HomeMy WebLinkAbout032BMPR - SEIS — Draft Technical Reports — County Staff Comments — 9-22-2009
Draft Technical Reports — County Staff Comments
(The comments below are in addition to the comments from other agencies supplied separately)
Forestry Report — Resource Management Group
Page 21 — "The system looked at the property from a forestry standpoint." We are concerned
that the report evaluates the site as a working forest, or from a timber management perspective
which it obviously is not suited for or currently used for. This point of view has skewed the
report by shifting the value of the trees from one where the trees are important for "the screening
of facilities and amenities..., the preservation of natural features, historic sites," and "be
designed to blend with the natural setting and,... screen the development and its impacts from the
adjacent rural areas (BoCC Ordinance 01-0128-08 #63 U)" to one where the importance is more
as a "resource," i.e., timber.
Page 22 — This inventory is helpful in understanding the different areas with varied levels of
impact to the vegetation. An inventory such as this should be used to determine which areas are
appropriate for development and where trees should be retained and protected.
Page 33 — "the Black Point area is most likely too heavily impacted by existing development and
the extensive presence of poor quality trees and invasive species to be able to be economically
reestablished with a value in excess of the economic return available from more development
focused target areas." The "economic return" being timber vs. resort development which again
reinforces the idea that the trees real value is economic rather than functional. BoCC Ord. 01-
0128-08 states, "Evergreen trees and understory should remain as undisturbed as possible." The
intent being on retention for screening, buffering and aesthetics rather than economic return.
The report concludes with the idea of "complete restoration of the site (page 33)." In other
words, it's better to clear the site and start over. I wonder if this is what the BoCC had in mind
when they included those conditions in the ordinance. Their intent perhaps was not to remove
the trees that are perfectly healthy, are mature enough to provide screening from adjacent uses,
and maintain the value of the native environment and natural amenities.
The recommendations starting on page 34 envision a retention plan to be developed which would
evaluate, delineate and propose protective measures to retain "significant trees" and provide long
term management and protection. This envisions much more work on the project level after
approval of the SEIS which should be used to identify which trees are to be retained and what
impact the loss of other trees will have on the environment — neither of which has been discussed
in this report.
The report reads like the authors were told what the objective was (clear the entire site for
grading) and they had to find a way to justify that objective, instead of using the inventory to
identify the best areas for tree retention which would thereby dictate where development would
occur. Having said that, Staff understands the practical aspects of creating a clear level space to
build a golf course and that it is easier to start from scratch than it is to try to design the golf
course around saving a few trees. The ideal objective would be a balance between the two.
BMPR - SEIS —Draft Technical Reports —County Staff Comments —9-22-2009
A basic environmental consideration that has not been address in either this report or any other
relates to hydrology. In essence, what impact will the removal most of the trees have on the
hydrology of the site? How will this alteration in hydrology affect stormwater runoff and
treatment? These questions must be addressed in the SEIS.
Prescriptive Vegetation Management Plan — Resource Management Group
This report should be called a "Tree Hazard Management Report" since that's what it's really
focused on and concludes that a "Vegetation Management Plan unique to Pleasant Harbor
Master Planned Resort development site would help to enable achievement of Jefferson County
Board of County Commissioners conditions of approval...." That is a reasonable conclusion, but
it is not a vegetation management plan.
Water Supply and Groundwater Impact Analysis
Page 10 — typo — "The location of the section is shown is (on? — typo?) Figure I L"
Page 13, last sentence — (UDC Section 3.6.5) should be JCC 18.22. 100 Article III
Cultural Resource Assessment — Chambers, Schumacher, Gill & Hartmann
Include this Mitigation Measure in the SEIS: Page ii — "WSHS recommends creating a
construction buffer to protect this archaeological site that is located adjacent to the project area
on Washington State lands to avoid any unnecessary disturbance.
Page 1 — Introduction, 2"d PP — the County did not review the plan of field investigations.
Page 4 —1St PP — "approximately 14000 —12000 BP (BC?) Typo?
The Economic Benefit of Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort
We question the figure of 3378.36 for the Male median annual income. It seems inconsistent
with the figure for Female. Could this be 33378.36? Check this.
Footnote on page one is different that the information following the """note
* "note
Page 3, 2"d PP — what is the $7 in income annually in relation to the 287 FTE jobs?
Final Geotechnical Investigation — Subsurface Group LLC
Page 16, 11.2.4 Cut Slopes — Temporary Shoring is section 11.3, not 10.5
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BMPR - SEIS — Draft Technical Reports — County Staff Comments — 9-22-2009
Figures 3, 4 & 5 are missing from the Report.
Grading and Drainage Report — Craig Peck
Page 2-2 — "It can be expected that approximately XX acres or 80 (?) percent of land will be
cleared and graded." We need a final approximate figure for the SEIS.
Page 2-2, 1. B. last sentence — explain "the surface area of the reformed kettle would be
approximately 50 percent of the area of the top of the current kettle."
Page 2-6, middle of the page — (Note for Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement being
prepared for the Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort -Vinnie) Need to address this.
Page 2-8 — What about the Marina excavation? Where does that fit into the phasing plan?
Page 3-13, 2nd PP — Please give a specific cite reference for the statement, "Preliminary results
from those studies indicate that development will increase groundwater recharge by
approximately 10 percent given the removal of vegetation...."
Golf Course Development — GeoEngineers
Page 3 & 4 — mitigation measures identified here should be included in the SEIS
Is there a training program or plan for educating course personnel?
Page 7, Application BMPs — what is a hooded boom and what does it look like?
Page 8, Turf Management BMPs — Give an example of timing of application to minimize
leaching and votalization, slow vs. quick release, etc.
Page 8, Turf Management BMPs — three bullet points are duplicated here.
Page 10, Cultural and Physical Controls - How do you remove dew on non -mowing days during
disease -conducive periods?
Page 12, IPM principals(ples) suggest keeping a record of the following items: - Delete the last
sentence of the last bullet point. Garth would not be doing the application.
Page A-1 — Add "Name of Applicator" to the log sheet
Wastewater Reclamation — Rick Esvelt
BMPR - SEIS — Draft Technical Reports — County Staff Comments — 9-22-2009
Page 13 A. — Third bullet point change info to into.
Page 13 B. — Are grapes and orchards to be irrigated?
Attachment C, page 1 D. — "parrellel"? Typo?
Water Quality Monitoring Plan — Subsurface Group
Page 2, 2nd PP — 802 seasonal and permanent seasonal residential dwellings? Shouldn't it be
890?
Page 3, 3rd PP, last sentence — "is will be"
Page 7, 2nd PP, 3rd sentence — Tables 3 and 5, should be 4 and 5. Last sentence — Table 5, should
be 6.
Page 8, 2nd PP, 3rd sentence — "approving" should be approved.
Summary & General Comments
We would like to see some best available science (affect on hydrology) explain, demonstrate and
account for how much extra water will need to be treated and how it will be treated by the
removal of trees and amount of cutting, filling, excavation and grading that is proposed (80 % of
the site?).
Compliance with the BoCC conditions of approval, although necessary, should not be the
primary focus of the SEIS, but rather the identification and mitigation of probable significant
adverse environmental impacts, and to inform the decision makers and public of reasonable
alternatives (WAC197-11-400).
We have observed a tendency by applicants who require an EIS to design a development first
and then craft the EISs to fit the finished design as a reluctant afterthought. A better approach
that would save time, money and build a more sustainable and higher quality development would
be to use a conceptual design to outline the elements of the EIS which in turn would influence
the final design of the development plan. This is an approach that is difficult for most
conventional developers to understand, but is actually becoming more of a standard practice. In
other words, you use the environmental analysis to help design the final product, instead of
trying to justify it.
The EIS is much more than just the sum of its technical reports, which are basically the raw
scientific data and basic assumptions and conclusions that can be drawn from that data. There
must be great care and skill taken to weave together the different environmental elements into a
comprehensive whole that can be used to clearly define what the development will look like,
4
BMPR - SEIS — Draft Technical Reports — County Staff Comments — 9-22-2009
how it will react with and function within the environment, and what elements need mitigation
and monitoring.
David W. Johnson
From: Neil Harrington
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 5:07 PM
To: Tami Pokorny; Susan Porto; David W. Johnson
Subject: Black Point WQ Plan
Attachments: JCPH Brinnon MPR comments v tsp.doc
Hi David,
Here are our (JCPH's) comments on the Black Point MPR water quality monitoring plan.
Thanks!
Neil Harrington
Jefferson County Water Quality Program Manager
(360) 385-9411
615 Sheridan St.
Port Townsend WA
98368
Comments from JCPH on Water Quality Monitoring Plan Brinnon MPR dated August
2008:
+ Please provide a site plan that represents the areas of undisturbed vegetation for
Black Point properties and Maritime Village, (28% and 73% respectively)
+ From Pg 2, paragraph under Fresh Water: will the storm water treatment system
be sized to include the referenced runoff from Hwy 101?
From Page 3, the second paragraph: the statement that the development is not
expected to increase pollutants in the harbor or Hood Canal should be closely
evaluated. We have concerns about the ability of the planned treatment systems
for wastewater and stone water to protect surface waters from water quality
impacts due to pesticides and herbicides. Also we are concerned about the
emerging class of chemicals that include pharmaceuticals, personal care products
and cleaning agents. There is no proposed baseline data that can make this
statement accurate, lacking comprehensive pre development sampling.
• Pg. 3, bullet 3: should include standards for not only Ecology but also
Washington State Department of Health.
+ Pg. 3 bullet 5: notification should be to Jefferson County and the Department of
Ecology.
• In general, in the discussion regarding Methods, starting on pg 4, the base line
data proposed do not seem adequate considering the remote locations in
comparison to the project. We would recommend, again, that base line sampling
be conducted pre development in the same locations as are proposed for during
and after development thereby providing adequate comparison for change.
■ Additionally, no sampling is being proposed in marine shoreline areas other than
the Marina. Given the utilization of the shoreline along the perimeter of Black
Point by listed salmonid species, we are concerned about the influence of ground
and surface water quality on that area. We would like to see base line data
developed for both areas with on going monitoring to protect these species from
any known water quality degradation resulting from the project.
■ Appendix A was not attached for review.
■ Why do some of the sampling parameters proposed differ from those that exist for
the Dabob and Hamma Hamma datasets, ie: chlorophyll, fluorescence and light
transmission.
