HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 27-08 SEPA Checklist
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 12
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist: Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background [HELP]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Point Whitney Access Redevelopment
2. Name of applicant:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Christina Gourley
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501
360-790-3118
4. Date checklist prepared:
November 27, 2019
5. Agency requesting checklist:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Upland work will be conducted once permits are obtained and in water work will be conducted
during the applicable fish windows and during low tides or low water where possible. The approved
work window for the marine areas of Puget Sound is July 16 through September 30. Work could
potentially be completed after September 30 and before Feb 15 following a negative forage fish
survey conducted by a trained professional.
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.
A Biological Assessment has been prepared by KPFF for the project work. An eelgrass delineation
was also conducted.
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 are known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Approvals will be sought from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (HPA), US Army Corps
of Engineers (Nationwide Permit), and any applicable Jefferson County permits, which may include,
but are not limited to Shoreline Substantial Development and critical areas.
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. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
The project site is a public boat launch and water access area on one parcels totaling 7.83 acres.
Previous property improvements included in this project have already been permitted and completed
as routine maintenance, including parking lot grading, a new kiosk, and restroom upgrades. This
project focuses on the improvements associated with the boat launch itself. The current launch will be
left in place while new planks and articulated concrete mat will be placed along the same alignment
at an elevation that may meet but not exceed the beach elevation. The ramp is being raised to improve
safety and reduce impacts on beach substrates in the area. Mitigation for the work will include
removal of 2 piles within the lagoon area and the grading ot the west end of the “point” to match the
grade of the beach. This is a slight reduction in parking area, though no parking area is delineated.
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
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 12
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.
Take US highway 101 north through the town of Brinnon. Approximately 3 miles north of Brinnon,
turn right onto Bee Mill Road. Continue on Bee Mill Road (turns into Point Whitney Road) for 2.2
miles. The access is at the end of the road. It is located on parcel 601071001in the NE quarter of
Section 7, Township 26N, Range 1W within Jefferson County. B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other __Sloping to water____ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The boat ramp is roughly 12.5%
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
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils.
Soils are composed of Hoodsport very gravelly sandy loam (0-5% slopes) and Coastal Beaches.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
The area is listed as a landslide hazard area by Thurston County.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
Material will not be removed from the site. The existing boat launch is being left in place and a
new ramp is being placed on top to meet the grade of the beach during peak usage times. The new
ramp planks are roughly 132 feet long, with 33 new planks being installed. The planks are
precast concrete planks, 4’x12’x6” and will be placed on top of the existing launch atop steel
rails/bars to match current beach grade. Articulated concrete mats will be added along the edges
of the ramp to reduce erosion potential. The mats are 4’ wide and conform to the surface and
curve into the substrate to increase the footprint roughly 1056 square feet total, An increase of
footprint roughly 136 square feet above mean higher high water (MHHW) and 920 square feet
below MHHW is anticipated. Piles will be removed as mitigation for the work. The western point
will also be graded to beach vegetation level to increase the ability for sediments to move.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Clearing will not be done at the site. Some gravels will be removed for the placement of
articulated concrete mats, but will be replaced as fill in the same area. The movement of
sediments is obstructing the boat launch and the activities planned will allow for both movement
of the sediments and safe use of the boat launch.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
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No new impervious surface is being added to upland areas for this project. Articulated concrete
mats will be added around the edging of the ramp with an increase of 1,056 square feet with 20%
open space.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Standard BMPs will be in place for all project actions. The gravel substrate in the marine area is
all that will be moved, as the parking area maintenance is not occurring at this time.
2. Air [help] a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
The project will have estimated temporary impacts from construction equipment. No additional
emissions are anticipated after project completion. These are anticipated to be temporary in
nature and to be a short duration (less than 10 working days).
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:
Construction equipment will be fitted with standard emission reducers and will not be left to idle
when not in use.
3. Water [help] a. Surface Water: [help] 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.
The Point Whitney Access provides access to Hood Canal and Quilcene and Dabob Bay. These
are marine waters.
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.
Project work will occur in and near water. The boat launch will be left in place and the new
launch will be constructed on top of the existing launch. New articulated concrete matting with
20% open space will be placed on both sides of the launch. During construction, placement will
occur at the lowest water possible and all large equipment will be kept within the footprint of the
current boat launch. Equipment will not work from the beach. Pile removal work used for
mitigation will occur below MHHW when water levels are low. Grading of the point for
mitigation is above MHHW.
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.
Please see the following as listed on Sheet 5 of the drawing set.
Material Cut Below
MHHW
Fill Below
MHHW
Cut Above
MHHW
Fill Below
MHHW
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Concrete
planks
19 CY 7 CY
Gravel 12 CY 31 CY 5CY 12 CY
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No surface water withdrawls or diversions are necessary. All work will be conducted at low
water conditions and equipment will work within previously disturbed footprints.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Yes. FIRM map panel # 5300690865B, shows the property is within Zone A.
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.
There are no adverse changes to waste material discharge. No new discharges will be added. The
access site is sloped and drains into the waterbody.
b. Ground Water: [help] 1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No groundwater will be withdrawn for this project.
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) are expected to serve.
There will be no discharge into the ground.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater): 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.
