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Home My WebLink About16834-R-WTLD-Soundview-2014-04-24WETLAND, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT REPORT COPPERWOOD RESIDENTIAL PLAT APRIL 2014 WETLAND, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT REPORT COPPERWOOD RESIDENTIAL PLAT APRIL 21, 2014 PROJECT LOCATION 5001 SOUTHEAST 2ND PLACE RENTON, WASHINGTON 98059 PREPARED FOR BARGHAUSEN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. 18215 72ND AVENUE SOUTH KENT, WASHINGTON 98032 QUADRANT HOMES 14725 SE 36TH STREET, SUITE 100 BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON 98006 PREPARED BY SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC 2907 HARBORVIEW DRIVE GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON 98335 (253) 514-8952 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report i April 21, 2014 Executive Summary Soundview Consultants LLC was hired by Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Quadrant Homes (Applicant) to delineate and assess wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or other potentially-regulated aquatic features on an approximately 13.11-acre site located within the City of Renton, Washington. The subject property consists of eight parcels (King County Tax Parcel Numbers 1523059043, 1523059066, 1523059067, 1523059093, 1523059100, 1523059170, 1523059201, 1523059221) located in the Northwest ¼ of the Southeast ¼ of Section 15, Township 23 North, Range 05 East, W.M. The areas incorporated in this assessment include both the subject property and surrounding offsite areas located within approximately 115 feet of the subject property. The proposed project (Copperwood Residential Plat) will provide 47 additional single-family residential units, transportation improvements, and associated infrastructure within the City of Renton. The subject property was investigated for the presence of potentially regulated wetlands, drainages, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or priority species on April 2, 2014. No potentially regulated wetlands were found onsite. One stream (Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303) was identified on the eastern side of the property. The City of Renton identifies Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 as a Class 3 non-salmonid-bearing perennial stream. In the northern portion of the property, the stream is low- gradient with gently-sloping banks; however, in the southern portion of the property, the channel is located in a ravine with steeply sloped banks. The ravine associated with the stream corridor contain both Sensitive and Protected slopes as classified by the City of Renton. An artificially constructed swale with emergent wetland vegetation was also found onsite draining into Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303. The swale is documented to have been constructed in 1993 as a landscape and drainage feature and is not likely regulated by the City of Renton per Renton Municipal Code Sections 4-11-230 and 4-3-050 L, nor is it likely regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology under RCW 90.48 or 36.70A.030(21). The proposed residential plat includes 47 single-family residences, new access roads, one stormwater tract, extensive open space tracts, and associated infrastructure. Direct impacts to the stream will be entirely avoided. In addition, impacts to stream buffer are minimal and limited to placement of a treated stormwater outfall and buffer enhancement actions. Impacts to the buffer will be mitigated for through non-compensatory buffer enhancement. Wetland Summary Table Feature name Size (onsite) Class1 Regulated Under Renton Municipal Code (4-3-050) Regulated Under RCW 90.48 Regulated Under Clean Water Act Constructed Swale 107 lf N/A No No Not Likely Tributary 755 lf 3 Yes Yes Yes 1 Renton Municipal Code ratings. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report ii April 21, 2014 Site Map 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report iii April 21, 2014 Table of Contents Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2. Proposed Project ........................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Project Location ...................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Project Description ................................................................................................................................. 3 Chapter 3. Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 4. Background .................................................................................................................................... 5 4.2 Topography and Drainage Basin .......................................................................................................... 5 4.3 Local and National Wetland Inventories ............................................................................................. 5 4.4 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................ 5 4.5 Soils ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 4.6 Priority Habitats and Species ................................................................................................................. 5 4.9 Precipitation ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Chapter 5. Results ............................................................................................................................................. 7 5.1 Drainages .................................................................................................................................................. 7 Chapter 6. Regulatory Considerations ......................................................................................................... 10 6.1 Local and State Requirements ............................................................................................................. 10 6.2 Federal Regulatory Considerations ..................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 7. Buffer Enhancement Plan .......................................................................................................... 13 7.1 Purpose and Need ................................................................................................................................. 13 7.2 Description of Impacts ........................................................................................................................ 13 7.3 Mitigation Approach and Best Management Practices ................................................................... 14 7.4 Enhancement Actions .......................................................................................................................... 14 7.5 Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Performance Standards ............................................................ 15 7.6 Plant Materials and Installation ........................................................................................................... 16 7.7 Maintenance & Monitoring ................................................................................................................. 17 7.8 Reporting ................................................................................................................................................ 18 7.9 Contingency Plans................................................................................................................................. 18 7.10 Early Closeout ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Chapter 8. Closure .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 9. Report Summary .......................................................................................................................... 20 Chapter 9. References .................................................................................................................................... 21 Figures Figure 1. Vicinity Map ......................................................................................................................2 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report iv April 21, 2014 Tables Table 1. Precipitation Summary ........................................................................................................6 Table 2. Drainage Summary – Constructed Swale. ............................................................................8 Table 3. Drainage Summary – Maplewood Creek Tributary..............................................................9 Appendices Appendix A — Methods and Tools Appendix B — Background Information Appendix C — Plant Species List Appendix D — Site Maps and Plan Sheets Appendix E — Biologist Qualifications 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 1 April 21, 2014 Chapter 1. Introduction Soundview Consultants LLC was hired by Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Quadrant Homes (Applicant) to delineate and assess wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, and other potentially- regulated aquatic features within or adjacent to the proposed Copperwood Residential Plat. The proposed project is located at 5001 Southeast 2nd Place within the City of Renton, Washington. The subject property is situated in the Northwest ¼ of the Southeast ¼ of Section 15, Township 23 North, Range 05 East, W.M. (King County Tax Parcel Numbers 1523059043, 1523059066, 1523059067, 1523059093, 1523059100, 1523059170, 1523059201, and 1523059221). The subject property and surrounding areas within 115 feet of the subject property were investigated for the presence of potentially regulated wetlands, streams, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or priority species in April of 2014. The site investigation identified one regulated stream and one non- regulated, artificially constructed swale. The stream is referred to as Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 by the City of Renton. No impacts are proposed to the stream, and only minor impacts are proposed to the stream buffer. The purpose of this wetland and fish and wildlife habitat assessment is to identify the presence of wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or priority species on or near the subject property and to identify management recommendations for the proposed project. This report includes conclusions and recommendations regarding:  Site description, project description, and area of assessment;  Background research and identification of potentially regulated critical areas in the vicinity of the proposed project;  Identification, delineation, and assessment of regulated wetlands and water bodies;  Identification and assessment of fish and wildlife habitat and/or priority species located on or near the subject property;  Standard buffer recommendations, building setbacks, and development limitations;  Existing site map detailing identified critical areas and standard buffers, and  Habitat management recommendations and impact minimization measures. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 2 April 21, 2014 Chapter 2. Proposed Project 2.1 Project Location The subject property is located in the City of Renton near the eastern boundary of the city limits. The subject property is situated in the Northwest ¼ of the Southeast ¼ of Section 15, Township 23 North, Range 05 East, W.M. and comprises eight parcels (King County Tax Parcel Numbers 1523059043, 1523059066, 1523059067, 1523059093, 1523059100, 1523059170, 1523059201, and 1523059221). A King County tax parcel map of the subject property is presented in Appendix B. To access the subject property from the Tukwila area, via Interstate 405 northbound, take Exit 4 toward Washington-900/Bronson Way. Turn right onto Washington-169 north. After approximately 360 feet, take the first right onto Sunset Boulevard North. After 0.2 mile, take the first right onto Northeast 3rd Street. Proceed 0.9 mile and continue onto Northeast 4th Street. Proceed 1.0 mile and turn right onto Duvall Avenue Northeast. After 0.5 mile, Duvall Avenue Northeast turns slightly to the left and becomes Southeast 2nd Place. The subject property will be located on the right side of Southeast 2nd Place after approximately 0.2 mile. Figure 1. Vicinity Map. Source: Google Maps Subject Property 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 3 April 21, 2014 2.2 Project Description The Applicant proposes a single-family residential development within the approximately 13.11-acre subject property. The proposed project includes demolition of all but one of the existing residences, removal of scrap and debris associated with the previous residential land use, clearing and grading for construction of approximately 47 residential housing units with driveways, parking areas, associated utilities and infrastructure, and buffer enhancement actions. The proposed project will also provide fully engineered stormwater facilities to the City of Renton’s standards. The southwest facilities will require placement of a stormwater outfall within the stream buffer, and any impacts associated with the installation of this outfall will be mitigated for through non-compensatory enhancement actions. For further details, Appendix C provides a site plan of the proposed project and mitigation details. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 4 April 21, 2014 Chapter 3. Methods The methods used to comply with Federal, State, and local assessment requirements are detailed below. Please see Appendix A for further details of methods and tools used to prepare the report. Wetlands, streams, and other potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitat within the subject property and offsite areas within 115 feet of the subject property were investigated, and potentially regulated critical areas were delineated and assessed by qualified Soundview Consultants LLC staff on April 2, 2014. A follow up site inspection was also conducted by Soundview Consultant’s Principal Scientist on April 3, 2014 to verify staff findings. Publicly available background data was queried for documented wetlands, streams, and/or fish and wildlife habitat on or near the site, including the U.S. Geographic Survey (USGS) topographic map, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), King County GIS data (iMap), City of Renton GIS data, local precipitation data (NOAA), and various orthophotographic resources. Graphics and maps detailing background data such as site topography, soils, vegetative buffers, basin area, and critical areas inventories are provided in Appendix B. Potential wetland boundaries were determined using the routine approach described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE, 1987) as modified by the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (USACE, 2010). Methods described in the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual were not used since this document has been retired by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) in favor of the updated USACE methods. Ordinary High Water (OHW) determinations were determined using Ecology’s method as detailed in determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State (Olson, 2008); definitions provided in RCW 77.55.011 (11) and WAC 220.110.020 (69); and USACE’s Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05 Ordinary High Water Mark Identification (USACE 2005). Potential wetland, stream, and drainage boundaries and stormwater features were inspected, delineated, and surveyed over several dates in April 2014. The field assessment was performed by Jim Carsner, Professional Wetland Scientist; Jeremy Downs, Principal Scientist and Environmental Planner; and Hannah Blackstock, Staff Scientist. To mark the boundary between potential wetlands and uplands, orange surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied to vegetation or wood lath along the wetland boundary. To mark the points where data was collected, pink surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied at each sampling location. To mark the boundaries of streams and drainages, blue surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied to vegetation or striped flagging from prior assessments was verified. The location of each stream and drainage boundary flag and data plot was surveyed by Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. The locations and features of identified features are described in Chapter 5, and shown on plan sheets in Appendix C. . 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 5 April 21, 2014 Chapter 4. Background 4.2 Topography and Drainage Basin The surveyed topography of the site shows the landform as generally flat with a slight rise in the westernmost portion of the site and generally sloping toward the stream in the east. The banks of the stream are shallow with low-gradient banks in the north but transitions into a steep ravine as it nears the southern property boundary. A King County Topographic map is provided in Appendix B1. 4.3 Local and National Wetland Inventories The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map does not identify any wetlands or streams on or near the subject property. The City of Renton’s GIS maps also do not identify wetlands on or near the subject property; however, the City identifies the stream as a Class 3 waterbody on the subject property. Prior to the stream entering the subject property to the north, it is identified as Class 4 water. The NWI and City of Renton maps are provided in Appendix B2 and B3, respectively. 4.4 Vegetation The majority of the property is cleared and developed with single-family residences. Most of the vegetated areas are dominated by landscaped areas and mowed lawn. The area containing the stream corridor (King County Parcel Number 1523059067) is the only undeveloped portion of the subject property. 4.5 Soils The NRCS Soil Survey of King County identified one soil series, Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, on the subject property. A soil map is provided in Appendix B4. Alderwood (AgC) series soils are considered non-hydric except for inclusions of Bellingham, Norma, Tukwila, and Shalcar that are associated with small depressions. Alderwood soils are described as moderately well drained soils on undulating to hilly landforms that have a dense, very slowly permeable glacial till at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. A typical pedon of the Alderwood (AgC) series is: 0 inch to 2 inches of a very dark brown gravelly sandy loam (10YR 2/2); 2 inches to 12 inches of a dark brown gravelly sandy loam (10YR 4/3); 12 inches to 27 inches of a grayish-brown gravelly sandy loam (2.5Y 5/2) with light olive brown mottles (2.5Y 5/6); and 27 inches to 60 inches of a grayish-brown till (2.5Y 5/2) with light olive brown mottles (2.5Y 5/6) and with light olive brown mottles (2.5Y 5/6). 4.6 Priority Habitats and Species Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) maps and data identify a Biodiversity Area and Corridor (Cedar River Valley Open Space Areas) onsite, primarily located in the riparian corridor associated with the stream. WDFW’s interactive data map (Salmonscape) identifies no streams with fish presence within 300 feet of the subject property. No 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 6 April 21, 2014 priority habitats or Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant or animal species were observed during this investigation. The PHS and SalmonScape maps are provided in Appendix B5 and B6, respectively. 4.9 Precipitation Precipitation data was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station at SeaTac Airport in order to obtain percent of normal precipitation during and preceding the investigation. A summary of data collected is provided in Table 1. Table 1. Precipitation Summary1 Date Day of Day Before 1 Week Prior 2 Weeks Prior Month To Date2 Water Year3 % of Normal4 .4/2/14 0.00 0.00 1.57 1.75 0 26.25 92% 1. Data obtained from NOAA weather station at SeaTac Airport. (http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sew). 