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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_DUIP_20200505_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WAC 197-11-960 Environmental checklist guidance updated June 2011 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: Please adjust the format of this template as needed. 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 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 2 of 22 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: 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 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 3 of 22 A. Background [HELP] 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Renton Downtown Utilities Improvements Project 2. Name of applicant: City of Renton 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Michael Benoit City of Renton 1055 S. Grady Way Renton, WA 98057-3232 425-430-7206 mbenoit@rentonwa.gov 4. Date checklist prepared: October 2019 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Construction is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2020 and continue continuously through the Summer of 2022. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. The purpose of this project is to replace existing utility infrastructure that has reached its useful lifespan and to increase capacity as needed to reduce or eliminate hydraulic capacity problems and improve system reliability. The current facilities are old, in poor condition, and/or undersized. The improvements will replace these deteriorating facilities or correct structural problems. This will improve the level of service of the utility systems. There will not be further expansion required in the near future. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. A Preliminary Geotechnical & Environmental Review has been prepared to evaluate readily available information regarding geotechnical conditions and environmental concerns. The geotechnical engineer is conducting hydrologic and geotechnical field investigations, laboratory testing, and will provide a final report describing the findings. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 4 of 22 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. There are no applications pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by the proposal. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. • Ecology National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) • King County Individual Authorization for Construction Dewatering • Renton Shoreline Master Program • Clearing/Grading Permit • Renton Critical Areas Permit • Renton Right of Way 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.) The City of Renton plans to replace and rehabilitate existing water, sewer, and stormwater utility systems as part of the Downtown Utility Improvement Project (DUIP). The existing system has reached or is nearing the end of its useful lifespan. Replacement, rehabilitation, and/or upsizing the individual utilities is planned in select locations within the project area based on age, capacity needs, condition, and/or maintenance requirements. The project will improve the reliability and capacity of each of the utility systems. Work is within the downtown area of Renton and is confined to the City right-of-way or utility easements. 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. The project is located in the City of Renton, WA, primarily on S 2nd Street and S 3rd Street, including several cross streets, as defined per the following: • S 2nd St, between Rainier Ave S and the Cedar River • SW Sunset Blvd, between Hardie Ave SW and Rainier Ave S • S 3rd St, between Rainier Ave S and Williams Ave S • Lake Ave S, between S 2nd St and S Tobin St • Shattuck Ave S, between S 2nd St and S 4th Pl • Whitworth Ave S, between S 2nd St and S 3rd St • Morris Ave S, between S 2nd St and S 3rd St • Smithers Ave S, between S 3rd St and S 4th St • Burnett Ave S, between S 2nd St and S 3rd St • Mill Ave S, between Bronson Way S and S 3rd St SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 5 of 22 • Sanitary sewer easements that connect to sewer mains in S 2nd St and S 3rd St B. Environmental Elements [HELP] 1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site: (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? 5% 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. The project area is underlain by a variety of native soils ranging from alluvium to till-like glacial drifts as well as fill materials. The alluvium materials, interbedded silty sands and sandy silts with organics silts and peat, likely range from 50 to 80 feet thick. Below this, soils are anticipated to transition into glacial drift deposits, which consist of till-like dense gravel and gravelly sand, with cobbles and boulders strewn within. Fill may consist of well compacted material free of organics (engineered fills) or poorly compacted materials containing organics, timbers, debris, and other unknown objects. There is no agricultural land of long-term commercial significance within the project area. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. The project area is located in liquefaction susceptibility hazard areas per the King County Liquefaction Susceptibility Map. 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. Trenching will occur throughout project area to install the utilities and will be replaced with imported trench backfill. The source of the trench backfill has not yet been determined. Total excavation and backfill is expected to be approximately 30,000 cubic yards. Final grade will match the existing grade. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Given the construction approach and the urban setting, no significant erosion is anticipated during or as a result of the proposed work. To minimize the potential for erosion, the contractor will implement erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs), contained within a Project-specific temporary erosion and sediment control plan. The completed Project will not increase the potential for erosion because the type of surface and use of the Project SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 6 of 22 area would not change. Once Project construction is complete, disturbed areas would be restored to preconstruction conditions or better. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? No discernable change in impervious, versus pervious surface, will result as an effect of the Project. The Project area is mainly covered with impervious asphalt or concrete surfaces with exceptions being street tree pits and planter strips running along some of the roadways. All disturbed surfaces will be restored to the same, or better, condition. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: The contractor will implement temporary erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices (BMP’s): Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead, Concrete Handling, Dust Control, Erosion Control Blankets, High-visibility Fencing, Mulching, Outlet Protection, Preserving Natural Vegetation, Sediment Traps, Sediment Bags, Silt Fence, Sodding, Storm Drain Inlet Protection, and Temporary or Mobile Containment. 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. Mobile and stationary equipment will be used for project construction, thus generating emissions due to the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuels (such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and smoke, un-combusted hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor). Emissions during construction could also include dust from grading activities and exhaust (carbon monoxide, sulfur, and particulates) from construction equipment; these emissions are expected to be minimal, localized, and temporary. The proposed project would produce greenhouse gases (GHGs) in three ways: embodied in the proposed gravel aggregate, paving and concrete work; through construction activity (as described above); and during regular operation, maintenance, and monitoring activities. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. There are no known off-site sources of emissions or odors that could negatively affect the proposed project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: During construction, impacts to air quality would be reduced and controlled through implementation of standard federal, state, and local emission control criteria and City construction practices. These would include requiring the contractor to use the best available control technologies, proper vehicle maintenance, and minimizing vehicle and equipment idling. In addition, the contractor will implement dust control measures during earthwork, including but not limited to street sweeping, water application to exposed soil surfaces, and covering of soil stockpiles to minimize fugitive dust. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 7 of 22 3. Water [help] a. Surface Water: [help] 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. The study area is near existing storm drains which flow to several existing outfalls of the Cedar River. The Cedar River is a year-round river which originates in the Cascade Range of Washington and is 45 miles long. Its upper watershed is used for drinking water in the Seattle area and is therefore protected. The project site connects downstream of this protected area. The Cedar River flows into Lake Washington approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the project area. Lake Washington is 33.8 square miles large. Lake Washington is known as a ribbon lake, meaning it was excavated by glaciers and it eventually empties into the Puget Sound. 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. A small portion of the project work will be within 200 feet of the Cedar River, confined to existing paved areas at the intersection of Mill Ave S and Bronson Way S, just southwest of the Bronson Way S bridge over the Cedar River. 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. The proposed Project would not require filling or excavation of any surface water. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. The proposed project would not require any withdrawals or diversions of any surface water. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. The project does not include work within the 100-year floodplain. 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. The proposed project would not require the discharging of any waste materials to surface waters. Any dewatering water will be appropriately treated to remove waste before discharge. b. Ground Water: [help] SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 8 of 22 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. No ground water will not be withdrawn from a well for drinking water. 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. No waste material will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources. 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. This project will replace portions of the existing stormwater system with new infrastructure. It will not collect any additional runoff or increase the flows within the stormwater drainage system. During construction, BMP’s will be utilized to reduce runoff. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Waste materials will not be entering ground or surface waters. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. The project is focused on water, wastewater and stormwater improvements to the existing system. These improvements will replace deteriorating facilities and correct structural problems. They will reduce or eliminate hydraulic capacity problems and improve system reliability. The project will not affect the overall drainage patterns. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: Prior to construction, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be completed. This will include a description of erosion control measures, as well as methods for: (1) collecting and conveying right-of-way storm drainage, and (2) restoring, repairing, improving and/or relocating any public storm drainage impact. Groundwater extracted during dewatering would be discharged to a suitable storm drain system. If turbid water is produced, it would be pumped and contained in a settlement tank before being discharged to the storm drain. 