Finding of No Significant Impact

Transcription

1 Finding of No Significant Impact Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training Exercise for Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Response to a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami Introduction Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise would demonstrate and assess the ability of United States (U.S.) Department of the Army (Army), U.S. Navy (Navy), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Washington Army National Guard (WNG) joint assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts. JLOTS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). Logistics Over-The-Shore (LOTS) is the process of loading and unloading ships without port facilities, so that equipment and cargo can be moved from ship to shore at inadequate or damaged ports or over a bare beach. JLOTS is the integration of multiple military assets working together under a joint task force to conduct LOTS operations. USTRANSCOM has designated the U.S. Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. Under the Cascadia Rising training scenario, it is expected that severe damage to existing ports, airports, roads, and bridges will require the implementation of JLOTS capabilities to establish supply lines for life-saving and life-supporting response efforts. The planned exercise is proposed to use these capabilities at four locations in Washington State. The final Environmental Assessment (EA), prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the Army, evaluates the impacts of the proposed JLOTS component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise. Purpose and Need The purpose of executing JLOTS training exercises is to provide an opportunity for Service personnel to gain and improve amphibious competencies at a location that allows for the focused assemblage and execution of logistics movement from the offload to locations inland. Completing these training exercises as a part of the Cascadia Rising training also provides the opportunity to integrate the JLOTS capabilities with a multi-agency disaster response operation and demonstrates these capabilities to the public. The Proposed Action is needed for the joint military assets to conduct realistic JLOTS training exercises to ensure continued readiness. The Cascadia Rising training exercise provides a unique opportunity to allow military commands to practice their individual skills as well as prepare for joint operations, where multiple units, multiple commands, and multiple services 1

2 work together with local, state, and Federal agencies as well as non-governmental agencies and Tribes. The training aims to validate, enhance, and refine tactics, techniques, procedures, and doctrine for JLOTS operations. This ultimately provides the U.S. military the capability to move cargo across the surf zone, onto land, and to inland areas in support of military missions, including the provision of aid for disaster relief. Description of the Proposed Action The proposed JLOTS action alternative would take place at four locations in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Vashon Island, and Solo Point. Transport of material between sites would include waterborne distribution as well as ground transportation. The following sections outline what activities are proposed at each of the four western Washington locations. Port of Tacoma The U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Pier, also known as Pier 23, at the Port of Tacoma would serve as the overall mission command node (hub) for the JLOTS portion of the Cascadia Rising exercise. The exercise scenario at this site presumes that the port is largely destroyed with only one usable pier remaining. Tasks at this site would be to receive cargo sent for support, stage equipment in the marshalling yard by commodity, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island and Vashon Island, and establish interoperability between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants. The USAR pier currently features a logistics support vessel (LSV), barge derrick crane, and a large tug berthed at the pier; these would be utilized in the operations. A large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) cargo ship would also be contracted for the exercise. Additional cargo, trucks, material handling equipment (MHE) and modular causeway components would be shipped via rail to the Port of Tacoma from Virginia. The Army s modular causeway system (MCS) is an assemblage of interoperable and interchangeable components which constitute the Army's primary means of augmenting existing port facilities, or conducting LOTS operations where no port is available. The MCS is comprised of powered and non-powered floating platforms and that can be configured in multiple ways. Modular Warping Tugs, components of the MCS, power the causeway ferries. All operations at this site would be under an Army command. Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the USAR Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Bare beach operations at the Port of Tacoma would take place at an approved landing site adjacent to the USAR pier. This site would be used for roll-on/roll-off operations, with cargo discharged directly onto shore from LSV s and/or causeway ferries. Suitable space is available at the site for a marshalling yard/staging area on existing paved surfaces. No construction is required for these operations. Vessels would land between existing piles. 2

3 Naval Magazine Indian Island Operations at Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island would include cargo delivery and transport (lift-on/lift-off and roll-on/roll-off operations) and liquid transfer activities conducted under a Naval command. Four activity locations have been proposed. Approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers are expected at this location. During JLOTS operations at NAVMAG Indian Island, one prepositioning ship and one chartered vessel containing cargo, supplies, and equipment would be anchored in Port Townsend Bay. The cargo would consist of approximately 200 pieces of rolling stock (i.e. wheeled vehicles), MHE, and up to foot containers. During the exercise the cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded using a variety of craft, including: Improved Navy Lighterage Systems (INLS), LSVs, and Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The INLS is a system of powered and non-powered barge systems that are used to transport containerized assets, rolling stock to include tracked and wheeled vehicles, or a combination thereof. Lighterage is the transportation of cargo by flat bottomed barges, also known as lighters. One configuration of the INLS is known as a Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF). An RRDF is a floating platform that is placed underfoot the stern or side port ramps depending on the class of cargo ship. A ramp can then be lowered from the ship to the RRDF such that vehicles can be driven off of the ship onto the floating platform. Smaller landing craft can moor to the RRDF and load the vehicles and cargo for transport to the shore. A second configuration of the INLS is known as a causeway ferry. The causeway ferry is used as a transport for vehicles and large cargo from ship to shore, and has a top speed of 12 knots. The causeway ferry assembly includes a power section (with engine and controls), an intermediate section, and a beach section (with ramp). In addition to the causeway ferry, other landing vessels may be used to transport vehicles and cargo from the ship to the shore. Cargo could be loaded onto the vessels via the RRDF or using the ship s crane. Vessel operations would use existing chartered navigable waterways that are available for public use and would follow all applicable navigation rules. The JLOTS afloat operations should not interfere with normal boating traffic between NAVMAG Indian Island and Port Hadlock/Port Townsend. A Notice to Mariners would be issued regarding this exercise. For all vessel landings, no anchor drops would be done (nor are permitted) within 300 feet of the shoreline (mean higher high water), due to the presence of eelgrass beds. Vashon Island A National Guard training exercise will be occurring on Vashon Island in conjunction with the Cascadia Rising event. JLOTS would assist the National Guard Soldiers with transport to and from the island, giving the JLOTS team training on landings under different conditions, demonstrate the ability to assist island communities that could be isolated during a disaster as well as show the interoperability of the various military Services during disaster relief. On 7 June 2016, up to 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto LSUs or a causeway ferry for transport to Vashon Island. These vehicles would be onloaded at Solo Point at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). 3

4 At Vashon Island, the boat ramp at Jensen Point would be used to discharge Soldiers and cargo at the beginning of the training event. Activities would involve LSUs and/or causeway ferries approaching the boat ramp and discharging cargo at the ramp. The offload would be scheduled for high tide, however if the ramp is unexpectedly inaccessible, a bare beach landing would be completed. If a bare beach landing is used, mats would be placed onto the beach to reduce the impacts of vehicles on the beach sediments. A forklift would be used to move parking barriers out of the way, replacing them at the end of the offload. Cargo would include 35 to 40 vehicles which would be moved to an offsite location. Vehicles could stage for a short duration within the parking area at the site, though site size limitations require minimal onsite staging. The offloading is expected to take a maximum of three hours. The park would be reserved for the event, but would still be open to the public. Public access would be available in limited areas to maintain public safety during offloading and vehicle movement. A viewing area would be available for spectators. On 9 June 2016, a public demonstration and media event is also proposed for this site. As on 7 June, LSUs and/or causeway ferries would approach the area and offload vehicles. The vehicles would travel a short duration and return to reload onto the vessel for departure. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. On 11 June 2016, JLOTS would assist the National Guard with their retreat from the island and return to Solo Point. The actions would essentially be the reverse of 7 June, with vehicles travelling to Jensen Point for loading onto JLOTS vessels either via the ramp or potentially via the bare beach. Mats would be used to protect the beach if a bare beach landing is required. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. Solo Point Solo Point is an existing gravel beach on JBLM. This beach has been used for bare beach landings and other training events in the past. Solo Point is also a popular recreational area for Soldiers. As part of the Cascadia Rising Training, the existing boat ramp at this site would be used for landing of Army landing vessels for roll-on/roll-off operations. As discussed above, on 7 June 2016, up to 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto boats or a causeway ferry for transport to Vashon Island. On 11 June, the vehicles would be offloaded at Solo Point, returning from Vashon Island. No Action Alternative The No Action Alternative would include the computer simulated portions of the Cascadia Rising training and the other military exercises (Ardent Sentry, Vigilant Guard, and Ultimate Caduceus), however the JLOTS actions would not be included. The National Guard exercise on Vashon Island would also continue with the Soldiers and equipment accessing the island via the State ferry system, though potentially with fewer vehicles and personnel. The No Action Alternative, with the removal of JLOTS activities from the Cascadia Rising exercise, would be a lost training opportunity for the JLOTS team in the installation of their amphibious competencies and a lost opportunity to test their integration capabilities with the various exercise participants. This would also limit the effectiveness of the Cascadia Rising training for other participants as they would lose the opportunity to test their integration capabilities with JLOTS and miss the opportunity to better understand the methods of cargo import without fully functional ports. 4

5 Summary of Anticipated Environmental Effects Associated with the Proposed Project The final EA, which is attached and incorporated by reference into this Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI), examined the potential effects of the proposed action on areas of environmental concern, consisting of: air quality; noise; public safety; socioeconomics; land use and recreation; land transportation; cultural resources; wetlands and shoreline resources; water quality; visual resources; bathymetry, sediments, topography, and soils; vegetation; fish, wildlife and birds; and threatened and endangered species. Environmental Effects to Resources in the Proposed Project Area Resource Area No Action Alternative Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/ Vashon Island/ Solo Point Air quality No Effect Temporary, insignificant increase in local emissions. Ambient Noise No Effect Short duration of increased noise at several project locations. Public Safety No immediate impact, however the lost opportunity for disaster response training could reduce the effectiveness of the overall Cascadia Rising Training Event No negative impact expected. A beneficial impact of increased capability for humanitarian aid and disaster response is expected. Socioeconomics No Effect Overall impacts to the socioeconomics of the region would be minimal and temporary. No long-term impacts would be expected. Land Use and Recreation Land Transportation Cultural Resources No Effect National Guard transit to Vashon Island would occur via the State ferry causing temporary traffic delays/impacts. No Effect No permanent land use changes would occur as a result of the proposed action. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the proposed activities, including temporary, brief closures or restrictions of recreational activities. The increase of vehicles along the highways would be minimal compared to daily traffic volumes and would be absorbed into routine traffic. Local roads may experience increased traffic volumes during the peak movements of trucks, however these will be of short duration. No significant impact to land transportation is expected. A no historic properties determination was made, and consultation and concurrence is complete. 5

6 Resource Area No Action Alternative Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/ Vashon Island/ Solo Point Wetlands and Shoreline Resources No Effect By maintaining adequate buffers, limiting beach landings to boat ramps, and avoiding anchoring in eelgrass areas, no impacts to wetlands or shoreline resources is anticipated. Water Quality No Effect All actions would be short in duration with no permanent structures built. No significant impact to water quality is expected. Visual Resources Bathymetry, Sediments, Topography, and Soils No Effect No Effect No permanent change to visual resources would occur as a result of the proposed actions. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the activities proposed at each location. Ship movement and anchoring could have minor, short-term, localized disturbances of the seafloor. Movement of rolling stock and landing craft could disturb the shoreline for a short duration in a localized area. No significant impact to bathymetry, sediments, topography and soils would be expected. Vegetation No Effect Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded. No other vegetation impacts are expected. Fish, Wildlife, and Birds Threatened and Endangered Species No Effect No Effect Training activities could temporarily displace fish, birds and mammals due to increased noise, lighting, vessel movements, and human presence. Impacts would be negligible as the action areas are regularly used for similar activities, similar habitats are available nearby for relocation, and the overall short duration of the training exercise. The proposed actions are not likely to adversely affect listed species or their protected habitats because of the shortterm and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures. 6

7 Cumulative Effects At the Port of Tacoma, given the highly modified state of the port, the cumulative effects of the JLOTS training exercise on biological and other environmental resources is expected to be negligible. The project is not likely to adversely affect federally-listed bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead because of the short project duration and the use of best management practices and conservation measures that protect water quality, aquatic vegetation, and shoreline habitat. No cumulative effects are expected to occur to ESA listed rockfish, marbled murrelet, and southern resident killer whales since their occurrence in the project area is extremely rare. Ongoing Navy activities at NAVMAG Indian Island, including natural resource management and forest thinning, would generate noise on a temporary basis in the upland environment. Three future projects not associated with the JLOTS exercise, include Building 833 heat pump, missile magazines, and aboveground shore power to Ammunition Wharf would generate temporary noise during construction. The short-duration of JLOTS training activities could overlap with construction noise from present or future actions, however any cumulative impacts to the ambient noise of the area are anticipated to be minor. On Vashon Island, a significant amount of the shoreline of Quartermaster Harbor is developed, primarily as residences. At Jensen Point the entire shoreline is lined with houses. Although Jensen Point is not typically used for military offloading, the area is used as a public boat ramp. The JLOTS training event at Jensen Point would be temporary and of very short duration (maximum of 3 hours each, for a total of three times). No permanent alterations or structures would be constructed at this site that would impact or change the landscape and natural processes of the area. Use of the existing public boat ramp or bare beach landings at high tide with mats placed above mean higher high water (MHHW) would avoid or minimize cumulative effects to biological resources at Jensen Point. Since the proposed action at Solo Point would be a onetime occurrence lasting only two days using existing infrastructure, cumulatively the effects to all resources would overall be minimal. In combination with the other noise and air emission generating activities on JBLM, the proposed training would only slightly add to the noise and air emission generating activities during the training. The proposed training would be of short duration and consistent with other on-going activities at JBLM and therefore would only negligibly contribute to effects on biological resources and recreation. Public Comment The Army published a Notice of Availability for the draft EA and draft FNSI on 9 March 2016, in the Tacoma News Tribune, Olympian, Tacoma Weekly, Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader, Vashon Island Beachcomber, and Peninsula Daily News. Notice of Availability post cards were mailed to all entities within the EA s distribution also on this date. Comments were received and accepted via during the 30-day public comment period of 9 March 2016 to 8 April Individual responses to all comments received are located in Appendix A of the final EA. 7

