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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: January 10, 2022 Project File Number: PR21-000476 Project Name: VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Land Use File Number: LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Project Manager: Clark H. Close, Senior Planner Owner: Port Quendall Company, ATTN: Steve Van Til, 505 5th Ave S, Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98104 Applicant/Contact: Sean Vanos, Seattle Seahawks, 12 Seahawks Way, Renton, WA 98056 Project Location: 12 Seahawks Way, Renton, WA 98056 (APNs 2924059001 and 2924059015) Project Summary: The applicant is requesting a Shoreline Exemption and Environmental (SEPA) Review to resurface the natural grass fields at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC). The site is located at 12 Seahawks Way in the Commercial Office Residential (COR) zone. The project proposal includes excavation of approximately 250,000 square feet of sand and organic material deposited on three outdoor practice fields via regular maintenance activities and grading of existing topsoil and reinstallation of new turf/sod. The outdoor fields are partially within the 200-foot shoreline area along Lake Washington (Reach C). No native soils or soils associated with the existing three-foot (3’) soil cap layer would be disturbed. Excavated material would be transported using small dump trucks to a barge via temporary access ramp and steel plating on a 16-foot-wide section of VMAC’s shoreline for offsite disposal. The project is proposing to compensate for the buffer impacts by enhancing approximately 480 square feet of buffer after completion of the field resurfacing. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): N/A N/A Site Area: 1,253,040 SF 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: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 2 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND The applicant is requesting a Shoreline Exemption and Environmental (SEPA) Review to resurface the natural grass fields at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC). The project site is the location of the Virginia Mason Athletic Center/Seattle Seahawks Headquarters and Training Facility located at 12 Seahawks Way in the Commercial Office Residential (COR) zone (APNs 292405-9001 and -9015). The Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC) was constructed in 2007 and features one (1) indoor and three (3) outdoor natural grass practice fields for the Seattle Seahawks. Overall, the facility contains practice facilities, administrative offices and ancillary uses to support operation of a professional football franchise. None of the existing uses are proposed to change with the proposed resurface project. The location of the existing outdoor fields is partially within the 200-foot shoreline area designated as Shoreline High Intensity associated with Lake Washington. The VMAC and outdoor practice fields are also constructed on a site historically used for wood processing that resulted in site contamination. As part of the original VMAC construction, such site contamination was mitigated and “capped” with a 3-foot soil layer. The existing grass fields sit on a minimum 18-inch sand fill layer on top of the 3-foot soil cap. According to the applicant, field maintenance is of highest priority at the VMAC for team success and player safety. Ongoing maintenance includes continual application of sand to ensure even grade and pest mitigation measures pursuant to a robust Turf Integrated Pest Management Plan (“TIPMP”) that were developed as part of the original permits for the facility. The applicant is proposing to continue to maintain the outdoor practice fields at the highest professional NFL standards by restoring the outdoor fields to their original condition, which would require resurfacing the grass on a regular ten-year schedule. This is anticipated to result in more even grading and would abate material accumulation over time. The routine field maintenance project is anticipated to commence after the current NFL football season (during the early spring off-season) to avoid any conflicts with the Seattle Seahawk practice schedule and to be ready for the 2022 Seattle Seahawks Training Camp. PART TWO: 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 with a 14-day appeal period B. Mitigation Measures 1. The project restoration work shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021, and future addenda. 2. If any archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found, all construction activity shall stop and the owner/applicant shall immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation. C. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Site Plan DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 3 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map Exhibit 4: Site Improvement Plans Exhibit 5: Storm Drainage Design, prepared by Magnusson Klemencic Associates, dated December 1, 2021 Exhibit 6: Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021 Exhibit 7: SEPA Environmental Checklist Exhibit 8: Site Photos Exhibit 9: Comment Letter from Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), dated December 29, 2021 Exhibit 10: Staff Response to DAHP, dated January 6, 2022 Exhibit 11: 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: The applicant provided a SEPA Environmental Checklist, prepared by Sean Vanos, dated December 7, 2021 with the land use application (Exhibit 7). The checklist indicated that the site is generally located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington on the former delta of May Creek. The subsurface geology of the site is a combination of fluvial deltaic, lacustrine near shore and constructed fill deposits overlying Pleistocene glacial sediments and Eocene volcanic and sedimentary bedrock. Historically, fill has been placed on the site, first with the construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, then later in 1955 to extend the shoreline and grade. The source of historic fill is not well documented, but it is thought to be a highly heterogenous subsurface mixture of clay, silt, peat, sand, gravel, and cobbles, as well as discarded debris and abandoned structures from prior site activities. Field explorations at that time discovered depth to bedrock varied between 17.5 feet to greater than 50 feet. In general, subsurface soils under the fields consist of either fill material, soft estuarine deposits, loose alluvial soils and underlying very dense bedrock, or stiff to very stiff silty and clay and medium dense sand overlying bedrock. Above these layers is a 36-inch soil cap placed over existing contamination as part of a cleanup action. The applicant is not proposing to disturb the existing three-foot (3’) soil cap layer as part of the resurfacing project. The project proposal includes excavation of approximately 250,000 square feet of applied sand and organic material on three (3) outdoor practice fields, located at the VMAC, via regular maintenance activities over the last 14 years and grading of existing topsoil. Approximately 5,340 cubic yards of sand and organic matter would be excavated off the fields. The estimated total timeframe for excavation is 5- 7 days. No fill would be added to the site; however, a new turf layer would be installed to allow for outdoor player practices once the remaining soil and sand have been compact to original grades. Excavated material would be transported using small dump trucks to a barge via temporary access ramp and steel plating on a 16-foot-wide section of VMAC’s shoreline for offsite disposal. The excavated material would be recycled in the production of topsoil at a port facility in Tacoma. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 4 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 The applicant would be required to meet City requirements for erosion control that could occur as a result of excavation activities as part of the project. A Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan would be prepared and best practices would be followed to mitigate erosion and prevent sediment from leaving the project area. For example, the applicant is proposing temporary erosion and sediment controls that would include compost filter socks, stone bag inlet protection, and sandbag barriers to prevent sediment-laden waters from leaving the project limits. In addition, weekly reports on the status and condition of the erosion control plan with any recommendations of changes or revisions to maintenance schedule or installation would be required to be submitted by the project engineer of record to the City inspector for the duration of the project. As a result, the City’s existing grading regulations would be sufficient to mitigate the impacts of the proposed project. Further impacts and considerations would be evaluated under a future permit (i.e. Civil Construction Permit) and the use of additional BMPs may be required based on soil conditions, precipitation, and construction activities. After the project is complete, no significant erosion is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required. Nexus: Not applicable. 2. Air Impacts: It is anticipated that some short-term air quality impacts could be associated with excavating and replacing the turf layer on the outdoor practice fields. Project impacts during construction may include periods of increased dust generated as a result of excavation and grading and exhaust from on- site small excavators, vehicles, and other equipment. Dust control would be mitigated through the use of temporary erosion control measures, watering or other measures to remediate impacts as needed (Exhibit 7). Such as covering any sand/soil piles to the extent practicable during excavation activities. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required. Nexus: Not applicable. 3. Water a. Wetland, Streams, Lakes Impacts: The applicant submitted a Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021 with the land use application (Exhibit 6). Pursuant to the Memorandum, project proposes to resurface the existing athletic fields located within the 200-feet-wide Lake Washington Shoreline setback. The routine maintenance of the fields would include removal and grading of existing topsoil and installation of new turf/sod. The project would require small dump trucks to traverse the shoreline to deposit excavated materials onto a barge for transport from the site. The applicant is proposing to use steel plates and ramps within the shoreline to access the barge on Lake Washington (near the northwest corner of the practice fields). A small portion of the shoreline buffer would be affected in the northwest portion of the site to accommodate a landing ramp between the barge and shoreline. The landing ramp would be placed in a manner that it would span over the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) from the barge to the shoreline. No impacts are proposed to occur below the OHWM. Prior to any construction activities, the project would employ best management practices (BMPs) to avoid and minimize impacts to Lake Washington and its shoreline buffer. These BMPs would include but would not be limited to a) installation of silt fence between the work area and Lake Washington Shoreline, b) identification of clearing limits, specifically within the area of proposed shoreline buffer impacts, c) clear identification of any trees that would be impacted as part of the project, and d) maintaining spill kits on site during all construction work. According to the project narrative and SEPA Environmental Checklist (Exhibit 7), no significant trees or significant tree protection zones would be impacted. According to the Memorandum, the DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 5 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 proposed project has the potential to remove one (1) tree and up to 480 square feet of existing shoreline buffer vegetation would likely be affected by the project. No grading is anticipated in order to place the barge loading ramp. The applicant is proposing shoreline restoration mitigation that would minimize future impacts to the shoreline buffer area. For example, the applicant would clearly mark the limits of the Lake Washington OHWM prior to construction activities to prevent inadvertent or unnecessary encroachment, install and maintain temporary and permanent soil erosion control measures designed to prevent sediment from entering surface waters during and after construction that are consistent with best management practices (including placement of straw bales and silt fencing between work activities and Lake Washington, not work below the OHWM of Lake Washington, and provide telephone numbers of appropriate agency/department contacts would be readily available on-site in case a spill should occur (e.g., Washington Department of Ecology, City of Renton Fire Department Hazmat Team, City of Renton Fire and Rescue). Furthermore, the project is proposing to compensate for the buffer impacts by enhancing approximately 480 square feet of buffer after completion of the field resurfacing by planting three (3) western arborvitae saplings and replanted the disturbed area with native shrubs including red osier, snowberry, Pacific ninebark, sitka willow, hardhack, and lakeshore sedge. The proposed mitigation plan includes a maintenance and monitoring program of the proposed shoreline buffer restoration to evaluate the success of the mitigation efforts. The results of the monitoring program would be used to develop modifications, if needed, to the mitigation plan in subsequent years. The Shoreline Master Program (RMC 4-3-090) requires no net loss of ecological function as part of the proposed project. Mitigation sequencing is required to demonstrate that all reasonable efforts have been taken to avoid impacts to critical areas within the shoreline. Therefore, staff recommends as a mitigation measure that the project restoration work comply with the recommendations found in the submitted Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021, and future addenda. Mitigation Measures: The project restoration work shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021, and future addenda. Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review, RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations, and RMC 4-3-090 Shoreline Master Program Regulations. b. Storm Water Impacts: The applicant submitted a Storm Drainage Design, prepared by Magnusson Klemencic Associates, dated December 1, 2021 with the land use application (Exhibit 5). Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard- Matching Forested and is within the East Lake Washington Drainage Basin. The report is based on a Full drainage review and Core Requirements 1 thru 9 and the six Special Requirements have been discussed in the Technical Information Report. In addition, all existing storm drainage patterns would be maintained in their existing condition, no storm drainage infrastructure is proposed to be modified or altered, and no off-site flows would be impacted by this project. A Construction Stormwater General Permit would be required. According to the Report, annual maintenance practices are anticipated over the next nine (9) years to include aeration, topdressing, and other measures to maintain vertical drainage of playing surface. Estimated quantities include removal of approximately 60 cubic yards of material 2-5 times per year and application of approximately 45 cubic yards of compatible sand 9-12 times per year. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required. Nexus: Not applicable. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 6 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 4. Vegetation Impacts: The applicant has provided a project site improvement plan (Exhibit 4). Shoreline plants located within the existing restored shoreline buffer would be transplanted from the ramp zone to avoid damage and reinstalled after the project is completed. One (1) existing balsam poplar tree within the barge ramp area has the potential to be removed within the shoreline buffer. Healthy tree removal within a critical area may require a variance. The project is proposing to compensate for the buffer impacts by enhancing approximately 480 square feet of buffer after completion of the field resurfacing. See also recommended mitigation measure under Section D.3.a. Water - Wetland, Streams, Lakes. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required. Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review, RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations, and RMC 4-3-090 Shoreline Master Program Regulations. 5. Environmental Health a. Noise Impacts: Noise impacts would result from excavation, grading, and the reinstallation of new turf at the site. Continued levels and types of noise from truck and equipment operation would occur through the duration of the proposed work. The construction noise would be regulated through the City’s adopted noise level regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC, Noise Level Regulations and RMC 4-4- 030. No residences are located within 300 feet of the subject property and the project impacts are anticipated to remain relatively minimal on the neighbors. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required. Nexus: Not applicable. 6. Historic and Cultural Preservation Impacts: In the SEPA Environmental Checklist (Exhibit 7), the applicant indicated that a cultural resources report was submitted with the original development of the VMAC and the assessment did not identify any cultural resources eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, literature review suggested that a Duwamish site may have been present at the historic mouth of May Creek was assumed to have been located on a nearby property to the south. The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) submitted a comment letter during the public comment period (Exhibit 9). Some of these comments and concerns are addressed in the Technical Memorandum, dated November 30, 2021, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc and the Storm Drainage Design, prepared by Magnusson Klemencic Associates, dated December 1, 2021 (Exhibit 5). DAHP’s comment identifies the high probability of encountering cultural resources within the proposed project area and requests that a professional archaeological survey of the project area be conducted in order to determine if any intact native soils would be impacted by the proposed project. Pursuant to with RCW 27.53.060 and RCW 27.44.020, if any Native American grave(s) or archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found all construction activity shall stop and the owner/developer shall immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation. Based on the probability of the subject site being near the vicinity of May Creek and Lake Washington there is a higher likelihood of significant historic and/or cultural resources through ground disturbing activity. Therefore, staff recommends a mitigation measure that requires the owner/applicant to stop work and immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Report of January 10, 2022 Page 7 of 7 ERC_Report_VMAC_Natural_Grass_Resurfacing_Project_220110_v1 Washington State Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation if any archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found. Mitigation Measures: If any archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found, all construction activity shall stop and the owner/applicant shall immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation. Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policies L-45 and L-46; RCW 27.53 Archaeological Sites and Resources and RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and Records; Chapter 197-11 WAC; SEPA Environmental Regulations. 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. The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2022. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by Governor’s Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub only on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: VMAC Natural Grass Resurfacing Project Land Use File Number: LUA21-000448, SME, ECF Date of Meeting January 10, 2022 Staff Contact Clark H. Close Senior Planner Project Contact/Applicant Sean Vanos Seattle Seahawks 12 Seahawks Way, Renton, WA 98056 Project Location 12 Seahawks Way, Renton, WA 98056 (APNs 2924059001 and 2924059015) The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Site Plan Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map Exhibit 4: Site Improvement Plans Exhibit 5: Storm Drainage Design, prepared by Magnusson Klemencic Associates, dated December 1, 2021 Exhibit 6: Technical Memorandum, prepared by Raedeke Associates, Inc., dated November 30, 2021 Exhibit 7: SEPA Environmental Checklist Exhibit 8: Site Photos Exhibit 9: Comment Letter from Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), dated December 29, 2021 Exhibit 10: Staff Response to DAHP, dated January 6, 2022 Exhibit 11: Advisory Notes DocuSign Envelope ID: 99139815-4078-409C-B259-C55D27FC788C