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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA EPIC-FD-4 - CITY OF TUKWILA - CITY HALLCITY HALL CONSTRUCTION GRANT EPIGFD -04 CITY OF TUKWIL'a • CERTIFICATION BY APPLICANT: I hereby certify that the information furnished in this environmental checklist sheet is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. '1/tk.N .4ottokt44 Natall'PLAA414te Signature and Title Project Name: Project Address: City Hall Complex. 6230 Southcenter Boulevard BELOW THIS LINE FOR CITY USE ONLY October 12, 1976 Date ACTION BY OTHER.DEPARTMENTS: 'Check one 1. Date of Review: Building by: Planning b)r ( +) or ( -) Engineering by: Police by: (-� ) or ( -) Fire by: 2. Agency review of environmental checklist determined that: ':The project is exempt by definition. XThe project has no significant environmental impact and application should be processed without further consideration of environmental affects. The project has significant environmental impact and a complete environ mental impact statement must be prepared prior to further action for permit More specific information is needed to determine impact. (Sjure an tleof Responsible 0 ficial 3. Applicant was notified of decision on: 'by Date In accordance with Washington State Environmental Policy Act and City of Tukwila. Ordinance No. 759. October 12,:1976 Date . by Staff Person Letter, phone (-s-) Means recommend a full environmental impact statement he 'done. (--) Means recommend a full environmental impact statement not'be'done: CITY OF TUKWILA ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE This questionnaire must be completed by all persons applying for a permit from the city of Tukwila., unless it is determined by the Responsible Official that an environmental assessment or full impact statement is required. Other forms have been developed for single - family home applications and legislation proposals. BACKGROUND DATA: 1. Name of applicant: City of Tukwila 2. Address and phone of Applicant: 14475 - 59th Avenue South 3. Project name: .City Hall 4. Project location: NE corner of South 15406 atreet_84 62nd Avenue Soutl1 5. Nature and brief description of proposal.: Two story office building -with 'l t18,000.s.uare foot buildin• and ±100 'arkin spaces. 6. Estimated completion date: July 4, 1977 7. Do you have any plans for future expansion, if yes please explain: There are not plans for future expansion, however, city grnwtb way demand a 112,000 square foot addition What other governmental permits are required prior to completion of this project? (a) Rezone, conditional use, substantial development, etc. YES NO X f's,%` YES NO x (b) King County Hydrplics Permit (c) Building permit YES X NO (d) Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Permit YES NO X (e) Sewer hook up permit YES X- NO (f) Sign permit YES X. NO (g) Water hook up permit YES X NO (h) Storm water system permit YES X NO (i) Curb cut permit YES X NO (j) Electrical permit (State of Washington) YES X NO (k) Plumbing permit (King County) YES X NO (1) Other • 9. Do you know of any plans by others which may affect the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain: NO 10. Agency requiring checklist: City of Tukwila, Department of Community Development 11. Accepted by agency on: October 11, 1976, by: Fred Satterstrom (to be filled in by city upon receipt of checklist • • ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations of all "yes" and "maybe" answers are required.) Maybe Earth. Will the proposal result in: (a) Unstable earth conditions or in any changes in geologic sub - structures: (b) Disruptions, displacements or overcovering of the soils: (c) Change in topography or ground surface relief features? (d) The destruction, covering, or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? (e) Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? • (f) Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or • in changes in siltation, deposition, or erosion which may modify the channel of a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay, inlet or lake? Explanation: . (Reference Environmental Data V -A Attachment) Air. Will the proposal . result in: (a) Air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? (b) The creation of objectionable odors? (c) Alteration of air movement, moisture or temperature, . or in any change in climate, • either locally or regionally? Explanation: Water. Will the iposal result in': (a) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements, in either marine or fresh waters? (b) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the amount of surface water run- off? (c) Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? (d) Change in the amount of surface water in any watercourse? (e) Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of sur- face."water quality, including temperature or turbidity? (f) Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? (g) Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an acquifer by cuts or excavations? (h) Deterioration in ground water quality, either