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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA Checklist.� SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST MA � ` r 24'1) Purpose of checklist: J�fiF�j4SQ1V Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental lmpa%YN4O© proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimizatlan 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 "notapplicable" or "does notapply" onl when you can explain why it does not a I 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: hel 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. Backgroundhf g 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: S' Klallam Shellfish Farm in Dabob Bay 2. Name of applicant: Ron Allen and Jeromy Sullivan, Chairmen of the Jamestown S'Klallam and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 15 3. Address and phone rhumber of applicant and contact person: 19472 Powder Hill Place NE, Suite 210, Poulsbo, Wa 98370. 360-297-6526 4. Date checklist prepared: 2 / 21 / 2 017 5.. Agency requesting checklist: Jefferson County 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Project will begin upon approval of all permits, predicted to be April, 2017. Aquaculture activities will continue until such time as the lease with Washington Department of Natural Resources is terminated. 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. An archeological report has been prepared (see attached). Mapping of existing eel grass bed locations has been performed. An oyster and clam population abundance estimate has been performed. 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 No Nek L -Qs 'i�Oqi� �� tt B 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Sa�' CouI Army Corps of Engineers Nation Wide 48 Permit has been issued.`3hOv- \'nk Lease with Washington DNR is under negotiation. subs—'k" A 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size'F\ C)CC\ 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.) Purpose: Produce shellfish to sell for human consumption. The Tribes needs to grow shellfish because so many shellfish growing areas where the Tribes are accustomed to harvesting wild shellfish are either over harvested or are suffering from poor water quality. The following farming methods will be used: On -Bottom Beach Oysters (Up to 25 acres) are oysters which are raised on tidal beaches with muddy, sandy or rocky bottoms. Seed oysters (<1") are distributed over the substrate and involves staking down a mesh predator net over the oysters to prevent the SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 15 seed from being washed away or being consumed by predators. The net is removed when the oysters reach a larger size, within 90- 120 days. Nets will not be used on more than two acres at any one time. Weather and UV exposure cause nets to degrade quicker, nets will not remain on the beach longer than necessary. Most of the on -bottom beach oysters will be growing freely on the substrate with no need for equipment. Oysters grow out for approximately 14 months, then are harvested by hand and placed into oyster harvest bags. Oyster harvest bags are containers that can be lifted onto a vessel like a crab pot. Surplus harvest will be brought to the deeper areas of the parcel void of Zostera marina, where it can be retrieved by vessel at high tide. This will reduce the number of low tides workers will be present on the beach between harvests. On -Bottom Flip Bags (Up to 25 acres) are used to grow oysters in mesh bags which are attached to a line and anchored to the substrate. Oysters will also grow out for either 14 months in the bags or be spread onto the beach after reaching a larger size. Suspended Tumbled Oyster Culture: (Up to 10 acres) Bag culture oysters are grown in mesh cages or bags which are generally staked about one to two feet off the bottom. This suspension method is usually done horizontally and staked about one to two feet above the bottom in an intertidal region. Tumbled oysters are raised in bags with floats on them and are periodically tumbled with normal tide exchange. This strengthens their shells and adds firmness to the meat. It also adds a distinctive look to the shell as it becomes smoother from tumbling. Manila Clam Farming Methods: (Up to 5 acres) Seeding of manila clams will take place throughout the property on any substrate at an elevation between one to six feet elevation. Seed will be spread on an incoming tide and will be covered with 15x50 foot predator netting. 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 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 15 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. Tidelands associated with Jefferson County Tax Parcel #701163005 East side of Dabob Bay, Jefferson County, Washington. Section 15-22, Township 27N, Range 1W. Coordinates: 47.8386N, -122.809W to 47.8222N, -122.7946W NAD83 For maps see Project Drawings B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTShf g l 1. EarthhI e a. General description of the site:hf elpl (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other Immediate project area is comprised of relatively flat tidelands. Approximately 2/3 of the adjacent uplands outside of the project area are steep bluffs. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The maximum tideland slope is approximately 2%. 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. Sand,gravel and muck are present on the tidelands. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Yes. A large bluff adjacent to the project area with a current slope of approximately 70% collapsed in the mid - 1990's resulting in a large fan-like deposit of sediment onto the tidelands. 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. No filling, excavation or grading is proposed. 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)? 0 % h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: N/A _. .............. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 15 2. Airhf elpl 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. 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 hel a. Surface Water: 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. Proj ect area is in the intertidal zone and is inundated by Dabob Bay during incoming tides. 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. See proj ect description on page 2, question 11. 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. None 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. N/A. Project site is in the intertidal zone. + 1 c-5 (\\\ C)_� -?rOV6_-'C1 eS 0 C .C� ire � (,u t\+�k V\ 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 15 b. Ground Water: 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. 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. None. 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. None. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: N/A. 4. Plants hel a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:hf p deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other ___,shrubs grass pasture crop or grain Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 15 wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other X water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None. All eelgrass areas will be avoided with a 16 foot buffer observed. b. List threatened and 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: None. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None. One non-native plant species present: Zostera japonica (Japanese eelgrass) 5. Animalshf g 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.hj elpl Shellfish species present include: Butter clams, Manila clams, native littleneck clams, geoduck clams, Pacific oysters, Olympia oysters, red rock crab, Dungeness crab.. Finfish species present include: Pacific sand lance, surf smelt, anchovie, Chum, pink, coho and chinook salmon, pacific staghorn sculpin Bird species present include: Common murre, Western grebe, great blue heron, Bald eagle, Golden eagle Marine mammal species present include: Dall's porpoise, harbor seal, Orca, c. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Hood Canal Summer Chum Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Marbled Murrelet, Orca SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 raye i or 10 c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Likely migration route for some salmon species returning to Tarboo Bay. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None, but we will follow the conditions described in the Specific Project Information Form (SPIFF) provided by the Army Corps of Engineers reflecting the decisions in the Biological Opinions. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None 6. Energy and Natural Resources IbLIM 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 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 Healthhf elpl 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 any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None. 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. None SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 15 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None b. Noisehf elpl 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? None 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. Normal noise associated with use of vessels to access the tidelands and retrieve product, similar to the uses of neighboring shellfish farms and fishery activities. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: None 8. Land and Shoreline Use hel 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. Current use of tidelands is aquaculture production. Current use of adjacent uplands is light density of permanent and seasonal homes. No significant impacts on current use is anticipated from proposed pro j e oject s -"4� c�.o Gtc1 . �,7�—+1CWco11 y0 & 4-6 e— snu+', `'�'�'►"•�' � ►�l`Cnb�.� � f C�'Y`6�YY'w2-Y +�{7•--�t C't rh.G-e YGGtY`k`Tl Ul .,�,._�k .� �ti#� I.�l �� �-c AY e,,- 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 +Y��e--'u^vv'c 6)'- I nonforest use? Yes, the parcels have been used as working-hhltlr, shellfish farmlands for several decades. No part of the��,lrt^4�` parcel will be converted from working farmlands. 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. None d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No e. What isthe current zoning classification of the site? RR20 Rural Residental 1:20 u�10, hs► s�Z\rte.\ Qe l Af-V\A--( aA 1" S Li 1 i O- .4vo S SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 15 What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Rural Residental s g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Conservancy I;I C -At (- U �\ 0 04� h. Has any part of the site been classified as a Critical area by the city or county? No. ��5. �i�"`w'l nr�r� �11�.���e �,�►-�,a�"Z"c�r����'�r'���c�r•. �-'p'�A .���^ ��`itfr"r1` ��- .9�'w,"�'� :-"""IesC�+�r� �,rn�€ �^.�c�� . V�laYNi 1\t%\k �:wex-oA rxAAi c( -,,c;. C j �, 1 � i. Approximately how many pe'bple would reside or work in the completed project? 'there will be no residential occupancy in the project area. Up to 20 individuals may be employed on a seasonal basis on the project. 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: Land use will comply with DNR Stewardship Department. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: None. 9. Housinghf elpl 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 15 10. Aesthetics 1bqj121 a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? Only structures proposed are oyster tumble bags. Maximum height of 3 feet, principal material is semi-rigid plastic mesh. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? See attached Visual Impact Analysis d. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: All gear will be composed of natural colored materials. 11. Light and Glarehj elpl a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Periodically, lights will be used during night tide work. 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: Lights will only illuminate the substrate of the parcel. 12. Recreationhf e a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? State owned public tidelands (East Dabob), are adjacent to the southern boundary of the project area. This beach is a boat access only public shellfish beach and receives light recreational harvest pressure. 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 13. Historic and cultural preservationhL elf SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 15 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. No 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. No, see attached Archaeological Survey (Wesson, 2017) 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. See attached Archaeological Survey (Wesson, 2017) 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. None 14. Transportationhf elpl 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. N/A.. Access will by be boat. 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? No. Nearest transit stop is several miles away. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non -project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? None 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). No. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Yes. Project site will be accessed by water using private vessels. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 15 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 be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? Less than 1 vehicle trip per day on average. 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: None. 15. Public Serviceshf elpl a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, healthcare, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. No. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None. 16. Utilitieshf elpl a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:hj gM electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other _ None. 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 ItLel The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is rethem to make its decision. iy g on Signature: . ? _ Name of signee Shannon E. Miller Position and Agency/Organization Shellfish Manager, Point No Point Treaty Council Date Submitted: 3— 1-1-7 D. supplemental sheet for nonproject actionshf elpl SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 15 (IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) 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; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? The project is very unlikely to have negative impacts on any of the above. 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? Oyster and clam culture can have positive impacts on marine life by providing ecosystem services such as stabilizing reef structures and improving water quality associated with the filter feeding activities of the cultivated shellfish species. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: No aquaculture activities will occur in eelgrass beds and a 16 foot buffer area will be used. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proj ect will likely increase abundance of natural resources. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Care will be taken to avoid harm to natural resources other than those proposed for harvest. 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 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 15 cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? No such impacts are anticipated. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: 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? None. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? No measurable increase in transportation, public services or utilities are anticipated. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. No conflicts with environmental protection requirements have been identified. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 15 of 15 v