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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWWP272109 (18)V p H,IGA:TE LIFT S`TATIoIV E'LI'MINATI,ON'AND,o,G--kAVITTY do� a SEWER I!lIAIN °INST'ALLATION ,'BIOLOGICAL- ASSESSMENT °° ° °o ° °°8 o n o 0 Q For Coordination with ° ° National°,IVlarine °Fisheroe Service and Urilted States Fish and' Wildlife Servibe " 0 .�6o° °"A D°°OoL F,5 O N 61 Prepared for!, City° of Renton Utility Systems°Division 1055 South-GradyWa° . o d ° ° �aRenton-, Washington 98055 e % Prepared ;hY:° Adolfson .Associates, tnp, ° ° ° -5309 Shilshole Avenue NW ° `Sea#tle, Washington 98`1;(5`!° ° o as _ o Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Ij Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................. I 1.1 BACKGROUNDINFORMATION...........................................................................................................................1 2.0 STUDY PURPOSE.............................................................................................................................................1 3.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................................2 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ACTION AREA.............................................................3 4.1 PRIMARY PROJECT FEATURES..........................................................................................................................3 4.1.1 Pipe Line Installation.............................................................................................................................3 4.1.2 Wetland De-Watering............................................................................................................................3 4.1.3 Clearing .........................................4 4.2 SECONDARY PROJECT FEATURES.....................................................................................................................4 4.2.1 Timing, Noise, and Detours...................................................................................................................4 4.2.2 Sewer Main Operation and Maintenance..............................................................................................4 4.3 ACTION AREA AND HABITAT DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................4 4.3.1 Environmental Baseline.........................................................................................................................5 4.3.1.1 Terrestrial Environment.................................................................................................................................... 5 4.3.1.2 Aquatic Environment........................................................................................................................................ 5 5.0 STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT...........................................................................6 5.1 THREATENED SPECIES......................................................................................................................................6 5.1.1 Bald Eagle.............................................................................................................................................. 6 5.1.1.1 Life History ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1.1.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 6 5.1.1.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1.2 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout............................................................................................................ 7 5.1.2.1 Life History....................................................................................................................................................... 7 5.1.2.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 7 5.1.2.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 7 5.1.3 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon....................................................................................................... 8 5.1.3.1 Life History....................................................................................................................................................... 8 5.1.3.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 8 5.1.3.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 8 5.2 CANDIDATE SPECIES........................................................................................................................................9 5.2.1 Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon........................................................................................ 9 5.2.1.1 Life History ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 5.2.1.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 9 5.2.1.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 9 6.0 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION.........................................................................................................................10 6.1 DIRECT IMPACTS............................................................................................................................................10 6.1.1 Bald Eagle............................................................................................................................................10 6.1.2 Fish Species: Bull Trout, Chinook, and Coho Salmon.........................................................................10 6.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS.........................................................................................................................................1 1 6.3 ANTICIPATED INTERRELATED, INTERDEPENDENT, AND CUMULATIVE IMPA�TS............................................1 1 6.4 BENEFICIAL EFFECTS..................................................................................................................................... 11 6.5 RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION MEASURES.................................................................................................1 1 7.0 DETERMINATIONS OF EFFECT................................................................................................................12 7.1 LISTED THREATENED SPECIES.......................................................................................................................12 7.1.1 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout..........................................................................................................12 7.1.2 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon.....................................................................................................12 September 2000 Page I Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 7.2 CANDIDATE SPECIES: PUGET SOUND/STRAIT OF GEORGIA COHO SALMON...................................................13 7.3 DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT...................................................................................................................14 ' 7.3.1 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon..................................................................................................... 4 8.0 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................................15 8.1 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................................................................16 1 APPENDIX A: FIGURES, TABLE, AND PHOTOS.......................................................................................... A-1 ' APPENDIX B: SERVICES CORRESPONDENCE.............................................................................................B-I September 2000 Page ii Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Information Project Name: State: County: City: Location: Project Area: Proposed timing or schedule Project Proponent: Contact: Preparer: Contact: Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Washington King Renton Section 5, Township 23 North, Range 5 East Lift station elimination and sewer main installation will occur near the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20th Street, located in a residential area of Renton, Washington (Figure 1, Appendix A). Between July and September 2001 City of Renton Utility Systems Division 1055 South Grady Way Renton, Washington 98055 John Hobson (425) 430-7279 Adolfson Associates, Inc. 5309 Shilshole Avenue NW, Suite 200 Seattle, Washington 98107 Kris Jaeger (206) 789-9658 2.0 STUDY PURPOSE On behalf of the City of Renton Utility Systems Division, the project proponent, Adolfson Associates, Inc. (Adolfson) has prepared this Biological Assessment (BA) to facilitate review of the proposed project as required by section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This BA has been prepared particularly to facilitate coordination between the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the action agency, and the National Marine September 2000 Page 1 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) jointly referred to as the Services. The NMFS regulates federally -listed threatened and endangered marine wildlife and anadromous fish stocks. Threatened and endangered terrestrial wildlife, plants, and inland fish stocks are under the jurisdiction of the USFWS. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for consultation or conference with the Services by providing site -specific information regarding the proposed action; data on listed, proposed, and candidate species; and a discussion of the effects of the proposed action on those species. Information provided by NMFS (NMFS, 2000) and USFWS (USFWS, 2000) indicates that the project will occur within the general range of the following species of concern: %A A°`, wy„T y, e� Vomm°nhtame i 5c�entifcName �'8 EAStafus ��y�` 34�,2$,'`` °8 Junsthction Mr "ZI WE Haliaeetus Threatened USFWS Bald Eagle leucocephaltts Coastal/ Puget Sound Bull Salvelinus Threatened USFWS Trout confluentus Puget Sound ESU Chinook Oncorhynchus Threatened NMFS Salmon tshawytscha Puget Sound/ Strait of Oncorhynchus Candidate NMFS Georgia ESU Coho Salmon kisutch 3.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES This study has the following objectives: To review information on species within the action area. The document includes a literature review and discussions on the expected level of use of species from public resource information. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species Map was obtained for records of state priority species occurrence in the project area (WDFW, 2000). The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Natural Heritage Program was also contacted for information on priority plants in the area (WDNR, 2000). A list of pertinent references is provided at the end of this report. Agency correspondence with USFWS is provided in Appendix B. • To conduct a site survey of the project area in order to observe species habitat. Adolfson biologist Kris Jaeger and planner Ann Root conducted a field review of the project on July 14, 2000. • To assess the Properly Functioning Conditions (PFC) of streams within the action ' area as described by NMFS (1996) and USFWS (1998). Estimates in the PFC assessment are based on observations made during the field visit, background September 2000 Page 2 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment materials, and information provided by WDFW biologists. A PFC summary is included in Appendix A of this BA (Table 1). ' • To discuss direct, indirect, and interrelated and interdependent effects to the species and habitats resulting from the proposed action, as well as to review known cumulative effects. • To provide a recommendation with regard to effect determinations. If the action ' agency determines that a project "is likely to adversely affect" listed species or critical habitat, then formal consultation is required unless an exception applies. If the action agency determines that a project will have "no effect" or is "not likely to adversely ' affect" listed species or habitat, and the Services provide written concurrence, formal consultation is not required. ' 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ACTION AREA 4.1 Primary Project Features ' 4.1.1 Pipe Line Installation ' The proposed project includes the replacement of an existing sanitary sewer lift station with approximately 1,044 feet of eight -inch diameter sewer main pipe. The project also includes the construction of three manholes within the pipeline alignment. 