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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 802261006 Offices: Port Angeles, Washington; Winston & Eugene, Oregon; Rocklin, California Main Office: P.O. Box 1239, Winston, Oregon 97496 ~ Telephone: (360) 460-6451 email: brad@westechcompany.com WESTECH COMPANY Environmental Consulting ~ Site Permitting MITIGATION AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 322 MUNN ROAD ASSESSOR’S PARC EL # 802-26-1006 JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON August 2022 G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. Submitted to: JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 621 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Submitted by: WESTECH COMPANY Port Angeles, Washington 98362 MITIGATION AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 322 MUNN ROAD ASSESSOR’S PARC EL # 802-26-1006 JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON August 2022 G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. Copyright 2022 by G. Bradford Shea, Westech Company – All Rights Reserved Submitted to: JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 621 Sheridan St. Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Submitted by: WESTECH COMPANY Port Angeles, Washington 98362 WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.TOC/042722/mas i CONTENTS CHAPTER/SECTION PAGE NO. _______________________________________________________________________ 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Proposed Project 7 1.3 Regulatory Framework 7 2.0 APPROACH AND METHODS 8 2.1 Approach 8 2.2 Methods 8 3.0 MITIGATION PLAN 10 3.1 Regulatory Setting 10 3.2 Existing Conditions 12 3.3 Project Impacts 15 3.4 Plan Components 16 3.5 Detailed Mitigation Measures 17 3.6 Implementation and Timing 18 3.7 Mitigation Monitoring 18 3.8 Contingency Plan 21 4.0 ON-SITE AND BUFFER PLANTING PLAN 22 4.1 On-Site Conditions 22 4.2 Buffer Planting and Restoration Plan 22 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 27 5.1 Conclusions 27 5.2 Recommendations 27 6.0 REFERENCES 29 TABLES Table 1 List of Plant Species: On-Site Wetlands 13 Table 2 Performance Standards for Monitoring Plan 20 Table 3 Native Plant List for Planting Areas A, B and C 25 WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.TOC/042722/mas ii CONTENTS (Continued) CHAPTER/SECTION PAGE NO. _______________________________________________________________________ FIGURES Figure 1 Map of Project Location 2 Figure 2 Map of Project Vicinity 3 Figure 3 Parcel Map 4 Figure 4 Site Plan Showing Proposed Septic System 5 Figure 5 Map of Critical Areas and Buffer Zones 6 Figure 6 Soil Map 14 Figure 7 Planting Areas 23 APPENDICES Appendix A – Site Photographs A-1 WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND The Property (Site) is located at 322 Munn Road, in Jefferson County Washington (Assessor’s Parcel # 802-26-1006). The Property is owned by James H. Munn. His address is listed by Jefferson County as P. O. Box 54, Quilcene Washington 98376-0054. The Site lies within Jefferson County, Washington in the NE Quarter of Section 26 of Township 28 North, Range 2 West, W.M. (Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4). The Site is located approximately five miles north of the town of Quilcene. The Site lies on the shoreline of Lake Leland in an unincorporated area of Jefferson County (Jefferson County 2022a). The Property is an irregularly shaped parcel, which has an inset parcel (Parcel #8002-26-1017) along the center of the shoreline portion (see Figure 3). The Site lies west of the Ordinary Higher High Water Mark (OHHW) of Lake Leland, with a low bank roughly 1-3 feet in height. There is currently a small residential building on the Site (400 square feet). The proposed house will be roughly 1,200 – 1,600 square feet in size and will occupy a footprint as shown in Figure 5. A new septic system will be put in place which will support both residential structures (residence and ADU building). The house site sits on a sloping bench at an elevation range of 200-210 feet above mean sea level (msl). The property slopes upward to the west to an elevation of roughly 250 feet. The property consists of one parcel roughly 12.38 acres in size. The property is mapped as being crossed by a stream mapped as “fish bearing” by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wetlands have been mapped on the Site by Jefferson County and a Wetland Delineation was performed by Westech Company (Westech Company 2021). Parcel locations are shown in Figures 1-4. The Property is designated as “Conservancy” by the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program (Jefferson County 2020c). This shoreline designation requires a 100 foot setback from OHWM plus an additional 10 foot setback for structures. The fish bearing stream requires a standard 150 foot setback from OHWM of the stream channel lying south of Munn Road. Source: ArcGIS Pro 2021 2022 Figure 1: Map of Project Location Westech Company Earth Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge Sequim Port Angeles Olympic National Park Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Warm Beach Port Townsend Camano Useless Bay State Park Suquamish Port Ludlow Indianola Shoreline Edmonds Mountlake Terrace Legend Project Location 0 4.5 92.25 Miles Source: ArcGIS Pro 2021 2022 Figure 2: Map of Project Vicinity Westech Company Coun Charlia Lakes 104 101 Fairmont US Highw a y 1 0 1 Quilcene Tarboo Lake Ludlow Lake Peterson Lake The Twins Stat eR oute104 Port Ludlow Golf Club Gibbs Lake Park Swansonville Beaver Valley Center Leland Eaglemount Quilcene Bay East Quilcene Camp Discovery Dabob Port Ludlow Shine Tidelands State Park Port Ludlow Mats Mats Squamish Harbor Breidablick Four Corners Lofall Shine Legend Project Location 0 1.5 30.75 Miles Source: ArcGIS Pro 2021 2022 Figure 3: Parcel Map Westech Company Maxa Mu n n R d LelandValley Rd W Munn Rd ¯ 0 0.03 0.060.01 Miles