HomeMy WebLinkAboutPN_Shoreline Exemption Project Narrative_190606_v1.pdfPuget Sound Energy, GRA-16 Maple Valley R 2019 Cable Remediation Program
Shoreline Exemption Request, Project Narrative Page 1 of 3
Puget Sound Energy Shoreline Exemption Application
Project Narrative
Date: March 21, 2019
Applicant:
Holly Mouser
Puget Sound Energy
Holly.mouser@pse.com
(425) 457-5336
Project Name: GRA-16 Maple Valley R 2019 Cable Remediation Program
Project Size: The project involves the excavation of four 2-feet by 8-feet bore pits and approximately
190 linear feet of bore, and approximately 20 linear feet of 1-foot wide open trench within the shoreline
district. Approximately 9.4 cubic yards of material would be excavated for the bore pits and open trench
within the shoreline district.
Project Location: The project is located on the south side of Maple Valley Highway at 2003 Maple Valley
Highway, Renton, WA 98057. The project corridor includes both public right-of-way and private property
(Parcel #1723059103); all work would occur within existing Puget Sound Energy (PSE) utility easements.
The project is located within 200 of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of the Cedar River and is
therefore subject to the City’s Shoreline Master Program. At its nearest point, the project is roughly 100
feet from the Cedar River shoreline. The project is located in the Southeast Quarter of Section 17,
Township 23 North, Range 5 East. The approximate coordinates for the project are 47°28’45.00” North
and 122°11’25.84” West.
Attachment 1 contains civil drawings for the project, including a vicinity map and detailed site plan. The
approximately location of the shoreline jurisdiction is highlighted on the site plan. The attached
Neighborhood Detail Map and Topography Map show the project location relative to the surrounding
parcels, shoreline jurisdiction, erosion hazard areas and steep slopes. The project is located outside of
wetlands and special flood hazard areas.
Brief description of proposed work: PSE proposes to replace approximately 210 feet of existing
underground electrical cable in new conduit via a combination of bore and open trench. Associated
electrical equipment in existing junction boxes and vaults, and a conduit riser on one existing utility pole
will also be replaced. The project will require 4 bore pits and approximately 190 linear feet of bore, and
20 linear feet of open trench within the shoreline district. Approximately 9.4 cubic yards of material will
Puget Sound Energy, GRA-16 Maple Valley R 2019 Cable Remediation Program
Shoreline Exemption Request, Project Narrative Page 2 of 3
be excavated for the bore pits and open trench within the shoreline district. Approximately 9.4 cubic
yards of gravel fill will be used to backfill the bore pits and open trench after new electrical conduit and
associated equipment are installed. The majority of excavations will occur in existing impervious
surfaces. Approximately 10 linear feet of open trench will occur in soft surfaces. All surfaces will be
restored to their original condition upon completion of the work.
Basis for the exemption request: The project is located within 200 feet of the OHWM of the Cedar River
and is therefore subject to the City of Renton Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The City’s SMP
regulations are contained in Section 4-3-090 of the Renton Municipal Code (RMC), and the City’s
Shoreline Permit requirements are contained in Section 4-9-190 of the RMC.
Under RMC Section 4-9-190, “a substantial development permit shall be required for all proposed use
and development of shorelines unless the proposal is specifically exempt pursuant to RCW
90.58.140(1).”
However, under RMC Section 4-9-190(C)(3), “normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or
developments” is not considered to be a substantial development under the SMP and are exempt from
obtaining a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (SSDP).
“Normal maintenance” includes those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation from a
lawfully established condition (RMC 4-9-190(C)(3)(a).
“Normal repair” means to restore a development to a state comparable to its original condition,
including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance,
within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction, except where repair causes
substantial adverse effects to the shoreline resource or environment (RMC 4-9-190(C)(3)(b).
Additionally, RMC 4-9-190(C)(3)(c) provides that:
“Replacement of a structure or development may be authorized as repair where such
replacement is the common method of repair for the type of structure or development and the
replacement structure or development is comparable to the original structure or development
including, but not limited to, its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance and
the replacement does not cause substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or
environment.”
The proposed work meets all of the conditions contained in RMC 4-9-190(C)(3) (Maintenance and
Repair). Puget Sound Energy commonly replaces existing electrical equipment that can degrade over
time to prevent a decline, lapse or cessation of electrical service. The proposed work would restore
older electrical equipment to a state comparable to its original condition, including size, shape,
configuration, location and external appearance. The proposed work in the shoreline district is located
Puget Sound Energy, GRA-16 Maple Valley R 2019 Cable Remediation Program
Shoreline Exemption Request, Project Narrative Page 3 of 3
in existing improved areas and the project would have no adverse effect to shoreline resources or
environment.
Anticipated dates of work: Construction of the project is expected to begin on April 1, 2019 (assuming
all permits are acquired) and take approximately two weeks to complete.
Other permits required for proposed project:
• Critical Areas Exemption for Erosion Hazard
Current and proposed use of the site: Portions of the project site within the public right-of-way are
used as a public sidewalk with a utility easement. Portions of the project site on private property (Parcel
#1723059103) are used as a parking lot for a commercial office building with a utility easement. The
proposed use of the property will not change.
Special Site Features: No special features are located within the project site. The Cedar River is located
roughly 100 feet west of the project site at the nearest point.
Statement addressing soil type and drainage conditions: According to NRCS Web Soil Survey, soils on
the project site are composed of Riverwash. However, given the developed condition of the site, soils
within the project footprint likely consist of fill material installed for the roadway, sidewalk, and parking
lot. Stormwater from impervious surfaces on the project site drain to municipal stormwater drain inlets
in the immediate vicinity.
Total estimated construction cost and estimated fair market value of the proposed project:
Approximately $7,500
Estimated quantities and type of materials involved if any fill or excavation is proposed: approximately
9.4 cubic yards of asphalt and fill material are expected to be removed during the excavation of the four
bore pits and an open trench. Excavated areas within the shoreline district will be back-filled with 9.4
cubic yards of crushed rock, sand shading, and sand bedding. Backfill materials chosen are based on
requirements designed to resemble native material in the area.
Number, type and size of any trees to be removed: No trees are proposed to be removed.
Distance from closest area of work to the Ordinary High Water Mark of the shoreline: The project
corridor is approximately 100 feet from the shoreline of the Cedar River at its closet point.
Nature of existing shoreline: The Cedar River shoreline in the project vicinity consists of an artificial high
bank bulkhead or dyke that incorporates mixed-woody vegetation.
Height above average grade level: There are no structures associated with the proposed work that
exceed 35 feet above the average grade level.