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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03- SEPA checklistPage 1 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 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: [help] 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: [help] Shine 2021 MRL Overlay 2. Name of applicant: [help] Jefferson County Department of Community Development 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: [help] 400 Valley Ave NE Puyallup WA, Patricia Larson, 253-833-3705 x461 4. Date checklist prepared: [help] March 1, 2021 Page 2 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 5. Agency requesting checklist: [help] Jefferson County 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): [help] 2021 Jefferson Comprehensive Plan Amendment Cycle 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. [help] Yes. Once the proposed MRL (Mineral Resources Lands) overlay is in process and/or approved, application of site specific plans for mineral extraction will be submitted. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. [help] Environmental information will be prepared for mineral extraction during site specific permitting process. 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. [help] None known. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. [help] Ordinance review, public hearing by the Jefferson County Planning Commission and transmission from Planning Commission to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. Ordinance review, public hearing and adoption by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. Review by the Washington State Department of Commerce and other agencies, per the Growth Management Act. This is proposed is a MRL overlay designation which requires an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map for Jefferson County. Approval from Jefferson County is required for this amendment. 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.) [help] The Applicant requests an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map to designate approximately 200 acres to include in MRL overlay. 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. [help] The project is located 3.5 miles south-southwest of the State Route 19 and State Route 104 intersection. The nearest address is 1500 Wahl Lake Rd, Port Ludlow WA. B.ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [help] 1. Earth [help] Page 3 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 a. General description of the site: [help] (circle one): Flat, Rolling, Hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? [help] 40% 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. [help] Silty sand and sandy loam are found on the site. There are no agricultural land of long-term commercial significance within the proposed area. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. [help] None known. 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. [help] The proposal is to designate approximately 200 acres of area with the MRL overlay designation for future mineral extraction. Quantities of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed will be addressed in a project specific permit. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: [help] None, N/A. 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. [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. [help] No, N/A. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. 3. Water [help] 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. [help] Page 4 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 Wetlands, Thorndyke Creek and associated tributaries are in the vicinity of the project. Thorndyke Creek flows into Hood Canal via Thorndyke Bay. 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. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. 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. [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. 3) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. [help] No. 4) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. [help] No. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. 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. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Water use will be addressed at the project specific level. 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. [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Discharges, if any, will be addressed on the project specific level. 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. [help] None, N /A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Impacts storm water and other runoff will be addressed at the project specific level through Jefferson County and Washington State Department of Ecology. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Any impacts to groundwater and surface water will be addressed at the project specific level. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. [help] No, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. Any impacts to Page 5 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 drainage patterns and surface water will be addressed at the project specific level. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: [help] None, N/A. 4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: [help] x deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other x evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other x shrubs grass pasture crop or grain Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help] Whitebark Pine, Golden Paintbrush d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: [help] None, N/A. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. [help] None, N/A. This is a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. 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. [help] Hawks, songbirds, deer, bear, elk, coyote and other small mammals. Examples include: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other Page 6 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help] None known. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. [help] None known. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: [help] None, N/A. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. [help] None 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. [help] None. N/A b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. [help] No, N/A. 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: [help] 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. [help] No. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. [help] None known. 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. [help] None known. 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. [help] Page 7 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 None, N/A. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. [help] None, N/A. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: [help] None. b. Noise [help] What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? [help] None, N/A. 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short- term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. [help] None for this proposal. Mineral extraction site specific permits and SEPA would evaluate and adhere to Jefferson County Code requirements for any future long term noise. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: [help] None. 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. [help] The current use of the proposed MRL overlay is CF-80 (Commercial Forestry). All property adjacent to the proposed overlay is commercial forest zoning. 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? [help] The site is zoned and used as commercial forest land (CF-80). The MRL overlay is an interim use, after reclamation the property will revert to its underlying zoning. After project specific permits for mineral extraction are approved, Miles Sand & Gravel will work with the property owner on conversion of forest properties to mineral extraction area, then upon reclamation, the property will be restored to underlying zoning, currently commercial forestry. 