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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E2000-013 - US WEST - CELLULAR TOWERE2000 -013 US WEST 15820 T.I.B. June 16, 2000 • City of Tukwila Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director Mark Lorio W & H Pacific 450 119th Ave NE Suite 209 Bellevue, WA 98015 -5102 RE: SEPA application E2000 -013 Dear Mr. Lorio: This is to inform you that a SEPA Environmental Checklist is not required for the cellular site co- location (File L2000 -034) for which you applied. Personal Wireless Service Facilities are a class of Categorical Exemption under the SEPA rules in WAC 197 -11 -800 (27) attached. Please note that the . siting of cell towers sometimes requires SEPA review. However in this case, the co- location on an existing structure in a commercial zone is exempt. This letter serves as notice that this file will be closed and that the city finance department will refund the application fee of $325. You will receive the check as soon as the request is processed. The application for the co- location (L2000 -034) will remain active. If you have any questions, please call me at 206 -431 -3686. Sincerely, Jack Pace Planning Manager cc: City of Tukwila Finance Department attachment: WAC Ch 197 -11 —p.42 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 • Tukwila, Washington 98188 • Phone: 206 - 431 -3670 • Fax: 206 - 431 -3665 RECEIVED • MAY 31 2000 CITY OF TUKWILA COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DEVELOPMENT A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: U S WEST Wireless Site # SEA 440 Lewis & Clark Collocation 2. Name of applicant: U S WEST Wireless, LLC 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Applicant: U S WEST Wireless, LLC 450 110th Ave. NE #209 Bellevue, WA 98004 Contact: Jeanette McDonald 425- 451 -7124 Applicant Agent: W & H Pacific 450 110th Ave. NE #209 Bellevue,WA 98004 Contact: Mark Lorio 425 -652 -2127 4. Date checklist prepared: May 24, 2000 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila 6. Proposed timing or schedule (include phasing if applicable): Immediately following project approval. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain: No. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal: None. 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain: None known. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. J EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY • • Conditional use permit and a building permit 11. Give a brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the site of the project. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) U S West Wireless LLC proposes to collocate antennas on an existing monopole designed for collocation. Two wireless providers, Nextel and VoiceStream, currently operate equipment and antennas at the site. A total of seven antennas will be attached to the monopole. Six of the collocated antennas will have a center line location of 55' and one parabolic antenna will have a center line location of 82 feet. The wireless communications equipment will be located at the base of the tower. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, - including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The subject property is located at 15820 Pacific Highway South, Tukwila Washington 98588. See attached drawings. 13. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan Map as environmentally sensitive? No. B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 1. EARTH a. General description of the site (circle one): flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Not applicable. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland. Unknown. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. None have been noted. 2 EVALUATION FOR TO BE COMPLETED *APPLICANT: AGENCY USE ONLY e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. No grading is required. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? The site is located on an existing wireless communications compound, which is located on a parking lot that is paved. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: No erosion will occur, however erosion control precautions will be maintained throughout the construction phase. 2. AIR a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed. If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. There will be very minor emissions associated with construction and no emissions associated with project operation. b. Are there any off -site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. None known. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: None are necessary. 3. WATER a. Surface: 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year -round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river into which it flows. No. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters. If yes, please describe and attach available plans. No. EVALUATION FOR TO BE COMPLETED 'APPLICANT: AGENCY USE ONLY 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface waters or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. None. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. There will be no surface water withdrawals or diversions. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note floodplain location on the site plan. No. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No. b. Ground: 1) Will groundwater be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities of withdrawals or discharges, if known. No, the proposed site is unstaffed, and no sewage system will be required. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...; agricultural, etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) is /are expected to serve. None. c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. The project will not affect runoff or storm water. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground and runoff water impacts, if any: None. EVALUATION FOR TO BE COMPLETED 'APPLICANT: AGENCY USE ONLY 4. PLANTS a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen; other: _ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine; other: shrubs grass pasture crop or grain _ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage; other: water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil; other: other types of vegetation: b., What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? No vegetation will be removed. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. None. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: No landscaping is required or proposed. We will install privacy slats for the fence that encompasses the wireless communications equipment. 5. ANIMALS a. Circle any birds and animals that have been observed on or near the site, or that are known to be on or near the site: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds* other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver; other:, fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish; other: b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site: None. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None. 6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES a. What kinds of energy (electrical, natural gas, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. TO BE COMPLETED APPLICANT: • EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY The U S West Wireless facility will use electrical energy for the operation of the wireless communication base station equipment and cooling fan. Backup batteries will be used for emergency power. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No. c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: None. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. No. 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. No special emergency services are required because this site creates no particular emergency risk. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment operation, other)? Noise will not affect this project. 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short term or a long -term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. There will be minor short -term noise associated with the construction phase of the project. There will be no new significant noise associated with operation of the project. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: None proposed. The level of noise from construction and operation of the facility is minimal. 8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? The current use of the site is a wireless communications utility. The site is occupied by a 100' monopole with antennas and EVALUATION FOR TO BE COMPLETED BBAPPLICANT: AGENCY USE ONLY equipment owned and operated by two other wireless communications utility companies. The site is located in a parking lot used for patrons of Lewis and Clark Theater. The adjacent use to the north is right -of -way for SR 518; commercial and retail uses to the south and west; and vacant land to the east. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? It so, describe. No c. Describe any structures on the site. There is an existing 100' steel monopole on the site. There is a wireless communication utilities shed on the site. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The site is zoned Regional Commercial. A special height exception area (TMC 18.50.030) also governs the site. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Regional Commercial. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable. h. Has any part of the site been classified an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. Not known. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? None, the facility will be unstaffed. The site will be visited monthly by a service technician to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The proposed site was selected to serve the customers along State Route 518 and Pacific Highway South. U S West Wireless LLC has decided to collocate their equipment and not build a new monopole and wireless facility. The collocation of our antennas and equipment has less impact on the surrounding properties since a new monopole will not be constructed. TO BE COMPLETED BBAPPLICANT: • EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY 9. HOUSING a. Approximately how many units will be provided, if any? Indicate whether be high, middle, or low- income housing. None. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None. 10. AESTHETICS a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? No additional structures are proposed. The existing structures at the site include a 100' steel monopole and a wireless communication utility equipment shed. Metal cabinets will enclose the wireless equipment. The supporting mounts for the antennas are metal. The 7 antennas are constructed with metal and plastic. Please see the site plans. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Minimal views will be obstructed. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: Collocation of our antennas and equipment ensures that an additional support tower will not be required in the vicinity of this site. Our antenna support mounts and antennas closely match the antennas are visually compatible with the existing antennas and antenna mounts. 11. LIGHT AND GLARE a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? None. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard, interfere with views? No. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: TO BE COMPLETED BBAPPLICANT: • EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY None. 12. RECREATION a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? (site specific) None known. 1. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None. 13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION (site specific) a. Are there any places or objects listed on, proposed for, national, state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site. If so, generally describe: None known. b. Generally describe any landmarks, or evidence of historic, archeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: None. 14. TRANSPORTATION a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. See attached drawings. b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Not applicable. This site will not experience any public visits. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? No parking.would be affected or eliminated. d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). No. EVALUATION FOR TO BE COMPLETED APPLICANT: AGENCY USE ONLY e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. No. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. There will be one visit per month for routine maintenance of the facility. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: None. 15. PUBLIC SERVICES a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools,. other)? If so, generally describe. No. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. The equipment will be monitored 24 hours a day. 16. UTILITIES a. Circle utilities available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other: b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which, might be needed. Electricity is provided by Seattle City Light, and U S West provides telephone service. C. SIGNATURE The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision. Signature: Date Submitted: TO BE COMPLETED BBAPPLICANT: D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON PROJECT ACTIONS (do not use this sheet for project actions) • EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air: Production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? There will be light vehicular traffic during the 4 -6 week construction process. Once construction of the monopole is complete there will be one vehicular trip every month to the facility for maintenance purposes. Otherwise there is no anticipated increase in the discharge to the water, air emissions, noise production, and no hazardous substances production, storage or release. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: None. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? There will be no affects on any plants, animals, fish or marine life. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: None. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The site will use minimal amounts of electricity in its operation. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: None needed. 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural 11 TO BE COMPLETED E.PPLICANT: EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands. There will be no affects on environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated to governmental protection. The proposed site located in the Bow Lake Transfer Station is a developed area, thus there are no affects to environmentally sensitive areas. 1. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: None needed. 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? There will be minimal land use affects from the construction and maintenance of the site. This project will not allow or encourage uses incompatible with existing plans. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: None. How does the proposal conform to the Tukwila Shoreline Master Plan? This proposal doesn't affect the Tukwila Shoreline Master Plan. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? Monthly maintenance of the facility will be the only increase in transportation to the site, and the increase in utilities will be minimal. There will be no affect to the public services. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: None needed. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirement for the protection of the environment. We have examined every issue to ensure that the proposal will not conflict with any environmental laws. 8. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? If so, what policies of the Plan? The proposal will not conflict with the policies for the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan. 12 TO BE COMPLETED APPLICANT: • EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are: None needed. 13 TO BE COMPLETED *PPLICANT: EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY E. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR ALL PROJECT AND NON PROJECT PROPOSALS. The objectives and the alternative means of reaching the objectives for a proposal will be helpful in reviewing the aforegoing items of the Environmental Checklist. This information provides a general overall perspective of the proposed action in the context of the environmental ihformation provided and submitted plans, documents, supportive information, studies, etc. 1. What are the objective(s) of the proposal? To provide U S West Wireless customer's with service in Tukwila along State Route 518 and Pacific Highway South. 2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives? The alternative means to accomplished this objective that we have looked at include building a new steel monopole. 3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course action. U S West Wireless chose to collocate at the existing site in order to mitigate building an additional support structure in the same vicinity. 4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? If so, what policies of the Plan? There is no conflict with the policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are? No proposed measures are necessary since we are complying with the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan.