HomeMy WebLinkAbout16055-R-Habitat Assessment-Soundview Consultants-2014-01-16 - SN
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT
RESERVE AT TIFFANY PARK
JANUARY 2014
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT
RESERVE AT TIFFANY PARK
JANUARY 16, 2014
PROJECT LOCATION
EAST OF INTERSECTION OF SE 18TH STREET AND MONROE AVENUE SE
RENTON, WA 98058
(KING COUNTY)
PREPARED FOR
BARBARA YARINGTON
LAND ACQUISITION MANAGER
HENLEY USA
11100 MAIN STREET, SUITE 100
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
PREPARED BY
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC
2907 HARBORVIEW DRIVE
GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON 98335
(253) 514-8952
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study January 9, 2014
Executive Summary
Henley USA, LLC is proposing to develop the Reserve at Tiffany Park (Project). The proposed project will
involve subdividing a 22.4-acre site (subject property) into 98 single-family residential lots and providing all
necessary infrastructure. The subject property is located east of the intersection of Southeast 18th Street and
Monroe Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058 (King County). The subject property is situated in the Southeast ¼
of Section 21, Township 23 North, Range 5 East W.M., within the city limits of Renton, W.A. and consists of
four tax parcels (King County Parcel Numbers 212305-9044, 212305-9051, 212305-9154, and 212305-9061).
The subject property was investigated for the presence of potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitat
and/or priority species in December 2013 and January 2014. The site was previously assessed for wetlands by
Grette Associates (2008) and recently reconfirmed by Schulz (2013). The previous site assessments identified
four wetlands (Wetlands A – D) located within the subject property boundaries. No other water bodies or
other potentially regulated habitat features have been previously identified on site. The wetlands are likely
regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Washington State Department of Ecology
(Ecology), and the City of Renton, Washington.
The subject property is undeveloped land currently owned by the Renton School District. A majority of the
site is covered with second-growth mixed-canopy forest dominated by Douglas fir, western hemlock, western
red cedar, big-leaf maple, red alder, and black cottonwood. The forest’s understory is dominated by
salmonberry, vine maple, western hazelnut, snowberry, red elderberry, red huckleberry, and Indian plum. The
groundcover includes sword fern, bracken fern, trailing blackberry, salal, Oregon grape, and bleeding heart.
The Cedar River water pipeline right of way borders the subject property’s south boundary and the Mercer
Island water pipeline right of way borders the subject property’s east boundary. High-density, single-family
residential developments are located adjacent to, or near, the subject property to the north, east, and south.
The subject property is situated near the top of a plateau that borders the Cedar River Valley to the north and
east.
The proposed project will contain three designated critical areas for protection of the four existing wetlands
and associated buffers. Wetland A is located in Tract B, Wetlands B and C are located in Tract J, and Wetland
D is located in Tract E. The wetland tracts total an area of 120,505 square feet (2.77 acres). No additional
potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitat or priority species were identified on the site beyond the four
identified wetlands and associated buffers; however, the Cedar River mainstem and associated habitat
corridor is located approximately 1,600 feet to the northeast of the site and another sensitive area, Ginger
Creek, to the northwest, is the receiving water body for the local stormwater system, existing and proposed.
With the wetland protections and careful project design proposed, along with best management practices to
meet current construction standards, no adverse project effects to sensitive habitats and species are
anticipated.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study January 9, 2014
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2. Proposed Project ............................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Project Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Project Description ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Action Area .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 3. Methods ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 4. Environmental Baseline ................................................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Potentially Regulated Fish and Wildlife Habitats and Priority Species ........................................................... 6
4.2 Landscape/Existing Conditions............................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 5. Potential Effects Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 8
5.1 Habitat Effects ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Species Effects ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Conservation Measures and Management Recommendations ........................................................................ 9
Chapter 6. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figures
Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map .................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2. Construction Noise Attenuation Graph ..................................................................................... 4
Tables
Table 1. Sensitive Species and Determination of Project Effects. .............................................................. 1
Table 2. Terrestrial Noise Attenuation Calculations. ................................................................................. 4
Table 3. Regulated Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Priority Species. ........................................................... 9
Appendices
Appendix A — Action Area
Appendix B — Background Information
Appendix C — Site Photographs
Appendix D — Biologist Qualifications
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 1 January 9, 2014
Chapter 1. Introduction
Henley USA, LLC is proposing to develop the Reserve at Tiffany Park (Project). The proposed project will
involve subdivision of a 22.4-acre site (subject property) into 98 single-family residential lots and all necessary
infrastructure. The subject property is located east of the intersection of Southeast 18th Street and Monroe
Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058 (King County). The subject property is situated in the Southeast ¼ of Section
21, Township 23 North, Range 5 East W.M., within the city limits of Renton, W.A. and consists of four tax
parcels (King County Parcel Numbers 212305-9044, 212305-9051, 212305-9154, and 212305-9061).