8 Best Management Practices and Conservation Measures Several best management practices and conservation measures will be employed during JLOTS activities to avoid and minimize the adverse effects of the proposed actions. These are listed below by location. All locations If any large woody debris must be moved from the shoreline to create safe landing areas, the material will be placed to the side during the training event and replaced to the original location upon completion of the training activities. Offshore refueling would be conducted under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. A containment system, including absorbent booms, would be established and regularly inspected. Onshore refueling of vehicles or equipment would not occur within 150 feet from any water body or wetland. A secondary containment area would be established prior to fueling activities to contain any spills. All fuel hoses, transfer valves, fittings, etc. will be checked regularly for drips or leaks and shall be maintained and stored properly to prevent spills. To lessen any noise disturbance and emissions output, vehicles would be required to minimize idling. Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded with native grasses at the end of the training. All artificial lights would be directed at the ground, away from the water and forested areas, focusing on work areas. Military ships would have personnel assigned to stand watch at all times when moving through the water. Vashon Island Roll-on/roll-off landings would occur on the boat ramp, if possible. If the boat ramp is too narrow to accommodate safe landings, bare beach landings would occur only at high tide to avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation. Mats would also be placed onto the beach above MHHW to reduce the impacts of vehicles on beach sediments if boat ramps are not used. Solo Point All landings will be restricted to the boat ramp. NAVMAG Indian Island All landings will be restricted to the seaplane/boat ramps. No anchor drops will occur within 300 feet of MHHW in order to protect eelgrass beds. Gray water from kitchens and showers will be collected and brought to a wastewater treatment plant for proper treatment and disposal. Portable latrines and a dumpster service will be available for proper and safe collection and disposal of other wastes. Discharge rates from the IPDS will be slow to ensure that the activity would not disturb sediment to cause turbidity impacts. 8

9

10 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT JOINT LOGISTICS OVER-THE-SHORE TRAINING EXERCISE FOR HUMANITARIAN AID / DISASTER RESPONSE TO A CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI i

11 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT JOINT LOGISTICS OVER-THE-SHORE CASCADIA RISING TRAINING EXERCISE, WA TABLE of CONTENTS 1 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action Introduction Training Scenario Details Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action Scope of the Environmental Assessment Regulatory Compliance Public and Agency Participation Proposed Action and Alternatives Screening Criteria Alternatives Considered and Eliminated from Further Analysis Alternatives Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Air Quality Ambient Noise Public Safety Socioeconomics Land Use and Recreation Land Transportation Cultural Resources Wetlands and Shoreline Resources Water Quality Visual Resources Bathymetry, Sediments, Topography, and Soils Vegetation Fish, Wildlife, and Birds Threatened and Endangered Species i

12 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Cumulative Impact Analysis Port of Tacoma NAVMAG Indian Island Vashon Island Solo Point Compliance with Environmental Statutes Federal Laws Executive Orders Treaties List of Agencies and Tribes Contacted List of Preparers References Appendices Appendix A: Public Comments and Responses Appendix B: Endangered Species Act Documentation Appendix C: Coastal Zone Management Act Documentation Appendix D: National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Documentation Appendix E: Tribal Government-to-Government Consultation Documentation ii

13 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 List of Acronyms ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System AIRFA American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 CAA Clean Air Act CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CH 4 Methane CO Carbon Monoxide CO 2 Carbon Dioxide CWA Clean Water Act CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act db Decibel dba A-weighted Sound Level DPS Distinct Population Segment EA Environmental Assessment EDNA Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement EFH Essential Fish Habitat EO Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act ESU Evolutionarily Significant Unit FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency GHG Greenhouse Gas HMMWV High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle INLS Improved Navy Lighterage System IPDS Inland Petroleum Distribution System JBLM Joint Base Lewis-McChord JLOTS Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore LCU Landing Craft Utility LMSR Large, Medium-Speed Roll-On/Roll-Off LSA Life Support Area LOTS Logistics Over-The-Shore LSV Logistics Support Vessel MHE Material Handling Equipment MMPA Marine Mammal Protection Act NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NAVMAG Naval Magazine NO x Nitrogen Oxides N 2O Nitrous Oxide iii

14 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 NRCS NZ ORCAA O3 Pb PM 2.5 PM 10 PSCAA RRDF RTCH SIP SO 2 TOC USAR USCG USEPA USFWS USTRANSCOM WAC WDOE WDNR WNG WSDOT National Resources Conservation Survey Noise Zone Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Ozone Lead Particulate Matter Diameter <2.5 Microns Particulate Matter Diameter <10 Microns Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility Rough Terrain Container Handler State Implementation Plan Sulfur Dioxide Tactical Operations Center U.S. Army Reserves U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service United States Transportation Command Washington Administrative Code Washington Department of Ecology Washington Department of Natural Resources Washington National Guard Washington State Department of Transportation iv

15 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action 1.1 Introduction The Cascadia Subduction Zone is an active tectonic plate boundary off the west coast of North America, stretching from northern California to Vancouver Island. This tectonic plate boundary has the capability of producing major earthquakes; the last major rupture was a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in The geologic record shows that subduction earthquakes of this scale recur, on average, every 500 years, but the actual intervals vary greatly, from 200 to 1,000 years. Stresses have been building in the Cascadia system for over 300 years, and another major earthquake is possible at any time. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team (FEMA 2015). While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. Four separate, but integrated field exercises will be conducted, involving multiple military assets and resources. These include Ardent Sentry, Vigilant Guard, Ultimate Caduceus, and Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore (JLOTS). The JLOTS component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise would demonstrate and assess the ability of United States (U.S.) Department of the Army (Army), U.S. Navy (Navy), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Washington Army National Guard (WNG) joint assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts. This final Environmental Assessment (EA), prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) on behalf of the Army, evaluates the impacts of the proposed JLOTS component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise. JLOTS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). Logistics Over-The- Shore (LOTS) is the process of loading and unloading ships without port facilities, so that equipment and cargo can be moved from ship to shore at inadequate or damaged ports or over a bare beach. JLOTS is the integration of multiple military assets working together under a joint task force to conduct LOTS operations. USTRANSCOM has designated the U.S. Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. Under the Cascadia Rising training scenario, it is expected that severe damage to existing ports, airports, roads, and bridges will require the implementation of JLOTS capabilities to establish supply lines for life-saving and life-supporting response efforts. The planned exercise is proposed to use these capabilities at four locations in Washington State. 1.2 Training Scenario Details As a part of the training exercise, a number of events that could occur with a major earthquake event are included in the training scenario. A severe scenario is considered, in order to best train participants. 1

16 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 The simulation, for the purpose of this training exercise, represents the 90 th percentile damage, with only a 10 percent chance of this being exceeded in such an event. By using a worst case scenario model, this training would consider some of the potential compounding effects of aftershocks and landslide impacts. Damage estimates in this scenario are provided for the purposes of the Cascadia Rising functional exercise, based upon modeling of a seismic event of a particular magnitude, location and faulting mechanism. They should not be read as a definitive statement of likely damages from any one of many possible Cascadia Subduction Zone events. The Cascadia Rising scenario supposes a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that strikes the Cascadia Subduction Zone on June 7 th 2016, with an epicenter 95 miles west of Eugene, Oregon. This is a full-length rupture scenario of the fault zone, producing four to six minutes of intense shaking, a major tsunami, and a range of secondary impacts from liquefaction, landslides, subsidence, and other factors. This scenario is roughly based on the last major Cascadia rupture. The earthquake itself would cause widespread damage in the coastal region along the I-5 corridor. Shaking would be most intense on the coast, but would also be more severe in places where seismic waves are locally amplified by soft river valley soils or artificial fill (Figure 1). The training scenario assumes substantial loss of life. Impacts to infrastructure are also assumed to be severe, with damage to roads, bridges, ports, and airports hindering response efforts. Shelter needs for up to 1 million displaced survivors and feeding and hydration support for up to 2.5 million survivors is predicted. Aftershocks could occur throughout the region for months after the main earthquake; following a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, aftershocks exceeding magnitude 7.0 are likely to occur. These aftershocks would interfere with recovery efforts and potentially cause collapse of structures damaged in the initial earthquake. Following the main earthquake, tsunami waves are expected to reach the coast within 20 to 30 minutes. Additional waves are expected to follow for up to 24 hours after the earthquake, and aftershocks that may occur in the following days and weeks may generate additional tsunami waves. Large populations are at risk from these waves, with over 50,000 Washington residents and over 30,000 Oregon residents living in the predicted tsunami inundation zone. Additional populations at risk include tourists, workers, and commuters in the coastal area, depending on time of day. Due to short warning times, it is expected that many of these residents and visitors would be unable to reach high ground before the first waves reach the coast. Within the training scenario, fatalities from tsunami waves are expected to exceed those of the main earthquake. Additional damage would likely occur from a range of secondary impact factors. Ground disturbance from liquefaction and deformation is expected to cause extensive damage. Landslides may occur in areas with steep topography, and may isolate communities. Hazardous material spills would likely occur at sites throughout the region; Washington and Oregon contain thousands of facilities with reportable quantities of hazardous materials. Flooding may result from tsunami waves, dam or levee breaches, land subsidence, landslides, or seiche waves. Fires may occur following the earthquake, and may be difficult to combat due to broken water lines, staffing and equipment shortages, and limited access routes. Significant damage to property and infrastructure is expected from the various primary and secondary impacts, with no surviving coastal ports or airports. 2

17 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Following such an event, response needs would be large, complex, and immediate. Success of response efforts would hinge on coordination between all levels of government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The Cascadia Rising exercise is designed to coordinate and simulate this response, and would incorporate state Emergency Operation and Coordination Centers, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the military and affected communities. Figure 1. Expected ground shaking intensities from a 9.0-magnitude Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. 3

18 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Schedule of Proposed Action The Cascadia Rising training exercise is scheduled to take place 7-16 June 2016, and would be comprised of two parts separated by a stand-down period. The scenario begins with an earthquake taking place on 7 June. The first part of the exercise occurs 7-10 June 2016, and includes the initial earthquake and tsunami response with the Department of Defense, regional partners, and FEMA Headquarters in real time from the time of the earthquake event through three days after the event. This would be followed by a stand-down period which serves as a time bridge and scenario reset. The second part of the exercise would occur June 2016, and includes planning and operations of sustained assistance to survivors. JLOTS operations associated with Cascadia Rising, as assessed in this EA, would begin in mid-may and last through June (See Table 1. Proposed Schedule of Cascadia Rising Training Scenario). This timeframe includes site preparation, movement of materials into the region, and site set up and tear down, as well as site restoration after the training exercise. This early start time allows the JLOTS team to be most effective in integrating response activities with the other training participants. At each JLOTS site, a media day is planned for Thursday 9 June 2016 to demonstrate the humanitarian aid capabilities of the military. Table 1. Proposed Schedule of Cascadia Rising Training Scenario mid-may to June 7-June 8-June 9-June 10-June 11-June 12-June 13-June 14-June 15-June 16-June 17 June to 30 June JLOTS Site prep and set up Scenario Earthquake Immediate Response, Search and Rescue, Mission Assignments JLOTS Distinguished Visitors/Media Day Time-bridge and Scenario Reset Command, Control, and Coordination, Sustainment, Logistics JLOTS Tear Down, Site Restoration 1.3 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action The purpose of executing JLOTS training exercises is to provide an opportunity for Service personnel to gain and improve amphibious competencies at a location that allows for the focused assemblage and execution of logistics movement from the offload to locations inland. Completing these training 4