'The lift ' station is located east of the intersection of NE 20"' Street and Jones Avenue NE (Figure 2). The pipeline and manholes will be installed near the northeast corner of this same intersection. Installation of the sewer line and manholes will occur as a standard pipeline ' dig and bury method using a trackhoe. The project utility corridor is 15 feet wide and the construction easement corridor is expected to be approximately 30 feet wide. The sewer trench will be approximately six feet wide, varying in depth from 4 to 15.5 feet. Crushed ' rock fill will be laid to a depth of 2.5 feet above the top of the sewer pipe. Excavated native soils will backfill the remainder of the trench to pre -construction contours. Six control density fill trench plugs will be installed along the pipe to prevent the movement of groundwater along the pipe zone. 4.1.2 Wetland DeMaterin Approximately 776 feet of the proposed sewer line will occur within an identified Class 2 ' wetland that serves as a headwater wetland for Higate Creek, a small tributary to Lake Washington. Higate Creek is expected to contain seasonal low flows during the proposed timing of construction and volumes of groundwater are expected to be at a minimum. ' However, excavation in the wetland may require temporary diversion of the existing watercourse of this stream and de -watering portions of the wetland along the pipeline alignment. Water pumped from the wetland will be filtered in a temporary settling tank before being discharged into the wetland after pipe installation. September 2000 Page 3 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 4.1.3 Clearing ' The project will require clearing along the 15-foot wide project utility corridor. Clearing includes the removal of wetland emergent and shrub vegetation and approximately 16 red alder trees. The 30-foot wide construction easement corridor will not be cleared, but likely will experience vegetation disturbance during construction activity. All disturbed soils along the easement corridor will be planted with native shrubs and trees and hydroseeded upon completion of the pipeline installation. Disturbed soils within the ' wetland specifically will be hydroseeded using a wetland vegetation seed mix. The project will not require additional clearing for construction staging areas. 4.2 Secondary Project Features 4.2.1 Timing, Noise, and Detours The project is scheduled to occur during the summer of 2001 for a duration of 60 days. Work will occur between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project will require construction machinery typical of minor trenching projects (trackhoes, compactors, dumptrucks). Noise disturbances from the construction activity are anticipated to be typical of other small -scope construction projects. Bulldozers, cranes, concrete -mixers, generators, air blowers, and heavy trucks generate noise levels between 75 and 85 dBH, as measured 50 feet from the source (EPA, 1971). These noise levels are expected for the duration of the construction. The project will not require highly disruptive activities such as blasting or pile driving. The proposed project will not require a detour of road traffic around the intersection of NE 201" Street and Jones Avenue NE during construction activitv. 4.2.2 Sewer Main Operation and Maintenance ' The proposed sewer main will operate as a gravity flow sewer line. The sewer line will be incorporated into the regular maintenance schedule determined and conducted by the ' City of Renton. 4.3 Action Area and Habitat Description The action area includes all areas where work will take place and any adjacent areas that may be affected by the proposed project. To account for bald eagle and federally -listed ' and candidate fish species, the action area will include the aquatic environments of Higate Creek and Lake Washington (approximately 0.87-mile downstream of the project ' area) and all terrestrial environments within one mile of the project area. The project area includes an approximately 30-foot wide corridor along the proposed alignment of the sewer main (Figure 2). The alignment for the sewer begins approximately 400 feet east I September 2000 Page 4 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment of the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20th Street. The pipeline extends 600 feet north and turns 90 degrees west to its terminus on Jones Avenue NE (Figure 2). 4.3.1 Environmental Baseline 4.3.1.1 Terrestrial Environment The proposed project is located within a residential neighborhood in the City of Renton. Land use is characterized by single family homes, maintained lawns, and landscaped, ornamental plantings (Photos 1, 2, and 3). A five to eight -acre Category 2 wetland is located within the project area along a portion of the sewer pipeline alignment (Entranco, 1996). The wetland historically has been used as pasture, but currently is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and red alder (Entranco, 1996). The wetland is supported by several surrounding seeps and serves as a headwater wetland for Higate Creek. 4.3.1.2 Aquatic Environment Higate Creek Higate Creek is a small drainage flowing near the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20th Street and meandering northwest through residential properties to I-405 (Figure 2). Higate.Creek flows beneath I-405 south of NE 28th Street through a series of culverts that totals approximately 800 feet in length. Several of the culverts are joined at 90- degree angles. Higate Creek daylights approximately 200 feet west of I-405. The stream continues to flow west, enters an approximately 80-foot-long culvert beneath Lake Washington Boulevard, and discharges into Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Within,. and immediately downstream of, the project area, the riparian corridor of Higate Creek is dominated by maintained landscaped lawns, overgrown grass species, and Himalayan blackberry (Photos 2 and 3). The lower reaches downstream of the culverts beneath I-405 are steep and entirely overgrown with Himalayan blackberry. Higate Creek does not meet the criteria of properly functioning conditions for any of the parameters detailed in Table 1. In -stream habitat features are limited throughout Higate Creek due to its small size, presence of extensive culverted portions, and the level of urban and suburban development surrounding the stream. It is unlikely that the drainage supports anadromous fish species. Lake Washington The Lake Washington drainage basin has experienced increasing development, which is largely attributed to residential suburban expansion. The shoreline of the lake has been highly modified near the outlet of Higate Creek. The shoreline banks have been armored, and maintained grass lawns extend to the water's edge in several areas. Despite urban development -related impacts, Lake Washington continues to support several resident and ' September 2000 Page 5 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' migratory fish species, including anadromous salmonid species. Anadromous fish species b Y p include chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and potentially ' bull trout. ' 5.0 STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT 5.1 Threatened Species 5.1.1 Bald Eagle The range for bald eagles extends from Alaska across Canada and North America to the ' Chesapeake Bay and Florida (USFWS, 1986). Bald eagles are both residents in, and migrants through, Washington including King County. The bald eagle was federally - listed as threatened on February 14, 1978. They are currently proposed to be delisted. 5.1.1.1 Life History ' Bald eagles generally perch, roost, and build nests in mature trees near water bodies and available prey. Bald eagles usually spot prey while perching or soaring (Ehrlich et al., ' 1988). Stalmaster (1987) reports that typically over 50 percent of an eagle's diet comes from fish, 25 percent from other birds, and 15 percent from mammals, although they will also feed on carrion (Stokes and Stokes, 1989; Matthews, 1988). Bald eagles breed during mid- to late winter, and typically return to one of several nests located within an established nesting territory (Matthews, 1988; Stalmaster, 1987). Eggs laid in March or April hatch within one and a half months. Young eagles hatched in June will generally fledge in mid -summer (August). As bald eagles are primarily fish eaters, they usually nest within one mile of open water. Their home range generally extends up to eight miles from the nest (Muller, personal communication, 1994). 5.1.1.2 Critical Habitat There is no critical habitat designated for bald eagle. 5.1.1.3 Environmental Baseline ' The occurrence of bald eagles in central Puget Sound has been documented since pre - settlement times. Eagle populations have decreased within the region as a result of hunting, legal until the 1940's, and the widespread use of DDT, which was banned in ' 1972. Bald eagle numbers have been increasing since that time. Eagle populations are usually highest in the Puget Sound Region in January, as birds that had moved north in I September 2000 Page 6 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment late summer to feed on coho salmon runs in British Columbia and Alaska return to the region (Matthews, 1988). The closest eagle nest is located on Mercer Island, over two miles from the project area. Eagle nests are also found along the Cedar River to the south of the project area. There is a potential for an occasional, transient eagle to occur within the project area; however, the project area does not contain any large trees or other habitat suitable for bald eagle perching, roosting, nesting, or foraging. 5.1.2 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout The historical distribution of bull trout extends from northern California to Alaska. In Washington, bull trout are found throughout coastal and inland streams and lakes (WDW, 1991). Bull trout found in the Lake Washington drainage basin are part of the Coastal/ Puget Sound bull trout population, which was listed as a threatened fish stock under the jurisdiction of USFWS in November 1999. 5.1.2.1 Life History There are two general life history forms among bull trout: a resident form and a migratory form. The individuals of the migratory form may be stream -dwelling (fluvial), lake -dwelling (adfluvial), or ocean- or estuarine -dwelling (anadromous) (USFWS, 1998). Individuals of each form may be represented in a single population; however, migratory populations may dominate where migration corridors and sub -adult rearing habitats are in good condition (USFWS, 1998). Bull trout are opportunistic feeders, consuming fish in the water column and insects on the bottom (WDW, 1991). Stream temperatures and substrate conditions are very important for bull trout. Bull trout are most commonly associated with pristine or only slightly disturbed basins (USFWS, 1998). Bull trout typically spawn from August through November in streams with clean gravel substrates and cold (less than 9 degrees Celsius) water temperatures. Redds are dug by females in water 8 to 24 inches deep, in substrate gravels 0.2 to 2 inches in diameter (Wydoski and Whitney, 1979). 5.1.2.2 Critical Habitat No critical habitat has been established or identified for coastal bull trout. 5.1.2.3 Environmental Baseline Low stream temperatures and clean substrates are key features of bull trout habitat. This species is most commonly associated with pristine or only slightly disturbed basins (USFWS, 1998). The Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Appendix to the 1998 Salmonid Stock Inventory (WDFW, 1998) states that reproducing populations of bull trout and Dolly Varden within the Lake Washington Basin are limited to the upper Cedar River basin in Chester Morse Lake (WDFW, 1998). Although bull trout could occur in other drainages I September 2000 Page 7 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Seiver Main Installation Biological Assessment flowing into the Lake Washington basin, the presence of bull trout within the Lake Washington basin is unlikely due to the high quality habitat parameters that the species requires. The existing level of development surrounding Higate Creek, coupled with the presence of extensive culverts throughout the drainage, make it unlikely that bull trout/Dolly Varden are present in the stream. 