Pg. 6, Sampling procedures: this paragraph is vague. We would like to see a process that
allows for any future sampling protocol to be approved by Jefferson County Water
Quality Division prior to implementation.
Pg. 9, Adaptive management: Water quality monitoring report should be submitted
annually for review to Jefferson County. Based on analysis of results, comparison of
existing data sources, and consultation with the other state agencies and the responsible
party for the property, Jefferson County may initiate modifications. The monitoring plan
must provide adequate protection over time, given the sensitive nature of the site and the
acknowledged threatened status of the Hood Canal and its biota. The requirement for the
monitoring plan shall be a recorded document to the property title, and run with the land.
Requirement to implement the plan should be the sole responsibility of the land owner in
perpetuity.
SAr 5309 Shilshole Avenue NW www,adolfson.com
► i; Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.9658 phone
206.789.9684 fax
memorandum
date August 5, 2009
to David Wayne Johnson
from Lloyd Skinner
subject Pleasant Harbor
Review of Draft Outline of EIS
We received the draft outline of the Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort Master Planned Community
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement at the July 20 site meeting. The outline is very helpful in
anticipating how the project impact analysis will be put together for County and public review. I have several
comments and suggestions for the draft outline for the County's consideration.
Treatment of each element of the environment. I see from the outline that each element of the environment is
followed by an italicized comment referring to one or more Board of County Commissioners conditions. I
recommend that the discussion of each element of the environment include a standard SEPA-style discussion of
the site's existing conditions, a discussion of the probable impacts of each alternative, and a discussion of possible
mitigation measures to address impacts identified. If the discussion then moves to an assessment of how the
proposal complies with the relevant condition(s) adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, I think that
would be fine. I would just caution that the outline as drafted implies that the discussion under each element of
the environment would ONLY address compliance with the BoCC condition(s). In my mind, that would fall short
of the complete discussion expected for a project -level EIS.
Construction impacts. I do not see a reference in the outline to construction impacts. Construction impacts can
be addressed within the discussion of each element of the environment (the impacts discussion is divided into
"construction" and "operations" sections), or alternatively a separate Construction Impacts section is prepared for
an EIS. For this large-scale construction project, the assessment of construction impacts will be an important
consideration. Issues such as construction phasing, extent of disturbance by phase for staging, clearing, grading,
and facility construction, and control of stormwater, traffic, and dust, for eample, should be addressed. It might
make more sense for a construction project of this scale to include a separate construction impacts section.
Description of the Proposal and Alternatives. The outline lays out the main sections of the EIS well. As a
minor comment that does not relate to EIS adequacy, to reduce the number of sections in Part 2.0, Description of
the Proposal and Alternatives, I suggest that we combine sections 2.2 through 2.6 (Location, History and
Background, The MPR Proposal — Principal Features, Proposed Zoning Ordinance, and Proposed Development
Agreement) into a single section, with these issues becoming sub -headings.
Technical Reports. Peg Staeheli/SvR has prepared comments on four technical reports; these are attached to this
memo. Bill PersichBrown and Caldwell has not yet completed his review of technical reports; I will forward his
comments shortly.
+ DESIGN COMPANY
MEMORANDUM #01
DATE: August 5, 2009
TO: Lloyd Skinner, AICP ESA Adolphson
FROM: Peg Staeheli, ASLA
Amalia Leighton, PE
�u� p TO
asa�tap 0
RE: Review of Technical Reports Prepared for SEIS
Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort — Peer Review
SvR Project No. 09025
This memorandum is to summarize our review of the following technical reports prepared
for the Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement (SEIS):
1. GRADING AND DRAINGE: Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort —
Grading and Drainage Technical Engineering Report DRAFT, Prepared by
Craig A. Peck & Associates, September 4, 2008
2. GOLF COURSE BMP: Draft Report Golf Course Development and Operation
Best Management Practices Plan, Brinnon Master Planned Resort, Prepared by
GeoEngineerings August 18, 2008
3. WATER QUALITY: Water Quality Monitoring Plan, Brinnon Master Planned
Resort, Prepared by GeoEngineerings August 18, 2008
4. GROUNDWATER: Water Supply and Groundwater Impact Analysis — Draft
Hydrologic Analysis, Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort, Prepared by
Subsurface Group, LLC November 20, 2008
During the review of the documents provided project area limits and layouts were
inconsistent. We recommend that when all draft reports are revised the same project limits
and descriptions are provided with a reference date.
These documents were reviewed to identify if information was provided to meet the items
listed in the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Conditions to be Met and
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture documentation shown in the SEIS. SvR reviewed Section 3.3.1 Surface Water and 3.16.3
Environmental Restoration Stormwater Management.
Planning • a — The Grading and Drainage report does not reference Jefferson County
Code in the text, but it is apparent that preliminary designs use the 2005
1205 Second Avenue Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for Western Washington.
Suite 200 Stormwater runoff and treatment facility sizing calculations are included in the
Seattle, WA 98101 appendix. Calculations were made using the required Western Washington
Hydrology Model software.