19 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 exercises as a part of the Cascadia Rising training also provides the opportunity to integrate the JLOTS capabilities with a multi-agency disaster response operation and demonstrates these capabilities to the public. The Proposed Action is needed for the joint military assets to conduct realistic JLOTS training exercises to ensure continued readiness. The Cascadia Rising training exercise provides a unique opportunity to allow military commands to practice their individual skills as well as prepare for joint operations, where multiple units, multiple commands, and multiple services work together with local, state, and Federal agencies as well as non-governmental agencies and Tribes. The training aims to validate, enhance, and refine tactics, techniques, procedures, and doctrine for JLOTS operations. This ultimately provides the U.S. military the capability to move cargo across the surf zone, onto land, and to inland areas in support of military missions, including the provision of aid for disaster relief. 1.4 Scope of the Environmental Assessment This EA provides an assessment of the potential impact on the human environment from conducting the proposed JLOTS training at four potential locations in association with the Cascadia Rising training exercise. The EA identifies a reasonable alternative for the Proposed Action and evaluates the impacts that may result from that alternative as compared to the No Action Alternative. Because the activities are amphibious, the primary areas of potential impacts include coastal environments and their associated resources. Resources Evaluated in the Environmental Assessment Aspects of the environment potentially affected by the Proposed Action and evaluated in this EA are: Air Quality Ambient Noise Public Safety Socioeconomics Land Use and Recreation Land Transportation Cultural Resources Wetlands and Shoreline Resources Water Quality Visual Resources Bathymetry, Sediments, Topography, and Soils Vegetation Fish, Wildlife, and Birds Threatened and Endangered Species The EA identifies measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to these resources. The EA also addresses cumulative impacts resulting from past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects in the affected areas. 5

20 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Resources Not Evaluated in the Environmental Assessment Consistent with 40 C.F.R (a)(3),Scoping, the following resources are not considered in detail in the EA because the Proposed Action has no potential to affect them: Infrastructure: The Proposed Action would not require the construction of any permanent facilities or result in a permanent increase in military personnel into the project area. Therefore, there is no potential for impacts on infrastructure. Utilities: Implementation of the alternatives would not involve site improvements, construction of facilities, or a permanent increase in personnel that would place an additional demand on electricity, potable water, sanitary sewer, phone, or information technology at any of the sites being considered. Therefore, impacts to utilities from implementation of the alternatives would be negligible. Environmental Justice: The Proposed Action would not involve any activities that would disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations (Executive Order [EO] 12898, Environmental Justice for Low Income and Minority Populations) or children (EO 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks). Therefore, no impacts on minority or low income populations or populations of children are expected. Environmental justice will not be further analyzed in this EA. 1.5 Regulatory Compliance The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C d) requires federal agencies to take into consideration the potential environmental consequences of proposed actions in their decisionmaking process. The intent of NEPA is to protect, restore, or enhance the environment through wellinformed federal decisions. This final EA will assist the Army in deciding the recommended alternative for implementation through an analysis of environmental impacts associated with each alternative (see Chapter 2 for a discussion of alternatives and Chapter 3 for the environmental impact analysis). The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established under NEPA to implement and oversee federal processes. In 1978, the CEQ issued regulations (40 C.F.R ) that specified that an EA should briefly provide sufficient analysis and evidence for determining whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact (FNSI); aid in an agency s compliance with NEPA when an environmental impact statement is deemed unnecessary; and facilitate the preparation of an environmental impact statement when one is deemed necessary. Chapter 5 of this EA outlines how the proposed JLOTS training event would comply with all applicable Federal environmental laws, statutes and executive orders. 1.6 Public and Agency Participation The NEPA emphasizes public involvement in federal actions affecting the human environment by requiring that the benefits and risks associated with the proposed actions be assessed and publicly disclosed. In accordance with NEPA public involvement requirements (40 CFR ), opportunities were presented to the public to provide written comments on potentially affected resources, environmental issues to be considered, and the Army s approach to the analysis. 6

21 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 The public comment period, during which any person or organization may comment on the draft EA, is mandated by State and Federal laws. The 30-day public comment period for the JLOTS 2016 draft EA was March 9, 2016 through April 8, The Army also hosted two public open houses in March Comments were received and accepted via during the 30-day public comment period. The Army considered all comments received during the comment period. The complete list of comments regarding the draft EA and the Army s responses are included in Appendix A. 2 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2.1 Screening Criteria The identification, consideration, and analysis of alternatives are important aspects of the NEPA process and contribute to the goal of objective decision-making. The CEQ provides guidance on the development of alternatives and their regulations stipulate that of the alternatives considered, only reasonable alternatives (those that meet the stated purpose and need and are feasible) be evaluated in the EA. Alternatives that were initially considered but found not to meet the purpose and need can be briefly described and dismissed from detailed consideration in the EA. The Proposed Action is to conduct JLOTS training at several sites in western Washington. To develop and screen alternatives, the following criteria were used: A range of sites are required to provide the neccesary training environments. o o o Existing port site for damaged port augmentation capabiltities Bare beach sites for landing craft Sites for roll-on/roll-off operations, i.e. existing boat ramp facilities Space requirements: o o o o o 12 acres of open space for a Life Support Area (LSA) 9-12 acres of open space for a cargo staging area 3 sites, at 500 square feet each, for command and control operations Pier Space ~500 linear feet for safe docking of Logistic Support Vessel (LSV) A minimum of 1000 linear feet of beach space with adequate depth to facilitate cargo handling, inland cargo transport vehicles, and a traffic control center. Locations that do not meet these criteria would not meet the project purpose and need to conduct realistic and routine JLOTS exercises to ensure continued combat and humanitarian relief readiness. In addition, visibility to the public is desired in order to demonstrate JLOTS capabilities. 7

22 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Alternatives Considered and Eliminated from Further Analysis Port Facilities A number of port facilities exist within the affected area of Washington including two military facilities (Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island) and public facilities at Grays Harbor, Port Angeles, Anacortes, Bellingham, Chinook, Tacoma, and Seattle. Several sites were reviewed and rejected, including the APM Terminal and Pier 7 in Tacoma, WA. Pier 7 has previously been used for military exercises. Both would support lift-on/lift-off operations, however both would require additional costs for use of military stevedores as opposed to longshoremen. The former Naval Reserve Pier was also rejected as it is not suitable for cargo throughput due to limited capacity. The Port of Shelton in Shelton, WA was also considered but ultimately eliminated. A nearby large airfield that is not fully utilized would support marshalling and billeting facilities and the port could support lift-on/lift-off operations. There is very little beach area so that beach landings would not be feasible. The narrow and shallow entrance channel and the long distance to the nearest anchorage for a large strategic vessel (approximately 12 nautical miles) limits the usefulness of the site. Overall, the site was not found to be suitable for the proposed JLOTS actions. The Port of Tacoma meets the purpose and need of the proposed action because of the existing U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) Center and Pier as well as adjacent space appropriate for bare beach landings and staging facilities. The site s central location also enables the mobilization of personnel and cargo to/from other training sites for various missions and support activities. No other facility was found to provide similar capabilities and benefits. NAVMAG Indian Island has also been retained as a suitable location, although it is less ideal due to the lack of public visibility. Bare Beaches Local officials were queried to identify available and appropriate venues for beach training activities. Suitability evaluations included reviews of available space, beach slopes, typical wave heights, underwater approach conditions, etc. Several locations were identified and rejected, including: Grayland Beach, Damon Point, Westhaven State Park, Owen Beach and Vashon Island. In addition, existing Naval facilities at Indian Island and Whidbey Island were considered. Grayland Beach Grayland Beach State Park in Grayland, WA was considered as a possible location for a beach landing. The wide beach appears to have sufficient space for command facilities and marshalling areas. However, high average surf conditions would not allow for JLOTS operations. Damon Point Damon Point at Ocean Shores, WA was considered as a possible location for a beach landing. The end of the peninsula is an optimal location for pier emplacement and there is a large area available directly across from the beach that was considered for staging. Further review of the location revealed that this site required extensive grading and leveling for installation of the required staging areas. In addition, 8

23 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 migratory birds nest at the site and could be present during the exercise timeframe. The site was eliminated due to environmental concerns and potential impacts. Owen Beach Owen Beach is an urban park in Tacoma, WA. The heavily wooded park surrounding the site limited available land for a LSA, but the site s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) provides a workable offisite encampment option. A large parking area at Owen Beach was considered as a possible location for a marshalling yard, however the grade of the parking lot was a concern. The grade of the beach at the site required hydrographic surveys to reduce risks of use for beach landings. Access roads to Owen Beach are narrow and curvy, making road access or egress difficult for larger trucks with trailers. Additionally, the access roads were not designed for heavy equipment. Overall, the site s limitations led to its elimination from further consideration. Westhaven State Park Westhaven State Park is a 79-acre park with shoreline along the Pacific Ocean and Half Moon Bay within Grays Harbor. The park is a popular destination for surfing and fishing. A concrete boardwalk connects the site to Westport Light State Park which is 1.3 miles to the south. The property between Westhaven State and Westport Light State Park was also recently purchased by the state. This location was closely considered, but ultimately determined to be unsuitable. The newly purchased land was proposed for the LSA, marshalling yard, vehicle maintenance area, and other activities. However, a wetland complex in the area limited usable space below the threshold needed for these activities. Consideration was given to conducting the bare beach operations at the Westhaven site, while moving the LSA and other activities offsite. However, doing so led to concerns with force protection and land leasing timelines. In addition, high wave heights can occur during June in the project area during storm events, which would risk operations. The site s location was considered to be excellent for the public demonstration aspect of the proposed training activity, but overall the site s limitations and concerns led to it being removed from further consideration. Whidbey Island The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was considered as a location for bare beach landings. This site has sufficient space available to accommodate the activities and soldiers expected to participate in the event. However, this site does not fulfill the desired public demonstration aspect of the Cascadia Rising training and was eliminated from further consideration. Boat Ramp Facilities The boat ramp at Dockton Park on Vashon Island was considered for landings to ferry cargo and personnel to the island as a part of the exercise. An existing outfall near the boat ramp as well as the adjacent pier at the site would make navigating onto the ramp difficult. As such the site was determined to be unsuitable for this exercise. 9

24 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Alternatives No Action Alternative The No Action Alternative would include the computer simulated portions of the Cascadia Rising training and the other military exercises (Ardent Sentry, Vigilant Guard, and Ultimate Caduceus), however the JLOTS actions would not be included. The National Guard exercise on Vashon Island would also continue with the Soldiers and equipment accessing the island via the State ferry system, though potentially with fewer vehicles and personnel. The No Action Alternative, with the removal of JLOTS activities from the Cascadia Rising exercise, would be a lost training opportunity for the JLOTS team in the installation of their amphibious competencies and a lost opportunity to test their integration capabilities with the various exercise participants. This would also limit the effectiveness of the Cascadia Rising training for other participants as they would lose the opportunity to test their integration capabilities with JLOTS and miss the opportunity to better understand the methods of cargo import without fully functional ports. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point This is the Preferred Action Alternative. Under this alternative, the proposed JLOTS action alternative would take place at four locations in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, NAVMAG Indian Island, Vashon Island, and Solo Point (Figure 2). Transport of material between sites would include waterborne distribution as well as ground transportation. Limited helicopter transport of personnel may occur. Helicopters would land at existing nearby airports or established landing areas with personnel then transported to the site via ground transport. Helicopters would also be available for medical evacuation in the case of an emergency. The following sections outline what activities are proposed at each of the four western Washington locations. Port of Tacoma The USAR Pier, also known as Pier 23, at the Port of Tacoma would serve as the overall mission command node (hub) for the JLOTS portion of the Cascadia Rising exercise (Figure 3). The exercise scenario at this site presumes that the port is largely destroyed with only one usable pier remaining. Tasks at this site would be to receive cargo sent for support, stage equipment in the marshalling yard by commodity, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island and Vashon Island, and establish interoperability between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants. The USAR pier currently features a logistics support vessel (LSV), barge derrick crane, and a large tug berthed at the pier; these would be utilized in the operations. A large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) cargo ship would also be contracted for the exercise. Additional cargo, trucks, material handling equipment (MHE) and modular causeway components would be shipped via rail to the Port of Tacoma from Virginia. The Army s modular causeway system (MCS) is an assemblage of interoperable and interchangeable components which constitute the Army's primary means of augmenting existing port facilities, or conducting LOTS operations where no port is available. The MCS is comprised of powered and non- 10

25 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 powered floating platforms and that can be configured in multiple ways. The MCS would be used as powered causeway ferries. All operations at this site would be under an Army command. Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the USAR Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Figure 2. Map of Exercise Locations (yellow). 11

26 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Lift-On/Lift-Off Roll-On/Roll-Off Marshalling Yard Figure 3. Operations at USAR Pier Bare beach operations at the Port of Tacoma would take place at a landing site adjacent to the USAR pier. This site would be used for roll-on/roll-off operations (Figure 4), with cargo discharged directly onto shore from LSV s and/or causeway ferries. Suitable space is available at the site for a marshalling yard/staging area on existing paved surfaces. No construction is required for these operations. Vessels would land between existing piles (Figure 5). Up to 400 personnel participating in training activities at the Port of Tacoma would be temporarily housed in a tent camp facility erected on a training area at JBLM. Tent camp installation and use is a typical training activity that occurs on JBLM. As such, this activity has been fully analyzed for environmental impacts in the Army s 2010 Final Environmental Impact Statement for Army Growth at Fort Lewis and the Yakima Training Center, WA and will not be analyzed in this EA. 12