5.1.3 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon Chinook salmon have a historic range from the Ventura River in California to Point Hope, Alaska in North America; and from Hokkaido, Japan to the Anadyr River in Russia (Myers et al., 1998). Chinook salmon with the Lake Washington drainage basin are included in the Puget Sound chinook ESU, a population currently listed as threatened under the ESA in Washington State. 5.1.3.1 Life History Chinook salmon require varied habitats during different phases of their life. Spawning habitat typically consists of riffles and the tailouts of pools with clean substrates dominated by cobbles located in the mainstem of rivers and large tributaries. Juvenile chinook rear in the lower mainstem of rivers before entering the estuary and salt marshes (Busby et al., 1996). This is a period of intense growth; Shepard (1981) reports individual juvenile chinook may grow from one percent to two percent a day in salt marsh environments. Fry emerge in the late winter and early spring. Juvenile chinook may rear in freshwater from three months to two years (NMFS, 1998). Chinook generally migrate to salt water in the spring and summer. Chinook spend from two to four years feeding in the North Pacific before returning to spawn. 5.1.3.2 Critical Habitat Critical habitat has been designated by NMFS for Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon as of March 17, 2000. Critical habitat designated by NMFS for Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon "includes all marine, estuarine, and river reaches accessible to chinook salmon in Puget Sound" (NMFS, 2000b) including Lake Washington and its tributaries. 5.1.3.3 Environmental Baseline The highest level of wild chinook spawning in the Lake Washington basin occurs in the Cedar River and Bear Creek drainages (Williams et al., 1975; WDFW, 1994; Carrasco, et al., 1999). Chinook salmon are not expected to occur in Higate Creek. The size, gradient, and presence of extensive culverts in Higate Creek are not typical of stream systems that support chinook salmon. Chinook salmon found in Lake Washington primarily spawn in the Cedar River, Issaquah Creek, and several tributaries in north Lake Washington (WDFW, 1994). Chinook are expected to occur in Lake Washington throughout the year either as rearing juveniles, or migrating smolts and adults. September 2000 Page 8 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 5.2 Candidate Species ' 5.2.1 Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon ' Coho salmon are currently a candidate fish stock. No protection for candidate stocks is afforded under the ESA, and section 7 consultation or conference with NMFS is not required for anticipated impacts to these species. Summary information for this ' candidate species is included herein in the event this species becomes listed or proposed prior to project completion. ' 5.2.1.1 Life History ' Coho salmon are anadromous, and occur in most major river basins around the Pacific Rim from central California to Korea and northern Hokkaido, Japan (Weitkamp et al., 1995). Adult coho salmon spawn in freshwater streams in the late fall and mid winter. Coho typically spawn in low gradient riffles with clean substrates ranging from pea -sized gravels to orange -sized cobbles (Henry, 1995). Rearing juveniles prefer off -channel pools with complex cover including both large and small woody debris (Henry, 1995). ' Juvenile coho rear in freshwater for 12 to 18 months. Smolts migrate to the ocean in the spring of their second year. Most male, and all female coho salmon, spend from 16 to 20 months rearing in the ocean before returning to spawn in fresh water as three -year -old ' adults. ' 5.2.1.2 Critical Habitat No critical habitat has been proposed for Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia ESU coho ' salmon. 5.2.1.3 Environmental Baseline Coho salmon generally utilize almost all accessible tributaries draining into Lake Washington (WFW, 1994). However, extensive culverts likely preclude coho salmon ' from utilizing the Higate Creek drainage. Coho salmon likely are present in Lake Washington near the outlet of Higate Creek throughout the year. Coho utilize the lake as ' foraging habitat either while rearing or migrating to and from upstream spawning and rearing grounds (WDFW, 1994). I September 2000 Page 9 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 6.0 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION 6.1 Direct Impacts ' 6.1.1 Bald Eagle ' The action area does not typically experience bald eagle use and it is unlikely that bald eagles will be present within the action area either during or after the installation of the proposed sewer line. There are no large snags or other habitat features expected to be ' used by bald eagle in the project vicinity. No nest territories are known within at least two miles of the proposed project. Based on the small scale and anticipated level of noise disturbance of the proposed project, coupled with a general lack of eagle occurrence ' within the project area, the proposed project is not expected to result in direct impacts on bald eagles. 6.1.2 Fish Species: Bull Trout, Chinook, and Coho Salmon Bull trout, chinook, or coho salmon presence within Higate Creek is unlikely. Long sections of the stream downstream of the project area are confined within extensive culverts, the gradient is steep, and the channel lacks suitable substrate and other in -stream habitat features preferred by these fish species. The nearest location to the project area where listed and candidate fish occur is in Lake Washington, approximately 0.87 mile downstream from the project area. There is a potential for adult and juvenile chinook and coho salmon to be present in Lake Washington both during and after project construction. Although bull trout are not precluded from Lake Washington, existing habitat conditions create less of a potential for bull trout to occur in Lake Washington during and after the proposed construction activities. The action area does not contain suitable spawning habitat for bull trout, chinook, or coho salmon. Despite species occurrence within Lake Washington and the action area, direct impacts to listed and candidate species are expected to be negligible. Potential direct impacts will be related to construction activities. Installation of the sewer ' main and construction of the manholes includes de -watering, excavation, and filling a portion of Higate Creek and the associated wetland adjacent to the stream. Impacts as a result of these activities would be related to construction -generated sediment entering ' portions of Higate Creek downstream of the project area and eventually depositing into Lake Washington. Construction -generated sediment that may enter Lake Washington could result in a temporary and localized increase in turbidity near the outlet of Higate ' Creek into the lake. The potential level of construction -related sediment that could enter Lake Washington is expected to be negligible. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (TESC) will be implemented to ensure ' that construction -related sediment and pollution will be contained on -site. Best Management Practices include the installation of sediment fences or other filtration fabric between all areas of exposed soil and downstream portions of Higate Creek. During the September 2000 Page 10 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment de -watering process, water pumped from Higate Creek and the wetland will be filtered and discharged into adjacent upland areas. In addition, construction activities will be ' limited to the summer months, when flow in the stream and stormwater volumes discharging to the stream are expected to be at a seasonal low. ' 6.2 Indirect Impacts ' The proposed project will not result in short or long-term indirect impacts to bald eagles or listed and candidate fish species. The project will not result in an increase in existing impervious surface within the project area and will not increase stormwater discharge ' volumes to Higate Creek. Peak flows in Higate Creek will not be impacted as a result of the proposed activities. ' 6.3 Anticipated Interrelated, Interdependent, and Cumulative Impacts The proposed project will not result in the creation new services or the expansion of existing services. The proposed project to replace the aging Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line is expected to eliminate the.potential for sewage overflows that may result from mechanical and/or electrical power failures within the lift station. The pipeline alignment was chosen to take advantage of the only possible gravity route between the existing lift station and existing downstream gravity sewers. No interrelated, interdependent, or cumulative impacts are associated with this project. 6.4 Beneficial Effects The NMFS and USFWS (1998) identify beneficial effects as actions which "are contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse effects." While the conservation measures presented in subsequent sections of this document are expected to result in some benefits, these are not considered "beneficial effects" since they are intended to avoid or minimize anticipated adverse effects. No beneficial effects have been identified as likely to occur as a result of the proposed action. 6.5 Recommended Conservation Measures The project is not anticipated to result in a long-term degradation of in -stream conditions in Higate Creek or within Lake Washington. Potential short-term impacts are expected to be limited to temporary minor and local sedimentation increases to Lake Washington during construction activities. A number of conservation measures are recommended to minimize potential impacts to listed species during and after construction. 1. To reduce potential direct impacts due to erosion and sedimentation, construction is scheduled for the summer, the region's typical dry season. 2. To further avoid potential direct impacts through erosion and sedimentation, the extent of vegetated area that will be cleared and graded will be minimized where September 2000 Page I I Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment possible. Temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures, which include the installation of sediment fences and other BMPs, will be implemented to limit construction -related impacts. 3. Water pumped from Higate Creek and the wetland during the de -watering process will be filtered for settleable solids and discharged to adjacent upland areas. 4. A Spill/Pollution Prevention Plan will be implemented to mitigate potential sedimentation and construction -related pollution to Higate Creek and Lake Washington. 7.0 DETERMINATIONS OF EFFECT ' 7.1 Listed Threatened Species 7.1.1 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout ' The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" coastal/Puget Sound bull trout. A "may affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: ' 1. There is a small potential for anadromous bull trout to be present foraging in Lake Washington during the project construction window. 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near ' the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -generated sedimentation. A "not likely to adversely affect" determination is warranted based on the following ' rationale: 1. Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely preclude bull trout from Higate Creek. Potential bull trout presence in the action area ' is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. 2. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected to be ' minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. Construction -Generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas of work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. 