HomeMy WebLinkAbout202000590_ECYCommentLetter.pdf
STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
Northwest Regional Office 3190 160th Avenue SE Bellevue, Washington 98008-5452 (425) 649-7000
711 for Washington Relay Service Persons with a speech disability can call (877) 833-6341
February 13, 2020
Alex Morganroth
Department of Community and Economic Development
City of Renton
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Re: Jurgens RUV
File# LUA20-000006/PR20-000048, Ecology SEPA# 202000590
Dear Alex Morganroth:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Jurgens RUV project. Based on
review of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist associated with this Project, the
Department of Ecology (Ecology) has the following comments:
The variance applicant proposes an expansion to an existing residence on existing impermeable
surface within both stream and wetland buffer. As a mitigation measure, the applicant proposes
removing an unauthorized driveway through the wetland/stream buffer and over the stream and
replacing it with grass lawn, which is not a significant improvement in buffer function.
Replacing the existing driveway with a buffer consisting of native shrubs and/or trees would
provide a clear ecological lift, as compared with a maintained grass lawn. In Ecology's view,
this change would result a more compelling argument for granting the variance.
Thank you for considering these comments from Ecology. If you have any questions or would like
to respond to these comments, please contact Neil Molstad from the Shorelands and Environmental
Assistance Program at (425) 649-7007 or by email at neil.molstad@ecy.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Katelynn Piazza
SEPA Coordinator
Sent by email: Alex Morganroth, amorganroth@rentonwa.gov
ecc: Neil Molstad, Ecology