27 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Figure 4. 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) boatswain guides a Civil Support vehicle from U.S. Army Vessel Hobkirk during a JLOTS exercise in Virginia, Aug. 14, This is an example of a typical roll-on/roll-off operation. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Dietrick/Released) Figure 5. The USAR Pier at the Port of Tacoma. NAVMAG Indian Island Operations at NAVMAG Indian Island would include cargo delivery and transport (lift-on/lift-off and rollon/roll-off operations) and liquid transfer activities conducted under a Naval command. Four activity locations have been proposed (Figure 6; Table 2). Approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers are expected at this location. 13

28 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Figure 6. Overview of NAVMAG Indian Island with the four activity locations noted. Table 2. NAVMAG Indian Island site overview. Site Site Name Activities Designation Site 1 Main Wharf Lighterage Mooring and Repair Facility; Refueling; Safe Haven Site 2 Seaplane Ramps Cargo Transport; Marshalling Yard/Staging Area; Repair Facility; Tactical Operations Center Site 3 Crane Point Small Craft Pier Small Craft Moorage, USCG Boat Moorage, Refueling, Lighterage Mooring and Repair Facility Site 4 Life Support Area Tent Camp Facility, Container Staging Area, Inland Petroleum Discharge System 14

29 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 During JLOTS operations at NAVMAG Indian Island, one prepositioning ship and one chartered vessel containing cargo, supplies, and equipment would be anchored in Port Townsend Bay (Figure 6). The cargo would consist of approximately 200 pieces of rolling stock (i.e. wheeled vehicles), MHE, and up to foot containers. During the exercise the cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded using a variety of craft, including: Improved Navy Lighterage Systems (INLS), LSVs, and Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The INLS is a system of powered and non-powered barge systems that are used to transport containerized assets, rolling stock to include tracked and wheeled vehicles, or a combination thereof. Lighterage is the transportation of cargo by flat bottomed barges, also known as lighters. One configuration of the INLS is known as a Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF). An RRDF is a floating platform that is placed underfoot the stern or side port ramps depending on the class of cargo ship. A ramp can then be lowered from the ship to the RRDF such that vehicles can be driven off of the ship onto the floating platform (Figure 7). Smaller landing craft can moor to the RRDF and load the vehicles and cargo for transport to the shore. LMSR RRDF Causeway Ferry Figure 7. Typical Naval INLS operations showing Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF) and Causeway Ferry. 15

30 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 A second configuration of the INLS is known as a causeway ferry. The causeway ferry is used as a transport for vehicles and large cargo from ship to shore, and has a top speed of 12 knots (Figure 8). The causeway ferry assembly includes a power section (with engine and controls), an intermediate section, and a beach section (with ramp). In addition to the causeway ferry, other landing vessels may be used to transport vehicles and cargo from the ship to the shore. Cargo could be loaded onto the vessels via the RRDF or using the ship s crane. Vessel operations would use existing chartered navigable waterways that are available for public use and would follow all applicable navigation rules. The JLOTS afloat operations should not interfere with normal boating traffic between NAVMAG Indian Island and Port Hadlock/Port Townsend. A Notice to Mariners would be issued regarding this exercise. For all vessel landings, no anchor drops would be done (nor are permitted) within 300 feet of the shoreline (mean higher high water), due to the presence of eelgrass beds. Figure 8. Cargo offloading from a causeway ferry at the shoreline. At Indian Island, all landings would occur on existing seaplane ramps. NAVMAG Indian Island Site 1: Lighterage Mooring and Repair, Safe Haven The main wharf at Walan Point would be used for lighterage mooring, lighterage repair and maintenance, refueling, and as a safe haven. Craft not being used would moor at the wharf and the RRDF would tie up each night. No other activities are proposed at the main wharf. 16

31 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 NAVMAG Indian Island Site 2: Cargo Transport, Marshalling Yard/Staging Area, Repair Facility, and Tactical Operations Center Roll-on/roll-off operations would occur at the existing paved seaplane ramps at Site 2 (Figure 6). Causeway ferries or other landing craft would be powered to the paved seaplane ramps, the ramp lowered, and cargo offloaded. Offloading is expected to take less than 30 minutes per occurrence. After cargo is offloaded, the causeway ferry/landing craft raises its ramp and returns to the ship and the RRDF for another load of cargo. In general, operations would be limited to daylight hours, with the one exception being the offloading and construction of the INLS system. This activity takes approximately 48 hours and would occur around the clock until completed. Disassembly and reloading of the INLS onto the ship would occur only during normal daylight hours. After equipment, materials, and cargo are offloaded, they would be staged temporarily on existing paved surfaces at Site 2. Vehicles would be marshalled (inventoried) and if needed, assembled. Many vehicles and equipment are partly disassembled for tight storage on the ship and have to be reassembled when they are delivered to the shore so that they can be easily driven/transferred further inland. Cargo would be transferred by MHE (e.g. forklift, rough terrain container handler, etc.) onto trucks for further transport to the Port of Tacoma Site. Convoys of 4 to 6 vehicles would use existing roads to transport cargo from Site 2 to other areas. Transport of cargo to the Port of Tacoma or other inland destinations would occur on the existing public highway system. Site 2 would also include a vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair area. Hazardous materials used in vehicle maintenance could include: antifreeze, brake fluid, solvent cleaning compound, grease, hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil, detergent, isopropyl alcohol, corrosion preventative compound, penetrating oil, sealing compound, and silicone compound. A secondary containment area would be established during the use of any of these materials. The tactical operations center (TOC) would be established at Site 2. The TOC would include several communications tents, a generator, and a radar array. A small area for parking of vehicles would be established. The site would be manned 24 hours per day. Generators would run 24 hours per day to support the on-site electricity demand. Light plants would be utilized at night for personnel safety and force protection needs. NAVMAG Indian Island Site 3: Crane Point Small Craft Pier The Crane Point small craft pier would be used to moor small Navy vessels, Coast Guard boats, a water barge, and a fuel barge. Maritime Prepositioning Force Utility Boats (MPF UB) would support personnel transfer operations from shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore. Two to three MPF UB s would be used in this JLOTS training exercise. When not in use, utility boats would be moored at this pier. Small craft and lighterage would also refuel at the fuel barge stationed at the Crane Point pier. NAVMAG Indian Island Site 4: Life Support Area, Staging Area, and Liquid Transfer Throughout the duration of the exercise, the bulk of personnel would be temporarily housed in a tent camp facility/lsa at Site 4 (Figure 6). The tent encampment would consist of personnel billeting tents, command, communications and operations tents, maintenance facilities, a chapel, medical tents, portable galley facilities, portable latrine facilities, portable shower facilities, and laundry facilities. LSA 17

32 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 equipment containers would be transported from San Diego to NAVMAG Indian Island by commercial trucks. The LSA would be built to accommodate approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers. The LSA would be located on the current existing recreational campground site located at Crane Point (Figure 6). The field kitchen would comply with all safety, environmental, fire, and waste regulations. All berthing and headquarters sites would use services in place. Additionally, portable latrines, which are commercially installed, serviced, and removed, would be used to augment the existing latrines. Gray water from kitchens and showers would be collected for treatment at NAVMAG Indian Island's wastewater treatment plant. Dumpsters would be serviced and removed commercially or by the NAVMAG Indian Island services in place. Both the berthing and headquarters camp would consist of wall tents and would use diesel generators. Generators would be running 24 hours per day to support the on-site electricity demand. Generators would be placed within appropriately sized secondary containment to catch any fuel or lubricants in the event of a spill. Fuel trucks would be used to provide fuel to vehicles and generators. Fuel trucks would typically be stationed at the tent camp or Site 2, making routine rounds to supply fuel. The LSA equipment containers would be staged in a paved area adjacent to the LSA. The Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) and the Inland Petroleum Distribution System (IPDS) are used to transfer liquids, such as petroleum and water from a ship to supply forces on the shore and inland areas (Figure 9). Bulk transfer of liquids from ships to inland areas would be critical during disaster relief. Transfer of petroleum and water would be needed to supply vehicles and generators with needed fuels and provide potable water for humanitarian assistance. During the JLOTS training exercise, the transfer of fresh water would be used to simulate this activity. Figure 9. Bladder and hose used for bulk liquid transfer operations. For the training, a barge filled with potable water would be moored at Site 3, with pipes run along the shoreline to Site 4. Water would be purchased from a local source. The barge will be equipped with a pumping system in order to facilitate the transfer of the potable water via ABLTS to a beach interface unit located above mean higher high water on shore. The beach interface unit would connect the hose to the IPDS that would then pump the water further inland. The beach unit, IPDS, hoses and water 18

33 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 bladders would be placed at Site 4. The conduit typically has a 6 inch inner diameter and an 8 inch outer diameter. The IPDS hose may extend up to 5 miles to a simulated bag farm operated by the bulk fuels companies. For the training, approximately 1.5 miles of piping would be used. Two bags, each holding 50,000 gallons would be filled. Up to 250,000 gallons of water may be moved through the system over 10 days, with intermittent slow release of the water. A stormwater retention pond at Site 4 is expected to receive the waters. Vashon Island A National Guard training exercise will be occurring on Vashon Island in conjunction with the Cascadia Rising event. The National Guard exercise is discussed in Section 4.4, Cumulative Effects. JLOTS would assist the National Guard Soldiers with transport to and from the island, as such this transportation activity is included within the proposed action and impacts analysis of this EA. This would give the JLOTS team training on landings under different conditions, demonstrate the ability to assist island communities that could be isolated during a disaster as well as show the interoperability of the various military Services during disaster relief. On 7 June 2016, up to 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto LSUs or a causeway ferry for transport to Vashon Island. These vehicles would be onloaded at Solo Point (See Section below). At Vashon Island, the boat ramp at Jensen Point would be used to discharge Soldiers and cargo at the beginning of the training event. Activities would involve LSUs and/or causeway ferries approaching the boat ramp and discharging cargo at the ramp. The offload would be scheduled for high tide, however if the ramp is unexpectedly inaccessible, a bare beach landing would be completed. If a bare beach landing is used, mats would be placed onto the beach to reduce the impacts of vehicles on the beach sediments. A forklift would be used to move parking barriers out of the way, replacing them at the end of the offload. Cargo would include 35 to 40 vehicles which would be moved to an offsite location (discussed further in the Cumulative Impact Analysis in Section 4.4). Vehicles could stage for a short duration within the parking area at the site, though site size limitations require minimal onsite staging. The offloading is expected to take a maximum of three hours. The park would be reserved for the event, but would still be open to the public. Public access would be available in limited areas to maintain public safety during offloading and vehicle movement. A viewing area would be available for spectators. On 9 June 2016, a public demonstration and media event is also proposed for this site. As on 7 June, LSUs and/or causeway ferries would approach the area and offload vehicles. The vehicles would travel a short duration and return to reload onto the vessel for departure. Dignitaries may be transported to the area to view the demonstration. They may fly to the area in helicopters, landing at an existing airfield on the island and then transported to Jensen Point by available ground transportation. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. On 11 June 2016, JLOTS would assist the National Guard with their retreat from the island and return to Solo Point. The actions would essentially be the reverse of 7 June, with vehicles travelling to Jensen Point for loading onto JLOTS vessels either via the ramp or potentially via the bare beach. Mats would 19

34 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 be used to protect the beach if a bare beach landing is required. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. Solo Point Solo Point is an existing gravel beach on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) (Figure 10). This beach has been used for bare beach landings and other training events in the past. Solo Point is also a popular recreational area for Soldiers. As part of the Cascadia Rising Training, the existing boat ramp at this site would be used for landing of Army landing vessels for roll-on/roll-off operations. As discussed above, on 7 June 2016, up to 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto boats or a causeway ferry for transport to Vashon Island. On 11 June, the vehicles would be offloaded at Solo Point, returning from Vashon Island. Figure 10. The south Puget Sound project sites Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island The NAVMAG Indian Island could house all activities proposed at the Port of Tacoma. Similar JLOTS training activities were conducted at the site in This site has sufficient space available to accommodate all proposed activities, including the communication/virtual integration with other governmental and non-governmental organizations. Lift-on/lift-off operations and roll-on/roll-off 20

