX
M
^
^
as
-rr
>
W
t\
ri
r-4
uj
U
C
U
O
O
r•
C)
m
O
s•
Cri
w
w
w
w
,•••i
.--4
as
CV
t • 7
f�
as
as
as
r+
ra
Ol O
O
n O
L
•M
rti ]L
O
O
'--i
tQ
N
K'
m
i. 4-
N
1,,
L1 J
"s
M
N
m O
C0
Qi
O
ON
M
t0
Q)
C7
w
w
w
LL C
LO
to
L1.1
tD
�c
O
•r-
C +J
O L
L O
O_
00
O
N w
f N
rov C
S:
*
ra QJ
�n
r
(1)
++
+-)
4-)
m :3
4j
4a
4.J
to
M
LA
N E
L3
fo
(0
it
r0
co
= r Ln
r
E
u
u
u
LA +a 4-)
i
C
r
W
a)
QJ
C (A C
+J
d
a•)
L
L
L
qj a, a
fn
O
v+
0
O
O
cj w
•nr
CL
W
LL
LL
Ls^
O
O S--
0
0
0
0
0
CL
fr
fl�
00
Ol
O
0) V) Y
O1
m
m
Qm
CD
CL L
a
r--f
r-1
r1
rf
CV
iL
44
yz
L
O
co
.O
r•1
�
n
Ln
cm
Q1
M
r-1
C
N
N
•r
�
C
of
Q
O
Ln
Q
Q
Ql
1
4-
Ln
t0
O
C
t0
N
w
r-1
OJ
^
LO
C)
of
<071
O
00
00
01
00
of
Ln
M
Ln
N
M
d
O
00
N
t0
r f
r1
M
^
1,
as
M
M
CV
t`
01
LP'f
f•
00
0;J
Ln
as
N
CV
tD
^
r4
O
^
C)
M
CV
as
N
�
M
�
t0
CT
4.0
t0
00
Ln
t0
as
N
CO
N
O
en
^
rf
^
00
N
N
CCV
Ln
Ln.
Ln
O
rn
CO
N
t0
m
^
r!
M
Q
a`
r•i
N
as
Ln
L[7
C)M
40.
O
CV
LO
M
U"?
CV
CO
CV
(M
LP)
^
r-I
K.
00
N
as
3f
O
O
Q
M
1%
O
f\
O
t0
LO
CV
•
Ln
r4
N
co
N
00
co
w
r f
CV
of
UO
N
"r
cf
O,
rf
LC)
(V
01
0)
00
N
LSD
N
^
^
t0
O
N
rf
CV
O
cmN
C)
Las
p
00
N
as
CO
r-1
as
cm
^
N
rl
�-•F
N
O
CN
t0
U
or
ra
Ln
M
C•
Ln
N
C7
N
^
t0
r-j
O
ra
00
n�
M
O
M
t!'
t•
N
n
M
Ln
r-1
M
t0
O
N
Qt
T--i
O
ra
N
aR
. --
v
0
LA
L
+j
+-3
a•-)
Cl) _7
ai
r
u
V
0n
C W
O
+J
L C
•r
fti
C
� •r
r•-
C
Q] �
L
L
r*
O d
M
W
C:
i-)
}'"^
to Ln
N
C J
•1••1 U
V) C
•r
N
O•
C u
C
C
C •r
C
Q)
0 r
Vi
=
u
•.••
•r
0 r
dd
v
City of Renton's Six -Year Street Capital Improvement Program for widening to
four lanes wi'th'curbs and gutters, sidewalks, lighting and channelization. The
estimated construction period for the improvements is 1983-1985 although funds
for the construction have.not presently been identified. The improvements will
increase the capacity of the boulevard.to 1,500�vehicles per hour at Level of
Service "C".
Traffic generated by the park and using Lake Washington Boulevard fluctuates
seasonally, daily and hourly. The heaviest traffic occurs on sunny, summer
weekends between 11:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. The summer peak day traffic averages
r2,500 vehicle trips with 10% of these occurring between 11:00 AM and Noon.
Weekday peak traffic generation is also heaviest in summer with 2,000 ADT, but
the peak demands occur between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM, and between 5:30 and
6:30 PM. Thus, the peak park traffic generation does not generally coincide
with peak commuter traffic on Lake Washington Boulevard.
Congestion within the park occurs during peak hours and conflicts arise due to
insufficient parking for boat trailers. Congestion at the boat ramp. occurs
primarily due to inefficient use of the ramp because of a lack of finger piers
or other facilities for handling boats in the water.
The park is presently served by METRO Bus Route 240. A bicycle. route circling
Lake Washington and serving the park has been, proposed and partially imple-
mented, but 'not within the vicinity of the park. Except for an existing
pedestrian walkway from the Renton Highlands beneath Interstate 405 to the
entrance, the park is not easily accessible to pedestrians due to a lack of
pedestrian routes.and heavy automobile traffic in the area.
Environmental Impact
The expansion of the Gene Coulon Beach Park is expected to increase peak day
traffic generation by approximately 1,200 to 1,500 vehicle trips per day. The
type of traff i c and peak hour demand should remain unchanged after the park
expansion. The increased traffic generation is well within the capacity of
Lake Washington Boulevard without a reduction in level of service.
Access and traffic safety for the park will be improved by the expansion due to
1) provision of a secondary entrance, 2) improved internal circulation includ-
ing separation of parking for different park uses, and 3). provision of .expanded
turning lanes on Lake Washington Boulevard.
1 45
Additional finger piers and separation of lanes for the boat launch should
greatly improve the circulation and efficiency of the boat launch. Additional
boat launch parking will be provided. The proposed improvements are shown in
the Master Plan (Figure 2).
Bicycle and pedestrian access and circulation will be improved due to the
provision of a trail system through the park with possible linkage to future
trails outside the park.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Fire
The Renton Fire Department answers all fire and emergency aid calls for Gene
Coulon Beach Park; average response time to the park is 2k minutes. The main
fire station, located at 211 Mill Avenue South, will supply a pumper, ladder
and aid -car unit on any fire call, and back-up service, provided by the High-
lands Station, will supply a pumper and an aid -car. Problems commonly dealt
with include car fires, boat fires, fires set by vandals, and occasionally a
call for an injury or accident.
The expansion of the park and increase in use would require a slight increase
in fire protection services. The design of the expansion area would conform to
requirements of the Renton Fire Department and Uniform Fire Code. These
requirements include:
- an emergency access road to the northern end of the expansion area with an
adequate turnaround;
- fire hydrants at 500-foot intervals along access road;
- fire hydrants within 150 feet of all piers;
fire hoses of 1� inches at the moorage pier;
- portable fire extinguishers in the multi -purpose building.
Police
Existing Conditions
Adequate police protection is currently provided to the park by the Renton
Police Department. City-wide, the Department is reported to be understaffed.
The City of Renton ratio of police officers per thousand population is 1.67,
slightly below the national. average (2.3) and consequently, a request for three
additional officers has been submitted in the current City budget.
46
Patrol calls to the park deal most commonly with problems of drinking, rowdyism
and noise. These problems are greatest in the early summer, as' longer days and
warm weather promote the heaviest use of park facilities. Problems of parking
enf orcement and traffic control require continous police attention during
holiday weekends and Seafair week.
Environmental Impact
Although some pressures of overcrowding should be alleviated, expansion of the
park and an increase in use could require an increase in patrolling by police
and park personnel. With the requested additional personnel, there should be
no problems of adequate police protection.
The proposed observation tower may present opportunities for vandalism, as has
occurred previously with the existing tower in the children's'play area.
The City of Renton pays for King County patrol boat service along the shore-
line, and since the response time of the County patrol is slow, the City would
like to purchase its own fire and police patrol boat. Moorage space would be
' provided at the park.
In all _ cases, funding for increased services is a policy issue that must be
considered by the City Council.
Mitigating Measures
The expansion area could provide for a separation of user groups: family groups .
utilizing the existing beach area and teenagers using the northern expansion
area. This type of voluntary separation happens at several other beach parks
in the Seattle area and could reduce any potential conflicts between the two
groups .(see RECREATION).
Hospitals
Valley General Hospital in Hospital District No. 1 serves the areas of Renton
and Kent. The hospital is operating above capacity at the present time and as
a consequence, an $18 million expansion program is proposed to begin next year.
One of the major areas of expansion is to be for emergency services, where
demand is projected to approximately double in the next five years.
There would be no significant impacts to hospitals associated with the expan-
sion of Gene Coulon Beach Park and any calls for emergency treatment could be
readily met.
1 47
Schools
The park expansion would not significantly affect current or future enrollment
in the Renton public schools.
Increased learning opportunities for study of vegetation and wildlife habitat
would become available with the expansion of the park.
Maintenance
The Renton Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for a maintenance
program now in effect for the 22-acre developed portion of the Gene Coulon
Beach Park. With the exception of the lifeguard staff, the current total
budget for the park is $120,000 for all utilities, supplies and services.
While the park expansion is expected to double the site capacity, maintenance
costs would only increase by about 65%. An estimated total budget for the
expanded park is $200,000, mostly as a result of the addition of two full-time
staff members and a part-time summer helper and as a result of increased
building maintenance for the -multi -purpose building.
The current level of care would be continued, but design requirements for the
new section call for a substantial return to native vegetative cover which
requires little or no long-term maintenance. In the northern portion,
initially, irrigation would be used to help establish the native landscape and
undesirable species would be weeded out, but this level of care would end after
the first year.
Parks and Recreation
Provision of a large swimming beach and a boat launch ramp make the existing
Gene Coulon Beach Park a popular and heavily used recreation site for south
King County residents. More than half of the park's patrons come from areas
other than Renton, according to user surveys. The site provides good, level
public access to the Lake Washington shoreline, which is an area largely
foreclosed to the public.
Other park and recreation sites in the vicinity include Mothers Park, Liberty
Park, Cedar River Park and Trail system, Windsor Hills Park, and North High-
lands Park. Boat launch ramp are available at the mouth of the Cedar River, at
Atlantic City Park and Seward Park in south Seattle, and at Newport Shores in
Bellevue.
' The addition of four boat launch ramps would relieve some of the demand on the
existing launch facility, and would provide additional access for boaters from
the metropolitan areas south and east of Lake Washington (see RECREATION).
Expansion is expected to double the capacity of the site and thereby alleviate
recreation demands on other surrounding parks.
ENERGY
Existing Conditions
Energy consumption at the park is limited to electrical use for lighting and
irrigation equipment and fuel used for park maintenance vehicles. Park use of
electricity was 204,330 KWH in 1977 and 176,670 KWH in 1978, reflecting the
conservation efforts of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Energy in the form of gasoline is also used by park patrons traveling to the
site and by boaters using the launch facilities.
Environmental Impact
By providing recreation opportunities in the midst of a heavily urbanized area,
the need to travel long distances for such opportunities would be eliminated.
In addition, public transportation would be readily available, resulting in a
saving of gasoline.
The expanded park would require only a slight increase in energy with the
addition of a multi -purpose building and lighting for parking areas and piers.
Use of low-level, low -intensity lighting would mitigate the added energy costs
and, with -utilities already in place or nearby, the energy costs of installa-
tion would be minimized.
Fuel would be
needed for equipment
during the construction period.' Energy
costs associated
with construction
materials for paving roads, trails and
parking lots
is estimated to be about 5 billion Btus : Site preparation and
manufacturing
and transportation of
materials for the multi -purpose building
would require
3.6 billion Btus.
UTILITIES
E 1 ec tr i'ci ty
Existing Conditions
Electrical service to the park is provided by Puget Sound Power and Light
Company and is the only energy source presently utilized there. An underground
49
service of 7200 volts has been furnished and provision made for future develop-
ment. The total electrical energy used by the park in 1978 was 176,670 KWH.
Environmental Impact
There would be an insignificant increase in electrical energy demand asso-
ciated with the expansion of the park. The addition of a multi -purpose build-
ing, requiring provisions for cooking, and an increase in the amount of light-
ing would add to the current demand. An active conservation effort, currently
applied by the Renton Parks and Recreation Department, would keep use of
electricity to a minimum.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is available from a trunk main along Lake Washington Boulevard, but
it is not used as a source of energy for the present park. If a need for
heating of buildings becomes a factor in future development, natural gas could
be a primary choice for heat, and connection could be made within two or three
weeks of notification to the utility.
Communications
Adequate telephone service is provided to the area by Pacific Northwest Bell
and adequate capacity is available for additional demands.
Water
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton has adequate water supply originating from wells (50%),
springs (40%), and City of Seattle reserves (10%). The water receives primary
treatment with chlorine. A 6-inch waterline at the south end connects the park
with a 12-inch main that runs along Lake Washington Boulevard. Another 6-inch
stub extends to the northern boundary of the proposed expansion area.
Environmental Impact
Park expansion 'will have an insignificant effect on the demand for water
service. A connecting waterline through the park would be necessary to create
a pressure loop for adequate fire protection. The line would also be needed
for occasional irrigation during times of drought.
With ,the addition of a multi -purpose building to the park, there would be a
need for a fire hydrant for fire protection. The size and uses of the building
would dictate the size of the service line needed.
50
Sanitary Sewer.
Existing Conditions
A large METRO gravity sewerline-is located along the eastern boundary of the
park and an 8-inch cast iron pipe connects park facilities to this sewerline.
The City is under contract with the METRO plant in west Renton for primary and
secondary sewage treatment.
The low elevation along the lakeshore has made the installation of two lift
' stations necessary, one at the south end of the park and one at the north end.
Environmental Impact
' Only a minimal increase in demand for sewer service is expected from expansion -
of the park. The needs for additional connections and another lift station
would be considered in the final design of park facilities.
Storm Drainage
1 Existing Conditions
A deeply cut drainage ditch runs through the park. It carries stormwater that
originates in the residential/industrial area between Interstate 405 and 'the
Cedar River, plus runoff from the lowlands and hillside area southeast of the
park. Erosion is a problem in the watercourse due to upstream flooding, but
the depth of the ditch prevents flood problems in the park.
Storm detention is required by the City of Renton when any portion of land is
paved, and installation of oil/water separators are required in every catch -
basin.
Environmental Impact
A detention, pond with the necessary oil/water separators is proposed to be
located just outside the southern boundary to improve water quality in the
drainage ditch flowing through the park. The drainage ditch would be moved to
the other side of the boat launch and a more natural stream bed would be
designed according to the proposed plan.
Given sufficient funds, the City utility would construct a series of detention
basins to alleviate upstream flooding.
Solid Waste
Solid waste removal is contracted by the City to General Disposal Corporation.
The garbage is hauled to the Renton transfer station and subsequently taken to
landfills in the Maple Valley and the Newcastle areas.
51
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Existing Conditions
The location of the existing park facilities providing green, open space in the
midst of an industrial area is a benefit to many people. This is evidenced by
the increase in use of Gene Coulon Beach Park during shift turnovers for Boeing
and Pacific Car and Foundry. The popularity of the park is such that it is
often overcrowded, creating some potentially unsafe conditions.
Safety considerations at the park include a full complement of lifeguards to
protect the swimming beach area, and a signalized crossing and fenced right-of-
way along the railroad. The play tower at the west end of the park has been
closed at the upper level because misuse presented a hazard to park patrons.
The expansion area is presently hazardous due to steep shoreline and lack of
supervision.
Environmental Impact
Expansion of the park would improve public health and safety by cleaning up a
section of shoreline containing debris such as logs, bottles, chains, and
metal, and by eliminating hazards from that shoreline. It would also provide
community residents with an additional leisure area for outdoor activity and
exercise.
Several health and safety features of the proposed park design include pro-
tection of the area inside of the outer harbor line by a log boom to ensure
quiet waters and to eliminate the conflict between motor boats, water skiers
and fishermen; improvements in access and circulation (see TRANSPORTA-
TION/CIRCULATION section); and concentration of bird feeding stations at the
proposed marsh area.
The conflict of traffic and a railroad crossing would be reduced by the provi-
sion of improved parking and internal circulation. A new signalized crossing
and an additional crossing into the park would mitigate potential traffic
hazards.
The water -quality of the existing drainage ditch would require improvement.
Periodic monitoring of water quality would be necessary to assure the health
and safety of visitors that may enter the water or take aquatic life from the
ditch.
52
AESTHETICS
Existing Conditions
The expansion area is a long (nearly a mile), narrow (50-350 feet) parcel of
shoreline set against an undeveloped, wooded hillside. It is primarily a flat
shelf resting several feet above the lake with fairly steep banks sloping into
the lake, making access to the lake difficult. The site is sparsely vegetated
due to recent disturbances related to the former industrial use. Litter,
discarded lumber and concrete blocks can be found in several locations, and
unused pilings occur all along the shoreline, although the pilings provide
foreground reference and interest.
Views from the site consist of the south end of Lake Washington with Mercer
Island to the north. The developed portion of the park, the Puget Sound Power
and Light power plant and the huge Boeing manufacturing buildings may be seen
to the south and Mt. Rainier can be seen in the distance.
Environmental Impact
The overall appearance of the site would be improved, primarily due to grading
and fill (resulting in a more natural appearing shoreline) and proposed land-
scaping. The grading will also result in a more accessible shoreline by
reducing the slopes which lead to the water's edge. A series of small bowls or
shallow ravines will be created that will provide a feeling of seclusion and
separate beach areas. These areas will be separated by mounds and plantings.
The mounds will- provide more distant views across the lake. On one of these
areas, an observation tower is proposed to provide still longer views.
Areas of the park will be linked by a -series of walkways that will provide
peaceful, quiet walks to the northern, less developed portion of the park. The
fishing piers may also provide places for peaceful viewing of the lake. At the
southern end, visual interest will be created by the more intense activity
associated with the boat launch, boat rentals, moorage and picnic facilities.
Visual and noise conflicts between the swimming beach and boat launch would be
reduced by the proposed berm separating the -two areas.
RECREATION
Existing Conditions
Records of recreational use of the existing park indicate that it presently
receives approximately 300,000 visitors annually. The park is.a large swim-
ming beach and boat launch with associated lawns, picnic shelters, playground
1 53
and tennis courts in a formally developed setting. The park primarily serves
the residents of the City of Renton and surrounding communities.
The variety of activities within the park presently leads to conflicts between
some user groups. Boaters utilize the parking lot needed for swimmers and
others. Teenagers:on the lawns and in parking areas sometimes annoy families
using the beach or picnic shelters.
Environmental Impact
The proposed park expansion is expected to double park patronage within five
years. The capacity of the boat launch will be increased by adding additional
lanes and associated finger piers. The parking for the boat launch will be
greatly expanded and separated from the beach parking.
Several fishing piers will be added, along with walks, an observation tower,
day moorage facilities for boats, additional picnic shelters, a space for small
boat rentals, and other facilities. Collectively, these facilities will
result in significantly greater volume and variety of water -related recrea-
tional use.
Previous conflicts between user groups will be reduced due to the proposed
separation of the types of activity. Experience at other park areas indicates,
for example, that teenagers will voluntarily separate themselves from other
groups if given the opportunity. For this reason, much of the teenage use may
be expected to be diverted -to the northern parking lots of the'expansion area,
and thereby reduce conflicts with swimming beach and picnickers.
The more passive nature of the proposed park expansion is well -directed toward
handicapped and senior citizens. Wide, paved pathways would follow the shore-
line and would be connected to the fishing piers which are also wide enough to
allow wheelchair access. The ends of the piers would be covered to be usable
throughout the year.
ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORY
The expansion area of the Gene Coulon Beach Park is located on several feet of
previous industrial fill and therefore it appears unlikely that any archae-
ological or historical resources would be affected by enlargement of the park.
According ;o the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preser-
vation, there are no known resources within the area of the expansion.
54
The proposed plan includes placement of two barges on the beach to suggest a
visual tie with the historic, industrial use of the site. Vegetation would be
allowed to grow around the barges and visitor access would be provided. The
historical use of the site would be explained to visitors by means of inter-
pretive devices.
1
1
I
I
1�
i�
1
1
1�
I
1
I
1 55
Short -Term Environmental Uses
vs. Long -Term Productivity
(THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND
MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY)
and
Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
Implementation of the proposal will, for all practical purposes, irreversibly
commit the land area in question to the proposed use. The long-term fore-
closure of future options will be offset by the short- and long-term public
gains to be realized from the provision of needed park and recreation space.
The land is not uniquely suited to any foreseeable alternative type of use and
that proposed will serve the recreation needs of future generations.
1 The land is not now utilized for agriculture or mineral production and does not
provide unique wildlife habitat. It is unlikely that these or similar economic
or environmental uses would increase in the future if the site were not devel-
oped for water -oriented recreation use.
Delaying implementation of the proposal until some future time would not pro-
duce any anticipated environmental benefit in the long term. Delay would
significantly increase construction costs and reduce the value of bond funds
due to inflation.
Financial, labor, material and energy resources would be irreversibly commit-
ted to the development in quantities typical for comparable development. Natu-
ral resources expended would include construction materials and energy sup-
plies. Material commitments would include the use of water, wood, steel,
gravel, glass, plastic, asphalt and cement. Energy would be expended during
construction and for lighting, heating, transportation and other domestic
uses. Long-term maintenance would require the .commitment of funds for services
such as sewers, fire protection, and the continued use of water and energy
resources.
