HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2007-08-14 Item 2C - Update - Tukwila Pond Plan
City of Tukwila
Steven M MulletJ Mayor
Department of Community De1/elopment
Steve Lancaster, Director
INFORMATION MEMO
To:
From:
Mayor Mullet ~
Jack Pace, Acting Director, DCD ~ ~
Rick Still, Deputy Director, Parks d Recreation
Date:
August 8, 2007
Subject: Tukwila Pond Plan, Update Briefing and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Project Number 03-PKIO
ISSUE
Briefing on the status of landscape design and water quality studies for improvements to
Tukwila Pond and amendment to wetland mitigation project (installation of osprey
nesting pole/platform in wetland mitigation area).
BACKGROUND
Design of the improvements to Tukwila Pond, as outlined in the Council-approved
Tukwila Pond Concept Plan are currently underway through a contract with Robert Droll
Landscape Architect, being managed by Parks and Recreation and through a second
contract with Tetra Tech for feasibility and design of water quality improvements, being
managed by DCD. The concept plan calls for improvements for public access and
amenities to and around the pond, as well as wildlife protection and enhancement. A
copy ofthe overall Concept Plan is attached.
Landscape Design Pro gress
An on-site planning meeting was held with the Landscape Designer, Biologist, and
surveyor on June 13. Since then the wetlands along the west side of the pond have been
delineated and a topographical and bathymetry survey has been started. Property lines
are being defined and mapped. Design work will be underway soon.
The landscape designer has already made some recommendations for enhancing wildlife
habitat that would also provide wildlife viewing opportunities for the public, such as an
osprey nesting platform and nesting boxes for swallows. These birds currently use the
pond, but there are no real nesting opportunities for them.
Tuk Pond OspreyINFOMEMO CAPI.rtf
6300 Southcenter Boulevarc4 Suite #100 · Tukwila, Washington 98188 · Phone: 206-431-3670 . Fax: 206-431-3665
Water Quality Improvements - Feasibility Study and Design
The feasibility study is currently underway. A water level gauge was installed in April
with the assistance of the Fire Department and Public Works Operations. DCD staff has
been continuing the water sampling program with the assistance of the Fire Department
and providing water quality data as inputs to the feasibility study.
Amendment to Wetland Mitigation Plan
The wetland mitigation for the Southcenter Square project has started in the southeast
comer ofthe pond site.
There is an opportunity to install an osprey nesting platform this year in conjunction with
the wetland mitigation. The contractor hired by the developer is willing to build and
install it if the City covers the cost of materials and labor. The cost estimate for this work
is $4,000. Staff proposes to fund the project with the design funds available in the
Tukwila Pond budget.
The wetland appears to be the best location for the nesting platform, as it is a protected
area and would provide a buffer from surrounding development. Installing the nesting
platform in conjunction with the wetland construction avoids the need to go back in at a
later date and disrupt the restored wetland. In addition, having the developer's contractor
install the platform would save the city money by avoiding equipment mobilization costs
if the installation were done at a later date.
Staff has consulted with staff from the City Engineer, Parks and Recreation, Building
Department, Public Works, Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) about this project. There are no permits required for this
installation. WDFW has provided technical specifications for construction and guidance
about placement.
Next Steps
Staffwill again brief the CAP on the progress ofthe Tubvila Pond project when the 35%
design has been completed by the landscape architect (expected in late September or
early October) and when the water quality feasibility study is completed (expected in
early September).
Tuk ]ond _ OspreyINFOMEMO _CAP l.rtf