2. Precipitation for the month is the same as for the Year-to-Date. 3. Water Year is precipitation from October 1, 2013. 4. Percent of normal is shown as for the day/for the year. The precipitation data indicates approximately 1.75 inches of precipitation fell within the two weeks prior to the last visit and precipitation was nearly normal (92 percent of normal) for the water year. However, these metrics do not reflect the extremely high rainfall encountered during March 2014, which was 9.44 inches and 165% above normal. In fact, March of 2014 was the wettest March on record for the SeaTac record, surpassing the old record of 8.40 inches (National Weather Service, 2014). The precipitation data suggests that daily rain events may have caused areas not normally wet to become saturated and/or inundated at the time of the site investigation, and such conditions were considered in making professional wetland boundary determinations. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 7 April 21, 2014 Chapter 5. Results 5.1 Drainages The site investigation identified two aquatic features onsite, including one regulated stream (Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303) and one non-regulated, artificially constructed swale. Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 runs north to south in the easternmost parcel on the subject property (King County Parcel Number 1523059067). The constructed swale runs west to east and drains to the stream. 5.4.1 Constructed Swale The artificially constructed swale originates from a series of curtain drains and catch basins draining adjacent areas and containing multiple single-family residences and discharges to an outfall located above Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303. The constructed swale exhibited some wetland characteristics, including hydrophytic vegetation (reed canarygrass) due to lack of regular maintenance on the drainage channel; however, the swale is documented as an artificial drainage feature constructed in 1993 as a landscape and drainage feature as part of a stormwater and groundwater management plan for the site. Therefore, the swale does not meet wetland criteria as defined by Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-11-230 and 4-3-050 M and should not be regulated as a wetland feature or stream. The feature also does not meet RCW 90.48 or 36.70A.030(21) criteria for regulation as a wetland or stream. The artificially constructed swale is documented to be of anthropogenic origin where no naturally derived channel had previously existed, is known to collect and convey surface water and/or groundwater from adjacent developed areas, and is non-fish bearing; therefore, the swale meets the criteria of a non-regulated, Class 5 waterbody under RMC 4-3-050 L.1.a.v. Class 5 waterbodies are exempt from all regulations under RMC 4-3-050 L. The outfall for this constructed swale would be treated similarly; however, the outfall is located in the buffer for Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303. This outfall can be removed as part of the buffer enhancement plan detailed in Chapter 7 of this report. A summary of the constructed swale is provided in Table 2 below: 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 8 April 21, 2014 Table 2. Drainage Summary – Constructed Swale. DRAINAGE INFORMATION SUMMARY Feature Name Constructed Swale WRIA 8 WA Stream Catalog # N/A Local Jurisdiction City of Renton DNR Stream Type N/A Local Stream Rating Class 5, non-regulated Buffer Width N/A Documented Fish Use N/A Location of Feature The swale is located on Parcel Number 1523059201 Connectivity (where stormwater drainage feature flows from/to) The swale runs west to east, with water sourced from curtain drains and catch basins in adjacent areas to the west. The swale ends at an unmaintained outfall in the buffer of Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303. Riparian/Buffer Condition Class 5 waterbodies are exempt from regulation, and no buffer is required. 5.4.2 Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 The onsite tributary to Maplewood Creek (0303) originates offsite in developed residential areas to the northeast and northwest of the subject property and discharges onto the subject property through a culvert under SE 2nd Place. Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 flows southerly across the property in a broad, low-flow channel with a low-gradient riparian corridor in the north with increasingly steep slopes adjacent to the channel as it enters a ravine and approaches the southern boundary. The stream leaves the subject property and turns west to enter Maplewood Creek, approximately 2,000 feet to the south and west of the property. Observed flows indicated that the onsite portion of the tributary is likely perennial; however, precipitation for March was above normal, and there is a possibility that the stream is seasonal. North of the culvert under SE 2nd Place, the Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 is identified as a Class 4 waterbody by the City of Renton; however, once the stream enters the property from the north, the City of Renton identifies the tributary as a Class 3 waterbody. Located approximately 2,000 feet to the south and west of the property boundary, Maplewood Creek is classified as a Class 2, salmon-bearing waterbody just downstream of where the tributary enters Maplewood Creek. The steep gradients within the ravine between the subject property and Class 2 waters to the southwest indicate that salmonids do not and/or cannot migrate up the tributary and are not likely present on the subject property. The steepness of Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 south of the site likely prevents salmonid entry to the property as it reaches a 16% gradient at multiple points south of the property, and no salmonids were identified in the stream during the April 2014 site assessments. A summary of Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 is provided in Table 3 below: 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 9 April 21, 2014 Table 3. Drainage Summary – Maplewood Creek Tributary. DRAINAGE INFORMATION SUMMARY Feature Name Maplewood Creek Tributary (0303) WRIA 8 WA Stream Catalog # 0303 Local Jurisdiction City of Renton DNR Stream Type N/A Local Stream Rating Class 3 Buffer Width 75 feet Documented Fish Use none Location of Feature The onsite segment of the tributary is approximately 755 feet long flowing north to south in the westernmost parcel. Connectivity (where stormwater drainage feature flows from/to) The tributary drains residential properties to the north and enters the property through a culvert under SE 2nd Place. It leaves the property in the south east and enters Maplewood Creek approximately 2,000 feet southwest of the property, which eventually flows into the Cedar River. Riparian/Buffer Condition The buffer of the onsite segment of the tributary is highly modified, with higher density development occurring within the offsite buffer to the east. Vegetated portions of the buffer onsite are dominated by non-native invasive species and contain many piles of yard waste and other debris. 5.4.3 Stream Buffers Of the two drainage features, only Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 is required to have a buffer under RMC 4-3-050 L.5.a.i.(b). The artificially constructed drainage swale is identified as a Class 5 waterbody, as described above, and is not likely regulated by the City of Renton or other State and Federal agencies; therefore, no buffer is required for this constructed feature. As a Class 3 stream, the Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 requires a buffer width of 75 feet. Onsite, the buffer is deciduous riparian forest with a canopy dominated by black cottonwood and red alder. Some areas of the understory include native shrubs, primarily salmonberry, but many areas are dominated by Himalayan blackberry and other non-native invasive species. The buffer is modified with moderate to high density development on adjacent properties to the east. In addition, a gravel driveway and many piles of yard waste and debris are located in onsite areas of the western portion of the buffer associated with adjacent single-family residences and maintained yards. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 10 April 21, 2014 Chapter 6. Regulatory Considerations The proposed project is located in the City of Renton. The site investigation identified one regulated stream and one non-regulated swale on the property. No other potentially regulated wetlands, streams, or other fish and wildlife habitat were identified on or within 115 feet of the subject property. The buffer area of the onsite stream is highly degraded in the north, being vegetated by Himalayan blackberry and other invasive species and containing a significant number of yard waste and debris piles and a gravel driveway. Local, State, and Federal regulatory implications are addressed below: 6.1 Local and State Requirements The constructed swale exhibited some wetland characteristics, including hydrophytic vegetation (reed canarygrass) due to lack of regular maintenance on the drainage channel; however, the swale is documented as an artificial drainage feature constructed in 1993 as a landscape and drainage feature intended to be part of a stormwater and groundwater management plan for the site. Therefore, the swale does not meet wetland criteria as defined by Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-11-230 and 4-3-050 M and should not be regulated as a wetland feature or stream. As the artificially constructed swale is documented to be of anthropogenic origin where no naturally derived channel had previously existed, and as the swale is known to collect and convey surface water and/or groundwater from adjacent developed areas, the swale meets the criteria of a non-regulated, Class 5 waterbody under RMC 4-3-050 L.1.a.v. Class 5 waterbodies are exempt from all regulations by the City of Renton under RMC 4-3-050 L. The feature also does not meet RCW 90.48 or 36.70A.030(21) criteria for regulation by the State of Washington as a wetland or stream. Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 is identified as a Class 3 waterbody by the City of Renton. According to RMC 4-3-050 L 1.a.iii., Class 3 waterbodies are non-salmon-bearing perennial waters during years of normal rainfall. A Class 3 waterbody under RMC 4-3-050 L.5.a.i.(b) has a seventy- five foot buffer. No reduction or averaging of the buffer is proposed for the project; however, placement of a treated stormwater outfall within the buffer is necessary and will result in minor temporary impacts. Any activity proposed within the buffer must comply with the following standards as outlined in RMC 4-3-050 L.6: a) Preservation of Native Vegetation: Existing native vegetation shall be preserved to the extent possible, preferably in consolidated areas. b) Revegetation Required: Where water body buffer disturbance has occurred in accordance with exemption or development permit approval or other activities, revegetation with native vegetation shall be required. c) Use of Native Species: When revegetation is required, approved native species, or other appropriate species naturalized to the Puget Sound region shall be used. A variety of species shall be used which serve as food or shelter from climatic extremes and predators, and as structure and cover for reproduction and rearing of young. d) Removal of Noxious Species: When required as a condition of approval, noxious or undesirable species of plants shall be removed or controlled so as to not compete with native vegetation. e) Impervious Surface Restrictions: Where impervious surfaces exist in buffer areas, such impervious surfaces shall not be increased or expanded within the buffer area. The extent of impervious surfaces within the 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 11 April 21, 2014 buffer area may only be rearranged if the reconfiguration of impervious surfaces and restoration of prior surfaced areas is part of an enhancement proposal that improves ecological function of the area protected by the buffer. The buffer enhancement plan, as described in detail in Chapter 7, proposes removal of non-native invasive species, yard waste piles, and the existing gravel driveway and planting of disturbed areas with native species in compliance with these requirements. In fact, the value and benefit of the buffer enhancement proposed will greatly exceed the minor and temporary impacts associated with placement of the outfall. No impervious surface currently exists or is proposed within in the buffer area. Along with providing enhancement actions, the project must meet the additional criteria for permit approval described in RMC 4-3-050 L.7.a and b, which require that (a) as a condition of any approval for any development permit issued, a native growth protection area must be created containing the stream area and associated buffer and (b) the action must result in no net loss of regulated area or ecological function in the drainage area. The native growth protection area will be established using a separate tract with deed restriction per RMC 4-3-050 E.4.c. option iii. As stated previously, the benefits of the proposed enhancement actions far exceed the minor and temporary buffer impacts proposed by the project. In addition, a native growth protection area will be created to protect the stream and buffer in perpetuity. With the enhancement actions proposed in Chapter 7 of this report, the native growth protection area will comply with the standards set forth in RMC 4-3-050 E.4.b. 6.2 Federal Regulatory Considerations The results of the 2014 site investigation identified one stream and one excavated drainage swale. Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 receives water from natural and artificial sources upstream of the site and has a documented direct surface water connection to waters of the U.S. known to be regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The drainage swale appears to have been originally constructed in upland soils for the purpose of conveying stormwater runoff from adjacent driveways and residences and groundwater from drainage systems. The swale does not receive water from any sources potentially regulated under Section 404 of the CWA. In a December 2, 2008 memorandum from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USACE, joint guidance is provided that describes waters that are to be regulated under section 404 of the CWA (USACE, 2008). This memorandum was amended on February 2, 2012 where the EPA and USACE issued a final guidance letter on waters protected by the CWA. The 2012 guidance describes the following waters where jurisdiction would be asserted: 1) traditional navigable waters, 2) interstate waters, 3) wetlands adjacent to traditional navigable waters, 4) non- navigable tributaries of traditional navigable waters that are relatively permanent meaning they contain water at least seasonally (e.g. typically three months and does not include ephemeral waters), and 5) wetlands that directly abut permanent waters. The regulated waters are those associated with naturally occurring waters and water courses and not artificial waters (i.e. stormwater pond outfalls). Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 fits the description of Item 4 and is clearly regulated under Section 404 of the CWA. The 2012 memorandum further goes on to describe waters where jurisdiction would likely require further analysis: 1) Tributaries to traditional navigable waters or interstate waters, 2) Wetlands 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 12 April 21, 2014 adjacent to jurisdictional tributaries to traditional navigable waters or interstate waters, and 3) Waters that fall under the “other waters” category of the regulations. In addition, the 2012 guidance identifies thirteen waters or areas where jurisdiction will not be asserted: 1) Wet areas that are not tributaries or open waters and do not meet the agencies regulatory definition of “wetlands”, 2) Waters excluded from coverage under the CWA by existing regulations, 3) Waters that lack a “significant nexus: where one is required for a water to be jurisdictional, 4) Artificially irrigated areas that would revert to upland if the irrigation ceased, 5) Artificial lakes or ponds created by excavating and/or diking dry land to collect and retain water and which are used exclusively for such purposes as stock watering, irrigation, settling basins, or rice growing, 6) Artificial reflecting pools or swimming pools excavated in uplands, 7) Small ornamental waters created by excavating and/or diking dry land to retain water for primarily aesthetic reasons, and puddles, 8) Water-filled depressions created incidental to construction activity, 9) Groundwater, including groundwater drained through subsurface drainage systems, 10) Erosional features (gullies and rills), 11) Non-wetland swales, 12) Ditches that are excavated wholly in uplands, drain only uplands or non-jurisdictional waters, and have no more than ephemeral flow, and 13) Ditches that do not contribute flow, either directly or through other waterbodies, to a traditional navigable water, interstate water, or territorial sea. The drainage swale identified on the subject property lacks a defined bed and bank and was clearly constructed from uplands as documented by the prior landowner. The source of water that may be found within this swale is stormwater associated with roadside runoff and a high groundwater collection system. The excavated swale identified onsite appears to fit at least 3 of the criteria (Items 7, 9, and 12) for which the agencies are directed not to assert jurisdiction over; however, previous experience with the Seattle Branch of the USACE’s interpretation of the guidance indicates agency staff sometimes will try to assert jurisdiction over such features. However, it is highly unlikely such assertion of jurisdiction over this swale is defensible given the documentation of the swale. Should the USACE decide to assert jurisdiction over the swale under Section 404 of the CWA, the project would still likely be covered under a simplified CWA Section 404 Nationwide Permit (NWP) 29 for residential development projects as the limit of State and Federal permitting efforts under Sections 401 and 404 of the CWA. Final determination of NWP coverage, though not likely necessary, is at the discretion of the USACE, and other minor NWP’s, such as a NWP 18, may be also be used to authorize this project. Federal permitting efforts would also trigger Section 7 review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The same permitting requirements would also trigger Section 106 review under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) due to the extent of land-disturbing actions. As no Federal permitting is likely necessary, documentation for such additional review requirements is not being prepared at this time and will not be prepared in the future unless USACE staff can justify a regulatory nexus with the proposed project. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 13 April 21, 2014 Chapter 7. Buffer Enhancement Plan The following sections present the proposed non-compensatory buffer enhancement and restoration plan to address the temporary buffer impacts associated with the proposed project and satisfy native growth protection area criteria. The proposed enhancement actions attempt to closely adhere to local Critical Areas Regulations specified in RMC Chapter 4-3-050 E.4 and L.6-7. The buffer enhancement plan proposes to remove the Himalayan blackberry and other non-native invasive vegetation by providing a chemical application (pre-treatment) of the invasive plants prior to grubbing, which would occur during the dry season to minimize any potential impact to adjacent waters. Additional enhancement actions will include clean up and removal of the gravel driveway and the significant number of yard waste and debris piles located within the buffer. This plan only proposes enhancement and restoration work within the stream buffer. No actions are proposed that will intrude into or affect the stream channel. Please see Appendix C for planting specifications and details. 