Phone: 206.223.0326 • g — It is unclear from the existing calculations if the development will be able
Fax; 206.223.0125 to meet the requirements of zero discharge. Grading and Drainage report does
svr(dsvrdesign.com not summarize the 300 page appendix containing the stormwater management
facility sizing calculations. A table identifying the following information for
Memorandum #01 - Review of Technical Reports Prepared for SEIS
Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort — Peer Review
August 5, 2009
Page 2 of 3
each basin should be provided: 1) total basin size, 2) proposed impervious, 3)
proposed pollutant generating impervious, 4) proposed grass, 5) proposed
pasture/native, 6).proposed forest, 7) predeveloped (forested condition) runoff
flow rate, 8) developed flow rate, 9) average infiltration over basin area, 10)
proposed type offlow control facility, 11) estimated size offacilities to meet
forested conditions/zero discharge to Hood Canal, and 12) what stormwater
treatment will be provided if any. In addition, it is does not appear that the
existing sub -basin boundaries are being maintained. Proposed development
information lists more proposed basins than the number of existing basins
identified in Figure B.1. Additional comments specific to the organization of
the report are provided below.
r — A Draft Water Quality Monitoring Report has been prepared identifying
monitoring approach, locations, and parameters. However, it is not identified
who will be responsible for the monitoring and reporting during the various
phases of construction and who will take over the monitoring when
construction is complete.
y — A Draft Golf Course Best Management Practices (BMPs) Plan has been
prepared. BMPs are generally discussed. Specific BMPs need to be assigned
that will be employed after construction that will meet the stormwater
requirements in the 2005 Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for
Western Washington. Definitive language should to be used.
In addition, SvR has the following general comments and questions following the review
of Grading and Drainage Report.
1) Section 1.1 — Pre developed and Existing Conditions descriptions combined
2) Section 2.2 — Proposed development description does not include land cover
values for each section of development
3) Section 2.2 — Proposed Development section (2.2) only describes the first phase
approach. No other information is included for subsequent phases in Section 1 or
for work in Section 2 and 3.
4) Section 2.4 - Potential Construction Impacts:
a) No discussion how wetlands will be protected during gravel process
b) No figure identifying limits of gravel process. Limits identified in plan do not
seem to match scale of earthwork described in the report. More detail needs to
be provided,
c) Stockpiling areas "multiple stockpiles of wood debris approximately 25 feet
high and 100 feet in diameter will exist for each area cleared" were not
identified in the report. Areas cleared are not quantified.
d) No discussion of impacts during construction of Section 2 and Section 3.
5) Section 2.5- Mitigation measures for construction impacts during phasing are not
identified.
6) Section 2.6 — Only Phase 1 development is discussed
7) Section 3.1 —Existing Conditions
a) Site specific drainage basin predeveloped and existing condition runoff peaks
and volumes are not identified for the existing basins
b) Runoff/Infiltration/Groundwater — This paragraph is not consistent with data
presented in the Subsurface Group 2008 Report. Potential evapotranspiration
for the site was calculated to be approximately 24 inches (Page 3 of 22).
Memorandum #01 - Review of Technical Reports Prepared for SEIS
Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort — Peer Review
August 5, 2009
Page 3 of 3
8) Wctlands — Wetlands are going to be used to provide retention of stormwater prior
to infiltration to meet flow control requirements of the proposed development.
General sizing information including stormwater runoff volumes contributing to
the wetlands should be included. Calculations need to indicate if the created and/or
enhances wetland areas are adequate to meet the stormwater management
requirements.
9) Rainwater Harvesting — Address if rain water harvesting is feasible considering
that aquifer recharge is providing water supply for the development.
10) Reducing the Quantity of Stormwater to be infiltrated — See comment 9 above.
11) Report does not outline how the proposed development will meet the minimum
requirements outline in the 2005 Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for
Western Washington. Most information is included it is just not organized well.
12) Phased Development - A proposed stormwater layout for each phase and the
developed condition was not included. It is unclear what the stormwater
management will be for Sections 2 and 3 during construction and when the
development is complete.
13) WWHM results should be summarized in the text for each basin.
14) No discussion of sub -basin limits changing from existing conditions to the
proposed sub -basin limits.
15) Report does not reference Jefferson County Code requirements.
16) Report does not reference FEIS Mitigating Conditions for subsequent project
review, technical comments, and comment log.
The following reports would also be useful in identifying information required of the SEIS:
• Sequencing Plan for Construction Activities including phased development
earthwork management plan and temporary and erosion and sediment control.
• Arborist Report to identify tree information including tree retention, tree
harvesting, and understory health to support stormwater calculations and
temporary erosion and sediment.
FA09\09025 Pleasant Harbor Peer Review\Communication\Memos and UttersWemol_Peer Review Technical Reports.doc
David W. Johnson
From:
Donna Frostholm
Sent:
Thursday, August 13, 2009 1:30 PM
To:
David W. Johnson
Subject:
Brinnon MPR - Wetland Comments and Recommendations
David:
I have reviewed the Wetland and Weiland Buffer Mitigation Plan, Draft Report prepared by Geolingineers, Inc (dated
August 21, 2008), and on August 11, 2009, 1 conducted a site visit to verify the wetland categories using the 2004
Wetland Rating System. As part of preparing these comments, I also reviewed the Grading and Drainage Technical
Engineering Report (prepared by Craig A. Peck & Associates, September 4, 2009 Draft) and the Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS) prepared for the proposed Brinnon Master Planned Resort (dated November 27, 2007). Based
on my site visit and review of the submitted materials and FEIS, I have the following comments:
Wetland Category. I agree with the wetland ratings for Wetlands B, C, and D. I also agree that Wetlands B and D require
a 150 -foot buffer and Wetland C requires an 80 -foot buffer.