Stormwater runoff is present on the site due to the sloping nature of a boat launch and access to
water. There are no changes proposed.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
There are no anticipated changes to materials entering ground or surface waters.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
No drainage patterns will be altered in the vicinity of the site.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
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pattern impacts, if any:
No measures are proposed to reduce or control any waters. Uplands work is not proposed.
4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_X___deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_X___evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
_X___shrubs
_X___grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
_X___water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other : EELGRASS
____other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Vegetation is not anticipated to be altered or removed on the site.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No threatened or endangered plant species are known to be on or near the site.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
Grading will be done to remove some relic parking areas and return the point to a more naturally
vegetated state. No plantings are proposed.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
Himalayan blackberry exists on the site.
5. Animals [help] a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: purple martin
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: seals
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Marbeled murrelet, Northern spotted owl, Short-tailed albatross, PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead,
PS bull trout, southern resident killer whale, and Hood Canal Summer Run chum are all listed in this
area. A biological assessment has been prepared on the project and potential impacts to species and
critical habitats.
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c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Yes. This is part of the Pacific flyway for migratory birds and is also a migration route for salmonids
and other fish.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
The improvements proposed on the site will include mitigation elements. These include piling removal
and restoration of the point to a lower grade where vegetation can establish.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
None are known.
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help] 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.
None.
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 [help] 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.
None are known.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
No contamination is known in the area. Sediment movement is on-going and there will be
shallow digging only at the site.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity.
None.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project.
None.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
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The site is already a developed public access site and the use is not changing. There are no
anticipated increases to emergency services.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
None are proposed.
b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
No types of noise exist that may affect the 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)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Short term construction noise will be created due to the operation of machinery and equipment
and the material deliveries that will need to occur. Construction noise will occur per allowable
times with guidance from Jefferson County when tides are low. Once the project is complete, there
are no additional anticipated noise impacts to the site.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Noise impacts will be minimal and temporary in duration. All construction will fall within the
guidelines set forth by Jefferson County.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help] a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The site is currently a water access site operated by WDFW. Buildings on the property are leased
to other stakeholders not involved in this application. These actions will not affect the use at the
site or adjacent areas.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to
other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use?
No.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
No.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Many of the structures on the parcel are part of a lease agreement. Those facilities are not a part of
this proposal. There is a public access bathroom and a kiosk available for users.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No structures will be demolished.
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e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Parks, Preserves, and Recreation (PPR)
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Parks, Preserves, and Recreation (PPR)
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Conservancy
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
None.
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:
There will not be displacement impacts.
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
The use of the site is not changing. The proposal does not violate any urban growth or similar
documentation.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any:
There are no impacts to agricultural or forest lands in this proposal.
9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, 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 [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
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No structures will be placed in this project. All proposed activity includes the boat launch and
articulated concrete mats.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
No views will be obstructed.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
None.
11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
There will be no added light or glare with this proposal.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
No. There are no light or glare impacts.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
No sources of light or glare will affect the proposal.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
There are no proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts.
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
This is a public water access site. There is a boat launch and beach access as well as parking and a
flushing restroom facility. The most common uses of this site include bird and wildlife viewing; boating
access; fishing access; shellfishing access; and beach access.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
The project aims to enhance current opportunities by providing a safe and useful boat launch.
Temporary closures of the site will occur while construction is occurring for public safety.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
The site will need to be closed during construction. This time will be the least amount of time possible
to control impacts on recreation. The WDFW Public Affairs division will post updates on the closure
for public access.
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help] a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so,
specifically describe.
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No previously recorded historic properties within 1-mile of project area. The site and surroundings
have been reviewed by WDFW Archaeologist.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources.
Iverson 2012 cultural resource survey of project area, Wilt 2001 survey within 1-mile.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
Consultation with affected Tribes. Rorabaugh 2019 site visit confirming negative 2012 report results. No historic
structures or cultural materials impacted.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
WDFW Inadvertent Discovery Plan.
14. Transportation [help] a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
The site is accessed via Bee Mill Road and Point Whitney Road. All access will be from these roads off
Hwy 101.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
The closest public transit stop is in Brinnon, roughly 6 miles from the site.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Parking is not proposed in this project. The proposal eliminates some parking area gravel, but this
area is not striped or utilized for parking generally.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
There will not be any improvements to existing roads or streets.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
No transportation methods will be used in the proposal. The project is not near water, rail, or air
transportation areas.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 12
be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation
models were used to make these estimates?
The project is not anticipated to increase traffic to the area. Peak volumes of use will likely be
during recreational fishing times with favorable weather conditions. Trailers with boats are often
present on the site. No transportation studies have been conducted.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
No.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
No transportation impacts are anticipated.
15. Public Services [help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
The use of the site is not anticipated to change and there is no expected increase in need for public
services.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
The use of the site is not anticipated to change and there is no expected increase in need for public
services.
16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity (in the restroom), natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer,
septic system,
other __ _________
c. 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.
No utilities are proposed for the project or access area.
C. Signature [HELP] 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: ___________________________________________________
Name of signee ____Christina Gourley________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization ___Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4, WDFW ____
Date Submitted: _11/27/19____________