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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental ChecklistSEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 1 of 20 SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FOR OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL, ANDERSON LAKE CONNECTION A. Background 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Olympic Discovery Trail, Larry Scott Trail to Anderson Lake Park (Anderson Lake Connection) 2. Name of applicant: Jefferson County Public Works 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: John Fleming Jefferson County Public Works 623 Sheridan St. Port Townsend WA 98368 Ph: 360-385-9160 4. Date checklist prepared: November 3, 2023 5. Agency requesting checklist: Jefferson County Community Development 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Spring to fall (6 months) 2024 based on timing of regulatory approvals. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. The Anderson lake Trail connection will be part of a coordinated regional system that will eventually connect the Larry Scott Trail to Discovery Bay as part of the Eaglemount segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Washington State Parks is currently planning the next trail segment through Anderson Lake State Park. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 2 of 20 - NEPA Categorical Exclusion document with supporting documentation, including Hazardous Materials Assessment (NWEC 2023), Environmental Justice memorandum (Otak 2023), NRCS Prime Farmland Conversion Form - Wetland and Stream Delineation Report (Otak 2023) - Conceptual Critical Areas Stewardship Plan (Otak 2023) - Cultural Resources Survey of the Olympic Discovery Trail Anderson Lake Connection (Lahren 2023) - Draft Geotechnical Report (pending) (Aspect 2023) - Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. No other applications affecting the subject property are known. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. NEPA Categorical Exclusion USACE Section 404 Nationwide Permit #14, and Section 401 Water Quality Certificate WDFW Hydraulic Project Approval Jefferson County approvals: critical areas compliance, drainage, and grading WA State Dept of Ecology Construction Stormwater General Permit 11. Give a brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) This project involves the construction of an Olympic Discovery Trail segment connecting the Larry Scott Trail, via Jefferson Transit Park & Ride, to Anderson Lake State Park. This project aims to construct a segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail Project approximately three miles in length located from the south end of the Larry Scott Trail at Milo Curry Road running east and south to Anderson Lake State Park in Jefferson County. The trail will be part of a coordinated regional system that will eventually connect the Larry Scott Trail to Discovery Bay as part of the Eaglemount segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail. By constructing the trail segments, pedestrians, runners, bicyclists, equestrians, and other trail users with non-motorized equipment will have an alternative to Highway 20 for travel between the existing trail segments. This project will subsequently increase community use of the existing trail systems by increasing the accessibility of the north and south trails and lowering the overall risk to non-motorized traffic along Highway 20. The overall size of the project area is 22.5 acres. The overall size of the site is 42.3 acres. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 3 of 20 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The trail segment will extend from the north boundary of Anderson Lake State Park to the south end of Milo Curry Road, approximately three miles. A Vicinity Map and Project Location Map of the alignment is attached with this SEPA Checklist. The project is located in Sections 4 and 9, of Township 29 North, Range 01 West, and Sections 32, and 33 of Township 30 North, Range 01 West, located entirely in Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIA) 17 – Quilcene – Snow watershed. B. Environmental Elements 1. Earth a. General description of the site: The project is generally located within an approximately three mile long existing road and utility corridor and previously logged forest lands. Adjacent land use along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road at the north end of the project includes a United Postal Service Pickup facility, an auto wrecking yard, a storage facility, a gas station, and the Jefferson Transit Park and Ride. Land use outside of the utility corridor is mixed rural residential and logging. The project corridor is located within easements along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road. Anderson Lake State Park abuts the southeast terminus of the project area where the trail is expected to continue on to State Park property in the future. The southern section of the trail is on forest lands that were last logged in approximately 2016. Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The steepest natural ground surface slope is approximately sixty percent near stream 1, Slopes around twenty-five percent exist along the corridor in the Majestic Hill area, in addition to the near vertical at existing road cuts or other minor land disturbance in the utility corridor. Steeper slopes exist on road embankments at existing stream or other culverted crossings. The future paved trail will be built with switchbacks for accessibility and will not exceed 5 percent following construction. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them, and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. The largest soil type area on the corridor is from the Tukey series, a gravelly loam associated with 0 to 15 percent slopes. The second most predominant soil type is Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, associated with 0 to 15 percent slopes. There are approximately 35 soil types from 19 series mapped in the immediate area of the corridor (NRCS 2023), representing the shifting topography of the corridor. The SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 4 of 20 corridor is on the Olympic Peninsula, on a smaller peninsula with Port Townsend at the end, with a fjord forming Discovery Bay immediately west of the land mass. The region is heavily glaciated, with partially submerged mountains forming the San Juan Islands to the north. Approximately 0.6 acre of Prime and Unique Farmland and 2.4 acre of Statewide and Local Important Farmland will be converted to recreational use for the new trail. Compliance with the Farmland Preservation Act was approved by USDA-NRCS as part of the NEPA approval process through the Federal Highway Administration. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. There is no evidence of slides or other instability. e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. Imported material for trail construction: approximately 16,600 tons of gravel borrow; 10,950 tons of crushed surfacing top course; 3,700 tons of hot mix asphalt; and, 100 cubic yards (CY) of quarry spalls. Excavation and grading of native material for trail construction: approximately 23,790 CY of native material. Additional excavation includes approximately 625 CY of native material that may occur at the southern trail terminus as part of the proposed wetland mitigation for the project. All excavated material will be used on site for grading for the trail and the privacy berms at the south end. Externally sourced fill will be from a Jefferson County-approved source. The total area affected is approximately 22.5 acres. f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion could occur when soils are disturbed for trail construction. These areas will be stabilized and reseeded or planted as appropriate soon after construction. Prior to any ground disturbance, all temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) measures and construction best management practices (BMPs) will be installed to minimize erosion and effects of site disturbance, including the use of high visibility silt fencing to demarcate the project limits. All exposed soils in temporarily cleared areas will be stabilized and vegetation restored. TESC measures will not be removed until the project has been completed. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? The trail will add approximately 9 percent (3.8 acres) impervious surface to the total 42.3-acre site. Existing impervious surfaces along the trail include the crossings on State Route 20 and Four Corners Road. New buildings are not included in the proposed project. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. Prior to any ground disturbance, all temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) measures and construction best management practices (BMPs) will be installed to minimize erosion and effects of site SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 5 of 20 disturbance, including the use of high visibility silt fencing to demarcate the project limits. All exposed soils in temporarily cleared areas will be stabilized and vegetation restored. TESC measures will not be removed until the project has been completed. A Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Construction Stormwater General Permit will be developed for the project and implemented by the contractor. 2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Emissions from motorized construction equipment will occur during project construction, such as excavators and dump trucks. All construction equipment will meet current emission standards and will be maintained to function properly. There will be no additional emissions after the project is completed. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. There are no known off-site sources of emissions or odor that could affect the proposal. Emissions from passing motor vehicles exist under normal circumstances along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road. There are no other off-site emissions or odors that will affect the project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any. Equipment will not be left running when not in use. If fugitive dust is observed during construction, the area will be sprayed with water to keep dust particles out of the air. 3. Water a. Surface Water: 1. Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. The Wetland and Stream Delineation Report (Otak 2023) was prepared for the project to document all wetland and stream boundaries within and near the project area. Twenty-one wetlands were identified. Wetland habitats consist of palustrine forested (PFO), scrub-shrub (PSS), and emergent (PEM) Cowardin classes. Wetlands have riverine, depressional, and slope hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classes. All delineated wetlands are listed in the table below. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 6 of 20 Summary of Wetlands in Study Area 1. Wetlands shown in Figure Set 7 in Appendix B of the Wetland and Stream Delineation Report (Otak 2023). 2. Cowardin et al. (1979). Class based on vegetation: PFO = Palustrine Forested, PSS = Palustrine Scrub Shrub, PEM = Palustrine Emergent. 3. Wetlands rated according to Hruby 2014 per JCC 18.22.710 (Classification/designation). 4. Wetland sizes are approximate for wetland extending past the easements based on delineated wetland edges, lidar imagery, NWI mapping, and current aerial imagery. 5. Proposed land adjacent land use and are categorized and designated per JCC 18.22.730(6). 6. Wetland standard buffer width per JCC 18.22.730 is based on a combination of wetland category, habitat function score (from the wetland rating form), and land use intensity. Three freshwater, non-fish habitat (Type N) streams are present within the project area. All three stream were confirmed Type Ns (non-fish habitat, seasonal) streams by WDFW during a site meeting in July 2023. Two streams occur within the utility corridor and trail easements (Stream 1 and Stream 2), and one stream (Stream 3) was observed from the easement boundary east of the project corridor near Majestic Hill. Stream 1 flows west to Discovery Bay, and Stream 3 flows into a wetland (Wetland 20) and infiltrates into the ground. Stream 2 is a groundwater seep on the Majestic Hill side that flows on the ground Wetland1 Wetland Classification Ecology Rating3 Wetland Size4 (Acres) Land Use Intensity Standard Buffer Width (feet)6 Representative Data Sheets Cowardin2 HGM Category (Habitat Score) (H = High, M= Moderate, L = Low)5 1 PSS, PFO Depressional III (7) 6.72 M 110 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2 PFO Depressional III (7) 2.04 M 110 7, 8, 9 3 PSS Depressional IV (6) <0.01 M 40 9, 10, 11 4 PEM, PSS, PFO Depressional III (8) 4.09 M 225 11, 12 5 PSS Depressional IV (5) 0.04 M 40 -- 6 PSS Slope IV (5) 0.12 M 40 13, 14 7 PFO Riverine III (6) 0.06 M 110 15, 16 8 PSS, PFO Riverine III (8) 0.20 M 225 17, 18 9-16 PSS Slope IV (6) 0.09 M 40 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 17 PSS Slope IV (6) 0.21 M 40 25, 26, 27 18 PFO Depressional III (5) 0.02 M 60 -- 19 PEM, PSS Depressional III (5) 0.12 M 60 28, 29 20 PEM, PSS, PFO Depressional III (7) 0.57 M 110 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 21 PSS, PFO Slope IV (5) 0.06 M 40 36, 37 SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 7 of 20 surface for approximately 53 feet the infiltrates lower on the hillside. 2. Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. The proposed trail system will result in unavoidable permanent and temporary impacts to wetlands, streams, and associated buffers. Permanent wetland and stream impacts include all areas where grading, gravel shoulders and stormwater infiltration trenches, or paved trail surfaces occur within delineated wetland or stream boundaries. Permanent buffer impacts include all areas within existing buffers where vegetation will be permanently removed and replaced with hard surfaces. Temporary buffer impacts include areas where grading will occur and then the native plant community restored following trail construction. Grading is considered a temporary impact within wetland and stream buffers with herbaceous or shrub habitat because the buffer habitat is already in poor condition from the previous clearing and land disturbance within the utility corridor and the forestlands. Permanent impacts to Category III wetlands total 2,536 square feet (SF), and permanent impacts to Category IV wetlands total 2,771 SF (5,307 SF total). Impacts to wetland buffers total 41,313 SF of temporary impacts and 54,677 SF of permanent impacts. Approximately 127 linear feet of Stream 1 will be placed in a 30-inch diameter pipe culvert to accommodate fill in a ravine in order to maintain a less than five percent grade on the paved trail at the stream crossing. Stream 2, an approximately 53-foot long groundwater seep that is incised on the hillside and infiltrates lower on the slope, will be incorporated into the grading and drainage plans. Total stream area impacts are 360 SF [Stream 1 = 254 SF and Stream 2 = 106 SF). Stream buffer impacts include approximately 5,569 SF of temporary impacts associated with Stream 2 and 3,411 SF of permanent impacts. 3. Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. A Conceptual Critical Areas Stewardship Plan has been prepared to offset project impacts to critical areas. Project stream and buffer impacts are summarized in the table below. Stream and Buffer Impacts Summary Table Stream Name Stream Type Permanent Stream Impact Area (SF) Stream Buffer Impacts Area (Square Feet) Linear Feet Permanent (Square Feet) Temporary (Square Feet) Stream 1 Ns 254 127 Included in wetland buffer impacts Included in wetland buffer impacts Stream 2 Ns 106 53 3,411 5,569 Stream 3 Ns 0 0 0 0 Total 360 180 3,411 5,569 Note: Ns = non-fish, seasonal. Stream Type determined per JCC 18.22.630 and confirmed with WDFW. Stream 2 is a groundwater seep on the hillside that infiltrates 53 feet down the hillside, and will be filled/graded to accommodate switchbacks for the new trail. Stream 2 will be filled with 4 CY of native material by an excavator or bulldozer. Fill in Stream 1 includes a 30-inch diameter concrete pipe that will discharge near the inlet to the existing pipe culvert within the utility corridor. Fill around the pipe will SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 