Mitiaotion Plan. The draft mitigation plan addresses compensation for the permanent loss of Wetland B and buffer
reductions at Wetlands C and D. I reviewed the draft mitigation plan for compliance with Jefferson County Code (JCC)
requirements, as they pertain to wetlands and wetland buffers.
Wetland Hydroloov. Currently, the natural processes occurring within the project area provide a sufficient amount
of water to the 3 on-site wetlands to support wetland conditions. These wetlands are typically inundated for a
portion of the year, with much, if not all, of the surface water gone in the drier times of,the year. The draft
mitigation plan states that water levels within the wetland mitigation area and the existing wetlands will be
manipulated to receive reclaimed water from the golf course. The draft mitigation plan also refers to the amount of
water entering the wetlands post -construction as greater than current conditions and refers to it as "enhanced"
hydrologic patterns. The Jefferson County Code (JCC) considers alteration of wetland hydrology to be a regulated
activity. If wetland hydrology is manipulated post -construction (meaning that wetland hydrology is not present due
to natural processes and/or the hydrologic budget is not similar to that under existing conditions), then the
alteration is subject to the critical areas requirement in the JCC. It should be noted that the FEIS states Wetlands C
and D will not be altered by the proposal.
The draft Grading and Drainage Technical Engineering Report indicates that kettles will be used for stormwater
control, but does not specify which kettles. Two of the kettles are not wetland and Wetland B is proposed to be
filled. However, two kettles in the project area are wetland (Wetlands C and D), and are protected under JCC critical
areas requirements. The applicants should clearly indicate which kettles are to be used for stormwater control. As
noted above, alterations to Wetlands C and D are to be avoided.
Figure 3 of the draft mitigation plan shows construction of an overflow stream between Wetlands C and D.
Currently, both Wetlands C and D are kettle wetlands that do not have a surface water connection, and Wetland C is
located at the bottom of steep slopes. The draft mitigation plan does not address construction of an overflow
stream to these wetlands, although alterations to the existing environment would be substantive. Based on Figure
3, it appears that the intent is to direct excess water from Wetland C east to Wetland D via a proposed overflow
stream post -construction. It is important to note that Wetland D extends off-site to the east and that steep slopes
are mapped as occurring east of the Wetland D. The applicants cannot "enhance" wetland that is not on their
property nor can they create conditions where more water may be directed towards slopes that are not within the
project area. The applicants should clarify what is being proposed.
Wetlands C and D as well as the mitigation area rely on precipitation, surface water runoff, and subsurface flow to
support wetland hydrology and maintain wetland conditions. Given the extent of alterations proposed in the
project area (including cut and fill), the applicants need to provide additional information about hydrologic
conditions at these 3 wetlands post -construction. This should include, but is not limited to, an assessment as to how
the geomorphology and drainage patterns will be altered by development in the drainage are for the wetlands. As
noted above, if development activities result in altered hydrologic conditions within the wetlands and wetland
buffers, then the proposed activity is subject to regulatory review to JCC requirements for critical areas.
Wetiond H (impact Areal. The applicants are proposing to use a non -wetland kettle on the property as a mitigation
for impacts to Wetland B. Based on my review of the draft mitigation plan, I have the following comments:
1. Grading is addressed on page 11 of the draft mitigation plan and the bottom mitigation kettle elevations are
highlighted in yellow (in the text of the report). The raised height of the kettle bottom in the text does not
appear to match elevations shown on Figures 8 and 9. Based on information in the draft mitigation plan, the
applicants are proposing to place at least 5 feet of clay and silt (or "clay -rich" soil) in the wetland mitigation area
with an additional 12 inches of hydric topsoil, which would be placed over the clay and silt layer. The slopes to
the mitigation area are steep and the applicants should confirm that the heavy equipment needed to compact
the clay and soil layer can access the mitigation area. The percent compaction should be specified in the
mitigation plan. In the final mitigation plan to be approved by the County, a detailed grading plan of the
mitigation area should be included.
2. The draft mitigation plan states that the top 12 inches of hydric soil at the mitigation site will come from the top
24 inches of soil in Wetland B. Typically, only the upper 6 to 12 inches of the soil profile is topsoil; below that is
subsoil, which is less likely to support vegetation. Based on the soil description from the wetland delineation
report prepared for this project (and received by Jefferson County on August 4, 2006), it appears that only the
upper 6 inches of soil at Wetland B would be considered usable as topsoil at the mitigation site. Since the
mitigation area is twice the size of the impact area, the applicant should specify in the mitigation plan where the
necessary topsoil will come from for use in the mitigation area.
3. The draft mitigation plan states on page 11 that native species from Wetlands B, C, and D will be used. The JCC
considers alteration of wetland vegetation a regulated activity. Use of native plants from Wetland B are
appropriate for use in the mitigation area. However, plants from Wetlands C and D and associated buffers
cannot be removed for use elsewhere in the project area. The text of the mitigation plan should be revised
accordingly.