Legend Property Boundary Public_Parcels Figure 4. Site Plan Showing Proposed Septic System (Munn Road) Westech Company 2022 Source: CDS 2022 Source: ArcGIS Pro 2022 2022 Figure 5: Map of Critical Areas and Buffer Zones Westech Company Esri LelandValleyRdWMunnRd Legend OHWM Approximate House Site 110' Wetland Buffer 150' Stream Buffer Wetland A Property Boundary 82.5' Reduced Buffer 112.5' Reduced Buffer ¯ 0 60 12030 US Feet WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 7 1.2 PROPOSED PROJECT The Property currently contains limited development including a small residential structure (ADU), an old drainfield and a few small outbuildings. A driveway currently connects the Site to Munn Road. The owner intends to construct a septic system and a single-family residence. The structure and septic system will be constructed in compliance with Jefferson County requirements (potential home-site as shown in Figure 5) (CDS 2022). Planned construction activities will not occur within the 100 foot shoreline setback zone. A small area on the northwest corner of the home-site appears to be within 150 feet of the stream, but outside of the 75 percent proposed stream buffer reduction. That area is designated for a reserve drainfield area. The new residence also lies outside of the proposed 75 percent reduction of the wetland buffer. This Habitat Management Plan Addendum (HMP) outlines proposed measures to mitigate potential impacts which may affect the stream and wetland buffers as per Jefferson County regulations. 1.3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK The Stream and Lake Shorelines are classified as a “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area” (FWHCA) by Jefferson County. A 150 foot buffer is required from the OHWM of the stream. A 100 foot buffer is required from the Lake Leland shoreline (OHWM) and a 110 foot setback is required from the edge of the Category III Wetland delineated along the Lake shoreline. During the construction of the proposed home, the Project will disturb surface soils and some existing vegetation within the wetland and stream buffer. The Property owner has contracted with Westech Company (Westech) to satisfy the County’s requirements regarding Critical Areas and Shoreline and stream Buffer Requirements through preparation of this Habitat Management Plan. This Report constitutes an HMP as requested by Jefferson County, which will describe existing conditions on the Site, define the impacts of development, and outline a management proposal to maintain and enhance the existing functions and values of the stream buffer and its associated watershed and to ensure “No Net Ecological Loss of Shoreline or Critical Area Functions” (RCW36.70A.480). WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 8 2.0 APPROACH AND METHODS 2.1 APPROACH The approach for this investigation into the impacts of development of this Site included a detailed review of County Assessor's parcel maps, Critical Area Maps, and aerial photographs of the Site. As a FWHPA, it referenced Fish and Wildlife, mapped locations and critical habitat of ESA (Endangered Species Act) listed species and topographic maps of the area. A Site Plan and proposed Septic System Design prepared by Creative Design Solutions (2021) was also reviewed and utilized to help define proposed planting areas (see Section 4.3 and Figure 5). Westech’s field investigations for the Habitat Management Plan (HMP) were carried out by Dr. G. Bradford Shea, Principal Ecologist during March and April 2022. Westech’s studies were carried out in coordination with the owners and their septic designers, Creative Design Solutions (CDS). During Site visits, the Property was inspected, and Site characteristics were noted. Relevant measurements were taken for mapping purposes, photographic documentation of the Site was acquired, and potential mitigation was identified. Updated plans and studies cited above were reviewed by Dr. Shea during the period March through April 2022. 2.2 METHODS Westech’s fieldwork involved examining the existing conditions found at the Site. This included reviewing the area proposed for development in relation to the natural features found on-site. Botanical studies were conducted involving identification of plant species that could be found growing at the Site. Site measurements were taken (including dimensions of proposed planting areas) using fiberglass and steel tape measures and GPS technology. A qualitative assessment of the landscape was conducted to determine the presence of invasive species, the composition and characteristics of plants in the critical area, evidence of historical land uses, the slope of lands adjacent to critical areas, soil textures and stability and an assessment of the role of existing vegetation in supporting soil stability. Westech also assessed the extent of existing human disturbance in the critical areas. This information was used to assess the potential impacts of the proposed project. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 9 This HMP has been formulated to assure “No Net Ecological Loss” within the shoreline zone and to “maintain or enhance the existing functions and values of the associated watershed” (Jefferson County Code, Chapter 18.25 2019c; RCW 36.70A.480). Chapter 3.0 describes the shoreline zone as well as goals and objectives of this HMP and the performance standards that will be utilized to assess the effectiveness of this Plan. Chapter 4.0 describes the Planting Plan for native plant species which is the basis for offsetting potential impacts. This HMP Plan is intended to restore and enhance the integrity of the Site by improving the quality of habitat within the shoreline and wetland buffer zones and the stream buffer zone. This will involve erosion control during construction and through planting of additional native vegetation at the Site. These recommendations have been formulated to be implemented in accordance with recommendations