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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_City of Renton SEPA, Switch Gear SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 16 SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 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 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. A. Background [HELP] 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Olympic Renton Station Switchgear Building Project 2. Name of applicant: Olympic Pipe Line Company LLC, Edward Smith, Project Engineer SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 16 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: GeoEngineers, 17425 NE Union Hill Rd, Ste 250, Redmond, WA 98052; Carla Woodworth 425.861.6012 4. Date checklist prepared: May 27, 2021 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): At this time, the proposed Switchgear Building installation is planned for third (fall) and fourth (winter) quarters of 2021. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. No environmental information has been or will be prepared, other than preliminary review provided for the pre-application process. 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. No other approvals pending 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. City of Renton Conditional Land Use Permit with SEPA and site plan review, Building Permit and Electrical 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 approximate dimensions of the proposed new building are 13 feet high by 12 feet wide by 30 feet long (Sheets 2, 3 and 4). The building will be pre-manufactured, not occupied, and will weigh approximately 47,000 pounds. The building will not have water or sanitary sewer connections, although city water and the city sewer system serve the other buildings on site. A new roof drain will discharge to the gravel area along the eastern site boundary or to the existing stormwater system on site. The site currently is (and will be) served with electricity from the on- site Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Substation. Very minor grading of the existing gravel surface will be completed to place an approximately 15-foot by 33-foot concrete slab for placement of the new Switchgear Building. Additionally, some conduit trench excavation (approximately 30- feet (l) by 1-foot (w) by 3-feet (d); approximately 3 cubic yards excavated soil) will be completed SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 16 to install 5 kV power service to the new Switchgear Building from the PSE Substation; 5 kV power service from the new Switchgear Building to the existing pump motors (approximately 150-feet (l) by 3-feet (w) by 3-feet (d); approximately 50 cubic yards), and a low voltage service to the on-site programmable control system. The building will be for use in a 4,160 volt three- phase, three-wire 60 Hertz system. All inside wiring within the switchgear will conform to the latest version of the NEC. The building manufacturer shall obtain the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries approval (Gold Seal) and affix the approval label before the building leaves the factory. The entire switchgear equipment will be UL-Certified, designed, tested and assembled in accordance with the latest applicable standards. 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 will be located on the east side of the Olympic’s Renton Station facility located at 2319 Lind Avenue SW (Parcel No. 302305-9084), Portion of NW Quarter, NW Quarter Section 30, Township 23, Range 05. The proposed switchgear building will be installed along the east side of the parcel (legal description and site plan provided on Drawings 1 and 2 of 5 of drawing set). 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)? The steepest slopes (about 100 percent [1 Horizontal to 1 Vertical engineered slopes]) are located along the perimeter of developed site and are related to the original fill placement for the Renton Station installation. The developed eastern portion of the property is about 8 to 10 feet higher the western undeveloped portion. 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. Peat, sand, and silt beneath imported gravel borrow used as fill for the original site building pad. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 16 No 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. Olympic proposes to install a new premanufactured switchgear enclosure/building at Renton Station. The proposed building would total 330 sq. ft. in area and would be for use in a 4,160 volt, three-phase, three-wire 60 Hertz system. Approximately 6- to 8-inches of imported gravel (about 8 cubic yards) may be placed as a base for the concrete pad for the building. Material excavated from the electrical utility trenches will be temporarily stockpiled on site and reused as backfill in the excavations. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion could occur if heavy rains occur during construction. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? There will be no new impervious surfaces after project construction. The project site will include installation of a 15 ft by 33 ft (495 sq. ft) gravel pad to support a 12 ft by 30 ft (360 sq. ft.) building within 529,649 sq. ft. of existing impervious surfaces. The eastern half of the site, where the proposed Switchgear Building will be situated, currently is covered in asphalt concrete or crushed rock. All existing trees and landscaping within the City of Renton right- of-way on the east side of the site will be protected and remain in-place during the project. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Measures to reduce and control erosion include using straw wattles, maintain as much of the existing gravel and asphalt surface as possible, cover soil stockpiles with plastic sheeting if inclement weather is forecasted, and stabilize any bare soils with gravel and/or asphalt and/or concrete as soon as excavations and construction are complete. 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. The only emissions will be from the operation of the trucks, equipment and generators required to complete the project. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Trucks and equipment will not be left idling to the extent possible. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 16 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. Based on information obtained from the City of Renton Maps & GIS Data website, wetlands and designated shorelines are mapped within the western portion of the site and north of the site. The developed portion of the site is located approximately 470 feet east of Springbrook Creek and approximately 130 feet south of Panther Creek. The proposed work will be completed more than 100 feet south and east of the mapped wetlands on the north and west sides of the site. The proposed building will be located about 250 feet from the mapped wetlands and over 400 feet from Panther Creek on the north side of the developed parcel and over 830 feet from Springbrook Creek on the west side of the developed parcel. The western ends of the electrical excavations will be within 200 feet (as close as approximately 150 feet) of the mapped wetlands north of the parcel, but 270 feet from Panther Creek. 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. Based on information obtained from the City of Renton Maps & GIS Data website, wetlands and designated shorelines are mapped within the western portion of the site and north of the site. The developed portion of the site is located approximately 470 feet east of Springbrook Creek and approximately 130 feet south of Panther Creek. The proposed work will be completed more than 100 feet south and east of the mapped wetlands on the north and west sides of the site. The proposed building will be located about 250 feet from the mapped wetlands and over 400 feet from Panther Creek on the north side of the developed parcel and over 830 feet from Springbrook Creek on the west side of the developed parcel. The western ends of the electrical excavations will be within 200 feet (as close as approximately 150 feet) of the mapped wetlands north of the parcel, but 270 feet from Panther Creek. 