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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPAchecklist_GreenBurialForestLand_JeffersonLandTrustSEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 19 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: Green Burial Cemeteris on Forest-Zoned Land 2. Name of applicant: Jefferson Land Trust SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 19 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 1130 31st St, Port Townsend; 360-379-9501 xt 103 (office) 360-531-2294 (mobile); Erik Kingfisher, Stewardship Director; ekingfisher@saveland.org 4. Date checklist prepared: March 18, 2021 5. Agency requesting checklist: Jefferson County Dept. of Community Development 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): To be considered during annual UDC change/amendment process 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. If approved, the UDC change would make it possible to pursue the creation of a green/conservation burial cemetery on forest-zoned land, and community members working with the Land Trust would be then likely pursue establishing a green/conservation burial cemetery in Jefferson County. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. This proposal is for a UDC change consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and no specific environmental information has been prepared related to this proposed UDC change. 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 known other governmental approvals directly affecting forest-zoned land related to this proposal are being considered. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Washington State Law includes regulations related to cemeteries (RCW 68), and as proposed, this UDC change would allow green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land subject to a conditional use permit. 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.) SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 19 This application proposes a change to the UDC to allow green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land, consistent with Policy LU-P-29.4 of the Comprehensive Plan: Policy LU-P-29.4 Allow green burials in designated or accepting cemeteries and consider allowing green burial cemeteries consistent with Title 68 RCW, on forest-zoned land greater than 20 acres in size with a conditional use permit. 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. This proposal is for a change to the UDC, and there is no proposed specifc project location. Forest- zoned land in Jefferson county is primarily and typically managed to produce timber consistent with state law. Not all forest-zoned land is actively managed for industrial timber production, but most is managed for some commercial production of timber. Forest-zoned land makes up most of the private land base in the county, and the undeveloped condition and native forest plant communities throughout much of the forest-zoned land can help support important ecological functions such as wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity, carbon sequestration, clean water, and clean air. B. Environmental Elements [HELP] Applicable for all the following answers: This proposal is for a change to the UDC, and there is no proposed specifc project location. If the proposed UDC change is approved, then when a conditional use permit is applied for to create a green burial cemetery on forest zoned land, specific site evaluations associated with the conditional use permit process could help determine the appropriateness of a site for such a use. 1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site: (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ Appropriate site conditions will need to be determined for any future potential green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Any potential green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land will be seeking properties that have certain features suitable for such a function, and very steep slopes are incompatible with burial plots. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 19 Well-drained soils that are suitably-deep for burial and that support decomposition of remains will be important for any future potential site. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Clearly, stable soils will be an important component of a green burial cemetery site evaluation. 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. Any future site will include the need to excavate areas for burial sites. The precise location of those sites will be determined as the green burial cemetery is being established and operated. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion control presumably will be an important factor for future site consideration. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? While a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land would likely include some road and trail infrastructure similar to other forest-zoned land, and potentially some kind of visitor amenities, impervious surfaces would be relatively minor compared to more developed cemeteries and many other conditional uses permitted on forest-zoned lands. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Retaining forest structure will support the long-term erosion control on any potential future site, and burial plots can be located in areas that have very little overall impact to the forest ecosystem. 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. With cremation being a primary choice regionally, offering the choice of green burial on forest- zoned land would potentially reduce overall cremation emissions in the county, and support the ongoing and increasing carbon sequestration services of the forest. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. No known off-site emissions or odors are known to occur on other green burial cemeteries in the nation. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: No measures appear necessary, as there are not presumed significant emissions or other impacts to air associated with this proposed change to the UDC. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 19 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. Surface water bodies could be attractive features in a possible future green burial cemetery site, and burial plots would need to be sited at an appropriate distance from any such feature. 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. Burial plots would need to be sited away from water features and their buffers on any potential site. Visitor trails and stream crossings could be potential attractive and supportive features of a green burial cemetery design. 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. Presumably none would be necessary in any potential green burial cemetery site. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Presumably none would be necessary in any potential green burial cemetery site. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. While a forest-zoned property may include portions of a 100-year floodplain, as long as there is sufficient land outside the 100-year floodplain suitable for green burial plots, it could still be an appropriate property for a green burial cemetery. A green burial cemetery on forest-zoned property that includes a portion of a 100-year floodplain as well as suitable uplands can can also help permanently protect the 100-year floodplain portion of that property. 