4. The draft mitigation plan indicates that salvaged plants from the project area will be used to replant the
mitigation area. While it is acceptable to use salvaged plants, it should be noted that it is generally stressful for
large, well-established vegetation to be transplanted and that there is a greater potential for plant mortality (as
compared with installation of young vegetation). Much of the project area consists of large trees with a well-
developed understory. Many of the trees on the property are much too large to transplant, and it is unlikely
that the most of the shrubs on the site would survive being transplanted. The mitigation plan should address
survival of transplanted vegetation, identify those portions of the buffer mitigation area to be planted on a
figure, present the on -center spacing within these planting areas, and evaluate whether plants obtained from a
nursery will be needed to establish native vegetation in the 150 -foot buffer.
5. The mitigation plan should address who is responsible for removing non-native and/or invasive species from the
mitigation area and address disposal of undesirable vegetation.
6. A goal of the mitigation plan is to provide on-site, in-kind compensatory mitigation. Wetland B is well vegetated
and has no open water areas during the drier months of the year. The mitigation proposal, however, includes an
open water component that is not proposed for planting. The draft mitigation plan needs to be revised to
address this discrepancy.
7. The first bulleted performance standard listed on page 18 should be revised to state that no more than 10
percent coverage of exotic and undesirable species shall be present throughout the monitoring period, not just
at the end of the monitoring period.
8. A performance standard should be added to address wetland hydrology (that matches the goals of the of the
mitigation proposal).
9. The mitigation plan needs to be submitted to Jefferson County no later than December 31 of each monitoring
year. The draft mitigation plan should be revised to clarify that monitoring plans must be submitted by the end
of the calendar year.
10. The mitigation plan should state that the outer edge of the wetland buffers will be staked prior to beginning any
ground -disturbing activities.
11. The mitigation plan should state that silt fencing and orange barrier fencing will be installed along the outer
edge of the wetland buffers prior to beginning any ground -disturbing activities.
12. The mitigation plan should state that the project biologist will be on-site during plant installation to ensure that
healthy plants are being installed as per an approved plan.
Wetlands C and R (Buffer Reduction). The applicants are proposing to reduce a portion of the wetland buffers at
Wetlands C and D.
1. The text of the mitigation plan states that the buffer reductions would not be greater than 25 percent of the
standard buffer widths, yet the figures in the report show buffer reductions well beyond 25 percent. The
mitigation plan must be revised to address this discrepancy and bring the proposed buffer reduction into
compliance with JCC requirements.
2. Some of the total square footage calculations in the legend of several figures do not match the area calculations
shown in the drawing on Figure 10. The figures need to be corrected.
3. There is a net decrease in the Wetland C buffer area (543 square feet), as proposed in the draft mitigation plan.
Also, there is a buffer reduction shown on the figures at Wetland C to construct Fairway 1 that has not been
accounted for in the draft mitigation plan. The applicants need to state why the fairways cannot be located
outside of the wetland buffers and provide more information as to how a net decrease in wetland buffer area
could comply with JCC buffer reduction requirements as they pertain to functions and values.
4. A mix of native and non-native species are currently present in the buffers for Wetlands C and D. The draft
mitigation plan only shows the locations of paved or gravel roads for re -planting as part of the buffer reduction.
The draft mitigation plan should indicate the plant composition of the additional buffer areas. If areas consisting
of non-native species are present in the buffer addition areas, then the draft mitigation plan should address
these areas.
Wetland Functions and Values. Following are my comments pertaining to wetland functions and values.
1. Figure 3 shows wildlife corridors on the golf course. No information is provided in the draft mitigation plan as to
what habitat features, if any, will be placed within a wildlife corridor or what constitutes a wildlife corridor. The
draft mitigation plan does not identify what type of wildlife would be expected to use the wildlife corridors to
move from wetland -to -wetland.
2. Fencing is proposed to prevent the people from entering into the mitigation site, but no mention of fencing is
proposed to protect Wetlands C and D and associated buffers. The mitigation plan should also address
protection of these wetlands.
3. To fully understand the potential impacts to wetland area, wetland functions and values, and wetland processes,
the applicants need to provide information on the extent of cut and fill proposed within the project area.
The draft report should be revised to address all potential impacts of the proposed development and re -submitted for
County review. The extent of impacts should be based on what was presented in the FEIS. Note that a final mitigation
plan will be needed for project permitting that would include, but is not limited to, detailed planting plans and
specifications, detailed plans specifying type and location for habitat features noted in the text of the mitigation plan,
fencing specifications, revised construction schedule, and updated monitoring schedule.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Daym l F4'dlth404 !'V
.?associate Aanner%Wettand Specialist
Jefferson County Development Review Division
621 Sheridan Street
,Pori 7_Ownsen4 Washington 98368
&OSth4C'T? 0co je fer50n.'w(L
360.379.4466
All e-mail sent to this address will be received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and maybe subject to Public Disclosure under Chapter
42.56 RCW.
David W. Johnson
From: Susan Porto
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 2:48 PM
To: David W. Johnson
Subject: Pleasent Harbor Hydro Report
David,
With respect to the Water Supply and Groundwater Impact Analysis for the Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort
received April 1, 2009, 1 have the following comments:
The water supply well is developed below sea level and will seemingly always either be susceptible to seawater
intrusion or potentially cause intrusion to the wells along the south and east coast of Black Point.