for erosion control and preparation of HMPs within the shoreline zone (Jefferson County Code, (Chapter 18.25) 2022). WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 10 3.0 MITIGATION PLAN 3.1 REGULATORY SETTING There are several jurisdictional issues related to the development of this parcel of land. The Site is a low bank site on the western shore of Lake Leland. Shoreline processes in the area include periodic scouring and deposition, however, the property is at a relatively narrow portion of the Lake and has limited “fetch” which could contribute to wind driven erosion of the shoreline. The Site is zoned Rural Residential 1:5. The purpose of Rural Residential zoning is to provide areas of low density residential use, free from commercial, industrial or moderate density residential development (JCC 12.27). Most of the lots in the area are more than 1.0 acres in size. The Site is located along a section of shoreline that is considered a “Shoreline of Statewide Significance” and is regulated under Jefferson County’s Shoreline Master Program (Jefferson County 2022c). This shoreline has been designated under the Shoreline Master Program (Section 18.25 JCC) as having a Conservancy shoreline environmental designation. The Site is not mapped by Jefferson County as having any seismic hazards. The site is not mapped has having any landslide hazard (Jefferson County 2022a). There is also no erosion hazard mapped on the Site. There is a perennial watercourse on the property to the north and west of the proposed home-site. This watercourse is mapped by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mapping as a “fish-bearing” stream. The stream crosses Munn Road to the north, flowing into Lake Leland on the far site of an adjacent property. Under the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program, the standard buffer zone for rural residential structures is 100 feet from the lake’s Shoreline Ordinary High Water Mark, plus a 10 foot building setback. A 150 foot setback applies to a mapped “fish-bearing stream”. A wetland has been mapped along the lakeshore which has been classified as a Category III wetland, which requires a 110 foot standard buffer zone from the wetland edge. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection Area An on-site fish bearing stream is present on the property. The portion on the south side of Munn Road is protected by a standard 150 foot buffer. This buffer does not affect the portion of the stream across Munn Road (on the north side) which lies on a separate property. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 11 The Growth Management Act (RCW36.70A.480) mandates that the County protect such critical areas. Jefferson County carries out this mandate by classifying this stream as a “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area” (FWHCA). These areas are considered to be of “critical importance to the maintenance of endangered, threatened or sensitive species of fish, wildlife, and/or plants” (JCC18.25). Required buffers for this designation are 150 feet from the OHWM of the stream in accordance with the County’s Critical Areas Code (Jefferson County 2022b, JCC 18.22). According to Jefferson County Regulations, a buffer of less than 150 foot may be established under certain conditions. Such buffers may be reduced to an amount not less than 75% of the standard buffer upon County approval of an acceptable Habitat Management Plan. Buffer Reduction Regulations Landowners may obtain a reduction in the size of the buffer required for FWHCAs. The administrator may reduce buffer widths on a case-by-case basis provided that standards are met for avoiding and minimizing impacts and that the buffer reduction does not “adversely affect the habitat functions and values of the adjacent FWHCA. Any projects that “alter, decrease or average the standard buffer” require an accompanying Habitat Management Plan (HMP). Because this project involves elements to be built within the standard buffer area of the stream, an HMP is required to mitigate and offset any adverse ecological effects. This document is also the best way to meet the intent of RCW36.70A.480 which provides for Jefferson County to make a determination of “No net loss of ecological functions” with or without mitigation, for renovation of existing or proposed shoreline structures. This document includes a “No Net Loss” ecological evaluation, proposed Mitigation Measures to offset impacts and a Habitat Management Plan (Planting Plan) to assure long-term health and ecological productivity of the stream and wetland buffer zones. Requirements of the Habitat Management Plan These documents (HMPs) must include maps showing the proposed development Site and its relationship to surrounding topographic features; the nature and density of the proposed development; and the boundaries of forested areas. The report shall also describe the density and nature of the proposed development in enough detail to allow analysis of impacts on identified fish and wildlife habitat. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 12 The HMP Report must describe how any adverse impacts resulting from the project will be mitigated. Possible Mitigation Measures may include, but are not limited to, establishing buffer zones, preserving plant and tree species, and limiting access to habitat areas. The HMP may also provide mitigation measures by seasonally restricting construction activities and establishing a timetable for the periodic review of the Plan (JCC18.22). 3.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS The Site is located roughly 5 miles north of Quilcene, Washington. The land area of the parcel is 12.36 acres in size. The recorded parcel extends to the shoreline of Lake Leland. An existing driveway off of Munn Road provides vehicular access to the Property. Figure 5 shows features on the Site and the proposed new residence area and septic system. The main area of the Property slopes eastward toward the shoreline, which is vegetated by wetland plants, grasses and shrubs. The developable area is vegetated by upland grasses shrubs and nearby trees (see Table 1). The stream on the property lies more than 100 feet to the north of the proposed home-site and the streambanks are vegetated by shrubs and trees. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has mapped two dominant soils on and in the immediate vicinity of the Site, west of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of lake Leland (NRCS 2022). Because NRCS maps can be inaccurate at this scale it is not possible to determine the actual boundary between these soils or the specific soils among these that are found on-site. These soils include (see Figure 6): • Wapato silty clay loam. This is a poorly-drained soil with a depth to water table of 0-12 inches. It has nonfrequent frequency of flooding but a potential for frequent ponding. The soils are found across most of the eastern portion of the property including the proposed home-site. These soils are rated as Hydric soils by NRCS, although this does not appear to reflect conditions on most of the Site. • Belfast silt loam – Heavy Variant. This moderately well drained soil was formed on floodplains and terraces. Its frequency of flooding is none to occasional with no frequency of ponding. Its profile is typically silt loam to a depth of 60 inches. Depth to water table is 24-48 inches. These soils are rated as Non-Hydric soils. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.Tab1/042722/mas 13 TABLE 1. LIST OF PLANT SPECIES: ON-SITE WETLANDS Common Name Scientific Name Indicator * Wetland Red alder Alnus rubra FAC Western red cedar Thuja plicata FAC Soft rush Juncus effuses FACW Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens FAC Bulrush Schoenoplectus acutus FACW Slough sedge Carex obnupta OBL Upland Western red cedar Thuja plicata FAC Red alder Alnus rubra FAC Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis FAC Ryegrass Lolium perenne FACU Dandelion Taraxacum officinale FACU Red fescue Festuca rubra FAC English holly Ilex aquifolium FACU *Indicators: UPL = Upland plant, FACU= Facultative Upland Plant (more upland than wetland), FAC = Facultative (borderline wetland plant), FACW = Facultative Wetland Plant (prefers wetland conditions), OBL = Obligate (only found in wetlands). Figure 6. Soil Map (Munn Road) Westech Company 2022 Source: NRCS 2021 Legend Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Hydric Soil Bh Belfast silt loam, heavy variant No Wa Wapato silty clay loam Yes WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 15 The Wapato and Belfast soil types occupy the portion of the Site planned for the house-site and septic system. The Wapato soils may include areas of the non-hydric Belfast Heavy Variant which appears to conform with field conditions. Alderwood, Cassolary-Kitsap and Cathcart soils are found on properties further to the west. 3.3 PROJECT IMPACTS The landowner’s plan for this Property entails building a single-family residence. This Project would build the home as shown on the Site Plan (Figure 5). This new residence would be served by a new septic system and drainfield. The drainfield and reserve areas are not within the reduced stream buffer zone as shown in the Plan (CDS 2022). A waterline from an on-site well will be installed to serve the new home-site. The primary impacts associated with this project are those generally associated with construction. Figure 5 is a map of the proposed new home area on the Site. The proposed septic system will be a new septic system as designed by Creative Design Solutions (CDS 2021) when approved by the County. The new septic system will be approved by the Jefferson County Health Department. The main system consists of septic tanks, a pump chamber and seven laterals The reserve drain-field required by the County will be located in the same area as shown. however, the County will not regulate the reserve drainfield at this time. The potential impacts of this project will result primarily from the processes of grading and clearing the areas for construction of the new home and septic system. Installation of the water line will also result in impacts within the 150 foot buffer zone of the stream. Additionally, impacts may result from the movement of construction vehicles on the Site. These potential impacts may include the following: • The area surrounding the new home may result in impact to soils and surface vegetation. Soil disturbance caused by the construction process and the removal of some existing vegetation (trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation) in the buffer will occur during grading on the Site. Additional earth moving and grading during the construction process may contribute to increased erosion. • The removal of some native vegetation in the buffer zone to emplace the water line. Native vegetation on much of the Site has already been replaced by non-native trees, shrubs and grasses. There may also be soil impacts from the movement of construction vehicles on the Site. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 16 • Because the new residence will be placed outside of proposed reduced buffer zones for the wetland and stream, impacts on plants within the buffer zone may occur from direct construction activities (water line emplacement) or from erosion or siltation runoff from the construction area. This will need to be limited by erosion control measures since the Site slopes toward the shoreline. Erosion is not expected to affect the stream which is upslope of the construction areas. • The historical removal of some native vegetation from the Site (field, lawn and cleared areas) has already resulted in the direct loss of some habitat. Many species of bird, small mammal and insect use native plants for food sources and refuge. Any further loss of vegetation in the stream or wetland buffer zones could further reduce habitat for these organisms. The Management Plan below is intended to offset these adverse impacts. The Mitigation Measures developed in this Plan are intended to compensate for the impacts to the shoreline habitat and wetland, stream and shoreline buffer zones. 