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. Green burial cemeteries are typically designed to retain the ecological and aesthetic features of a property, and dischare of waste materials to surface waters is inconsistent with that concept. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 19 Well water may or may not be necessary depending on the facilities contemplated for a potential green burial site. 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. Infrastructure and facilities and their suitability to a site would be presented to the county as part of a site plan when seeking conditional use permit approval. 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. No anticipated new runoff is anticipated from this proposed change to the UDC. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Evaluation of a particular proposed future site’s suitability to function as a green burial cemetery will need to be determined at the time of the green burial cemetery design and the conditional use permit process. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. Drainage patterns are not anticipated to be affected by this proposed change to the UDC, and any potential future green burial cemetery plan can be evaluated at the time of proposal. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: No inherent measures are necessary associated with this proposed change to the UDC. 4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: Forest-zoned properties in the county typically include a mix of native tree, shrub, and groundcover species such as Douglas-fir, western redcedar, red alder, big-leaf maple, red elderberry, ocean spray, Indian plum, sword fern, salal, and Oregon grape. b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? This proposed change to the UDC could help predominantly retain native forest vegetation on forest-zoned land suitable for green burial cemeteries. Green burial cemetery are often managed SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 19 to encourage native vegetation growth on and around burial plot sites, encouraging regrowth at the small disturbance area created by the burial. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. A green burial cemetery would largely stay covered in natural vegetation and groundcover, supporting the regular permeation of water into the ground and having very little change in water runoff from a current condition. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: A green buial cemetery on forest-zoned land would be expected to largely retain the native plant communities on a potential site as part of it’s overall design and layout as it seeks to support and improve the natural conditions of a potential property through the green burial cemetery stewardship. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Noxious weeds and invasive species are found on virtually all private parcels throughout the county in some form or another, and any potential green burial cemetery site would presumably be managed to reduce the overall existing populations and reduce the threat of additional populations through appropriate stewardship. 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. Forest-zoned lands typically have a broad spectrum of native wildlife that use it for food, shelter, and movement. A green burial cemetery established on forest-zoned land would add to it’s overall protection and assurance that the wildlife habitat it provides will be there for generations to come. b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Any future potential green burial cemetery site plan could support the ongoing protection and stewardship of existing habitat of threatened and endangered species in perpetuity. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. All forest-zoned land host species that are migrating through – particularly birds. Retaining a forest structure that continues to grow and develop diversity and complexity can enhance it’s value for future generations of migratory wildlife no matter where a potential green burial cemetery site is located. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: A potential green burial cemetery location site plan and management plan can specifically address wildlife values at the time of it’s creation, and as it is stewarded over time. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 19 A green burial cemetery will require regular and ongoing stewardship to support the ecological and aesthetic values meant to be preserved there. Managing invasive species will be an important part of that management obligation 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. Unknown, but likely a very small amount of energy or natural resources will ever be required to develop and sustain a green burial cemetery. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The natural successional development of a forest, depending on the site, could affect solar exposure of adjacent properties. 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: Energy impacts of a green burial cemetery are presumed to be very small, and much smaller than for other properties that include more infrastructure and development. 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. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. This will be an important determination that a project proponent will want to determine prior to committing to a green burial cemetery 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. Again, an important determination of site appropriateness for any future green burial site. 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. Minimal development of a site as a green burial cemetery would be very unlikely to require toxic or hazardous chemical storage or use. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 19 No special emergency services are contemplated for this UDC change, or in the establishment of a potential green burial cemetery. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: This UDC change will support the possibility of establishing a green burial cemetery, which would reduce the overall environmental health hazards associated with burial compared to conventional burial. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Any future green burial cemetery project will likely require some road or trail work that could generate some noise initially, but no more than a forest harvest operation that otherwise may occur on that land. A green burial cemetery would be managed partly to retain it’s lack of noise. 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. Again, a green burial cemetery may generate some noise when improving some of the base conditions, regular maintenance, and in preparation for burial, but the site in general would be managed for it’s quiet condition. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Retaining a forested condition, and providing guidance to visitors regarding noise, will help ensure any potential green burial cemetery is a quiet place relative to other properties. 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. A green burial cemetery is meant to be a place for quiet reflection and permanent natural conditions, and siting a green burial cemetery in a place that would not be threatened by noisy or busy neighboring properties will be an important consideration. 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? Most forest-zoned land is managed at least in part for it’s timber production. Future potential green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land could continue to harvest timber, depending on the site and the goals of the operation. It’s also possible that a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land chooses not to harvest timber regularly, and instead sell carbon or provide tax revenue in other ways. 1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 19 business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: While a forest-zoned parcel suitable for a green burial cemetery would likely be adjacent to other forest-zoned parcels subject to normal forestry operations, those operations would not limit the potential of a potential site to operate as a green burial cemetery. c. Describe any structures on the site. Some structures supporting a green burial cemetery could be proposed in a site plan for a potential green burial cemetery, and could include maintenance sheds, restrooms, covered seating, etc. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? It is anticipated that potential green burial cemetery proposals on forest-zoned land would be on properties that have little to no existing structures. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? This UDC change is relevant only to forest-zoned lands. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The current designation for cemeteries is that they can be established on rural residential zoned lands only. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Potential future green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land will have to conform to the shoreline master program and any other existing applicable regulatory standards. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. Each potential site will have to be considered for it’s appropriateness as a green burial cemetery and where burial plots will appropriately be located regarding critical areas and other features. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? A green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land would require some employment to sustain the operation and maintenance of the property, and each proposed green burial cemetery in the future will have it’s own project scope. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? Changing the UDC to accommodate the potential for green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land will not displace anyone or anything. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 19 Not applicable for this proposed UDC change, and could more specifically be addressed in future proposals for siting a green burial cemetery. L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: This proposal is to change the UDC to provide for the possibility of green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned lands, which is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Specific sites will for potential green burial cemeteries will need to be evaluated for their consistency with land uses and plans. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: There is no significant impact to agricultural and forest lands anticipated from this proposed UDC change. Siting a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land could potentially reduce the amount of timber coming off a property over time, but not necessarily. If a green burial cemetery were to be established on a forest-zoned property then that property may produce less timber but produce more other public benefits such as wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity, carbon sequestration, clean air, and clean water. 9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid- dle, or low-income housing. Forest-zoned land allows for only very low density development, and a green burial cemetery would further limit development of any particular property on that particular site. A green burial cemetery would help ensure land that the public has zoned to be retained as forestland primarily, and not for subdivision and development, will continue to be forestland far into the future. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. It’s possible that in establishing a green burial cemetery on a particular forest-zoned property would reduce the development potential of that property by one or a few development rights depending on the circumstance, funding, and site requirements. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: No significant housing impacts are anticipated with this UDC change. 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? Any proposed structure associated with a future green burial cemetery would likely be relatively discrete and proportionally designed with the aesthetics of the landscape. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 19 This change to the UDC would not have a relevant affect to views in the immediate vicinity of properties, other than the continued improvement of complex older forest aesthetics. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: This proposal could help ensure the aesthetic values of certain forest-zoned properties are retained in perpetuity. 11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? This proposed change to the UDC will not inherently affect light or glare. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? This proposed change to the UDC will not inherently affect light or glare. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? Site selection for any future potential green burial cemetery will need to consider adjacent properties, including their light and glare. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: None necessary for this proposed change to the UDC. 12. Recreation [help] a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Each site will need to be evaluated, and forest-zoned land typically offers such recreational opportunities as wildlife watching, hunting, biking, off-road vehicles, camping, fishing, and foraging. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. This proposed change to the UDC does not inherently displace any existing recreational uses. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: Any potential future green burial cemetery will offer a place for quiet reflection and walking in a natural setting, which can provide certain kinds of recreational benefits such as wildlife watching. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 19 Each potential future site would need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. 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. Each potential site would need to be evaluated on a case by case basis, and with ground disturbing activities such as burial, cultural heritage will be an important aspect of that evaluation. 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. Each potential future evaluation would likely need to follow legal and tribal guidance on cultural resources assessments. 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. This proposed change to the UDC does not inherently increase risk to cultural or historic resources. 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. Each site will need to be evaluated independently regarding transportation. 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? Each site will need to be evaluated independently regarding transportation, and public transit service would be a helpful feature of any future potential site. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? Each site will need to be evaluated independently regarding transportation, and a parking area suitable for a small group of visitors at any given time will likely be necessary for any individual site. 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). This proposed change to the UDC will not inherently require any changes to existing transportation facilities. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 19 e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. This proposed change to the UDC will not inherently use any transportation. 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? Any future green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land could be evaluated for their potential vehicular trips, and would likely be comparable to other cemeteries in the county, depending on number of plots. 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. This proposed change to the UDC will not affect or interfere with movement of anything on roads or streets. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: This proposed change to the UDC does not change any inherent aspects of transportation in the county. 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. This proposed change to the UDC will not inherently require any increase or need in public services. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. No direct impacts to public services are anticipated from this proposed change to the UDC. 16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other ___________ Each potential future green burial cemetery would need to be evaluated individually. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 15 of 19 Utilities for a potential future green burial cemetery would likely be less than or similar to that required by a small residence, depending on the design and location (electricity, etc.). 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: Erik Kingfisher Position and Agency/Organization: Stewardship Director, Jefferson Land Trust Date Submitted: March 18, 2021 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; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? Traditional burial puts about 3 gallons of embalming fluid in the ground per person along with steel, concrete and artificial or treated caskets, all of which are considered contaminants. Cremation releases about 600 million pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere every year (roughly 422 pounds per person based on the 2018 death rate of about 2.8 million people, roughly half of which are cremated, 80% are expected to be cremated by 2040). Each cremation uses 28 gallons of gas, about the size of the gas tank in a large SUV, and about 1.6 million people are cremated in the United States each year. Conventional burial also creates emissions from the manufacture and transport of headstones, caskets, and grave liners, and requires ongoing upkeep of cemetery grounds. Four-million gallons of embalming fluid are buried annually in the United States as a result of conventional burial. Formaldehyde, a component of embalming fluid and known carcinogen, has been identified in ground water beneath some conventional cemeteries. In contrast, natural burial, which for the purposes of this description can include green burial, conservation burial or natural organic reduction, does not use man-made chemicals in the body preparation process. Heavy metals and other chemicals used in conventional caskets have also been described as a health concerns, and these materials are eliminated in natural burial. Water: No significant increased discharge in water would be anticipated at a green cemetery on forest-zoned land. The average buried remains in a natural state decomposes over the course of 4- 6 weeks releasing 12 gallons of moisture (compared to the average family of four flushes 250 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 16 of 19 gallons of water every day, or 62.5 gallons per person). Water retention and uptake by the remaining trees would reduce overall discharge of water in the future compared to conventionally managed timberland. Air: Compared to Rural Residential-zoned land cemeteries, there would be no significant difference in emissions to air by pollutants. Presumably a green burial cemetery would sometimes include hand-dug grave sites, as well as mechanical methods. Green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land have the added benefit to air quality of retaining a growing forest that actively reduces pollutants from the air and land. Toxic substances: Traditional cemeteries have a number of heavy-metals and other toxins in the soil associated with the buried remains and caskets. Green-burial cemeteries typically prohibit the embalming of remains, and require natural decomposable coverings/caskets (cotton shroud, untreated lumber casket, etc.). A green-burial cemetery on forest-zoned land would have a significantly less chemical load associated with the untreated remains and the caskets, compared to a traditional cemetery. Noise: Cemeteries are intended to be quiet places offering space for reflection and memory, and in this way, green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land would be no different than traditional cemeteries in the county. There would be no significant increase in noise at a green-burial cemetery on forest-zoned land than a traditional cemetery. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Appropriate site selection will be an important step in establishing any green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land to ensure the land, soils, contours, access, and other considerations are addressed prior to the county providing a conditional use permit. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? If a green burial cemetery were to be established on a forest-zoned land property after approval of this UDC change, then that forest-zoned property would endure as a forested property in perpetuity, providing a resilient and productive space for the plants, animals, and nearby marine life to benefit from for generations. The relatively minor disturbance of green burial plots throughout a forest-zoned property will be significantly less impactful than traditional forestry, and overall will allow for natural ecological succession to take place throughout the forested property. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: Any future green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land would be managed according to a management plan that includes goals and objectives focused on the long-term health and productivity of the ecological and aesthetic functions of the forested property. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 17 of 19 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Future green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned lands would not require significant energy or deplete any natural resources in any considerable way. By retaining the natural undeveloped condition of a property, a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land will help retain the ecologic and aesthetic function of a property in a landscape without requiring significant energy inputs compared to traditional cemeteries. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Simply allowing green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land can help protect certain appropriate forestland from conversion to other high-energy demand and high-natural resource demand uses in the future. 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? This proposal could support a new compatible use of forested areas that host a variety of ecological features that are important to the public. A green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land could support the perpetual protection of environmentally sensitive areas or areas otherwise eligible for protection. A green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land is a form of conservation that is consistent with retaining many public benefits of privately-owned forested properties. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: A conditional use permit would be required for any proposed green burial cemetery on forest- zoned land, which can help ensure that environmentally sensitive or otherwise important features will be adequately protected and managed prior to permit approval. 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? If approved, this proposal will likely result in future applications for green burial cemeteries to be established on forest-zoned lands. The specific locations of those likely future green burial cemeteries will need to be evaluated for their appropriateness for such a use, and evaluated in relation to existing plans. In general, green burial cemeteries on forest-zoned land will retain much of the forest condition of a property. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: Specific meansures may be designed to address specific site conditions. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 18 of 19 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The proposal to change the UDC will not have any impact on transportation or public services and utilities. If this change is approved, a future conditional use permit application to create a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land would need to be evaluated for it’s potential impact on transportation or public services and utilities. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Appropriate sites for green burial cemeteries will likely need to be serviced by public roads and may require very minor public services and utilities. No significant increase in demands is anticipated, and establishing a green burial cemetery on forest-zoned land is expected to reduce the overall potential the land could have demand on transportation, public services, and utilities if it were developed or eventually converted to other uses. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. We have compiled an overview of laws and codes pertaining to green cemeteries, both their creation and their ongoing operation. It covers the service of providing a place for interment or spreading of human remains. It does not cover laws pertaining to funeral and mortuary services, selling caskets, or performing services directly related to handling human remains, including the act of burying remains. Federal Laws It appears there are no federal laws specifically regulating green burials or cemeteries. The Federal Trade Commission administers the Funeral Rule which is more of a consumer protection effort, establishing a minimum level of service; prohibiting certain predatory sales practices; and informing people of their rights when purchasing funeral services. It was established in response to funeral service providers taking advantage of consumers. The FTC's Funeral Rule does not cover cemeteries unless they sell both funeral goods and funeral services. Washington State Washington State law (RCW 68) provides direction and regulation of a green cemetery. The laws focus on consumer protection, public health, and ensuring perpetual care and operation. Cemeteries may be owned and operated by counties, cities, public cemetery districts and private corporations. Publicly owned cemeteries do not have as much state oversight as private cemeteries. There are three public cemetery districts in Jefferson county. Cemetery districts have elected commissioners and are treated like a junior taxing district, and in fact, have limited taxing authority. Private cemeteries may be operated by corporations (nonprofit or for profit) chartered specifically for that purpose, and need to receive a certificate of authority from the Washington State Cemetery Board. Delineating a cemetery requires creating a plat map that outlines lots, roads, alleyways, buffers, and very importantly, a dedication which permanently dedicates the land to cemetery uses as shown on the plat. In order to assure the long term care of a private cemetery, a $25,000 endowment care fund is required for the care, maintenance and “adornment” of the cemetery. Ten percent of the revenue from plot sales must go into the fund. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 19 of 19 The fund can be used for administrative and on-the-ground activities. Annual reporting of burials and status of endowment funds is required. Half of all proceeds from prearranged sale of plots must go into a separate prearrangement trust fund to assure the plots will be developed and available when needed, often many years after the sale. Jefferson County Cemeteries are a Discretionary Conditional Use in the three Rural Residential zones (5, 10, & 20 acre density). They are currently prohibited in all other zones, including forest zones; and the Park and Preserve zone. The Discretionary Conditional Use process allows the Zoning Administrator to make a decision administratively or refer the proposal to the Hearing Examiner and require a public hearing before a decision is made. Recent changes to the Comp Plan include Policy LU-P-29.4 to “Allow green burials in designated or accepting cemeteries and consider allowing green burial cemeteries consistent with Title 68 RCW, on forest zoned land greater than 20 acres in size with a conditional use permit.” This is a big step toward allowing green cemeteries in more zones. City of Port Townsend Cemeteries are conditional uses in two of the lower density Residential zones (RI and RII). The conditional use review process would require public notice and a hearing before the Hearing Examiner, who would render a decision after public comment. Cemeteries are Permitted uses in the Public/Infrastructure zone, which is reserved for things like substations and schools. The PT zoning code defines a cemetery as a place for the burial or interment of dead persons or household pets. Non Governmental Organizations The Green Burial Council does not really fit into the category of regulatory agency but may possibly have a role in how a green cemetery is developed and operated. The GBC is a nonprofit organization working to encourage environmentally sustainable death care and the use of burial as a means of protecting natural areas. One of its offerings is a set of standards for funeral homes, cemeteries and products such as shrouds and caskets. Their standards for cemeteries cover customer relations, burial practices, site planning, stewardship. The GBC establishes three types of cemetery; Hybrid, Green, & Conservation Burial Grounds, each with different standards for energy consumption, nontoxic materials, and land conservation. The Council offers a certification program that determines if a cemetery meets their standards. Similar to the work of the Land Trust Alliance in the land trust community, the GBC appears to be leading the effort to “codify” best practices in the cemetery world.