4. Plants [help] SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 9 of 22 a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: ____deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other ____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? Vegetation found within and near the Project corridor is consistent with vegetation common of an urban setting. Vegetation is generally limited to landscaped trees, shrubs, and grasses located within planter strips or tree pits c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources endangered or threatened species list, there are none known to be located on the Project site. The project site is located in the urban area of Renton which is not known to have these endangered or threatened plant species growing there. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Existing landscaping, if disturbed, will be replaced with similar landscaping. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Some of the observed invasive species within King County are Herb Robert, Creeping Buttercup, Common Ivy, Common Broom and Common Hawthorn. As an already developed suburban area of Renton, the Project location is not known to have any of these invasive species. There is very little risk of unintentional spreading of invasive plant species. Most of the demolition, and following restoration, is related to asphalt roadways and concrete which is not a suitable place of growth for plants. Any restoration of plant areas will be done with native plants. 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. Examples include: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________ SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 10 of 22 The main source of wildlife in the Project corridor is songbirds. Hawks, herons, eagles can be seen on Lake Washington but are not often see in the Project corridor. The wildlife within the Project area are consistent with wildlife common of urban settings. The Cedar River is home to a variety of wildlife consisting of Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, trout and sockeye salmon. b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources endangered or threatened species list, there are no known to be located on the Project Site. Near to the Project site endangered salmon are found in the Cedar River including Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, trout and sockeye salmon. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. The Cedar River is home to populations of Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, trout and sockeye salmon. Chinook, Coho and sockeye are anadromous fish. Trout live their whole lives in the freshwater. Anadromous fish hatch in freshwater rivers then migrate to the saltwater ocean, where they mature. Once they have matured, they migrate up-stream to spawn back to the freshwaters where they were born. Yearly, the Cedar River is home to this salmon migration as they return from the Puget sound through the Ballard Locks, into Lake Washington, and eventually home to their spawning grounds. The construction site will not disturb the Cedar River and therefore will not disturb the Salmon Migration. Furthermore, the stormwater discharge system will not change for this project. Some songbirds are known to migrate and live in more Urban Areas, such as Downtown Renton. None of these bird’s migration patterns will be impacted by the Project area or construction site. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: There are currently no plans to preserve or enhance wildlife, as a part of this proposed Project. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known to be on or near the site. 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. The completed Project focuses on drinking water, stormwater and wastewater pipeline improvements. The water system is a pressure system but no energy demands are being added to the system. The stormwater and wastewater system improvements would not require supplemental energy to operate because they rely on gravity-driven flow. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. Most of the completed Project would be buried, with few components constructed above ground surface. Portions of the Project that would be constructed above ground surface SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 11 of 22 (lighting/crossing improvements, bioswales, curb ramps, etc.) would not interfere with adjacent properties’ usage of solar energy due to their low or narrow profiles. 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: The proposed Project would not result in adverse energy or natural resource impacts; therefore, measures to reduce or control energy impacts are not included in the Project design. 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. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. Research has identified 57 regulated and non-regulated facilities with the potential to impact subsurface soil and/or groundwater within the Study Area which were classified based on risk level. Of these 57 facilities, 20 were ranked Risk Level 1 (highest risk) and 37 were ranked Risk Level 2. Risk Level 1 facilities are those with known environmental impacts that have not been remediated and therefore have the highest probability of migration of environmental impacts from the release location to the construction area within the roadway. Risk Level 2 facilities are those that may have used and/or stored hazardous materials or petroleum products or areas of known environmental impact that have been delisted by regulatory authorities. The extent of environmental impacts beneath the Study Area roadways was not determined during this study. Based on the relatively large project area and City historical use, it is possible that one or more previously unidentified releases will be encountered during construction. Most of the identified current and historical facilities of concern used and/or stored petroleum hydrocarbons or chlorinated volatile organic compounds (solvents); therefore, these are the most likely contaminants to be encountered along the utility corridor. 