8 of 20 consist of re-graded native material. Approximately 9.4 CY of native material and the concrete culvert will be installed in Stream 1. Project wetland and buffer impacts are summarized in the tables below. Wetland Impacts Summary Table Impacted Wetland Area by Category1 Permanent Impacts (SF) Impact Type Category III [W1 (1,761 SF), W8 (775 SF)] 2,536 Permanent Category IV [W3 (420 SF), W6 (1,618 SF), W16 (376 SF), W17 (357 SF)] 2,771 Permanent Total 5,307 1 W1 = Wetland 1; W8 = Wetland, etc. Wetland Buffer Impacts Summary Table Buffer Impact Type Area (SF) Temporary 41,313 Permanent 54,677 Filling activities will occur within Wetlands 1, 3, 6, 8, 16, and 17 to construct the proposed trail project. All fill material will be regraded native material on site except that gravel from a Jefferson County-approved source will be discharged into Wetlands 16 and 17 on the overlap with the existing utility access road. Approximately 196.5 cubic yards (CY) of gravel and native soil will be discharged in wetlands. Volume of fill per wetland is as follows: Wetland 1 (65 CY), Wetland 3 (15.5 CY), Wetland 6 (60 CY), Wetland 8 (29 CY), Wetland 16 (14 CY), and Wetland 17 (13 CY). Imported fill material will be from a Jefferson County-approved source, and native fill material will be from within the project area. 4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. The proposal will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions. 5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. No, the project does not lie within a 100-year floodplain. 6. Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. The proposal does not involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters. b. Ground Water: 1. Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 9 of 20 general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Groundwater will not be withdrawn as part of this proposal. 2. Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals…; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. No waste material will be discharged into the ground. c. Water Runoff (including stormwater): a) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. The proposed drainage approach includes predominantly dispersing runoff from the new trail by sheet flow dispersion or collecting in shallow swales and re-dispersing into natural vegetated areas. Where dispersion is not feasible, infiltration facilities are proposed immediately adjacent to the trail that receive sheet flow runoff and infiltrate into native soils below ground. Infiltration facilities are proposed along the South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road trail sections. The project will not result in new pollution generating impervious surface (PGIS) because it will be used by pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists. b) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. The project does not have the potential to discharge waste materials into ground or surface waters. c) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. The project will maintain existing drainage patterns as required per the Department of Ecology 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and required by Jefferson County. Precipitation will continue to disperse in upland areas along the trail corridor. On the Majestic Hill incline, stormwater will be collected in drainage ditches and conveyed through pipes and dispersed east and west of the trail switchbacks. Other stormwater collection features include grass-lined swales and ditches that will utilize the existing drainage patterns in the trail corridor. The hillside seep on majestic Hill (Stream 2) will be filled, and any seep water following construction will disperse and infiltrate on the hillside similar to the existing conditions. d) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any. The proposed drainage plan includes dispersing runoff from the new trail by sheet flow dispersion or collecting in shallow swales and re-dispersing into natural vegetated areas. Where dispersion is not SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 10 of 20 feasible, infiltration facilities are proposed immediately adjacent to the trail that receive sheet flow runoff and infiltrate into native soils below ground. Infiltration facilities are proposed along the South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road trail sections. Infiltration and dispersion are the preferred methods for stormwater control and treatment, and minimize impacts from the non-PGIS paved surfaces. 4. Plants a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other X shrubs X grass ☐ pasture ☐ crop or grain ☐ orchards, vineyards, or other permanent crops. X wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ☐ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other ☐ other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Approximately 3.8 acres of existing vegetated areas will be converted to the paved trail and require vegetation removal. Clearing and grading limits have been minimized by utilizing the existing utility access road and utility corridor to the maximum practicable extent, and utilizing the South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road corridor. Trees have been cleared from the utility corridor and much of the area is essentially prepared for the trail segment already. The utility corridor is dominated by low- growing shrubs and non-native grasses. The southern trail section traverses forest lands that were logged recently around 2016 and include early successional scrub habitat. Of the approximately 3.8 acres of vegetation clearing, 5,307 SF will be to emergent and scrub wetland habitats. No forested wetlands will be impacted by the project. Approximately 58,088 SF of stream and wetland buffers will be permanently impacted. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. No threatened or endangered plant species are known to be on or near the site as documented in the NEPA process for the project. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. A Conceptual Critical Areas Stewardship Plan (Otak 2023) includes proposed mitigation details in regulated stream and wetland buffer areas. Proposed measures to enhance vegetation onsite in the mitigation areas include approximately 5,586 SF of scrub-shrub wetland habitat creation, and 8,766 SF of wetland enhancement by removing Himalayan blackberry canes and planting native willow species to increase plant species richness and diversity. Additionally, all 41,313 SF of temporary wetland buffer impacts and 5,569 SF of temporary stream buffer impacts will be restored on site, in-kind, and within one SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 11 of 20 growing season after project completion. Buffer impacts are mainly to previously cleared areas that have been maintained as shrub or grass habitat (e.g., the utility corridor) or to early successional scrub habitat (e.g., recently logged forestlands). Proposed buffer mitigation includes 24,584 SF of buffer addition (e.g., averaging) in the southern trail easement and 38,440 SF of buffer enhancement. The buffer addition areas will also be enhanced by removing non-native plant species and replanting with native trees and shrubs. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), (and English holly (Ilex aquifolium). 5. Animals a. List any birds and other animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Birds and other animals observed or evidence of their presence (e.g., scat) in the project corridor include passerines/songbirds, red tailed hawk, and deer. Fish are not present in the streams on site. Examples include: • Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: • Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: • Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. No threatened or endangered animal species are known to be on or near the site as documented in the NEPA process for the project. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. The site is in the Pacific Flyway bird migration route that extends along the entire North American west coast. The project site is not a known congregation point for migrating birds. The site is adjacent to the Salish Sea (Discovery Bay), which functions as an estuarine transition zone for migrating anadromous fish, but no work is included in the marine environment. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. The Conceptual Critical Areas Stewardship Plan (Otak 2023) prepared for the project includes proposed mitigation details in regulated stream and wetland buffer areas that will enhance wildlife habitat. Proposed measures to enhance vegetation onsite in the mitigation areas include approximately 5,586 SF of scrub-shrub wetland habitat creation, and 8,766 SF of wetland enhancement by removing Himalayan blackberry canes and planting native willow species to increase plant species richness and diversity. Additionally, all 41,313 SF of temporary wetland buffer impacts and 5,569 SF of temporary stream buffer impacts will be restored on site, in-kind, and within one growing season after project completion. Buffer impacts are mainly to previously cleared areas that have been maintained as shrub or grass SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 12 of 20 habitat (e.g., the utility corridor) or to early successional scrub habitat (e.g., recently logged forestlands). Proposed buffer mitigation includes 24,584 SF of buffer addition (e.g., averaging) in the southern trail easement and 38,440 SF of buffer enhancement. The buffer addition areas will also be enhanced by removing non-native plant species and replanting with native trees and shrubs. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. Invasive animals are not known to occur on or near the site. 6. Energy and Natural Resources 1. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. The project includes a new signal and overhead light at the SR 20 crossing for pedestrian safety, which will require electricity. Other than the road crossing, night time safety lighting is not proposed along the trail as the trail is rural in character and not anticipated to be used at night. 2. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The trail will not affect potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties. 3. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any. The project will not require energy use other than the signalized crossing and overhead light at SR 20. The trail provides an alternate, nonmotorized transportation corridor that will reduce energy consumption relative to motorized vehicle use. 7. Environmental Health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur because of this proposal? If so, describe. No. The project corridor was reviewed for the potential presence of hazardous materials that could result in exposure but none were identified. The Hazardous Materials Report (Northwest Environmental Consulting 2023) prepared during NEPA documents the review of list of known contaminated sites, Superfund sites, and other potential sources of contamination. All known sites with potential contamination within a half mile of the trail corridor were listed. 