I wonder why the investigatory wells were not drilled at or below the existing water supply well, that would then
provide better information about the deep geology and water quality surrounding the water well.
I have concerns that the evaluation does not address how low rainfall years would affect their assumptions.
Could the development handle a year where rainfall was like this year? What are their draught contingency
plans?
Susay. Porto R.S.
Jeff rsov- aouwtd Public Ftealth
PROM 360. 3059404 i=Ax 360. 3.4487
ALwa [e}t WgrtLl�g dor R 5R fEr G Ft QLtKeC_I r5o{% CpLt�
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David W. Johnson
From: Lloyd Skinner ILSkinner@esassoc.com]
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 2:13 PM
To: David W. Johnson
Subject: FW: Memos to Jefferson County
Attachments: PH-WastewaterReclamationPlantProcess-Jul22-09-draft(BP review).doc; PH-
WaterSupply&GroundwaterlmpactAnalysis-Dec17-08-draft(BP review).doc; PH-
WQMonitoringPlan-Aug18-08-draft(BP review).doc; PH-GeotechRpt-Dec9-08draft-
Ju123-09rev(BPreview).docm; PH-GeothermalHeating&Cooling-Jul15-09-draft(BPreview).doc;
PH-Grading&DrainageRpt-Sept4-08-draft (BP review).doc
Hi, David —
Attached are review comments from Bill Persich, P.E., a senior engineer at Brown and Caldwell. His comments are both
in embedded notes and in "track changes" format within each of the technical reports prepared by the applicant for the
Pleasant Harbor Marina and Golf Resort development. Memos that Bill reviewed are the following:
• Wastewater Reclamation Plant Processes
• Water Supply and Groundwater Impact analysis
■ Water Quality Monitoring
• Geotechnical Report
■ Geothermal Heating and Cooling
• Grading and Drainage
In general, Bill's comments note issues such as areas where an assumption differs from standard practice at
Washington's Department of Ecology, or where the analysis raised a question for him as a senior reviewer that may
warrant further clarification. I believe that addressing these review comments will strengthen the technical memos in
anticipation of a public review Draft EIS.
- Lloyd
Lloyd Skinner, AICP
Senior Vice President I Northwest Regional Director
ESA Adolfson
5309 Shilshole Ave NW, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.9658 / 206.789-9684 fax
Iskinner esassoc.corn
IDSA Ano1,fson
_14
memorandum
date September 21, 2009
to David Wayne Johnson/Jefferson County
from Lloyd Skinner/Margaret Clancy
5309 Shilshole Avenue NW
Suite 200
Seams, WA 98407
206.769:9¢68 phone
206.789.9584 fax
subject Pleasant Harbor - Comments on Wetland and Buffer Mitigation Plan
www.adolfsompom
We have reviewed the document entitled.Br•innnu Master Planned Resort — Draft Wedairrl and Wetland Brttf`er
Mitigation Plan (File No. 12677-001-06) prepared by GeoEngineets, Inc. August 21, 2008 as requested. The
applicant proposes to compensate for the loss of one isolated, Category III 'kettle' wetland by creating a similar
wetland in the bottom of another kettle (Wetland B would be covered with an impermeable layer olid `filled' with
water for use as a control. pond). The.applicant also proposes to add buffer area adjacent to Wetlands C and D to
make up for buffer reductions that are necessary to accommodate two golf course f4irways (holed ##2 and #6).
Overall, the mitigation plan seems adequate and is generally consistent with regulatory requirements. There
might be opportunities for the prco ect to benefit from a more creative or visionary mitigation approach. Here is a
brief summary of our findings:
• The plan contains minimal information about impact avoidance and minimization, so some additional
discussion is warranted to indicate that the applicant has met the mitigation sequencing test. This "test"
could be an issue that Ecology or other stakeholders may ask about during the EIS process, as the project
is required to follow the standard mitigation sequence. That said, this is: not your typical wetland fill
situation since Wetland B is located in the bottom of a deep depression and one could argue.that using
this area as a water source for the development site is worth the tradeoff (assuming that the water use
analysis bears that out).
• The mitigation plan contains a reasonable level of detail about the site, the expected impacts, the basic
mitigation approach, and the monitoring/ maintenance procedures. There are no major or glaring.
omissions in terms of mitigation content at this stage of the process.
• The amount of mitigation that "would be provided is,consistent-with County required mitigation ratios.
• The proposed mitigation generally compensates for the txNcted impacts: in that the applicant would be
creating a wetland that is (apparently) very similar tn.the one being filled', This<is a typical on' -site, in-kind
mitigation approach. A.question that may be raised :during EIS review is whether the proposed mitigation
is the best option for the site. The'replacement wetland will be: at the bottom of a i.10 -foot -deep natural
depression, which, although similar to the wetland to be filled, would 'seem. to: have Iimited:ecological or
cultural value. Are better mitigation options available? The Mitigation Plan memo indicates that the
applicant examined seven potential sites before selecting this option, but it is not clear what criteria were
used to make the decision. Perhaps some additional discussion of this assessment would help clarify the
decision criteria. That said, the proposed approach appears to satisfy regulatory requirements.