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. The project area contains natural gas lines, which have been identified on the plans and will be protected appropriately during construction. Excavation will occur in proximity to the natural gas utility corridor. Hazardous conditions could occur in the event that Project construction unexpectedly encounters these utilities. 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. Construction of the proposed Project would require use and storage of relatively small amounts of materials such as gasoline and diesel fuels, hydraulic fluids, oils, lubricants, solvents, paints, and other chemical products. No toxic or hazardous chemicals would be stored, used, or produced at any time during the operating life of SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 12 of 22 the Project. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. Fire and medical response services may be required in the event of an emergency during construction or operation/maintenance of the proposed Project. However, the completed Project would not result in higher levels of special emergency services than already exist at the Project location. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: Based on the areas of known environmental impact risk as described above, the geotechnical engineer is conducting limited subsurface characterization in select areas of high potential environmental concerns prior to construction. The design team is creating a construction work plan for minimizing the potential of encountering these materials, and for managing and disposing of these materials when encountered during construction. A Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan would be developed and implemented by the Contractor in order to protect land and water resources. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? There are no existing sources of noise in the area that would adversely affect the proposal. 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. Project construction would result in a short-term increase of noise levels within the Project area. This temporary increase in noise levels would result from construction equipment and practices within the Project corridor. Short-term noise from construction equipment will all follow the Renton Municipal: Chapter 7 Noise Level Regulations. The construction process will follow the maximum environmental noise levels as adopted by the City in reference to the Washington Administrative Code Sections 173-60-020, 173- 60-040, 173-60-050, and 173-60-090. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Construction equipment would be muffled in accordance with the applicable laws. Noise monitoring would be implemented to ensure that Project construction remains in compliance with the maximum permissible noise limitations prescribed in Chapter 7 of the Renton Municipal Code. A noise variance would be acquired in the discrete cases when prescriptive noise limitations are expected to be exceeded. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 13 of 22 The stormwater, drinking water and sewer mains will be constructed in paved roadways that serve primarily commercial and residential buildings. Renton High School runs along S 2nd Street and is also located within the Project area. 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 nonforest use? There are no working farms or forest lands on or near the Project corridor. 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: The proposed Project will not affect or be affected by normal business operations of working farms or forest lands as there are no designated agricultural or forest lands in the site location. c. Describe any structures on the site. Structures within the Project corridor are limited to traffic signals, wayfinding, below-grade maintenance holes, below-grade vaults and pedestrian amenities (lighting/crossing, etc.). Adjacent properties contain a wide array of structures consistent with the urban development of downtown Renton. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? None of the above grade structures on the Project site will be demolished. Numerous below grade manholes and catch basins will be demolished. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The project site is part of two zoning classifications as a part of the Renton Zoning Map. These two zones are Urban Center (UC) and R6 Residential- 6 DU/AC. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Commercial mixed use and public right of way. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? There is work within 200 feet of the Cedar River so a Renton Shoreline Master Program will be designated for this site. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. The intersection of Bronson Way S, Houser Way S and Mill Ave S is within a regulated shoreline critical area for the Cedar River. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 14 of 22 The proposed Project is a utility improvement project; no people would reside or work within the completed Project. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? Zero people k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not necessary L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: There should be no change in existing or projected land uses in the Project. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: There are no agricultural or forested areas in the Project location. Therefore, there will be no need to control impacts. 9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. The proposed Project does not include the construction of housing units. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. The proposed Project would not eliminate existing housing units. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: No housing impacts would occur; therefore, the proposed Project does not include housing impact reduction or control measures 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? The proposed sewer, water and storm pipe improvements would occur within the subsurface of the Renton Streets. All improvements are subsurface or at road level. If any streetlights are affected, they will be restored to the same or better condition. These would be raised off the ground but would not block any views or homes. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 15 of 22 The viewshed within the Project corridor would be temporarily altered during Project construction. However, these impacts would be limited to the duration of construction. Long- term, the viewshed will not be affected by the Project improvements. k. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: Project construction will not all occur at once. After utility improvements are made, the restoration will be completed, therefore the whole Project site will not be affected for the whole duration of construction. Instead it will be completed in different sections. No other aesthetic reduction or control measures are proposed as only short-term construction impacts would occur. 11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Most of the Project construction would occur during daylight hours. Work conducted in low light conditions would require artificial lighting to ensure worker safety. To minimize potential spillover from this lighting, the lights would be downcast and focused on the construction zone. Construction lighting may increase ambient light conditions within the immediate Project area but impacts to sensitive receivers are not anticipated. Long-term light and glare impacts are not anticipated. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? The proposed sewer, water and storm pipe improvements would occur within the subsurface of the Renton Streets. All improvements are subsurface or at road level. If any streetlights are affected, they will be restored to the same or better condition. These would be raised off the ground but would not block any views or homes because they would be replacing existing lights. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? The Project components would not be affected by existing sources of light or glare. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: No adverse light or glare impacts would result from the completed Project; therefore, no reduction or control measures are proposed. 12. Recreation [help] a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? There are several recreational playfields adjacent to the site including a baseball diamond and open grass field. Lake Washington is about 2 miles away from the Project site. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No recreational uses would be displaced. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 16 of 22 c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: No impacts to recreational opportunities are anticipated as a result of the project. There are several different roads leading to the fields which provides alternative access routes if construction is occurring on 2nd St. Therefore, mitigation measures are not proposed. 13. Historic and cultural preservation [help] 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. A number of historic buildings have been recorded in the Project area, including four that have been determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These include the Duff residence (215 Whitworth Avenue South), the F.W. Woolworth Company Store (724 South 3rd Street), the Renton Lutheran Church (403 South 2nd Street), and the Renton Fire Station (235 Mill Avenue South). A number of other structures are older than 50 years but have not been evaluated for NRHP eligibility. The Project does not include modification or demolition of any structures and is not expected to affect the built environment. 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. There is evidence of precontact and historic use of the area. This evidence is documented in a Cultural Resources Assessment report for an earlier version the Project which considered a larger area (Bundy 2018). The results of that report are briefly summarized here. The Project area is in the traditional territory of the Sammamish (scababs) and Stkehlmish tribes, who occupied the area around Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and the Sammamish River; and the Snohomish and Kwehtlmamish tribes, whose territory included the Snohomish and Pilchuck Rivers. The tribes are Lutshootseed-speaking Southern Coast Salish peoples. An 1865 General Land Office (GLO) map shows an “Indian Village” just south of the Project area, along the former course of the Black River. Three archaeological sites have been recorded within the Project area. One site (45KI587) is completely within the Project area, just south of the Renton High School field (across South 2nd Street), in the parking lot of a grocery store. Trenching revealed occupation surfaces separated by alluvium, ranging from 46 to 60 centimeters below the surface. The site probably dates to the late Holocene, with occupation estimated at 200 to 500 years ago. Two other sites extend into the Project area from the north. The Renton High School field contains a precontact site consisting of a lithic concentration and stratified midden (45K1010). Testing identified cultural deposits between 20 and 220 cm below the surface; dates of occupation are unknown. The larger Renton High School site (45KI501) is a precontact site “composed of multiple [precontact] occupations and flood event strata that are not continuous throughout the whole of the [high school] property” (Kramer et al. 2001:24). The site was discovered during an excavation for utility installation. The dates of occupation are unknown. All three precontact sites (45KI1010, 45KI587, and 45KI501) may be related to the ethnographically recorded village Tuxudidû3 (Hilbert et al. 2001). SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 17 of 22 Another thirteen archaeological sites have been recorded within one mile of the Project area. Nine are historic sites and include the remains of industrial activities (such as the Renton Coal Mine and Renton Glass Company factory), piles that were once in the Black River, and refuse (including discrete scatters and the Renton Civic Dump). Also included are the Columbia and Puget Sound Railroad grade (45K1538) and the Moses Homestead (45Kl1009). The railroad is a historic grade, still in use, that crosses just south of the southeastern corner of the Project area. The Moses Homestead appears to be the ethnographic location SkEte’lubcl recorded by the geographer T.T. Waterman in 1920 (Hilbert et al. 2001). The site was once on the banks of the Black River and was home to a Duwamish Indian Family from the 1880’s to 1954. It is now located in the Renton High School field, west of the high school building. The remaining four are precontact sites, including a site with a child burial (45KI051). That site is located about 1,000 feet southwest of the Project area and is in similar stratigraphic context to the cluster of sites around Renton High School. 