HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_Enviromental_Checklist_181221_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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P:\project\0061\18002\Permit Apps\Grade and Fill\Enviromental Checklist.doc Rev: 08/2016
ENV ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way-Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-430-7200 | www.rentonwa.gov
PURPOSE OF CHECKLIST: Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether
the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to
determine if available avoidance, minimization or compensatory mitigation measures will address
the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to
further analyze the proposal.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic
information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the
best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant
for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or "does not apply" only when you can explain
why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate
by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often
avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a
period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help
describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this
checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably
related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEAD AGENCIES: Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the
existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts.
The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead
agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting
documents.
USE OF CHECKLIST FOR NONPROJECT PROPOSALS: [help] For nonproject proposals (such as
ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B
plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).
Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant,"
and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic
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area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B -
Environmental Elements –that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. BACKGROUND [help]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: [help]
Upper Balch Pit – Grade and Fill Permit
2. Name of applicant: [help]
Segale Properties LLC
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: [help]
Segale Properties LLC
Attn: Mike Pruett
P.O. Box 88028
Tukwila, WA 98138
(206) 575-2000
4. Date checklist prepared: [help]
December 21, 2018
5. Agency requesting checklist: [help]
City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): [help]
Completion of grade and fill activity is anticipated by Spring 2020, however the timing is
dependent on availability of fill material.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. [help]
There are no current plans for future additions or expansion beyond the current proposal.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will
be prepared, directly related to this proposal. [help]
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• Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation prepared by Terra Associates, Inc. dated
November 9, 2018
• Wetland Reconnaissance by Raedeke Associates, Inc. dated July 30, 2010
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. [help]
There are no known applications pending governmental approval or other proposals
affecting this proposal.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
[help]
Required permits:
• City of Renton Grade and Fill Permit
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of
the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on
project description.) [help]
The 14.4-acre project site has been used as an upland fill and reclamation site since 1982.
It was used as a permitted sand/gravel pit from 1962 to 1982 under the name, “Upper
Balch Pit.” The property currently has a valid Grade and Fill permit (#LUA10-056) which
allows the pit to be filled to an elevation of 325 feet. This project proposes to continue
filling of the pit to support an anticipated residential development. Final grades will be at
or near the grades of the surrounding streets and land area. Filling is proposed to
continue with suitable fill materials. Such materials would include clean dirt, soils, sand
and gravel and other similar clean materials, including rock and broken concrete (not
asphalt concrete) smaller than 8 inches in diameter, and minor amounts of organic
materials including peat.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township,
and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist. [help]
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The site is located at 301 Monroe Ave NE in the City of Renton. The subject parcel number
is 162305-9059, which is within the NW Quarter of Section 16, Township 23, Range 5E, in
the City of Renton, King County, Washington.
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B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [help]
1. EARTH
a. General description of the site [help]
(check or circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
Reclaimed gravel pit
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? [help]
65% - Temporary man-made cut slope.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils. [help]
Soils in the reclaimed area of the site consist of medium dense to dense,
inorganic fill material. Soils from the native banks around the mine area consist
of medium dense fill material overlying medium dense gravel with sand. A
detailed soils analysis is provided in the Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation,
prepared by Terra Associates, Inc. dated November 9, 2018.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. [help]
There are no surface indications of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity of the site.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area
of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. [help]
Grading and filling activity is proposed to accommodate future residential development.
Source of fill material will be surplus/excess from approved sources at local project sites.
Approximately 230,000 CY of fill material is anticipated. This quantity is expected to
produce a near balanced earthwork site for future residential development.
Approximately 14.3 acres will be effected by grading and filling activity.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
[help]
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Erosion is possible during construction of the project when loose soils would be
susceptible due to stormwater runoff and high wind speeds. Erosion is not expected to
be a concern after project completion since proposed finished grades are relatively flat
(approx. 1-2% avg. slope).
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? [help]
0% – Only fill and grade activity is proposed.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth,
if any: [help]
Ditches are proposed to be constructed along the northern and western property
boundaries to prevent any stormwater runoff from leaving the site. The ditches will
convey runoff to an onsite sediment pond.
2. AIR [help]
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known. [help]
During the dry-weather months, there would be periods of increased dust emissions
generated from the fill surface areas. The applicant will mitigate such dust with water.
No emissions will occur after grading and filling is complete as the site will be vacant.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. [help]
None known.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: [help]
In the event dust is generated during the grading and filling process, the project
proposes the use of water in accordance with current standards to reduce the amount of
dust emissions.
3. WATER [help]
a. Surface Water:
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1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. [help]
No.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the
described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. [help]
N/A.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be
affected. Indicate the source of fill material. [help]
N/A.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help]
No.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site
plan. [help]
No.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. [help]
No.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If
so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help]
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Stormwater currently flows to the bottom of the pit and infiltrates into the fill/soil,
recharging the groundwater system. After grading and filling activity is complete,
stormwater will be collected and conveyed to an onsite pond and infiltration facility
in the northwest portion of the site where it will infiltrate.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. [help]
N/A.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. [help]
Grade and fill activities will cause stormwater runoff to flow northwesterly
across the site. Ditches will be constructed along the northern and western
property boundaries where necessary to collect runoff. The ditches will
convey runoff to a sediment pond and then infiltrate. No runoff will discharge
to off-site stormwater infrastructure.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally
describe. [help]
No.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of
the site? If so, describe. [help]
No.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any: [help]
Ditches will be constructed onsite to prevent runoff from discharging offsite.
