HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_DNSM_Determination_Applicant_Ltr_200615
June 15, 2020
Mike Benoit
City of Renton
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL (SEPA) THRESHOLD DETERMINATION
Downtown Utility Improvement Project, LUA20-000109, ECF
DearMr.Benoit:
This letter is written on behalf of the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) to advise you that they have
completed their review of the subject project and have issued a threshold Determination of Non-
Significance-Mitigated with Mitigation Measures. Please refer to the enclosed ERC Report, for a list of
the Mitigation Measures. Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed pursuant to RMC
4-9-070.R.
If you have any further questions, please call me at (425) 430-6598.
For the Environmental Review Committee,
Jill Ding
Senior Planner
Enclosure
cc:
O. Del Moro, J. Conquest, H. Blencoe, K. Bradford/ Party(ies) of Record
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200, ext. 2
www.rentonwa.gov
PLEASE FOLLOW THE DOCUMENT CENTER LINK TO SEE ASSOCIATED PROJECT DOCUMENTS.
IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE YOU MAY CONTACT THE CITY OF RENTON,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT (425) 430-7200, EXT. 2.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE PROJECT NUMBER WHEN CALLING FOR PROPER FILE IDENTIFICATION.
OF ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
ISSUANCE OF A DETERMINATION OF
NON-SIGNIFICANCE - MITIGATED (DNS-M)
POSTED TO NOTIFY INTERESTED PERSONS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
DNSM: THE CITY OF RENTON ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ERC) HAS DETERMINED THAT THE PROPOSED
ACTION HAS PROBABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS THAT CAN BE MITIGATED THROUGH MITIGATION MEASURES.
DATE OF NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATION:
June 15, 2020
PROJECT NAME/NUMBER: PR20-000140 Downtown Utility Improvement Project /
LUA20-000109, ECF
PROJECT LOCATION: 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 Hardie Ave
SW 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; Sanitary sewer
easements that connect to sewer mains in S 2nd St and S 3rd St
APPLICANT/PROJECT CONTACT PERSON: Mike Benoit, Civil Engineer / City of Renton 1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA
98057 / mbenoit@rentonwa.gov
LOCATION WHERE APPLICATION MAY BE
REVIEWED:
Applicant documents are available online through the City of Renton
Document Center website. See also https://cutt.ly/uyYyuQK
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review and a Shoreline
Exemption for the replacement of 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. A portion of the utility replacement would occur within the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction of the Cedar River.
The working within the shoreline jurisdiction would occur within Cedar River reach B and within the Shoreline High
Intensity Designation. The project site is mapped within a seismic hazard area and wellhead protection area, zone 1.
When the DNS-M becomes appealable, the appeal period will be 14 days.
NOTICE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Project Location Map
ERC Report_Downtown Utility-jc edits
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: June 15, 2020
Project File Number: PR20-000140
Project Name: Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Land Use File Number: LUA20-000109; ECF
Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
Applicant/Owner/Contact: Michael Benoit, City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Project Location: 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 Hardie Ave SW 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; Sanitary sewer easements that connect to sewer mains in S 2nd
St and S 3rd St.
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review and a Shoreline
Exemption for the replacement of 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. A portion of
the utility replacement would occur within the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction of
the Cedar River. The work within the shoreline jurisdiction would occur within
Cedar River reach B and within the Shoreline High Intensity Designation. The
project site is mapped within a seismic hazard area and wellhead protection
area, zone 1.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: N/A Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000109; ECF
Report of June 15, 2020 Page 2 of 5
ERC Report_Downtown Utility-jc edits
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS-M
B. Mitigation Measures
1. Project construction shall comply with the recommendations provided in the submitted geotechnical
report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020 (Exhibit 3) or an updated report submitted at a
later date.
2. Archeological monitoring shall be conducted along the project corridor in compliance with the
recommendations provided in the Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor QEA, LLC, dated April
2020 (Exhibit 5).
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Plan Set
Exhibit 3: Geotechnical Report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020
Exhibit 4: Drainage report, prepared by Murraysmith, dated April 2020
Exhibit 5: Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor QEA, LLC, dated April 2020
Exhibit 6: Advisory Notes
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: A Geotechnical Report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020 (Exhibit 3) was
submitted with the project application. Topography in the project vicinity is generally flat. Construction
of proposed utility improvements would require protection of existing buildings and utility infrastructure
with some utilities being installed immediately adjacent to existing structures and pipelines. Proposed
utility depths would generally range between 5 and 15 feet, with the exception of the sewer line in the
vicinity of S 3rd St, between Whitworth and Burnett Ave S, where it would extend up to 29 feet deep,
and at the interceptor tie in where it would be about 35 feet deep.
