HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Muckleshoot_Comments_200122.pdfFrom: Karen Walter <KWalter@muckleshoot.nsn.us>
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 1:10 PM
To: Matthew Herrera
Subject: Fw: City of Renton LUA Acceptance: Sunset Highlands Mixed Use, LUA19-
000290
Attachments: NOA_Project_Acceptance_200108.pdf; ECF_Environmental
Checklist_191107_v1.pdf; P_Site_Plan_191113_v1.pdf
Matt,
We have reviewed the available information for the proposed Sunset Highlands Mixed Use project
referenced above and offer the following comments:
1. Stream Typing
Per the Critical Areas Report, the section of Honey Creek that flows along the southern portion of the
site is classified as a Type N (non-fish bearing). The report lacked sufficient data to demonstrate this
classification. In fact, based on the information provided (i.e. bankfull width of 2 feet), at least one of
the three physical criteria for presumed fish habitat was met. The report lacks any information about
any natural barriers downstream and the streambed slope and the upstream basin area.
WDFW's current barrier map and fish distribution layer is showing fish use not far from the site, below
SR 900 and Union which is farther upstream than the City map in the Critical Areas Report.
See https://geodataservices.wdfw.wa.gov/hp/fishpassage/index.html
The stream needs to be resurveyed to see if it meets the physical criteria for presumed fish habitat
under WAC 222-16-031 or demonstration of a natural physical barrier based on WDFW's barrier
assessment criteria.
2. Current stream buffer conditions
The photos in the CAR suggests that the stream buffer on site has been totally cleared. Is this correct?
If so, isn't the project site in violation of the City's Critical Areas Ordinance? It also seems that a buffer
reduction and critical areas exemption should not be allowed until any CAO violations are addressed
including mitigation for any temporal losses to riparian functions.
For any buffer reduction, the remaining stream buffer needs to be planted with native trees and shrubs
conducive to the soils on site. The landscape plan suggests that non-native street trees will be planted
in the buffer.
3. Onsite culverts
The site plans shows two existing 48" culverts crossing the stream. What is the purpose of these
culverts? Can they be removed as part of this project? If so, they could serve as partial mitigation for
the permanent reduction in the stream buffer and its functions. If not, then additional mitigation will
likely be needed.
4. Tree removal
How close to the stream are the two large Douglas fir trees on the western border that will be removed
(see the TIR)?
5. Techincal Information Report
With respect to the Technical Information Report, we offer these comments:
On page 5, there is an error. The site is within a salmon conservation plan as it is in WRIA 8 which is a
chapter of the larger Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan.
The site's stormwater will ultimately drain to known salmon-bearing waters. The project proposed to
use enhanced water quality treatment methods for stormwater which is good, but the project shoudl
also use oil control methods to minimize stormwater pollutants known to adversely affect salmon.
We appreciate the opportunity to review this proposal and look forward to the City of Renton's
responses. We may have further comments subsequently.
Thank you,
Karen Walter
Watersheds and Land Use Team Leader
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Fisheries Division Habitat Program
39015 172nd Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092
253-876-3116
________________________________
From: Jennifer Cisneros <JCisneros@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2020 10:16 AM
To: Karen Walter; Laura Murphy; 'separegister@ecy.wa.gov'; 'sepaunit@ecy.wa.gov';
'misty.blair@ecy.wa.gov'; 'Sepadesk@dfw.wa.gov'; 'sepacenter@dnr.wa.gov';
'Minnie.Dhaliwal@TukwilaWA.gov'; 'jgreene@kingcounty.gov'; 'steveo@newcastlewa.gov';
'andy.swayne@pse.com'; 'sepa@pscleanair.org'; 'Brantley Bain'; 'Jim.Ishimaru@kingcounty.gov';
'Matthew (Matt) Feldmeyer'
Cc: Matthew Herrera
Subject: City of Renton LUA Acceptance: Sunset Highlands Mixed Use, LUA19-000290
Hello,
Please see attached documents for City of Renton LUA acceptance for the following project:
Sunset Highlands Mixed Use
LUA19-000290
Attached are the Notice of Application, the Site Plan, and the Environmental Checklist.
Additional Reports and Studies Can Be Found
Here<https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8061951&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton>
As the project progresses, more information will be available by request and through our online Public
Notice of Land Use Applications
Map<http://rentonwa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Minimalist/index.html?appid=ba8be73232e44a2fa126a36
c109800b2>.
Regards,
Jenny Cisneros | Planning Technician
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Phone: (425) 430-6583 | Fax: (425) 430-7300 |
jcisneros@rentonwa.gov<mailto:jcisneros@rentonwa.gov>
Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday