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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Critical_Area_Tech_Memo_180911_v1.pdf Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 1 of 19 2907 Harborview Drive, Suite D Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Technical Memorandum To: Chris Burrus, Harbor Homes File Number: 1155.0021 From: Emily Swaim, Soundview Consultants LLC Don Babineau, Soundview Consultants LLC Date: May 29, 2018 Re: Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Maple Highlands-16210 SE 134th Street, Renton, Washington 98059 Dear Mr. Burrus, Soundview Consultants LLC (SVC) conducted a wetland and fish and wildlife habitat assessment of an approximately 4.16-acre property consisting of one parcel located in the City of Renton at 16210 S E 134th Street (Figure 1). The property consists of one parcel located in the Northeast ¼ of Section 14, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, W.M. (King County Tax Parcel Number 1457500025). This assessment was conducted to support a proposed preliminary plat on the subject property. SVC investigated the site to evaluate if any potentially-regulated wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, or other critical areas are located on or adjacent to the subject property. This Technical Memorandum has been prepared to document the results of this assessment. Figure 1. Subject Property Location. Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 2 of 19 Background Data Prior to the site investigation, staff conducted background research using the City of Renton Geographic Information System (GIS) data, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) and SalmonScape mapping tools, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI), Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stream typing map, and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey (Attachment B). All determinations were made using observable vegetation, hydrology, and soils in conjunction with data from the U.S. Geographic Survey (USGS) topographic maps, USFWS, local precipitation data, and various orthophotographic resources. No wetlands or streams are documented on or within 300 feet of the subject property by the USFWS NWI map (Attachment B1), City of Renton wetlands map (Attachment B2), City of Renton streams map (Attachment B3), or DNR stream typing map (Attachment B6). The WDFW Salmonscape map does not identify any documented or modeled salmonid presence on or within 300 feet of the subject property (Attachment B5). The WDFW PHS map does not identify any priority habitats or species on or within 300 feet of the subject property (Attachment B4). The NRCS soil survey map (Attachment B7) identifies Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, which is identified as non-hydric with intrusions of hydric Bellingham, Norma, Seattle, Shalcar, and Tukwila soils. Precipitation Precipitation data was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in order to obtain percent of normal precipitation during and preceding the investigation. A summary of data collected is provided in Table 1. Table 1. Precipitation Summary1. Date Day of Day Before 1 Week Prior 2 Weeks Prior Last 30 Days (Observed/Normal) Year to Date (Observed/Normal)2 Percent of Normal (Month/Year)3 10/4/17 0.00 0.00 0.08 0.24 0.59/1.58 0.00/0.28 37/129 1. Precipitation volume provided in inches. Data obtained from NOAA (http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sew) for Sea-Tac Airport. 2. Year-to-date precipitation is for the water year from October 1 to the onsite date. 3. Percent of Normal shown for the last 30 days and calendar year to date. The data suggests that drier than normal conditions were encountered during the time of the site visit. Such conditions were considered in making professional wetland determinations. Methods A formal investigation was performed by qualified SVC staff on October 4, 2017. This investigation consisted of a walk-through survey of the subject property and any accessible areas within 300 feet of the subject property for potentially-regulated wetlands, waterbodies, fish and wildlife habitat, and other critical areas as specified in the City of Renton Municipal Code 04-03-050 (Critical Areas Regulations). Wetlands, streams, and select fish and wildlife habitats and species are regulated as critical areas under RMC 04-03-050 and subject to restricted uses/activities under the same title. Wetland presence/absence was determined in accordance with RMC 04-03-050G.9 and as outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory, 1987), as modified according to the guidelines established in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Version 2.0 (USACE, 2010). To Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 3 of 19 mark the points where data was collected (DP-1U), pink surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied at the sampling location (shown in Attachment A). Additional tests pits were excavated throughout the subject property to further confirm wetland absence. The fish and wildlife habitat assessment was conducted during the same site visits by a qualified fish and wildlife biologist. The experienced biologist made visual observations using stationary and walking survey methods for both aquatic and upland habitats noting any special habitat features or signs of fish and wildlife activity. Results The 4.16-acre subject property is currently developed with a 2,180-square-foot single-family residence and old barn. Topography onsite slopes gently from west