7.1.2 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon. I September 2000 Page 12 ' Higate Lit Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment g f tY g ' A "may affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: I 1. There is a small potential for chinook salmon to be present foraging in Lake Washington during the project construction window. I 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -generated sedimentation. ' A "not likely to adversely affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: l . Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely ' preclude chinook salmon from Higate Creek. Chinook presence in the action area is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. ' 2. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected to be minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. ' 3. Construction -generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas rof work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. 7.2 Candidate Species: Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "is ' not likely to significantly impact" Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia coho salmon "populations, individuals or suitable habitat." ' This determination is warranted based on the following rationale: 1. There is a small potential for coho salmon to be present foraging in Lake Washington ' during the project construction window. 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near ' the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -Generated sedimentation. 3. Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely preclude coho salmon from Higate Creek. Coho presence in the action area is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. 4. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected to be ' minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. ' 5. Construction -generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas ' of work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. ' September 2000 Page 13 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 7.3 Designated Critical Habitat 7.3.1 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon The proposed project "will not result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated" Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon "critical habitat". This determination is warranted based on the following rationale: 1. The potential increase in turbidity caused by sedimentation from sewer main installation is not expected to alter existing baseline conditions within Lake Washington. 2. The proposed project will not alter the aquatic environment within Lake Washington. September 2000 Page 14 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 8.0 REFERENCES Brueggeman, J.J. (ed.). 1990. Oregon and Washington Marine Mammal and Seabird Survey: Information, Synthesis, and Hypothesis Formulation. Final Report prepared by Envirosphere Co., Bellevue, Washington and Ecological Consultants, Inc., Portland, Oregon, for the Minerals Management Service, Pacific OCS Region. OCS Studt MMS 89-0030. Busby, et al. 1996. Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Oregon, and California. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC-27. Seattle, Washington. Ehrlich, Paul R., and David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye. 1988. The Birder's Handbook. Simon and Schuster Inc. New York. 785 pages. Entranco. 1996. Wetland Delineation Report, Higate Sewage Lift Station Elimination. Renton, Washington. Henry, R. 1995. Backgrounder: Coho Salmon and the State Endangered Species Act Special Publication. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Matthews, Daniel. 1988. Cascade, Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions, Portland Oregon. Myers, J.M., R.G. Kope, G.J. Bryant, D. Teel, L.J. Lierheimer, T.C. Wainwright, W.S. Grand, F.W. Waknitz, K. Neely, S.T. Lindley, and R.S. Waples. 1998. Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-NWFSC-35. National Marine Fisheries Service. 1998. 50 CFR Parts 222, 226, and 227, Endangered and ' Threatened Species: West Coast Chinook Salmon Listing Status Change; Proposed Rule. National Marine Fisheries Service - NOAA. National Marine Fisheries Service. 2000a. United States Department of the Interior, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region Habitat Conservation Division, Northwest Region Species List. http://www.nwr.noaa.gob/lhabcon/habweb/listnwr.htm. Updated August 16, 1999. National Marine Fisheries Service. 2000b. United States, Department of the Interior, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region Habitat Conservation Division, Northwest Region Protected Species Division. htip://www.nwr.noaa.gov/lsalmon/saimesa/chinl2u�htm. Updated September 9, 1999. Shepard, M.F. 1981. Status Review of the Knowledge Pertaining to the Estuarine Habitat Requirements and Life History of Chum and Chinook Salmon Juveniles in Puget Sound. Washington Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. College of Fisheries, University of Washington. Stalmaster, Mark V. 1987. The Bald Eagle. New York: Universe Books. September 2000 Page 15 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Stokes, D. and L. Stokes. 1989. A Guide to Bird Behavior, Volume III. Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown, and Company. United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1986. Recovery Plan for the Pacific Bald Eagle. Portland, Oregon: USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. A Framework to Assist in the Making of Endangered Species Act Determinations of Effect for Individual or Grouped Actions at the Bull Trout Subpopulations Watershed Scale (Draft). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations Building Equipment and Home Appliances. 1971. NTID 300.1, Washington, D.C. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2000. Priority Habitats and Species Map. Habitat Program. Olympia, Washington. March, 2000. Washington Department of Fisheries (WDF), Washington Department of Wildlife, and Western Washington Treaty Indian Tribes. 1994. 1992 Washington State Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory. Olympia, Washington. Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). 2000. Response to Request for a ' Species List for the Project Area. February, 2000. Washington Department of Natural Resources. 2000. Natural Heritage Information System ' Datasearch. Olympia, Washington. Weitkamp, L.A., T.C. Wainwright, G.J. Bryant, G.B Milner, D.J Teel, R.G. Kope, R.S. Waples. ' 1995. Status Review of Coho Salmon from Washington, Oregon, and California. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-MWFS-24. ' Williams, R.W., R.M. Laramie, and J.J. James. 1975. A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization: Volume 1, Puget Sound Region. Olympia, Washington: Washington State Department of Fisheries. ' Wydoski, R.S. and R.R. Whitney. 1979. Inland Fishes of Washington. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press. 8.1 Personal Communications ' Muller, Martin. Seattle Audubon Society. Telephone Conversation of April 7, 1994. Seattle, Washington. I September 2000 Page 16 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment APPENDIX A: FIGURES, TABLE, AND PHOTOS I September 2000 Appendix A - �' 1 IONEER 9Y 3 'SE r r'y J �e$ rNT1 6' 9 a Z, am `F � SE N 70TH a P ',. `y m i SL 70T,1 ST - sE to SE 72HO = 11ST SE y ?. t •j' i1i�Si .p, SE _ 71ST PL' z <• 4' < I PP I N SE 72HO Sr - N ` ,' 157i \ *�f ' v if t SF � i SE 73M ,t) , . 7 p L s�z >•ti c� nor ?PARK II �" ilI v9 .129 - C- 76TH 9 `r ST , 767H SE 176�, �z ,- 'i:firx`ft `. pL^_ ^V> _ �T&v1. 'Ea - i SE 75TH PL N77rx c^�'tvi`..SE ST i _ ! 76TH PL NE g._1 �F� an s ivH v� Sf n - " —Se ^ti }}yy lCli/ i I CHI ! *y �F( •`�jr / S SE BE v f Jar" .°PARK�,:/- I I p NE 43RD SE _ SOTH 797x 1 sr , ST P�= `: i1200?'.16W SE5 I ml'W^ r �. 81ST SE 'm tt aoip SE &Tq6 n+ ST Q = 40TH $T . z > u r 51 SE 85TH PL <- a z 'i'� ,p Fes-' sE BSiH tN SE 85TF1\ > c W SE aen sr Y PL- x N I SE %lH SE 87TN ST 9 a �`%`F y 7 t Jt KEMYDA1E a a BEACH PARK R r � ..�. s yy - 'yF PL Sr .�, ST a - It I � NE 36 5T ` SE SE 88TH ST .mac ; r sZ 36TH �_ 7 - i /Z 4E z 'Ta ti an SE'89TH ST 1 N ' '�' ,,FY AL'Sla 90TH ST PL N 33RDK 33Rf) ST. SE 91ST ST3„^.� _ 33RD-i..r..ST ow.� t-a t-' �+.',* pi g%12200 bC�.4C�EX,v„i.r ru i� `-i-'. i r COL£AfAN OU POINT N q 21 .-110p0 ��K', 92Nb Si 4, _�19 x. Fa. :�� ��tir 31ST $T v F C� NE 315T h 373 < -� <�v " "Ste, �` k u CREflC x y,^�:ss '-'z. SE 93F9,t -'1' ,:,.. WY ;f t o ya) r4 im cN 29TH 5 ST � '0.� © rn--�'�.z•� i�lt�'. ., 13 �."�,-�i' i ----'„ �A= s na_PL — "28TH , PLx X f j NEvE s S a h'�s• rSfi y`s 17�8TH eb'oP�NSR gT{ 2"7;H PROJECT AREA n'6 ; `;s� 4ELiss Y, y5E 99TH T S too sT 25TH `» AL.zyTn n Pip —SE r-1 SE WE d 22ND LAKE rrs sT N2zNo WASHINGTON �.y y' �a1�, T7o4 -'er w z P300a IE � �y ♦t � 4�Q�;t�' NDIy �LItEEj(� S� $ > `i � i I t i PARK c-+q < BOAT LAUNCH BOA - • A, \ yohF ! a w PL6D. y iY rt ..11v 3H(K), W z �- I i° w .. Z Et� NE lyres ST Ij s5 14TH ST ?m NE TH6PL� STMED o ` ✓ , t z fs NE aL NE lllll STr .w 6fXfzCBUWM 13TH XFANIAIfs tires `IzI 12TH. ST, E � NE ,o ST (ENE _ ..BEACH PARK". .. \STREN IUN �. JT AIRPORT BOAT: IAUNCN �M s' z80EIAG ,� NFIOTN LN i PL w 9n1 y E ST. a at Iv . St z > a t'y ` Kn AN < fS 'All F�r,'�-'LEDAR j z y ST. _ 7 7TH ST94 t ti1 wo NE 7TN- ST STD S Z 33C0 D NORTH t No Scale File name: graphic b : CT Original graphicbyACT Edits by: FIGURE 1. VICINITY MAP Date:727/00 CITY OF RENTON/HIGHGATE LIFT STATION ELIMINATION Reproduced with permission granted by THOMAS BROS. MAPS. This map is copyrighted by THOMAS BROS. MAPS. It o o .. , „ is unlawful to copy or reproduce all or any part thereof, whether RENTON, WASHINGTON for personal use or resale, without permission. Q e. t w� 47, -A ME rnename :00by ACT NORTH Orginalgraphicby ACT FIGURE 2. No Scale [) ate 7127100 DETAIL AERIAL PHOTO Source CITY OF RENTON/HIGHGATE LIFT STATION ELIMINATION •°°fF°°° RENTON, WASHINGTON Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Seiver Main Installation Biological Assessment ' Table 1: Summary of Baseline Conditions within Higate Creek k Pathways: Environmental Effects of the Baseline Action(s) Indicators Properly At Not Functioning risk Properly Restore Maintain Degrade Functioning Water Quality Temperature X X Sediment X X Chemical X X Habitat Access Physical Barriers X X Habitat Elements Substrate X X LWD X X Pool Frequency X X Pool Quality X X Refugia X X Off -channel Habitat X X Channel Condition and Dynamics Width/Depth Ratio X X Streambank Condition X X Floodplain Connectivity X X Flow/Hydrology X Peak/ Base Flows X X Drainage Network X X Increase Watershed Conditions Road Density/Location X X Disturbance History X X Riparian Reserves X X I September 2000 Page A -I Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment X Photo 1: Jones Avenue NE facing north. Land use is dominated by single-family residences and landscaped properties. Photo 2: Higate Creek flows through residential properties and into an excavated pond before it crosses beneath Jones Avenue NE north of the project area. September 2000 Page A-2 IHigate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Photo 3: Higate Creek west of Jones Avenue NE. The riparian corridor has been highly modified. 1 September 2000 Page A-3 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment I APPENDIX B: SERVICES CORRESPONDENCE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 September 2000 Appendix B ATTACHMENT A July 19, 2000 LISTED AND PROPOSED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES, CANDIDATE SPECIES AND SPECIES OF CONCERN WHICH MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED HIGATE LIFT STATION ELIMINATION PROJECT IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON (T23N R05E S05) FWS REF: 1-3-00-SP-1494 LISTED Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - wintering bald eagles may occur in the vicinity of the project. Wintering activities occur from October 31 through March 31. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) - occur in the vicinity of the project. Major concerns that should be addressed in your biological assessment of the project impacts to listed species are: 1. Level of use of the project area by listed species. 2. Effect of the project on listed species' primary food stocks, prey species, and foraging areas in all areas influenced by the project. 