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. None 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. No. The western portion of the site is mapped within the FEMA Flood Zone Designation AE, which corresponds to the 100-year floodplain, for Springbrook Creek SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 16 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. No b. Ground Water: [help] 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 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. 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. The only source of runoff for this project will be stormwater. Straw wattles will be used to slow down, filter and direct stormwater runoff. Most of the stormwater will be directed to gravel areas when possible. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: Straw wattles will be used to slow down, filter and direct storm water runoff. Most of the stormwater will be directed to vegetated and gravel areas when possible. 4. Plants [help] SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 16 a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: (Vegetation is to east of work area on City ROW). _X_ deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other ____evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other __X_shrubs ____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? No vegetation will be removed or altered c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. There are no threatened or endangered plant species known to be on or near the site. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Existing vegetation on and adjacent to the site will be preserved. No new landscaping is proposed. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. No known noxious weeds or invasive species known to be on or near the site. 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 ________ Hawks, heron, eagle, songbirds and rabbits are expected to be on or near the site. b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 16 The site is located within the Pacific Flyway. The project should not cause any negative effect toward migratory bird movement. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None proposed. Other than installation of the new building, the site will be restored to preconstruction conditions and contours. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. No known invasive animal species 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. Electricity, used for operating switching gears at the Renton Facility. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No 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: None proposed 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. The site is listed on Ecology’s ERTS website as Cleanup Site ID 2978 for Facility/Site ID 2400. Air Sparging and soil vapor extraction systems are currently active at the site to remediate soil and groundwater impacts from previous spills at the site in 2004 and 1999. Soil excavation and removal of petroleum-impacted soil from the site was also completed at the site shortly after the releases in 2004 and 1999. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 16 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. Petroleum-impacted soil may be encountered during excavation activities. If encountered, soil will be transported off site to an approved soil disposal facility and imported fill will be used to backfill the excavations. 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. Renton Station’s equipment transfers and stores petroleum products to and for Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Portland. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. No special emergency services are expected to be required. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: The contractor will produce and follow a Spill Prevention and Emergency Cleanup Plan document to prevent, reduce or control the release of petroleum products from any equipment or product piping or tanks used at the site. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? None 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)? Indi- cate what hours noise would come from the site. Construction equipment during excavation and backfilling activities: 7AM to 6PM on weekdays. No work is proposed on Saturday or Sunday. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Equipment and trucks will not be allowed to idle for long periods of time to the extent possible. 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) July 2016 Page 10 of 16 The current use of the site and adjacent properties is heavy industrial. The proposed project will not affect the current land uses on nearby or adjacent properies. 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? No 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: No c. Describe any structures on the site. The existing Renton Stations facilities include one aboveground storage tank, concrete secondary containment vaults and pads under piping, flanges, valve, strainers, meters, instrumentation, launchers, receivers and pumps. Also located at the facility is an existing local site control building, the Olympic Pipeline Control Center, administrative building and a warehouse building. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Heavy Industrial (IH) f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Heavy Industrial (IH) g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. No i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 16 Only one or two people would work for short periods at the proposed switchgear building. These people already work at the Renton Station facility. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not applicable L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The current project is compatible with existing and projected land uses. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: There will be no impacts. 9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid- dle, or low-income housing. None b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. None c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: Not applicable 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 new switchgear building will be approximately 13 feet high and the exterior of the building is constructed with structural steel siding. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Not applicable SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 16 c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: Not applicable 11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? None b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? Not applicable d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: Not applicable 12. Recreation [help] a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Walking, bike riding b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: Not applicable 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. Not applicable SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 16 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. Not applicable 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. Not applicable 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. Not applicable 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 site will be accessed through the existing access to the Renton Station facility from Lind Avenue SW; from I-405, SR-167 or I-5 and SW 43rd Street. 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? No c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? Not applicable. The existing parking spaces at the Renton Station will provide enough parking for the project. 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). Not applicable e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 16 Not applicable 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? No additional vehicular trips per day will be generated by the completed project. 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. No h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Not applicable 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. No b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Not applicable 16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, 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. The site currently is (and will be) served with electricity from the on-site Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Substation. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 16 of 16 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? 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.