Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project

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4 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST for the proposed Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project prepared by October 2018 EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. Sazan Group Perteet Heffron Transportation, Inc.

5 PREFACE The purpose of this Final Environmental Checklist is to identify and evaluate probable environmental impacts that could result from the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project and to identify measures to mitigate those impacts. The Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would involve the installation of two 70-foot tall and two 90-foot tall lighting fixtures to illuminate the school s athletic field and track, as well as maintenance to the existing field and track (turf replacement and resurfacing of the existing track). The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) 1 requires that all governmental agencies consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before the proposal is decided upon. This Final Environmental Checklist has been prepared in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act; the SEPA Rules, effective April 4, 1984, as amended (Chapter , Washington Administrative Code); and the Seattle City Code (25.05), which implements SEPA. This document is intended to serve as SEPA review for site preparation work, project construction, and operation of the proposed development comprising the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. Analysis associated with the proposed project contained in this Environmental Checklist is based on design plans for the project, which will be included as part of the permit submittal to the City of Seattle. While not construction-level detail, the schematic plans accurately represent the eventual size, location and configuration of the proposed lighting project and are considered adequate for analysis and disclosure of environmental impacts. This Environmental Checklist is organized into three major sections. Section A of the Checklist (starting on page 1) provides background information concerning the Proposed Action (e.g., purpose, proponent/contact person, project description, project location, etc.). Section B (beginning on page 6) contains the analysis of environmental impacts that could result from implementation of the proposed project, based on review of major environmental parameters. This section also identifies possible mitigation measures. Section C (page 34) contains the signature of the proponent, confirming the completeness of this Environmental Checklist. Project-relevant analyses that served as a basis for this Environmental Checklist include: the Geotechnical Engineering Services Report (Associated Earth Sciences, Inc., 2018), the Light and Glare Report (Sazan Group, 2018), the Cultural Resources Survey (Perteet, 2018), and the Transportation Technical Report (Heffron Transportation, Inc., 2018). 1 Chapter 43.21C. RCW Final Environmental Checklist i

6 Table of Contents A. BACKGROUND Name of Proposed Project: Name of Applicant: Address and Phone Number of Applicant and Contact Person: Date Checklist Prepared Agency Requesting Checklist Proposed Timing or Schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Future Plans Additional Environmental Information Pending Applications Government Approvals or Permits Project Description Location of the Proposal B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Earth Air Water Plants Animals Energy and Natural Resources Environmental Health Land and Shoreline Use Housing Aesthetics Light and Glare Recreation Historic and Cultural Preservation Transportation Public Services Utilities...32 C. SIGNATURES...34 REFERENCES...35 FIGURES APPENDICES A - Construction Management Best Practices B - Geotechnical Report C - Lighting Report D - Transportation Report E - Draft SEPA Checklist Public Comment and Response Summary Final Environmental Checklist ii

7 PURPOSE The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help identify impacts from the proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts, if possible) and to help Seattle Public Schools to make a SEPA threshold determination. A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of Proposed Project: 2. Name of Applicant: Seattle School District No. 1 (Seattle Public Schools) 3. Address and Phone Number of Applicant and Contact Person: David Standaart Project Manager Seattle Public Schools rd Ave. S. MS , P.O. Box Seattle, WA Date Checklist Prepared October Agency Requesting Checklist Seattle School District No rd Avenue South MS , P.O. Box Seattle, WA Proposed Timing or Schedule (including phasing, if applicable): The that is analyzed in this Final Environmental Checklist involves site preparation work, construction, and operation of the project referred to as the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. Site preparation and construction could begin in June 2019 with field operation by Fall Final Environmental Checklist 1