through direct injection, or through the seep - age of leachate, phosphates, detergents, waterborne virus or bacteria, or other substances into the ground waters? Reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? (i) Explanation: (Reference: Attachment V -A) Ves Maybe No X X X X X X • Flora. Will the proposal result in: (a) Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of flora (including trees, shrubs, grass, crops, micro -flora and aquatic plants)? (b) Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of flora? (c) Introduction of new species of flora into an area, or in a bar- rier to the normal replenishment of existing species? Explanation: (Reference: Attachment V -A) Fauna.. Will the proposal result in: (a) Changes in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of fauna (birds, land animals including rep - tiles, fish and shellfish, benthic organisms, insects, or micro - fauna)? (b) Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of fauna? (c) Introduction of new species of fauna into an area, or result in a. barrier to the migration or movement of fauna? (d) Deterioration to existing wildlife habitat? Explanation: (Reference: Attachment V -A) Noise.- Will the proposal increase exist- ing noise levels? Explanation: Yes 'Maybe No X- X X' • • Yes Maybe No Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce new light or glare? X Explanation: Increased lighting will occur at the site due to increased building size. Land Use. Will . the proposal result in the alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? Explanation: (Reference: Attachment V-A Natural Resources. Will the proposal re- sult in: (a) Increase in the rate of use of any natural resource? (b) Depletion of any nonrenewable nat- ural resource? Explanation: Risk of Upset. Does the proposal involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? Explanation: Population. Will the proposal alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? . Explanation: X X • ! Yes Maybe . No Housing. Will the proposal affect existing housing availability, or create a demand for additional housing? Explanation: Transportation /Circulation. Will the pro- posal result in: (a) Generation of additional vehicular movement? (b) Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? (c) Impact upon existing transportation systems? (d) Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and /or goods? Alterations to waterborne or air traffic? (e) Explanation: • (Reference:. Attachment V -A Local Services. Will the proposal have an .effect upon, or result in a need for new services in any of the following areas: (a) Fire protection? (b) Police protection? (c) Schools? (d) Parks? (e) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? Other'governmenta,l services? (f) Explanation: X • Energy. Will the proposal result in: (a) •Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? (b) Demand'upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? Explanation: Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or alterations to the follow- ing utilities: (a) Power or natural gas? (b) .Communications systems? (c) Water? (d) Sewer or septic tanks? (e) Storm water drainage? (f) Solid waste and disposal? Explanation; .. Human Health. Uill the proposal result in the creation of any health hazard or potential . health hazard (excluding mental health)? Explanation: Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? Explanation: Yes Maybe No X • X� • -X Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of ex- isting recreational opportunities? Explanation,: Archeological /Historical. Will the proposal result in an alteration of a significant archeological or historical site? Explanation: Revenue. Will the proposal cause a signifij cant increase in city revenues? Explanation: Employment. Will the proposal create a significant amount of new jobs? Explanation: Yes Maybe No X Part IV PROJECT NARRATIVE Section A — PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Physical Description of Project — Identify the major elements of the project and indicate type of work being performed such as new construction, demolition, renovation, repair or improvements. When identifying major project elements, list in order of importance, with the major project element representing the largest fraction of the total cost of the project listed first. The proposed project is to construct a new city hall complex which would consolidate all city functions in one building. Presently, city departments are decentralized, with police, administrative, and financi.al..departments located on top of the Tukwila Hill, and the Public Works and Planning Offices located at the base of the hill. The major elements of the project are as follows, in order of importance and cost: 1. City Hall Facility - new construction 2. Landscaping - improvements 3. Equipment and Furnishings - improvements Related..fees such as architectural fees and sales tax are included in the respective items listed above. o2p r ogram Description of Project — Describe the objectives of the public works project for which the LPW grant is being requested and include any long -term benefits that may accrue to the community. The primary objective is to construct a city hall facility that will consolidate all city�.functions into_one ,comp.lex. The long term benefits that this project will pro- vide to the community are anticipated to be as follows: a. To allow increased ease of inter -city communication; b. to provide adequate space for administrative and legislative functions and allow maximum efficiency and effectiveness in providing governmental services to the community; c. and to provide a city hall facility that will be highly visible, easy to find, and that will offer a full line of municipal services within one structure. 