3.4 PLAN COMPONENTS The components of the Mitigation Plan include the following: • Erosion control methods will be used to prevent on-Site rill or sheet erosion from moving sediments toward the adjacent shoreline or to the shoreline wetland. This will be accomplished through project timing and emplacement of control measures during construction. • A silt fence will be placed on the eastern and southern edges of the construction area, adjacent to the construction envelope and between the construction of the home, septic system and waterline and the wetland, as necessary. • Native vegetation will be planted in areas near the residence and the septic system to mitigate disturbance to existing plants in the buffer zone from construction. • No nutrients, pesticides or other contaminants will be used within 100 feet of the shoreline, wetland or stream. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 17 3.5 DETAILED MITIGATION MEASURES The detailed Mitigation Measures corresponding to the Plan Components listed above are as follows: • Timing of exterior construction, as feasible, should be limited to the "dry season" between May 1 and October 30. Limiting construction to this time period, less effort will limit erosion and silt runoff. • All graded areas should be covered or re-vegetated prior to November 1. If it is necessary to continue construction into the "wet season," then extra measures will be required for erosion and silt runoff control. This should be checked by a licensed engineer. • Erosion control measures should be installed prior to beginning grading or other ground-disturbing construction activities. A silt fence will be placed and located downslope as necessary to intercept potential runoff toward the wetland and lakeshore. Silt fences should be kept in place until plantings and new grasses and/or shrubs have become established. Straw bales, jute netting or other material should be kept on-Site and used to stabilize open areas following grading. • Three areas (see Figure 7) within the buffer zone will be re-vegetated with native plant species as per the Planting Plan described in Chapter 4.0 in order to reduce future erosion and enhance buffer function. Additional re-planting should occur around the new residence following completion of grading and construction in graded areas as shown. • Planting success will be monitored and will conform to performance standards as described in Sections 3.6 and 3.7. If performance standards are not met, additional plantings or other remedial actions will be taken to meet standards as per requirements in Section 3.8. • Implementation of these Mitigation Measures is anticipated to mitigate impacts associated with the development of the Site and disturbance to the wetland, lakeshore and stream buffer zones. To minimize the potential for contaminants to enter these waters, no additional nutrients, pesticides or additional contaminants should be used on the Site within 100 feet of the stream or shoreline OHWM. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 18 3.6 IMPLEMENTATION AND TIMING Construction on the Site should be conducted between May 1 and October 30 as feasible, in order to minimize ground-disturbing activities during the rainy season. Any grading work carried out during the rainy season should have all erosion control measures in place prior to beginning. New plantings in the buffer zone should be carried out during early fall, if possible (September-October) or during early spring (March- April), to avoid the necessity of supplemental watering. Plantings can be placed during the winter or early spring (March-May) if necessary, but fall planting is preferred. If plantings occur during summer months, supplemental watering with a drip irrigation system or equivalent method may be necessary. Westech recommends that monitoring of plantings (As-Built Report and Monitoring Reports) be conducted by a qualified botanist or ecologist. Planting may be carried out by a qualified landscaping firm, certified arborist, or registered nursery personnel. Success of plantings should be maintained above a performance standard of 90 percent the first year and 85 percent thereafter (see Section 4.7). 3.7 MITIGATION MONITORING Buffer areas serve a variety of functions. They are important in that they reduce the adverse impacts of adjacent land uses by stabilizing soil and preventing erosion; filter suspended solids, nutrients and toxic substances; moderate impacts of stormwater runoff; and reduce noise disturbance and light intrusion. They can also provide important habitat for wildlife. The limited filtering capacity of on-site soils limit the extent to which the Mitigation Measures will filter pollution and sediments from ongoing activity. This can include pollutants from hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides and fertilizer. Literature on buffer size indicate that buffers of 100 feet may be necessary to consistently filter sediments and pollution that occur in stormwater runoff (Wenger 1999, Mayer et al. 2005). Precluding the use of pesticides, nutrients and other potential contaminants within 100 feet of the stream and shoreline OHMW will limit the impact of these pollutants on nearshore critical habitat. The literature also indicates that plantings can increase the effectiveness of the buffer zone, or decrease the size needed to filter contaminants. Because buffer zones several functions, it is important that the Mitigation Measures that are implemented to offset significant impacts are successful. Monitoring over an extended period of time provides the best assurance of success. Monitoring success of erosion control measures will be carried out daily during construction. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 19 Any evidence of erosion or sedimentation leaving the construction area (particularly during or after storm events) will result in immediate action to block erosion and sediments. Such siltation can be blocked through the use of additional silt fences, straw bales, wattles, or temporary berms. Monitoring the success of new native plants (as per the Planting Plan described in Chapter 4.0) should be carried out and enforced by the County according to the following schedule and performance standards: • Following construction, the areas shown in the Planting Plan (Chapter 4.0) should be replanted. An “As-Built Report should be prepared by a qualified professional biologist or ecologist to document that the plantings have been successfully carried out. • The coverage of replanted native vegetation should remain at 90 percent of the original area planted during the first year and 85 percent during successive years (see Table 2 for Performance Standards). If monitoring indicates that viable vegetation drops below this level in the planting areas, contingency measures must be implemented. All monitoring should be based on an “as-built” map and report prepared to show the plant locations and documented by on-site photographs of the planted areas. • The homeowners should have a monitoring report prepared by a qualified professional following planting (As-built Documentation) and a Year 1 Monitoring Plan at the end of the first growing season. Follow-up monitoring reports should be completed at the end of the second through fifth full years after construction and restoration. These reports should address the success of the plantings. • Any plant mortality should be noted and corrected if plant survival falls below 90 percent during the first year or 85 percent during successive years. Documentation should include any necessary corrective measures that include supplemental planting to offset plant mortality and notation of the apparent reasons for such mortality. All reports should be submitted to Jefferson County for review and concurrence. For this Plan to be successful, the County must monitor compliance with its conditions. The failure of the property owner or enforcement by the County to monitor the implementation of the Plan may lead to its ineffectiveness. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.Tab2/042722/mas 20 TABLE 2. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR MONITORING PLAN Standard Indicator # 1 Indicator # 2 Indicator # 3 Indicator Invasive species Remaining and planted native species Signs of erosion Attributes Percent cover Percent cover Any sign of erosions Actions Will not exceed 10 percent • 90 percent cover first year • 85 percent cover in subsequent years Will not be visible in buffer zone. Quantities/Status Less than 5 percent cover of buffer 85 percent cover of buffer No visible erosion in the buffer zone. Time Frame Achieved by first summer following construction project Achieved by first summer following construction project Achieved during construction and maintained thereafter. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 21 3.8 CONTINGENCY PLAN A Contingency Plan should be followed if Mitigation Measures appear to be failing. This Plan should address, in particular, any mortality of revegetated areas below the 90 percent survival level at the end of each year. Should this level be exceeded, the Contingency Plan should include an assessment of the reasons for failure by a qualified botanical professional and the development of a plan for introducing plants likely to be successful in the location where performance standards were not met. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 22 4.0 ON-SITE AND BUFFER PLANTING PLAN 4.1 ON-SITE CONDITIONS The Property lies adjacent to the shoreline of Lake Leland; however, this shoreline appears to be at a distance of over 100 feet from the area proposed for development. The house-site is within the 110 foot buffer zone for the Category III wetland found along the lakeshore. The septic system may also lie within this zone, which is proposed for buffer-reduction through the implementation of this HMP. The house-site also lies within the buffer for a fish-bearing stream, which is also proposed for reduction to be offset through this Planting Plan. The standard buffer in this area can be reduced with approval by the County and approval of a Habitat Management Plan. The 100 foot shoreline buffer zone occupies the eastern portion of the Property as does the 110 foot standard buffer zone for the lake-fringe wetland. The fish-bearing stream buffer zone is on the western side of the house-site. The proposed septic system lies outside of the wetland and stream buffer zones as per plans (CDS 2021). Typical plants found on the Site are listed in Table 1. There was one wetland found on the property. The shoreline, wetland and stream locations are shown in Figure 5. 4.2 BUFFER PLANTING AND RESTORATION PLAN A Planting Plan as diagrammed in Figure 7 will be implemented to mitigate for the disturbance of native vegetation in the buffer areas. Plantings have been proposed to offset potential impacts based on the existing Site plan (shown in Figures 5 and 7). A list of native plants that will be used for mitigation and restoration can be found in Table 3. Revegetation and planting of additional vegetation will occur as an integral part of the Project to compensate for environmental impacts caused by the ground-disturbing activity (water line emplacement). The area on and immediately adjacent to the location of the proposed residence is a grassy lawn-field area with a few fruit trees to the northwest. Planting Area A is east of the proposed residence, near a large spruce tree. Planting Area B is near the existing lakeshore wetland and planting area C is near the proposed Septic System. New shrubs should be installed in the designated planting areas (Figure 7). In addition, native grass-seed mixture should be used to replant the construction areas near where the new house will be placed, upon completion of grading and construction activities. Figure 7. Planting Areas Westech Company 2022 Source: Google Earth 2022 C Proposed Drainfield See Figure 4 Proposed Area D Silt Fence WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 24 The planting areas designated for additional plantings (to offset the new house project) include (see Figure 7): 1) Planting Area A is a 30 foot by 50 foot rectangular area (1500 square feet (sf)) adjacent to a large spruce tree southeast of the home site. This area is now covered by mixed grass and forbs. It will be replanted by shrubs and ground cover found in Table 3. Plants may be clustered to enhance natural revegetation patterns. 