35 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 operations would also occur as described in Alternative 1. There is also space available to create a tent camp that could house up to 1400 Soldiers. However, the use of this site would mean that the activity of ferrying the National Guard from Solo Point to Vashon Island would be removed from the project agenda and no JLOTS activities at these sites would occur. Use of this site would also preclude bare beach landings due to cultural and environmental sensitivities. All landings would be conducted at existing seaplane ramps. Additionally, this site does not fulfill the desired public demonstration aspect of the Cascadia Rising Training. Because NAVMAG Indian Island is a secure federal facility, all operations would be inaccessible to the public. Best Management Practices and Conservation Measures Several best management practices and conservation measures will be employed during JLOTS activities to avoid and minimize the adverse effects of the proposed actions. These are listed below by location. All locations If any large woody debris must be moved from the shoreline to create safe landing areas, the material will be placed to the side during the training event and replaced to the original location upon completion of the training activities. Offshore refueling would be conducted under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. A containment system, including absorbent booms, would be established and regularly inspected. Onshore refueling of vehicles or equipment would not occur within 150 feet from any water body or wetland. A secondary containment area would be established prior to fueling activities to contain any spills. All fuel hoses, transfer valves, fittings, etc. will be checked regularly for drips or leaks and shall be maintained and stored properly to prevent spills. To lessen any noise disturbance and emissions output, vehicles would be required to minimize idling. Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded with native grasses at the end of the training period. All artificial lights would be directed at the ground, away from the water and forested areas, focusing on work areas. Military ships would have personnel assigned to stand watch at all times when moving through the water. Vashon Island Roll-on/roll-off landings would occur on the boat ramp, if possible. If the boat ramp is too narrow to accommodate safe landings, bare beach landings would occur only at high tide to avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation. Mats would also be placed onto the beach above mean higher high water to reduce the impacts of vehicles on beach sediments if boat ramps are not used. 21

36 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Solo Point All landings will be restricted to the boat ramp. NAVMAG Indian Island All landings will be restricted to the seaplane/boat ramps. No anchor drops will occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in order to protect eelgrass beds. Gray water from kitchens and showers will be collected and brought to a wastewater treatment plant for proper treatment and disposal. Portable latrines and a dumpster service will be available for proper and safe collection and disposal of other wastes. Discharge rates from the IPDS will be slow to ensure that the activity would not disturb sediment to cause turbidity impacts. 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences This chapter describes the existing environmental conditions and potential environmental consequences for the affected resources. Table 3 below provides a summary of the impacts to the analyzed resources for each alternative. Table 3. Summary of Environmental Consequences by Resource. Resource Area No Action Alternative Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/ Vashon Air quality No Effect Temporary, insignificant increase in local emissions. Ambient Noise No Effect Short duration of increased noise at several project locations. Public Safety No immediate impact, however the lost opportunity for disaster response training could reduce the effectiveness of the overall Cascadia Rising Training Event No negative impact expected. A beneficial impact of increased capability for humanitarian aid and disaster response is expected. Socioeconomics No Effect Overall impacts to the socioeconomics of the region would be minimal and temporary. No longterm impacts would be expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Temporary, insignificant increase in local emissions. Short duration of increased noise at the project location. No negative impact expected. A beneficial impact of increased capability for humanitarian aid and disaster response is expected. Overall impacts to the socioeconomics of the region would be minimal and temporary. No long-term impacts would be expected. 22

37 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Land Use and Recreation Land Transportation Cultural Resources Wetlands and Shoreline Resources No Effect National Guard transit to Vashon Island would occur via the State ferry causing temporary traffic delays/impacts. No Effect No Effect No permanent land use changes would occur as a result of the proposed action. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the proposed activities, including temporary, brief closures or restrictions of recreational activities. The increase of vehicles along the highways would be minimal compared to daily traffic volumes and would be absorbed into routine traffic. Local roads may experience increased traffic volumes during the peak movements of trucks, however these will be of short duration. No significant impact to land transportation is expected. A no historic properties determination was made, and Consultation and Concurrence is complete. By maintaining adequate buffers, limiting beach landings to boat ramps, and avoiding anchoring in eelgrass areas, no impacts to wetlands or shoreline resources is anticipated. Water Quality No Effect All actions would be short in duration with no permanent structures built. No significant impact to water quality is expected. Visual Resources No Effect No permanent change to visual resources would occur as a result of the proposed actions. Shortterm changes or interruptions may occur during the activities proposed at each location. No permanent land use changes would occur as a result of the proposed action. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the proposed activities, including temporary closures or restrictions of recreational activities. The increase of vehicles along the highways would be minimal compared to daily traffic volumes and would be absorbed into routine traffic. Local roads may experience increased traffic volumes during the peak movements of trucks, however these will be of short duration. No significant impact to land transportation is expected. A no historic properties determination was made, and Consultation and Concurrence is complete. By maintaining adequate buffers, limiting beach landings to boat ramps, and avoiding anchoring in eelgrass areas, no impacts to wetlands or shoreline resources is anticipated. All actions would be short in duration with no permanent structures built. No significant impact to water quality is expected. No permanent change to visual resources would occur as a result of the proposed actions. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the activities proposed at NAVMAG Indian Island. 23

38 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Bathymetry, Sediments, Topography, and Soils No Effect Ship movement and anchoring could have minor, short-term, localized disturbances of the seafloor. Movement of rolling stock and landing craft could disturb the shoreline for a short duration in a localized area. No significant impact to bathymetry, sediments, topography and soils would be expected. Vegetation No Effect Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded. No other vegetation impacts are expected. Fish, Wildlife, and Birds Threatened and Endangered Species No Effect No Effect Training activities could temporarily displace fish, birds and mammals due to increased noise, lighting, vessel movements, and human presence. Impacts would be negligible as the action areas are regularly used for similar activities, similar habitats are available nearby for relocation, and the overall short duration of the training exercise. The proposed actions are not likely to adversely affect listed species or their protected habitats because of the short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures. Ship movement and anchoring could have minor, short-term, localized disturbances of the seafloor. Limiting landings to the seaplane ramps avoids impact to the shoreline. No significant impact to bathymetry, sediments, topography and soils would be expected. Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded. No other vegetation impacts are expected. Training activities could temporarily displace fish, birds and mammals due to increased noise, lighting, vessel movements, and human presence. Impacts would be negligible as the action areas are regularly used for similar activities, similar habitats are available nearby for relocation, and the overall short duration of the training exercise. The proposed actions are not likely to adversely affect listed species or their protected habitats because of the short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures. 3.1 Air Quality Definition of Resource The Clean Air Act (CAA) sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for several criteria pollutants including ozone (O3), lead (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, etc.), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particle pollutants with diameters less than 10 microns (PM2.5 and PM10). Areas that 24

39 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 persistently exceed the standards are designated as nonattainment areas. In Washington State, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has designated one nonattainment area in Tacoma (USEPA 2015). Once a nonattainment area has attained and maintained NAAQS, they may be redesignated as maintenance areas. Maintenance areas exist in Washington State for ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide (WDOE 2015b). Air quality is typically assessed by local, state, and federal agencies in relation to ambient air quality standards set to protect human and environmental health. The agencies that currently monitor air quality throughout the region are: the USEPA, the Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE), the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). The General Conformity Rule was established under the CAA section 176(c)(4) and revised by the USEPA in The rule states that a federal agency cannot issue a permit or support an activity unless the agency determines that the action would conform to the most recent USEPA approved State Implementation Plan (SIP). This means that projects using federal funds or requiring federal approval in nonattainment or maintenance areas must not: (1) cause or contribute to any new violation of a NAAQS; (2) increase the frequency or severity of any existing violation; or (3) delay the timely attainment of any standard, interim emission reduction, or other milestone. Certain actions are exempt from conformity determinations if the projected emission rates would be less than specified emission rate thresholds, known as de minimis thresholds. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation. GHGs emitted from both anthropogenic sources and natural processes include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2O), O 3, and some hydrocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons. These compounds can accumulate in the Earth s atmosphere and retain some of the thermal radiation originating from the sun, creating a greenhouse effect. Federal agencies on a national scale address emissions of GHGs by reporting and meeting reductions mandated in federal laws, EOs, and agency policies. Recent policies include EO 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade and the USEPA Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. Washington State has also issued several EOs to address GHG reductions including EO and EO 09-05, aimed at carbon emission and air pollution control. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma Air quality in the Puget Sound basin is generally good. However, urban areas experience moderately degraded air quality during certain times of the year. Particulates, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide are the pollutants of concern. High concentrations of these pollutants generally occur during the dry late summer months when minimal wind conditions persist for long periods of time, or during mid-winter thermal inversions. 25

40 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Commencement Bay is bordered by hills on its northeast and southwest sides. Air circulation in this trough is inhibited during periods of calm winds. The principal sources of air emissions in the project vicinity include chemical manufacturing plants, a pulp and paper mill, an aluminum smelter, and vehicular emissions. The project area is within the USEPA classified Tacoma-Pierce County nonattainment area for fine particle (PM2.5) pollution, as healthy limits were not met during measurements in The nonattainment classification is a result of a stronger air pollution limit set by the USEPA in 2006 and too many winter days when fine particle pollution levels went above the limit. Fine particle pollution in the Tacoma-Pierce County area comes mainly from smoke due to burning in wood stoves and fireplaces. It is worse during the winter months when more households are burning wood for heat. In addition, stagnant air traps the smoke from these fires close the ground and cause air pollution to build up rapidly. In October 2014 WDOE submitted a re-designation request and maintenance plan to USEPA as a revision to Washington State s SIP. The plan shows that the area is meeting the fine particle limit and has the necessary pollution controls in place to meet the limit for the next 10 years. USEPA has up to 18 months to approve the plan and if approved, the area will be re-designated to attainment. The Port of Tacoma is also located in the Seattle-Tacoma maintenance area for carbon monoxide and one-hour ozone, and the Tacoma maintenance area for particulate matter (PM 10). Carbon monoxide sources in the area include motor vehicles, wood stoves, and industrial combustion sources. Primary ozone contributors are motor vehicles, industry, power plants, and paint. Particulate matter sources are mainly wood stoves, industry, construction, and dust. Each area is required to have a ten-year maintenance plan to prevent sliding back into nonattainment. On 5 August 2004, the USEPA approved the Central Puget Sound CO and Ozone Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan, which demonstrated that the area will maintain air quality standards through the year 2016 (69 FR 47365). The PSCAA published the Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for PM 10 on 27 September This revises the Washington State SIP to ensure PM 10 attainment through Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) is widely used as a replacement for diesel fuel in military vehicles. JP-8 military fuel is not subject to the USEPA s existing requirements for diesel fuel and exempt from the maintenance plan vehicle emission control measures under 40 CFR (40 CFR ), as long as it is used in a tactical military vehicle including marine vessels and locomotives. NAVMAG Indian Island The proposed JLOTS exercise at NAVMAG Indian Island would take place in an attainment area for critical air pollutants; therefore, the General Conformity Rule does not apply. Vashon Island Vashon Island is within the Seattle-Tacoma, WA maintenance area for the one-hour ozone standard, and as such a maintenance plan is required. On 5 August 2004, the USEPA approved the Central Puget Sound CO and Ozone Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan, which demonstrated that the area will maintain air quality standards through the year 2016 (69 FR 47365). All other critical air pollutant NAAQS are attained for Vashon Island. 26

41 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Solo Point Solo Point is part of the Seattle-Tacoma Maintenance Area for the carbon monoxide standard. Pierce County is also part of the Seattle-Tacoma, WA maintenance area for the one-hour ozone standard. The maintenance designation for ozone requires a maintenance plan under Section 110(a)(1) of the CAA to prevent deterioration of the area to nonattainment status, however the maintenance plan does not carry with it any conformity obligations (40 CFR Subpart (a)(3) and (4)). On 5 August 2004, the USEPA approved the Central Puget Sound CO and Ozone Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan, which demonstrated that the area will maintain air quality standards through the year 2016 (69 FR 47365). The applicable General Conformity Rule de minimis levels for JBLM (Pierce County portion) are 100 tons/year of CO (40 CFR ). Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative With the No Action Alternative, no JLOTS military vehicles or vessels would be used and there would be no increase in emissions or impact to air quality as a result. The National Guard training on Vashon Island would still take place and state ferry services would be used for transportation in place of military assets. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point During site preparation and equipment staging, emissions would be produced by this alternative from the transportation of equipment to individual sites, including railroad operations from Fort Eustis to the Port of Tacoma and truck transport of freight from San Diego to NAVMAG Indian Island and JBLM. Movement of light vehicles and marine vessels will also occur between sites throughout the exercise. These emissions will not exceed USEPA s de minimis threshold levels (100 tons/year for carbon monoxide and 50 tons/year for ozone). Potential air quality impacts will be minimal and short in duration. During the JLOTS exercise there would be temporary and minimal increases in emissions in the localized areas from military vehicles, marine vessels, and bivouac machinery (e.g. LSA generators). This would include operation at each site and transportation of vehicles between each site. There would be no appreciable increase in emissions or impacts to air quality from stationary sources associated with the alternative. The short duration of the project and the minimal cumulative impact of the emissions would have very little effect on the air quality at each site and is therefore insignificant. Climate change impacts are minimal as individual sources of greenhouse gas emissions are not large enough to have an appreciable effect on climate change. An appreciable impact on global climate change as a result of this alternative would only occur when proposed greenhouse gas emissions combine with greenhouse gas emissions from other man-made activities on a global scale. The emissions associated with this alternative would amount to only minor increases in emissions above the No Action Alternative conditions therefore under any of the alternatives, cumulative impacts to global climate change would not be significant. 27