Other key aspects of the project would include a new culvert access at the intersection of Rainier Ave S
and SW Sunset Ave (which becomes S 3rd St east of Rainier). This culvert would require a pile-supported
foundation in order to avoid imparting new loads on the culvert. A deep tie in to connect the City sewer
lines to the 108-inch diameter King County Eastside Interceptor at the intersection of S 3rd St and
Burnett Ave S. the excavation for this tie in is expected to extend to a depth of approximately 35 feet
and would be required immediately adjacent to a clock tower that is supported on a shallow matt
foundation. Finally, the water and sewer lines along Whitworth Ave S would cross below the existing 52-
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000109; ECF
Report of June 15, 2020 Page 3 of 5
ERC Report_Downtown Utility-jc edits
inch and 66-inch diameter Seattle Public Utilities Cedar River Pipelines and temporary support of the
pipelines would be required.
Subsurface exploration included 7 groundwater monitoring wells, 20 borings, and 5 environmental
probes. Borings were advanced with a truck-mounted CME75 drill rig utilizing hollow-stem auger drilling
techniques. Monitoring wells were drilled to depths of approximately 16 to 46 feet below ground
surface (bgs). Borings KB-1 through KB-18 were drilled to depths of approximately 30 feet bgs, except
for KB-4, which was completed at 45 feet bgs, and KB-16 and KB-5, which were completed at 20 feet
bgs. Boring KB-19 was drilled to a depth of 45 feet and KB-20 was drilled to a depth of about 51 feet.
As a result of historical events, such as the diversion of the Cedar River, lowering of Lake Washington,
the drying up and filling of the Black River channel, and land modification associated with development
the soils along the project alignment are somewhat variable. Fill was generally encountered in the first 5
½ to 20 feet, alluviam was generally encountered below the pavement section and/or fill in all borings
and extended to the bottom of most borings. Wood was encountered in boring KB-4 at a depth of 25
feet. Siltstone bedrock was encountered in borings KB-1, KB-19, and MW-1 at depths of 30 ½, 44 ½, and
20 feet. Ground water was encountered at depths ranging from 12 to 15 feet.
Submitted geotechnical report concludes that the project can be constructed without damage to
existing structures and utilities, and includes recommendations for excavation, demolition, pavement,
earthwork, culvert access manholes, culvert penetration, strongback, and manholes. Due to the seismic
hazard area mapped on the project site as well as the proximity of existing utility transmission lines and
commercial/residential structures along the project corridor, staff recommends as a SEPA mitigation
measure, that project construction complies with the recommendations provided in the submitted
geotechnical report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020 (Exhibit 3) or an updated report
submitted at a later date.
Mitigation Measures: Project construction shall comply with the recommendations provided in the
submitted geotechnical report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020 (Exhibit 3) or an updated
report submitted at a later date.
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations, Grading Excavation and Mining Regulations RMC 4-4-060
2. Water
a. Storm Water
Impacts: A drainage report, prepared by Murraysmith, dated April 2020 (Exhibit 4) was submitted
with the project application materials. Existing surface water runoff within the study area drains
either to the Cedar River to the north or the Black River to the southwest. The general project area
is approximately 185 acres in size, of which approximately 69 acres (37%) lie within the Cedar River
Basin and approximately 116 acres (63%) lie within the Black River Basin. Within the project area,
seven local drainage basins were identified and named according to their location: Logan, Williams,
Wells, Main, Old City Hall, Lake and Shattuck. Five study area trunk lines outfall to the Cedar River to
the northeast and two trunk lines discharge toward the Black River towards the south and west.
The project will be constructed within the existing public right-of-way. Restoration of the roadway
after the utilities are installed will be in accordance with City of Renton standards, which require a
trench patch and limited asphalt overlay. Sidewalks and curb ramps, where impacted, will be
replaced in kind materials. The existing project area, because it is asphalt or concrete, is all
impervious, however, it is not considered ‘Replaced Impervious Surface’ because surfaces replaced
for the sole purpose of installing utilities is excluded from this classification in the Renton SWDM.
The restoration will match existing site conditions, so net impervious surface area and runoff rates
will not change. There will be no change to peak flow, duration, or volume of runoff as a result of
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000109; ECF
Report of June 15, 2020 Page 4 of 5
ERC Report_Downtown Utility-jc edits
this project; therefore the project is exempt from the requirement to provide flow control and
water quality facilities.
It is anticipated any stomwater impacts related to this project would be mitigated by the adopted
2017 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual, therefore no further mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
3. Environmental Health
a. Noise
Impacts: Temporary noise impacts are anticipated during project construction. 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 Code:
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.
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 or when night work is proposed. No further mitigation is recommended as
it is anticipated that existing noise regulations would mitigate temporary noise impacts.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: N/A
4. Historic and Cultural Preservation
Impacts: A Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor QEA, LLC, dated April 2020 (Exhibit 5) was
submitted with the project application. The project site includes work in areas with elevated potential
for encountering archaeological resources, including within or near the boundaries to two identified
archaeological sites. However, the project area is paved and includes existing utilities (and occurs
partially within active roadways), therefore archaeological testing could not occur prior to construction.