2) Planting Area B is near (southeast of) the proposed drainfield (which lies outside of the 110 foot wetland buffer zone). This area is roughly 40 x 50 feet in size (2,000 sf). It will be replanted using shrubs and native grass as specified in Table 3. 3) Planting Area C is a triangle roughly 20 feet on its smallest side and 30 feet on its hypotenuse (300 sf). This area will be replanted by 4 western red cedar trees, plus native shrubs and grasses as specified in Table 3. 4) Area D is the construction area immediately around the new house (maximum 40 x 80 feet = 3,200 sf), which should be re-planted with native grass seed mixture. Any other disturbance areas (such as corridors for installation of water or septic lines, or other utilities) should be kept as small as possible, using a small trenching machine, and should be replanted using a native grass seed mixture. Total square footage of disturbed area within the buffer zone is estimated at 3,734 sf. (see Figure 4). Total planting areas will be 3,800 sf (see Figures 4 & 7). Success of the Planting Plan depends on choosing species that are suitable to the on-Site soil conditions, but that are hardy and capable of handling nutrient poor soils, shading and some salt spray. The native vegetation selected for this Mitigation and Habitat Management Plan were chosen for these reasons. Soils on the Site are mostly sandy loams and loamy sands which are well drained. Normal rainfall will quickly drain through these soils. Plants may require additional watering during the first year in order to meet performance criteria. A simple drip irrigation system would be the most effective method of accomplishing this. The species, size and number of plants that will be used to revegetate these areas is shown in Table 3. Plants will be placed in a semi-random fashion within the areas indicated in Figure 7. Small trees will be placed on eight-foot centers (such as red elderberry, Indian plum and oceanspray) and shrubs will be planted on six-foot centers or less. Staggering of plants, rather than planting in straight rows, will create a more natural appearing configuration. Plants may be clustered by species in order to promote natural reseeding. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.Tab3/051922/mas 25 TABLE 3. NATIVE PLANTS FOR PLANTING AREAS A, B AND C 322 Munn Road Planting Area Species Scientific Name Number Size A Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 12 1 gallon A Tall Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolium 10 1 gallon A Evergreen huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum 10 1 gallon A Red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium 6 1 gallon A Salal Gaultheria shallon 10 1 gallon A Sword fern Polistichum munitium 8 1 gallon B Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 10 1 gallon B Pacific wax myrtle Myrica californica 4 1 gallon B Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor 6 1 gallon B Tall Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolium 6 1 gallon B Evergreen huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum 8 1 gallon B Red flowering currant Ribes sanguineum 6 1 gallon B Sword fern Polistichum munitium 8 1 gallon B Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 12 1 gallon C Western red cedar Thuja plicata 4 3 gallon C Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 8 1 gallon C Native Grass Mixture Graminae 1 1 pound D* Native Grass Mixture Graminae 1 pound *Area D is revegetation of construction areas adjacent to the residence WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 26 Plants installed in the fall usually out-perform those installed in the late winter or spring. Planting projects scheduled for early October to mid-December are generally the most successful. The earlier plants go into the ground in the fall, the more time they have to recover from transplant shock, adapt to the site, and expand their roots systems before the growing season. They will require less water and grow more vigorously than if they are planted in the spring. To increase the potential for the planted species to survive, four inches of mulch should be placed around the installed plants with the mulch two inches away from the stem of the plants. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 27 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 CONCLUSIONS The Property is presently undeveloped, except for a lightly maintained access driveway. The landowner intends to construct a new single-family home and septic system. A portion of the septic system (Reserve Drainfield) will lie within the standard 150 foot buffer zone of the stream but more than 112.5 feet from the OHWM (reduced buffer zone of the stream) as approved by Jefferson County. A water line will be emplaced within the 150 foot stream buffer zone. Measures outlined in this Report will be enacted to mitigate construction on the Site and incrementally improve habitat and vegetation in the stream buffer and in the nearshore area. This will include reducing and removing any invasive plants (mainly non-native Himalayan blackberry) within the planting areas in accordance with the Performance Standards (see Table 2). Erosion control measures will include project timing (dry season construction), a silt fence, straw wattles and other standard measures. These will be used during construction to minimize sheet and rill erosion. A Planting Plan (Chapter 4.0) (see Figure 7 and Table 3) will be implemented to provide additional vegetation within the stream buffer and controlling erosion through planting of native grasses in the construction zone of the septic system and house. Also, any invasive, non-native plants (such as Himalayan blackberry) which are present should be removed from the buffer zone as feasible. This Report (Habitat Management Plan) meets the intent of RCW36.70A.480 ensuring “No Net Ecological Loss of Shoreline Ecological Function” due to the Mitigation proposed, and applicable Jefferson County Codes. It is also intended to comply with federal and state requirements as applicable. 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS This Report constitutes a Mitigation and Habitat Management Plan. A Planting Plan has been included in this Report and we recommend that it be implemented on the Site upon approval by the County. Benefits deriving from this Plan will only take place if it is implemented by the Property owners and enforced by the County. The silt fence and appropriately placed straw wattles should be emplaced at the eastern, and northern borders of the new home and septic construction areas prior to commencement of construction and should be left in place throughout construction. Additional erosion control materials should be kept on Site to address any erosion observed during construction. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 28 The Planting Plan outlined in this Report should be implemented. Upon completion of plantings, an “As-Built Report” should be prepared by a qualified professional to document successful completion of the plantings. The Plan should be monitored according to the instructions outlined in this report at least annually. and the Contingency Plan implemented in the event that plant survival in the revegetated areas falls below 90 percent during the first year and 85 percent during successive years during the five-year monitoring period. Property owners should refrain from the use of pesticides or additional nutrients on the Site and should introduce no contaminants within 100 feet of the stream and shoreline OHWM. While these measures will provide mitigation for additional construction and use of the Site, the shoreline and marine critical areas may experience some continued cumulative impacts as a result of the size of the reduced buffers and limited filtering capacity of the soils in this area. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 29 6.0 REFERENCES Creative Design Solutions (CDS). 2021. Site map and septic design for 322 Munn Road (Parcel 802-26-1006), Jefferson County, Washington. Port Angeles, Washington. Google Earth. 2022. Online mapping software. www.googleearth.com. Imagery date July 29, 2021. Europa Technologies. Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973 (updated 2014). Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington. Hansen’s. 2022. Hansen’s Northwest Native Plant Database. www.nwplants.com Jefferson County. 2022a. Online mapping database. Port Townsend, Washington. Jefferson County 2022b. Jefferson County Critical Areas Code (JCC 18.22). Port Townsend, Washington. Jefferson County. 2022c. Jefferson County Shorelines Management Program. JCC 18.25. Port Townsend, Washington. Lyons, C.P. 1997. Wildflowers of Washington. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton, Washington. Mayer, P.M., S.K. Reynolds, and T.J. Canfield. 2005. Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen Removal Effectiveness: A Review of Current Science and Regulations. Cincinnati, Ohio. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2022. Fisheries West Coast Region Website. http://westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2022. Web Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994 (reprinted 2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing Company. Redmond, Washington. Revised Code of Washington. 2022. RCW36.70A.480. Shoreline of the State. http://apps/leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspix?cite=3670A.480. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 30 Taylor, R. 1995. Northwest Weeds. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula Montana. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2022. (Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Plants Database. http://plants.usda.gov/java/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022. Website: www.fws.gov. Washington Department of Ecology (DOE). 2014. Rating System for Wetlands in Western Washington. Olympia, Washington. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2022. Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) List. https://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list. Wenger, S. 1999. A Review of the Scientific Literature on Riparian Buffer Width, Extent and Vegetation. Athens, Georgia, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP/042722/mas 31 APPENDICES WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.APPA/042722/mas A-1 APPENDIX A SITE PHOTOGRAPHS WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.APPA/042722/mas A-2 1) Proposed new House Site looking NE toward Munn Road. 2) New House Site looking toward Lake Leland (Planting Area A to left). WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.APPA/042722/mas A-3 3) Proposed Drainfield Area. 4) Planting Area A and lakeshore wetland. WW1704.2-MunnRdHMP.APPA/042722/mas A-4 5) Existing small residence (right) and looking across Planting Areas B and C (center and left). 6) Northeast corner of Site at 322 Munn Road showing existing residence (center left) and proposed residential site (upper center).