Access to the proposed project will be provided by existing streets, provide necessary traffic circulation, and
avoid impacts to wetlands, beyond minor wetland buffer averaging (Schulz, 2013). Surface water runoff from
the project will be collected in a stormwater detention pond located on the western portion of the subject
property in Tract A.
A previous site investigation identified four wetlands on site (Schulz, 2013). Of the four wetlands, three were
identified as Category II wetlands (Wetlands A, C, and D) and one (1) was identified as a Category III wetland
(Wetland B). The wetlands were rated using the City of Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Title 4-3-050, Part
M. Classification System. Wetlands A, C, and D are proposed to have minor reductions in buffer width.
Wetland B is within the 50-foot buffer of Wetland C. These wetlands were identified as isolated features and
no surface water connections or associated water bodies were identified onsite during the previous wetland
delineations or during the recent fish and wildlife habitat assessment performed by Soundview Consultants
LLC (SVC) staff.
This fish and wildlife habitat assessment is intended to identify potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitat,
and/or priority species on or near the proposed project per Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Title 4-3-050,
Critical Areas Regulations, and to assess any potential impacts to State and/or Federally-listed species from
the proposed project. The remainder of this document contains project details such as project description,
location, discussion and analysis of the project and potential effects to priority species and critical habitat
identified in the project vicinity. Recommended effect determinations associated with the proposed actions
are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Sensitive Species and Determination of Project Effects.
Common name and location Scientific Name Listing Status* Potential for
Impacts
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii SC Unlikely
Grizzly Bear, Ursus arctos horribilis SE None
Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus FT None
Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha FT None
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SS++ None
Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias SS Unlikely
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus ST None
Steelhead Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss FT None
Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis FT None
Pileated Woodpecker Drycopus pileatus SC Unlikely
Gray Wolf Canis lupus FE None
* SE = State Endangered; ST = State Threatened; SS = State Sensitive; SC = State Candidate; FE= Federal Endangered; FT= Federal Threatened;
++Also protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle protection Act
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 2 January 9, 2014
Chapter 2. Proposed Project
2.1 Project Location
The subject property is located east of the intersection of Southeast 18th Street and Monroe Avenue
Southeast, Renton, WA 98058 (King County) and is situated in the Southeast ¼ of Section 21, Township 23
North, Range 5 East W.M., within the city limits of Renton, WA. The property contains four tax parcels
(212305-9044, 212305-9051, 212305-9154, and 212305-9061).
To access the site from Interstate 405 - North, take Exit 3 and go south on WA – 515. Turn left (east) onto
South Puget Drive and follow it for about 1 mile. Turn left (northeast) onto Royal Hills Drive Southeast and
take the first right onto Lake Youngs Way Southeast. After approximately 0.5 miles turn left (southeast) onto
SE 18th Street. Southeast 18th Street dead ends at the subject property.
Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map.
(Google Maps, 2014)
Approximate
location of subject
property
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 3 January 9, 2014
2.2 Project Description
The purpose of the proposed project is to provide additional single-family residences and associated
infrastructure within the City of Renton. The proposed project will include site clearing and establishment of
new impervious surfaces such as roadways, driveways, and roof areas. In addition, landscaped pervious areas,
open space, parks, and drainage facilities are all a part of the proposed project. However, the project has been
designed to fully avoid impacts to on site wetlands and associated buffers with dedicated critical areas tracts
to contain these protected features. Additionally, a tree preservation plan is proposed to retain a minimum of
all significant trees (those trees with a diameter at breast height of 6 inches or greater) or to mitigate
unavoidable loss of significant trees by replanting (Washington Forestry Consultants, 2013)
A stormwater detention pond and associated StormFilter treatment system are proposed for surface water
treatment and detention and will be located in the western portion of the subject property and sized for Level
2 Flow Control meeting Basic Treatment, according to 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual. The
pond volume will be at least 308,779 cubic feet (Barghausen, 2013). The stormwater detention pond is meant
to improve water quality and flow control of water leaving the site. A riser overflow, a jail house grate, and
emergency overflow structure to a proposed 18 inch pipe will discharge runoff into the existing storm drain
conveyance system at the intersection of Lake Youngs Way SE and 18th Street SE. The treated stormwater
discharge will flow to an existing storm drain conveyance system and eventually to Ginger Creek located to
the northwest of the site. The project is located in the mainstem subarea of the Lower Cedar River Basin.