3. Project Area — Define the project area; include the appropriate boundaries and /or jurisdiction. The project area definition must be identical with that upon which the project area's unemployment was based (see Iv. e. 1). The project area includes the King County and Snohomish County standard metropolitan statistical area (SMSA) as establsihed by the U.S. Census Bureau. The. jurisdiction for which this project is 'proposed—is, the City of Tukwila, lying in the southern half of this project area adjacent to the City of Seattle city limits. • FORM EO- 1OILPW 18 -76) 8 USCOMM -DC 18696 -P76 EXHIBIT V -A ENVIRONMENTAL DATA Basically, the proposed City Hall project will eliminate the presently dis- persed location of municipal offices by consolidating all city departments in a single complex on the "Annex" site at 6230 Southcenter Boulevard. An intensification of use will occur on the Annex site as a result of this consolidation. However, because of the natural suitability of the site to accommodate development, in addition to the fact that approximately 50 per- cent of the site will remain in or be replanted with landscaping to retain important environmental qualities, the adverse impacts of the p roject are expected to be insignificant. Beneficial impacts will be in the form of convenience, accessibility, impacts on land use, and site amenities. The proposed project conforms to the letter as well as the spirit of the State Environmental Policy Act, RCW 43.21C. The following information responds to those items outlined in the "Environ- mental Data" Instructions of the Program Application, pp. 3- 4: 1, PRIMARY USERS Construction of city hall on the Annex site is expected to attract "support- type" office uses as well as certain retail functions for which it is cur - rently zoned. Typical types of uses expected to be attracted to the South - center Boulevard area are professional offices like CPA and attorney offices, small restaurants, and commercial service businesses. These uses will help to maintain and enhance this area for future office development. 2. AREA DESCRIPTION a. City Hall Site The site of the proposed City Hall Complex project is located on the base of the Tukwila Hill overlooking Southcenter and the City's indus- trial district. Specifically, the 2.8 -acre site is located at the intersection of 62nd Avenue South and Southcenter Boulevard, (SEE, Map V -1). The property slopes gently southward down to Southcenter Boule- vard at a 5 to 10% grade. Presently, Tukwila's Public Works Department and Office of Community Development occupy.a former sing le- family resi- dence on the site. The "Affected" Area Adjacent to the proposed City Hall Complex site are several properties which are undergoing a transition from single - family residential use to office, commercial, and apartment use. This "affected area" is illustrated on Map V -1 by a dashed border and is defined as those pro- perties which have access to Southcenter Boulevard between 62nd and 65th V -1 HJNON 110,002— I :•-•71`sM W NI`DIA • • Avenues South. The area comprises approximately 392,000 square feet or about nine (9) acres. (It is likely that this area will develop homogeneously due to traffic patterns, location, and the City's com- prehensive land use plan.) LAND USE WITHIN THE AFFECTED AREA PERCENT OF USE ACRES TOTAL AREA Office (City of Tukwila, King County Housing Authority) 3.9 acres 43% Single - family Residential 4.0 acres 44% (Two homes) Undeveloped 1.1 acres 13% 9.0 acres 100% As mentioned above, the affected area is presently experiencing a slow, gradual trend toward office and commercial use. When the City Hall Complex is built, it is likely that this process will be sped up, ulti- mately supplanting the two existing single - family homes with office and retail structures. Increases in vehicular traffic using Southcenter Boulevard will accompany this future development, although these volumes are expected to be well within the capacity of the street. b. The character of the site vicinity is one of transition and it is reflected not only by the diversity of land uses found within the area but by the scale of development also. For example, the two single - family residences in the vicinity are approximately 1000- 1400 square feet, while the 2 -story King County Housing Authority structure is 11,000 square feet. The pro- jected size of the