8 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No future plans for further development of the project site are proposed. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal: Geotechnical Engineering Services Report (AESI, 2018); Light and Glare Report (Sazan Group, 2018); Cultural Resources Assessment (Perteet, 2018); and, Transportation Technical Report (Heffron Transportation, 2018). 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: There are no known other applications that are pending approval for the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known: City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections -- permits/approvals associated with the proposed project, including: - Master Use Permit (including special exception for light pole height) - Building Permit - Electrical 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. Overview Garfield High School is located within Seattle s Central District and is bounded by Garfield Playfield and the Medger Evers Pool to the north, 25 th Avenue to the east, E Alder Street to the south, and 23 rd Avenue to the west (see Figures 1 and 2). The Garfield High School Athletic Field is located on the eastern portion of the school campus, immediately west of 25 th Avenue. Final Environmental Checklist 2

9 Existing Site Conditions The project site contains an existing synthetic turf athletic field and a six-lane running track surrounding the field; associated track and field facilities (i.e. long jump/triple jump areas, discus/shot put area, etc.) are located along the northern and southern edge of the field between the turf field and the track area. Existing surface parking is located to the north of the field, in the northeast corner of the school campus. Existing uses of the field area by Garfield High School include football practices; boys soccer practices; girls soccer practices; cross country practices; track and field practices; and, baseball and softball conditioning practices. Due to limitations and field availability, several existing school athletic activities are currently located on off-site field areas, including: football games; lacrosse practices and games; girls soccer games; baseball practices and games; and, softball practices and games. Pursuant to the existing Joint Use Agreement (JUA) between Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, Garfield High School maintains the use of the field until approximately 6:45 PM, at which time the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department utilizes the field for its programming uses until dusk. The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department currently utilizes the field for a variety of recreation programming uses, including youth soccer practices and games; adult soccer games; youth football practices and games; ultimate Frisbee practices and games; youth track practices and games; and, youth lacrosse practices and games. Currently, off-street and on-street parking is used to access the Garfield High School athletic field and track. Off-street parking areas are located immediately west of the athletic field on the Garfield High School campus. On-street parking is located adjacent to the field along 25 th Avenue and E Alder Street, as well as within the surrounding neighborhood. Proposed Project As noted previously, the existing field is currently used for a variety of athletic uses by Garfield High School and the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. The project design for the is intended to illuminate the athletic field and track for use by Seattle Public Schools during afterdaylight hours which would allow for increased use of the field, particularly during the late-fall and winter months when there is less daylight available to use the field. The lights are also being installed to meet the purposes of the existing JUA to increase youth and community access to Seattle Public Schools facilities, as well as student access to Seattle Parks and Recreation Department facilities. The project design would provide lighting for increased use of the field and track, while minimizing lighting spill and glare impacts to the surrounding area. The proposed project would consist of four lighting poles and mountings that would illuminate the existing field and track. The existing field would remain in its current configuration and no new buildings or expansions to the existing facilities are associated with the lighting project. The proposed project would not provide additional off-street parking (see Figure 3 for a site plan). Final Environmental Checklist 3

10 Four light poles would be provided surrounding the field as part of the project. The two light poles on the west side of the field would be 70 feet in height and the two light poles on the east side of the field would be 90 feet in height. These proposed heights would help to provide consistent illumination of the track and field area while also minimizing excess glare, light spillage and sky glow. The proposed design would be intended to meet the standards of Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the best practices set forth by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. With the completion of the, school-related athletic activities that currently occur on the field would continue and the school would be able to utilize the field for additional activities that currently occur on off-site fields, such as lacrosse practices and games. No bleachers or other permanent seating areas and no permanent public address system would be provided as part of the project and therefore, football and soccer games would continue to be held at off-site locations. The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department could continue to utilize the field for its current activities (i.e., youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games, etc.) and could also utilize the fields for youth lacrosse practices and games, adult lacrosse games and other athletic activities. Field usage between Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department would continue to occur in accordance with the JUA and evening use of the field would be consistent with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P Policy #060-P7.1.1 allows for athletic activities to occur until 10:45 PM and lighting to be operational until 11:00 PM, except on fields where residences are located on two or more sides (unless residences are separated by arterials, significant topography, and/or other buffers). For fields that have residences adjacent on two or more sides, field activities are allowed until 9:45 PM and lighting is allowed to be operational until 10:00 PM. The Garfield High School Athletic Field has residences adjacent to the south and east boundary of the site and these residences are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers. As a result, field activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the proposed lighting could be operational until 10:00 PM, consistent with Policy #060-P During the construction period for the proposed field lighting, as part of facilities maintenance, the existing synthetic turf on the field area would be removed and replaced with new synthetic turf and maintenance would occur on the existing track, including recoating and restriping the existing track surface. No grading/earthwork or modifications to existing drainage systems would occur as part of the field and track work. Final Environmental Checklist 4

11 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. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Garfield High School is located within Seattle s Central District and the physical address is rd Avenue. The school campus is bounded by Garfield Playfield and Medger Evers Pool to the north, 25 th Avenue to the east, E Alder Street to the south, and 23 rd Avenue to the west. The Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is located on the eastern portion of the school campus, immediately west of 25 th Avenue. The field area is bounded by the gymnasium and performing arts center to the north, 25 th Avenue the east, E Alder Street to the south, and surface parking and the existing school building to the west. See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for vicinity maps of the project site. Final Environmental Checklist 5

12 B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: The majority of the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is flat. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The project site is generally flat and there are no steep slope areas. 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. As noted in the Geotechnical Report for the project (AESI, 2018), subsurface explorations were conducted at the project site in three locations, and prior relevant geotechnical explorations were also reviewed. Based on the most recent three exploration locations conducted on the site, existing soils generally consist of surficial fill underlain by dense to very dense silty sand with variable gravel content interpreted as Vashon lodgement till (see Appendix B for further details). d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Based on City of Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas GIS maps 2, the project site is not located within any Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) and there are no surface indications or history of unstable soils on the site. The Puget Sound region is a seismically active region; thus the project site could experience seismic activity, which may cause surface rupture, liquefaction and subsidence, and landslides. However, based on site conditions, the risk of these hazards is considered low in this area of Seattle. 2 Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) GIS Map. Final Environmental Checklist 6

13 e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. No grading would be required as a part of the proposed project. A minimal amount of excavation would be required to install the foundations for each of the proposed light poles. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion is possible in conjunction with any construction activity. Site work would expose soils, but the implementation of a Temporary Erosion Sedimentation Control (TESC) plan would mitigate potential impacts. Once the project is operational, no erosion is anticipated. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? The completed project would not substantially change the percentage of the site that is covered in impervious surfaces, which is almost entirely comprised of impervious surface under existing conditions (artificial turf field area, rubberized track surfaces, etc). h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: As outlined in the Geotechnical Report (Appendix B), the project would follow City of Seattle regulations, including providing a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Appendix A also provides a summary of Construction BMPs that are typically utilized by Seattle Public Schools during the construction process. The following measures would be implemented during construction to control erosion: Provide storm drain inlet protection; Route surface water away from work areas; Keep staging areas and travel areas clean and free of trackout; Cover work areas and stockpiled soils when not in use; and, Compete earthwork during dry weather and site conditions, if possible. Final Environmental Checklist 7

14 2. Air a. What type of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. During construction, the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project could result in temporary increases in localized air emissions associated with particulates and construction-related activities. It is anticipated that the primary source of temporary, localized increases in air quality emissions would result from particulates associated with onsite excavation and site preparation as part of the proposed light pole installation. However, as described above under the Earth discussion, minimal amounts of excavation would be required for the project and air quality emission impacts are not anticipated to be significant. Upon completion of the project, the primary source of emissions would be from vehicles travelling to and from the site. Emissions from such vehicles would not be anticipated to result in a significant adverse air quality impact. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. The primary off-site source of emissions in the site vicinity is vehicle traffic on surrounding roadways, including 23rd Avenue (principal arterial) and E Cherry Street (minor arterial). There are no known offsite sources of air emissions or odors that may affect the proposed project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: The following measure would be provided to reduce/control air quality impacts during construction: Construction activities would be required to comply with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) regulations, including Regulation I, Section 9.11 (prohibiting the emission of air contaminants that would be injurious to human health) and Regulation I, Section 9.15 (prohibiting the emission of fugitive dust, unless reasonable precautions are employed). Additional mitigation measures to minimize air quality impacts during construction are identified in Appendix B. Final Environmental Checklist 8