2.3 Action Area
An action area has been identified for this assessment which encompasses the locations where direct impacts
from project activities will occur (the project area) as well as all areas that may be directly or indirectly
affected by the proposed project either through physical, chemical, or biological mechanisms. The
geographic limits of the action area were defined by considering the potential spatial extent of mechanisms
that may lead to impacts on priority species and associated habitat (further defined in Chapter 4). Two
mechanisms have been identified as having potential for impacting the potentially regulated fish and wildlife
species and/or associated habitat. These potential impact mechanisms include temporary impacts from noise
of the construction actions and equipment and the long-term effects of increased impervious surfaces which
may alter stormwater runoff, in hydrologic regime and pollutants to downstream areas.
Noise from project activities can adversely affect wildlife with various behavioral and/or health -related
consequences (WSDOT, 2013). Terrestrial noise (transmitted through air) is measured in decibels (dB), on a
logarithmic scale. The threshold for human hearing begins at 0 dBA and the level at which a human would
experience irreversible hearing loss is 180 dBA. Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Biological Assessment guidance document (WSDOT, 2010) provides a value for ambient noise levels in
residential suburban areas with moderate population density, such as the City of Renton, as 55 dBA during
the daytime. Numerical values for noise generated by typical construction machinery, such as land-clearing
equipment, road construction equipment and trucks are also given in the WSDOT guidance manual, some of
the loudest of which would generate 81 dBA of noise. The project proposes to use construction equipment
including an excavator, loader and a dump truck which may produce noise levels as high as 81dB at fifty (50)
feet from the activity. Calculating the terrestrial project action area due to the higher noise levels during
project actions, a radius of approximately 1,007 feet surrounding the project area will experience higher than
ambient noise levels during the proposed actions. Please see Table 2 and Figure 2 for the calculations and
Appendix A for the visual representation of this action area.
Stormwater impacts from the project may include altered hydrology and pollutant loading within the Cedar
River watershed basin due to the increase in impervious surfaces. Pollutant loading of copper and zinc from
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 4 January 9, 2014
increased use and increases in impervious surface are likely. The proposed stormwater treatment system has
been designed per King County SWDM, to slow peak flows using Level 2 flow control and to implement
Basic Treatment of runoff using an engineered StormFilter system (Barghausen, 2013). It is expected that
this treatment system will remove eighty (80) percent of the plat’s total suspended solids (King County
SWDM, 2009). The proposed stormwater infrastructure, stormwater detention and treatment will discharge
to existing stormwater facilities prior to entering Ginger Creek. With proper stormwater system design and
maintenance, all long-term or short-term pollution loading impacts potentially associated with this project are
anticipated to be effectively managed and no offsite extension of the action area is anticipated for stormwater
impacts.
Figure 2. Construction Noise Attenuation Graph.
Table 2. Terrestrial Noise Attenuation Calculations.
Terrestrial Attenuation Table
Distance from Source Construction
Noise Ambient Sound Measured Noise Pressure
(Feet) (Miles) (dBA) (dBA) (Micro-Pascals) (atm)
50 0.00947 81 55 224403.6909 2.27E-08
100 0.018939 75 55 112468.265 1.14E-08
200 0.037879 69 55 56367.65863 5.71E-09
400 0.075758 63 55 28250.75089 2.86E-09
800 0.151515 57 55 14158.91569 1.43E-09
1600 0.30303 51 55 7096.267785 7.19E-10
3200 0.606061 45 55 3556.55882 3.6E-10
6400 1.212121 39 55 1782.501876 1.81E-10
12800 2.424242 33 55 893.3671843 9.05E-11
25600 4.848485 27 55 447.7442277 4.54E-11
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 5 January 9, 2014
Chapter 3. Methods
This chapter summarizes the methods used in this fish and wildlife habitat assessment, as pertaining to the
goals and requirements set forth by the City of Renton, per Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Critical Areas
Ordinance, Title 4-03-050.
Prior to the recent site investigations, a thorough review of background data and pertinent documentation
was conducted, including the previous wetland delineation report (Schulz, 2013), Final Tree Protection Plan
by Washington Forestry Consultants Inc. (2013), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetland
Inventory, the USGS Soil Survey data maps, and data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species
(PHS).