3. Impacts from project construction (i.e., habitat loss, increased noise levels, increased human activity) which may result in disturbance to listed species and/or their avoidance of the project area. PROPOSED None. CANDIDATE None. 1 SPECIES OF CONCERN The following species of concern may occur in the vicinity of the project: ' Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) Northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentata) Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) River lamprey (Lampetra ayresi) ep ° Z1 D° ° °° a ,°SEPTEMBER,2000 ° �T HIG4°LI FT° STATI°OV ELIMINATION -AN:D °GRAV,ITY o o _ ° e a SEWER, MAIN I.NSTALLATIO'N' BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ° o ° ° For Coordina°tioon with National -Marine Fish°ernes Service°�and, o ° �E a `United States °FisnLL aihd Wildlife. Service ° j o A °D °O° L4F°S O N s ° ° o a 4 ° ° o Prepared -for: ° o City°of Renton -° `Utility Systems Division ° ° o 0 ° m ° 1°055 South Grady, Way ' o o° ° ° Renton; Washington 98055 Prepared' by,:., 8° ° Adolfson-Associates, Inc. ° 5309 Shilshole Avenue, NW ° , Seattle,,°Washington° 98107 ° ° °° Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................1 1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION...........................................................................................................................1 2.0 STUDY PURPOSE.............................................................................................................................................1 3.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................................2 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ACTION AREA.............................................................3 4.1 PRIMARY PROJECT FEATURES..........................................................................................................................3 4.1.1 Pipe Line Installation.............................................................................................................................3 4.1.2 Wetland De-Watering............................................................................................................................ 3 4.1.3 Clearing ...............................4 4.2 SECONDARY PROJECT FEATURES.....................................................................................................................4 4.2.1 Timing, Noise, and Detours...................................................................................................................4 4.2.2 Sewer Main Operation and Maintenance..............................................................................................4 4.3 ACTION AREA AND HABITAT DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................4 4.3.1 Environmental Baseline.........................................................................................................................5 4.3.1.1 Terrestrial Environment.................................................................................................................................... 5 4.3.1.2 Aquatic Environment........................................................................................................................................ 5 5.0 STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT...........................................................................6 5.1 THREATENED SPECIES......................................................................................................................................6 5.1.1 Bald Eagle.............................................................................................................................................. 6 5.1.1.1 Life History ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1.1.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 6 5.1.1.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1.2 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout............................................................................................................7 5.1.2.1 Life History....................................................................................................................................................... 7 5.1.2.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 7 5.1.2.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 7 5.1.3 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon....................................................................................................... 8 5.1.3.1 Life History....................................................................................................................................................... 8 5.1.3.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 8 5.1.3.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 8 5.2 CANDIDATE SPECIES........................................................................................................................................9 5.2.1 Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon........................................................................................ 9 5.2.1.1 Life History....................................................................................................................................................... 9 5.2.1.2 Critical Habitat.................................................................................................................................................. 9 5.2.1.3 Environmental Baseline.................................................................................................................................... 9 6.0 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION.........................................................................................................................10 6.1 DIRECT IMPACTS............................................................................................................................................10 6.1.1 Bald Eagle............................................................................................................................................10 6.1.2 Fish Species: Bull Trout, Chinook, and Coho Salmon.........................................................................10 6.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS.........................................................................................................................................1 1 6.3 ANTICIPATED INTERRELATED, INTERDEPENDENT, AND CUMULATIVE IMPA�TS............................................ 11 6.4 BENEFICIAL EFFECTS..................................................................................................................................... 11 6.5 RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION MEASURES................................................................................................. 11 7.0 DETERMINATIONS OF EFFECT................................................................................................................12 7.1 LISTED THREATENED SPECIES.......................................................................................................................12 7.1.1 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout..........................................................................................................12 7.1.2 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon.....................................................................................................12 September 2000 Page i Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 7.2 CANDIDATE SPECIES: PUGET SOUND/STRAIT OF GEORGIA COHO SALMON...................................................13 7.3 DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT................................................................................................................... 14 t 7.3.1 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon..................................................................................................... 14 8.0 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................................15 8.1 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS....................................................................................................................... 16 1 APPENDIX A: FIGURES, TABLE, AND PHOTOS.......................................................................................... A-1 ' APPENDIX B: SERVICES CORRESPONDENCE.............................................................................................B-1 September 2000 Page �► Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Information Project Name: State: County: City: Location: Project Area: Proposed timing or schedule: Project Proponent: Contact: Preparer: Contact: Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Washington King Renton Section 5, Township 23 North, Range 5 East Lift station elimination and sewer main installation will occur near the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20`h Street, located in a residential area of Renton, Washington (Figure 1, Appendix A). Between July and September 2001 City of Renton Utility Systems Division 1055 South Grady Way Renton, Washington 98055 John Hobson (425) 430-7279 Adolfson Associates, Inc. 5309 Shilshole Avenue NW, Suite 200 Seattle, Washington 98107 Kris Jaeger (206) 789-9658 2.0 STUDY PURPOSE On behalf of the City of Renton Utility Systems Division, the project proponent, Adolfson Associates, Inc. (Adolfson) has prepared this Biological Assessment (BA) to facilitate review of the proposed project as required by section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This BA has been prepared particularly to facilitate coordination between the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the action agency, and the National Marine September 2000 Page I Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) jointly referred to as the Services. The NMFS regulates federally -listed threatened and endangered marine wildlife and anadromous fish stocks. Threatened and endangered terrestrial wildlife, plants, and inland fish stocks are under the jurisdiction of the USFWS. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for consultation or conference with the Services by providing site -specific information regarding the proposed action; data on listed, proposed, and candidate species; and a discussion of the effects of the proposed action on those species. Information provided by NMFS (NMFS, 2000) and USFWS (USFWS, 2000) indicates that the project will occur within the general range of the following species of concern: 19'S."�jr .:. .r`.. '� ',: '�4' o K 1 s ��4_ � �'�+. {�'^je, ^X Name `' -cma .r i. kn�D##:` 4 C i ESA Status Gds.*�,''a .,t ..ia X' TWO, Junsdictiog Common Name; >���kScientific .-ra Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Threatened USFWS leucocephalus Coastal/ Puget Sound Bull Salvelinus Threatened USFWS Trout confluentus Puget Sound ESU Chinook Oncorhynchus Threatened NMFS Salmon tshawytscha Puget Sound/ Strait of Oncorhynchus Candidate NMFS Georgia ESU Coho Salmon kisutch 3.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES This study has the following objectives: To review information on species within the action area. The document includes a literature review and discussions on the expected level of use of species from public resource information. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species Map was obtained for records of state priority species occurrence in the project area (WDFW, 2000). The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Natural Heritage Program was also contacted for information on priority plants in the area (WDNR, 2000). A list of pertinent references is provided at the end of this report. Agency correspondence with USFWS is provided in Appendix B. To conduct a site survey of the project area in order to observe species habitat. Adolfson biologist Kris Jaeger and planner Ann Root conducted a field review of the project on July 14, 2000. • To assess the Properly Functioning Conditions (PFC) of streams within the action ' area as described by NMFS (1996) and USFWS (1998). Estimates in the PFC assessment are based on observations made during the field visit, background 1 ' September 2000 Page 2 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment materials, and information provided by WDFW biologists. A PFC summary is included in Appendix A of this BA (Table 1). ' • To discuss direct, indirect, and interrelated and interdependent effects to the species and habitats resulting from the proposed action, as well as to review known ' cumulative effects. • To provide a recommendation with regard to effect determinations. If the action ' agency determines that a project "is likely to adversely affect" listed species or critical habitat, then formal consultation is required unless an exception applies. If the action agency determines that a project will have "no effect" or is "not likely to adversely ' affect" listed species or habitat, and the Services provide written concurrence, formal consultation is not required. ' 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ACTION AREA 4.1 Primary Project Features ' 4.1.1 Pipe Line Installation ' The proposed project includes the replacement of an existing sanitary sewer lift station with approximately 1,044 feet of eight -inch diameter sewer main pipe. The project also includes the construction of three manholes within the pipeline alignment. The lift ' station is located east of the intersection of NE 201h Street and Jones Avenue NE (Figure 2). The pipeline and manholes will be installed near the northeast corner of this same intersection. Installation of the sewer line and manholes will occur as a standard pipeline ' dig and bury method using a trackhoe. The project utility corridor is 15 feet wide and the construction easement corridor is expected to be approximately 30 feet wide. The sewer trench will be approximately six feet wide, varying in depth from 4 to 15.5 feet. Crushed ' rock fill will be laid to a depth of 2.5 feet above the top of the sewer pipe. Excavated native soils will backfill the remainder of the trench to pre -construction contours. Six control density fill trench plugs will be installed along the pipe to prevent the movement ' of groundwater along the pipe zone. 4.1.2 Wetland DeMaterin Approximately 776 feet of the proposed sewer line will occur within an identified Class 2 wetland that serves as a headwater wetland for Higate Creek, a small tributary to Lake Washington. Higate Creek is expected to contain seasonal low flows during the proposed timing of construction and volumes of groundwater are expected to be at a minimum. ' However, excavation in the wetland may require temporary diversion of the existing watercourse of this stream and de -watering portions of the wetland along the pipeline alignment. Water pumped from the wetland will be filtered in a temporary settling tank ' before being discharged into the wetland after pipe installation. tSeptember 2000 Page 3 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 4.1.3 Clearing The project will require clearing along the 15-foot wide project utility corridor. Clearing includes the removal of wetland emergent and shrub vegetation and approximately 16 red alder trees. The 30-foot wide construction easement corridor will not be cleared, but ' likely will experience vegetation disturbance during construction activity. All disturbed soils along the easement corridor will be planted with native shrubs and trees and hydroseeded upon completion of the pipeline installation. Disturbed soils within the ' wetland specifically will be hydroseeded using a wetland vegetation seed mix. The project will not require additional clearing for constriction staging areas. 4.2 Secondary Project Features 4.2.1 Timing, Noise, and Detours The project is scheduled to occur during the summer of 2001 for a duration of 60 days. Work will occur between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project will require construction machinery typical of minor trenching projects (trackhoes, compactors, dumptrucks). Noise disturbances from the construction activity are anticipated to be typical of other small -scope construction projects. Bulldozers, cranes, concrete -mixers, generators, air blowers, and heavy trucks generate noise levels between 75 and 85 dBH, as measured 50 feet from the source (EPA, 1971). These noise levels are expected for the duration of the construction. The project will not require highly disruptive activities such as blasting or pile driving. The proposed project will not require a detour of road traffic around the intersection of NE 201" Street and Jones Avenue NE during construction activity. 4.2.2 Sewer Main Operation and Maintenance ' The proposed sewer main will operate as a gravity flow sewer line. The sewer line will be incorporated into the regular maintenance schedule determined and conducted by the tCity of Renton. 4.3 Action Area and Habitat Description The action area includes all areas where work will take place and any adjacent areas that may be affected by the proposed project. To account for bald eagle and federally -listed and candidate fish species, the action area will include the aquatic environments of Higate Creek and Lake Washington (approximately 0.87-mile downstream of the project area) and all terrestrial environments within one mile of the project area. The project area ' includes an approximately 30-foot wide corridor along the proposed alignment of the sewer main (Figure 2). The alignment for the sewer begins approximately 400 feet east September 2000 Page 4 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment of the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20`h Street. The pipeline extends 600 feet north and turns 90 degrees west to its terminus on Jones Avenue NE (Figure 2). 4.3.1 Environmental Baseline 4.3.1.1 Terrestrial Environment The proposed project is located within a residential neighborhood in the City of Renton. Land use is characterized by single family homes, maintained lawns, and landscaped, ornamental plantings (Photos 1, 2, and 3). A five to eight -acre Category 2 wetland is located within the project area along a portion of the sewer pipeline alignment (Entranco, 1996). The wetland historically has been used as pasture, but currently is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and red alder (Entranco, 1996). The wetland is supported by several surrounding seeps and serves as a headwater wetland for Higate Creek. 4.3.1.2 Aquatic Environment Higate Creek Higate Creek is a small drainage flowing near the intersection of Jones Avenue NE and NE 20"' Street and meandering northwest through residential properties to I-405 (Figure 2). Higate Creek flows beneath I-405 south of NE 28"' Street through a series of culverts that totals approximately 800 feet in length. Several of the culverts are joined at 90- degree angles. Higate Creek daylights approximately 200 feet west of I-405. The stream continues to flow west, enters an approximately 80-foot-long culvert beneath Lake Washington Boulevard, and discharges into Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Within, and immediately downstream of, the project area, the riparian corridor of Higate Creek is dominated by maintained landscaped lawns, overgrown grass species, and Himalayan blackberry (Photos 2 and 3). The lower reaches downstream of the culverts beneath I-405 are steep and entirely overgrown with Himalayan blackberry. Higate Creek does not meet the criteria of properly functioning conditions for any of the parameters detailed in Table 1. In -stream habitat features are limited throughout Higate Creek due to its small size, presence of extensive culverted portions. and the level of urban and suburban development surrounding the stream. It is unlikely that the drainage supports anadromous fish species. Lake Washington The Lake Washington drainage basin has experienced increasing development, which is largely attributed to residential suburban expansion. The shoreline of the lake has been highly modified near the outlet of Higate Creek. The shoreline banks have been armored, and maintained grass lawns extend to the water's edge in several areas. Despite urban development -related impacts, Lake Washington continues to support several resident and I September 2000 Page 5 1 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' ecies, including anadromous salmonid species. Anadromous fish species migratory fish sp g p p include chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and potentially ' bull trout. ' 5.0 STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT ' 5.1 Threatened Species ' 5.1.1 Bald Eagle The range for bald eagles extends from Alaska across Canada and North America to the ' Chesapeake Bay and Florida (USFWS, 1986). Bald eagles are both residents in, and migrants through, Washington including King County. The bald eagle was federally - listed as threatened on February 14, 1978. They are currently proposed to be delisted. 5.1.1.1 Life History Bald eagles generally perch, roost, and build nests in mature trees near water bodies and available prey. Bald eagles usually spot prey while perching or soaring (Ehrlich et al., 1988). Stalmaster (1987) reports that typically over 50 percent of an eagle's diet comes from fish, 25 percent from other birds, and 15 percent from mammals, although they will also feed on carrion (Stokes and Stokes, 1989; Matthews, 1988). Bald eagles breed during mid- to late winter, and typically return to one of several nests located within an established nesting territory (Matthews, 1988; Stalmaster, 1987). Eggs laid in March or April hatch within one and a half months. Young eagles hatched in June will generally fledge in mid -summer (August). As bald eagles are primarily fish eaters, they usually nest within one mile of open water. Their home range generally extends up to eight miles from the nest (Muller, personal communication, 1994). 5.1.1.2 Critical Habitat There is no critical habitat designated for bald eagle. 5.1.1.3 Environmental Baseline ' The occurrence of bald eagles in central Puget Sound has been documented since pre - settlement times. Eagle populations have decreased within the region as a result of hunting, legal until the 1940's, and the widespread use of DDT, which was banned in ' 1972. Bald eagle numbers have been increasing since that time. Eagle populations are usually highest in the Puget Sound Region in January, as birds that had moved north in September 2000 Page 6 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment late summer to feed on coho salmon runs in British Columbia and Alaska return to the region (Matthews, 1988). The closest eagle nest is located on Mercer Island, over two miles from the project area. Eagle nests are also found along the Cedar River to the south of the project area. There is a potential for an occasional, transient eagle to occur within the project area; however, the project area does not contain any large trees or other habitat suitable for bald eagle perching, roosting, nesting, or foraging. 5.1.2 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout The historical distribution of bull trout extends from northern California to Alaska. In Washington, bull trout are found throughout coastal and inland streams and lakes (WDW, 1991). Bull trout found in the Lake Washington drainage basin are part of the Coastal/ Puget Sound bull trout population, which was listed as a threatened fish stock under the jurisdiction of USFWS in November 1999. 5.1.2.1 Life History There are two general life history forms among bull trout: a resident form and a migratory form. The individuals of the migratory form may be stream -dwelling (fluvial), lake -dwelling (adfluvial), or ocean- or estuarine -dwelling (anadromous) (USFWS, 1998). Individuals of each form may be represented in a single population; however, migratory populations may dominate where migration corridors and sub -adult rearing habitats are in good condition (USFWS, 1998). Bull trout are opportunistic feeders, consuming fish in the water column and insects on the bottom (WDW, 1991). Stream temperatures and substrate conditions are very important for bull trout. Bull trout are most commonly associated with pristine or only slightly disturbed basins (USFWS, 1998). Bull trout typically spawn from August through November in streams with clean gravel substrates and cold (less than 9 degrees Celsius) water temperatures. Redds are dug by females in water 8 to 24 inches deep, in substrate gravels 0.2 to 2 inches in diameter (Wydoski and Whitney, 1979). 