15 3. Water a. Surface: 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. There is no surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site. The nearest surface water body is Lake Washington, which is located approximately 0.8 mile east of the project site (see Figure 1). 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 project will not require any work over, in, or adjacent (within 200 feet) of any water body. 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. No fill or dredge material would be placed in or removed from any surface water body as a result of the proposed project. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. The proposed project would not require any surface water withdrawals or diversions. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. The proposed project site does not lie within a 100-year floodplain and is not identified as a flood prone area on the City of Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas map. 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. There would be no discharge of waste materials to surface waters. Final Environmental Checklist 9

16 b. Ground: 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. During geotechnical investigations on the site (AESI, 2018), three borings were completed ranging from a depth of 16 feet to 16.5 feet below the ground surface. Groundwater was not encountered within any of the three borings or within previous borings on or adjacent to the site (ranging from 11.5 feet to 26.5 feet below the ground surface). No groundwater would be withdrawn or water discharged to ground water as part of the proposed project. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources; 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. Waste material would not be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources as a result of the proposed project. c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. The amount of impervious surfaces on the site would not substantially change with the project and stormwater management for the field area would continue to be provided as under the existing conditions. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. The existing stormwater management system for the site would continue to ensure that waste materials would not enter ground or surface waters as a result of the proposed project. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. The proposed project would not alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the site vicinity. Final Environmental Checklist 10

17 d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: The following measures would be implemented to control surface, ground and runoff water impacts: A Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be implemented during construction to reduce erosion and minimize impacts to water resources. Impervious surfaces would not substantially increase on the site and the existing stormwater management system would continue to serve the field area. 4. Plants a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: X_deciduous tree: evergreen tree: X_shrubs X_ grass pasture crop or grain 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? Existing trees and landscaped areas are located in the northeast corner of the site, beyond the field and track area and adjacent to the existing surface parking lot and 25 th Avenue. No trees or landscaping would be removed or altered as a part of the proposed project. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. No known threatened or endangered species are located on or proximate to the project site. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: All existing trees and the existing grass area in the northeast corner of the site would be retained as part of the project. Landscaping and additional vegetation is not proposed as a part of this project. Final Environmental Checklist 11

18 e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Noxious weeds or invasive species that could be present in the vicinity of the site include giant hogweed, English Ivy and Himalayan blackberry. 5. Animals a. Circle (underlined) any birds and animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: birds: songbirds, hawk, heron, eagle, other: seagulls, pigeons, mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: None. Birds and small mammals tolerant of urban conditions may use and may be present on and near the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site. Mammals likely to be present include: raccoon, eastern gray squirrel, mouse, rat, opossum, and feral cats. Birds common to the area include: European starling, house sparrow, rock dove, American crow, seagull, western gull, Canada goose, American robin, and house finch. b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. The following are listed threatened or endangered species that could be present within the site area or surrounding vicinity based on data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: marbled murrelet, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, bull trout, and north american wolverine 3. However, it should be noted that none of these species have been observed at the site and due to the urban location of the site, it is unlikely that these animals are present on or near the site c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. The entire Puget Sound area is within the Pacific Flyway, which is a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in America extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Every year, migratory birds travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or travelling to overwintering sites. 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. IPaC. Accessed May Final Environmental Checklist 12

19 d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: No specific measures are proposed to enhance wildlife and/or habitat. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. Invasive species known to be located in King County include European starling, house sparrow and eastern gray squirrel. 6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project s energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. Electricity is the primary source of energy that would serve the proposed. During operation, this energy source would be used for lighting the athletic field and the field lights would generally operate until approximately 10:00 PM, consistent with Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The proposed project would not affect adjacent properties use of solar energy. d. 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 following measures would be provided to conserve energy and minimize energy impacts. The proposed field lighting for the project would utilize LED lighting fixtures which would be more efficient and conserve energy when compared with traditional metal halide light fixtures. The proposed field lighting system would be connected to a fully programmable control system with remote operation to allow field lights to be turned off after play is completed. The area lights on the new poles would be on a separate zone and would remain on for a short period of time after each event to allow for ample light for safe egress from the site. In addition, the programmable system would allow for the lights to remain off when no events are scheduled for the field. Final Environmental Checklist 13