42 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island The impacts to air quality at NAVMAG Indian Island under this alternative would be similar to Alternative 1. With Alternative 2, all JLOTS activities would occur on NAVMAG Indian Island. Mobile source emissions would be marginally less than with Alternative 1, however effects would be concentrated at one site in a smaller area. Pre-exercise preparation and staging would not require grading and leveling with heavy machinery, however vehicle and equipment transportation to the Island would still occur. There would be no appreciable increase in emissions or impacts to air quality from stationary sources associated with the alternative. Therefore, impacts to air quality and greenhouse gases are less than significant. 3.2 Ambient Noise Noise is the term used to identify disagreeable, unwanted sound that interferes with normal activities or diminishes the quality of the environment (American National Standards Institute 1994; U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine 2006), and can affect both human and nonhuman listeners. Noise is one of the most prominent environmental issues associated with military training activities. For humans, when sounds interfere with speech, disturb sleep, or interrupt routine tasks, they become noise. The effects of noise on fish and wildlife are addressed in Sections 3.13 and Within this EA, measurements of sound are given as sound pressure level in units called decibels (db). The db scale provides a simplified relationship between sound pressure and the way it is perceived by the receiver, expressing the logarithmic strength of measured sound pressure relative to a standardized reference pressure. Airborne sounds are commonly referenced to human hearing using a method which weights sound frequencies according to measures of human perception, de-emphasizing very low and very high frequencies which are not perceived well by humans. This is called A-weighting, and the decibel level measured is called the A-weighted sound level (dba). Ambient noise is comprised of sounds from natural and manmade sources. Natural sounds include wildlife vocalizations, wind, rain, thunder, and water movement such as surf. Manmade sounds include traffic, air conditioners, lawn care equipment, boats, construction activity, etc. Ambient background noise in urbanized areas typically varies from 60 to 70 dba, but can be higher; suburban neighborhoods experience ambient noise levels of approximately 45 to 50 dba (USEPA 1974). Noise sources found along industrial waterfronts include common construction equipment, such as trucks, cranes, compressors, generators, and pumps. Typical source levels for common industrial noise sources range from 73 to 101 dba (WSDOT 2015). Maximum noise levels may be reached when multiple sources of noise are operating simultaneously (WSDOT 2010). These maximum noise levels are intermittent in nature and may occur sporadically on any given day with construction or other waterfront activity. A sensitive noise receptor is defined as a location or facility where people involved in indoor or outdoor activities may be subject to stress or considerable interference from noise (USEPA 1971). Such locations or facilities often include residential dwellings, hospitals, nursing homes, educational facilities, libraries, 28

43 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 and parks or other outdoor recreational areas. Table 4 details distances to the closest sensitive noise receptors within the proposed project sites. Table 4. Distances from the Project Sites to Nearest Sensitive Noise Receptor. Location Distance Receptor type Port of Tacoma 2,000 ft Single Family Residence Vashon Island 200 ft Single Family Residence NAVMAG Indian Island 6,800 ft Single Family Residence Solo Point 5,000 ft Single Family Residence The Washington Administrative Code (WAC ) contains a set of maximum permissible sound levels based on the land use of the noise source and the land use of the noise receptor. The Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) is divided between 3 classes based on noise source. Class A EDNA are primarily residential areas where humans live and sleep. Class B EDNA are areas such as commercial living/dining, retail services, banks and office buildings. Class C EDNA are lands where activities generate higher noise levels than other areas such as industrial zones. Table 5 shows the EDNA noise source and allowable noise thresholds for the EDNA of the receiving property. A 10 dba reduction to Class A EDNA receiving properties between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM is required. The Washington State regulations contain several exemptions for maximum permissible limits for certain activities. Construction noise between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM weekdays is exempt from maximum noise levels in the state noise regulations. Table 5. EDNA Maximum Allowable Noise Thresholds. EDNA of Receiving Property EDNA of Noise Source Class A Class B Class C Class A 55 dba 57 dba 60 dba Class B 57 dba 60 dba 65 dba Class C 60 dba 65 dba 70 dba Source: WAC Underwater ambient noise is comprised of sounds produced by a number of natural and manmade sources. Natural noise sources can include wind, waves, precipitation, and biological sources such as shrimp, fish, and cetaceans. These sources produce sound in a wide variety of frequency ranges (Urick 1983; Richardson et al. 1995) and can vary over time. In shallow waters, precipitation may contribute up to 35 db to the existing sound level, and increases in wind speed can cause increase in ambient ocean noise (Urick 1983). High noise levels may also occur in nearshore areas during heavy surf and vessel cause breaking waves on shore, contributing to the ambient acoustic environment. Anthropogenic noise sources also contribute to ambient noise levels, particularly in ports and other high use areas in coastal regions. Normal activities include vessel traffic (from large ships, support vessels, and security boats), loading and maintenance operations, and other activities (sonar and echo-sounders from commercial and recreational vessels, construction, etc.) which all generate underwater sound (Urick 1983). Table 6 shows representative levels of underwater noise. The Puget Sound is home to major Pacific Northwest shipping routes; thousands of vessels enter and leave the major ports of 29

44 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Washington State and British Columbia. In addition to cargo ships, vacation cruise lines, and fishing vessels that travel on a regular basis throughout the region, there are scores of recreational vessels, ferry traffic, and whale-watching boats. Additionally, noise from mechanized equipment on wharves or adjacent shorelines may propagate underwater and contribute to underwater ambient noise levels. Table 6. Representative Levels of Underwater Noise Noise Source Peak Frequency Range Underwater Source Reference (Hz) Level (re 1μPa) Small vessels 250-6, db rms at 1 m Lesage et al Large vessels 20-1, db rms at 1 m Richardson et al (underway) Tug docking barge 200-1, db rms at 100 m National Marine Fisheries Service 2002 Dredging (clamshell) 50-3, db rms at m Integrated Concepts & Research Corp db = decibel, rms = root mean square, m = meter Port of Tacoma There are numerous sources of noise in the City of Tacoma and Commencement Bay. Activities at the port associated with container traffic including barges, rail, trucks, and cargo handling equipment all increase ambient noise levels in the air and water. Other sources of noise are vehicle traffic on surrounding bridges and highways, boat building and repair, automobile yard activities, and ongoing road and building construction projects in the area. No noise-sensitive land uses are located within the immediate vicinity of Pier 23. There is a residential community approximately 0.5 miles to the north, on the northern side of Hylebos Waterway. Several other noise-producing facilities lie between the Pier 23 site and these receptors. Pier 23 lies in a Class C area designated for industrial uses. As a result, noise generated at Pier 23 may not exceed the maximum noise level of 70 dba. NAVMAG Indian Island Noise sources on NAVMAG Indian Island include natural sources such as wind and surf and manmade sounds which include marine vessels, shore-based vehicles, and operation of equipment. An active helipad exists on the island. Additionally, a fire house on NAVMAG Indian Island sounds its siren each morning. There are no residences on NAVMAG Indian Island. The nearest private residences are approximately 1.5 miles to the west near Kala Point. The largest population center in the area is Port Townsend with two smaller communities of Port Hadlock and Irondale located approximately 2.5 miles west of the island and Marrowstone Island to the east. NAVMAG Indian Island is a Class C area designated for industrial uses. As a result, noise generated to nearby residential areas cannot exceed 60 dba during daylight hours and 50 dba between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend have adopted the State s maximum permissible environmental noise levels. 30

45 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Vashon Island The proposed site is at Jensen Point Park on the east shore of Burton Peninsula on Vashon Island. The park includes two boat launches for both motorized craft and non-motorized craft. Vessel traffic is primarily recreational due to the park s location within Quartermaster Harbor. Large commercial vessel traffic transits around Vashon Island without entering the harbor. There are residences adjacent to the park with the closest one approximately 200 feet from the boat ramp. Jensen Point Park is in a Class B area designated for recreation lands not used for human habitation (e.g. camping). As a result, noise generated within the park must not exceed 60 dba. Noise from the park traveling to nearby residences (Class A) must not exceed 57 dba during daylight hours and 47 dba between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Solo Point The main sources of noise from JBLM to surrounding communities include aircraft (fixed-wing and rotary), munitions, detonations, and live-fire ranges. Small cities near JBLM experience short-term noise level increases from training activities. Existing sources of noise on JBLM include military aviation activities, small arms ranges, large caliber weapons training, and vehicle traffic. Noise from vehicle traffic is primarily located in the cantonment area. Solo Point is used for amphibious training activities. It is also regularly used by runners, hikers, mountain bikers and boaters. There is a boat launch for small watercraft. Solo Point is located outside of the gated area of JBLM, but is still a part of the base and therefore has limited public access. The Installation Operational Noise Management Plan and updated Army land use guidelines identify three noise zones for JBLM (USACHPPM 2009): Noise Zone I (NZ I) is compatible for most noise-sensitive land uses, Noise Zone II (NZ II) is normally incompatible for noise-sensitive land uses, Noise Zone III (NZ III) is incompatible for noise sensitive land usage Solo Point is located outside of any NZ contours generated by on-base training activities. Generally, ambient noise levels would be lower than areas on base within noise contours for small caliber operation, large weapon and airfield operations. Vessel traffic (commercial, public and private) regularly transits Puget Sound adjacent to Solo Point. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the no JLOTS activities would occur. Without JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact to existing ambient noise levels. 31

46 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point Implementation of the JLOTS activities within Cascadia Rising under Alternative 1 would not involve permanent site improvements, construction of permanent facilities, or a long-term increase in personnel, and would thus not create any new permanent sources of noise. The training exercise activities would temporarily increase local noise levels; however, the activity period would be of a short-duration. All sites proposed regularly experience traffic and human disturbance. The Port of Tacoma is a Class C EDNA and the nearest residential area is 2,000 feet away. Noise is expected to remain within existing industrial noise levels at the Port of Tacoma and would result in negligible increases to daytime noise during the duration of the training exercise. A TOC would be established and would include generators for power equipment. The maximum noise from generators is 81 dba at distances of 50 feet. These units would be operating continuously for the duration of the training exercise. Sound generated by a stationary point source is typically reduced by dba per doubling of distance from the source based on surface conditions and vegetation (WSDOT 2015). In addition, atmospheric conditions such as humidity, temperature and wind can greatly influence the rate of noise attenuation. With a generator noise level of 81 dba and a 6 dba reduction for doubling of distance to the nearest residence (2,000 feet), noise would be 49.5 dba. Noise from the TOC would be the only source during nighttime operations and below maximum thresholds (0.5 dba) for Class A EDNAs. Training exercise noise at the Port of Tacoma is not expected to be discernible from other ongoing sources. Noise during the exercise at NAVMAG Indian Island would include vessel operation, cargo offloading, vehicle movements, generator use, IPDS pumps, and LSA operations (generators for power equipment and a refrigeration unit). Distance to the nearest noise sensitive receptor is 6,800 feet (Class A EDNA). Based on a 6 dba reduction for doubling of distance to the nearest residence (6,800 feet) the receiving noise from 24 hour use of generators and refrigeration unit would be less than 40 dba. This sound level is within the allowable maximum daytime and nighttime noise threshold for Class A EDNAs. Daytime noise from the LSA would be additive to existing operations at NAVMAG Indian Island. A helicopter may be used to move personnel (primarily distinguished visitors for one visit to each location) or as an emergency medevac. Medical evacuation, while it could occur day or night, is unlikely. Therefor noise impacts for a medical evacuation are not analyzed. The use of an existing helipad for transport of visitors to the site once during the training would also be a negligible impact on noise due to the short duration single event, similarity to existing use of the facility, and limiting the occurrence to the daytime. Noise at Vashon Island would occur during daylight hours only over three non-consecutive days. The nearest noise receptor is 200 feet from the park. Based on the daylight hours of proposed operations at this site and short duration of any increases over ambient noise levels are considered negligible. Similarly, noise at Solo Point would occur during the day, with an increase over ambient levels during vehicle loading. To lessen any noise disturbance during roll-on/roll-off operations, vehicles would be required to minimize idling and shut-off engines. 32