The public service and facility needs of the new park would be essentially
irreversible as• demands on water supply, solid waste disposal, and sewage
treatment would be increased requiring long-term maintenance. Certain resour-
ces including non -hydro energy, building materials and land are irretrievable
and must be accounted for in this and future generations.
1 57
Alternatives to the Proposal
"NO -ACTION"
A decision not to approve the proposed development would leave the site in its
existing state and prohibit recreational use of the land as designated on the
Comprehensive Plan. The major result of no action would be to prevent or delay
all of the environmental impacts discussed in this document from occurring at
the expansion site.
A."no-action" decision would result in prime waterfront property left vacant,
with the industrial waste and trash remaining on the expansion site. The
bluffs along the shoreline would remain in their present state, presenting a
safety problem to any trespassers using the site. The existing parking and
traffic congestion problems at the park would continue on peak days, and likely
worsen.
Costs to the City of Renton for park 'maintenance and staff would remain
approximately at existing levels (allowing for standard inflation rates) with-
out expansion of the park, rather than being increased by the proposal.. Con-
struction costs would not be incurred.
MORE INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
A more intense development alternative was submitted to the Department of Parks
and Recreation in 1976; the Lake Washington Beach Park - The Phase II.Planning
Program and Master Plan was adopted by the Renton City Council in April of
1977. The Plan recommended approximately 15 acres of fill (as opposed to the
one acre currently proposed) and extensive shoreline modification and struc-
tures (see DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL).
The facilities and structures were also more extensive, including an amphi-
theatre, playgrounds, boat rental, water-ski launch and boat marina for day
moorage and had a potentially greater environmental impact. The construction
and maintenance costs to the City of Renton would also have been greater.
LESS INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
If the amount of fill required for development of the number of facilities and
structures were reduced, there could be lower construction and maintenance
1 59
costs to the City than those of the current proposal. Infinite adjustments
could be made to the proposed park extension, such as no fill and no overlook
tower or multi -purpose building, fill and dredging only at the boat ramps with
no stream relocation, fill only to smooth existing angular projections into the
lake, or no boat ramp expansion.
Any of these less intensive alternatives would have approximately the same
overall impacts. The City expenditure for construction and maintenance would
be somewhat less if fewer facilities are constructed. Fish movement would not
be improved from existing conditions without fill to smooth out the shoreline;
however, fish movement might be slightly improved by elimination of the pro-
posed fill associated with the boat launch.
ALTERNATIVE LOCATION
There are no comparable areas of undeveloped shoreline along the south end of
'
Lake Washington that would be suitable for park development. Virtually the
entire shoreline is intensively developed for residential, commercial, or
industrial use.
Development away from the lake would not allow the water -oriented views and
activities associated with the proposal. Existing park congestion and con-
flicts would remain.
1
I
I
t
60 1
I - Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
Geology and Soils
Decrease in soil permeability due to buildings, paving and compaction. Reposi-
tioning and overcovering of soils.
Water
Increase in stormwater runoff volume. Temporary, slight turbidity and silta-
tion associated with fill.
Vegetation
Elimination of some second -growth vegetation and replacement with grass, shrub
and tree areas.
Wildlife
Possible elimination of a few
common species resulting
from a decrease in
diversity and extent of habitat
within the land portion
of the undeveloped
expansion area.
Noise
'
Slight change in noise patterns
due to changes in internal
circulation.
Natural Resources
Consumption of common building materials
for construction
of new facilities.
'
Transportation/Circulation
Increase in traffic to the
volumes
park.
Public Services
Significant increase in funding
required for maintenance and operation.
1
1�
Energy
Consumption of additional quantities of energy for heating and operation of
expanded facilities, travel to and from the site, and power boat usage.
Utilities
Increased consumption of water and electricity requiring internal extensions
of each system.
61
References
Beaton, J. L., A. J. Ranzieri, E. C. Shirley and J. B. Skog, Mathematical
Approach. to Estimating Highway Impact on Air Qualit,�, CA-HWY-MR 6570825 4 -
72-08, State of California - Division of Highways, 1972.
Census Bureau, Characteristics of the Population - 1970 Census of Population,
Washington, D. 1973.
City of Renton Planning Department, Community Development Plan, 1976.
City of Renton Planning Department, Final Environmental Im act Statement for
Renton, Washington, 1979.
City of Renton Subdivision Ordinance.
City of Renton Zoning Ordinance and Code.
Environmental Protection Agency, A Manual for the Review of Highway Noise
Impact, 55/9-77-356, Washington, ., 1977.
Environmental Protection Agency, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Fac-
tors, AP-42 (with revisionsResearch Triangle Park, N.C.,
Environmental Protection Agency, Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate ar i n of
' Safety, 550 9-747004, Washington, D.C., 1974.
Harader, Mebust, Edlbnd, Thorson, Lake Washington Beach Park the Phase II
PlanningPro ram and Master Plan, Batt e, Washington, 1976, Adopted April,
1977.
Jones & Jones, (City of Renton Department of Parks and Recreation), Evaluation
of: Gene L. Coulon Beach Park Phase.II Planning Program and Master Plan,
Renton, Washington, 1979.
Nautilus Associates, Ltd., Impact Evaluation - Lake Washington Beach Park
Phase II Plan, Sequim, Washington, January, 1979.
Norman Associates, A Review of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Bellevue,
Washington, 1979.
Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission, Climatological Handbook - Columbia
Basin States, Vancouver, Washington, 1968.
Preston, Richard, North American Trees, Iowa State University Press, Ames,
Iowa, 1961. -
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency Air ua � g g y, Q _ty Data Summary, Technical
1 Services Division, Seattle, Washington, Published Annually.
Puget Sound Council of Governments, Central Pu et Sound Region - Po ulation and
Housing Estimates as of April 1, 19-76, Seattle, Washington, 1977.
63
Puget Sound Council of Governments, Comparison of IRDP, METRO 201/208 RIBCO and
RDPI AAM Population Forecasts, Seattle, Washington, 1977. -
Rittenhouse - Zeman and Associates, Inc., Soils Investigation, Bellevue,
Washington, 1979.
United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Natural Vegetation
of Oregon and Washington, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment
Station, Technical Report PNW-8, Portland, Oregon, 1973.
Wahl, T. R. and D. R. Paulson, A Guide to Bird Finding in Washin ton, Whatcom
Museum Press, Bellingham, Washington, 1974.
Washington State Department of Ecology, Ambient Air Quality Standards, Olympia,
Washington, 1971.
Washington State Department of Ecology, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels,
(WAC 173-60), Olympia, Washington, 1975.
Washington State Department of Ecology, Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Stan-
dards, (WAC 173-62), Olympia, Washington, 1975.
ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED:
City of Renton Fire Department
City of Renton Parks & Recreation Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
General Disposal Company
Muskoxen Committee
Pacific Northwest Bell
Puget Sound Power and Light Company
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Energy
Valley General Hospital
Washington Natural Gas Company
64
List of Elements of the Environment
ELEMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT IPAGE
'
Earth
..................................................a........ Geology.
19
Soils... .......... .............................................
19
Topography....................................... ..................
19
Unique physical features........ .............. ................
19
Erosion...... .. .................................................
21
Accretion/avulsion
19
.................. ...............................
Air
Airquality.......................................................
23
1
Odor...............
N/A
Climate. ...........................:..................
23
Water.............................................
Surface water movement.
26
Runoff/absorption..................................................
26
Floods.............................................................
51
Surface water quantity .............................................
26
Surface -water quality ..............................................
26
Ground water movement ..............................................
26
Ground water quantity•
26
Ground water quality.. .............................................
26
Public water supplies ...............................................
50
'
Flora
Numbers or diversity of species ....................................
27
Unique species ............:........................................
28
Barriers and/or corridors.
28
Agricultural crops .................................................
N/A
' Fauna ...................................
Numbers or diversity of species. 29
Unique species ..................................................... 29
Barriers and/or corridors :::::::::::::::::::::::::..::::::::::::::: 30
Fish or .wildlife habitat. 29
Noise................................................................32
Light and Glare ..................................... .................36
1
Land -Use.............................................................36
Natural Resources
Rateof use........................................................36
Nonrenewable resources.............................................35
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emissions .............................36
1
65
1
ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
PAGE
Population..........................................................
41
Housing..............................................................
41
Transportation/Circulation
Vehicular transportation generated .................................
41
Parking facilities .................................................
Transportation systems ..... .......................................
45
45
Movement/circulation of people or goods ............................
41
Waterborne,rail and air traffic ....................................
Traffic hazards
45
45
....................................................
Public Services
Fire............................................................... 46
Police............................................................. 46
Schools........................................................ 48
Parks or other recreational facilities ............................. 48
Maintenance..................................................... 48
Other governmental services ........................................ 47
End
Amount required......... .........................................
49
Source/availability......`..........................................
49
Utilities
Energy.............................................................
49
Communications.....................................................
Water..............................................................
50
50
Sewer..............................................................
51
Stormwater ........................................................
Solidwaste ........................................................
51
51
Human Health (including mental health) ...............................
52
Aesthetics...........................................................
53
Recreation........................................................... 53
Archeological/historical............................................. 54
Additional Population Characteristics ................................ N/A
1
66
�
Appendix
1 _
NOISE
General Description of Noise
Noise is any sound which is undesirable because it interferes with speech and
hearing or is otherwise annoying (the term "environmental noise", as used by
the Environmental Protection Agency, means the intensity, duration and charac-
ter of sound from all sources). Noise is a physical phenomenon created primar-
ily from mechanical vibration. Noise occurs in a predictable fashion where
' free sound radiation is governed, with minor variance, by an inverse rela-
tionship (as the distance from the source increases,.the sound is reduced) and
its transmission is determined by the physical properties of the transmitting
medium (usually air).
' Man's response to' no i se is determined by the sound level emanating from the
source of noise and the frequency spectrum of the sound. Noise intensity
' represents the level of sound which is weighted in accordance to the apparent
loudness perceived by an average human observer. This number is expressed in
' "A" -weighted decibels and is written as dBA. This descriptor is the one
generally accepted as having the best correlation with human judgements of
loudness. Each increase of 10 dBA in the noise level is subjectively judged as
an approximate doubling of loudness.
Noise intensity covers such a broad range that it is measured logarithmically
and noise levels usually represent a statistical average for a given period of
time. Since noise is rarely steady or constant for long periods, average noise
levels do not readily account for very high noise levels of very short dura-
tion. For example, a long-term average of a 60 decibel (dBA) sound level over
a 24-hour period might include peak sound levels of 110 dBA, but such an event
might be less than one second in duration. This fluctuating noise can be
described statistically by noise levels exceeded for given percentages of time
during a prescribed time period. The commonly used statistical levels are LgO,
' L50' and L101 for which the number in the subscript indicates the percentage of
time that the given level is exceeded. The Lg0 is indicative of background
noise in the absence of local noise events. The L50 is the median or "average"
' sound level exceeded 50 percent of the time. The L10 is usually indicative of
maximum noise from recurring events, such as traffic during peak volumes.
1 67
The total noise exposure for a prescribed time period is given by the Leq, or
equivalent level, which is the dBA level of a constant sound having the amount
of acoustical energy contained in the time -varying measured noise. The Ldn, or
day -night sound level, is the Leq over 24 hours with a 10 dBA weighting applied
to the nighttime (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) noise. The Ldn environmental noise
descriptor is preferred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ldn
levels in this report were computed from the measured noise levels by normaliz-
ing these levels for traffic variations over a 24-hour period.
The criteria used for evaluation of noise impacts are as follows:
Regulations and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Statements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Noise Guidelines for Environmental
Impact Statements identify levels which can be used to evaluate noise impacts.
These levels are not to be construed as standards. The document states that
°until more definitive guidelines are established for various types of pro-
jects, EPA personnel will be guided by the general considerations" indicated
below for residential areas:
Ldn 55 dBA Levels are generally acceptable; no noise impact is gen-
erally associated with these levels.
Ldn 55-65 dBA Adverse noise impacts exist; lowest noise level possible
should be strived for.
Ldn 65-70 dBA Significant adverse noise impacts exist; allowable only
in unusual cases where lower levels are clearly demon-
strated not to be possible.
Ldn 70 dBA Levels have unacceptable public health and welfare
impacts.
The guidelines classify noise increases over the present ambient as follows:
0-5 dBA slight impact
5-10 dBA significant impact
over 10 dBA very serious impact
The guidelines also specify the information that is needed to evaluate noise
impacts and the abatement measures that should be considered if abatement is '
required.
68 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
The Washington State Department of Ecology (WAC 173-60) has also specified
regulations relating to maximum environmental noise levels. They have classi-
fied various areas or zones and established maximum permissible noise levels.
These "EDNA's" (Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement) are classified
as:
a)
Residential area
- Class A
EDNA
b)
Commercial areas
- Class 8
EDNA
c)
Industrial areas
- Class C
EDNA
The maximum permissible noise levels for these zones are shown below.
NOISE LIMITATIONS
EDNA OF NOISE SOURCE
EDNA OF RECEIVING PROPERTY
CLASS A
CLASS B
CLASS C
CLASS A
55 dBA
57 dBA
60 dBA
.CLASS 8
57
60
65
CLASS C
60
65
70
Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, the noise limitation of the above
table shall be reduced by 10 dBA for receiving property within Class A EDNA's.
These noise levels may be exceeded on the receiving property by 15 dBA for 1.5
minutes, 10 dBA for 5 minutes, 5 dBA for 15 minutes for any one hour, day or
night.
The limitations suggested by the State are approximately equivalent to the Ldn
levels indicated by the EPA in residential areas.
Motor vehicle noise is controlled under a different standard (WAC 173-62).
' Because the use of motor vehicles would regularly violate the maximum permissible
levels in the EDNA's, additional regulations have been established to cover this
category. The following standard has been promulgated by the State of Washington
to control the noise levels from motor vehicles:
"No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway or any
combination of such vehicles under any conditions or grade, load, accel-
eration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the following maximum
permissible sound levels for the category of vehicle, as measured at a
distance of.50 feet from the center of the lane of travel within the speed
limits tpecified, under procedures established by the State Commission on
Equipment".
i69
The maximum permissible sound levels referred to are shown in below. Other con-
ditions on motor vehicle noise are also established, but relate primarily to the
occurence of noise from specific activity.
MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
VEHICLE CATEGORY
35 MPH OR LESS
OVER 35 MPH
MANUFACTURED
AFTER 1975
Motor vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
86 dBA
90 dBA
86 dBA
BVWR* or GCWR**
Motorcycles
80
84
83
All other motor vehicles
75
80
80
*GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
**GCWR - Gross Combination Weight Rating
Typical noise levels which can be expected from the types of equipment used in
construction are listed below:
Earth -Moving Equipment
Tractors
Trucks
Backhoes
Graders
Compactors (rollers)
Materials -Handling Equipment
Concrete Mixers
Concrete Pumps
Impact Equipment
Pneumatic Wrenches
Jack Hammers (and rock drills)
Other
Vibrators
Saws
NOISE LEVEL (dBA at 50 feet)
70 - 95
82 - 94
71 - 93
80 - 94
73 - 74
75 -
88
81 -
84
82
- 88
81 -
98
69
- 82
72
- 82
70
Letters of Comment to Draft EIS
'
This section
contains
Letters of Comment to the Draft EIS reproduced in full.
The Renton
Department
of Parks and Recreation wishes to express their apprecia-
'
tion to
agencies and citizens for their time and effort in reviewing
and comment-
ing on the
Draft EIS.
'
Comment
Response
Page
Lae -
Date
January
11, 1980
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ...............
72
95
January
23, 1980
U.S. Coast Guard ...........................
73
95
January
22, 1980
V.S. Department of the Interior............
76
95
January
7, 1980
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.......
74
95
January
8, 1980
Washington State Department of Ecology.....
77
96
'
January
9, 1980
Washington State Department of Fisheries...
78
97
98
January
14, 1980
Washington State Department of Game........
80
December
19, 1979
Washington State Department of Trans-
portation ..............................
83
99
December
14, 1979
Washington State Office of Archaeology
'
and Historic Preservation ...............
81
99
December
11, 1979
Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission ..............................
82
99
1
January
4, 1980
METRO ......................................
84
100
January
11, 1980
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency...
85
100
'
January
14, 1980
King County Department of Budget and
Development
100
Program ..............
86
December
11, 1979
King County Division of Parks and
Recreation ..............................
87
100
January
8, 1980
Renton Fire Department .....................
87-
100
'
January
11, 1980
Renton Planning Department .................
88
100
December
20, 1980
Renton Public Works Department
(Engineering Division) .................
91
102
January
18, 1980
Renton Public Works Department
(Building Division) ......................
92
102
'
December
10, 1979
Leonard Steiner .............................
93
103
1
'
71
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
SEATTLE DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX C-3755
SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98124
NPSEN-PL-ER
John Webley, Director
City of Renton
Department of Parks & Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
1 1 J A tScC
We have reviewed the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension, Renton, Washington, with re-
spect to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' areas of responsibility for
flood control, navigation, and regulatory functions.
The city of Renton should be advised that Lake Washington is a navigable
water of the United States. A Department of the•Army permit is required
for all work in navigable waters of the United States and for the dis-
charge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States in-
cluding adjacent wetlands.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this statement. If you have any
questions, please contact Dr. Steven F. Dice, telephone (206) 764-3624,
of my staff.
Sincerely,
SIDNEY KNUTSON, P.E.
Asst Chief, Engineering Division
72
,
Mµ�
.
,
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Mr. John E. Webley
Director, Parks and Recreation
The City,of Renton
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue, South
Renton, WA 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
_.c.4�1� 5-.,
206 442-7523
16476
DPL79-1279
We have reviewed your draft environmental impact statement
(SEPA), of 7 December 1979, addressing the proposed Gene
Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension. Our review has not
identified any items of Coast Guard concern with this
proposed project as presented in your document; therefore,
we have no comments.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this project.
Sincerely,
r Gior�
G 11fL
}}^^ ,
RD
1. �t.�1].A � :i .'� . I:GB.St:• �'izlill'�.
Ch4ef J3f Staff
13th Coast Guard Dint'r_ct
73
pT F r
United States Department of the Interior
C '
' -- FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Ecological Services
2625 Parkmont bane, S.W., Bldg. B-3
Olympia, WA 98502
January 22, 1980
Mr. John Webley, Director
Renton Parks and Recreation department
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
Re: Draft Environmental Statement Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Extension
Dear Mr. Webley:
We have completed our review of the referenced document as requested by
your office.
We wish to commend you for meeting with the various resource management
agencies at "Muskoxen" during the early planning stages of your project.
This helped eliminate possible conflicts between your proposal and
Federal regulations and guidelines. Your EIS reflects a final product
basically approved by all agencies prior to your drafting this document.
We appreciate your cooperation in reducing the 15 acre fill. Hopefully
this has not effected your initial goals for the project.
Our specific comments would only repeat those stated by Washington
Department of Game; therefore, we will have no further statement.
We hope your city and our -agency can maintain this good working relation-
ship on future projects.
Sincerely,
,�
R. G. Starkey
Acting Field Supervisor
74
1
' U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
J�,��v srgTF R E. G I O N X
s
Tsoa SIXTH AVENUE Z
a �� SEATTLE, WASHINGTOhi 98101
c
PROSSGS
AREPIl
TZN OFOc M/S 443�'
JAN
1. R-TO,
Mr. John Webley, Director �� := CE'T.
City of Renton, Department of Parks and Recreat�Ya�.,_ ►0
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
tDear Mr. Webley:
We have reviewed the SEPA draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for
' the proposed Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park -extension. We have the
following comments for your consideration.
We wish to commend you for planning to extend such a park which will
increase the opportunities for public access to Lake Washington, with
a minimum of serious environmental impacts. We are particularly
pleased that the earlier proposal -which required 15 acres of,fill has
been modified into the present,plan.
However, we do have some questions even about the currently proposed fills.
It is not clear whether the fills will have gentle slopes which will create
' some shallow water areas useful for fish habitat or whether vertical
bulkheads are proposed to reduce construction turbidity. It would be
useful to know how deep the water is and the total area of lake bottom
which will be covered by these fills.
The effect of the various in -water structures on water circulation is
' not addressed. Adequate water circulation is necessary to maintain
2 high water quality - a very desirable goal in such recreation areas. For
instance, it is unclear whether the entire Naterwalk" will be floating.
Water circulation changes in the enlarged boat ramp/moorage area and by
the piers should particularly examined.
The DEIS indicates that the shoreline within the park extension will be
' 3, extensively regraded to eliminate steep drop-offs. If these regrades
[extend below the water surface, they should be considered as fills.
1 75
2
1
I
The water quality in the drainage ditch appears to be a major problem.
Improved water quality would be adventageous to the public to insure '
4 the success of the marsh - wildlife habitat area, and to reduce poll.ution
in an area of water contact recreation as well as the pollution loads
to Lake Washington. We urge that the city include all measures neccessary '
to end the problem as part of the implementation of the park plan.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this DEIS. Please contact ,
Judi Schwarz, 442-1285, if you have any questions regarding our comments.