20 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 as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. The proposed would have no known environmental health hazards that could occur as a result of this proposal. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. No known sources of potential contamination are present on the site 2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. No existing hazardous chemicals/conditions are located within the project area. 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. No toxic or hazardous chemicals are anticipated to be stored, used or produced during the project s development or operation. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. No special emergency services are anticipated to be required as a result of the project. As is typical of urban development, it is possible that normal fire, medical, and other emergency services may, on occasion, be needed from the City of Seattle for field activities (i.e., injuries during athletic events, etc.). 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: No known environmental health hazards are anticipated as part of the project and no mitigation measures would be required. Final Environmental Checklist 14

21 b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area that may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment operation, other)? Existing school uses of the field, such as football practices, boys and girls soccer practices, track and field practices, and cross country practices generate noise associated with those activities, including participant voices and whistles; existing Seattle Parks and Recreation uses (youth and adult soccer, youth ultimate Frisbee, and youth lacrosse) also generate noise on the site. These existing field uses and associated noise levels can also occur in the evening hours during the Spring through early Fall when longer daylight hours allow for extended use of the field. The primary source of noise in the site vicinity is vehicle traffic noise associated with adjacent roadways, including 23 rd Avenue and E Cherry Street (located west and north of the site, respectively). Pedestrian noise and noise from the existing high school building, Garfield Community Center, Garfield Playfield, Medger Evers Pool and nearby commercial uses also contribute to the existing noise environment. Noise from traffic on these roadways can be relatively high due to the amount of vehicle traffic on those roadways, as well as transit usage and transit stops. Neither the vehicle traffic noise, nor the noise from transit uses, are anticipated to adversely affect the proposed Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. The City of Seattle Noise Code (SMC 25.08) regulates noise in the city based on the land use that is generating noise and the land use that is receiving the noise. From one residential property to another, the maximum allowable noise from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM is 55 dba Leq 4. Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM the allowable noise level is reduced to 45 dba Leq. In addition, the Noise Code allows for short, discrete increases in noise levels, including up to 5 dba above the continuous limit for up to 15 minutes per hour; up to 10 dba above the continuous limit for up to 5 minutes per hour; and, up to 15 dba above the continuous limit for up to 1.5 minutes per hour. Noise measurements were conducted at existing Seattle Public School fields as part of a noise analysis for Roosevelt High School to identify existing noise levels at Seattle Public School fields located within urban residential environments (ESA, 2017). Several measurements were taken between the hours of 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM when no evening athletic events were occurring at Roosevelt High School and indicated that the average ambient sound level at 4 Leq is the equivalent sound level which is used to describe noise of a specified period of time. It is also referred to as the average sound level. Final Environmental Checklist 15

22 the field was approximately 58 dba Leq, which would be above the maximum allowable noise level for residential receivers according to SMC (55 dba Leq). Noise sources near the Roosevelt High School site primarily included vehicle traffic on nearby roadways (NE 65 th Street, 12 th Avenue NE and 15 th Avenue NE), noise from nearby bus routes and bus stops, vehicle noise (car horns and engines starting) and pedestrian noise. It is anticipated that these noise sources and levels would be representative of existing noise levels for a school field in an urban environment, and that noise levels are likely to be similar at the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site due to its proximity to substantial vehicle and transit traffic along 23 rd Avenue and E Cherry Street in the vicinity of the site, as well as activity at the adjacent school and nearby Community Center, Playfield and commercial/residential uses. 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 site. Short-Term Noise Construction-related noise would occur as a result of on-site construction activities associated with the project. Residential land uses (particularly those to the immediate east and south of the site) would be the most sensitive noise receptors and could experience occasional noise-related impacts throughout the construction process. The proposed project would comply with provisions of Seattle s Noise Code (SMC, Chapter 25.08) as it relates to construction-related noise to reduce noise impacts during construction. Long-Term Noise With the completion of the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project, school-related athletic activities that currently occur on the field would continue and the school would be able to utilize the field for additional activities that currently occur on off-site fields. Lacrosse practices and games, boys soccer games, girls soccer games and other school athletic events/activities could be held at the field. The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department would continue to utilize the field for its current activities (i.e., youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games, etc.) and could also utilize the fields for youth lacrosse practices and games, adult lacrosse games or other athletic programs/activities. Noise sources from additional activities that would occur on the site with the would be similar to those activities that currently occur on the site, Final Environmental Checklist 16