• The buffer addition areas on Wetlands C and D replace the buffer reduction areas at the required 1:1 ratio,
but may not be optimal in terns of their location. From the figures, it appears that theses buffer additions
may provide only limited added protection to the respective wetlands.
The plan :states that one: df'the.:goals r tot re4telundisturbed corridors between rivers, titreains, wetland
systems, intact upland habitats. And other natural areas•," but it is not immediately clear that the proposed
approaA supports this aim. Further discussion of this goal„and illustrations of ptopo.5e1corridors (or
revisions to the site pian ifwarran(ed) would be helpful,
2:
David W. Johnson
From:
Donna Frostholm
Sent:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:45 AM
To:
David W. Johnson
Subject:
Brinnon MPR - HMP Comments and Recommendations
David:
I have reviewed the Habitat Management Plan, Draft Final Report (HMP) prepared by GeoEngineers, Inc (dated August
22, 2008) for the Brinnon Master Planned Resort. As part of preparing these comments, I also reviewed the Wetland
and Wetland Buffer Mitigation Plan, Draft Report (prepared by GeoEngineers, Inc, dated August 21, 2008) and the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Based on my review, I have the following comments.
The HMP states that the proposed project should not have significant impacts on terrestrial wildlife species because
vegetated areas and corridors will remain, and additional information is needed to support these statements. Aerial
photographs currently show most of the project area, especially Section 1, as vegetated with trees and shrubs, with few
barriers to terrestrial wildlife movement through the project area. Other figures in the report show that most of the
project area will be developed with roads, structures, and a golf course. The applicants should provide data on the
amount of each habitat type present under existing conditions and post -construction conditions.
The HMP indicates that protected areas and marine environment pollution control strategies will be implemented for
maintaining shoreline use by tribes. The details for these strategies should be clearly identified in this section of the
HMP.
Under the discussion of Wildlife Corridors (page 16), the first bullet indicates that vegetation will remain within
undisturbed within Section 1. The figures in the HMP show that much vegetation will be removed to construct the
project. This bullet needs to be clarified. It also conflicts with the last bullet, which states that an effort will be made to
retain trees throughout the site.
The HMP states that the on-site wetland hydrology will not be altered as stormwater and irrigation will be captured and
treated to Class A standards before being discharged to on-site infiltration systems. The location of the on-site
infiltration systems should be shown on a figure in the HMP.
Additional information is needed on the wildlife habitat corridors within the golf course. It is not clear what type of
habitats will be retained, which wildlife species would be encouraged to use the corridors, and what wildlife species will
be discouraged from using the corridors.
The discussion of Wetland C in the HMP states that the buffer will be reduced by no more than 25 percent, yet the
figures show a buffer reduction of much more than 25 percent. The buffer reduction areas shown on Figure 14 do not
add up to the square footage in the legend. The buffer reduction on Figure 14 does not account for the buffer reduction
for construction of Fairway 1. Therefore, the buffer addition area is less than the buffer reduction area, resulting in a
less than 1:1 buffer averaging ratio.
The discussion of Wetland D in the HMP states that the buffer will be reduced by no more than 25 percent, yet the
figures in the HMP show a buffer reduction of much more than 25 percent. The buffer addition areas do not add up to
the square footage in the Figure 14 legend.
Figures 9 and 10 show some of the planting areas coincident with project development
The HMP states the square footage of impervious surface removal at each stream, but does not indicate what the
square footage of impervious surface will be for development within the streams and stream buffers. The square
footage of impacts and mitigation should be presented for each stream.
The HMP references the critical areas stewardship program (CASP). The text of the wetland mitigation plan and HMP
state that the wetland and stream buffers will be reduced by no more than 25 percent, which would be permitted as an
administrative buffer reduction that does not require a CASP. The wetland mitigation plan and the HMP that have been
submitted are appropriate for wetland and stream buffer reductions that do not exceed 25 percent. It should be noted
that CASPs can be used for some rural residential single-family development and rural village centers, but not for master
planned resorts.
The HMP states that "wet cells" will be constructed to treat water. The location of the wetland cells should be shown on
a figure.
Much of the discussion in the HMP for Noise Quality and Construction Impacts, Golf Course Design and Management
Practices, and Occupational Phase indicate actions that could be taken as mitigation (e.g., establish a fertilizer schedule,
develop a monitoring program, build bird boxes). Clarification is needed as to whether the project proponents will
commit to implementing those activities.
Substantive cut and fill operations are proposed as part of this proposal. Additional information about the extent and
location of cut and fill operations are needed to determine if the potential impacts to fish and wildlife conservation
areas have been adequately addressed in the HMP.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Don+U , Frostho�
Associate PCanner/WeMandSpeciaCist
Jefferson County DevetoMent Review Division
621 Sheridan Street
Port Tawnsencl -Washington 98368
d�ros thoCm@co��,�erson. tiva. us
360.379.4466
Department of Community Development is open to the public from 9:00 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday. Note that DCD is now closed on
Friday.
All e-mails sent to this address will be received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and may be subject to Public Disclosure under Chapter
42.56 RCW.