Sincerely,
V 7
Roge�K. Mochnick, Acting Chief
Environmental Evaluation Branch '
1
F
I
76 ,
STATE OF
-
WASHINGTON
.f4. —
Dixy Lee Ray
Gauernor
1
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
Mail Stop PV-;1 206i753-2800
Olympia, Washington 98504
January 8, 1980
John Webley
'
Renton Department of Parks
• and Recreation
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft
environmental impact statement for therGene Coulon Memorial
Beach Park extension. We have reviewed the EIS and offer
the following comments for your consideration.
Water quality in the existing city drainage ditch should be
carefully evaluated before allowing any use for human recreation.
1 Accidental spills of chemicals or petroleum products from any -
of the industries upstream could cause serious water quality
'
problems.
FThe final EIS should address the effects of a fixed pier-wavebreak
211 on the normal circulation pattern of the water. A discussion
'
Lof possible water stagnation problems should also be included.
[Every
3 effort should be made to minimize turbidity problems in
1
the lake.
.If you have any questions, please contact Mike Dawda of our
'
Northwest Regional Office at 885-1900.
' Sincerely,
' Barbara J. Ritchie
Environmental Review Section
1 BJR/mgh
cc: Mike Dawda, DOE, Northwest Region
' 77
STATE OF
4
WASHINGTON
Dixy Lee Ray
Gouernor
January 9, 1980
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
115 General Administration Building, 019mpia, Washington 9&504 206r753-8600
Mr. John Webley
City of Renton
Parks and Recreation Department
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for Gene Coulon Beach Park Extension
King Count . _. WRIA B-08
•tf /
N
The Department of Fisheries has reviewed the above -referenced statement
and offers the following comments.
This Department has been aware of the City of Renton's desire to expand
recreational opportunities at this location for several months. The
alternative.presented is a result, in part, of project design modification
which has occurred during this coordination process. We find the.description
of fishery resources under our jurisdiction and anticipated impacts generally
to be accurately stated. However, we wish to raise the following points:
For those areas of fill in Lake Washington which will result in a permanent
vertical waterward face greater than 1.5 feet below Ordinary High dater
i (OHW = 21.8 feet) we will request that the entire waterward face be sloped
1.5 feet horizontal to each 1.0 foot vertical to provide shallow water areas
for juvenile salmonid predator avoidance.
On page 22 it is stated that as a mitigating measure vertical or near vertical
2 bulkheads could be built with fill material being placed behind them to reduce
turbidity. Will these bulkheads be permanent or temporary? If permanent
_see the comment immediately above.
Is the proposed fixed wave break near the boat launch ramp a floating structure I
3 on piles or will fill material be used? If fill material is used how will this
affect surface water circulation or sediment deposition?
4 [Will any dredging be necessary, maintenance or otherwise?
5 {Since juvenile salmon migration may be adversely affected by artificial lighting
L their use should be held to a minimum and not illuminate surface waters directly.
The proposed channel change to relocate the stream and create the marsh is not
6 clearly depicted in detail. 'Additional detailed plans will be required when
[application is made for Hydraulic Project Approval. This is also true for
1
' Mr. John Webley - 2 - January 9, 1980
other aspects of in water work activities. Inclusion of these plans in the
Final EIS would not be inappropriate.
7 [Will sewage pump -out facilities be available at the moorage areas?
8 plans have been made to deal with viscera if cleaning of fish is to
'[What
occur at the park?
' A mitigating measure listed -on page 31 states that all pile driving shall be
conducted between the months of July and October. This timing requirement
is designed to avoid damage to incubating eggs deposited by lake shore spawning
' 9 sockeye salmon. Although the use of this shoreline area by lake shore sockeye
for spawning purposes may be minimal due to the fine.texture of sediment, if
pile driving and all fills in the lake are scheduled from July through October
this will avoid turbidity induced increased predation rates upon juvenile
sockeye outmigrating from the Cedar River.
We appreciate the opportunity to review this statement and hope that you will
find our comments useful.
Sincerely,
_
Gordon Sandisdn,
' Director
mr
1 cc: Bob Zeigler -Game
1
1
1
1 79
<<•< 47A
STATE OF
WASHINGTON
Dixy Lee Ray
Gouernor
January
14, 1980
DEPARTMENT OF GAME
600 North Capitol Way, Gd-11 Olympia, WA 98504 206/753-5700
cVk
Mr. John Webley, Director
Renton Parks and Recreation Department
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension
1
1
Mr. Webley,
'
Your document was reviewed by our staff as requested; our comments follow.
We commend you for contacting resource agencies in the early planning stages
of your project. This helped eliminate potential problems. Your EIS is
basically accurate and well written. However, we have the following comments
on your proposal.
'
We appreciate your scaling down the number of facilities and eliminating
most of the proposed 15-acre fill. From a fish and wildlife standpoint,
,
your final proposal is a much better project. We have two general
recommendations.
'
1) We recommend a settling basin and oil trap to clean storm water runoff.
This facility should be as close to the source of pollution as possible.
Water entering the constructed wetlands should be free of storm water
pollutants.
'
2) We recommend you use native vegetation as much as possible. Increased
use of native vegetation for landscaping would reduce the need for '
2 fertilizers and thereby reduce storm water pollutants entering the lake.
Many types of native plants can be aesthetically pleasing and also
benefit wildlife (for example, dogwood, snowberry, and so forth). '
Thank you for sending your document. We hope you find our comments helpful.
Sincerely, '
THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME '
Bob ZeiglerJApgplkd Ecologist
Environmental Affairs Program ,
Habitat Management Division
BZ:cv ,
cc: Regional Manager
Agencies
80 '
z� � 3
STATE OF
-,i
WASHINGTON
1.,
Din Lee Ray
Governor
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION KF 01
Highway Administration Building, Olympia, Washington 98504 206?753-6005
December 19, 1979
Mr. John Webley, Director
Parks and Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue
Penton, Washington- 98055
E(ED
s DEC 1 6 =tf
"i ty of Rerton
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Dear Mr. Webley:
We have reviewed the subject document and have no comments to offer
regarding the proposal.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this information.
Sincerely,
ROBERT S. NIELSEN
Assistant Secretary for Public
Transportation and Planning
By: WILLIAM P. ALBOHN
Environmental planner
RSN :1 o
WPA/WBH
cc: J. D. Zirkle/T. R. Burke
Environmental Section
R. Albert
1
'C,'rIt STATE OF OFFICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
WASHINGTON 111 West TwentyFirst Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98504 206l753-4011
r `y
Dixy Lee Ray December 14, 1979
f
Gouernor
John Webley, Director
City of Renton Dept. of Parks
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
Dear Applicant:
In reply. refer to: 101-F-COE-05
Re: Gene Coulon Memorial
Beach Park Extension
We have reviewed your draft environmental impact statement and
find there are no historic/archaeological properties on the State
or National Register of Historic Places, or the Washington State
Inventory of Historic Places, that will be impacted by the project.
In the event that unknown archaeological resources are inadvertently
unearthed during construction activities, please notify the Office
of Archaeology and'Historic Preservation in Olympia, and the Wash-
ington Archaeological. Research Center, Pullman, Washington.
Sincerely,
Jeanne M. Welch, Deputy State
Histo Preser atio ficer
and
Sheila Stump, Archaeologis
t<0q
VE0 1�
� L.
82
Form AHP R-6 (1/79)
STATA.,
STATE of WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND jRzqREATION COMMISSION
WASHINGTON '
7150 Cleanwater lane, Olympia, Washington 98504 ,M • S�� ; 2961753 5755
tit '' Dixy Lee flay
lean
Governor December 11 , 1979
35-2650-1
DEIS -Gene Cou on Memorial
Beach Park Extension
(E-1831 )
Mr. John Webley, Director
City of Renton Parks and Recreation
Department
Municipal Building
200• Mi 11, Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
The staff of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
has reviewed the above -noted document and does not wish to make
any comment.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment.
Sincerely,
David W. Heiser, F.P., Chief
Environmental Coordination
DWH/PJP: jh
Ld
' 83
c 3
E
A
M Em T R
O Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle
Exchange Bldg. * 821 Second Ave., Seattle, Washington 98104
January 4, 1980
John Webley, Director
City of Renton
Department of Parks & Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension
Metro staff has reviewed this proposal and anticipates
no adverse impacts to its wastewater facilities or the
public transportation system.
The measuresdesigned to minimize adverse water quality
impacts are adequate and consistent with the objectives
of the 208 Areawide Water Quality Plan.
Thank you'for the opportunity to review and comment.
Very truly yours,
Rodney G. Proctor
Environmental Planning Division
RGP:apj
84
Zi
1
t
t
t
1
.1
I
1
Mr. John Webley, Director
City of Renton
Department'of Parks and Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
410 West Harrison Street, P.O. Box 9863 (206) 344-7330
r Seattle, Washington 98109
January 11, 1980
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension
in response to the proposed Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension
this Agency concludes that it adequately addresses the
impacts of the proposed zoning -changes on air quality.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
sj
IRVING.
KING COUNTY
410 West Harrison St.
Box 9863
attla, 98109
61 344.7330
KITSAP COUNTY
4I Operator for Toll
e Number Zenith 8385
abridge Isla d. 98110
1 344.7330
PIERCE COUNTY
Hass Building
on a, 88402
61 tl83.5851 •
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
f) 259-0288
9OAR0 OF DIRECTORS
F
IRMAN: Gene Lobe, Commissioner Kitsap County;
s B. Haines, Commissioner Snohomish County;
ex S. Poll, Member at Large;
Very truly yours
• � I 11
A. R. Dammkoehler
Air Pollution Control Officer
�"
.8" VICE CHAIRMAN: Patrick J. Gallagher, Commissioner Pierce County;
Glenn K. Jarstad, Mayor 8ramarton: William E. Moore, Mayor Everett; Mike Parker, Mayor Tacome;
Charles Raver, Mayor Seattle; John 0. Spellman, King County Executive: A. R. Oammkoehler, Air Pollution Control Officer.
King County, State of Washington
John D. Spellman, County Executive
Department of Budget and Program Development
Mary Blen McCaffree, Director
Budget Division
Room 400, King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
John M. Rose, Manager
(206) 344-7370
January 14, 1980
Mr. John Wehley, Director
Renton Department of Parks &
Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
Dear Mr. Webley:
The draft EIS for Gene -Coulon Memorial Beach Park Extension
has been reviewed by several King County departments, and
we have no comments to offer at this time.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this impact statement.
MEM/pt
Sincerely,
MaryE Zen, titcCaffre Chairran
Environmental Impac ommittee
M
King County
State of Washington
John D. Spellman, County Executive
Department of Planning and Community Development
(John P. Lynch, Director
u
1
t
DIVISION OF PARKS & RECREATION
James E. Webster, Director
709 Smith Tower
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 344.4232
December 11 ,• 1979
Mr. John Webley
Director of Parks & Recreation "Z/
City of Renton
Municipal Building
200.Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Mr. Webley,
The King County Division of Parks & Recreation has
reviewed your Draft E.I.S. for Gene Coulon Memorial
Beach Park and has no comments to make at' this time.
Thank you for the opportunity to review.
BJ:db
Sincerely
Bob Jacobs
Capital Improvements Manager
87
11
I N T E R O F F I C E M E M•
TO: John Webley, City of Renton Parks Director DATE:
FROM: Jim Matthew, Battalion Chief
SUBJECT: Gene Coulon Me*iorial Beach Park Draft E.I.S.
y!
7 1 1�
The draft E.I.S. addresses the concerns of the Fire Department
very well. Pre -construction conferences will be necessary for
specific details on installation of fire protection equipments.
+aa`
r.�. '�
_ 1
. i
1
88
1
OF R4
'
�� z THE CITY OF RENTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING 200 MILL AVE. SO. RENTON. WASH. 98055
R .-
S CHARLES J. DELAURENTI MAYOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT
°g%
235 - 2550
Pam.
9�rFo
si:Q��MO�
1
MEMORANDUM �4
0� Lw
January 11, 1980 I—
1 C?IVr
tTO:
John Webley, Director
Department of Parks & Recreation
FROM: Gordon Y. Ericksen, Planning Director
By: David R. Clemens, Senior Planner
RE: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Expansion
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
We have reviewed the Draft EIS for Gene Coulon Beach Park
Expansion and have the following comments to offer:
1. The City of Renton Shoreline Master Program is the primary
mechanism for regulating development along the shores of Lake
Washington within the City. The provisions of the Master Program
supplement the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Approval
of a Substantial Development Permit, under the Shoreline piaster
Program and RCW 90.48, is a prerequisite for approval of other
development permits. Where existing land use plans and regulations
and the necessity for securing various permits are noted in the
Draft EIS (e.g. page 7, 18 and 22), appropriate mention of the
Shoreline Master Program should be provided.
The Gene Coulon Park Expansion proposal is located almost
entirely within the designated shoreline of the City of Renton.
Therefore, construction of boat ramps, bulkheads, piers and docks,
parking, trails and filling and stream alteration must conform with
the specific use regulations of the Master Program. Construction of
the piers and docks may require a variance from these regulations,
which must be approved by the State of Washington.
2. Portions of the park development, specifically the floating
piers, docks and log booms, extend beyond the inner harbor line and
2 out to the outer harbor line. The inner harbor line defines the City
1 of Renton's corporate limits and the City's jurisdiction does not
extend beyond. In order to accomplish development of the park in
89
1
Memorandum to John Webley
January 11, 1980
Page Two
this portion of Lake Washington, approval from the State of Washington
may be required. This situation should be investigated and clarified
in the Final EIS.
�3. The discussion of air quality impacts from additional vehicular
traffic generated by the proposal should be expanded. The reduction in
overall vehicle emissions predicted for 1982 and 1990 as a result of
3 tighter Federal guidelines is emphasized in the Draft EIS. We feel it
would be more appropriate to address the additional air quality
impacts of the proposal that could be expected over and above the
predicted future pollutant levels, whatever they may be.
4. Regarding reduced conflicts between user groups that may result
from park expansion, it is unclear whether this result is a goal of park
4 development and design or not. The implications of potential separation
which are noted as mitigating measures should be explored further with
respect to vandalism, traffic patterns, and the need for police protection
and park maintenance.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this document. Other than the
areas of concern noted above, we feel that the Draft EIS adequately
addresses the impacts of the proposed action. '
If you have any further questions, please contact this department.
GYE:DRC:sh
.0
INTEROFFICE C O R R E S P O N D E N C E
Date December 20, 1979
1 TO: Warren C. Gonnason
FROM: Richard C. Houghton
SUBJECT: EIS Gene Coulon Park
r
The water line should be extended along g Lake Washington Blvd. rather than
through the park. Extensions.then could be made as needed into the park.
Also some reimbursement to the park could be derived from other parties
connecting to the line on the east side of Lake Washington Blvd.
2 No problems with sewers. Should be able to connect to Metro by special
permit. The need for a pump station should be re-evaluated considering
Ldepth of Metro line.
3 [Improvemerits to Lake.Washington Blvd. will be necessary. Probably addi-
tion of a left turn lane with lots of storage.
This being really the only area on the southeast end of the lake that has
4 a boat launch facility close attention should be given to developing as
many facilities for that purpose as is possible. Especially auto -trailer
parking facilities.
t
RCH:pmp
1
1 91
4F RE
0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
M L BUILDING DIVISION 235.2540
z Q
09 7` 1b, MUNICIPAL BUILDING 200 MILL AVE. SO. RENTON, WASH. 98055
le
ON"to�IFPTSOO
January 18, 1980
BARBARA Y. SHINPOCH
MAYOR
TO: Warren Gonnason
FROM: Ron Nelson
SUBJECT: Review EIS Gene Coulon Park
CWould suggest work hours be established in order to
minimize noise entering the residential areas.
Other than that the project looks okay.
RGN/mp
Attach.
92
01
1` RECEIVED=�
DEC 1 =)1979 0 -12
CITY of Ra"b
�.- PA-" DEPT. �) 13239 N. E. 100th
Kirkland, Wa. 98033
December 12, 1979
1 -
Renton Parks & Recreation Dept.
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, Washington 98055
Dear Sir:.
The proposed extension by the city of Renton of the Gene Coulon Memor-
ial Beach Park could have some desireable side benefits to wildlife.
If the vegetation removal can be held to a minimum and all vegetation
replanting of trees and shrubs were beneficial to wildlife, then a
unique habitat could be created. Generally a good mix of evergreen
and deciduous that produce berries and provide cover are the most bene-
ficial. This could be accomplished in some of the passive use areas.
2 Cif the log -boom was made three or four logs wide, then it could provide
a.resting area for the water fowl that use these environs.
With these slight modifications this could be a very desireable addition
to the community for both humans and wildlife.
I LS : sf
t
Sincerely,
Leonard Steiner, President
East Lake Washington Audubon Society
93
Responses to Comments
COMMENT LETTER FROM U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
January 11, 1990
Comment: The city of Renton should be advised that Lake Washington is a
navigable water of the United States. A Department of the Army
permit is required for all work in navigable waters of, the United
States and for the discharge of dredged or fill material into
waters of the United States including adjacent wetlands.
Response: The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department is aware of
the Department of the Army requirements. A U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers' permit is listed as a license required on page ii of
the Draft EIS.
1 COMMENT LETTER FROM U.S. COAST GUARD - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
January eS, .ivbu
No comment. No response necessary.
ICOMMENT LETTER FROM.U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
January ee, iYou
Thank you for your comment. No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER
FROM U-.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
January 7, 1980
Comment 1:
We do have some questions even about the currently proposed
fills. It is not clear whether the fills will have gentle slopes
which will create some shallow water areas useful for fish habi-
tat or whether vertical bulkheads are proposed to reduce con-
struction turbidity. It would be useful to know how deep the
water is and the total area of lake bottom which will be covered
by these fills.
Response 1:
The slopes of any fill below water level would not exceed 12
horizontal to 1 vertical (refer to Comment 1 from Department of
Fisheries). The water is up to ten feet deep in areas of fill.
The several small areas of fill would total approximately one
acre.
Comment-2: The effect of the various in -water structures on water circula-
tion is not addressed. Adequate water circulation is necessary
to maintain high water quality - a very desirable goal -in such
1 95
recreation areas. For instance, it is unclear whether the en-
tire "waterwalk" will be floating. Water circulation changes in
the enlarged boat ramp/moorage area and by the piers should be
particularly examined.
Response 2: All pier structures are to be floating or pile -supported struc-
tures allowing water circulation beneath. In recent revisions
to the master plan, projections adjacent to the boat launch have
been reduced and boat launch ramps extended reducing the irregu-
larity of the shoreline to improve circulation. Thus, the proj-
ect would not significantly affect water circulation.
Comment 3: The DEIS indicates that the shoreline within the park extension
will be extensively regraded to eliminate steep drop-offs. If
these regrades extend below the water surface, they should be
considered as fills.
Response 3: The regrades referred to in the Draft EIS are exclusively on-
shore and will not extend below the water (refer to Response 1
above for discussion of fills).
Comment 4: The water quality in the drainage ditch appears to be a major
problem. Improved water quality would be advantageous to the
public to insure the success of the marsh -wildlife habitat area,
and to reduce pollution in an area of water contact recreation as
well as the pollution loads to Lake Washington. We urge that the
city include all measures necessary to end the problem as part of
the implementation of the park plan.
Response 4: Thank you for your comment. The city is examining several
approaches to mitigate this problem; however, the complete solu-
tion is beyond the scope of this project.
COMMENT LETTER FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
January 8,
Comment 1: Water quality in the existing city drainage ditch should be
carefully evaluated before allowing any use for human recrea-
tion. Accidental spills of chemicals or petroleum products from
any of the industries upstream could cause serious water quality
problems.
Response 1: Direct recreational use of the ditch is not anticipated; how-
ever, the ditch will be posted prohibiting human use until tests
indicate that water quality is adequate.
Comment 2: The final EIS should address the effects of a fixed pier-
wavebreak on the normal circulation pattern of the water. A
discussion of possible water stagnation problems should also be
included.
Response 2: Due to recent.modifications in the plans for the boat launch and
the fact that all piers and wavebreaks would either be floating
or pile -supported, no significant impact to water circulation
will result.
Comment 3: Every effort should be made to minimize turbidity problems in
the lake.
Response 3: Detailed descriptions of the measures used to control turbidity
will not be available until final designs are completed. How-
ever, clean, coarse material will be used for fills in the water.
COMMENT LETTER
FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
January 9, 1980
Comment 1:
For those areas of fill in Lake Washington which will result in a
permanent vertical waterward face greater than 1.5 feet below
Ordinary High Water (OHW = 21.8 feet) we will request that the
entire waterward face be sloped 1.5 feet horizontal to each 1.0
foot vertical to provide shallow water areas for juvenile sal-
monid predator avoidance.
Response 1:
Thank you for this information.
Comment 2:
On page 22 it is stated that as a mitigating measure vertical or
near vertical bulkheads could be built with fill material being
placed behind them to reduce turbidity. Will these bulkheads be
permanent or temporary? If permanent see the comment immedi-
ately above.
Response 2:
The intention of the mitigating measure was installation of a
permanent bulkhead for underwater fills; however, these will not
1
be required since all underwater fill will be at a slope of 1.5
to 1 or less.
' Comment 3: Is the proposed fixed wavebreak near the boat launch ramp a
floating structure on piles or will fill material be used? If
fill material is used how will this affect surface water circu-
lation or sediment deposition.