47 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Vehicle noise would occur during roll-on/roll-off operations, use of rough terrain container handlers (RTCH) for container offload, and transport of cargo on existing roadways including local streets and major highways and interstates. All vehicles proposed for use are road legal and would contribute additional vehicles to the roadway for the duration of the training exercise. Typical vehicles to be used include High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and Stryker vehicles. HMMWV noise is comparable to noise from medium trucks (65 to 70 dba at 50 feet). Stryker vehicle noise would be a few decibels higher than the noise generated by multi-axle heavy trucks (85 dba at 50 feet). Peak pass-by noise levels are reduced by 15 dba at a distance of 500 feet from the travel path (Army 2003). Consequently, noise from military vehicle traffic on established roads would be a less than significant impact. Aspects of marine vessel movement activities include engine noise from large vessels and accelerating small vessels. Marine vessel noise would be cumulative to commercial, private and recreational vessel traffic at all proposed sites, but is expected to be minimal due to the short duration of the training and similarity to existing boat traffic. Aircraft, if participating in the exercise, would only be flown during daylight hours and would comply with all Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including those regarding noise restrictions. Based on the analysis of impacts to the noise environment from implementation of Alternative 1, there would be no significant impacts. Noise impacts to fish and wildlife are discussed in Sections 3.13 and Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Implementation of the JLOTS activities under Alternative 2 would temporarily increase local noise levels; however, the activity period would be limited. The training activities would be concentrated in a remote location away from sensitive noise receptors, and noise levels would be consistent with noise levels associated with ongoing military training at the installation. No site preparation or restoration would be required. Noise during the exercise at NAVMAG Indian Island for Alternative 2 would be similar to those discussed for Alternative 1. Based on the analysis of impacts to the noise environment from implementation of Alternative 2 there would be no significant impacts. Noise impacts to fish and wildlife are discussed in Sections 3.13 and Public Safety This section addresses public safety pertaining to the possible presence of members of the public within the areas where JLOTS training would be conducted. Ground activities on Vashon Island are proposed to occur in public locations. Affected Environment Notices to Mariners provide information to private and commercial vessels regarding temporary closures of areas. These navigational warnings are disseminated through maritime frequency radio, weekly publications by the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center available on the internet, 33

48 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 and global positioning system navigation charts. They provide information about the duration and location of closures. Civilian vessel operators are responsible for being aware of areas any access limitations in surface waters and any Notices to Mariners that are in effect. At sea, Soldiers and Sailors employ the fundamentals of safe navigation. While in transit, surface vessel operators are alert at all times, travel at a safe speed for the prevailing conditions, use state-of the-art satellite navigational systems, and are trained to take proper action to avoid collisions. Surface vessels are also equipped with trained and qualified lookouts. Lookouts are trained to detect objects or activity in the water that could pose a risk to the vessel. Training in robust exercise scenarios, such as the proposed action, is vital to hone skills and maintain and improve personnel proficiency. Because amphibious operations are inherently dangerous, training in a realistic setting is critical to maximizing the safety of personnel. Training activities are conducted in accordance with Army and Navy rules and regulations (Navy 2015). These instructions provide operational and safety procedures for all training events. They also provide information to all trainees that is necessary to operate safely and avoid affecting nonmilitary activities such as shipping, recreational boating, diving, and commercial or recreational fishing. Port of Tacoma The Port of Tacoma in alliance with the Port of Seattle forms the third-largest container gateway in North America. The USAR pier is directly adjacent to this busy port facility. Ground activities at the USAR pier would occur within a fenced area where there is no public access. NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island is a secure federal facility. All activities would occur in areas inaccessible to the public. Vashon Island Jensen Point includes a four-acre public park operated by the Vashon Park District. The site includes a public boat ramp, parking areas for motorized watercraft, and a put-in access point for hand carried kayaks and canoes. A kayak rental center is also located on the property. Solo Point Solo Point is located on JBLM. Ground activities at this site would not be open to the general public, though the site is used by Soldiers for recreation activities. Boat traffic to and from the site would move through public waterways. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative The purpose of the Cascadia Rising training exercise is to improve disaster response through the testing of protocols and integration capabilities. Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS actions would not occur. The Cascadia Rising exercise, with over 100 participating agencies and organizations, would continue to be an important benefit to local and 34

49 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 national disaster preparedness, but the testing of JLOTS military integration into those response activities would be lost. In addition, the opportunity to train Soldiers and Sailors on the use of JLOTS capabilities within the Pacific Northwest would also be missed. Without the JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no immediate impact on public health or safety. However, this alternative would reduce the overall effectiveness of the Cascadia Rising training with unknown consequences on the ability to respond to natural disasters. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point As noted above, the inclusion of the JLOTS activities within Cascadia Rising improves the effectiveness of the training for all participating agencies and organizations. The chance to test and train on disaster response improves the preparedness of local communities as well as national response personnel, benefitting public safety. Publication of Notices to Mariners would limit the safety concerns of all offshore activities. In addition, USCG security boats would patrol to ensure safe distances are maintained from all vessels. Ground activities at Port of Tacoma, NAVMAG Indian Island, and Solo Point would not be accessible by the public and as such have no effect on public safety. Vashon Island activities would occur within an area available to the public. Public access at Jensen Point on Vashon Island is expected to be limited to safe areas that will be clearly delineated by signage and/or flagging. Due to the short duration of offloading/onloading and vehicle occupation of the site, safety concerns at this site are minimal. In addition, flaggers and signage would be used as needed to ensure safe vehicular travel into and out of the area. Vehicle movement between various sites would occur via public highways and local roads. By following traffic laws and travelling in groups (4-6 vehicles), no impact to public safety from vehicle movements are expected. More information on traffic and land transportation is provided in Section 3.6. Limited transport of personnel via air may occur. Helicopter landings would occur at existing airports or helipads, following all applicable Federal Aviation Administration flying rules to maintain public safety. No negative impact of the proposed action on public safety is expected. A beneficial impact of increased capability for humanitarian aid and disaster response is expected. The training aims to validate, enhance, and refine tactics, techniques, procedures, and doctrine for these operations, which ultimately provides the U.S. military the capability to aid in disaster relief, by moving cargo across the surf zone, on to land, and to inland areas. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island As noted above, publication of Notices to Mariners would limit the safety concerns of all offshore activities. Ground activities at NAVMAG Indian Island would not be accessible by the public and as such there would be no effect on public safety. With this alternative, all JLOTS activities would occur in a single location, removing the need for the movement of personnel and materials between sites and 35

50 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 thereby reducing use of public highways. The overall impact of Alternative 2 on public safety would be minimal. 3.4 Socioeconomics Definition of Resource Socioeconomics considers the attributes of human, social, and economic interactions within an area. Examples of economic interactions include business expenditures for goods and services; employment; consumer spending; the payment of rent and user fees; business investment and expansion; land development; and others. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The alliance of the Port of Tacoma (Figure 11) with the Port of Seattle, forms the third-largest container gateway in North America. In October of 2015, container volumes surpassed 3 million (The Northwest Seaport Alliance 2015). The Port s real estate and marine cargo operations generate more than 29,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in economic activity (Port of Tacoma 2015). The Pier 23 property is owned by the Port of Tacoma, but is operated and maintained by the USAR, which leases the 7.4 acres of submerged lands and 3 acres of uplands. The Pier 23 property is located on the northwest end of the Port of Tacoma Industrial Yard. Figure 11. Port of Tacoma facilities (City of Tacoma 2016). NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island provides operational ordnance logistics in support of Navy, Joint, and Allied forces. The Naval facility includes the entirety of the 2,700-acre island. Residents live on nearby Marrowstone Island or in Port Townsend, which is the nearest population center. Port Townsend had a population of 9,113 people in the 2010 census (U.S. Census Bureau 2015). The city is known as a maritime center for its independent boat builders and related industries (City of Port Townsend 2015). Vashon Island The 2010 census showed a population of 10,624 people on Vashon/Maury Island (U.S. Census Bureau 2015). Jensen Point Park is a shoreline activity park that includes one of only two public boat launches on the island (Vashon Park District 2015). The park is a popular destination for locals. The boathouse at Jensen Point houses the Vashon Island Rowing Club and a private kayak rental business. The Rowing Club includes a year-round adult program and a seasonal program for teenagers (Vashon Park District 2015). 36

51 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Solo Point JBLM is the second largest employer in Washington State. The base includes approximately 90,000 acres in the Tacoma region and 327,000 acres near Yakima. JBLM s total population (including Soldiers, their families, and the civilian work force) was 117,016 in Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. Without the JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no immediate impact on socioeconomics. However, this alternative would reduce the overall effectiveness of the Cascadia Rising training with unknown consequences on the ability to respond to natural disasters. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/ Vashon Island/ Solo Point No impact to navigable waters are expected. The proposed action would bring additional boat traffic to Port Townsend Bay and to the waters between Port of Tacoma, Solo Point, and Vashon Island. These additional vessels are not expected to cause significant delays or changes to typical vessel traffic patterns in these areas. No impact to nearby ports or marinas are expected. Additional soldiers will be temporarily brought into the project area for the training exercise. Up to 900 Soldiers and Sailors would be temporarily stationed at NAVMAG Indian Island and up to 400 Soldiers and Sailors would work at the Port of Tacoma. Limited opportunities are expected for Soldiers and Sailors to leave NAVMAG Indian Island due to the tight schedule of work during the training event. However, if there is an opportunity to leave, Soldiers and Sailors are likely to make local purchases of food and other incidentals. No permanent increase in the number of Soldiers or Sailors stationed in the area would result from the proposed training exercise. The training would bring additional revenue to the local areas, particularly at the Port of Tacoma and NAVMAG Indian Island. Supplies such as potable water, fuel supplies, portable latrines, and garbage disposal are likely to be contracted locally. Military presence may also bring visitors and spectators into the area, particularly Jensen Point on Vashon Island as that will be the location of the most public operations, however visibility of Navy ships at Port Townsend may also draw interested viewers. No long-term impact to any location is expected and therefore no long-term impact to local socioeconomics is expected. National Guard Soldiers regularly use JBLM for training exercises, so their use of this facility during the Cascadia Rising exercise is no change from their regular activities. As this is an existing military facility that is typically used for similar training events, no socioeconomic impacts to Solo Point and its vicinity are expected. The public boat ramp at Jensen Point on Vashon Island would have three periods of closure during the Cascadia Rising training exercise. This could potentially impact the adjacent private kayak rental facility. Each closure would take approximately 2 to 3 hours. These short duration closures, with advanced 37

52 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 notice and coordination with the rental facility and the rowing club, are not expected to cause significant negative impacts to these entities. The JLOTS activities may also bring increased visibility to the area, particularly on the public demonstration day. Overall impacts to the socioeconomics of the region would be minimal and temporary. No long-term impacts would be expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island No impact to navigable waters is expected. The proposed action would bring additional boat traffic to the Port Townsend vicinity. These additional vessels are not expected to cause significant delays or changes to typical vessel traffic patterns in this area. No impacts to nearby ports, marinas or ferry terminals are expected. Additional Soldiers and Sailors would be temporarily brought into the area for the training exercise, with all additional personnel concentrated at NAVMAG Indian Island under this Alternative. Up to 1300 personnel would be temporarily stationed on NAVMAG Indian Island for the exercise. Limited opportunities are expected for personnel to leave NAVMAG Indian Island due to the tight schedule of work during the training event. However, if there is an opportunity to leave, Soldiers and Sailors are likely to make local purchases of food and other incidentals. There would be no permanent increase in the number of personnel stationed in the area as a result of the proposed training exercise. Overall impacts to the socioeconomics of the region would be minimal and temporary. No long-term impacts would be expected. 3.5 Land Use and Recreation Definition of Resource This section considers impacts to the existing and future land use of the proposed project locations. Land can be used for many purposes, such as agriculture, industry, residences, recreation, or other purposes. Recreation is specifically addressed here as a number of the proposed project locations include recreational facilities. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The USAR pier is directly adjacent to the Port of Tacoma. The site is owned by the Port of Tacoma but leased by the USAR for vessel moorage, maintenance and training (US Department of Energy 2015). Several vessels are normally berthed at the site, including a barge derrick crane, a large tug boat, and a LSV. These vessels would be used during the training exercise. The USAR pier is not open for public access. NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island provides operational ordnance logistics in support of Navy, Joint, and Allied forces. The Naval facility includes the entirety of the 2,700-acre island. All activities would occur in areas which are not accessible to the public. 38

53 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Vashon Island Jensen Point (Figure 12) is a four-acre public park operated by the Vashon Park District. The site includes a public boat ramp, parking areas for motorized watercraft, and a put-in access point for hand carried kayaks and canoes. A privately-owned kayak rental center is also located on the property. Solo Point Solo Point is a popular recreation area for Soldiers Figure 12. Jensen Point at Vashon Island (Vashon Park District 2015). and their families stationed at JBLM. Solo Point is located outside of the gated area of JBLM, but is part of the base and therefore has limited public access. A four-mile trail at this site is used by trail runners, hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. There is also a boat launch at the site. Additionally, the site is regularly used for military training, including dive training, ruck marching, and others. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. The No Action Alternative would have no impact on land use or recreation. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point Most of the proposed training activities that would take place on the water are located in areas accessible to the public for recreational and commercial activities. However, some public access for recreational and commercial activities may be temporarily restricted during the training exercises for safety and security. No permanent land use changes would occur as a result of the proposed action at any of the project sites. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the activities proposed at each location. The USAR Pier is typically used for activities similar to those proposed by the JLOTS action, with the activity levels expected to temporarily increase during the training. The public boat ramp at Jensen Point on Vashon Island would have three periods of closure during the Cascadia Rising training exercise. This could potentially impact the adjacent kayak rental facility. Each closure would take approximately 2 to 3 hours. These short duration closures, with advanced notice and coordination with the kayak rental facility and the rowing club, are not expected to cause significant negative impacts to these entities. Similar short duration closures of Solo Point to recreational users would occur during onloading and offloading. NAVMAG Indian Island is also typically used for military training exercises, with a similar JLOTS training having occurred at the site in NAVMAG Indian Island is not typically open to the public, though occasionally portions of the island are opened for school group events or recreational sporting events. JLOTS activities would occur in areas not open for public viewing and would not interrupt any recreational activities at the site. Increased boat presence, as well at the IPDS barge placement would have a short term increase in local boat traffic and associated impacts on recreational boating, though 39