4. PLANTS [help]
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a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: [help]
__X_deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
__X_evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__X_shrubs
__X_grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? [help]
Existing vegetation, including deciduous and evergreen trees, will be
removed as necessary to accommodate grading and filling activity in
accordance with current City of Renton standards. Approximately 11 viable
trees will be removed with the proposal and replacement trees will be
planted per City requirements. Existing vegetation regrowth will be covered
as the site is filled.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help]
None known.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any: [help]
Native vegetation / wildlife habitat will be retained to the extent practical. No
additional wildlife preservation measures are proposed. The site will be
hydroseeded after completion of grading and filling activity.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. [help]
None known.
5. ANIMALS [help]
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or
are known to be on or near the site. [help]
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Examples include:
Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: ________none observed_______
Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other none observed_______
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
[help]
None known.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. [help]
There are no known migration routes which the site is part of.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: [help]
None.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. [help]
None known.
6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES [help]
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc. [help]
N/A.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. [help]
No.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: [help]
None.
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7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH [help]
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste that could occur as a result of this
proposal? If so, describe. [help]
None known.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
[help]
None known.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project
development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas
transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. [help]
None known.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the
operating life of the project. [help]
None known.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. [help]
None.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: [help]
The project will adhere to current OSHA and WISHA standards during activities of fill
and grade.
b. Noise [help]
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? [help]
Surrounding uses include a King County Roads Department facility, a King County
transfer station, a King County surplus yard and the City of Renton Public Works yard.
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These surrounding facilities generate some degree of vehicle related noise but it is not
expected to impact the proposed project.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)?
Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. [help]
Continued levels/types of noise from truck and equipment operation will occur. Regular
truck hauling and onsite grading and filling activity will adhere to normal City of Renton
construction hours. Night truck hauling and Saturday work is also requested as part of
this permit.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: [help]
Construction practices shall be in general accordance with the applicable provisions of
City of Renton Municipal Code.
8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE [help]
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect
current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. [help]
The site is used as an upland fill and reclamation site. The property currently has a
valid Grade and Fill permit (#LUA10-056) which allows the pit to be filled to an
elevation of 325 feet.
Adjacent properties include retail to the north, the King County Transfer Station to the
south, the Greenwood Cemetery to the east, and the King County Public Works Storage
Yard & Shop to the west. The proposal is not expected to affect current land uses.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so,
describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will
be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not
been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted
to nonfarm or non-forest use? [help]
No.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land
normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of
pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: [help]
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No.
c. Describe any structures on the site. [help]
There are no structures on the site.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? [help]
No.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? [help]
R-10.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? [help]
Current comprehensive plan designation is RHD – Residential High Density.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? [help]
N/A.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so,
specify. [help]
City of Renton interactive maps identify areas of steep slopes. These manmade steep
slopes will be removed as the pit is filled under the approved grade and fill permit
which allows the pit to be filled to an elevation of 325 feet.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? [help]
N/A – No development is proposed.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? [help]
None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: [help]
N/A.
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l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any: [help]
The project does not propose any development. Rather, the purpose of the grading
and filling activity is to prepare the site for future residential development which will
be compatible with existing and projected land uses.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-
term commercial significance, if any: [help]
N/A.
9. HOUSING [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing. [help]
None.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. [help]
None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: [help]
N/A – Site is undeveloped. No development is proposed.
10. AESTHETICS [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? [help]
N/A – No development is proposed.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? [help]
None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: [help]
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An existing eight-foot tall fence provides perimeter screening.
11. LIGHT AND GLARE [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? [help]
None.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
[help]
N/A.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? [help]
None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: [help]
None.
12. RECREATION [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
[help]
None.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. [help]
No.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: [help]
None.
13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION [help]
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a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45
years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If
so, specifically describe. [help]
No.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or
occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material
evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any
professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. [help]
None known.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic
resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the
department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic
maps, GIS data, etc. [help]
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation interactive map, WISAARD,
was used to assess potential impacts on cultural and historic resources on or near the
site. No resources were identified.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and
disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be
required. [help]
None.
14. TRANSPORTATION [help]
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. [help]
The project site is fronted by Monroe Ave NE to the east, NE 2nd St to the south, and
Jefferson Ave NE to the west. NE 2nd St and Jefferson Ave NE are private streets with
no public right-of-way adjacent to the project site. The site is currently accessed
through a gate located along Jefferson Ave NE. This location is expected to remain as
the point of access to complete the proposed grade and fill activity.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? [help]
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No. The nearest transit stop is approximately 400 feet to the NE of the property located
at NE 4th St and Monroe Ave NE.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project
proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? [help]
None.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private). [help]
No.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. [help]
No.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or
proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the
volume would be trucks (such as commercial and non-passenger vehicles). What data or
transportation models were used to make these estimates? [help]
None. Temporary truck traffic will be required to import the fill material and will vary
depending on the availability.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. [help]
No.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: [help]
None.
15. PUBLIC SERVICES [help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe. [help]