Response 3: The entire fixed wavebreak and pier is either a floating struc-
ture or supported by piles, thereby allowing water to circulate.
Comment 4: Will any dredging be necessary, maintenance or otherwise?
Response 4: A minimal amount•of dredging associated with the proposed new
boat launch will be necessary.
Comment 5: Since juvenile salmon migration may be adversely affected by
artificial lighting their use should be held to a minimum and not
illuminate surface waters directly.
1 97
u
Response 5: Artificial lighting will avoid illuminating surface waters
directly.
Comment 6: The proposed channel change to relocate the stream and create
the marsh is not clearly depicted in detail. Additional de-
tailed plans will be required when application is made for
Hydraulic Project Approval. This is also true for other aspects
of in -water work activities. Inclusion of these plans in the
Final EIS would not be inappropriate.
Response 6: Detailed plans are presently being prepared and are not avail-
able for inclusion in the Final EIS. They will be supplied with
application for a Hydraulics Permit and Corps of Engineers
Permits.
Comment 7: Will sewage pump -out facilities be available at the moorage
areas?
Response 7: The potential for sewage pump -out facilities for the moorage
areas is still being investigated with the Department of
Ecology.
Comment 8: What plans have been made to deal with viscera if cleaning of
fish is to occur at the park?
Response 8: For waste disposal, drains from fish -cleaning stations will be
connected to the sanitary sewer system 'or to sewage pump -out
facilities.
Comment 9: A mitigating measure listed on page 31 states that all pile -
driving shall be conducted between the months of July and
October. This timing requirement is designed to avoid damage to
incubating eggs deposited by lake shore spawning sockeye salmon.
Although the use of this shoreline area by lake shore sockeye for
spawning purposes may be minimal due to the fine texture of
sediment, if pile driving and fills in the lake are scheduled
from July through October this will avoid turbidity induced in-
creased predation rates upon juvenile sockeye outmigrating from
the Cedar River.
Response 9: Thank you for this information.
COMMENT LETTER FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF GAME
January 14, 1980
Comment 1: We recommend a settling basin and oil trap to clean storm water
runoff. This facility should be as close to the source of
pollution as possible. Water entering the constructed wetlands
should be free of storm water pollutants.
I
Response 1: A detention pond for stormwater runoff is proposed upstream of
the marsh area. (Refer to page 51 of the Draft EIS.) In
addition, oil/water separators and silt traps will be installed
in the catch basins for all the roads and parking lots within the
project. (Please refer to Response 4 to the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and to page 27 of the Draft EIS.)
i
Comment 2: We recommend you use native vegetation as much as possible.
Increased use of native vegetation for landscaping would reduce
the need for fertilizers and thereby reduce storm water pollu-
tants entering the lake. Many types of native plants can be
aesthetically pleasing and also benefit wildlife (for example,
dogwood, snowberry, and so forth).
Response 2: The use of native vegetation wherever possible is part of the
plan for the park expansion. (Please refer to page 29 of the
Draft EIS.) Inclusion of food -producing species (e.g., haw-
thorne, dogwood, willow, snowberry, vine maple and wild rose)
was stated as a mitigating measure on page 31.
Along with reducing stormwater pollutants, maintenance costs and
problems would be minimized by the planting of native vegetation
(Refer to page 48 of the Draft EIS).
TA TM T OF TRANSPORTATION
COMMENT LETTER FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPAR EN PORTATION S
December 19, 1979
No comment. No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER FROM WASHINGTON STATE OFFICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
December 1 , 1979
Comment: In the event that unknown archaeological resources are inadver-
tently unearthed during construction activities, please notify
the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia,
and the Washington Archaeological Research Center, Pullman,
Washington.
Response: If any archaeological resources are discovered during construc-
tion, the office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation will
be notified.
COMMENT LETTER FROM WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION UMMISSION
December 11, 1979
No comment. No response necessary.
99
COMMENT LETTER FROM METRO
anuary 4, 1980
No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER FROM PUGET SOUND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
January 11,
No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER FROM KING COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
January 14, 1980
No comment. No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER FROM KING COUNTY DIVISION OF PARKS & RECREATION
December 11,
No comment. No response necessary.
COMMENT LETTER FROM RENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 8,
Comment: Pre -construction conferences will be' necessary for specific de-
tails on installation of fire protection equipments. I
Response: Specific details for 'the installation of fire protection equip-
ment will be determined with the help of the Fire Department.
Construction plans for park structures will then be finalized.
COMMENT LETTER FROM RENTON PLANNING DEPARTMENT
January 11,
Comment 1: The City of Renton Shoreline'Master Program is the primary
mechanism for regulating development along the shores of Lake
Washington within the City. The provisions of the Master Pro-
gram supplement the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordi-
nance. Approval of a Substantial Development Permit, under the
Shoreline Master Program and RCW 90.48, is a prerequisite for
approval of other development permits. Where existing land use
plans and regulations and the necessity for securing various
permits are noted in the Draft EIS (e.g. page 7, 18 and 22),
appropriate mention of the Shoreline Master Program should be
provided.
100
1
The Gene Coulon Park Expansion proposal is located almost en-
tirely within the designated shoreline of the City of Renton.
Therefore, construction of boat ramps, bulkheads, piers and
docks, parking, trails and filling and stream alteration must
conform with the specific use regulations of the Master Program.
Construction of the piers and docks may require a variance from
these regulations, which must be approved by the State of Wash-
ington.
Response 1. The Shoreline Master Program and/or the need for a shoreline
management Substantial Development Permit are referenced on
pages ii and 18 of the Draft EIS.
Representatives of the Department of Ecology, the Renton Plan-
ning Department and the Parks Department and its consultants
attended a meeting to resolve this question. It was agreed that
no amendment to the City.Shoreline Master Program, conditional
use permit or variance to the shoreline regulations would be
appropriate or necessary to allow the proposed development. A
substantial development permit will be required under the Renton
Shoreline Master Program.
Comment 2: Portions of the park development, specifically the floating
piers, docks and log booms, extend beyond the inner harbor line
and out to the outer harbor Tine. The inner harbor line defines
the City of Renton's corporate limits and the City's jurisdic-
tion does not extend beyond. In order to accomplish development
of the park in this portion of Lake Washington, approval from the
State of Washington may be required. This situation should be
investigated and clarified in the Final EIS.
Response 2: The area between the inner and outer harbor limit is controlled
by the Port of Seattle on behalf of the Department of Natural
Resources and portions of this are presently under lease to the
City of Renton. Additional leases will be obtained from the Port
for the entire length of the park.
Comment 3: The discussion of air quality impacts from additional vehicular
traffic generated by the proposal should be expanded. The re-
duction in overall vehicle emissions predicted for 1982 and 1990
as a result of tighter Federal guidelines is emphasized in the
Draft EIS. We feel it would be more appropriate to address the
additional air quality impacts of the proposal that could be
expected over and above the predicted future pollutant levels,
whatever they may be.
Response 3: The air quality impacts of the proposal will be less in 1990 than
they are at present. The concentration of carbon monoxide is not
predicted to exceed 1 ppm. Even after adding all the projected
traffic, the 1990 concentrations will be about 80% lower than
the existing levels. (Refer to letter from Puget Sound Air
Pollution Control Agency,)
Comment 4: Regarding reduced conflicts between user groups that may result
from park expansion, it is unclear whether this result is a goal
of park development and design or not. The implications of
potential separation which are noted as mitigating measures
' 101
should be explored further with respect to vandalism, traffic
patterns, and the need for police protection and park mainte-
nance.
Response 4: The possible reduction in conflicts and separation of uses
should result in reduced requirements for maintenance and police
protection relative to the volume of park use.
COMMENT LETTER FROM RICHARD HOUGHTON - RENTON PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
(ENGINEERING
December 20, 1979
Comment 1: The water line should be extended along Lake Washington Blvd.
rather than through the park. Extensions then could be made as
needed into the park. Also some reimbursement to the park could
be derived from other parties connecting to the line on the east
side of Lake Washington Blvd.
Response 1: Construction of the water line along Lake Washington Boulevard
would require numerous supply lines across the railroad line
into the park with associated domplicated easement negotiations.
This alternative would be significantly more expensive to the
Renton Parks Department.
Comment 2: No problems with sewers. Should be able to connect to Metro by
special permit. The need for a pump station should be re-
evaluated considering depth of Metro line.
Response 2: The need for a pump station will be re-evaluated during design
phases.
Comment 3: Improvements to Lake Washington Boulevard will be necessary.
Probably addition of a left turn lane with lots of storage.
Response 3: Improvements to Lake Washington Boulevard as suggested are shown
on the plan and discussed in the text of the Draft EIS.
Comment 4: This being really the only area on the southeast end of the lake
that has a boat launch facility close attention should be given
to developing as many facilities for that purpose as is possi-
ble. Especially auto -trailer parking facilities.
Response 4: Consistent with other park uses, the maximum amount of boat
launch facilities and associated parking have been included in
the expansion plan.
102
COMMENT LETTER FROM
RON NELSON - RENTON PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT
BUIL IN
VISION
January
18, 1980
Comment:
Would
suggest work hours be established
in order to minimize
noise
entering the residential areas.
Response:
A suggested
mitigating measure on
page 35 of the Draft EIS was to
limit
working hours to the period
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in order to
lessen
the impact of construction
noise on residential areas.
COMMENT LETTER FROM LEONARD STEINER
December
7, 1-M-
Comment 1:
If the vegetation removal can be held to a minimum and all
vegetation replanting of trees and shrubs were beneficial to
wildlife, then a unique habitat could be created. Generally a
good mix of evergreen and deciduous that produce berries and
provide cover are the most beneficial. This could be accom-
plished in some of the passive,use areas.
Response 1:
Thank you for your comment. (Please refer to Response 2 to the
Washington State Department of Game.)
Comment 2:
If the log -boom was made three to four logs wide, then it could
provide a resting area for the water fowl that use these envi-
rons.
Response 2:
The suggestion for providing a resting area for waterfowl is an
interesting one and will be considered for the final park
1
design. Thank you for, your recommendation.
103
o� RENIF-
T��
Lu
LU
c
P tCgNN1NG ��
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
1
1
1
1
DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
PROPOSED
GENE COULON MEMORIAL
BEACH PARK EXTENSION
prepared by
WILSEY & HAM, INC.
for the
RENTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
RENTON, WASHINGTON
For the Review and Comment of Citizens,
Citizen Groups, and Governmental Agencies
In Compliance With:
The State Environmental Policy Act of 1971
Chapter 43.21c, Revised Code of Washington
SEPA Guidelines, Effective January 16, 1976
Chapter 197-10, Washington Administrative Code
(Revised, 1978)
City of Renton Ordinance #3060
DATE OF ISSUE OF DRAFT: December 7, 1979
DATE COMMENTS DUE: January 11, 1980
COST PER COPY: $4.00
0
1
Introduction
Action Sponsor:
Department of Parks and Recreation
' City of Renton
Municipal Building'
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
(206) 235-2560
Proposed Action:
Construction of an extension to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and modifi-
cations.to the existing park.
Project Location:
The park is located on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Washington in
Renton, Washington.
Lead Agency:
City of Renton
Responsible Official/Contact Person:
John Webley, Director
City of Renton Department of
Parks and Recreation
Municipal Building
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
(206) 235-2560
Authors_ & Principal Contributors/Location of Background Data:
Environmental Analysis and Document Preparation:
Wilsey & Ham, Inc.
Central Park Building
1980 - 112th Avenue N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Soil Investigations:
Rittenhouse -Zeman & Associates, Inc.
13837 N.E. 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
Aquatic Biology:
Nautilus
P.O. Box 993
Sequim, WA 98382
Hydraulic Engineering Investigation:
Norman Associates
Coastal and Hydraulic Engineers
4605 148th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98005
i
Master Plan Development:
Jones & Jones
105 South Main Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Licenses Required:
Bond issue passed by citizens, Shoreline Substantial Development Permit,
filling permit, State hydraulics permit, D.S. Army Corps of Engineers' per-
mit, harbor area lease, Coast Guard permit, water and sewer hookup permits,
building and grading permit.
Cost of_Copies: $4.00
Date of Issue of Draft: December 7, 1979
Return Comments to Res onsible Official By: January 11, 1980
ii
1
Table of Contents
Pale
Introduction...................................................
i
Table of Contents ....................................................
iii
Recipients of the Draft EIS ............................................
1
Summary of Contents of the Draft EIS:
The Proposed Project ................................................
3
Summary of Environmental Impacts ...:................................
Summary of Mitigating Measures ......................................
7
10
Summary of Alternatives .............................................
10
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts .........................................
11
Description of the Proposal .............................................
13
Existing Conditions, Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
Elements of the Physical Environment:'
Topography........................................................
19
Geologyand Soils .................................................
19
Air...............................................................
23
Water.............................................................
26
Vegetation........................................................
27
Wildlife..........................................................
29
Noise ...................................
32
Natural Resources .................................................
35
Light and Glare .... :.... ...................................
36
...
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emissions ......................
36
Land Use ..........................................................
36
Elements of the Human Environment
Population and Housing .. ....................................
41
Transportation/Circulation........................................
41
Public Services
46
Energy ....................................................
49
Utilities.........................................................
49
Health and Safety .................................................
52
Aesthetics........................................................
53
Recreation .. ..
53
Archaeology/History...............................................
54
The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Man's Environment
and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity
and Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitments of Resources...........
57
Alternatives to the Proposal., ..........................................
59
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts ...........................................
61
References............................................................
63
List of Elements of the Environment ....................................
65
Appendix: Noise .......................................................
iii
67
.
LIST OF
FIGURES
Figure
1:
Vicinity Map .................:.............................
14
Figure
2:
Site Plan .................................................
15
Figure
3:
Soil Sampling Sites ........................................
20
Figure
4:
Noise Measurement Sites ....................:...............
33
Figure
5:
Generalized Land Use .......................................
37
Figure
6:
Zoning.' ...............................................
38
Figure
7:
Census Tracts ...............................................
42
LIST OF TABLES
Table I:
Table II:
Table III:
Table IV:
Table V:
Table VI:
Summary of Pollutant Concentrations -Renton Area ............. 25
Existing Noise Levels.. .................................. 32
Predicted Ldn Noise Levels................................... 34
Population Characteristics and Trends ....................... 43
Population Growth Projections ............................... 44
Housing Characteristics ....................................... 44
1v
1
Recipients of the Draft EIS
Federal:
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Auxillary
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
Department of Housing & Community Development
Environmental Protection Agency
Fish & Wildlife Service
NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
State:"'
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Department of Ecology
--
Department of Fisheries
Department of Game
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Transportation, State Highway Commission
Department of Social and Health Services
Governor's Office
Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Office of Planning and Community Affairs
Office of Program Planning and Fiscal Management
Parks and Recreation Commission'
Regional:
Bonneville Power Administration
Community Services Administration
METRO - Water Pollution Control
METRO - Transit
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency
Puget Sound Council of Governments
Seattle -King County Department of Public Health
King County:
County Council: District 6, Bruce Laing
District 8, Bob Grieve
Department of Budget and Program Planning
Parks Division
Planning Division, Community Planning
City of Renton:
Mayor
City Council
Fire Department
Planning Corfimission
Planning Department
Police Department
Public Works Department
Utilities/Services:
Pacific Northwest Bell
.Puget Sound Power and Light.
Renton School District No. 403
Seattle Water Department
Washington Natural Gas Company
Libraries:
Renton Public library
Seattle Public Library
Newspapers:
Daily Journal of Commerce
Renton Record Chronicle
Seattle Times
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Private Organizations and Others:
Burlington Northern
Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Boys Home
Northwest Steelhead & Salmon Council of Trout Unlimited
Seattle Audubon Society
Washington Environmental Council
2
Summary of Contents of Draft EIS
THE PROPOSED PROJECT '
j The City of Renton Department'of Parks and Recreation proposes to construct
a major -extension and modifications to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park,
located on the south shore of Lake Washington within Renton.
The site is a narrow parcel of undeveloped waterfront property that was
created by fill for the previous industrial use of the site. The fill
resulted in angular projections and steep banks into the lake. In many
locations rubble such as concrete and lumber are exposed and much of the site
supports only sparse vegetation due to the glanular, infertile nature of the
fill.
The goal of the development is to serve the recreational needs of Renton
citizens through the development of as natural a'waterfront and shoreline
park as possible with associated improvements and activities not possible in
other park areas.
This goal will be accomplished through:
• Improvements to the existing swimming park to relieve overcrowding,
parking and circulation problems.
• Development of over one mile of Lake Washington shoreline in a manner
that enhances its natural and environmental potential while providing
significant unstructured recreational uses.
• Expansion and improvement of the water -related activity through the
expansion of boat•launches, landings, day moorage, overwater piers and
protected water.
• Development of necessary service buildings for the..purpose of recrea-
tion and maintenance.
Construction of the first phase would begin in the summer of 1980 and would
be completed by the end of 1982.
The proposed project is further described in the fold -out plan map on the
following
page.
y
� 3
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Topography, Geology and Soils
The extension area would be extensively graded to reshape shoreline areas to
create a more natural, sloping shoreline. Small areas of fill (totaling
approximately one acre) would be utilized to eliminate existing, artifi-
cially angular projections into the lake, and to improve functioning of the
boat launch.
Shoreline grading and fill operations could result in turbidity and silta-
tion of Lake Washington adjacent to the site. Several mitigating measures
are identified to control shoreline erosion and minimize turbidity and sil-
tation of the lake.
Water
There may be an increase in stormwater runoff from the site due to increased
impermeable surfaces. Siltation of the lake may occur due to construction
activity along the shoreline. Water quality within the existing drainage
ditch would be improved because of the proposed relocation of the ditch,
inclusion of an oil/water separator and settling basin, shading and by aera-
tion from the proposed weir. The Parks Department will cooperate with Public
Works to assure that the proposed settling basin and oil/water separators are
constructed.
Vegetation
Several existing dominant groups of trees and shrubs have been incorporated
into the master plan and would be retained. Much of the site would be
cleared and all disturbed areas would be planted following recontouring.
An area of marsh vegetation would be established along the relocated drainage
ditch at the south end of the expansion area and adjacent to the beached
barges at the north end of the expansion area.
Wildlife
Diversity and extent of upland wildlife habitat would be slightly reduced due
to regrading and planting of the site. Fish habitat (salmon) would be
improved by elimination of angular projections from the shoreline created by
previous fill. Fill projections associated with the boat launch may create
minor disruptions to juvenile salmon migration causing confusion and in-
creased predation. The Department of Fisheries' approval and a hydraulics.
permit will be required prior to any construction activity within the lake or
drainage ditch.
7
J
A small area of marsh habitat would be created along the relocated drainage
ditch (including nesting islands) and surrounding the proposed barges at the
north end of the park. {
Air Quality
There would be no deterioration in air quality due to the project. The
increased traffic and increased emissions resulting would be offset by rr
reduced federal emissions standards. The result would be an overall improve-
ment of air quality conditions. There would be short-term increases in
summertime dust levels during construction of the project.
Noise
There would be temporary increases in noise during construction of the pro-
ject. Upon completion, there would be a slight increase in noise levels on
the site due to the increased activity. ,
Light and Glare
The proposed development would add several sources of light from exterior
safety lighting. The lighting would be screened from adjacent residences by
vegetation and distance.
Land Use
The site would be converted from unused land to a use as recreational land.
Land use on adjacent properties would not be altered.
Natural Resources
Normal amounts of non-renewable resources would be consumed by construction
of the proposed project. Construction would commit the site to recreational
use for the foreseeable future.
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emission
There would be no increased risk of explosion or hazardous emission due to
the proposed development of the expansion area.
Population and Housing
The proposed project would not have a significant effect on the population or
housing characteristics'in the area.
Transportation/Circulation
The project would result in generation of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 addi-
tional vehicular trips to the site on peak use summer days. Lake Washington
Boulevard has sufficient capacity to handle the projected increase without a
reduction in the level of service.
8
1
Proposed entrance and internal circulation improvements and the addition of
a second entrance would improve traffic safety associated with the park.
Public Services
There would be a significant increase in recreational services offered by the
Renton Park Department.
Additional funds would be required annually for maintenance and operation of
the expanded facility.
Energy
Increased supplies of energy would-be required for the proposed construction
and continued operation of the facilities. Increased fuel consumption by
recreationists at the site would be offset -by reduced fuel consumption in
other areas. Visitors would not be using energy at home, while at the park,
and the facilities would be closer to the homes of users than other beach
parks in the region.
Utilities
A slight increase in demand for utilities would result in insignificant•
impacts to utility systems.,
Health
No conditions would be created by the proposed development which would create
health hazards to visitors at the site ,or to surrounding residents.
Public safety would be improved by improvements to the traffic system,
stronger separation of the swimming beach and boat launch, and by regrading
of the existing steep shorelines to gentler slopes. The expanded park would
be of direct benefit to public health providing a new opportunity for active
recreation.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics of the site would be improved by recontouring of the artificially
flat fill surfaces and by extensive planting. Several provisions would be
made for public enjoyment of.lakeside views.
Recreation
There would be a significant increase in the types of recreational activities
and use of the site. Existing conflicts between user groups would be reduced
by physical separation of activities.
Archaeology/History
There are no known archaeological or historical resources, and impacts due to
the proposed project are unlikely.