23 including existing activities that currently occur on the field later in the evening during the spring through early fall when longer daylight hours allow for extended use of the field by Garfield High School and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. Increased noise on the site would primarily be associated with noise from athletic participants and spectators during practices and games. Typical noise levels from sporting events were analyzed as part of a noise study that was completed for Seattle Public Schools in December 2017 for Roosevelt High School which included an analysis of existing evening athletic uses at Seattle Public School fields that contain field lighting (ESA 2017). An analysis of existing noise during an evening adult soccer game (8 PM to 9 PM) in the immediate vicinity of the athletic field at Ingraham High School indicated a noise level of approximately 64 dba Leq with noise sources consisting of passing cars on N 130 th Street and Ashworth Avenue N, field activity (including ball kicking and whistling), and residential activity (dog calling and other voice activity). While these noise levels exceeded the exterior sound level limits identified in SMC , (55 dba Leq for residential receiving properties between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM), the noise levels during an evening soccer event add to the existing ambient noise sources at Seattle Public School fields with no evening athletic use and contributed to the current noise levels (i.e. in the vicinity of Roosevelt High School which already contains evening ambient noise levels above the Noise Code thresholds). It would be anticipated that youth soccer practices/games and adult soccer games (and other athletic activities, practices and games) at the Garfield High School field would generate a similar level of noise as identified above in the December 2017 noise analysis by Seattle Public Schools (a potential increase of approximately six dba compared with existing conditions), which could result in noise levels that would contribute to a current exceedance of the noise limits identified in SMC These noise sources and noise levels would also be similar to existing noise that occurs at the field currently, including in the evening hours during the Spring through early Fall when longer daylight hours allow for longer use of the field. Noise from athletic events would be most noticeable for residences to the immediate east and south of the project site. However, as described above, based on existing noise measurements at similar field sites, it is anticipated that existing ambient noise levels at the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site can already exceed the City Noise Code levels of 55 dba Leq at certain times due to the site s urban location and proximity to substantial vehicle and transit traffic noise (vehicle/transit traffic and transit stop activity along 23 rd Avenue and E Cherry Street), as well as existing uses at the high school, Garfield Playfield, Garfield Community Center and commercial uses in the area. While potential noise levels from activity Final Environmental Checklist 17

24 associated with the Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project could contribute to the current exceedance of the City Noise Code levels, it is anticipated that proposed athletic activities/events and associated noise increases from extended use of the field would represent a small portion of those noise levels when compared to existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment. For reference, an increase in 10 dba represents a doubling of the loudness of sound and is commonly used by organizations such as WSDOT as a threshold for determining whether an increase in noise could be considered a significant impact. As a result, it is anticipated that a potential increase of approximately six dba under the project would not result in a significant noise impact. In addition, as noted above, the City Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities/events, including louder voice levels, cheering and referee whistles. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: The following measures would be provided to reduce noise impacts: Construction of the project would comply with provisions of the City s Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08); specifically: construction hours would be limited to standard construction hours (non-holiday) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If extended construction hours are necessary, the applicant would apply for a noise variance. The use of the field would comply with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, which allows for activities until 9:45 PM and field lighting until 10:00 PM. The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. The use of portable amplification systems would also not be allowed during field lighting use. As part of the Master Use Permit process for the project, the City of Seattle will review the potential increase duration of noise and Seattle Public Schools would consider any noise mitigation recommended by the City. In the event that specific individual activities may cause noise issues, the City of Seattle maintains a 24-hour noise complaint hotline that can be used by the community surrounding the project site. Final Environmental Checklist 18