7.1 Purpose and Need The purpose of the proposed project is to provide additional residential units within the City of Renton. The project proposes to develop a plat of forty-seven (47) residential units with all necessary parking, driveways, utilities and associated infrastructure. All buffers and regulated streams and associated buffers will be avoided aside from minor temporary impacts to the buffer, and no buffer reductions or averaging is proposed. The project seeks to compensate for the minor temporary impacts associated with necessary placement of a treated stormwater outfall in the buffer area and provide compliance with native growth protection area requirements. 7.2 Description of Impacts No direct impacts are proposed to any regulated critical area. Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 will not be impacted by the proposed project. In addition, the buffer of Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 will not be permanently altered or reduced. However, the project proposes to place a treated stormwater outfall within the 75-foot stream buffer, resulting in minor temporary impacts. Surface water and a portion of the roof water from the proposed residential plat will be directed to a detention pond which will treat and discharge stormwater into a dispersion trench which will direct the treated water to the stream buffer. The existing buffer onsite is degraded by the dominance of invasive Himalayan blackberry and the presence of yard waste and debris piles and the gravel driveway. The dense blackberry and yard waste piles keep emergent vegetation suppressed near the stream thus causing rapid runoff, increased erosion, and poor water quality functions within the buffer. The proposed project will substantially improve stream buffer functions including enhanced wildlife habitat and improvements to water quality functions by establishing a highly structured native plant community and constructing a protective fence with signage to prevent continued disturbance of buffer areas. No impervious surface currently exists within the buffer nor is proposed to be placed in the buffer by the proposed project. The proposed project does not propose to negatively impact offsite drainages nor will it be detrimental to any other property. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 14 April 21, 2014 Only a small portion of the stream buffer will be temporarily impacted during installation of the outfall. The alignment of this outfall has been designed to avoid significant native conifers, and temporary impacts will be limited to the smallest area necessary to allow installation located outside of OHW. Once installation is complete, the disturbed area will be graded and replanted with native vegetation. The extent of buffer enhancement and restoration actions proposed will meet all native growth protection area requirements and will greatly exceed any compensation necessary for the minor and temporary impacts associated with placement of the outfall. 7.3 Mitigation Approach and Best Management Practices The proposed enhancement plan is intended to provide non-compensatory enhancement for the temporary impacts and to enhance the overall buffer to meet native growth protection area requirements. Onsite buffer areas are dominated by Himalayan blackberry and contain significant numbers of yard waste and debris piles. Proposed enhancement actions include treatment and removal of invasive vegetation, removal of yard waste and debris piles, planting with native trees and shrubs, and establishment of an herbaceous understory to allow the return of a forested canopy and enhance water quality and habitat functions of Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303. Impacts to the stream are being fully avoided, and impacts to the buffer are being minimized through careful planning efforts and project design. Enhancement actions will occur concurrently with the development of the plat. Temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) measures will be implemented that consists of high-visibility fencing (HVF) installed around native vegetation within the buffer, silt fencing between the graded areas and buffer, plastic sheeting on stockpiled materials, and seeding of disturbed soils. These TESC measures should be installed prior to the start of development or enhancement actions and actively managed for the duration of the project. A concrete wash water collection basin should also be installed away from the buffer prior to commencement of construction activities requiring additional concrete work. All equipment staging and materials stockpiles should be kept out of the buffer, and the area will need to be kept free of spills and/or hazardous materials. All fill material and road surfacing should be sourced from upland areas onsite or from approved suppliers, and will need to be free of pollutants and hazardous materials. Construction materials along with all construction waste and debris should be effectively managed and stockpiled on paved surfaces and kept free of the remaining wetland and stream buffer area. Following completion of the residence, the entire site should be cleaned and detail graded using hand tools wherever necessary, and TESC measures will need to be removed. In addition, permanent stormwater treatment features will need to be implemented as designed by the project engineer. 7.4 Enhancement Actions Enhancement and restoration actions for the buffer include, but may not be limited to, the following recommendations:  Pre-treat invasive plants, such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom, growing in the tributary buffer with a Washington Department of Agriculture approved herbicide. After pre-treatment, grub to remove the invasive plants and replant all cleared 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 15 April 21, 2014 areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers listed in Appendix C; Pre-treatment of the invasive plants should occur a minimum of two weeks prior to removal;  Remove gravel associated with the existing gravel driveway and break up the compacted soil with a ripper attachment or tiller. Seed and plant disturbed areas;  Only native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers listed in Appendix C, or substitutes approved by the responsible wetland scientist, will be used in disturbed areas to help retain soils, filter stormwater, and increase biodiversity of macroinvertebrates (i.e. insects);  An approved native seed mix will be used to seed the disturbed areas after planting trees and shrubs;  Maintenance to maintain control of invasive plants will occur annually, at a minimum, or more frequently if necessary. Maintenance to reduce the growth and spread of invasive plants is not restricted to chemical applications but may include hand removal, if warranted;  Dry-season irrigation will be provided as necessary by the property owner to help ensure plant survival;  Exterior lights will be directed away from the tributary buffer whenever possible, and  Activities that generate excessive noise (i.e. generators and air conditioning equipment) will be placed away from the riparian corridor whenever feasible. 7.5 Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Performance Standards The goals and objectives for the proposed non-compensatory enhancement and restoration actions are based on improving buffer functions to compensate for temporary impacts to the buffer. These actions are capable of improving water quality and hydrologic functions and providing a moderate to high level of habitat function for stream buffer-associated wildlife. The goals and objectives of the proposed enhancement actions are as follows: Goal – Improve habitat functions associated with the Maplewood Creek Tributary 0303 buffer by reducing presence of non-native invasive species and increasing presence of habitat features and diversity within the temporarily impacted buffer. Objective 1 – Increase plant biodiversity in areas where Himalayan blackberry and/or other invasive species are dominant. Performance Standard 1 – A minimum of 5 native tree and shrub species will be present within the enhancement area in all monitoring years. Performance Standard 2 – The enhanced buffer area onsite will contain a minimum of 50 percent areal coverage by Year 2, 60 percent areal coverage by Year 3, and 75 percent areal coverage percent by Year 5 in all strata. Objective 2 – Effectively control and/or eliminate invasive species from the stream buffer enhancement areas. Performance Standard 3 – Non-native invasive plants will not make up more than 15 percent total areal cover in any growing season following Year 1. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 16 April 21, 2014 7.6 Plant Materials and Installation 7.6.1 Plant Materials All plant materials to be used for enhancement actions will be nursery grown stock from a reputable, local source. Only native species are to be used; no hybrids or cultivars will be allowed. Plant material provided will be typical of their species or variety; if not cuttings they will exhibit normal, densely-developed branches and vigorous, fibrous root systems. Plants will be sound, healthy, vigorous plants free from defects, and all forms of disease and infestation. If container stock is used, such materials shall have been grown in its delivery container for not less than six months but not more than two years. Plants shall not exhibit rootbound conditions. Under no circumstances shall container stock be handled by their trunks, stems, or tops. Seed mixture used for hand or hydroseeding shall contain fresh, clean, and new crop seed mixed by an approved method. The mixture is specified in Appendix C. All plant material shall be inspected by the Wetland Scientist upon delivery. Plant material not conforming to the specifications below will be rejected and replaced by the planting contractor. Rejected plant materials shall be immediately removed from the site. Fertilizer will be in the form of Agroform plant tabs or an approved like form. Mulch will consist of sterile wheat straw or clean recycled wood chips approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size and 1/2 inch thick. If free of invasive plant species, the mulch material may be sourced from woody materials salvaged from the land clearing activities. 