�� 9
SUMMARY OF MITIGATING MEASURES
Geology and Soils
The use of temporary detention facilities during construction would allow
settling of silt before runoff enters the lake. Construction during the dry
season and planting immediately after construction will also minimize
erosion.
Water
Silt traps and oil/water separators in all catchbasins, in parking or roadway
areas, would remove silt, petroleum products and some heavy metals from
stormwater runoff. The use of bulkheads or the construction of the leading
edge of fill first (filling in behind the leading edge), and the use of
granular fill would minimize the potential for turbidity and siltation of the
lake shoreline.
Vegetation
Planting immediately following regrading would mitigate the loss of vegeta-
ti on.
Wildlife
Potential impacts to fish would be mitigated by elimination of angular pro-
jections of fill -associated with the boat launch preventing potential dis-
ruption of juvenile salmon migration along the shoreline. Limiting con-
struction activities (parti'cularly pile -driving) to the summer and early
fall would avoid potential impacts to incubating salmon eggs.
Air Quality
Use of proper operational techniques during construction would minimize the
level of dust resulting from construction activities.
Improvements to internal circulation would minimize vehicular pollutant
emissions by reducing congestion.
Transportation/Circulation
Traffic congestion and potential hazards would be reduced -by proposed
improvements to parking, internal circulation and entrances.
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
The present proposal is a substantially less intensive alternative than was
previously proposed (see PROJECT DESCRIPTION).
H
a
10
1
No -Action
' A decision not to approve the proposed development would leave the site in
its existing state and prohibit recreational use of the land as designated by
the Comprehensive Plan. The major result of no action would be to prevent or
delay all of the environmental impacts discussed in this document from occur-
ring at the expansion site.
Less Intensive Development
If the amount of fill required for development or the number of facilities
and structures were reduced, there could be lower construction and mainte-
nance costs to the City than the current proposal. Infinite adjustments
could be made to the proposed park extension, such as no fill and no overlook
tower or multi -purpose building, fill and dredging only at the boat ramps
with no stream relocation, fill only to smooth existing angular projections
into the lake, or no boat ramp expansion.
Any of these less intensive alternatives would have approximately the same
overall impacts. The City expenditure for construction and maintenance
would be somewhat less if fewer facilities are constructed. Fish movement
` would not be improved from existing conditions without fill to smooth out the
shoreline; however, fish movement might be slightly improved by elimination
of the proposed fill associated with the boat launch ramp.
Alternative Location
There are no comparable areas of undeveloped shoreline along the south end of
Lake Washington that would be suitable for park development. Virtually the
entire shoreline is intensively developed for re.sidential, commercial, or
industrial use.
Development away from the.lake would not allow the water -oriented views and
activi'ties associated with the proposal. Existing park congestion and con-
flicts would continue to become worse.
UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
Geology and Soils
Decrease in soil permeability due to buildings, paving and compaction. Repo-
sitioning and overcovering of soils.
Water
Possible increase in stormwater runoff volume. Temporary, slight turbidity
and siltation associated with -fill.
I
Vegetation
Elimination of sparse second -growth vegetation and replacement with grass,
shrub and tree areas.
Wildlife
Possible elimination.of a few common species from the site resulting from a
decrease in extent of habitat but offset by increase in diversity resulting
from the new marshes.
Noise
Slight change in noise patterns due to changes in internal circulation.
Natural Resources
Consumption of common building materials for construction of new facilities.
Transportation/Circulation
Increase in traffic volumes to the park.
Public Services
Significant increase in funding required for maintenance and operation.
Energy
Consumption of additional quantities of energy for heating and operation of
expanded facilities, travel to and from the site, and power boat usage.
Utilities
Increased consumption of water and electricity requiring internal extensions
for each system.
12
Description of the Proposal
NAME OF PROPOSAL AND SPONSOR
The City of Renton Department' of Parks and
Recreation is proposing to con-
struct an extension to Gene Coulon Memorial
Beach Park.
LOCATION
The park is located on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Washington within
the city limits of Renton, Washington. The
park is adjacent to and would be
an extension of the existing Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park as shown in
Figures 1 and 2.
OTHER AGENCY FILE NUMBERS
None.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
L�
It is anticipated that the first construction would be initiated in the
summer of 1980 with completion by,the end.of 1982. Waterfront work would be
completedduring summer and early fall in compliance with Department of
Fisheries' requirements to avoid potential impacts to spawning salmon.
MAJOR PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
The proposed plan for the extension area is illustrated in Figure 2.
The extension area includes approximately 30 acres in a narrow shoreline
strip extending northward a mile from the park (15.3 acres are above water
and 14.1 acres are below water).
The site is undeveloped waterfront property that was created by fill for the
previous industrial use of the site. The fill resulted in angular pro-
jections and steep banks into the lake. In•many locations rubble such as
concrete and lumber are exposed and much of the site supports only sparse
vegetation due to the granular, infertile nature.of the fill.
,The goal of the development is to serve the recreational needs of Renton
citizens through the development of as natural a waterfront and shoreline
1
13
(Q
X
in
A4�
�k,
if YPr�v"
Kennyd,de j Opp wln
........ .....
Ccflerrsan Point .....
to K16
Intl-'K C
RUN
a A NN v 1 1K X) ."y=v
A y y, liii 1w, il,
It'll SEW 1RUMM
I, A It
. ....... . k I'K
f
C-tMA5 C04(JOAJ Afe
.Butl N-11awr ii
it
oil
VIA) t
ff Afl, L. -
Ap"",
0i
4 j
A. on
Wi
p.
'k,
A
tj . ..... ix:o
fi
N
W
. . ........ .
Id
tow
:77 i
A
Oar
J.x
00
r
Iva
7
j
HI
m
W,
20OW, 400WQ%-
loll:
b
PN
`7i
got ,k_
so
L A " a -- A
VICINITY MAP FIG. 1. 1
m
cm
0
LL
park as possible with associated improvements and activities not possible in
other park areas.
The major elements include expansion of the existing boat launch ramp, addi-
tion of a second vehicular access from Lake Washington Boulevard, internal
pedestrian and vehicular circulation, day moorage for boats, picnic shel-
ters, concession and restroom buildings, fishing piers, a fixed -pier wave -
break, and fill, grading, and planting of the site.
The entire shoreline will be regraded to eliminate abrupt dropoffs while
minimizing offshore fill. The land will be contoured into a series of earth
mounds. Two additional shelters and an observation tower will be located on
these earth mounds with views of the rowing area and Lake Washington vistas
from Mount Rainier to Mercer Island. A fishing pier with shelter would
provide all-weather angling opportunities for all ages and for the handi-
capped at .the north end of the park. Three fishing piers and restrooms are
planned, with some piers using existing pilings if future tests prove them to
be structurally adequate. Over 1.5 miles of paved walking and jogging trails
will be provided along the shore and through wooded glades connecting picnic
shelters, fishing piers and other facilities.
The boat launch will be improved and enlarged with four renovated ramps
provided with side piers to allow tie-up space for boats waiting to be
loaded. The ramps would be wide enough to permit simultaneous use by two
vehicles during peak hours. Eighty-three drive -through spaces will be pro-
vided to minimize the need to back trailers, and an additional twenty-five
spaces for overflow parking will be provided. The boat launch facility will
be developed so that it could remain open twenty-four hours a day, with
moorage for a police boat provided along an extension of the existing pier.
The "Waterwalk", an interconnected series of piers, allows people to walk
well out onto Lake Washington. Three shelters will allow year-round enjoy-
ment of the walk for fishing, viewing and picnicking. It would enclose an
area of water for rental rowboats, and other related small craft. This area
also connects to an adjacent water area along the northern half of the park,
protected by a log boom where more room is available for beginning sail -
boaters and other quiet water training needs. Access through the boom will
be provided at both ends.
In keeping with the park purpose of providing essentially passive shore -
related recreation, the overall character of the park would be informal and
16
I
natural -appearing. Heavy use areas near the boat launch and multi -purpose
building would be irrigated and carefully maintained. However, as one walks
north along the shoreline the landscape would become more natural by degrees
with increasing emphasis on lower maintenance materials. Fencing and screen
planting will separate the park from the adjacent railroad. A new main-
tenance facility will provide needed equipment, materials storage and a work
area.
The .proposed plan would provide for separation of boaters and swimmers
through a redesigned entrance road and separate parking areas. A substantial
berm would visually separate the swimming beach area from the boat .launch
area. The separation would be further emphasized by relocation of the
existing drainage ditch.
The existing drainage ditch would be moved to the southwest side of the boat
•launch. The water quality within the ditch would be improved by construction
of a settling basin and an oil/water separator above the park. The proposed
channel would be designed to appear as a natural stream bed incorporating a
marshy area and instream islands and would flow past one of the existing
picnic shelters.
The use of the northern portions of the park extension area would be more
passive. Development would consist primarily of open spaces, walkways,
small fishing piers, a picnic shelter, an .overlook tower and two small
parking areas. Two barges would be beached to recreate a feeling for the
historical use of the site which was water -oriented and industrial (see
ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORY section).
Lake fill for the entire project would consist primarily of several small
areas to "round -off" the angular fills that were created by the previous
industrial use of the site and to provide a more natural appearing shoreline.
Additional fill is proposed adjacent to the boat launch to improve func-
tioning and safety and to provide a physical and visual separation between
the existing swimming beach and the boat launch. A total of approximately
one acre of surface area would be filled.
The entire plan represents a scaling down of the number of facilities and the
quantity of fill proposed in the original master plan prepared for the
extension area in 1976. Fifteen acres of fill were originally proposed for
the park. The presently proposed park extension represents a commitment to
17
work with the existing site conditions and limitations rather than exten-
sively modifying the site to accommodate all recreation demands as pro-
posed in the original master plan.
EXISTING LAND USE PLANS AND REGULATIONS
A master plan for the park entitled: Lake Washington Beach Park - The Phase
II Planning Program and Master Plan was adopted by the City of Renton in
April, 1977. The plan recommended approximately 15 acres of fill and elab-
orate shoreline modification and structures. The facilities recommended
would have been extremely expensive and of questionable feasibility from
engineering and environmental standpoints. A recognition of these and other
limitations led to the the development of the present proposal.
The site is zoned G (General) and H-I (Heavy Industry). Both of these
categories would allow the proposed park development.
The City of Renton Comprehensive Plan designates the site'as recreation use.
The Shoreline Management Master Plan for the City of Renton allows recrea-
tional use of the site and identifies restrictions and regulations for speci-
fic facilities. The proposal is consistent with the City's Shoreline Manage-
ment Master Program.
Existing Conditionsi Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
■. Elements of the Physical Environment
TOPOGRAPHY
- ExistingConditions
The site.is essentially a flat shelf several feet higher than Lake Washington
with steep banks. This topography is the result of fill and grading for the
previous industrial use of the site. There are only minor variations in
topography throughout the site.'
Environmental Impact
The proposed plan recommends minor regrading throughout the site. The banks
4 along the lake would be cut back in several locations to create a more
gradual, natural and accessible slope to the shoreline. The material from
the cuts would be placed in other areas to create mounds, adding variety and
Iproviding views as well as providing more secluded spaces in the cut areas.
Approximately 65,000 cubic yards of material would be repositioned within
the site. No need for significant quantities of imported fill is antici-
pated. Proposed fill within the lake is discussed in the following section.
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
�. Existing Conditions
A geology and soils engineering consultant was engaged -to evaluate soil
conditions of the site. Onshore test pits and borings and offshore borings
were utilized to identify existing conditions (see Figure 3). The full
report of the findings is available for review at the Renton Parks and
Recreation Department. A summary is presented here.
The portion of the proposed park expansion, presently above lake level, has
all been developed by previous filling and is nearly level. The property was
previously used as a cargo transfer area, and log storage area as suggested
by the numerous piles driven offshore. The lakeshore itself is characterized
by a line of logs and timbers, large concrete blocks, some quarry stones, and
considerable miscellaneous debris. The shoreline generally is steep, and
appears to be subject to active undercutting by wave action. Immediately
off shore ,are a series of pile clusters and submerged concrete blocks and
metal service ladders.
19
LL
The onshore borings encountered very loose to medium dense, gravelly, sandy
fill to depths of 12 to 18 feet. Underlying the. fill in the borings are
medium dense to dense, saturated, fine to coarse sands with gravel. Boring
number 2 had approximately 4 feet of peat beneath the fill, followed by very
loose to loose sand and gravel grading to medium dense, silty, fine to medium -
sand and gravel at 36 feet. Although massive rubble was not encountered in
the borings, exposures along the shoreline indicate that large quantities of
wood, concrete, bricks, and other materials may be present.
At the offshore boring locations, very, loose to soft sand and silts were
present to depths of 13 feet. Underlying these soft, saturated soils are
medium dense to dense, saturated, fine to medium sands with gravel. The '
offshore soils are.characterized by surficial, very loose to loose, and soft
materials to depths about ten feet below mudline at the borings. Closer to
shore, the near -surface muds and soft soils are approximately one to three
feet deep.
Groundwater at the onshore boringlocations was encountered at approximately
Pp Y
7 feet. •The groundwater table•is probably at lake level near, the shoreline.
Some borings indicate rises with increasing distance from the lakefront. In
addition, the fill probably has lenses of permeable soil containing perched
or trapped water. Also, the silty areas, that appear in the fill, trap water
at the ground surface and result in ponding during wet weather.
Environmental Impact.
Onshore clearing and grading, within the areas already filled will expose
rubble or debris which should be covered by soil. Clearing and grading will
result in minor, temporary increases in erosion potential:
Due to the silty nature of the on -site soils, proper compaction will be
difficult or impossible when the soils are more than a few percent above
their "optimum moisture" content. Periods of warm, dry weather are the most
desirable, condition for a successful filling program. If filling is required
during periods of wet weather, the fill should consist of clean sand and
gravel. Clean sands and gravels are not normally moisture sensitive, and can
usually be compacted under.a variety of climatic conditions.
Mounds, to 20 feet for two
rising up above surrounding grade are proposed
locations in the park. Because of the weak nature of the subsoil, these
.21
fills will undergo settlements of approximately one foot. This would not be
a problem in a park setting.
Considering that the existing onshore fills are of variable density and
contain quantities of both organic and inorganic rubble, lightweight frame
structures supported by conventional spread or continuous footings may be
subject to substantial settlement; this will be caused more by long-term
settlement of the fill than from the imposed loads. Therefore, consideration
should be given to the use of driven timber piling for support.
Approximately 21,000 cubic yards of clean, granular fill 'is proposed along
the lakeshore as shown in Figure 3. In addition, approximately 9,000 cubic
yards of rip -rap is proposed (much of this will be above water). Placing
thick layers of fill within the lake atop the loose or soft soils can cause
localized shear failures, thereby displacing the mud and causing significant
turbidity. The volume of soft soil or mud displaced would be least from
fills near the shore, and greater from fills at greater depths.
A Hydraulics Permit and Department of Fisheries' approval will be required
for any construction activity within the lake.
Mitigating Measures
Onshore clearing and grading should be completed during the summer months to
minimize the potential for erosion and siltation of the lake. Disturbed
areas should be seeded immediately after grading is completed to stabilize
surface soils. Temporary silt traps should be constructed above the shore-
line within drainage swales.
Fill should be placed according to technical specification identified by the
consulting soils engineer to minimize settlement and other potential prob-
lems. Building foundation design must consider possible soil settlement as
identified in the soils report.
Depending on final design configurations, several approaches are available
which can reduce mud displacement resulting from filling within the lake'.
One approach would be' to build vertical *or near vertical bulkheads, then
placing fill behind them. This tends to trap the mud, but does increase
long-term settlements of the fill. If this approach is utilized, it is
important to remove the mud immediately behind the bulkhead to reduce
"active" lateral earth pressures. Mud displacement can also be reduced by
building the leading edge of the fill first, and trapping the mud as if with
a bulkhead.
22
1
In the southern portion of the park where a steep or near vertical bank is
planned, a rip -rap bank covered by a- walkway would be constructed with
provision for daylighting the water below to allow fish passage.
To the north, "sliver beaches" and minor shoreline -modification have been
planned. Water depths of about 6-15 feet are present near areas where
existing park grade is some 3-6 feet above lake elevation.' In these areas,
it would be appropriate to excavate the above -water portion of the park
shoreline downward to the lowest practical elevations to minimize the poten-
tial for erosion and shear failures or mud displacement beneath the water
surface.
AIR
Existing Conditions
The Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is part of the Puget -Sound basin and has
a typical northwest Pacific Coast marine climate. Temperatures are mild and
precipitation moderate, with the majority of rain occurring in the winter
months. Winds are generally southerly during the winter and northerly during
the summer.
Temperatures in the area vary from a monthly average of 400F (40C) in January
to 65OF (170C) in July. The annual average temperature is about 50OF (100C).
Precipitation can Vary -from 25 to 65 inches (64 to 165 cm), but averages
about 45 inches (114 cm) annually. Snow occurs occasionally during the
winter but rarely lasts longer than �two or three days.
Winds are of moderate speed with the prevailing direction generally south-
westerly. It is expected that winds at the park will be out of the south to
southwest during the winter months and out of the north to northwest during
the summer.
Meteorology creating the "worst case" air quality conditions is most likely
to occur for several days during the late winter months with overcast skies
and light southerly winds. Localized inversions can occur under northerly
winds during the late summer and fall months, but usually disperse each
afternoon. The air drainage condition associated with stagnant air will flow
generally from the hill westerly towards Lake Washington.
The expansion site is located within the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control
Agency nor -attainment areas for carbon monoxide, oxidant and particulate
23
matter secondary standard. The major source of these pollutants is the auto-
mobile, with stationary source activity reponsible for particulate matter. It
is currently projected that these pollutants will be in compliance with the
ambient air quality standards by the 1982 deadline.
Table I summarizes the'data taken from air monitoring stations in the Renton
area. As shown on Table I, the particulate levels are within the standards.
Carbon monoxide levels are approaching the eight -hour standard during the
"worst case" winter months in downtown Renton. Hydrocarbons (non -methane) are
in excess of the standard. Oxides of nitrogen are well within the annual
standard and show the highest average levels during the summer months.
Based on the -data, it is expected that the conditions in the vicinity of the
park are similar to the recorded concentrations at the monitoring sites. Back-
ground concentrations of carbon monoxide are expected to be about 3 ppm. There
is a small amount of pollutant emissions due to railroad activity on adjacent
rail lines, although the activity level is quite low. The emissions produced
are negligible when compared to the total emissions from vehicles on Lake
Washington Boulevard.
Environmental Impact
Air pollution will be created almost solely from vehicles using the park.
Pollutants associated with heating buildings and the railroad are expected to
be negligible.
The major impact will be the increase in carbon monoxide concentrations from
the additional traffic volumes. For the purpose of estimating air quality
impacts, it may be assumed that the proposed expansion will generate approxi-
mately 1,000 additional vehicle trips daily by 1982. By 1990, an additional
2,200 trips will be added to the current traff i_c levels independent of any
expansion. A California Division of Highways line source model was used to
predict the, existing and future concentrations of carbon monoxide at a receptor
in the park.
The increase in traffic will increase the peak hour carbon monoxide concen-
tration less than 0.1 mg/m3 by 1980. By 1991, concentrations will be about 20%
of the present levels, even with normal increases in the traffic.
The current federal standards for vehicle emissions are becoming more strin-
gent which will cause a decline in vehicle -related emissions. Based on exist-
ing data and implementation of federal law, vehicle emissions are expected to
decline about 7% by 1980 and about 85% by 1990.
24
I
1
I
1
1
a
TABLE I
SUMMARY OF POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS
RENTON AREA
Particulate Matter
(ug/m3)
Location
1978
1977
1976
1975
Standard
S.E. District Health Center
36
38
38
27
60
Renton Municipal Building
37
51
50
37
60
Location
Period
Carbon Monoxide
ppm
Hydro-
carbons
Nitrogen
Dioxide
1-Hour
8-Hour
6-9 AM
Study
Max.
Max.
Max.
Period
Average
Airport Way & Logan Ave:
January -March 1977
9.0
8.0
-
-
Puget Power Yard
June -July 1977
3.2
2.0
0.70
0.02
March -April 1977
4.2
3.3
1.37
-
October -November 1976
8.1
6.6
-
0.01
June -July 1976
2.2
1.3
-
0.04
Standards:
Carbon Monoxide 1-Hour Standard - 35 ppm
Carbon Monoxide 8-Hour Standard - 9 ppm
Hydrocarbons 6-9 AM, 3-Hour Average-0.24 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Aver6ge-0.05 ppm
There may be a short-term increase in dust levels due to summertime construc
tion. However, this would be confined to the area under construction and would
cease upon completion. Watering procedures and good operational techniques
should keep dust levels to a minimum.
Mitigating Measures
Dust resulting from construction work can be minimized through the use of good
operational techniques such as watering of exposed areas. Puget Sound Air
Pollution Control Agency regulations require that precautions be taken to
minimize the entrainment of dust in the ambient air.
25
WATER
Existing Conditions
Surface water of the site consists -of roughly one -mile of Lake Washington
shoreline and a portion of a City of Renton drainage ditch 'that flows into the
lake. A few small, intermittent streams enter culverts east of the expansion
area and flow under the fill to the lake.
