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Home My WebLink AboutERC_Levee_Recertification_finalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map ERC_Levee_Recertification_final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: April 24, 2023 Project File Number: PR23-000055 Project Name: PW SWP - #27-3708 Cedar River Levee Recertification Land Use File Number: LUA23-000078 ECF, SME, CAE Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner Owner/Applicant/Contact: Chester Bennett, City of Renton - Public Works, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location: Multipe sites along the Cedar River: 211 Burnett Ave N, 616 W Perimeter Rd, 9001 Nishiwaki Ln (Parcel Nos.: 072305HYDR, 182305HYDR, 1823059275, 1823059158, 1823059277, 182305UNKN, 7229300626, 1823059263) Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review, a Shoreline Exemption, and a Critical Areas Exemption for recertification of the levee along the Cedar River. The proposed project would consist of improvements to the existing Cedar River levee system to meet current Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) flood design standards necessary for levee certification. The existing flood protection system is located on both banks of the lower Cedar River. The levee system consists of earthen levee embankments (levees) and floodwalls along both banks of the lower 1.25 miles of the Cedar River. The proposed levee improvements include minor modifications at eight improvement sites associated with the existing levee and floodwall system along both the left and right banks of the Cedar River. The project site is located with the Residential -10 (R-10), Center Downtown (CD), Medium Industrial (IM), and Urban Center-2 (UC-2) zones. The Cedar River is classified as a Shoreline of the State and the project is located within reach A of the Cedar River and the Shoreline High Intensity designation. The Cedar River 100-year floodplain and floodway. sensitive and protect slopes, seven (7) wetlands, and a high seismic hazard area are mapped on the project site. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): N/A N/A Site Area: approx. 22,520 sq. ft. Total Building Area GSF: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) DocuSign Envelope ID: 45B5408F-6D01-41E2-BA65-EFA342CBAFFA City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development PW SWP - #27-3708 Cedar River Levee Recertification Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000078 ECF, SME, CAE Report of April 24, 2023 Page 2 of 3 ERC_Levee_Recertification_final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations. A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials: Issue a DNS with a 14-day appeal period B. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: 90% Plan Set Exhibit 3: Biological Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat Evaluation, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated February 16, 2022 Exhibit 4: Levee Modification Analysis, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated February 2, 2022 Exhibit 5: Critical Areas Assessment Report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated October 19, 2021 Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report, prepared by City of Renton, dated March 2, 2023 Exhibit 7: Comment Letter from King County and City Response Exhibit 8: Advisory Notes C. Environmental Impacts The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following probable impacts: 1. Water a. Wetlands and Streams Impacts: The applicant submitted a Critical Areas Assessment Report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated October 19, 2021 (Exhibit 5) and a Biological Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat Evaluation, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated February 16, 2022 (Exhibit 3). The project site is located along the Cedar River. The upstream side of the Logan Avenue bridge is the upstream (southern) limit of the project reach, and the mouth of the Cedar River at Lake Washington is the downstream (northern) reach boundary. Potential levee improvements include modifications to the existing levee and floodwall system along both the le ft and right bank of the Cedar River at a total of 11 sites (three of which consist only of mitigation plantings and clearing work). Proposed improvements along the right bank of the Cedar River include improving the transition from the levee embankment to the existing floodwall, raising and regrading of the existing levee embankment, and the raising/extending of the existing floodwall. The proposed improvements along the left bank of the Cedar River include improving the transition from the levee embankment to the floodwall, raising the flood wall, raising the levee embankment with a curb wall widening the levee crest with a retaining wall, constructing a flood wall, reconstructing a damaged floodwall, and the raising/regarding of the levee embankment. The purpose of these improvements is to meet levee elevation, freeboard and other technical requirements in accordance with the current DocuSign Envelope ID: 45B5408F-6D01-41E2-BA65-EFA342CBAFFA City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development PW SWP - #27-3708 Cedar River Levee Recertification Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000078 ECF, SME, CAE Report of April 24, 2023 Page 3 of 3 ERC_Levee_Recertification_final flood model and levee criteria. The proposed improvements would result in a net total fill of 43 cubic yards. All proposed work, with the exception of some mitigation plantings and invasive plant removal would occur above the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of the Cedar River. The proposed improvements would include approximately 13,000 SF of temporary impacts and 300 SF of permanent impacts to shrubs and turf grass due to construction. The existing riparian vegetation that would be impacted is mostly comprised of invasive shrubs and grass. However, there are seven (7) native trees in the vicinity of the Logan Avenue Bridge that would be impacted. In-kind compensatory mitigation for riparian buffer impacts is proposed through the removal of invasive vegetation and the installation of native plants within riparian buffer areas near the project impact areas. The project includes approximately 21,000 SF of on-site vegetation mitigation and 20 trees off-site as mitigation. Vegetation removed in equipment access and staging areas on the left bank is primarily invasive. These areas would be restored using native seed mixes and shrub plantings, in accordance with levee and airport restrictions, following completion of construction. Native communities, once established, are expected to provide greater levels of riparian function than existing plant communities. Restoration would use fast-growing species that are anticipated to become established within as little as one to two years. However, there will still be a short-term loss of functions that riparian vegetation provides during and immediately after construction work. Proposed plantings have been specified to ensure compliance with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulations for vegetation on and around the constructed flood control levees and walls. Increasing riparian vegetation at the banks will create overwater shading and increase invertebrate habitat along the margins of the river. These effects will improve habitat quality and quantity as well as increase food sources for salmonids. Reduction of predator habitat will also provide beneficial effects to salmonids. Areas temporarily impacted during construction will be revegetated with a native vegetation seed mix. Additional plantings within the riparian buffer will consists of a mix of native trees and shrubs. The work proposed would bring the existing levee along the Cedar River into compliance with Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) requirements and allow for the recertification of the existing levee system. On and offsite vegetation and habitat restoration would be provided for impacts related to the maintenance and repair of the levee system; therefore, no further mitigation is recommended. Mitigation Measures: None Recommended Nexus: N/A D. Comments of Reviewing Departments The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.” ✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report. The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14 -day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 8, 2023. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is s ubmitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. DocuSign Envelope ID: 45B5408F-6D01-41E2-BA65-EFA342CBAFFA CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: PW SWP - #27-3708 Cedar River Levee Recertification Land Use File Number: LUA23-000078 ECF, SME, CAE Date of Meeting April 24, 2023 Staff Contact Jill Ding Senior Planner Project Contact/Applicant Chester Bennett City of Renton - Public Works 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location Multipe sites along the Cedar River: 211 Burnett Ave N, 616 W Perimeter Rd, 9001 Nishiwaki Ln The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: 90% Plan Set Exhibit 3: Biological Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat Evaluation, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated February 16, 2022 Exhibit 4: Levee Modification Analysis, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated February 2, 2022 Exhibit 5: Critical Areas Assessment Report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated October 19, 2021 Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report, prepared by City of Renton, dated March 2, 2023 Exhibit 7: Comment Letter from King County and City Response Exhibit 8: Advisory Notes DocuSign Envelope ID: 45B5408F-6D01-41E2-BA65-EFA342CBAFFA