25 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 site is located on the eastern portion of the Garfield High School campus and is comprised of the existing field and track as well as surface parking areas. The track and field area is currently used for school activities such as soccer practices, football practices, track and field practices, cross country practices, Physical Education classes, and conditioning workouts. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department also utilizes the field for a variety of recreation programming uses, including youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games, and ultimate Frisbee practices. The Garfield High School gymnasium and performing arts building, as well as an existing surface parking lot are located along the northern edge of the field. Further to the north, beyond the school campus, is Garfield Playfield which is owned and managed by the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, and includes three baseball/softball fields and tennis courts. Garfield Community Center and the Medger Evers Pool are located to the northwest of the school campus (see Figure 2 for map of the existing site and surrounding area). To the east of the field area, beyond 23 rd Avenue, are existing one to two-story single family residences. Powell Barnett Park is located further to the east (approximately 0.15 miles from the field) and includes children s play areas, a wading pool, basketball courts and open space areas. Adjacent land uses to the south of the field site, beyond E Alder Street, include one- to two-story single family residences, churches and multifamily residences along 23 rd Avenue. Further to the south is the Douglass Truth Branch Library, the Catholic Community Services Randolph Carter Center and Seattle Fire Department Station Number 6. To the immediate west of the field is the two- to three-story Garfield High School building, existing portable buildings, and associated surface parking areas. Further to the west is 23 rd Avenue which is classified as a principal arterial with Metro transit providing service along this roadway from routes 4, 8 and 48. Beyond 23 rd Avenue are single family and multifamily residences, and commercial/restaurant uses. While the site is currently utilized for a variety of scholastic and nonscholastic athletic activities, the proposed athletic field lighting would allow for an intensification of the current use (i.e., increased noise, Final Environmental Checklist 19

26 traffic, etc.) by allowing activities to occur later into the evening (particularly during the late fall and winter months). This use would continue to be consistent with the current use and significant impacts would not be anticipated. b. Has the site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? The site has no recent history of use as a working farmland or forest land. 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: The site is located in an urban area and would not affect or be affected by working farm or forest land; no working farm or forest land is located in the vicinity of this urban site. c. Describe any structures on the site. No existing structures are located on the project site. As noted previously, the existing Garfield High School building, existing portables buildings and the existing gymnasium and performing arts center are located to the west and northwest of the existing field area. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No structures would be demolished as a result of the proposed project. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The Garfield High School campus contains two zoning classifications. The western edge of the campus, along 23 rd Avenue, is zoned as Lowrise 2 (LR2). The remainder of the campus, including the athletic field area, is zoned as Single-Family Residential 5000 (SF 5000). Areas to the north, east and south of the field area are zoned as SF Areas to the west and further north (along 23 rd Avenue and E Cherry Street) are zoned as Neighborhood Commercial 1 (NC1) and LR2. Areas further to the south (beyond E Fir Street) are zoned as LR2, Final Environmental Checklist 20

27 Lowrise 3 (LR3), Neighborhood Commercial 2 (NC2) and Neighborhood Commercial 3 (NC3). f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The Future Land Use Map in the Seattle Comprehensive Plan identifies the Garfield High School campus and surrounding area as within the 23 rd and Union-Jackson Residential Urban Village. Residential Urban Villages are areas of residential development, generally at lower densities that urban centers or hub urban villages. While they are also sources of goods and services for residents and surrounding communities, for the most part they do not offer many employment opportunities. 5 g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? The project site is not located within the City s designated shoreline boundary. h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. According to the City of Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas maps, there are no critical areas located on the project site. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? The proposed project would not provide living or work opportunities. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? The proposed project would not displace any people. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: No displacement impacts would occur and no mitigation measures are necessary. 5 Seattle s 2035 Comprehensive Plan. Final Environmental Checklist 21