Water quality within the lake is generally high. The lake supports a substan-
tial fish population and is used intensively for recreation.
The quality of the drainage ditch water is low. Oil, discolored water, high
temperatures, concentrations of certain heavy metals and occasional fish kills
have been observed in the ditch. These factors are apparently the results of
runoff from the adjoining industrial area, streets and extensive parking
areas.
Stormwater within the park either infiltrates the soil and enters the ground-
water table or runs off directly into the lake. The groundwater table is
generally near the lake level but is higher at increasing distances from the
lake.
Environmental Impact
Two proposed construction activities could result in significant temporary
turbidity and siltation of the waters of Lake Washington. These are the minor
fill and the proposed grading of the expansion area. Fill could displace soft
mud deposits on the lake bottom resulting in turbidity flows. Exposure of
soils on land areas can result in erosion and subsequent siltation and tur-
bidity due to the proximity of the lake. Measures to control each of those
potential impacts are discussed in the GEOLOGY AND SOILS section.
Since the project would utilize sanitary sewers, there would be no point source
impact to water quality other than from site runoff. Impacts to site runoff
water quality could result from pollutants washed from paved surfaces and
potential nutrients washed from planted areas. Runoff from paved surfaces
contains silts, oil products, nutrients and heavy metals. Nutrients from
planted areas are a result of fertilizing lawns and gardens.
The drainage ditch at the south end of the expansion area will be relocated and
modified to create a marsh environment.This will have a minimal impact on
water quality within the ditch or lake. Due to the existing low water quality,
W,
1
any collection of aquatic life from the ditch for human consumption should be
discouraged until water quality is improved. A settling basin and oil trap has
been suggested for the ditch on adjacent property but it is not part of the
present proposal. The settling basin would remove silt and many heavy metals.
The oil trap would be necessary to prevent oil slicks which may remain in the
proposed marsh for longer periods than in the present ditch due to increased
surface area and slower moving water. Any construction activity within the
drainage ditch will require a Hydraulics Permit -and Department of Fisheries
' approval.
Mitigating Measures
Silt traps and oil/water separators for the on -site storm sewer system would
be incorporated within all catchbasins in parking lots or roadways. These
devices will remove oil products, silt and many heavy metal compounds before
the stormwater enters the lake. The effectiveness of such devices is entirely
dependent on routine maintenance. The responsibility for maintenance would be
placed with the Parks Department.
Frequent sweeping of the streets and parking areas could also significantly
reduce impacts to runoff quality by reducing silt, litter and some of the heavy
metals and nutrients. Use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides on the
site should be carefully controlled to minimize the excess nutrients or poisons
washing into the lake.
The settling basin and oil/water separators suggested for the drainage ditch
would improve the appearance of water within the proposed marsh area. Estab-
lishment of tall vegetation along the banks of the ditch would shade the water
and might result in reduced water temperatures which would be favorable to fish
life. Frequent sweeping of city streets and the expansive industrial parking
lots where paved would also improve the quality of water within the drainage
ditch. The quality of water within the ditch should be monitored periodically
due to potential human recreational use and consumption of aquatic life.
fVEGETATION
Existing Conditions
The site was previously cleared and graded for industrial use, but not paved.
Thus, the entire site is in the early stages of vegetation succession. The
.� 27
1
vegetation is primarily alder, cottonwood, scotch broom,
grasses. The site comprises a variety of open grass areas,
small stands of young trees.
blackberry and
shrub areas, and
Limited surveys of the nearshore lake bottom indicate that aquatic plants are
restricted to the shallower portions of the project area, especially in the
silty southernmost portion, where algal assemblages were the only plants
found. Macrophyti c plants (E1 odea sp. ) appear to be limited to the less silty
northern portions of the site, undoubtedly due to effects of increased water
turbidity and associated limitation of light, depressing photosynthetic activ-
ity.
No marsh habitat is found within the study area, although some minimal marsh
vegetation is found on the island adjacent to the original park. No rare or
endangered species are known to exist on the site.
Environmental Impact
Vegetation from most of the site would be eliminated due to the extensive
grading proposed, and it would be replaced by new plantings. The plantings
would primarily be formal lawns and trees in the southern portion of the
extension area with more natural open grassy areas and groves of shrubs and
trees to the north. Maintenance of open areas in grass will require periodic
mowing to suppress weed, shrub and tree growth.
Many of the desirable trees adjacent to the present boat launch ramp would be
retained in a grove adjacent to the proposed multi -purpose building. This
location includes several of the largest trees in the extension area.
Limited aquatic vegetation will be eliminated in fill areas. Silt from fill
areas may cloud the water, reducing sunlight penetration and thereby reducing
plant growth. After construction activity ceases, the aquatic plants will grow
back.
A new marsh area is proposed within the relocated drainage ditch west of the
boat launch area and would probably support a productive stand of cattails
along the banks and on the small nesting islands proposed for the channel. A
marsh area will also be created surrounding the barges in the northern portion
of the park. Mosquitoes are not expected to be a problem since the native
mosquitoes do not feed during normal park -use hours.
NE:
1
' Mitigating Measures
Mitigating measures that are incorporated in the proposal include the follow-
ing.
1. Retention of existing shrubs and trees in areas where grading is not
proposed.
2. Replanting of all areas upon completion of construction.
3. Construction in phases so that entire site is not stripped of vegeta-
tion at one time.
4. Creation of a new marsh habitat.
5. Creation of several areas of shrubs and trees that will be allowed to
grow essentially in a natural condition. These would be located
generally in the northern portion of the park.
WILDLIFE
Existing Conditions
Information related to wildlife use of the site was obtained from several
sources. A thorough study of aquatic biology in the vicinity of the park was
conducted in 1975 and 1976 for the Puget Sound Power and Light Company. A
subconsultant (Nautilus Association) was hired by Jones & Jones -in 1979 to
further investigate aquatic and terrestrial biology of the park expansion
area. The results of these investigations were supplemented with site visits
during preparation of this Draft EIS.
Terrestrial habitat of the site consists of grassy areas, shrubby areas and
tree groves all in early stages of succession following industrial use of the
site. When compared to more natural shorelines, the edge effect along the
lake shoreline is of limited value because of prior disturbances and indus-
trial use. Only two locations have dense'shrubs along the lakeshore, the
•
area immediately east of the boat launch ramp and a small area near the
location for the beached barges.
proposed
Terrestrial wildlife populations are correspondingly limited and comparable
to most suburban land.
undeveloped
The lake provides habitat for waterfowl and fish populations. Waterfowl
include bird domestic
migratory and resident wild populations, and resident
breeds.
Fish diverse in the the Over twenty
species are abundant and waters of park.
species of fish were captured in or adjacent to the park during the Puget
1 29
Sound Power and Light studies, including sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and
steelhead, cutthroat trout and coho salmon.
Cedar River sockeye salmon are a species which were introduced to Lake
Washington in 1935 and are perhaps the most important species in the lake
relative to commercial fisheries management. The behavior of sockeye fry
(juveniles just after emergence from the egg) and the wide range in time of
emergence from the egg lead to extensive, short-term use of the littoral
shoreline during the period from January through May, even though 90% of
spawning occurs in the Cedar River. A limited beach spawning occurs along
the eastern shore, which also contributes fry to the littoral habitat. After
emergence, fry remain in the littoral zone for a short period before moving
offshore for a 12-15 month period of feeding on planktonic crustacea prior to
smoltification and migration to salt water.
Environmental Impact
Roughly one-half of the terrestrial wildlife habitat would be disturbed or
destroyed during construction. Much of this would be re-created as the
proposed plantings become established. Although diversity and total popula-
tions of 'terrestrial habitats would be reduced due to the more uniform
vegetation types, overall populations and diversity would be increased due
to the newly created marsh habitat along the drainage ditch and adjacent to
the proposed barges in the extension area.
Filling operations on top of the heavily silted bottom will not only cover
important littoral zones with resulting. local destabilization of the fish
community, but may also have more widespread effects due to siltation of
adjoining areas. Siltation may depress plant activity (photosynthesis) due
to light reduction effects of turbidity, both for single -celled plants
floating in the water (phytoplankton) and for plants attached to the bottom
and other substrates.' Reduced plant production could lead to overgrazing
effects. Visual planktonic feeders such as juvenile sockeye and longfin
smelt will experience impaired feeding due to decreased light intensities.
Large amounts of suspended materials lead to gill damage in small fish such
as juvenile sockeye. I .
If the mitigating measures identified •in the SOILS and WATER sections of this
document are followed, siltation and its effects should be slight and tempor-
ary. Although some shallow -water shoreline habitat would be buried, the
30
a
gradual slopes and granular'fill proposed should minimize impacts to sockeye
g p g P P P Y
salmon. Pile -driving in the lake could damage salmon eggs within shoreline
gravels.
Angular projections such as those proposed adjacent to the boat launch con-
fuse juvenile salmon migrating along the shoreline and may force them into
areas of increased predation. In contrast, the curved areas of fill proposed
in several locations north of the boat launch may improve conditions by
eliminating existing angular projections of fill and the resulting steep
shorelines. The proposed piers and breakwaters will be designed to permit
passage of fish along the shoreline.
The proposed marsh along the existing drainage ditch and surrounding the
barges will result in additional habitat; however, intense human activity
and lack of surrounding habitat immediately adjacent to the small marsh area.
may limit wildlife use of the marsh to common, relatively tolerant species.
In winter, when human activity is reduced, this area may become attractive to
wintering waterfowl, particularly those species that may graze on the adja-
cent lawns. Impacts of the proposed construction to waterfowl habitat should
be relatively minor.
Mitigating Measures
Allowing the vegetation within the expansion area to grow essentially wild
with a minimum of maintenance (mowing, weeding, pruning) would improve the
quality of terrestrial wildlife habitat. Planting trees and shrubs along the
shorelines of the lake and drainage ditch would reduce shallow water tempera-
tures and improve conditions for aquatic life. The inclusion of food -
producing species would further improve the value of the proposed plantings
for wildlife,
Any measures to minimize water quality impacts would also benefit wildlife.
Elimination of the proposed fill areas projecting into the lake adjacent to
the boat launch ramp would improve migration movement of juvenile sockeye
salmon along the shoreline,
! To meet Department of Fisheries regulations, all pile -driving should be
conducted between the months of July and October to avoid potential impact to
incubating salmon eggs.
31
NOISE
Existing Conditions
To determine the existing noise levels on the site, measurements were taken
at two locations at three different times on the site (see Figure 4). A
summary of the noise readings is shown in Table II.
TABLE II
EXISTING NOISE LEVELS
(dBA)
Site 1
Site 2
Time
Park Entrance
Northern Portion
Midday:
(2-3 PM)
L10
53
56
L50
50
49
L90
48
40
Peak Hour:
(5-6 PM)
L10
62
73
L50
58
60
L90
52
55
Night:
(12-1 AM)
L10
54
47
L50
51
37
L90
1 47
35
Noise measurements were taken on Tuesday, August 28, 1979, with a Bruel and
Kjaer 2209 Type i Sound Level Meter with a 4165 microphone and wind screen
attached, calibrated with a 4230 calibrator. Weather was overcast and tempera-
ture was about 70OF cooling to 50OF at night. Winds were northerly in the
daytime at 7-10 MPH and were calm during the night readings.
The principal sources of noise at Site 1 included cars and light plane flyovers
from Renton Municipal Airport during the day. A lawnmower in the park was also
audible. Trains pass the park occasionally through the day but none were
measured during the monitoring period. Night readings were due to sounds from
occasional cars, and I-405 noise was also detectable in the background.
32
� o
1
I � .
I•
I
�
of
II
I
I_
I
I
I
I
I
I
Z •
w
2 LL
W
a
2
wcn
CQw
O_
Z U?
33
Site 2 noises included traffic on Lake Washington Boulevard, light plane fly-
overs and a police siren. Night noises were mostly due to cars on Lake
Washington Boulevard, and I-405 traffic was audible in the background.
Based on the readings shown in Table Ii, the existing Ldn noise levels are
approximately as follows:.
Site 1 - 58 dBA
Site 2 - 53 dBA
Based on EPA guidelines, adverse noise impacts exist at Site 1 at the park
entrance. Levels at. Site 2 are in the "generally acceptable" category. The
noise levels at all sites are within the state standards (see APPENDIX for a
general description of noise).
Environmental Impact
The proposal J.includes expansion of the park facilities and a resultant
increase in traffic volumes. Therefore, the two principal noise impacts
created by the expansion will be the long-term 'increase in noise levels
created by additional traffic in the vicinity of the site and a short-term
increase in noise during construction of the new facilities. Table III shows
the predicted Ldn with and without park expansion.
TABLE III
PREDICTED Ldn NOISE LEVELS
(24-hour average)
Noise
Existing
Predicted Level
Predicted Level
Measurement
Site
Level
Without Expansion
With Ex ansion
(1979)
(1980)
Change
1980)
Change
1
58
58
0
58
0
2
53
53
0
53
0
As shown in Table III, there will be no increase in noise levels at Site 2.
The daytime noise levels will increase adjacent to Site 1 by about 1 dBA, but
when averaged over 24 hours there will be no discernable increase.
By 1990, the additional traffic will create no increase in noise levels at
Site 1 without the park expansion. The Ldn is predicted to increase 1 dBA by
1990 with the expansion, and levels at Site 2 will remain unchanged.
34
P-J
According to EPA criteria, there will be only a slight increase 'in noise
levels due to the proposed'expansion. Three dBA is the required increase
before the human ear can detect a significant change in noise levels. Since
the increase in traffic is confined principally to daytime hours on weekends
and in summertime, the late night noise levels will remain essentially
unchanged from existing levels. The area will remain in compliance with
state standards.
There will also be a short-term increase in daytime noise levels due to
construction activity. (For information on construction noise levels, refer
-to APPENDIX.) Noise from construction activities will generally range from
69 to 95 dBA, with some higher peaks if impact equipment is used. Con-
struction noises around the site will cease upon completion of the project.
Mitigating Measures
Long-term mitigating measures are -difficult to implement because the princi-
pal noise increase is due to traffic generated by the site expansion. The
noise levels predicted are based on the traffic generation predicted by the
City of Renton.
Noise abatement procedures during construction could include:
- The use and maintenance of properly' operating mufflers and quieting
devices;
- The use of quietest available machinery and equipment;
- The use of electric equipment in preference to gas, diesel or pneumatic
machinery;
- Locating construction equipment as far from nearby noise sensitive pro-
perties as possible;
- Shutting off idling equipment;
- Limitation of construction hours to coincide with the normal workday
(e.g. 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
period
1
NATURAL RESOURCES
The vacant land designated for the park expansion has no significant value as
agricultural land or as a source of mineral or timber resources. The site
would be converted to public use for the foreseeable future. Much of the
dominant natural vegetation of the site would be retained and the -more
desirable.species would.be encouraged.
35
Normal amounts of non-renewable resources would be consumed duing the con-
struction of parking lots, trails, and buildings in the expanded park.
Materials used would include concrete, lumber, metals, asphalt and fossil
fuel S.
LIGHT AND GLARE
Existing Conditions
There are presently no sources of light and glare within the expansion area
with the exception of sunlight and reflection from the lake.
Environmental Impact
Limited exterior lighting'will be provided within the southern half of the
expansion area. Lighting will be of low intensity, as necessary for safety,
and will generally be separated from adjacent properties by distance and
screened by vegetation. Thus, there will be no significant impact from the
proposed expansion due to light or glare.
RISK OF EXPLOSION OR HAZARDOUS EMISSION
There are no unusual risks of explosion or hazardous emission connected to
the expansion of the Gene Coulon Beach Park except a potential temporary risk
during construction. Safety requirements and precautions would be observed
during the time of construction, and would largely compensate for any poten-
tial construction hazards. Paint and fuel will be. stored in the park main-
tenance building but implementation of standard safety requirements will
avoid potential hazards.
LAND USE
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton Comprehensive Land Use Plan (1976 Revision) designates
recreational use for the area of the existing Gene Coulon Beach' Park and
adjoining expansion property. A designation of heavy industry is given to
the area south of the park, high density multi -family is 'assigned to the area
to the east, and at the northern end,, single-family residential use is
specified.
Existing land use conforms to the Plan designations (see Figure 5). The land
between the Burlington Northern railroad right-of-way and the Interstate 405
corridor is primarily vacant, with a golf driving range, a mobile home park,
36
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
�l
1
1
1
1
iPvaLr-- MALI
tric co.
Tn7T
UNOW
6-AKKE FAM11-1
ax 4510MIrlm—
zs�
lk,
6-01-F AVON& 44V6,0
uT
OjAJC-q,6 FAMIM
I t�rm
R. V. IVORA&ff
6 ON
)aVv7
t Wr-
ic
CO.
GENERALIZED
LAND USE FIG. 5.
37
i I '. : 1
12 1.
7�
:eip Era
Z77
G
ITC.
X
771
to
2913 ZGZ 114 J, z5A L
to.
tf J"
7O
-
gXP9A,'&/0AJ
i5X I.Orl&rz,
H-1
* G
P.— F
G
G-6000 G-7200 Residential
GS -1 I Single-family.
71 Residential
�_SR-Lj Two-family
IR-3�rl Residential
R- 4- Multi -family 7
iT B-1 Trailer Park
—],--Business Use
I.
—Heavy Industry
IP-1 D—Public Use
*4
ZONING FIG. 6.
I
I
and the Griffin 'Home (foster home for boys) located at the northern end of
the area. Single-family residences adjoin the site to the north and extend
along the eastern side of Interstate 405.
The western edge of the expansion area is coincident with the shore of Lake
Washington and was formerly used as an area for log shipping and storage.
The Shuffleton Power Plant, a steam -generating plant operated by Puget Sound
Power and Light Company, is located at the southwest corner of the park, and
the large plant buildings and'parking lots of the Boeing Company and Pacific
Car and Foundry occupy the area south of the park.
Zoning
Single-family residential (GS-1 and G) is the zoning designation for the
existing park, and heavy industry (H-1) is specified along the lakeshore
extending northward as shown in Figure 6. Heavy industry zoning also covers
the entire area south of the park.
A small area of B-1, business use, is applied to'a trailer storage business
located east of the park entrance and this, is adjoined by a multi -family
residential (R-4) area. The remainder of the land around the east and north
sides of the park is zoned single-family residential (G-5000) except for a
trailer park (T) and a public use (P-1) zone.
Environmental Impact
The expansion of recreation use in the area north of the existing park would
be consistent with the land use policy of the City of Renton. Development of
park facilities and access would alter vacant land and convert it to passive
recreational use.
Land use patterns in the adjacent areas would not be expected to change, and
no significant impact to land use is expected due to the expansion.
Recreational development would be permitted under the present zoning desig-
nation (G and H-1) and therefore, no zoning change would be necessary.
39
I
■ Elements of the Human Environment
POPULATION AND HOUSING
Existing Conditions
The Gene Coulon Beach Park is located in Census Tract 253, shown in Figure 7,
which is coincident with PSCOG's AAM District 3820. For purposes of com-
parison, the area was analyzed (see Table IV) to assess the characteristics and
growth trends of the population closest to the site, as well as the City of
Renton and King County as a whole. Table V shows the projected area growth for
the surrounding AAM Districts as compared to the County, and Table VI shows the
housing characteristics. The housing information is collected from the 1970
Census tables and is therefore ten years out-of-date (especially note dollar
figures).
Environmental Impact
The proposed park expansion
is not expected to
have a significant effect on
existing population or housing
characteristics or
trends. Visitors to the park
mostly live in southern King
County, and as these
areas grow in population, the
park visitation figures are
expected to increase
proportionately. The park
expansion itself, however, is
not expected to draw a significant increase of
new people or housing to the
Renton area.
TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton Traffic Engineering Division has reviewed the proposed park
expansion and has provided the following information related to traffic.
Access to the park is provided by both Lake Washington Boulevard with vehicular
access at the south end, and by water (Lake Washington) for pleasure boat
users. Most boat.users arrive at the park by means of the street system, so
this section wi 11 concentrate on automobile traffic', on adjacent streets and
within the park.
The capacity of Lake Washington Boulevard at Level of Service "C" is 1,200
vehicles per hour. The 1979 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is 6,000. Peak hour
traffic demand on Lake Washington Boulevard occurs on weekdays between 6:30 and
8:00 AM and between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. The projected 1990 ADT without the
proposed park expansion is 8,200. The present two lanes are scheduled in the
1 41
Oab"y%pf
_!
"j
GAlrins
•�
�
` '
i `�3
�
r {
,�abe� , inr v
��,� ,'a
'
•nLYARNO
�'! .. .__" 'n'•' .r1\
RR)FGF I- 'r�`•s �
�,•
as `1, •r ' 3� � , t.•1
}
`
�i118g
y elievue I
✓� .4j 1-' Hial'r
O` �C
.I' j v
ama61
i ,-,�;• ,,,. ''.� / Poi! _.. 248�
� _ S 'T y��A � 'r` o ' � Y`^� 17 11 y ; !e -r1 'jt ��t '� ` ���=1��J' I �. ,��•> >� r_
PRniRslJl. �, 5 ■ `10? . I � 'r• �4
_� `` • � r, "rrr� J I , •��/saSLre '' 1 `�1 -.rU..-�r'��• • ,
fl
.Hills - -
247
�'` � _ `i r III ,�' �.�/ `- � ' i, � - '<--F-•c
South Pr' �` .I. _ mil• r: �y-�✓ _ j++}
"Kann d 250 �5, 3r•
'.�, ,. SITE � � — �•�: �- ,✓_ • ��r'--•.. �• � ; :.':� d ,.�
�--`: �.- r `/✓. '^•' tires` ` ,�. r .•v+� • J .