to east, with elevations ranging between approximately 510 feet above mean sea level (amsl) to 460 amsl. A King County topographic map is provided in Attachment B7. The subject property is surrounded by single-family residential development in all directions. The subject property contains a small wooded area and meadow. Vegetation in the meadow area is dominated by non-native and invasive Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) as well as black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii), common velvetgrass (Holcus lanatus), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris), and fescue species (Festuca sp.). Additional vegetation observed in the meadow area included red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), hairy brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Vegetation in the wooded area is dominated by big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). Additional vegetation observed in the wooded area includes black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and paper birch (Betula paprifera). Other non-native invasive species observed onsite included Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense). One linear, man-made, grass-lined swale was observed offsite to the east. This man-made swale appears to have been intentionally created as it is a linear, excavated feature with no defined bed and bank. This man-made swale does not exhibit natural stream characteristics and does not meet the definition of a typed waterbody according to WAC 222-16-030. This man-made swale is likely considered non-regulated in accordance with RMC 04-03-50G.7.b. No potentially-regulated wetlands and/or fish and wildlife habitat were observed on the subject property. The data plot DP-1U (mapped in Attachment A), confirms the lack of onsite wetland presence and is generally indicative of the entire site. No hydric soils or wetland hydrology were observed at DP-1U. Hydrophytic vegetation was observed, and the vegetation entirely consisted of facultative species at DP-1U. A copy of the completed data form is provided in Attachment C. Conclusions No potentially-regulated wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, or other related sensitive areas were identified on the subject property or within 300 feet of the site during the site investigation. One linear, man-made, grass-lined swale was observed offsite to the east. Per RMC 04-03-50G.7.a, regulated waterbodies are based on the State’s Permanent Water Typing System WAC 222-16-030. Having no defined channel, the grass lined swale does not have the morphology to be regulated under WAC 222-16-030. In addition, as an artificial feature, this swale is likely considered non-regulated per RMC 04-03-50G.7.b. The absence of wetlands on the subject property was confirmed by a data plot and additional test plots. It appears that any future redevelopment of the subject property would be unencumbered by any potentially-regulated wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or associated buffers. Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 4 of 19 If you have any further questions please contact us at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, ____________________________ May 29, 2018 Don Babineau Date Environmental Planner/Project Manager Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 5 of 19 References Cooke, S.S. 1997. Wetland Plants of Western Washington. Seattle Audubon Society. Seattle, Washington. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y- 87-1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington. Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. The National Wetland Plant List: 2016 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published 28 April 2016. ISSN 2153 733X. Munsell Color, 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts. New Windsor, New York. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2001. Hydric Soils List. King County Area, Washington: Detailed Soil Map Legend. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C. Reed, P.B., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: National Summary. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Biol. Rep. 88 (26.9). City of Renton Code. 2018. Title IV, Chapter 3, Section 050 Critical Areas Regulations. http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/#!/Renton04/Renton0403/Renton0403050.ht ml#4-3-050. Passed May 7, 2018. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-13. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Snyder, Dale E., Philip S. Gale, and Russell F. Pringle. 1973. Soil Survey of King County Area, Washington. Soil Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Washington Agricultural Experiment Station. Natural Resource Conservation Service. Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 6 of 19 Attachment A – Existing Site Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 7 of 19 Attachment B – Background Information This attachment includes a USFWS NWI Map (B1); a City of Renton Wetlands Map (B2); a City of Renton Streams Map (B3), a WDFW PHS Map (B4); a WDFW SalmonScape Map (B5); a DNR Stream Typing Map (B6); a NRCS Soil Survey Map (B7); and a USGS Contours Map (B8). Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 8 of 19 Attachment B1 – USFWS NWI Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 9 of 19 Attachment B2 – City of Renton Wetlands Map Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 10 of 19 Attachment B3 – City of Renton Streams Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 11 of 19 Attachment B4 – WDFW PHS Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 12 of 19 Attachment B5 – WDFW SalmonScape Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 13 of 19 Attachment B6 – DNR Stream Typing Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 14 of 19 Attachment B7 – NRCS Soil Survey Map Subject Property Location Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 15 of 19 Attachment B8 – USGS Contours Map Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 16 of 19 Attachment C – Data Form Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 17 of 19 Attachment D – Site Photographs Man-made swale View of meadow on subject property Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 18 of 19 Attachment E – Qualifications All field inspections, jurisdictional wetland boundary delineations, OHW determinations, habitat assessments, and supporting documentation, including this Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment prepared for the SE 134 th Street project, were prepared by, or under the direction of. Don Babineau of Soundview Consultants LLC. In addition, report preparation was performed by Laura Livingston, and site inspections were performed by Emily Swaim. Don Babineau Environmental Planner/Project Manager Professional Experience: >12 years Don Babineau is an Environmental Planner and Project Manager with a diverse background in urban and commercial forestry, land planning, landscape architecture, stormwater monitoring and civil engineering. Don has experience as a Forester with Washington State Department of Natural Resources stream typing and delineating stream protection zones, as well as implementing Washington State’s Habitat Conservation Plan to foster the creation of old-growth forest characteristics on state trust lands. Don earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Ecosystems Management and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, both from the University of Idaho. Don has been formally trained by the Washington State Department of Ecology in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System. In addition, he has received formal training in wetland delineation from the Northwest Environmental Training Center and has experience as certified erosion and sediment control lead (CESCL). He is also a Pierce County qualified Professional Forester. Emily Swaim Wetland Scientist/Field Geologist Professional Experience: 5 years Emily Swaim is a Wetland Scientist and Field Geologist with a background in delineating and assessing wetland and aquatic systems, stormwater, floodplain, and wetland permitting, as well experience conducting Phase I, II and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), underground natural gas pipeline and overhead electrical transmission line project assessment and environmental inspections, construction oversight, stormwater compliance inspections, and soil sampling. Ms. Swaim’s expertise focuses on projects involving sensitive wetland and stream habitats where extensive team coordination and various regulatory challenges must be carefully and intelligently managed from project inception to completion. Emily earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Illinois State University and Wetland Science and Management Professional Certification from the University of Washington, Seattle. She is also educated in Environmental Science from Iowa State University. Her education and experience has provided her with extensive knowledge on soils, wetland science, hydrogeology, sedimentology, environmental law, environmental geology, landscape ecology, and structural geology. Ms. Swaim has been formally trained in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) and is Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Construction and 10-hour Construction certified. Soundview Consultants LLC May 29, 2018 1155.0021 Maple Highlands – Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Page 19 of 19 She has been formally trained in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System, Grass, Sedge, and Rush Identification, How to Determine the Ordinary High Water Mark, Identifying Wetlands of High Conservation Value, and several other critical area assessment and restoration trainings from the Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and. She is also a Pierce County Qualified Wetland Specialist and Wetland Professional In-Training (WPIT) through the Society of Wetland Scientists. Laura Livingston Staff Environmental Planner Professional Experience: 1 year Laura Livingston is a Staff Environmental Planner with a background in water quality monitoring, invasive species monitoring, wildlife monitoring, wilderness stewardship, and erosion control projects. Laura has field experience working on natural resources projects, with an emphasis on stream and river projects, in the Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest United States. She has also worked on a variety of environmental science research, grant, and teaching projects requiring scientific writing, science communication, laboratory work, and statistical analysis. She currently performs wetland, stream, and shoreline delineations and fish and wildlife habitat assessments; conducts environmental code analysis; and prepares environmental assessment and mitigation reports, biological evaluations, and permit applications to support clients through the regulatory and planning process. Laura earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Washington State University, Pullman.