The site assessment was conducted by three qualified fish and wildlife biologists as defined in RMC 4-11-170
(Qualified Professional) (refer to Appendix F for biologists qualifications). A thorough investigation that
included an assessment of vegetative structure and composition of dominant species, any special habitat
features, presence and evidence of potentially regulated fish and wildlife species, and level of human
disturbance along with a verification of wetland presence and habitat quality was performed on December 19,
2013 by two fish and wildlife biologists. A separate critical areas assessment was conducted on January 2,
2014 to verify identification of select onsite features. Visual observations using stationary and walking survey
methods were utilized for both aquatic and upland habitats. Any special habitat features or signs of wildlife
activity were photographed for documentation and noted for further examination. All field assessments used
the best available science pursuant to the Washington Administrative Code 365-195-905 and definitions
contained in RMC 4-03-050.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 6 January 9, 2014
Chapter 4. Environmental Baseline
4.1 Potentially Regulated Fish and Wildlife Habitats and Priority Species
Several potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitats and priority species are identified in the vicinity of the
project. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species (PHS)
lists contain those species and habitats protected by Federal and State laws. According to WDFW
SalmonScape and PHS online services, no priority habitats and/or species are identified on the subject
property; however, a more densely forested area within the action area (Appendix B2) is located to the
northeast, adjacent to the Cedar River, and is identified by PHS as a biodiversity habitat area and corridor.
The Cedar River contains listed salmonid priority species of coastal resident cutthroat, Chinook salmon, coho
salmon, bull trout, sockeye, and steelhead. As the site is located within the Cedar River watershed, the project
site has potential to impact the in stream habitat of the Cedar River. In addition, PHS data lists a Bald Eagle
management area to the east of the subject property in an unidentified location within the aerial map
generated via PHS online services (see Appendix B for the PHS data map). No eagle nests were directly
observed during field assessments conducted by Soundview Consultants, LLC.
Grizzly bears and gray wolves are not likely to use the action area. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) preferred
habitat is semi-open country usually in mountainous areas. These animals are found in the Selkirk Mountains
or the Cascade Range, and will not be found within the action area. No habitat is found in the action area for
this species, and it is highly unlikely that one would be present in the action area. Gray wolf (Canis lupus)
preferred habitat type is found in forests, open meadows, rocky rides, lakes and rivers, locally within Selkirk
Mountains, or the Cascade Range, and will not be found within vicinity of the action area. USFWS (web site
2012) indicates that there might be gray wolf presence in Snohomish County but not King County. No
habitat is found in the action area for this species.
In addition, the site contains habitat features identified during the assessment, such as standing snags and
mature trees and dense shrub cover in most places, notable for use by priority avian and mammal species.
Several tree snags of various conifer and deciduous species and ages that could provide forage areas and
shelter for various woodpeckers (e.g. Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Downey Woodpecker) were
identified onsite in addition to the delineated wetlands (Schulz, 2013). However, these species were not
identified as being present during the recent site investigations. Small passerine nests and Douglas squirrel
(Tamiasciurus douglasii) nests were identified throughout the subject property along with direct observations of
black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), and evidence of black-tailed deer
(Odocoileus hemionus). Considering the subject property borders an existing residential community, it is also
likely habitat for more opportunistic species such as coyotes (Canis latrans), raccon (Procyon lotor), and opossum
(Didelphis virginiana) among others. However, these species lack Federal and State protections, and are not
included on priority species lists or discussion of effects (Chapter 5.2).
Pileated Woodpeckers most often nest in old-growth forest and mature tree stands, provided large snags are
present. The subject property contains a few potential foraging elements in the wetlands and associated
buffers. Snags in the subject area show signs of woodpecker foraging activities, but few trees will likely
provide nesting sites for many years. Pileated Woodpeckers are found in urban forests and are listed on
WDFW’s PHS list; however PHS does not indicate the species presence in the vicinity of the subject
property. Bat roosting sites are also likely to be available onsite in the larger evergreen trees, and used
seasonally. Project effects to priority species are discussed further in Chapter 5.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 7 January 9, 2014
4.2 Landscape/Existing Conditions
Topography/ Setting
The subject property is located within the Cedar River watershed and is positioned on a valley plateau. The
topography of the site consists of moderate elevation changes throughout. Schulz (2013) determined no
surface flows of water are present on the subject property; this fact was confirmed by Soundview Consultants
LLC’s site visits conducted in December 2013 and January 2014.