INV
252
_ 1, yy .r I �ti1;,. /6—yn Mawr
cq
' Jr,.�. �•��1 �� � �. •y tee/ ~`�..,- ��': �i
-i ' ! _ �1�k256
-
i - Foal r.% _ "�" ""' ifiIi. � � i , � `� ' �• •.1 . _.
- w)-Riverto 257
Heig - w *i• _ry t
unrl 'Pule
``fi �„• ^ 105' a ` ? Maple `- iAfJlwilUK
.. - _ ��' r.t- " �, -��.• •""�r �, =��.5. - �I�;a '�� l"' .I _ - --.=.� Ind
_ � S - - Y� =:� 4 } �iJ -'F-- Y'�� ^^ ��t t-`rf ��I`-'-�'r,. -` - -_ � � ��' _.-'\`sic :a1:�-•
259 .` z
,TINtsi
- ii-i36 it 3t
m�
-��-
CENSUS TRACTS
42
FIG. 7. I
r�
C'1
z
w
H
C
Z
Q
V?
U
5
V)
to
Q
Q
s
U
Z
O
Q
O
0.
O
0.
1
1
a
I
a
M
irk
O
to
1-
ON
-O
CO
r�-I
LO
LD
O
N
Clt
•
00
(>
w
1.
CO
N
N
CO
C1
�
ra
ra
N
M
117
CSf
Ln
O
•r
w
n
Y
ra
ra
O
LSO
O
lD
CV
. 4
LA
LO
O
co
N
i3
N
M
r
C
w
w
a;
1.•
Lfi
O
r�
r-i
O
w
CV
U
Cn
a-4
r4
N
M
LCt
ri
be
O
co
O
O
0)
co
r-I
q:r
co
D
Ct
M
LO
M
Ct
CD
OMO
N
.--I
O
N
ri
N
—q
N
N
�
N
ri
ri
ra
CO
r I
CDN
LLB
"
•-1
0000
UD
'-•<
C
N
�
G^0
M
cD
O
rl
rM
O
O
w
O
w
CV
ri
M
N
Ln
N
�
M
C
ra
co
M
M
LO
CO
I�
LA
MD
ll-
m
-qp
O
LO
LL7
LD'
•
►�
N
Ln
Ln
n
L. G
00
N
Ol t
N
••
w
w
N
ry
N
N
t't
r-I
M
M
r-I
O
M
1�
LO
tt
CO
CltD
N
p'
I
CO
N
Ln
.--I
ifi
N
CO
N
Ol
O
C4
U1
N
li)
M
•--I
w
M
•
ri
LLB
O
U
LD
r•1
LCi
lD
tt
r�
tD
CQ
M
to
Ll')
M
M
M
Ln
•
•
•
a
M
N
p
1�
M
C)
M
Olt
N
OC
r-1
n
N
N
N
0i
•-•I
'are
co
M
1 f
N
LD
U]
L�f'f
to
Ln
�
CD
N
N
co
-4
�
N
M
D
D
N
co
N
O
Il
LD
N
D
�
LO
to
Clt
•
.
M
N
m
to
M
O
m
I%
LO
O
O
N
N
CV
N
in
ri
-�;
r-1
we
I&q
we
C)
r-4
%D
co
1-1
ON
Kt
to
CDcn
LD
tD
N
N
�n
N
M
'--I
M
ffn
N
N
N
we
cm
N
to
r•1
O
00
CDr-
t
t.0
CD
i0
O
N
w
M
LC')
tC)
Cr
N
OO
Lrw
LL•)
N
N
ri
M
d"
M
n
"be
n
tQ
Ct
LO
r-1
w
V)
1�
tt
1-4
N
•
+
LL-1
CV
CO
N
r-I
C]
M
N
Cil
rN
f�
w
w.
N
N
N
m
tT
tD
tD
CY
ri
k
404
C
4�
O
O
CEJ
••
LU
4-1
4-3
M:
U
U
ra
b
I
ri
M
LD
E
R
O
•r-
fp
r-
r-
CO
1
1
1
+
Qu
U
CIO
+L-)
F-
Ci
m
N
M
CD
N
N
O
O
7trk
K
r
N
0.
Ca-
0
00
LL!
�--i
N
0^t
mCD
uj
d
Ln
U
r-I
,--I
Q
Ln
0.
i
N
K7
E
to r
NI (A
C uj
Q1
U C7
O O
r-+ •k
C7
C�
L
O
a
YJ
0}
LJV
co
F--
ti
L/}
C]
F-
V
LJJ
r3
O
a
0-
0±
F-
3
0
a
O
2
O
F-
Q
..J
n.
O
CL
#
d
M
M
1C
tO
•
to
O
O
m
cO
to
tD
O
m
C1
M
O
f•
d
N
c
r-I
ri
.-4
M
LO
•r
�
+'•'I
r1
r•I
r1
r•I
N to tD m M
O rn 00 co r` Ch
O cr N r-I O rl
w w w w n
d ri N m d %0
r-1 ri ri r1 ra
d r-� tD O -4
Ca d -c:r N 40 Cm
1p 00 cCJ 1p � �
M N •--r •--1 N M
.-� rl r••1 ri r-i
0 tD c0 c0 Ln • --I
rd Ln N Ln n tO
-1 tD N _ LL•1
d Ln n 0)
V)
U
O
to
N
e3'
N
M
r-•1
M
r1
r--�
(v7
w
w
w
f•{
d
L.LJ
n
CD
00
r-i
r-1
U
LLJ
J
Q
m
a
~
O
U
O
O
CO
Q
M
t0
Ln
^
co
n
M
01%
co
r-
(rj
w
n
w
w
w
n r_
to
ra
e-4
ra
N
m
^ O
O
ra
ri
r-I
ri
rl
Ch U
O
S
Ql
L •r
� �ke
C7
r--I
lD
N
d
C I
L 4-
N
n
LO
•4
M
N
-a O
00
T
O
(7+
M
iD
aJ
M
n
LL. C
Ln
tD
to
tD
tti
O
•w•r
c +)
3 L
o
CL
00
O -0
N QJ
I N
F- •r
y
� b
O
4-)
a••I
i-
to
Ln
(A
N E
U
IC
r0
(6
10
ev
•r In
•r
r•
E
U
U
V
4J a.)
0)
�
C.
+�
L
L
L
Q) Cl)
o
0
VI
o
o
a
U w
r
CL
w
Lk-
LL
U-
G9 GJ
p
CO O S-
C)
c0
0
0
0
r� U CL
r•
rr
00
m
Q
Ch V)
m
Ch
m
m
o
rr
ra
rl
r-1
N
4LM
a
'OR
7
f+r'f
L
O
d
N
O
00
•
O
r1
d
C.)
n
00
n
r1
^
to
N
G1
M
ri
c
N
N
•r
Ct
c
C7
O
Ln
G
O
Cr
1
+�
Ln
•
tD
O
O
CO
N
^
rl
GJ
^
Ln
m
cd
Cl
r-I
cm
o
co
00
co
c0
d
to
(•1
LO
N
•
M
d
Q
00
N
tO
ri
^
ra
M
^
n
rl
M
M
N
n
Cn
n
O
co
Ln
.-4
ch
r-i
CV
GV
f•
to
ri
O
^
M
M
N
rl
N
co
M
tO
d
a•
ko
iD
00
In
lCI
ra
CV
co
N
O
M
w
rl
^
c0
N
N
N
N
M
n L
LLnn
.
LL
O
ON
c0
cV
tD
C1
^
w
cn
^
d
f•
ri
LO
C]
co
et'
O
N
Ln
M
V)
CV
00
N
al
lt•J
w
.--I
n
c0
N
1-4
O
d
M
Tr
O
^
c0
t0
Ln
N
•
Ln
-A
N
00
N
00
00
,-•1
w-1
"be
LO
CV
d
d
m
ri
LA")
N
•
0)
0)
co
N
U)
N
w
^
t0
C7
N
1-4
CV
N
O
•--i
01
to
O
d
co
CO
N
r 4
c0
�
ri
•
M
w
^
^
N
N
w
O
00'1
0
d
.- I
LO
M
r•
Ln
N
CO
O
N
w
r4
tD
00
rY
M
O
M
^
r•
fV
m
Ln
.H
q&
d
•
M
N
01
rl
O
�
n
N
ra
Cl
N
69
r•+
�
GH
Ln
L
41
r
M
c
3 •-
c
Qj
L
L
r Lt
O C1
M
Cu
CL
+-)
v► to
aG
an
In
�
+- u
to a
•r
v+
o •r
c U
c
c
c •r
o
�
x c
a� o
as
�
a .•»
N
�
V
•r
•r
N r-�
d
d
U
<
CL
n. G
a
to
•1-)
CO 41
N
4J
N
O O
N
O
QOi V)
U CL
O 00
n r�
rnm
�4r
•k #
1
City of Renton's Six -Year Street Capital Improvement Program for widening to
four lanes with curbs and gutters, sidewalks, lighting and channelization. The
estimated construction period for the improvements is 1983-1985 although funds
for the construction have not presently been identified. The improvements will
increase the capacity of the boulevard to 1,500 vehicles per hour at Level of
Service "C".
Traffic.generated by the park and using Lake Washington Boulevard fluctuates
seasonally, daily and hourly. The heaviest traffic occurs on sunny, summer
weekends between 11:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. The summer peak day traffic averages
2,500 vehicle trips with 10% of these occurring between 11:00 AM and Noon.
Weekday peak traffic generation is also heaviest in summer with 2,000 ADT, but
the 'peak demands occur between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM, and between 5:30 and
6:30 PM. Thus, the peak park traffic generation does not generally coincide
with peak commuter traffic on Lake Washington Boulevard.
Congestion within the park occurs during peak hours and conflicts arise due to
insufficient parking for boat trailers. Congestion at the boat ramp occurs
primarily due to inefficient use of the ramp because of a lack of finger piers
or other facilities for handling boats in the water.
The park is presently served by METRO Bus Route 240. A bicycle route circling
Lake Washington and serving the park has been proposed and partially imple-
mented, but not within the vicinity of the park. Except for an existing
pedestrian walkway from the Renton Highlands beneath Interstate 405 to the
entrance, the park is not easily accessible to pedestrians due to a lack of
pedestrian routes and heavy automobile traffic in the area.
Environmental Impact
The expansion of the Gene Coulon Beach Park is expected to increase peak day
traffic generation by approximately 1,200 to 1,500 vehicle trips per day. The
type of traffic and peak 'hour demand should remain unchanged after the park
expansion. The increased traffic generation is well within the capacity of
Lake Washington Boulevard without a reduction in level of service.
Access and traffic safety for the park will be improved by the expansion due to
1) provision of a secondary entrance; 2) improved'internal circulation includ-
ing separation of parking for different park uses, and 3) provision of expanded
turning lanes on Lake Washington Boulevard.
45
Additional finger piers and separation of lanes for the boat launch should
greatly improve the circulation and efficiency of the boat launch. Additional
boat launch parking will be provided. The proposed improvements are shown in
the Master Plan (Figure 2).
Bicycle and pedestrian access and circulation will be improved due to the
provision of a trail system through the park with possible linkage to future
trails outside the park.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Fire
The Renton Fire Department answers all fire and emergency aid calls for Gene
Coulon Beach Park; average response time to the park is 2h minutes. The main
fire station, located at 211 Mill Avenue South, will supply a pumper, ladder
and aid -car unit on any fire call, and back-up service, provided by the High-
lands Station, will supply a pumper and an aid -car. Problems commonly dealt
with include car fires, boat fires, fires set by vandals, and occasionally a
call for an injury or accident.
The expansion of the park and increase in use would require a slight increase
in fire protection services. The design of the expansion area would conform to
requirements of the Renton Fire Department and Uniform Fire Code. These
requirements include:
- -an emergency access road to the northern end of the expansion area with an
adequate turnaround;
- fire hydrants at 500-foot intervals along access road;
fire hydrants within 150 feet of all piers;
fire hoses of 1k inches at the moorage pier;
portable fire extinguishers in the multi -purpose building.
Police
Existing Conditions
Adequate police protection is currently provided to the park by the Renton
Police Department. City-wide, the Department is reported to be understaffed.
The City of Renton ratio of police officers per thousand population is 1.67,
slightly below the national average (2.3) and consequently, a request for three
additional officers has been submitted in the current City budget.
46
Patrol calls to the park deal most commonly with problems of drinking, rowdyism
and.noise. These problems are greatest in the early summer, as longer days and
iwarm weather promote the heaviest use of park facilities. Problems of parking
enforcement and traffic control require continous police attention during
holiday weekends and Seafair week.
Environmental Impact
Although some pressures of overcrowding should be alleviated, expansion of the
park and an increase in use could require an increase in patrolling by police
and park personnel. With the requested additional' personnel, there should be
no problems of adequate police protection.
The proposed observation tower may present opportunities for vandalism, as has
occurred previously with the existing tower in the children's play area.
The City of Renton pays for King County patrol boat service along the shore-
line, and since the response time of the County patrol is slow, the City would
like to purchase its own fire and police patrol boat. Moorage space would be
provided at the park.
In all cases, funding for increased services is a policy issue that must be
considered by the City Council.
Mitigating Measures
The expansion area could provide for a separation of user groups: family groups
utilizing the existing beach area and teenagers using the northern expansion
area. This type of voluntary separation happens at several other beach parks
in the Seattle area and could reduce any potential conflicts between the two
groups (see RECREATION).
Hospitals
Valley General Hospital in Hospital District No..1
serves the areas of
Renton
and Kent. The hospital is operating above capacity
at the present time
and as
a consequence, an $18 million expansion program is proposed to begin next year.
One of the major areas of expansion is to be for
emergency services,
where
demand is projected to approximately double in the
next five years.
There would be no significant impacts to hospitals
associated with the
expan-
sion of Gene Coulon Beach Park and any calls for emergency treatment could be
readily met.
47
Schools
The park expansion would not significantly affect current or future enrollment
in the Renton public schools.
Increased learning opportunities for study of vegetation and wildlife habitat
would become available with the expansion of the park.
Maintenance
The Renton Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for a maintenance
program now in effect for the 22-acre developed portion of the Gene Coulon
Beach Park. With the exception of the lifeguard staff, the current total
budget for the park is $120,000 for all utilities, supplies and services.
While the park expansion is expected to double the site capacity, maintenance
costs would only increase by about 65%. An estimated total budget -for the
expanded park is $200,000, mostly as a result of the addition of two full-time
staff members and a part-time summer helper and as a result of increased
building maintenance for the multi -purpose building.
The current level of care would be continued, but design requirements for the
new section call for a substantial return to native vegetative cover which
requires little or no long-term maintenance. In the northern portion,
initially, irrigation would be used to help establish the native landscape and
undesirable species would be weeded out, but this level of care would end after
the first year.
Parks and Recreation
Provision of a large swimming beach and a boat launch ramp make the existing
Gene Coulon Beach Park a popular and heavily used recreation site for south
King County residents. More than half of the park's patrons come from areas
other than Renton, according to user surveys. The site provides good, level
public access to the Lake Washington shoreline, which is an area largely
foreclosed to the public.
Other park and recreation sites in the vicinity include Mothers Park, Liberty
Park, Cedar River Park and Trail system, Windsor Hills Park, and.North High-
lands Park. Boat launch ramp are available at the mouth of the Cedar River, at
Atlantic City Park and Seward Park in south Seattle, and at Newport Shores in
Bellevue.
H1
1
relieve
The addition of four boat launchramps would re eve some of the demand on the
existing launch facility, and would provide additional access for boaters from
the metropolitan areas south and east of Lake Washington (see RECREATION).
Expansion is expected to double the capacity of the site and thereby alleviate
recreation demands on other surrounding parks.
ENERGY
Existing Conditions
Energy consumption at the park is .limited to electrical use for lighting and
irrigation equipment and fuel used for park maintenance vehicles. Park use of
electricity was 204,330 KWH in 1977 and 176,670 KWH in 1978, reflecting the
conservation efforts of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Energy in the form of gasoline is also used by park patrons traveling to the
site and by boaters using the launch facilities.
Environmental -Impact
By providing recreation opportunities in the midst of a heavily urbanized area,
the need to travel long distances for such opportunities would be eliminated.
In addition, public transportation would be readily .,available, resulting in a
saving of gasoline.
The expanded park would require only a slight increase in energy with the
addition of a multi -purpose building and lighting for parking areas and piers.
Use of low-level, low -intensity lighting would mitigate the added energy costs
and, with utilities already in place or nearby, the energy costs of installa-
tion would be minimized..
' Fuel would be needed for equipment during the construction period. Energy
costs associated with construction materials for paving roads, trails and
parking lots is estimated to be about 5 billion Btus. Site preparation and
manufacturing and transportation of materials for the multi -purpose building
would require 3.6 billion Btus.
UTILITIES
Electricity
Existing Conditions
Electrical service to the park is provided by Puget Sound Power and Light
Company and is the only energy source presently utilized there. An underground
• 49
service of 7200 volts has been furnished and provision made for future develop-
ment. The total electrical energy used by the park in 1978 was 176,670 KWH.
Environmental Impact
There would be an insignificant increase in electrical energy demand asso-
ciated with the expansion of the park. The addition of a multi -purpose build-
ing, requiring provisions for cooking, and an increase in the amount of light-
ing would add to the current demand. An active conservation effort, currently
applied by the Renton Parks and Recreation Department, would keep use of
electricity to a minimum.
M1+11ra1 me
Natural gas is available from a trunk main along Lake Washington Boulevard, but
it is not used as a source of energy for the present park. If a need for
heating of buildings becomes a factor in future development, natural gas could
be a primary choice for heat, and connection could be made within two or three
weeks of notification to the utility.
Communications
Adequate telephone service is provided to the area by Pacific Northwest Bell
and adequate capacity is available for additional demands.
Water
Existing Conditions
The City of Renton has adequate water supply originating from wells (50%),
springs (40%), and City of Seattle reserves (10%). The water receives primary
treatment with chlorine. A 6-inch waterline at the south end connects the park
with a 12-inch main that runs along Lake Washington Boulevard. Another 6-inch
stub extends to the northern boundary of the proposed expansion area.
Environmental Impact
Park expansion will have an insignificant effect on the demand for water
service. A connecting waterline through the park would be necessary to create
a pressure loop for adequate fire protection. The line would also be needed
for occasional irrigation during times of drought.
With the addition' of a multi -purpose building to the park, there would be a
need for a fire hydrant for fire protection. The size and uses of the building
would dictate the size of the service line needed.
50
t
Sanitary Sewer
Existing Conditions
A large METRO gravity sewerline is located along the eastern boundary of the
park and an 8-inch cast iron pipe connects park facilities to this sewerline.
The City is under contract with the METRO plant in west Renton for primary and
secondary sewage treatment.
The low elevation along the lakeshore has made the installation of two lift
stations necessary, one at the south end of the park and one at the north end.
' Environmental Impact
Only a minimal increase in demand for sewer service is expected from expansion
'of the park. The needs for additional connections and another lift station
would be considered in the final design of park facilities.
Storm Drainage
Existing Conditions
A deeply cut drainage ditch runs through the park. It carries stormwater that
originates in the residential/industrial area between Interstate 405 and the
Cedar River, plus runoff from the lowlands and hillside area southeast of the
park. Erosion is a problem in the watercourse due to upstream flooding, but
the depth of the ditch prevents flood problems in the park.
Storm detention is required by the City of Renton when any portion of land is
paved, and installation of oil/water separators are required in every catch -
basin.
Environmental Impact
A detention pond with the necessary oil/water separators is proposed to be
located just outside the southern boundary to improve water quality in the
drainage ditch flowing through the park. The drainage ditch would be moved to
the other side of the boat launch and a more natural stream bed would be
designed according to the proposed plan.
Given sufficient funds, the City utility would construct a series of detention
basins to alleviate upstream flooding.
Solid Waste
Solid waste removal is contracted by the City to General Disposal Corporation.
The garbage is hauled to the Renton transfer station and subsequently taken to
landfills in the Maple Valley and the Newcastle areas.
51
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Existing Conditions
The location of the existing park facilities providing green, open space in the
midst of an industrial area is a benefit to many people. This is evidenced by
the increase in use of Gene Coulon Beach Park during shift turnovers for Boeing
and Pacific Car and Foundry. The popularity of the park is such that it is
often overcrowded, creating some potentially unsafe conditions.
Safety considerations at the park include a full complement of lifeguards to
protect the swimming beach area, and a signalized crossing and fenced right-of-
way along the railroad. The play tower at the west end of the park has been
closed at the upper level because misuse presented a hazard to park patrons.
The expansion area is presently hazardous due to steep shoreline and lack of
supervision.
Environmental Impact
Expansion of the park would improve public health and safety by cleaning up a
section of shoreline containing debris such as logs, bottles, chains, and
metal, and by eliminating hazards from that shoreline. It would also provide
community residents with an additional leisure area for outdoor activity and
exercise.