proposed City Hall Complex is 20,000 square feet. 3. AIR QUALITY a. Existing Air Quality Suspended particulate concentrations — the largest source of which is road dust — are high for the Tukwila area and periodically exceed the ambient air quality standards adopted by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency (PSAPCA). According to PSAPCA, concentrations of sus- pended particulates have increased in this area over the past few years and will probably continue to increase in the future. Carbon monoxide is the most problematical of the motor vehicle related air contaminants although it is expected to diminish in the future. In V -2 • • 1972, the carbon monoxide standard was exceeded on 107 days in Seattle. , According to the Department of Ecology, air quality conditions related to carbon monoxide in the Tukwila Valley are analogous to downtown Seattle. b. Air Emissions Produced by Project Insignificant amounts of suspended particulates and carbon monoxide are expected to be produced by project operations during construction. c. Dispersal of Emissions Topographical and meterological conditions will not hinder the dispersal of air emissions. d. Measures to Control Emissions If the project is constructed during periods of low precipitation, the site will be misted to keep dust down during grading and hauling opera- tions. 4. WATER QUALITY Water Resources in Area A small, seasonal creek runs along the western edge of the proposed City Hall site. This creek originates in an upland bowl approximately 100 feet in elevation above the site. Discharge of the creek ranges from 0 to about 10 cfs. b. Existing Water Quality Surface drainage water quality in the abovementioned creek is expected to be high. The majority of the creek's watershed is presently in a natural state and much of the rest is occupied by homes and lawns; only a small percentage of the surface drainage is contributed by roads and parking lots. Underground water quality is also expected to be high. No homes or businesses in the project area, however, draw water from these ground- water supplies. c. Sources of Water Supply An 8 -inch water main with a service stub to the property exists at the site's south property line. This line is part of the City of Tukwila's own municipal water supply system which receives water from the City of Seattle. No appreciable impacts to this water system or available sup - plies are expected as a result of the proposed project. Water lines in the subject area are sized for future development. V -3 d. Handling of Surface Runoff The semi - natural environment which presently characterizes the creek on the site will be maintained by the project proposal. Additional surface runoff which will be generated by parking lots, buildings, and other impervious surfaces will be diverted into this creek. Drainage from this creek will flow under Southcenter Boulevard and empty into Gilliam Creek which in turn, flows eastward for about 4 mile and empties into the Green River via a floodgate.• e., f., g. Treatment of Effluent Human wastes generated by the project facilities and other primary users would be handled by the existing sanitary sewer system which runds along Southcenter Boulevard. Effluent in this system is treated by Metro's Renton Sewage Treatment Plant located one mile to the east. 5, SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT .,.c. Types of Solid Waste and Disposal Methods Construction of a new city hall will necessitate the eventual abandon- ment and removal of the existing structure(s) on the site. Some building materials may be salvaged from these structures but much will become refuse and be disposed of at local refuse stations. It is not expected that significant amounts of solid waste will be produced by the proposed city hall facility itself. b. TRANSPORTATION a. Available Transportation Facilities The subject site is located in the midst of a complex network of free- ways and arterial streets, (SEE, Map V -1). The intersection of Inter - sates 5 and 405 is located approximately 4 mile to the west. The site itself fronts on Southcenter Boulevard which links 1 -5 with Interurban Avenue. Two bridges which span I -405 connects Southcenter Boulevard with Tukwila Parkway, which serves the Andover Industrial Park and Southcenter Shopping Center areas. 62nd and 65th Avenues South, which serve the residential area of Tukwila, pour down off the hill near the project area and connect with Southcenter Boulevard. In a manner of speaking, the proposed city hall site lies at the intersection of the residential and business communities, equally and conveniently accessi- ble to both sectors. Public transportation is provided to the project site by Metro Transit line #145 and #150. Route #145 is a shuttle between Tukwila, Renton, - and Kent. Route 150 is a north -south route which runs through the Green River Valley from Auburn to Seattle. Buses on these routes run at least every hour between 5 AM and 11 PM, daily. • • b. New Transportation Patterns Access to the present Public Works and Community Development Offices is from