A WDFW PHS biodiversity area and habitat corridor is located in the project action area, and the Cedar River
is located approximately 1,600 feet from the subject property. WDFW’s interactive data map (Salmonscape)
identifies no streams with fish presence within the subject property’s boundaries or of sufficient proximity so
as to have buffers extend onsite. No priority habitats or Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant or animal
species were observed during Soundview Consultant’s surveys.
The Cedar River water pipeline runs along the subject property’s south boundary and the Mercer Island water
pipeline runs along the subject property’s east boundary. Both pipelines are fully enclosed, subsurface
facilities and the right-of-ways are maintained by the City of Renton, WA. Residential developments are
located adjacent to or near the subject property to the north, east, south, and west. The subject property is
situated near the top of a plateau that borders the Cedar River Valley to the north and east. A subject
property vicinity map is provided in Figure 1.
Soils/ Vegetation
The NRCS Soil Survey of King County, Washington identified two soil series. A majority of the site contains
the soil series Alderwood gravelly sandy loam (86 percent of the subject property) and a small portion along
the south end of the project that is classified as Arents, Alderwood material (14 percent of the subject
property). Appendix C Map C6 contains the NRCS soils map.
The entire subject property is forested and was subject to previous logging and clearing activities. Forested
areas are primarily characterized by coniferous and deciduous trees. Coniferous tree cover is predominantly
Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and Western red cedar. The deciduous tree cover is predominantly big leaf
maple, black cottonwood, bitter cherry and red alder. The understory is mostly composed of salmonberry,
vine maple, salal, Oregon grape, western hazelnut, snowberry, red elderberry, red huckleberry, and Indian
plum. The ground cover includes sword fern, bleeding heart, and bracken fern. Non-native vegetation found
on the subject property includes English ivy, Scotch broom, and holly. Appendix B5; Table B-1, provides a
detailed list of plant species observed during the site investigation on the subject property.
Hydrology/Wetlands
No stormwater structures or man-made aquatic features were identified on the subject property. In addition,
no naturally occurring streams drainages were identified onsite or adjacent to the subject property. Wetland
hydrology appears to have a high influence from rainfall, a shallow groundwater table, and surface sheet flow.
Because the wetlands appear to be closed depressions and not connected to any downstream aquatic features
or habitats, they may be fully isolated wetlands.
Schulz (2013) identified a total of four (4) onsite wetlands identified as Wetlands A – D. Three wetlands
(Wetlands A, C, D) were rated as Category II wetlands; one wetland (Wetland B) was rated as a Category III
wetland. There are three (3) Critical Area tracts are being established for wetlands and wetland buffers (B, E,
and K) that total 120,505 square feet (2.77-acres). Each critical area will be identified using necessary signs as
required by King County (Public Rule 21A-24).
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 8 January 9, 2014
Chapter 5. Potential Impacts Analysis
An analysis of potential impacts on regulated fish and wildlife habitats and priority species from the proposed
project is detailed below.
5.1 Habitat Impacts
Onsite habitat impacts will include loss of standing snags, mature trees and dense shrub cover in most places;
however, these impacts are being mitigated via a wetland preservation and significant tree conservation plan
(Washington Forestry Consultants, 2013). Project actions of site clearing and establishment of new
impervious surfaces such as roadways, driveways, and roof areas will remove at least seventy percent of
significant trees and surrounding upland understory vegetation. Other habitat features on site, such as snags
in the wetland areas will be preserved as wildlife habitat (2.77-acres).
Water quality elements such as sedimentation, chemicals, excess nutrients and other inputs from subject
property runoff/stormwater are a potential source for direct effects on listed species; however, the
stormwater system will detain and treat runoff to minimize downstream impacts to the Cedar River basin.
The project does propose stormwater treatment facilities and BMPs. An increase in impervious surfaces can
change hydrologic dynamics and cause a decline in evapotranspiration and a decrease in infiltration (NOAA,
2003). On a watershed scale, accumulative actions which increase impervious surfaces may have an overall
negative impact on hydrology. Changes in hydrology, from increases in impervious surfaces and loss of
forested areas, can reduce infiltration and dilution. Urban runoff and storm water discharge can increase
loading of nutrients, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other toxicants to streams (NOAA, 2003). In addition,
changes in hydrology can increase frequency and severity of flooding, accelerate channel erosion and
streambed substrate disturbance (NOAA, 2003). Because of this, a stormwater detention pond will be utilized
to slow peak flows and regulate storm water discharge rates. The proposed project does not propose to
impact any ESA or State listed species.