5.1.2.2 Critical Habitat No critical habitat has been established or identified for coastal bull trout. 5.1.2.3 Environmental Baseline Low stream temperatures and clean substrates are key features of bull trout habitat. This species is most commonly associated with pristine or only slightly disturbed basins (USFWS, 1998). The Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Appendix to the 1998 Salmonid Stock Inventory (WDFW, 1998) states that reproducing populations of bull trout and Dolly Varden within the Lake Washington Basin are limited to the upper Cedar River basin in Chester Morse Lake (WDFW, 1998). Although bull trout could occur in other drainages September 2000 Page 7 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment flowing into the Lake Washington basin, the presence of bull trout within the Lake Washington basin is unlikely due to the high quality habitat parameters that the species requires. The existing level of development surrounding Higate Creek, coupled with the presence of extensive culverts throughout the drainage, make it unlikely that bull trout/Dolly Varden are present in the stream. 5.1.3 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon Chinook salmon have a historic range from the Ventura River in California to Point Hope, Alaska in North America; and from Hokkaido, Japan to the Anadyr River in Russia (Myers et al., 1998). Chinook salmon with the Lake Washington drainage basin are included in the Puget Sound chinook ESU, a population currently listed as threatened under the ESA in Washington State. 5.1.3.1 Life History ' Chinook salmon require varied habitats during different phases of their life. Spawning habitat typically consists of riffles and the tailouts of pools with clean substrates dominated by cobbles located in the mainstem of rivers and large tributaries. Juvenile chinook rear in the lower mainstem of rivers before entering the estuary and salt marshes (Busby et al., 1996). This is a period of intense growth; Shepard (1981) reports individual juvenile chinook may grow from one percent to two percent a day in salt marsh environments. Fry emerge in the late winter and early spring. Juvenile chinook may rear in freshwater from three months to two years (NMFS, 1998). Chinook generally migrate to salt water in the spring and summer. Chinook spend from two to four years feeding in the North Pacific before returning to spawn. 5.1.3.2 Critical Habitat Critical habitat has been designated by NMFS for Puget Sound ESU Chinook salmon as of March 17, 2000. Critical habitat designated by NMFS for Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon "includes all marine, estuarine, and river reaches accessible to chinook salmon in Puget Sound" (NMFS, 2000b) including Lake Washington and its tributaries. 5.1.3.3 Environmental Baseline The highest level of wild chinook spawning in the Lake Washington basin occurs in the Cedar River and Bear Creek drainages (Williams et al., 1975; WDFW, 1994; Carrasco, et al., 1999). Chinook salmon are not expected to occur in Higate Creek. The size, gradient, and presence of extensive culverts in Higate Creek are not typical of stream systems that support chinook salmon. Chinook salmon found in Lake Washington primarily spawn in the Cedar River, Issaquah Creek, and several tributaries in north Lake Washington (WDFW, 1994). Chinook are expected to occur in Lake Washington throughout the year either as rearing juveniles, or migrating smolts and adults. I September 2000 Page 8 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 5.2 Candidate Species 5.2.1 Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon Coho salmon are currently a candidate fish stock. No protection for candidate stocks is afforded under the ESA, and section 7 consultation or conference with NMFS is not required for anticipated impacts to these species. Summary information for this candidate species is included herein in the event this species becomes listed or proposed prior to project completion. ' 5.2.1.1 Life History ' Coho salmon are anadromous, and occur in most major river basins around the Pacific Rim from central California to Korea and northern Hokkaido, Japan (Weitkamp et al., 1995). Adult coho salmon spawn in freshwater streams in the late fall and mid winter. Coho typically spawn in low gradient riffles with clean substrates ranging from pea -sized gravels to orange -sized cobbles (Henry, 1995). Rearing juveniles prefer off -channel pools with complex cover including both large and small woody debris (Henry, 1995). Juvenile coho rear in freshwater for 12 to 18 months. Smolts migrate to the ocean in the spring of their second year. Most male, and all female coho salmon, spend from 16 to 20 months rearing in the ocean before returning to spawn in fresh water as -three -year -old adults. 5.2.1.2 Critical Habitat No critical habitat has been proposed for Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia ESU coho salmon. 5.2.1.3 Environmental Baseline Coho salmon generally utilize almost all accessible tributaries draining into Lake Washington (WFW, 1994). However, extensive culverts likely preclude coho salmon from utilizing the Higate Creek drainage. Coho salmon likely are present in Lake Washington near the outlet of Higate Creek throughout the year. Coho utilize the lake as foraging habitat either while rearing or migrating to and from upstream spawning and rearing grounds (WDFW, 1994). ISeptember 2000 Page 9 1 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' 6.0 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION 6.1 Direct Impacts ' 6.1.1 Bald Eagle ' The action area does not typically experience bald eagle use and it is unlikely that bald eagles will be present within the action area either during or after the installation of the proposed sewer line. There are no large snags or other habitat features expected to be ' used by bald eagle in the project vicinity. No nest territories are known within at least two miles of the proposed project. Based on the small scale and anticipated level of noise disturbance of the proposed project, coupled with a general lack of eagle occurrence ' within the project area, the proposed project is not expected to result in direct impacts on bald eagles. 6.1.2 Fish Species: Bull Trout, Chinook, and Coho Salmon Bull trout, chinook, or coho salmon presence within Higate Creek is unlikely. Long sections of the stream downstream of the project area are confined within extensive culverts, the gradient is steep, and the channel lacks suitable substrate and other in -stream habitat features preferred by these fish species. The nearest location to the project area where listed and candidate fish occur is in Lake Washington, approximately 0.87 mile downstream from the project area. There is a potential for adult and juvenile chinook and coho salmon to be present in Lake Washington both during and after project construction. Although bull trout are not precluded from Lake Washington, existing habitat conditions create less of a potential for bull trout to occur in Lake Washington during and after the proposed construction activities. The action area does not contain suitable spawning habitat for bull trout, chinook, or coho salmon. Despite species occurrence within Lake Washington and the action area, direct impacts to listed and candidate species are expected to be negligible. Potential direct impacts will be related to construction activities. Installation of the sewer ' main and construction of the manholes includes de -watering, excavation, and filling a portion of Higate Creek and the associated wetland adjacent to the stream. Impacts as a result of these activities would be related to construction -generated sediment entering ' portions of Higate Creek downstream of the project area and eventually depositing into Lake Washington. Construction -generated sediment that may enter Lake Washington could result in a temporary and localized increase in turbidity near the outlet of Higate Creek into the lake. The potential level of construction -related sediment that could enter Lake Washington is expected to be negligible. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (TESC) will be implemented to ensure ' that construction -related sediment and pollution will be contained on -site. Best Management Practices include the installation of sediment fences or other filtration fabric between all areas of exposed soil and downstream portions of Higate Creek. During the I September 2000 Page 10 ' Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Seiver Main Installation Biological Assessment de -watering process, water pumped from Higate Creek and the wetland will be filtered and discharged into adjacent upland areas. In addition, construction activities will be ' limited to the summer months, when flow in the stream and stormwater volumes discharging to the stream are expected to be at a seasonal low. ' 6.2 Indirect Impacts ' The proposed project will not result in short or long-term indirect impacts to bald eagles or listed and candidate fish species. The project will not result in an increase in existing impervious surface within the project area and will not increase stormwater discharge ' volumes to Higate Creek. Peak flows in Higate Creek will not be impacted as a result of the proposed activities. ' 6.3 Anticipated Interrelated, Interdependent, and Cumulative Impacts The proposed project will not result in the creation new services or the expansion of existing services. The proposed project to replace the aging Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line is expected to eliminate the potential for sewage overflows that may result from mechanical and/or electrical power failures within the lift station. The pipeline alignment was chosen to take advantage of the only possible gravity route between the existing lift station and existing downstream gravity sewers. No interrelated, interdependent, or cumulative impacts are associated with this project. 6.4 Beneficial Effects The NMFS and USFWS (1998) identify beneficial effects as actions which '`are contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse effects." While the conservation measures presented in subsequent sections of this document are expected to result in some benefits, these are not considered "beneficial effects" since they are intended to avoid or minimize anticipated adverse effects. No beneficial effects have been identified as likely to occur as a result of the proposed action. 6.5 Recommended Conservation Measures The project is not anticipated to result in a long-term degradation of in -stream conditions in Higate Creek or within Lake Washington. Potential short-term impacts are expected to be limited to temporary minor and local sedimentation increases to Lake Washington during construction activities. A number of conservation measures are recommended to minimize potential impacts to listed species during and after construction. 1. To reduce potential direct impacts due to erosion and sedimentation, construction is scheduled for the summer, the region's typical dry season. 2. To further avoid potential direct impacts through erosion and sedimentation, the extent of vegetated area that will be cleared and graded will be minimized where 1 September 2000 Page I I Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment possible. Temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures, which include the installation of sediment fences and other BMPs, will be implemented to limit construction -related impacts. 3. Water pumped from Higate Creek and the wetland during the de -watering process will be filtered for settleable solids and discharged to adjacent upland areas. 4. A Spill/Pollution Prevention Plan will be implemented to mitigate potential sedimentation and construction -related pollution to Higate Creek and Lake Washington. 7.0 DETERMINATIONS OF EFFECT ' 7.1 Listed Threatened Species 7.1.1 Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout ' The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" coastal/Puget Sound bull trout. A "may affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: t 1. There is a small potential for anadromous bull trout to be present foraging in Lake Washington during the project construction window. ' 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -generated sedimentation. A "not likely to adversely affect" determination is warranted based on the following ' rationale: 1. Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely preclude bull trout from Higate Creek. Potential bull trout presence in the action area ' is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. 2. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected to be ' minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. 3. Construction -generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas of work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. 7.1.2 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon. ISeptember 2000 page 12 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment ' A "may affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: ' 1. There is a small potential for chinook salmon to be present foraging in Lake Washington during the project construction window. I 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -generated sedimentation. ' A "not likely to adversely affect" determination is warranted based on the following rationale: 1. Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely ' preclude chinook salmon from Higate Creek. Chinook presence in the action area is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. ' 2. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected- to be minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. ' 3. Construction -generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a ' TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas of work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. ' 7.2 Candidate Species: Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon The proposed replacement of the Higate Lift Station with a gravity flow sewer line "is ' not likely to significantly impact" Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia coho salmon "populations, individuals or suitable habitat." ' This determination is warranted based on the following rationale: 1. There is a small potential for coho salmon to be present foraging in Lake Washington ' during the project construction window. 2. There is a potential for temporary and localized turbidity in Lake Washington near ' the outfall of Higate Creek as a result of construction -generated sedimentation. I Existing in -stream habitat conditions and the presence of extensive culverts likely ' preclude coho salmon from Higate Creek. Coho presence in the action area is limited to Lake Washington, 0.87 mile downstream of the project area. 4. The potential increased turbidity as a result of construction activities is expected to be ' minor, temporary, and limited to the immediate vicinity of the outfall of Higate Creek in Lake Washington. ' 5. Construction -generated sediment that could contribute to increased turbidity in Lake Washington will be contained on site through the implementation of BMPs and a TESC plan. Specific BMPs include the installation of sediment fences between areas ' of work and downstream portions of Higate Creek. ' September 2000 Page 13 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 7.3 Designated Critical Habitat 7.3.1 Puget Sound ESU Chinook Salmon The proposed project "will not result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated" Puget Sound ESU chinook salmon "critical habitat". This determination is warranted based on the following rationale: 1. The potential increase in turbidity caused by sedimentation from sewer main installation is not expected to alter existing baseline conditions within Lake Washington. 2. The proposed project will not alter the aquatic environment within Lake Washington. September 2000 page 14 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment 8.0 REFERENCES Brueggeman, J.J. (ed.). 1990. Oregon and Washington Marine Mammal and Seabird Surve3L Information, Synthesis, and Hypothesis Formulation. Final Report prepared by Enyirosphere Co., Bellevue, Washington and Ecological Consultants, Inc., Portland, Oregon, for the Minerals Management Service, Pacific OCS Region. OCS Studt MMS 89-0030. Busby, et al. 1996. Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Oregon, and California. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC-27. Seattle, Washington. Ehrlich, Paul R., and David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye. 1988. The Birder's Handbook. Simon and Schuster Inc. New York. 785 pages. Entranco. 1996. Wetland Delineation Report, Higate Sewage Lift Station Elimination. Renton, Washington. Henry, R. 1995. Backgrounder: Coho Salmon and the State Endangered Species Act Special Publication. Portland, Oregon: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Matthews, Daniel. 1988. Cascade, Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions, Portland Oregon. Myers, J.M., R.G. Kope, G.J. Bryant, D. Teel, L.J. Lierheimer, T.C. Wainwright, W.S. Grand, F.W. Waknitz, K. Neely, S.T. Lindley, and R.S. Waples. 1998. Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-NWFSC-35. National Marine Fisheries Service. 1998. 50 CFR Parts 222, 226, and 227, Endangered and ' Threatened Species: West Coast Chinook Salmon Listing Status Change; Proposed Rule. National Marine Fisheries Service - NOAA. ' National Marine Fisheries Service. 2000a. United States Department of the Interior, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region Habitat Conservation Division, Northwest Region Species List. htip://www.nwr.noaa.tzob/lhabcon/habweb/listnwr.htm. Updated ' August 16, 1999. National Marine Fisheries Service. 2000b. United States Department of the Interior, National ' Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region Habitat Conservation Division, Northwest Region Protected Species Division. http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/lsalmon/salmesa/chinpuiz.htm. Updated September 9, 1999. ' Shepard, M.F. 1981. Status Review of the Knowledge Pertaining to the Estuarine Habitat Requirements and Life History of Chum and Chinook Salmon Juveniles in Puget Sound. ' Washington Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. College of Fisheries, University of Washington. ' Stalmaster, Mark V. 1987. The Bald Eagle. New York: Universe Books. I September 2000 Page 15 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Stokes, D. and L. Stokes. 1989. A Guide to Bird Behavior, Volume III. Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown, and Company. United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1986. Recovery Plan for the Pacific Bald Eagle. Portland, Oregon: USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. A Framework to Assist in the Making of Endangered Species Act Determinations of Effect for Individual or Grouped Actions at the Bull Trout Subpopulations Watershed Scale (Draft). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations Building Equipment and Home Appliances. 1971. NTID 300.1, Washington, D.C. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2000. Priority Habitats and Species Map. Habitat Program. Olympia, Washington. March, 2000. Washington Department of Fisheries (WDF), Washington Department of Wildlife, and Western Washington Treaty Indian Tribes. 1994. 1992 Washington State Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory. Olympia, Washington. Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). 2000. Response to Request for a ' Species List for the Project Area. February, 2000. Washington Department of Natural Resources. 2000. Natural Heritage Information System ' Datasearch. Olympia, Washington. Weitkamp, L.A., T.C. Wainwright, G.J. Bryant, G.B Milner, D.J Teel, R.G. Kope, R.S. Waples. ' 1995. Status Review of Coho Salmon from Washington, Oregon, and California. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-MWFS-24. ' Williams, R.W., R.M. Laramie, and J.J. James. 1975. A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization: Volume 1, Puget Sound Region. Olympia, Washington: Washington State Department of Fisheries. ' Wydoski, R.S. and R.R. Whitney. 1979. Inland Fishes of Washington. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press. 8.1 Personal Communications ' Muller, Martin. Seattle Audubon Society. Telephone Conversation of April 7, 1994. Seattle, Washington. September 2000 Page 16 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment APPENDIX A: FIGURES, TABLE, AND PHOTOS I September 2000 Appendix A IOYEER 9' Nj 3 SEE I '< 0, fn S s< f if;00 <' SE v 78TH SE - y 69rH1 i� SE 72N0 ST 71ST 11y (ni Si 7167.i i 'N 72ND�PN alzxT 5 t }j VQd 4I \fir.` �.Lf �� �..•sr3?r ` N 1 NAZEL(IgOD 7 < SE 72N0,^ST y' f SUrAO -1L ^•� ' a - . � � � _ "I L✓ �,A� ` -< �y�� r'z,n 7h �JT6'�r p �nl S h SE ST q� SE6T]TL 76TH SE 76� -` ti'�7. 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S -.: IfE CT T NOfZTM No Scale File File name: phis b : ACT Original graphic by: ACT EDaate 727/00 FIGURE 1. VICINITY MAP CITY OF RENTON/HIGHGATE LIFT STATION ELIMINATION Reproduced with permission granted by THOMAS BROS. MAPS. This map is copyrighted by THOMAS BROS. MAPS. It RENTON, WASHINGTON • o o E ' u M is unlawful to copy or reproduce all or any part thereof, whether for personal use or resale, without permission. Wzate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Seiver Main Installation Biological Assessment ITable 1: Summary of Baseline Conditions within Higate Creek Pathways: Environmental Effects of the Baseline Action(s) Indicators Properly At Not Functioning risk Properly Restore Maintain Degrade Functioning Water Quality Temperature X X Sediment X X Chemical X X Habitat Access Physical Barriers X X Habitat Elements Substrate X X LWD X X Pool Frequency X X Pool Quality X X Refugia X X Off -channel Habitat X X Channel Condition and Dynamics Width/Depth Ratio X X Streambank Condition X X Floodplain Connectivity X X Flow/Hydrology X Peak/ Base Flows X X Drainage Network X X Increase Watershed Conditions Road Density/Location X X Disturbance History X X Riparian Reserves X X I September 2000 rage A-t Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Photo 1: Jones Avenue NE facing north. Land use is dominated by single-family residences and landscaped properties. Photo 2: Higate Creek flows through residential properties and into an excavated pond before it crosses beneath Jones Avenue NE north of the project area. September 2000 Page A-2 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment Photo 3: Higate Creek west of Jones Avenue NE. The riparian corridor has been highly ' modified. September 2000 Page A-3 Higate Lift Station Elimination and Gravity Sewer Main Installation Biological Assessment I APPENDIX B: SERVICES CORRESPONDENCE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 September 2000 Appendix B ATTACHMENT A July 19, 2000 LISTED AND PROPOSED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES, CANDIDATE SPECIES AND SPECIES OF CONCERN WHICH MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED HIGATE LIFT STATION ELIMINATION PROJECT IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON (T23N R05E S05) FWS REF: 1-3-00-SP-1494 LISTED Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - wintering bald eagles may occur in the vicinity of the project. Wintering activities occur from October 31 through March 31. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) - occur in the vicinity of the project. Major concerns that should be addressed in your biological assessment of the project impacts to listed species are: 1. Level of use of the project area by listed species. 2. Effect of the project on listed species' primary food stocks, prey species, and foraging areas in all areas influenced by the project. 3. Impacts from project construction (i.e., habitat loss, increased noise levels, increased human activity) which may result in disturbance to listed species and/or their avoidance of the project area. PROPOSED None. CANDIDATE None. SPECIES OF CONCERN IThe following species of concern may occur in the vicinity of the project: ' Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) Northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) ' Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentata) Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) River lamprey (Lampetra ayresi)