Southcenter Boulevard. When the proposed. City Hall Complex is built, access to the site would be changed to 62nd Avenue South. This change in access will increase traffic safety along Southcenter Boule- vard but may mandate the eventual upgrading of 62nd Avenue at least between its intersection with Southcenter Boulevard and the city hall access road. c. Effect of New Transportation Patterns on Existing Development Improvements to 62nd Avenue South which would result from the construc- tion of the City Hall Complex would have little or no impact on land use bordering this street. Increased traffic, although relatively insigni- ficant, could induce more office or commercially - related use along this street. . d. Transportation System Capacities In August 1976, traffic counts were taken by the City's Public Works Department on Southcenter Boulevard at the proposed city hall site. Average daily traffic(ADT) was found to be approximately 3500 - 4000 vehicles, with peak hour volumes of 550. The vehicular traffic capacity of Southcenter Boulevard is projected to be about 5400 vehicles daily. The increases in vehicular traffic caused by the proposed project are expected to be well within this limit. Moreover, the traffic capacity of Southcenter Boulevard is expected to increase in the near future as a result of improvements planned in the City's six -year street construc- tion program. NOISE a. Major Sources of Noise In the project vicinity, ,the major source of noise is Interstate 405. The Overall ambient noise level is about 80-85 dba. Construction of city hall will have little, if any, effect on the ambient noise level. b. Land Uses Affected by Noise Noise is not considered to be a significant environmental problem in light of existing noise levels on the site. In fact, because the city hall complex will not generate significant noise it may be regarded as a noise buffer for other land uses which locate behind it. 8. HISTORIC /ARCHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES There are no known, significant historic or archeological properties- associated with the proposed city hall complex site. V -5 WILDLIFE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES a. Wildlife Resources Several species of small mammals including skunk, rabbit, and weasel have been observed on the site. These species live on the neighboring forested property and use the site primarily for forage. The plum and apple trees, as well as the blackberry bushes and grassed areas, provide forage for several species of game and songbirds also. Sensitive site treatment of building layout and landscaping can help to preserve a large portion of the wildlife habitat which presently exists. b. Endangered Species None of the wildlife species which utilize the site are considered rare or endangered. 10. ENERGY a. Energy Supplies and Sources Washington Natural Gas Co. maintains a 4 -inch natural gas line along Southcenter Boulevard which would be adequate for a city hall complex. Puget Sound Power & Light Co. maintains a power line along Southcenter Boulevard which also is adequate for the anticipated demands of a city hall complex. 11. CONSTRUCTION Because construction will take place during the wet season, careful atten- tion will be paid to possible siltation and erosion problems. A series of settling ponds will be required during the construction period of prevent siltation in the storm sewer system. In addition, erosion will be controlled by requiring fill compaction, hydroseeding, and conformance to Chapter 70, UBC, which regulates grading and filling. 12, PUBLIC REACTION a. Public Objections No public objections have been made to the proposed project based on environmental reasons. b., c. Public Awareness of Project No public hearing has been held on the proposed project. However, many meetings of the Tukwila City Council have been held to consider location, design, funding, and function of the proposed city hall complex. 13. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT a.- Alternative Locations What is commonly referred to as the Desimone property located at 65th Avenue and South 151st Street was considered by the City Council as an alternative site for city hall. To permit a city hall to be constructed on this site, the Council initiated a change in zoning to P -F, which allows governmental office buildings. However, the Planning Commission recommended denial of this zone change for land use and environmental reasons, and the effort died at that point. As far back as 1973, the Planning Commission evaluated alternative sites for city hall location. The subject site or Annex site was one of ten (10) studied, and one of three recommended as suitable for city hall. b. Alternative Designs The Tukwila City Council studied various building designs of city hall, ranging from tall and narrow structures to short and elongated ones. The latter was chosen as the most conducive to the "small town atmos- phere" the Council wished to project and the architectural firm of Mithun Associates was selected as the most capable to accomplsih this design feat.