Offsite habitat impacts due to increased noise levels from construction activities could potentially create
temporary negative impacts on the use of offsite habitat features in a small portion of the outer action area.
The offsite habitat features include the more densely forested sloped area adjacent to the Cedar River habitat
corridor within the outer limit of the action area. Construction equipment will likely produce noise at levels
higher than ambient levels as discussed in Chapter 2.4 regarding noise action area calculations. The estimated
threshold of harassment/injury for marbled murrelets and spotted owls is approximately 92 dBA at nest sites;
therefore, if northern spotted owl, bald eagle, or marbled murrelet nests are in the action area, the temporary
project effects are not anticipated to harass or injure nesting individuals. For example, the disturbance
threshold at marbled murrelet nesting sites is an estimated 70dBA (WSDOT, 2013). It is unlikely nesting sites
are located within the action area as this area is located in a suburban area previously impacted by logging
activities and there are no suitable nesting habitats within or near the proposed project site. Any anticipated
habitat impacts to offsite areas are anticipated to be temporary and minor due to the existing level of
development.
5.2 Species Impacts
Priority species potentially impacted by onsite project actions include Pileated woodpecker and Townsend
bats. Evidence of woodpecker presence was observed in standing snags in and around onsite wetlands;
however, no Pileated woodpeckers were observed and the forage signs were inconclusive for Pileated
woodpecker presence. Preservation of wetlands will provide protection of these habitat features. Townsend
bats may use significant trees as roosting areas. The significant tree preservation plan will provide additional
habitat availability for these species.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 9 January 9, 2014
Offsite priority aquatic species associated with the Cedar River in water habitat are not anticipated to be
negatively affected by the project due to conservation measures discussed in Chapter 5.1. Terrestrial priority
species associated with the Cedar River habitat corridor may be affected by terrestrial noise if they are within
a small footprint of the 1,007 foot action area surrounding the project during project actions. As the action
area is limited to areas adjacent to residential development and temporary in nature, no lasting negative effects
are anticipated to priority species (Table 3).
Table 3. Regulated Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Priority Species.
Common name and location Scientific Name Listing Status* Potential for
Impacts
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii SC Unlikely
Grizzly Bear, Ursus arctos horribilis SE None
Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus FT None
Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha FT None
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SS++ None
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias SS Unlikely
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus ST None
Steelhead Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss FT None
Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis FT None
Pileated Woodpecker Drycopus pileatus SC Unlikely
Gray Wolf Canis lupus FE None
* SE = State Endangered; ST = State Threatened; SS = State Sensitive; SC = State Candidate; FE= Federal Endangered; FT= Federal Threatened;
++Also protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle protection Act
5.3 Conservation Measures and Management Recommendations
Avoidance and minimization measures in the project plan include TESC measures consisting of silt fencing,
seeding of disturbed soils, and brush barriers installed using BMP’s. Outlined in the project’s Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and TESC Plan prepared by the Project Engineer and approved by the
responsible Wetland Scientist prior to clearing and grading activities. Once TESC measures are in place, the
site will be selectively logged and site development will proceed.
Equipment will be kept in good working order free of leaks. All equipment staging and materials stockpiles
will be kept out of preserved wetlands, drainages, and the respective buffers, and the areas will be kept free of
spills and/or hazardous materials. All fill material will be sourced from areas onsite or from approved
suppliers, and will be free of pollutants and hazardous materials.
RMC Title 4-4-130 requires that a minimum of 30% of all healthy significant trees be retained on the project
(WA Forestry, 2013). Significant trees were defined in the forestry report (Washington Forestry Consultants,
Inc., 2013) as ranging in diameter from 6 to 36 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and classified as
sound, healthy, long-term trees. Code compliance for the project requires retention of at least 168 of the 559
significant trees identified in the project area or mitigation for removal of any of these significant trees.
According to the forestry report, 102 existing significant trees are proposed to be retained and an additional
planting of 396 native trees on the subject property. The forestry report also discusses proposed actions for
retaining existing significant trees.
Management recommendations for preserving hydrologic features on the subject property include using high
visibility fencing to protect critical areas, implementing a contingency plan if necessary. All wetland and buffer
areas associated with the conservation actions will be protected by installation of construction fencing to
discourage intrusion and improper use of these areas.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 10 January 9, 2014
As the wetlands were the only critical habitat areas identified onsite, implementation of the following
management measures will help ensure that sensitive fish and wildlife species located on the subject property
will not be negatively impacted by the proposed development.