Several health and. safety features of the proposed park design include pro-
tection of the area inside of the outer harbor line by a log boom to ensure
quiet waters and to eliminate the conflict between motor boats, water skiers
and fishermen; improvements in access and circulation (see TRANSPORTA-
TION/CIRCULATION section); and concentration of bird feeding stations at the
proposed marsh area.
The conflict of traffic and a railroad crossing would be -reduced by the provi-
sion of improved parking and internal circulation. A new signalized crossing
and an additional crossing into the park would mitigate potential traffic
hazards.
The water quality of the existing drainage ditch would require improvement.
Periodic monitoring of water quality would be necessary to assure the health
and safety of visitors that may enter the water or take aquatic life from the
ditch.
52
AESTHETICS
Existing Conditions -
The expansion area is a long (nearly a mile), narrow (50-350 feet) parcel of
shoreline set against an undeveloped, wooded hillside. It is primarily a flat
shelf resting several feet above the lake with fairly steep banks sloping into
the lake, making access to the lake difficult. The site is sparsely vegetated
due to recent disturbances related to the, former industrial use. Litter,
discarded lumber and concrete blocks can be found in several locations, and
unused pilings occur all along the shoreline,
foreground reference and interest.
although the. pilings provide
Views from the site consist of the south end of Lake Washington with Mercer
Island to the north. The developed portion of the park, the Puget Sound Power
and Light power plant and the huge Boeing manufacturing buildings may be seen
' to the south and Mt. Rainier can be seen in the distance.
Environmental Impact
The overall appearance of the site would be improved, primarily due to grading
and fill (resulting in a more natural appearing shoreline) and proposed land-
scaping. The grading will also result in a more accessible shoreline by
reducing the slopes which lead to the water's edge. A series of small. bowls or
shallow ravines will be created that will provide a feeling of seclusion and
separate beach areas. These areas will be separated by mounds and plantings.
The mounds will provide more distant views across the lake. On one of these
areas, an observation_ tower is proposed to provide still longer views.
Areas of the park will be linked by a series of walkways that will provide
peaceful, quiet walks to the northern, less developed portion of the park. The
fishing piers may also provide places for peaceful viewing of the lake. At the
southern end, visual interest will be created by the more intense activity
associated with the boat launch, boat rentals, moorage and picnic facilities.
Visual and noise conflicts between the swimming beach and boat launch would be
reduced by the proposed berm separating the two areas.
RECREATION
Existing Conditions
Records of recreational use of the existing park indicate that it presently
receives approximately 300,000 visitors annually. The park is a large swim-
ming beach and boat launch with associated lawns, picnic shelters, playground
1 53
and tennis courts in a formally developed setting.
The park primarily serves
r
the residents of the City of Renton
-and surrounding
communities.
The variety of activities within the
park presently leads
to conflicts between'
'
some user groups. Boaters utilize
the parking lot
needed for swimmers and
others. Teenagers -on the lawns and
in parking areas
sometimes annoy families
using the beach or picnic shelters.
Environmental Impact
The proposed park expansion is expected to double park patronage within five
years. The capacity of the boat launch will be increased by adding additional
lanes and associated finger piers. The parking for. the boat launch will be
greatly expanded and separated from the beach parking.
Several fishing piers will be added, along with walks, an observation tower,
day moorage facilities for boats, additional picnic shelters, a space for small
boat rentals, and other facilities. Collectively, these facilities will
result in significantly greater volume and variety of water -related recrea-
tional use.
Previous conflicts between user groups will be'reduced due to the proposed
separation of the types of activity. Experience at other park areas indicates,
for example, that teenagers will voluntarily separate themselves from other
groups if given the opportunity. For this reason, much of the teenage use may
be expected to be diverted to the northern parking lots of the expansion area,
and thereby reduce conflicts with swimming beach and picnickers.
The more passive nature of the proposed park expansion is well -directed toward
handicapped and senior citizens. Wide, paved pathways would follow the shore-
line and would be connected to the fishing piers which are also wide enough to
allow wheelchair access. The ends of the piers would be covered to be usable
throughout the year.
ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORY
The expansion area of the Gene Coulon Beach Park is located on several feet of
previous industrial fill and therefore it appears unlikely that any archae-
ological or historical resources would be affected by enlargement of the park.
According ;o the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preser-
vation, there are no known resources within the area of the expansion;
54 1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
The proposed plan includes placement of two barges on the beach to suggest a
visual tie with the historic, industrial use of the site. Vegetation would be
allowed to grow around the barges and visitor access would be provided. The
historical use of the site would be explained to visitors by means of inter-
pretive devices.
55
I
Short Term Environmental Uses
vs. Long -Term Productivity
(THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND
' MAINTENANCE AND.ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY)
and
Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
1 .
Implementation of the proposal will, for all practical purposes, irreversibly
t commit the land area in question to the proposed use. The long-term fore-
closure of future options will be offset by the short- and long-term public
gains to be realized from the provision of needed park and recreation space.
The land is not uniquely suited to any foreseeable alternative type of use and
that proposed will serve the recreation needs of future generations.
The land is not now utilized for agriculture or mineral production and does not
provide unique wildlife habitat. It is 'unlikely that these or similar economic
' or environmental uses would increase in the future if the site were not devel-
oped for water -oriented recreation use.
' Delaying implementation of the proposal until some future time would not pro-
duce any anticipated environmental benefit in the long term. Delay would
significantly increase construction costs and reduce the value of bond funds
due to inflation.
Financial, labor, material and energy resources would be irreversibly commit-
ted to the development in quantities typical for comparable development. Natu-
ral resources expended would include construction materials and energy sup-
plies. Material commitments would include the use of water, wood, steel,
gravel, glass, plastic, asphalt and cement. Energy would be expended during
construction and for lighting, heating, transportation and other domestic
uses. Long-term maintenance would require the commitment of funds for services
such as sewers, fire protection, and the continued use of water and energy
resources.
' The public service and facility needs of the new park would be essentially
irreversible as demands on water supply, solid waste disposal, and sewage
' treatment would be increased requiring long-term maintenance. Certain resour-
ces including non -hydra energy, building materials and land are irretrievable
and must be accounted for in this and future generations.
57
1
Alternatives to the Proposal
1
s1Nn_arTTnN1'
A decision not to approve the proposed development would leave the site in its
existing state and prohibit recreational use of the land as designated on the
' Comprehensive Plan. The major result of no action would be to prevent or delay
all of the environmental impacts discussed in this document from occurring at
the expansion site.
A "no -action" decision would result in prime waterfront property left vacant,
' with the industrial waste and trash remaining on the expansion site. The
bluffs along the shoreline would remain in their present state, presenting a
safety problem to any trespassers using the site. The existing ,parking and
traffic congestion problems at the park would continue on peak days, and likely
worsen.
Costs to the City of Renton for park maintenance and staff would remain
approximately at existing levels (allowing for standard inflation rates) with-
out expansion of the park, rather than being increased by the proposal. Con-
struction costs would not be incurred.
r
MORE INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
A more intense development alternative was submitted to the Department of Parks
and Recreation in 1976; the Lake Washington Beach Park - The Phase II Planning
Program and Master Plan was adopted by the Renton City Council in April of
1977. The Plan recommended approximately 15 acres of fill (as opposed to the
one acre currently proposed) and extensive shoreline modification and struc-
tures (see DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL).
The facilities and structures were also more extensive, including an amphi-
theatre, playgrounds, boat rental, water-ski launch and boat marina for day
moorage and had a potentially greater environmental impact. The construction
and maintenance costs to the City of Renton would also have been greater.
LESS INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
If the amount of fill required for development of the number of facilities and
structures were reduced, there could be lower construction and maintenance
1 59
A
costs to the City than those of the current proposal. Infinite adjustments
could be made to the proposed park extension, such as no fill and no overlook
tower or multi -purpose building, fill and dredging only at the boat ramps with
no stream relocation, fill only to smooth existing angular projections into the
lake, or no boat ramp expansion.
Any of these less intensive alternatives .would have approximately the same
overall impacts. The City expenditure for construction and maintenance would
be somewhat less if fewer facilities are constructed. Fish movement would not
be improved from existing conditions without fill to smooth out the shoreline;
however, fish movement might be slightly improved by elimination of the pro-
posed fill associated with the boat launch.
ALTERNATIVE LOCATION
There are no comparable areas of undeveloped shoreline along the south end of
Lake Washington that would be suitable for park development. Virtually the
entire shoreline is intensively developed for residential, commercial, or
industrial use.
Development away from the lake would not allow the water -oriented views and
activities associated with the proposal. Existing park congestion and con-
flicts would remain.
A
I
1
1
1
Unavoidable Adverse impacts
Geology and Soils
Decrease in soil permeability due to buildings, paving and compaction. Reposi-
tioning and overcovering of soils.
Water
Increase in stormwater runoff volume.
tion associated with fill.
Temporary, slight turbidity and silta-
Vegetation
IElimination of some second -growth vegetation and replacement with grass, shrub
and tree areas.
Wildlife
Possible elimination of a few common species resulting from a decrease in
diversity and extent of habitat within the land portion of the undeveloped
expansion area.
I
Noise '
Slight change in noise patterns
due to changes in internal circulation.
Natural Resources
Consumption of common building
materials for construction of new facilities.
Transportation/Circulation
Increase in traffic volumes to
the park.
Public Services
Significant increase in funding
required for maintenance and operation.
EnT ergy
Consumption of additional quantities of energy for heating and operation of
expanded facilities, travel to
and from the site, and power boat usage.
Utilities
I
Increased consumption of water
and electricity requiring internal extensions
of each system.
61
I
References
Beaton, J. L., A. J. Ranzieri, E. C. Shirley and J. B. Skog, Mathematical
Approach to Estimating Highway Impact on Air Quality, CA-HWY-MR 657 825 -
72-08, State of California - Division of Highways, 1972.
Census Bureau, Characteristics of the Population - 1970 Census of Population,
Washington, D.C., 1973.
City of Renton Planning Department, Community Development Plan, 1976.
'
City of Renton Planning Department, Final Environmental Impact Statement for
Renton, Washington, 1979.
City of Renton Subdivision Ordinance.
City Renton'Zoning Ordinance Code.
of and
'
Environmental Protection Agency, A Manual for the Review of Hi hwa Noise
Impact, 55/9-77-356, Washington,-D.C., 1977.
Environmental Protection Agency, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Fac-
'
tors, P-42 (with revisionsResearch Triangle Park, ., 1973.
Environmental Protection Agency, Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Re uisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate ar in o
Safety, 550 9-74-004, Washington, D.C., 1974.
Harader, Mebust, Edlund, Thorson, Lake Washington Beach Park the Phase II
'
Planning Program and Master Plan, Seattle, Washington, 1976, Adopted April,
1977.
Jones & Jones, (City of Renton Department of Parks and Recreation), Evaluation
'
of: Gene L. Coulon Beach Park, Phase II Planning Program_ and Maste�an,
Renton, Washington, 1979.
'
Nautilus Associates, Ltd., Impact Evaluation - Lake Washington Beach Park
Phase II Plan, Sequim, Washington, January, 9 9.
Norman Associates, A Review of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Bellevue,
Washington, 1979.
Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission, Climatological Handbook - Columbia
Basin States, Vancouver, Washington, 1968.
Preston, Richard, North American Trees, Iowa State University Press, Ames,
Iowa, 1961.
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency, Air Quality Data Summary, Technical
Services Division, Seattle, Washington, Annually.
Puget Sound Council of Governments, Central Puget Sound Region - Population and
Housing Estimates as of April 1, 1976, Seattle, Washington, 1977.
'
63
Puget Sound Council of Governments, Comparison of IRDP METRO 201/208 RIBCO and
RDPI AAM Population Forecasts, Seattle, Washington, 1977.
Rittenhouse - Zeman and Associates, Inc., Soils Investigation, BeTlevue,
Washington, 1979.
United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Natural Vegetation
of Oregon and Washington, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment
Station, Technical eport PNW-8, Portland, Oregon, 1973.
Wahl, T. R. and D. R. Paulson, A Guide to Bird Finding in Washington, Whatcom
Museum Press, Bellingham, Was ing on, 1974.
Washington State Department of Ecology, Ambient Air Quality Standards, Olympia,
Washington, 1971.
Washington State Department of Ecology, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels_,
(WAC 173-60), Olympia, Washington, 1975. -- � -
Washington State Department of Ecology, Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Stan-
dards, (WAC 173-62), Olympia, Washington, 1975.
ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED:
City of Renton Fire Department
City of Renton Parks& Recreation Department
City of Renton Police Department
City of Renton Public Works Department
General Disposal Company
Muskoxen Committee
Pacific Northwest Bell
Puget Sound Power and Light Company
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Energy
Valley General Hospital
Washington Natural Gas Company
64
1
:1
I
List of Elements of the Environment
ELEMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
PAGE
Earth
Geology............................................................ 19
Soils. 19
Topography......................................................... 19
Unique physical features ........................................... 19
Erosion............................................................ 21
Accretion/avulsion................................................. 19
Air
' Air quality ................. ......23
............... ................. Odor. N/A
Climate............................................................. 23
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
Water
Surface water movement ..................... .............I....... 26
Runoff/absorption.................................................. 26
Floods..... ........................................................ 51
Surface water quantity ............................................. 26
Surface water quality .............................................. 26
Ground water movement .............................................. 26
Ground water quantity .............................................. 26
Ground water quality ......................................:........ 26
Public water supplies ............................................... 50
F1 ora
Numbers or diversity of species.............. ....................... 27
Uniquespecies ..................................................... 28
Barriers and/or corridors .......................................... 28
Agricultural crops ................................................. N/A
Fauna
Numbers or diversity of species .................................... 29
Unique species ..................................................... 29
Barriers and/or corridors..........................................30
Fish or wildlife habitat...........................................29
Noise................................................................32
Light and Glare......................................................36
LandUse.............................................................36
Natural Resources
Rateof use.........................................................36
Nonrenewable resources.............................................35
Risk of Explosion or Hazardous Emissions .............................36
65
1
1
ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
PAGE
Population.........
................................................
41
Housing..............................................................
41
'
Transportation/Circulation
Vehicular transportation generated .................................
41
Parking facilities .................................................
45
'
Transportation systems .............................................
45
Movement/circulation of people or goods ............................
41
Waterborne,rail and air traffic ....................................
45
Traffic hazards............ .........................................
45
'
Public Services '
Fire............................................................... 46
Police............................................................. 46
Schools.............. .... .............................. 48
Parks or other recreational facilities ............................. 48 '
Maintenance..... ............................................. 48
Other governmental services ........................................ 47
Energy
'
Amount required ....................................................
49
Source/availability................................................
49
Utilities
Energy...............................................................
49
Communications.....................................................
50
Water..............................................................
50
,
Sewer..............................................................
51
Stormwater ........................................................
51
Solidwaste.........................................................
51
,
Human Health (including mental health) ...............................
52
Aesthetics...........................................................
53
'
Recreation...........................................................
53
'
Archeological/historical.............................................
54
Additional Population Characteristics................................N/A
'
1
66
�
I
Appendix
' NOISE
'
General Description of Noise
Noise is any sound which is undesirable because it interferes with speech and
hearing or is otherwise annoying (the term "environmental noise", as used by
'
the Environmental Protection Agency, means the intensity, duration and charac-
ter of sound from all sources). Noise is a physical phenomenon created primar-
ily from mechanical vibration. Noise occurs in a predictable fashion where
free sound radiation is governed, with minor variance, by an inverse rela-
tionship (as the distance from the source increases, the sound is reduced) and
its transmission is determined by the physical properties of the transmitting
medium (usually air).
'
Man's response to noise is determined by the sound level emanating from the
'
source of noise and the frequency spectrum of the sound. Noise intensity
level
represents the of sound which is weighted in accordance to the apparent
loudness perceived by an average human.observer. This number is expressed in
"A" -weighted decibels and is written as dBA. This descriptor is the one
generally accepted as having the best correlation with human judgements of
'
loudness. Each increase of 10 dBA in the noise level is subjectively judged as
an approximate doubling of loudness.
Noise intensity covers such a broad range that it is measured logarithmically
and noise levels usually represent a statistical average for a given period of
time.
Since noise is rarely steady or constant
for long periods, average noise
'
levels
do not readily account for very high noise
levels of very short dura-
tion.
For example, a long-term average of a 60
decibel (dBA) sound level over
'
a 24-hour period might include peak sound levels of 110 dBA, but.such an event
- might
be less than one second in duration.
This fluctuating noise can be
' described statistically by noise levels exceeded for given percentages of time
during a prescribed time period. The commonly used statistical levels are L90,,
' L541 and L1O, for which the number in the subscript indicates the percentage of
time that the given level is exceeded. The L90 is indicative of background
noise in the absence of local noise events. The L50 is the median or "average"
' sound level exceeded 50 percent of the time. The L10 is usually indicative of
maximum noise from recurring events, such as traffic during peak volumes.
1
67
The total noise exposure for a prescribed time period is given by the Leq, or
equivalent level, which is the dBA level of a constant sound having the amount
of acoustical energy contained in the time -varying measured noise. The Ldn, or
day -night sound level, is the Leq over 24 hours with a 10 dBA weighting applied
to the nighttime (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) noise. The Ldn environmental noise
descriptor is preferred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ldn
levels in this report were computed from the measured noise levels by normaliz-
ing these levels for traffic variations over a 24-hour period.
The criteria used for evaluation of noise impacts are as follows:
Regulations and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Statements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Noise Guidelines for Environmental
Impact Statements identify levels which can be used to evaluate noise impacts.
These levels are not to be construed as standards. The document states that
"until more definitive guidelines are established for various types of pro-
jects, EPA personnel will be guided by the general considerations" indicated
below for residential areas:
Ldn 55 dBA Levels are generally acceptable; no noise impact is gen-
erally associated with these levels.
Ldn 55-65 dBA Adverse noise impacts -exist; lowest noise level possible
should be strived for.
Ldn 65-70 dBA Significant adverse noise impacts exist; allowable only
in unusual cases where lower levels are clearly demon-
strated not to be possible.
Ldn 70 dBA Levels have unacceptable public health and welfare
impacts.
The guidelines classify noise increases over the present ambient as follows:
0-5 dBA slight impact
5-10 dBA significant impact
over 10 dBA very serious impact
The guidelines also specify the information that is needed to evaluate noise
impacts and the abatement measures that should be considered if abatement is
required.
1
L J
The Washington State Department of Ecology (WAC 173-60) has.also specified
' regulations relating to maximum environmental noise levels. They have classi-
fied various areas or zones and established maximum permissible noise levels.
These "EDNA's" (Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement) are classified
as:
' a) Residential area - Class A EDNA
b) Commercial areas - Class B EDNA
' c) Industrial areas - Class C EDNA
The maximum permissible noise levels for these zones are shown below.
' NOISE LIMITATIONS
1
1
1
EDNA OF NOISE SOURCE
EDNA.OF RECEIVING PROPERTY
CLASS A
CLASS B
CLASS C
CLASS A
55 dBA
57 dBA
60 dBA
'CLASS B
57
60
65
CLASS C
60
65
70
Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, the noise limitation of the above
table shall be reduced by 10 dBA for receiving.property within Class A EDNA's.
These noise levels may be exceeded on the receiving property by 15 dBA for 1.5
mi nutes, 10 dBA f or 5 mi nutes, 5 dBA f or 15 mi nutes f or any one hour, day or
night.
The limitations suggested by the
State are approximately equivalent to the Ldn
'
levels indicated by the EPA in residential areas.
Motor vehicle noise is controlled under a different standard
(WAC 173-62).
'
Because the use of motor vehicles
would regularly violate the maximum permissible
levels in the EDNA's, additional
regulations have been -established
to cover this
category. The following standard
has been promulgated by the State
of Washington
to control the noise levels from
motor vehicles:
' "No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway or any
combination of such vehicles under any conditions or grade, load, accel-
eration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the following maximum
permissible sound levels for the category of vehicle, as measured at a
distance of 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel within the speed
limits specified, under procedures established by the State Commission on
Equipment".
' 69
The maximum permissible sound levels referred to are shown in below. Other con-
ditions on motor vehicle noise are also established, but relate primarily to the
occurence of noise from specific activity.
MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
VEHICLE CATEGORY
35 MPH OR LESS
OVER 35 MPH
MANUFACTURED
AFTER 1975
Motor vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
86 dBA{
90 dBA
86 dBA
BVWR* or GCWR**
Motorcycles .
80
84
83
All other motor vehicles
75
80
80
*GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
**GCWR - Gross Combination Weight Rating
Typical noise levels which can be expected from the types of equipment used in
construction are listed below:
Earth -Moving Equipment
Tractors
Trucks
Backhoes
Graders
Compactors (rollers)
Materials -Handling Equipment
Concrete Mixers
Concrete Pumps
Impact Equipment
Pneumatic Wrenches
Jack Hammers (and rock drills)
Other
Vibrators
Saws
NOISE LEVEL (dBA at 50 feetj
70 - 95
82 - 94
71 - 93
80 - 94
73 - 74
75 - 88
81 - 84
82-88
81-98
69 - 82
72 - 82
70
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1