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. The project has been reviewed by an archaeologist who meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards, and a preliminary Cultural Resources Assessment report was prepared (Bundy 2018). After the report was completed, project design was refined. To avoid disturbing archaeological materials, excavation has been designed to remain within the demonstrated limits of previous disturbance wherever possible. The archaeologist reviewed the updated plans compared to subsurface conditions and developed the recommendations below. Although the Project has been designed to minimize the likelihood of disturbing archaeological materials, there is still some potential that excavation could impact such resources. This potential is highest where native sediments will be excavated, and near previously recorded sites. Native sediments will be excavated where the alignment deviates from existing utility corridors (wider, deeper, or in a different location) and also extends past other documented disturbance. 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. Archaeological monitoring will occur in areas with elevated potential for encountering archaeological materials. An Archaeological Monitoring Plan and Inadvertent Discovery Plan will be prepared for use during construction and will be provided to DAHP and Native American tribes for review and comment. Archaeological monitoring will be conducted by the Contractor during construction. 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. The proposed project is making improvements on water, storm and sewer lines below ground on the following roads within downtown Renton: • Rainier Ave S SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 18 of 22 • SW Sunset Blvd • S 4th St • S 2nd St • Shattuck Ave S • S 3rd St • Whitworth Ave • Morris Ave • Smithers Ave S • Burnett Ave S • Mill Ave E • Bronson Way S • Houser Way S • Logan Ave S The City will review and approve the Contractor’s traffic control and access plan prior to construction. Plans of the project area are attached. 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? Yes. The Renton Transit Center is located at 257 Burnett Ave S, with facilities along Burnett Ave S between S 2nd St and S 3rd St. There are 10 Bays within in this area serve 23 different bus lines. King County Metro Transit buses run along S 2nd St and S 3rd St to access the transit center. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? The completed Project will not create any new parking spaces; no existing parking spaces will be eliminated. 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). The project scope requires restoration of roads, sidewalks, curb ramps and pedestrian walkways, after the subsurface improvements have occurred. This restoration will restore the roadway and sidewalks to preconstruction conditions once completed. All restoration will meet the requirements of the City of Renton. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Within the immediate vicinity of the Project, there is no use of water, rail, or air transportation. The proposed Project would not require use of, or interfere with, these resources. 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 nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 19 of 22 There will be no generation of vehicular trips or traffic. 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. Neither the proposed Project nor its construction would interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Site specific traffic control plans will be developed by the contractor and approved by the City. 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. The proposed Project is not expected to create an increased need for public services. Emergency access during construction will comply with relevant policies administered by the City of Renton. This project will increase available fire flows in portions of the project area. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. During construction, the Project would always be required to accommodate emergency personnel access via the Project corridor. Otherwise, reduction or control measures are not included as no adverse impacts on public services would result from the proposed Project. 16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, stormwater, other ____ b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. Water Distribution - City of Renton – Trenching and installing utility piping and appurtenances Stormwater Conveyance - City of Renton – Trenching and installing utility piping and appurtenances Sanitary Sewer Conveyance - City of Renton – Trenching and installing utility piping and appurtenances SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 20 of 22 C. Signature [HELP] The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision. Signature: ___________________________________________________ Name of signee __________________________________________________ Position and Agency/Organization ____________________________________ Date Submitted: _____________ SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 21 of 22 D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions [HELP] (IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 22 of 22 Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.