7.6.2 Product Handling, Delivery, and Storage All seed and fertilizer should be delivered in original, unopened, and undamaged containers showing weight, analysis, and name of manufacturer. This material should be stored in a manner to prevent wetting and deterioration. All precautions customary in good trade practice shall be taken in preparing plants for moving. Workmanship that fails to meet industry standards will be rejected. Plants will be packed, transported, and handled with care to ensure protection against injury and from drying out. If plants cannot be planted immediately upon delivery they should be protected with soil, wet peat moss, or in a manner acceptable to the project biologist. Plants, fertilizer, and mulch not installed immediately upon delivery shall be secured on the site to prevent theft or tampering. No plant shall be bound with rope or wire in a manner that could damage or break the branches. Plants transported on open vehicles should be secured with a protective covering to prevent windburn. 7.6.3 Preparation and Installation of Plant Materials The planting locations shown in Appendix C are approximate and subject to modification to meet site-specific needs. The planting contractor shall verify the location of all elements of the enhancement plan with the Wetland Scientist prior to installation. The responsible Wetland Scientist reserves the right to adjust the locations of landscape elements during the installation period as appropriate to the enhancement actions outlined above. If obstructions are encountered 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 17 April 21, 2014 that are not shown on the drawings, planting operations will cease until alternate plant locations have been selected by and/or approved by the Wetland Scientist. Circular plant pits with vertical sides will be excavated for all container stock. The pits should be at least 12 inches in diameter, and the depth of the pit should accommodate the entire root system. The bottom of each pit will be scarified to a depth of 4 inches. Broken roots should be pruned with a sharp instrument and rootballs should be thoroughly soaked prior to installation. Set plant material upright in the planting pit to proper grade and alignment. Water plants thoroughly midway through backfilling and add Agroform tablets. Water pits again upon completion of backfilling. No filling should occur around trunks or stems. Do not use frozen or muddy mixtures for backfilling. Form a ring of soil around the edge of each planting pit to retain water, and install a 4 to 6 inch layer of mulch around the base of each container plant. 7.6.4 Temporary Irrigation Specifications While the native species selected for enhancement are hardy and typically thrive in northwest conditions, and the proposed enhancement actions are planned in areas with sufficient hydroperiods for the species selected, some individual plants might perish due to dry conditions. Therefore, irrigation or regular watering will be provided as necessary for the duration of the first 2 growing seasons while the native plantings become established. 7.6.5 Invasive Plant Control and Removal Invasive species to be removed include Himalayan blackberry and all listed noxious weeds. These species can also be found nearby; therefore, to ensure these species do not expand following the enhancement actions, invasive shrubs within the enhancement and restoration areas will be pretreated with a root-killing herbicide approved for use in aquatic sites (i.e. Rodeo) approximately 30 days prior to being cleared and grubbed from the entire wetland and associated buffer. The pre- treatment with herbicide should occur prior to all planned mitigation actions, and spot treatment of any surviving other invasive vegetation should be performed again each fall prior to leaf senescence for a minimum of 3 years. A maintenance program requiring annual removal of invasive species within all wetland buffer areas by a homeowner’s association following project completion, and written into the subdivision’s Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions, is also recommended. This program should start during the early summer of Year 1 of the monitoring program. 7.7 Maintenance & Monitoring The applicant is committed to compliance with the proposed enhancement plan and overall success of the project. As such, the applicant will continue to maintain the project, keeping the site free from of non-native invasive vegetation, trash, and yard waste. The enhancement site will be monitored for a period of 5 years with formal inspections by a qualified Wetland Scientist. The maintenance/monitoring period will begin upon completion of an as-built plan and certification from a Professional Wetland Scientist or Scientist with equivalent qualifications certifying the mitigation was installed per the enhancement and restoration plan. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 18 April 21, 2014 Monitoring events will be scheduled at the time of construction, 30 days after planting, and late in the first through final year’s growing seasons in Years 1, 2, 3, and 5. A closeout assessment will also be conducted in Year 5 to ensure the adequate restoration and enhancement measures have been provided. Monitoring will consist of percent cover measurements at permanent sampling points, walk-through surveys to identify invasive species presence and dead or dying restoration plantings, photographs taken at fixed photo points, wildlife observations, and verification of dispersion trench function and general qualitative buffer function observations. Percent cover of all herbaceous species will be measured along each transect at 30-foot intervals using a .25 meter quadrant. Average values for each site will be determined from all quadrants measured along each transect. 7.8 Reporting Following each monitoring event, a brief monitoring report detailing the current ecological status of the stream buffer, measurement of performance standards, and management recommendations will be prepared and submitted to the City of Renton within 90 days of each monitoring event to ensure full compliance with the mitigation plan, performance standards, and regulatory conditions of approval. 7.9 Contingency Plans If monitoring results during the first 3 years indicate that performance standards are not being met, it may be necessary to implement all or part of the contingency plan. Careful attention to maintenance is essential in ensuring that problems do not arise. Should any portion of the site fail to meet the success criteria, a contingency plan will be developed and implemented with City of Renton approval. Such plans are adaptive and should be prepared on a case-by-case basis to reflect the failed mitigation characteristics. Contingency plans can include additional plant installation, and plant substitutions including type, size, and location. Contingency/maintenance activities may include, but are not limited to: 1. Replacing plants lost to vandalism, drought, or disease, as necessary; 2. Replacing any plant species with a 20 percent or greater mortality rate after 2 growing seasons with the same species or native species of similar form and function; 3. Irrigating the enhancement areas only as necessary during dry weather if plants appear to be too dry, with a minimal quantity of water; 4. Reseeding and/or repair of stream buffer areas as necessary if erosion or sedimentation occurs, or 5. Removing all trash or undesirable debris from the stream and buffer areas as necessary. 7.10 Early Closeout If the Year 3 monitoring effort indicates all Performance Standards are being met, the Applicant may petition the City of Renton for early closeout of the monitoring period. Such a petition may be made using the Year 3 monitoring report and a written request to City of Renton staff. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 19 April 21, 2014 Chapter 8. Closure The findings and conclusions documented in this report have been prepared for specific application to the Copperwood Residential Plat. They have been developed in a manner consistent with that level of care and skill normally exercised by members of the environmental science profession currently practicing under similar conditions in the area. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this report are professional opinions based on an interpretation of information currently available to us and are made within the operation scope, budget, and schedule of this project. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made. In addition, changes in government codes, regulations, or laws may occur. Because of such changes, our observations and conclusions applicable to this site may need to be revised wholly or in part. Wetland determinations and regulatory recommendations made by Soundview Consultants LLC are based on conditions present at the time of the site visit and considered preliminary until validated by the jurisdictional agencies. Validation of the extent and jurisdictional status of all potentially regulated features by the regulating agency provides a certification, usually written, that the features that will, or will not, be regulated by the agencies until a specific date or until the regulations are modified. Only the regulating agencies can provide this certification. Since wetlands and streams are dynamic communities affected by both natural and human activities, changes in wetland boundaries may be expected; therefore, delineations cannot remain valid for an indefinite period of time. Local agencies typically recognize the validity of wetland and stream assessments for a period of 5 years after completion of an assessment. Development activities on a site 5 years after the completion of this report may require revisions. In addition, changes in government codes, regulations, or laws may occur. Because of such changes, our observations and conclusions applicable to this site may need to be revised wholly or in part. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 20 April 21, 2014 Chapter 9. Report Summary All field inspections, jurisdictional wetland boundary delineations, OHWM determinations, habitat assessments, and supporting documentation, including this Wetland and Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment prepared for the Copperwood Residential Plat were prepared by, or under the direction of, Jeremy Downs, Jim Carsner, and Hannah Blackstock of Soundview Consultants LLC. Jeremy Downs is a Principal Scientist and Environmental Planner, Jim Carsner is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, and Hannah Blackstock is a Staff Scientist. Any deviations and/or alterations to this document must be approved by the aforementioned parties at Soundview Consultants LLC. Please see Appendix E for a description of professional qualifications. Sincerely, ____________________________________ 4/21/14____ Jeremy Downs Date Soundview Consultants LLC 2907 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: (253) 514-8952 ext. 004 Fax: (253) 514-8954 hannah@soundviewconsultants.com ____________________________________ 4/21/14____ James H. Carsner, PWS Date Soundview Consultants LLC 2907 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: (253) 514-8952 ext. 008 Fax: (253) 514-8954 jim@soundviewconsultants.com ____________________________________ 4/21/14____ Hannah Blackstock Date Soundview Consultants LLC 2907 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: (253) 514-8952 ext. 004 Fax: (253) 514-8954 hannah@soundviewconsultants.com 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 21 April 21, 2014 Chapter 9. References Brinson, M. M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands, Technical Report WRP-DE-4. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. Cowardin, L.M. V. Carter, F. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Washington D.C. Renton Municipal Code. 2014. Section 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87- 1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Granger, T., T. Hruby, A. McMillan, D. Peters, J. Rubey, D. Sheldon, S. Stanley, E. Stockdale. 2005. Wetlands in Washington State - Volume 2: Guidance for Protecting and Managing Wetlands. Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #05-06-008. Olympia, WA. [April 2005] Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington. Lichvar, Robert W. and John T. Kartesz. 2009. North American Digital Flora: National Wetland Plant List, version 2.4.0. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NW, and BONAP, Chapel Hill, NC. Munsell Color. 2000. Munsell soil color charts. New Windsor, New York. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1995. Hydric Soils of Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2001. Hydric Soils List: King County, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C. Olson, P. and E. Stockdale. 2008. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State. Washington State Department of Ecology, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program, Lacey, WA. Ecology Publication # 08-06-001. Reed, P.B., Jr., D. Peters, J Goudzwaard, I. Lines, and F. Weinmann. 1993. Supplement to National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Northwest Region 9. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Supplement to Biol. Rep. 88 (26.9). Sheldon, D., T. Hruby, P. Johnson, K. Harper, A. McMillan, T. Granger, S. Stanley, and E. Stockdale. 2005. Wetlands in Washington State - Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science. Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #05-06-006. Olympia, WA. [March 2005] Snyder, Dale E., Philip S. Gale, and Russell F. Pringle. 1973. Soil Survey of King County Area, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Washington Agricultural Experiment Station. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report 22 April 21, 2014 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2008. Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Rapanos v. United States & Carabell v. United States. EPA/USACE. December 2, 2008. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Ver2.0), ed. J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MSS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010. Field Indictors of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 7.0. L.M. Vasialas, G.W. Hurt, and C.V. Noble (eds.). USDA, NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual. Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #96-94. Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual. Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #96-94. Washington State Department of Ecology, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10. (Ecology) 2006a. Wetland Mitigation in Washington State – Part 1: Agency Policies and Guidance (Version 1). Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #06-06-011a. Olympia, WA. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant– Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix A — Methods and Tools Table A-1. Methods and tools used to prepare the report. Parameter Method or Tool Website Reference Wetland Delineation USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual http://el.erdc.usace.army.mi l/elpubs/pdf/wlman87.pdf Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region Interim Regional Supplement http://www.usace.army.mil /cw/cecwo/reg/inte_aridw est_sup.pdf U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2008. Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-08-13. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Wetland Classification USFWS / Cowardin Classification System http://www.fws.gov/nwi/P ubs_Reports/Class_Manual /class_titlepg.htm Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Hydrogeomorphic Classification (HGM) System http://el.erdc.usace.army.mi l/wetlands/pdfs/wrpde4.pd f Brinson, M. M. (1993). “A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands,” Technical Report WRP-DE-4, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Wetland Rating Renton Municipal Code 4-3-050 M http://www.codepublishing .com/wa/renton/ Website Stream Delineation Federal Ordinary High Water Mark Definition http://www.usace.army.mil /inet/functions/cw/cecwo /reg/33cfr328.htm Congressional Federal Register 33 Part 328 Definition of Waters of the United States. Draft State Ordinary High Water Mark Protocol http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pu bs/0806001.pdf Olson, P. and E. Stockdale. 2008. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State. Washington State Department of Ecology, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program, Lacey, WA. Ecology Publication # 08-06-001. Wetland Indicator Status National Wetland Plant List, 2013 Wetland Ratings http://wetland_plants.usace.ar my.mil/ Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1–241. Published 17 July 2013. Plant Names USDA Plant Database http://plants.usda.gov/ Website (see Appendix A) Soils Data NRCS Soil Survey http://soils.usda.gov/use/h ydric/ Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. Hydric Soils List: King County, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C. Hydric Soils Data King County Hydric Soils List Not available Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2001. Hydric Soils List: King County, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C. Threatened Washington http://www.dnr.wa.gov/nh Washington Natural Heritage Program 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Parameter Method or Tool Website Reference and Endangered Species Natural Heritage Program p/ and http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/n hp/refdesk/datasearch/wn hpwetlands.pdf (Data published 10/15/08). Endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants of Washington. Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington Natural Heritage Program, Olympia, WA Washington Priority Habitats and Species http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/p hspage.htm Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Program Map of priority habitats and species in project vicinity. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). NOAA fisheries species list and maps http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/ ESA-Salmon- Listings/Salmon- Populations/Index.cfm and http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov /pr/species/ Website USFWS species lists by County http://www.fws.gov/westw afwo/se/SE_List/endanger ed_Species.asp Website Species of Local Importance WDFW GIS Data http://wdfw.wa.gov/mappi ng/salmonscape/ Website Renton Municipal Code http://www.codepublishing .com/wa/renton/ Website 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B — Background Information This appendix includes a King County Topographic Map (B1); USFWS National Wetland Inventory Map (B2); City of Renton Critical Areas Map (B3); NRCS Soil Survey Map (B4); WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Map (B5); and WDFW SalmonScape Map (B6. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B1 — King County Topographic Map Subject Property 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B2 — USFWS National Wetland Inventory Map Subject Property 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B3 — City of Renton Critical Areas Map Subject Property 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B4 — NRCS Soil Survey Map 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B5 — WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Map 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix B6 — WDFW SalmonScape Map Subject Property 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix C —Plant Species List This appendix includes a table with recommended plant species (C1) for the optional buffer enhancement plan. (Alternative native plants may also be used with biologist’s approval). Table C1. Enhancement Plan Plant List.1 Name Form & Habit Comments Trees Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) Evergreen tree; in damp locations. Very vigorous, broadly conical conifer. Is good on an exposed or poor site. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Evergreen tree; extremely dry sites. Cone bearing evergreen is adapted to a wide variety of soils in terms of texture, but reaches its best development on clay loams, silty clay loams, and silt loams which are deep, moist, and well drained. The seed of Douglas-fir is an important food for chickadees, red crossbill, finches (house and purple), evening grosbeak, Douglas squirrel, Townsend chipmunk, deer, meadow mice, shrews, and many other birds and mammals. The needles are an important source of food of blue and spruce grouses. Mountain beaver, deer, elk, and rabbits eat foliage and twigs within their reach. (http://plants.usda.gov/) Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) Evergreen tree; moist to wet soils. Cone bearing evergreen deer browse it all year along the coast occurring on various substrates, commonly on moist sites (swamps, wet ravines, poorly drained depressions. http://plants.usda.gov/ Big-Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) Deciduous tree; dry to moist sites. Large deciduous tree often multi-stemmed and covered with mosses and other plants. Frequently found with Douglas fir and on sites disturbed by fire or logging. Winged seeds descent like helicopters, which increases dispersal. Shrubs/Emergents Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) Deciduous shrub; spreads by underground runners to form thickets Thickets of spring stems create a formidable barrier; produces attractive, pink flowers followed by large, red hips; tolerates salt spray Red Currant (Ribes sanquineum) Deciduous shrub; does not spread One of our finest ornamental natives; produces clusters of white to red flowers Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) Deciduous shrub; does not spread Produces red, non-edible berries; some success reported from woody cuttings Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) Deciduous shrub; spreads by underground runners to form thickets Spreads quickly once established; berries provide food for a variety of songbirds Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) Deciduous shrub; does not always spread aggressively Large specimens widely available; spreads by root and seed 1. Final plant selection and quantity to be verified by the project scientist. Native plant substitutions may be acceptable with the project scientist’s approval. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix D — Site Maps and Plan Sheets This Appendix includes the project site plan maps showing the existing features of the site, the proposed features of the site, and the proposed planting plan. DATE: 4/21/2014BY: JR/KMJOB: 1186.0005SHEET 1 OF 3SCALE: 1" = 80'COPPERWOOD - SITE INVENTORY7 5 ' S T R E AM B U F F E R 7 5 ' S T R E A M B U F F E R CONSTRUCTED SWALE(CLASS 5)MAPLE WOOD TRIBUTARY 0303(CLASS 3)EXISTING DRAINAGEDITCH (TYPICAL)EXISTING STRUCTURES(TYPICAL)COPPERWOOD XXX SE 2ND PLACE RENTON, WASHINGTON 98059 THE SE 14 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 23N, RANGE 05E, W.M. DATE: 4/21/2014BY: JRJOB: 1186.0005SHEET 2 OF 3SCALE: 1" = 80'COPPERWOOD RESIDENTIAL PLAT - PROPOSED SITE PLAN7 5 ' S T R E A M B U F F E R 7 5 ' S T R E AM B U F F E ROUTFALL TO STREAM BUFFEROPTIONAL BUFFER ENHANCEMENT AREACOPPERWOOD XXX SE 2ND PLACE RENTON, WASHINGTON 98059 THE SE 14 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 23N, RANGE 05E, W.M. EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION(RETAINED AND PROTECTED)EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION(RETAINED AND PROTECTED)EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION(RETAINED AND PROTECTED)EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION(RETAINED AND PROTECTED)DATE: 4/21/2014BY: JR/KMJOB: 1186.0005SHEET 3 OF 3SCALE: AS NOTEDCOPPERWOOD - DETAILS AND PLANTING PLAN (TYPICAL)SCIENTIFIC NAMEPSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESIIACER MACROPHYLLUMTHUJA PLICATAPICEA SITCHENSISSYMBOLSHRUBS(AS NEEDED)SCIENTIFIC NAMEACER CIRCINATUMRIBES SANQUINEUMROSA NUTKANASAMBUCUS RACEMOSARUBUS SPECTABILISCOMMON NAMEVINE MAPLERED CURRANTNOOTKA ROSERED ELDERBERRYSALMONBERRYSPACING(FT O.C.)22222SIZE (MIN)1 GAL1 GAL1 GAL1 GAL1 GALSYMBOLCOMMON NAMEDOUGLAS FIRBIG LEAF MAPLEWESTERN RED CEDARSITKA SPRUCESPACING(FT O.C.)15151515SIZE (MIN)2 GAL2 GAL2 GAL2 GAL(FINAL LOCATIONS AND QUANTITIES TO BE FIELD LOCATED BY RESPONSIBLE WETLAND SCIENTIST)BUFFER SEED MIX(AS NEEDED)SCIENTIFIC NAMEELYMUS GLAUCUSFESTUCA IDAHOENSISFESTUCA RUBRABROMUS CARINATUSLUPINUS POLYPHYLLUSHORDEUM BRACHYANTHERUMCOMMON NAMEBLUE WILDRYEIDAHO FESCUERED FESCUECALIFORNIA BROMELARGE LEAF LUPINEMEADOW BARLEYPERCENT BYVOLUME151515151515QUANTITY(APPROX.)30 LBS/ACRE(2) 2X2 D.F. STAKES; TIE AT APPROX. 13 TO 12 HEIGHT OFTREE WITH FLEXIBLE RUBBER TIE IN FIGURE EIGHTPATTERN. STAKES AND TREE PLUMB; STAKE PLANTS ASNOTED ON LEGEND3" DEEP SAUCER FOR WATERREMOVE ALL TIES, WRAP & CONTAINERS. FREEPERIMETER ROOTS FROM NURSERY BALLEXCAVATE TREE PIT TO MIN. OF 4 TIMES DIA. OFROOTBALL AT BALL CENTER, TAPERING PITGRADE TO FINISH GRADEPIT SPOILS, NURSERY BALL WASTE BACKFILLSET BALL ON UNDISTURBED SUBGRADE ORCOMPACTED SOILNOTE: WORK PERIMETER ROOTS FREE OF NURSERY BALL & SPREAD OVEREXCAVATED PIT. BALL & PIT TO BE COURSELY SCARIFIEDTREES (AS NEEDED)PLANT LISTSCALE: 1" = 30'SAMPLE ENHANCEMENT PLANTING LAYOUTCOPPERWOOD XXX SE 2ND PLACE RENTON, WASHINGTON 98059 THE SE 14 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 23N, RANGE 05E, W.M. 1186.0005 BCE/Quadrant – Copperwood Residential Plat Soundview Consultants LLC Wetland, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report April 21, 2014 Appendix E — Biologist Qualifications Jeremy Downs, Principal Scientist and Environmental Planner Jeremy Downs is the Principal Scientist and Environmental Planner for the project with professional training and extensive experience in land use, site planning and design, project coordination, permitting and management, marine and wetland ecology, habitat restoration, wetland, stream, and benthic delineations and assessments, stream assessments, underwater and terrestrial monitoring programs, and mitigation planning and design since 1987. Jeremy earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from the University of California, Davis. In addition, he studied under the Environmental Risk and Recovery program at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. He also holds graduate-level professional certifications in various advanced wetland science and management programs from both Portland State University and San Francisco State University, and he has received professional training in Salmonid Biology from the University of California Extension. Jeremy is a certified wetlands delineator under US Army Corps of Engineers guidelines. He has been formally trained in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System, Determination of Ordinary High Water Mark, Designing Compensatory Mitigation and Restoration Projects, and Reviewing Wetland Mitigation and Monitoring Plans from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Department of Ecology, and in conducting Biological Assessments from the Washington Department of Transportation. He is also a Pierce County Qualified Wetland Specialist and Fisheries Biologist, and he holds similar qualifications from other jurisdictions. James H. Carsner, Senior Scientist Jim Carsner, a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (#1461) with professional training and extensive experience in planning and design, project coordination, permitting and management, aquatic and wetland ecology, habitat restoration, wetland, stream, and benthic delineations and assessments, stream assessments, and mitigation planning and monitoring since 1979. Jim earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Washington, College of Fisheries and undertook post-graduate studies in wetland ecology at Portland State University. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Washington State Weed Association and instructed courses on pesticide laws, regulations, and uses. Jim has been formally trained in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System, Determination of Ordinary High Water Mark, Designing Compensatory Mitigation and Restoration Projects, and Reviewing Wetland Mitigation and Monitoring Plans from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Department of Ecology. He is also a Pierce County Qualified Wetland Specialist and Fisheries Biologist, and he holds similar qualifications from other jurisdictions. Hannah Blackstock, Staff Scientist Hannah Blackstock is a Staff Scientist with a background in both forest and wetland ecology and fisheries biology and experience with various Federal agencies. Hannah earned a Bachelor’s of Science with a double major in Environmental Science and Resource Management as well as Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Washington. Hannah has an extensive knowledge of restoration ecology, ranging in topics such as soils, plant familiarity, hydrology, and wetland ecology. Furthermore, she has been certified by the Washington Department of Ecology in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System and Selecting Wetland Mitigation Sites Using a Watershed Approach and has received training from the PNW Invasive Plant Council on the identification of newly emerging invasive plant species. She is also a Pierce County Qualified Fisheries Biologist.