1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. There is no potential contamination on the site; adjacent known contamination and potentially contaminated areas have been noted in the Hazardous Materials Report (NWEC 2023). A vehicle recycling business is located near the northern trail terminus, but the trail will be located adjacent to South Discovery Road and not within the operating grounds of the recycling facility. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 13 of 20 2. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. Existing hazardous chemicals/conditions are not present on site and therefore will not affect the project development or design. 3. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. Asphalt paving material is considered hazardous before it is cured; it is also highly viscous and unlikely to spread more than a few feet if spilled. Any accidental spills will be immediately cleaned and the area restored. Paving will be done in dry weather, with enough time allowed for the surface to cure before rain is anticipated. Spill containment materials will be kept on site. Fluids such as gasoline and oil will be stored away from surface waters and in spill preventative containers. Spilling of fluids associated with construction equipment has the potential to occur. Potential spills will be minimized or avoided by implementing appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) and a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan or similar, and properly maintaining construction equipment. 4. Describe special emergency services that might be required. The risk of injury during trail construction is low, but any construction work has the potential for on-the-job injuries, even when safety procedures are observed. Ambulance service may be needed. Directions to the nearest hospital will be kept on site during construction. 5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. Appropriate BMPs will minimize risk of environmental health hazard exposure and reduce/control environmental health hazards should exposure occur. An SPCC or similar will be developed by the contractor to prevent and manage spills. The plan will include requirements for spill prevention, preparedness and response to prevent hazardous substances from discharging from the project site. If pre-existing contaminated media or solid waste is found inadvertently during construction, the contaminated media and/or solid waste will be characterized and disposed of in a licensed hazardous disposal facility. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? No noise sources are known that would affect trail use. The Jefferson County International Airport is 1/3 mile away to the north of Four Corners Road. The runway is parallel to Four Corners Road, so noise from aircraft take-offs is minimized for trail users. There will be traffic noise as the trail parallels South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road, and some noise from Highway 20, but this is typical for such trails and will not affect enjoyment by users. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 14 of 20 2. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site)? The project will create short term noise during construction, but no long term impacts will occur after the trail is opened for recreational use. Trail construction will be done during daylight hours. 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any. Mufflers on motorized equipment will be maintained and construction will occur during daylight hours. There are no other proposed measures to control noise impacts. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. The majority of the property is used as a utility corridor to access the overhead power lines, underground water transmission pipe, and overhead and underground fiberoptic communication cables. Maintenance roads span the length of the utility corridor. Equestrian and other recreationists also utilize the utility corridor. The northern trail section is along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road, and has been used mainly as a transportation corridor. The property adjacent to the site is a mixture of forestry land managed by Pope Resources and private land uses. To the west, rural residential property borders the utility corridor. The residential properties are generally densely forested, providing a buffer between the property owners and the utility corridor. Along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road, properties are single-family residential, commercial (Peninsula Auto Wrecking, UPS Warehouse, Mini Storage), and public services (Jefferson Transit Authority). Anderson Lake State Park is located to the southeast of the southern trail terminus and is used for recreation including hiking, biking, and bird-watching. The proposal will not affect existing land uses. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses because of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? Approximately 0.6 acre of Prime and Unique Farmland and 2.4 acre of Statewide and Local Important Farmland will be converted to recreational use for the new trail. Compliance with the Farmland Preservation Act was approved by USDA-NRCS as part of the NEPA approval process through the Federal Highway Administration. Approximately ten acres have been taken out of forest production from the purchase of the 100-foot wide corridor by Jefferson County. 1. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 15 of 20 The proposal will not affect, or be affected by, working farm or forest land operations. Some aesthetic impacts could occur due to commercial use of forest lands to the east of the utility corridor in the future; however, these would not preclude use of the trail and it would still offer a safer alternative to SR 20 for non-motorized travelers. c. Describe any structures on the site. The gravel maintenance road spans the length of the project within the utility corridor. A second, lesser- used gravel maintenance road runs for approximately 0.3 mile in the utility corridor parallel to the current gravel maintenance road. Several culverts are located underneath the maintenance road. Overhead electrical transmission wire is located within the utility corridor. An approximately 70 years old, 30-inch diameter steel water transmission pipe runs underground along the west margin of the utility corridor. Overhead and underground fiberoptic communications cables run along the utility corridor. Along the sides of South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road, driveway entrances and the paved entrance to the Jefferson Transit Station intersect the proposed project location. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Driveways and existing paved areas crossed by the trail will be replaced in their current locations. Portions of the existing utility access road in the utility corridor will be relocated within the utility corridor to accommodate the new recreational and equestrian trail. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Portions are Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad (NC), Rural Residential (RR-5, RR-10), and Commercial Forest (CF-80). f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Same as current zoning. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable, no portion of the project is within shoreline master program jurisdiction. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. Yes. Portions of the project area are classified as wetlands, streams, and buffers, which are regulated as critical areas by Jefferson County. Critical areas regulated by the county are documented in the Wetland and Stream Delineation Report (Otak 2023) prepared for the project. Geologic hazards have not been identified in the project area. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? No one will reside in the completed project area. The trail will be maintained by Jefferson County work SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 16 of 20 crews. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? No one will be displaced by the project. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. Not applicable because no people will be displaced by the project. l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any. The project proponent is Jefferson County. The project is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, including continued use of the utility corridor and transportation corridor along South Discovery Road and Four Corners Road. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any. The trail alignment utilizes the existing cleared utility corridor as much as possible that minimizes use of existing forest lands. The 100-foot wide corridor purchased by Jefferson County within productive forest lands is located on the outer property boundary that minimizes impacts to the forest lands. 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. No housing will be provided. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing will be eliminated. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any. No housing impacts are anticipated; therefore, no control measures are proposed. 10. Aesthetics a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The tallest structure will be the new light on SR 20 at the trail crossing with a 40-foot pole. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? The privacy berms at the southern end of the project will be constructed at the request of the adjacent property owners to provide a visual obstruction between the trail and singe family SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 17 of 20 residences. Other than the purposeful privacy berms, no views will be un altered or obstructed because the trail will be installed at ground level. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any. The privacy berms will be installed on the south side of the trail near the southern trail terminus to reduce visual impacts to single family residences. The privacy berms will be planted with native trees and shrubs to provide a long term visual barrier. 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? The project will not produce glare. A new light pole will be installed at the SR 20 crossing and a light at the Four Corners Road crossing. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No, the new light pole at the SR 20 crossing will be installed along the existing state highway approximately 100 feet north of the South Discovery Road intersection. A light pole already exists on the east side of SR 20 at the crossing. A new light will also be installed at the Four Corners Road crossing and will not interfere with views or create a safety hazard. The lights are being installed for pedestrian safety. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? No off-site sources of light or glare are known that could affect this proposal. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any. No light or glare impacts are anticipated; therefore, no control measures are proposed. Lighting shields may be installed to focus light on the road crossings. 12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Anderson Lake State Park abuts the southern trail terminus. The Larry Scott Trail section of the Olympic Discovery Trail will connect to the northern trail terminus. The existing utility corridor is used by equestrians. The proposed trail section includes equestrian trail to maintain this current use. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. The project will enhance existing recreational uses without displacing any. Motorized wheelchairs and e- bikes may conflict with horses on the equestrian trail, but such conflicts can be avoided with awareness and courtesy. Recreational uses may be temporarily displaced during construction, but opportunities will be restored once the trail is open for recreational use. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 18 of 20 The project is a recreational enhancement and will improve safety and accessibility for existing pedestrians, runners, cyclists, hikers, equestrians, and other wheeled trail users in the area. 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers? If so, specifically describe. The Chevy Chase site is located northwest of the project and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary is located east of the project and is listed on the NRHP. A cultural resources investigation and report was prepared for the project and reviewed by the Washington Department of Archeology and Historical Preservation (DAHP). In a letter dated September 8, 2023, DAHP concurred with the report findings that no historic resources will be affected by the project. b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary is east of Anderson Lake State Park. It is a historic landmark of the Jamestown S’Kallam Tribe. A cultural resources investigation and report was prepared for the project and reviewed by the Washington Department of Archeology and Historical Preservation (DAHP). In a letter dated September 8, 2023, DAHP concurred with the report findings that no historic resources will be affected by the project. c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. The WISAARD database administered by DAHP was consulted. A cultural resources investigation and report was prepared in consultation with area tribes (Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe). The report was reviewed by the Washington Department of Archeology and Historical Preservation (DAHP). In a letter dated September 8, 2023, DAHP concurred with the report findings that no historic resources will be affected by the project. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. An inadvertent discovery plan has been prepared for the project in the event historic resources are encountered during construction. 14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. The site is served by and may be accessed from State Route 20, Anderson Lake Road, Milo Curry Road, South Discovery Road, and Four Corners Road. There is trailhead parking SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) January 2023 Page 19 of 20 available at Milo Curry Road, and at Jefferson Transit Park and Ride at 63 Four Corners Road. b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Yes, the trail runs through Jefferson Transit Park and Ride at 63 Four Corners Road, with the following bus routes: #1 Brinnon, #6 Tri-Area, #7 Port Townsend-Port Hadlock-Port Ludlow- Poulsbo, #8 Sequim, and #14 Kingston Express. c. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle, or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). The proposal is a new public transportation facility for non-motorized traffic (people who bike, walk, roll, or ride horses). New overhead lights, warning signs, and crosswalk stripes will be installed along SR 20 and Four Corners Road for pedestrian safety at these crossings. Additionally, new rectangular rapid flashing beacons will be installed along SR 20. d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. No, the project will not use or occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail, or air transportation. e. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? The trail will support non-motorized traffic. Some users will drive to the trail and park at the trailheads. Trail use will be heaviest during the summer months. Significant traffic impacts are not expected to result from trail use. Many users will be passing through from other trail segments. f. Will the proposal interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. The project will not interfere with agricultural or forest product operations. The adjacent forest lands have separate access points via logging roads. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any. Impacts to traffic and transportation are expected to be minimal. Bicyclists will be offered a safer alternative to busy auto corridors where they must currently ride. New lights and crosswalks will be installed along SR 20 and Four Corners Road for pedestrian safety at these crossings. 15. Public Services a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.