28 l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The project is compatible with existing land uses and plans. Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 23.51B.002(D)(6) allows a special exception for light poles for public school athletic facilities to exceed the maximum permitted height up to a maximum of 100 feet tall if it is determined that additional height is necessary to ensure adequate illumination and that impacts from light and glare are minimized to the greatest extent practical. Section 11, Light and Glare, provides further discussion on the proposed light poles and how light and glare would be minimized through the use of taller light poles. m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: The project site is not located near agricultural or forest lands and no mitigation measures are necessary. 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing units would be provided as part of the project. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing presently exists on-site and none would be eliminated. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: No housing impacts would occur and no mitigation would be necessary. 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 proposed project would include four light poles surrounding the field area. Light poles along the western edge of the field would approximately 70 feet tall. Light poles along the eastern edge would be approximately 90 feet tall. These proposed heights would help to Final Environmental Checklist 22

29 provide consistent illumination of the track and field area while also minimizing excess glare, light spillage and sky glow. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Views of the existing track and field area on the site would generally remain similar to the existing conditions. Two approximately 70-foot tall light poles and two approximately 90-foot tall light poles would be provided on the site and would be visible from surrounding adjacent areas. The City s public view protection policies are intended to protect public views of significant natural and human-made features: Mount Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the downtown skyline, and major bodies of water including Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Ship Canal, from public places consisting of specified viewpoints, parks, scenic routes, and view corridors identified in Attachment 1 to the SEPA code 6. No public view protection sites are located on or adjacent to the project site. View protection from City-designated Scenic Routes is also encouraged 7 ; however, there are no designated Scenic Routes adjacent to the project site. The adjacent Garfield High School building is designated by the City of Seattle as a City Landmark and views of designated historic structures is also a consideration 8. The proposed Garfield High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would not result in any modifications to the existing Garfield High School building and views of the building would remain generally unchanged. Views of Garfield High School from the east could include a portion of the field lighting poles; however, the lighting poles would not obstruct views of the existing building and are not anticipated to significantly impact views of Garfield High School. There are no designated views of the Space Needle on or adjacent to the project site 9. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: No significant impacts are anticipated with regard to aesthetic impacts and no measures are proposed. 6 Seattle Municipal Code Chap P.2.a.i. and the accompanying Seattle Views: An Inventory of 86 Public View Sites Protected under SEPA (May 2002) document. 7 Ord. #97025 (Scenic Routes Identified by the Seattle Engineering Department s Traffic Division) and Ord. # (Seattle Mayor s Recommended Open Space Policies). 8 Seattle Municipal Code Chapter P.2.b.i. 9 Seattle Municipal Code Chap P. and Seattle DCLU, 2001 Final Environmental Checklist 23

30 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Short-Term Light and Glare At times during the construction process, area lighting of the job site (to meet safety requirements) may be necessary, which would be noticeable proximate to the project site. In general, however, light and glare from construction of the proposed project are not anticipated to adversely affect adjacent land uses. Long-Term Light and Glare The proposed would introduce new sources of light and glare on the project site, including pole-mounted field lighting and additional mobile sources of light associated with additional vehicles travelling to and from the vicinity of the field. The use of the field and associated lighting would comply with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, which allows for activities until 9:45 PM and field lighting until 10:00 PM. A light and glare report was prepared for the project by the Sazan Group (Appendix C). This report was updated subsequent to the issuance of the Draft Checklist to reflect the current lighting design and updated spill light calculations and is summarized below. Four light poles would be provided surrounding the existing field area, including two 70-foot tall poles on the west side of the field and two 90- foot tall poles on the east side of the field. These proposed heights would help to ensure even, uniform illumination of the field, while minimizing excess glare, light spill and sky glow. By utilizing a pole height of 70-feet to 90-feet (compared to 30-foot poles that had been historically used for field lighting)), the amount of light spillage would be reduced by allowing the lights to be focused down toward the field and away from adjacent properties. The height also allows for increased effectiveness of the shielding on the lights to control the emitted light and minimize light from escaping beyond the site. Typical LED Shielded Light Fixtures Final Environmental Checklist 24