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: [help] No. c. Describe any structures on the site. [help] Page 8 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 None. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? [help] No. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? [help] CF-80 (Commercial Forestry) f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? [help] CF-80 (Commercial Forestry) g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? [help] None. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. [help] Some wetlands are shown in the County’s mapping system near the proposed MRL overlay area. These wetlands and any other critical areas will be taken into consideration, along with any required buffers during the project specific application process. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? [help] None for this proposal. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? [help] None. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: [help] None, N/A. l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: [help] The proposed MRL overlay is adjacent to previously approved MRL overlay designation properties, as well as adjacent to existing mineral extraction facilities. The property is within and surrounded by commercial forestry property. After reclamation the property will revert to its underlying use, as mineral extraction is a temporary use. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: [help] None. The property will revert to commercial forest zoning upon reclamation. 9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- Page 9 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 income housing. [help] None. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. [help] None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: [help] None, there are no impacts. 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? [help] None for this proposal. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? [help] None for this proposal. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: [help] 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? [help] None, N/A. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? [help] No. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? [help] None. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: [help] None. 12. Recreation [help] a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? [help] None. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. [help] No. Page 10 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: [help] None. 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. [help] 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. [help] None known. Historic and cultural preservation will be evaluated at the project specific level. 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. [help] This proposal only addresses Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan amendment and Zoning Amendment. Historic and cultural preservation will be evaluated further at the project specific level. 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. [help] None, N/A. 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. [help] SR 104 will be the access to the MRL overlay area. Wahl Lake Road though Miles Sand & Gravel’s existing facility will be the primary access to the site, along with existing logging roads. 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? [help] No. Public transit is not available within or near 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? [help] 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). [help] Not at this time. Page 11 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. [help] No, water, rail or air transportation are not proposed. 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? [help] None for this proposal. 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. [help] No. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: [help] None. 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. [help] No. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. [help] None. 16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: [help] electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other No utilities are currently available at the site. 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. [help] None proposed as part of this application. 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: Patricia Larson Name of signee Patricia Larson Position and Agency/Organization Corporate Programs Manager/Miles Sand & Gravel Company Date Submitted: 3/1/2021 Page 12 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 D. supplemental sheet for nonproject actions [help] (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; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. Project specific evaluation will evaluate discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise. Mineral extraction under a project specific permit would be the future use. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: General mitigation measures for site specific mineral extraction are described below. Project specific impacts will be evaluated under the future site specific permits and future SEPA: A site specific stormwater plan will be prepared for mineral extraction facilities under DOE NPDES Permit and Jefferson County Public Works. A clean air permit will be obtained from the appropriate authority. A Spill Control Plan is included in the Site Management Plan as required by the DOE NPDES Permit. Noise levels for specific mineral extraction activity will be evaluated for the site, and will comply with Jefferson County Code. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. Future mineral extraction will require the removal of trees as an interim use, some animals may become displaced into the surrounding commercial forest lands. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: Mineral extraction is an interim use, after mineral extraction is complete, the property will revert to the underlying use which is currently commercial forestry (CF-80). 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map which will not have any impact on energy and natural resources. Future use of mineral extraction Page 13 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 will use fossil fuels to power equipment used in excavation and reclamation of the site. Mineral extraction in itself will process and deplete the mineral resource. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Electrical equipment is used when practical and all equipment using fossil fuels will be properly maintained to make them as efficient as possible. Mineral extraction is an interim use, after mineral extraction is complete, the property will revert to the underlying use which is currently commercial forestry (CF-80). 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. For the subsequent use, site specific permits and SEPA will be necessary. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: Evaluation of the impacts will be addressed under the site specific permits. Site specific SEPA will identify and determine any necessary protection levels for parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains or prime farmlands. 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? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. Subsequent use could consider any shoreline impact in the SEPA process through buffering. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: For the subsequent use, site specific permits will be necessary and required buffer of shorelines will be determined per Jefferson County Code during the SEPA process. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The proposal is a request for an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. For the subsequent use, site specific plans will be necessary to determine impacts to transportation or public services and utilities. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Evaluation of the impacts will be addressed the site specific permits and SEPA in regards to transportation or public services and utilities. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. Page 14 of 12SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)July 2016 None known.