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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E96-0031 - CITY OF TUKWILA - RIVERTON CREEK SALMON ENHANCEMENTRIVERTON CREEK SALMON ENHANCEMENT PROJECT INSTALLATION OF REMOTE SITE SALMON EGG INCUBATOR 3417 S. 120T" PL. E96-0031 City of Tukwila John W. Rants, Mayor Department of Public Works Ross A. Earnst, P. E., Director November 7, 1997 Ms. Elizabeth J. Warman, Manager Local Government Affairs, Puget Sound The Boeing Company P.O. Box 3707, #MS 14-49 Seattle, Washington 98124-2207 I"am writing this letter to thank you for your continued support of the City of Tukwila in our efforts to restore fisheries stocks and habitat on Riverton Creek. The habitat restoration project at the East Marginal Way site is moving forward into the construction phase with the benefit of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and The Boeing Company along with the Watershed Action Grant we received from King County. These efforts have generated additional interest in Riverton Creek by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. We met with them recently to discuss their intention to dedicate their resources to improve the lower section of Riverton Creek (near the outfalls at Gateway North commercial park). They are now in the final approval phases with their Tribal Council and may be able to provide up to $100,000 towards additional stream restoration downstream of SR 599. The work would involve the removal of the outfall pipes and flap gates, stream channel excavation and reconstruction, instream habitat improvements, and enhancement of streamside vegetation. In. our discussion with tribal representatives, they suggested that the approval of this project would be enhanced if we. could secure the participation of other interested parties in the Riverton Creek Basin. The City has applied to King County for a Small Habitat Restoration Project grant to do revegetation work at the site, however, given the uncertainty of receiving this grant, it would be extremely valuable if The Boeing Company could also contribute Some resources to the project If you know of any community participation or environmental enhancement funds available for such projects, we would 'greatly appreciate the assistance. Perhaps The Boeing Company could fund the initial design report for the project if we obtain the Muckleshoot Tribe's commitment to follow through with the construction (approx. $7-9,000). 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 0 Tukwila, Washington 98188 0 Phone: (206) 433-0179 0 Fax (206) 431-3665 Riverton Letter 11/7/97 PAGE TWO The Boeing Company's continued support for the City's projects is greatly appreciated and we look forward to working with you on issues of mutual interest. Please contact me at 433-0179 if I you need additional information or.wish to discuss the details of the Muckleshoot Tribe's proposal in greater detail. Sincerely, Do : Micheau Public Works Coordinator City of Tukwila h John W. Rants, Mayor epartment of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director September 27, 1996 Doug Micheau City of Tukwila Public Works Department 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 RE: Riverton Creek Salmon Enhancement Project E96-0031 Dear Mr. Micheau: Upon further review it is the Planning Division's decision that the Riverton Creek Salmon Enhancement Project will not require SEPA review. This decision is based on: WAC 197-11-835 (3) Hydraulic project approvals where there is no other agency with jurisdiction (besides the Department of Game) requiring a nonexempt permit, except for proposals involving removal of fifty or more cubic yards of streambed materials or involving realignment into a new channel. For purposes of this paragraph, .the term new channel shall not include existing channels which have been naturally abandoned within the twelve months previous to the hydraulic permit application. (6) The routine release of hatchery fish or the reintroduction of endemic or native species into their historical habitat where only minor documented effects on other species will occur. I will close out the SEPA file: Sincerely, Nora Gierloff Assistant Planner cc: Ryan Partee, Public Works 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Suite #100 ° Tukwila, Washington 98188 0 (206) 41313670 0 Fax (206) 431-3665 MEMORANDUM TO: Steve Lancaster, DCD Director Jack Pace, Senior Planner FROM: Gary Schulz, Urban Environmentalist DATE: September 13, 1996 RE: Riverton Creek Salmon Enhancement Project, SEPA File E96-0031. I have reviewed the SEPA checklist for the installation of a remote site salmon egg incubator within Riverton Creek. The proposal includes an instream incubator box and the necessary structures to make it function and protect it from storm flows. The proposed timing for this work is in September and will be conditioned by Fisheries' Hydraulic Project Approval permit (HPA) after the SEPA determination is issued. This is a temporary installation of a device to "naturally" introduce salmon to the stream whereby they may return in a couple years to spawn. Because the Sensitive Areas Ordinance regulates activities in our watercourses, I recommend issuance of a DNS. It appears the level of work covered by this SEPA should only be for the incubator box installation. There are no significant impacts associated with this project work. However, other future enhancements mentioned in the checklist need more detail and are not scheduled to be installed this fall. Please let me know if more review is needed. i Memorandum DATE: September 11, 1996 TO: FROM: Ross Earn Steve Lancaster RE: SEPA Checklist for the Riverton Creek salmon restoration project. Over the past several years, the momentum to bring salmon to our local streams has been steadily growing. Local school groups have heightened community awareness with releases of small numbers of coho salmon into the Riverton drainage through the salmon in the classroom program. Several citizen groups have also been involved in the recent development of our water quality management plans. In addition, there is a major effort underway in the Green/Duwamish River system to restore habitat and the City has been working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop project application criteria to allocate funds for habitat restoration projects in 1997 and 1998. The purpose of this project is to introduce coho salmon into the Riverton drainage using a remote site egg incubator. The facility is temporary, but does require diverting a small quantity of the stream flow through the incubator as well as the placement of some minor in stream structures. We hope to have the approvals necessary t establish this incubator facilityby mid October. This will allow us to be ready to receive a donation of coho salmon eggs from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The salmon restoration project described herein is the first stage in the process of restoring our local drainages to a condition that is suitable for salmon use. Enclosed is a copy of the Riverton Creek SEPA Checklist for your review and processing. Please contact Doug Micheau for any questions or concerns regarding the project. No.LL ---009 Epic F. e No. 6,0031 Fee: 4 Receipt No. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Salmon Enhancement Project: Riverton Creek 2. Name of applicant: City of Tukwila. 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 6300 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 433-0179; Doug Micheau 4. Date checklist prepared: 09/11/96. 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila, Public Works Department. 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Construction is planned to begin in September of 1996 and last approximately 180 days. 0 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related .to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. Yes. Future plans include salmon habitat enhancement and stream restoration. 2 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. This checklist, an HPA, and the Riverton Creek Water Quality Management Plan. Page 1 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECI T • 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. No. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal. HPA 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. 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. Section E requires a complete description of the objectives and alternates of your proposal and should not be summarized here. The project consists of the installation of remote site salmon egg incubator with some stream ponding to create a "head" for water supply. In addition, some in stream structures will be used to protect the incubator against high water flow periods. 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 project is located in the City of Tukwila. Section SW10, Township 23 N, Range 4E. Specifically, the site is located on the area of Riverton creek currently ocuppied by the Boeing Co. 3417 S. 120th Pl. Tukwila WA. 98188. 13. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan Map as environmentally sensitive? Yes. Page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECI T • B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: Flat area adjacent to Riverton Creek immediately down stream of a large concrete structure. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The maximum slope is approximately 25%. However, this is due to a concrete cascade structure. The rest of the site is under 3% gradient. 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. The soils include silty sands with gravels. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No. • e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. None. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Yes. Some minor erosion could occur during installation. Erosion control techniques will be used to limit this to a minimum and surface areas involved are of negligible impact to the stream and surrounding area. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? None, incubator installation is temporary and the permanent in stream structures will be placed in areas already submerged. Page 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIANT h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Temporary erosion control materials will be employed during construction as required. 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. None. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. No. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: N/A. 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 it flows into. Yes. Riverton Creek is a small year-round tributary to the Duwamish River. Page 4 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECK•T 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. Yes. The overall project will introduce salmonids into this tributary of the Duwamish using a remote site incubator. Water will be drawn from the stream, passed through an incubator, then returned to the stream. In order to operate the incubator, we will need to construct a temporary dam using sandbags and other materials to raise the water level approximately 18 inches in order to provide a head for the gravity fed system. Other construction may include use of one to two person rocks to protect the incubator from storm water flow and the construction of a small pool (4x6) at the exit pipe of the incubator. Contemporary stream restoration techniques will be used to enhance stream areas near the incubator site. This project will not have negative impact on the system and will not create an impassable barrier to fish. Standard precautions will be taken to minimize disruption of water quality during the installation process. 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. N/A. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. Yes. Water use will entail drawing water from the stream at 50 GPM, passing it through an incubator, then returning it to the stream resulting in no net water loss from the system. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year fioodplain? If so, note 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. Yes. Incubator effluent will be slightly lower in dissolved oxygen and slightly higher in nitrogenous wastes. However, water will be aerated while exiting the incubator to provide treatment. Page 5 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKT • b. Ground: 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. No. 2) Describe waste materials 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 (f applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. N/A 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. This project will not increase existing runoff potential. Page 6 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIAT • 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No, not as a source of runoff from the incubator. However, small quantities of nitrogenous wastes will be discharged into Riverton Creek. (See 3. a. 6.) d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: None. 4. Plants a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Grass. To the extent that it no longer encroaches into the stream bed. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known. Page 7 deciduous tree: . der aple aspen, other evergreen tree: it edar, pine, other s alfgr pasture crop or grain wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, water plants: water lily, eel grass, milfoil,-CEf=> ✓ other types of vegetation : zd.sus sr. . b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Grass. To the extent that it no longer encroaches into the stream bed. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known. Page 7 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEAT d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Future enhancement and restoration will include seeding and planting of native riparian vegetation as coordinated with the property owners to imrove the riparian habitat along the drainage. The placement of this facility will notinclude any landscaping. 5. Animals a. List any birds or animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: Birds: songbirds, crows. Mammals: raccoons, squirrels, small rodents. Fish: threespine stickleback, sculpin. • Other: insects. b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: Future salmon habitat enhancement including the installation of in stream enhancement structures, and increased riparian vegetation throughout the entire drainage are proposed. The incubator itself is designed to enhance salmonid populations in Riverton Creek and the Duwamish River system. Page 8 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECI T • 6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. The incubator does not require any source of energy other than gravity to provide water flow through the system. 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: N/A 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. None. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None. Page 9 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIAT b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Site is located in a commercial/industrial area bordered by high volume traffic corridors. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. Potential for use of a backhoe and small power tools during the installation of the incubator. Future habitat enhancement work may include the operationd a Vactortruck. All work will be conducted during business hours. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Restrict hours of operation to comply with the City's noise ordinance. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? The site is currently a stream bank within a commeercial/industrial complex which produces components for civilian aircraft. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. No. c. Describe any structures on the site. There is a 30' high tilt up concrete building on the site approximately 50' from the stream bank and incubator location. Also located on the site in the stream is a 24' concrete cascade structure (25% grade) which is a barier to fish migration. Page 10 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIOT d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Comercial. • f What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? MIC/L g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. Yes. Riverton Creek, where the incubator will be placed, is a type 2 stream and is listed in the City of Tukwila as a designated water course. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? None. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None. L Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The proposed improvements do not change from the existing use or capacity. Page 11 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKT 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing? N/A. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. N/A. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: N/A. 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? N/A. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: None. Page 12 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKT • 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 or 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: None. 12. Recreation a. What designed and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? The site provide a passive recreation area with a small number of picnic tables as well as visual access along portions of the stream. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None. Page 13 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIAT 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe. No. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. N/A. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: N/A. 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. S. 120th Pl. from E. Marginal Way S. b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Yes. Bus service is provided approximately 2 blocks away on E. Marginal Way. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? Not applicable. Page 14 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKIIT • 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. e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, 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. One. 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. Yes. The City of Tukwila will be required to monitor the incubator system to ensure fish survival until voluntary release. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. It is anticipated that there will be volunteer assistance during the course of the project. Page 15 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIAT 16. Utilities • a. Circle utilities curre tl available at the site. electrics natural gas anitary sewer, ptic 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. None. 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: Page 16 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECIOT • D. 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 foregoing items of the Environmental Checklist. This information provides a general overall perspective of the proposed action in the context of the environmental information provided and the submitted plans, documents, supportive information, studies, etc. 1. What are the objectives of the proposal? Installation of a remote site salmon egg incubator to provide a salmonid population in Riverton Creek. 2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives? Plant hatchery juveniles into the system. 3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course of action: Planting of hatchery juveniles is less effective from the standpoint of imprinting and acclimation to help ensure survivability and minimize return migration straying. 4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? No. 5. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are: None. Page 17 ��JeQTo�J c' S (TE- 64,rL ► s iNAA-ll, wJ . TO p /1,A/ 14E7ACt _-► (wart_ Stippu.i ►n1C�Bkrtr2 WAE \FLow SrArtont 63AST1 (0 5.6"D► n.1 4►T Cv4 AIM-Sy/0)1) COI e41-61-E-- S De. View 2. Pct,./ 02.0 c K S 60E��4(. EX 1 sr/A/6 R! 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