Appropriate signage will be installed along the outer perimeter of the wetland buffers, that are
likely to be intruded upon by humans, indicating the sensitive nature of the habitat;
Activities within the critical areas should be limited to passive recreational activities (e.g. wildlife
viewing);
Pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers should not be used or stored within the 50 foot
buffer of each wetland;
Temporary silt fencing should be installed between the proposed residences and the wetland
buffers during construction;
Stormwater runoff from new impervious surfaces should be infiltrated or treated prior to
dispersion into wetlands and/or off-property drainage systems, and
Careful site planning and construction methods should be implemented to ensure no negative
impacts will be made to the critical areas identified in this habitat assessment.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 11 January 9, 2014
Chapter 6. References
Barghausen Engineering, Land Planning, Surveying. 2013. Preliminary Technical Information
Report: Reserve at Tiffany Park. Prepared for Henley USA, LLC; November 12, 2013.
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington
Press. Seattle, Washington.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2003. HCD Stormwater Online Guidance for
Analyzing Stormwater Effects. NOAA Fisheries Service, Northwest Region. March 2003.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 2004. Plants of the Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon, British
Columbia, and Alaska (Revised). Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, B.C.
Schulz, C.G. 2013. Wetland Determination: Reserve at Tiffany Park. Preliminary Plat, City of
Renton, Washington.
Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. 2013. Final Tree Protection Plan: Reserve at Tiffany Park.
Prepared for Barbara Yarington, Henley USA.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual, Lacey, WA. Ecology Publication # 96-94.
Washington State Department of Transportation. 2013. Biological Assessment Preparation:
Advanced Training Manual, Version 02-2013.
Zulauf, A.S. 1979. Soil Survey of Pierce County, Washington. United States Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with Washington State Department of
Natural Resources, and Washington State University, Agriculture Research Center. Washington,
D.C.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 1 January 9, 2014
Appendix A — Action Area
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 2 January 9, 2014
Appendix B — Background Information
This Appendix includes a USFWS National Wetland Inventory map (B1), Priority Habitat and
Species Map (B2), an NRCS Soil Survey map (B3), and a list of plants present on the site (B4).
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 3 January 9, 2014
Appendix B1. National Wetlands Inventory Map
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 4 January 9, 2014
Appendix B2. WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Map
a
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 5 January 9, 2014
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 6 January 9, 2014
Appendix B3. NRCS Soil Survey Map
King County Area, Washington (WA633)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
AgC
Alderwood gravelly
sandy loam, 6 to 15
percent slopes
23.0 86.2
AmC
Arents, Alderwood
material, 6 to 15
percent slopes
3.7 13.8
Totals for Area of Interest 26.7 100%
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 7 January 9, 2014
Appendix B4. Observed Plant Species
Table B-4 Plant species existing on the project site.
Species Name 1 Common Name
Acer circinatum vine maple
Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple
Alnus rubra red alder
Athyrium filix-femina var. cuclosorum lady-fern
Cornus sericea red osier dogwood
Corylus cornuta Western hazelnut
Cytisus scoparius Scotch broom
Gaultheria shallon salal
Hedera helix English ivy
Ilex sp. holly
Lonicera involucrate black twinberry
Lysichitum americanum skunk cabbage
Mahonia nervosa Oregon grape
Malus fusca Oregon crabapple
Oemleria cerasiformis Indian plum
Polystichum munitum var. munitum common sword-fern
Populus balsamifera black cottonwood
Prunus emarginata var. mollis bitter cherry
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir
Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern
Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup
Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry
Rubus spectabilis salmonberry
Rubus ursinus trailing blackberry
Salix scouleriana scouler willow
Sambucus racemosa var. pubens red elderberry
Spiraea douglasii Douglas’ spirea
Symphoricarpos albus snowberry
Taraxacum officinale dandelion
Thuja plicata Western red cedar
Tolmiea menziesii piggy-back plant
Tsuga heterophylla western hemlock
Vaccinium parvifolium red huckleberry
Scientific names and species identification taken from Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock, 1973), Wetland Plants of Western Washington &
Northwestern Oregon (Cooke, 1997), and Plants of the Pacific Northwest (Pojar and Mackinnon 2004).
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 8 January 9, 2014
Appendix C — Site Photographs
Photograph 1. Upland shrub vegetation on southwestern site.