It is recommended that archaeological monitoring along the project corridor occur during construction
to ensure appropriate treatment of intact significant artifacts or deposits, if any exist. In addition, if
significant artifacts are discovered during construction, work may be stopped until coordination with the
Project archaeologist, Project team, and (if necessary) DAHP and Native American tribes has occurred
and the City has authorized work in that segment to resume. Staff recommends, as a SEPA mitigation
measure, that archeological monitoring be conducted along the project corridor in compliance with the
recommendations provided in the Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor QEA, LLC, dated April
2020 (Exhibit 5).
Mitigation Measures: Archeological monitoring shall be conducted along the project corridor in
compliance with the recommendations provided in the Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor
QEA, LLC, dated April 2020 (Exhibit 5).
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations, RCW 27.53 Archaeological Sites and Resources, and RCW 27.44
Indian Graves and Records
5. Transportation
Impacts: It is anticipated that project construction will result in temporary transportation impacts within
the project corridor. A formal transportation impact analysis was not required as the project would not
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000109; ECF
Report of June 15, 2020 Page 5 of 5
ERC Report_Downtown Utility-jc edits
result in 20 new peak am or pm peak hour trips. Project construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of
2020 and end in December of 2022. A traffic control plan, reviewed and approved by the City will be
required for this project. It is anticipated that this project will require significant traffic control and may
include temporary road closures. It is anticipated that work would occur Monday through Friday during
normal business hours (8am to 5pm). Because of the type of work and locations, there will be times
where work may be done at night or on weekends to minimize transportation impacts. Haul routes have
not yet been determined. Review of proposed haul routes would occur prior to construction based on a
consultation with the selected contractor. No further mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: N/A
6. Utilities
Impacts: The proposed project includes trenching and installing utility piping and appurtenances for
water, sewer, and stormwater utilities within the project corridor in downtown Renton. Sewer
improvements are planned to improve capacity deficiencies in the existing system and replace pipes
that have reached their useful lifespan and have begun to fail or are expected to do so within the near
future. Storm drain improvements are planned to address undersized pipes in the existing system by
upsizing existing pipes to meet the current City storm drainage design guidelines (i.e. a minimum of 12”
diameter) and to address identified deficiencies in pipe condition and material. Water improvements are
planned to replace aging infrastructure and upsize undersized pipes. All proposed water pipes will be
12” and be designed to Renton and Department of Health DOH guidelines. No further mitigation is
recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: N/A
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Downtown Utility Replacement Project
Land Use File Number:
LUA20-000109; ECF
Date of Meeting
June 15, 2020
Staff Contact
Jill Ding
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Michael Benoit
City of Renton
1055 S Grady Way, Renton,
WA 98057
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
Hardie Ave SW 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; Sanitary sewer
easements that connect to sewer
mains in S 2nd St and S 3rd St
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Plan Set
Exhibit 3: Geotechnical Report, prepared by Kleinfelder, dated March 31, 2020
Exhibit 4: Drainage report, prepared by Murraysmith, dated April 2020
Exhibit 5: Cultural Resources Report, prepared by Anchor QEA, LLC, dated April 2020
Exhibit 6: Advisory Notes
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SIGNATURES:
Martin Pastucha, Administrator
Public Works
Date Rick M. Marshall, Administrator
Renton Regional Fire Authority
Date
Kelly Beymer, Administrator
Community Services Department
Date Cliff, Long, Econ. Dev. Director Date
Community & Econ. Dev. Interim Administrator
Interim Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL (SEPA) DETERMINATION OF
NON-SIGNIFICANCE - MITIGATED (DNS-M)
PROJECT NUMBER: PR20-000140/LUA20-000109, ECF
APPLICANT: Mike Benoit, Civil Engineer / City of Renton 1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA
98057 / mbenoit@rentonwa.gov
PROJECT NAME: Downtown Utility Improvement Project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review and a Shoreline
Exemption for the replacement of 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. A portion of the utility replacement would occur within the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction of the Cedar River.
The working within the shoreline jurisdiction would occur within Cedar River reach B and within the Shoreline High
Intensity Designation. The project site is mapped within a seismic hazard area and wellhead protection area, zone 1..
PROJECT LOCATION: 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 Hardie Ave SW 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; Sanitary sewer easements that connect to sewer
mains in S 2nd St and S 3rd St
LEAD AGENCY: City of Renton
Environmental Review Committee
Department of Community & Economic Development
The City of Renton Environmental Review Committee has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse
impact on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
Conditions were imposed as mitigation measures by the Environmental Review Committee under their authority of
Section 4-9-070D Renton Municipal Code. These conditions are necessary to mitigate environmental impacts identified
during the environmental review process. When the DNS becomes appealable, the appeal period will be 14 days.
DATE OF DECISION: June 15, 2020
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32682FE7-1539-41EA-BFBD-2044BE7FDB99
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