Photograph 2. Upland forested area on eastern interior of the site.
Photograph 3. Wetland and associated buffer area.
Photograph 4. Wetland area on the eastern site.
Photograph 5. Example of the site edge looking over the Right-of-Way.
Photograph 6. Example of the site edge looking over a wetland preservation area.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 9 January 9, 2014
Appendix D — Biologist Qualifications
Railin Peterson
Railin Peterson is a professional Environmental Scientist with background in both fresh water and marine
ecology. She has experience in fisheries management, assessing marine, shoreline, stream, and wetland
systems, conducting biological evaluations, documentation and coordination of ESA, MSA, and NEPA
compliance efforts, NPDES compliance, GIS mapping and analysis, and regulatory coordination and
permitting.
Railin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Evergreen State College - Olympia and a Master’s in
Marine and Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington - Seattle. In addition, she has received
formal training in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Applications
through the Northwest Environmental Training Center, and various NPDES Phase I and II stormwater
monitoring, stream habitat restoration and data analysis and regulatory subjects. For a list of representative
projects, please contact her at Soundview Consultants LLC.
Racheal Villa
Racheal Villa is a professional fisheries biologist with a diverse background in both freshwater and marine
ecology with emphasis in salmonid life histories and habitat. She has experience in assessing marine,
shoreline, stream, and wetland systems, reporting on biological evaluations, permitting, and site assessments.
Racheal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Biology from the University of Washington, Seattle,
with additional graduate level training in salmonid behavior and life history; restoration of fish communities
and habitats in river ecosystems; biological problems with water pollution; and biomonitoring and
assessment.
In addition, she has received formal training from the Washington State Department of Ecology in
Compensatory Mitigation and Restoration Projects, Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark, the revised
Washington State Wetland Rating System, Selecting Wetland Mitigation Sites Using a Watershed Approach,
and Biological Assessment Preparation for Transportation Projects from the Washington State Department
of Transportation. She is also a Pierce County qualified Fisheries Biologist.
Bill House
Bill House is a Staff Scientist with training and experience in fisheries, wildlife, and stream habitat
assessments and has extensive background in data management, analysis, and interpretation using Microsoft
applications and ArcGIS. Bill has training in Biological Assessments, NEPA reports, and Joint Aquatic
Resources Permit Applications (JARPA).
Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and a Master of
Science in Biological Sciences from Emporia State University. He has received formal training in Columbia
Habitat Monitoring Program (CHaMP) and has submitted and presented numerous publications and
professional scientific presentations. His previous experience at Tetra Tech, Inc. and Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife allowed him to gain strong fisheries field research techniques that include data collection,
data management, and data analysis and interpretation. He is also a Pierce County qualified Fisheries and
Wildlife Biologist.
1219.0001 Tiffany Park Reserve Soundview Consultants LLC
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Study 10 January 9, 2014
Jeremy Downs
All field inspections, jurisdictional wetland boundary delineations, OHWM determinations, habitat
assessments, and supporting documentation, including this Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment
prepared for Novastar Development, Inc. were prepared by, or under the direction of, Jeremy Downs of
Soundview Consultants LLC.
Jeremy Downs is a Senior Biologist and Environmental Planner with professional training and extensive
experience in land use, site planning and design, project coordination, permitting and management, marine
and wetland ecology, habitat restoration, wetland, stream, and benthic delineations and assessments, stream
assessments, underwater and terrestrial monitoring programs, and mitigation planning and design since 1987.
Jeremy earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from the University of California, Davis. In
addition, he studied under the Environmental Risk and Recovery program at the Australian Institute of
Marine Science. He also holds graduate-level professional certifications in various advanced wetland science
and management programs from both Portland State University and San Francisco State University, and he
has received professional training in Salmonid Biology from the University of California Extension.
Jeremy is a certified wetlands delineator under US Army Corps of Engineers guidelines. He has been
formally trained in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System, Determination of Ordinary High
Water Mark, Designing Compensatory Mitigation and Restoration Projects, and Reviewing Wetland
Mitigation and Monitoring Plans from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Department
of Ecology, and in conducting Biological Assessments from the Washington Department of Transportation,.
He is also a Pierce County Qualified Wetland Specialist and Fisheries Biologist, and he holds similar
qualifications from other jurisdictions.
_____________________________________________ _____________________
Jeremy Downs Date
Soundview Consultants LLC
2907 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 514-8952 Office
(253) 514-8954 Fax
jeremy@soundviewconsultants.com