54 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 this impact is expected to be of short duration and have a limited footprint within the large bay. No land use changes or permanent impacts to recreation would occur as a result of the proposed action at NAVMAG Indian Island. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Most of the proposed training activities that would take place on the water are located in areas accessible to the public for recreational and commercial activities. However, some public access for recreational and commercial activities may be temporarily restricted during the training exercises. NAVMAG Indian Island is typically used for military training exercises, with a similar JLOTS training having occurred at the site in NAVMAG Indian Island is not typically open to the public, though occasionally portions of the island are opened for school group events or recreational sporting events. JLOTS activities would occur in areas not open for public viewing and would not interrupt any recreational activities at the site. No land use changes would occur as a result of the proposed action at NAVMAG Indian Island. 3.6 Land Transportation Definition of Resource This section will discuss impacts on the movement of vehicles on public roadways. Affected Environment The JLOTS Cascadia Rising exercise involves multiple locations across Western Washington. As such, personnel and equipment are likely to move between these locations on public roadways, particularly between the Port of Tacoma and NAVMAG Indian Island. This is a distance of about 80 miles, with an up to 2 hour travel time. Port of Tacoma The peninsula on which the USAR pier is located is used by industrial and commercial traffic. Large trucks as well as smaller vehicles regularly use its roads for shipments to and from facilities located there. I-5 runs more or less east-west near the base of the peninsula, about six miles from the USAR pier. Vehicle traffic on surface streets increases with proximity to I-5, along which is a denser concentration of commercial and retail development in the City of Fife. Alexander Avenue and Taylor Way are the main roads leading to the USAR pier. Traffic along these roads averages several hundred vehicles per day. Truck traffic makes up a large percentage of total traffic. Closer to I-5, vehicle traffic is in the thousands per day, and comprises passenger vehicles as well as commercial and truck traffic. Prior to the exercise commencing, equipment would be mobilized by the Army JLOTS team at Fort Eustis, Virginia and sent via rail to the Port of Tacoma. Equipment includes floating causeways, vehicles, MHE, military bivouac equipment, etc. Personnel would move into the Port of Tacoma area via I-5 for downloading of equipment and preparation for movement to the other exercise sites. Railway operations at the Port are under control of Tacoma Rail s Tidelands Division through Tacoma Public Utilities. 40

55 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 NAVMAG Indian Island Access onto NAVMAG Indian Island is restricted, with traffic in the island interior limited to military personnel and operations. Access onto NAVMAG Indian Island and to Marrowstone Island is through a single bridge at the south-west tip of NAVMAG Indian Island across from Port Hadlock-Irondale on State Route (S.R.) 116. Marrowstone Island offers numerous recreational opportunities that lead to a marginal increase in traffic along S.R. 116 during prime recreational months. S.R. 116 has an average daily traffic volume between 5,100 to 5,800 vehicles, with the majority of volume occurring in and near Port Hadlock-Irondale. Vashon Island Vashon Island is accessible only via ferry. The Washington State Department of Transportation operates two ferry routes to Vashon Island, one connecting the south end of the island to Tacoma and the second connecting the north end to both Seattle and Southworth/Port Orchard. A single ferry operates on the south end while two or three ferries make the multi-stop route on the north end. Ferries run throughout the day with peak times during normal commuter traffic hours. On the island, paved surface roads are typically a single lane in each direction. Solo Point Vehicular traffic to Solo Point would originate at Camp Murray, which is located on JBLM. Vehicle traffic from Camp Murray would navigate to Solo Point either via I-5 from Exit 122 (Berkeley Ave) to Exit 119 (DuPont-Steilacoom Road) or through the JBLM North Fort D-Street gate or Integrity gate to DuPont- Steilacoom Road. D-Street gate is open from seven days a week and Integrity gate is open from Monday-Friday. Solo Point Road is approximately 1.5 road miles southwest of the D- Street gate. Traffic during peak hours for both routes is severe with significant delays on I-5 and at base exits, thousands of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks pass JBLM along I-5 each day. During nonpeak hours, traffic along DuPont-Steilacoom road and through base is significantly less than I-5 with mostly residential commuters. Roadways from Camp Murray through North Fort are mostly two-lane with multiple intersections. The shortest route from Camp Murray to Solo Point is through JBLM North Fort and Integrity gate at approximately 6.5 to 7.5 miles depending on route and starting point. The route using I-5 from the Camp Murray gate at exit 122 to Solo Point via exit 119 is approximately 8 miles long. This route has fewer intersections but may be hindered by the southbound lane reduction from four to three lanes at exit 123 which leads to increased traffic congestion. The average daily traffic volume at exit 122 and exit 119 is 112,000 and 118,000 vehicles respectively according to the 2014 Department of Transportation Annual Traffic Report. Around 10% of the total volume is from commercial trucking. On-base traffic is restricted for public access by gate checkpoints and consists mostly of base employee private vehicles and military vehicles. 41

56 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No-Action alternative, there would be no transport of personnel and vehicles for the JLOTS exercise. Traffic along I-5 and applicable State Routes would not increase as the JLOTS portion of Cascadia Rising would not take place. The National Guard training at Vashon Island would still continue, however military transportation from the mainland would not be utilized. Instead National Guard assets would use State ferry services to transport all equipment, vehicles, and personnel from Camp Murray to Vashon Island. I-5 would be used by the National Guard to access the ferry, from the Point Defiance terminal in Tacoma to the Tahlequah terminal. The National Guard would have to use state routes and local roads to reach the ferry terminals and the exercise area. If the No-Action alternative were to occur, State ferry services would be impacted by an increase in use during National Guard movements. Civilians utilizing the ferry system to and from Vashon Island could experience delays in loading/unloading and longer wait times for services. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point The transport of equipment would be largely completed via land transportation. Equipment from Fort Eustis, Virginia would be transported to the Port of Tacoma via rail. This would largely include the Army s MCS, as well as MHE, tents, communications equipment, etc. Equipment from the Naval base in San Diego, California would be transported via truck and would include the Navy s LSA supplies, communications equipment, etc. This is likely to include over 100 containers that will travel via truck on major highways. Sea transport will be used for moving the Navy s INLS, as well as some MHE and smaller vessels. Equipment moving to Vashon Island would be transported by boat using military assets. Boats would ferry National Guard equipment and personnel from Solo Point to Vashon Island at the start of the exercise and also for the return trip at the end of the exercise. The use of military assets to transport National Guard Soldiers would minimize impacts to local State ferry services. National Guard operations on Vashon Island are separate from JLOTs and are therefore not covered by this EA. Military personnel would fly into the region on commercial flights and then be transported to project sites via ground transportation. This ground transportation would be minimal compared to daily traffic volumes along the same routes. Up to 150 containers are to be offloaded from the LMSR at NAVMAG Indian Island and another 150 from the LMSR at the Port of Tacoma. Containers would be loaded onto the LMSRs at the Port of Tacoma, transported to the sites (Pier 23 or NAVMAG Indian Island) and offloaded there as a part of the training exercise. The containers would then be returned to the Port of Tacoma after offloading, primarily via truck transport. Vehicle convoys would depart NAVMAG Indian Island in a staggered formation typically consisting of four to six vehicles in each group with a minimum of fifteen-minute intervals between each group to alleviate traffic congestion impacts. Up to 48 containers per day may be transported from NAVMAG Indian Island to the Port of Tacoma during the peak exercise period. Trucks would use public highway systems. 42

57 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 The movement of personnel and equipment between the Port of Tacoma and NAVMAG Indian Island would require the use of two and four lane state highways, as well as several key bridges including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Hood Canal Floating Bridge, and Flagler Road Bridge. Increases in traffic congestion would be minimal, with the majority of impact seen in high-congestion areas on I-5, as well as intersections and bridge crossings. Using a staggered departure system decreases this impact. If truck transports are experiencing delays due to traffic conditions, some containers may be reloaded onto the LMSR at NAVMAG Indian Island for return to the Port of Tacoma by sea. The increase of vehicles along the highways and I-5 would be minimal compared to daily traffic volumes that are in the hundreds of thousands. Similarly, the long-haul of equipment to and from California will be absorbed into routine traffic along the major interstate highway systems. While the local roads may experience increased traffic volumes during the peak movements of trucks, these will be of short duration. No significant impact to land transportation is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Under Alternative 2, only NAVMAG Indian Island would be used for the JLOTS portion of the training exercise. The transportation of vehicles, personnel, and equipment to and from Vashon Island, USAR Pier 23, and NAVMAG Indian Island would not occur and the state highway system would not be impacted during the exercise. Equipment, personnel, and vehicles would be moved onto the island prior to the exercise using state and local roadways, and military marine transportation services. Equipment from Fort Eustis, Virginia would be transported to the Port of Tacoma via rail, loaded onto Navy ships and land-based vehicles, and transported to NAVMAG Indian Island. As in Alternative 1, the offloaded containers would be returned to the Port of Tacoma. Up to 48 containers per day may be transported from Indian Island to the Port of Tacoma during the peak exercise period. Trucks would use public highway systems. The National Guard training exercise on Vashon Island would still occur, however military ferry assets would not be used. National Guard equipment, vehicles, and personnel would be transported using state civilian ferry services to and from Vashon Island, which would increase ferry traffic and increase civilian wait times at the ferry terminal. 3.7 Cultural Resources Definition of Resource Cultural resources are defined as prehistoric and historic sites, structures, districts, landscapes, objects or other evidence of human activity or other places that are considered significant to a community, culture, or ethnic group. Significant cultural resources are those that meet one or more criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The responsibilities of federal agencies with respect to these resources are identified in several regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to take into account the effect of any undertaking upon historic properties. A historic property is defined as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the NRHP. A building, structure, 43

58 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 archaeological site, or other resource is considered a historic property if it meets at least one of the following NRHP eligibility criteria: Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of history, or Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past, or Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, or Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the area of potential effect (APE). For the built environment, the APE is confined to The Port of Tacoma Industrial Yard, from where Alexander Avenue East ends, moving north to the end of the three piers. According to the cultural resources report titled Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for the U.S. Army Reserve 's Pier 23 Project, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, prepared by Ronald J. Kent (USACE, Seattle District, April 2004, SHPO WISAARD Report Reference ), the vicinity has been used for industrial purposes since the 1920 s. It was owned and operated by the Navy until Today the U.S. Army Reserve Center still uses it for training, and it's also an industrial center owned by the Port of Tacoma with several businesses leasing space. The buildings are modern metal storage facilities. Pier 23 at the end of the industrial yard was constructed in 1946, and has been altered several times through the decades. NAVMAG Indian Island There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE, however they will not be impacted by the proposed project. The structures in the APE of NAVMAG Indian Island date to the Navy's period of significance. The Navy purchased the island in 1939, and construction of the Naval Magazine buildings began in At the northern APE, the structures include the Ammunition Pier and Small Craft Berth, built in 1941 and 1945 respectively. At the southern APE, the structures are the Fuse and Detonator Magazine, a complex of 13 buildings that were constructed from All of the above structures were evaluated in the cultural resources report titled Historic Resources Survey, United States Department of the Navy, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach Detachment Port Hadlock, Port Hadlock, Washington, prepared by EDAW, Inc. (January 1999, SHPO WISAARD Report Reference ), and all of the buildings in the APE for this undertaking were determined not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 44

59 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Vashon Island There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. The only standing structure at Jensen Point on Vashon Island is a boat ramp. Solo Point There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. The only standing structure at Solo Point is a boat ramp. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative no JLOTS activities would not occur. Without on the ground JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact to cultural resources. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point The proposed action does not include excavation into native soils, nor ground disturbing activities within sensitive areas. The project does not include the modification of any existing structures. No significant impact to cultural resources is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island The proposed action does not include excavation into native soils, nor ground disturbing activities within sensitive areas. The project does not include the modification of any existing structures. No significant impact to cultural resources is expected. 3.8 Wetlands and Shoreline Resources Definition of Resource This section addresses wetlands and shoreline resources in the JLOTS study area, and the impacts to this resource that could result from training activities. Impacts to these resources may also impact fish and wildlife that could also be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Impacts to fish and wildlife are addressed in Sections 3.13 and A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem, including hydric soils and supporting plants adapted to saturated conditions. Shoreline resources include mudflats, eelgrass and kelp beds, or other shoreline habitats (including wetlands) that are important to the development and survival of organisms. These organisms are often economically important themselves (e.g. salmon), or support an important resource (e.g. forage fish). 45

60 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The proposed training activities would take place in an estuary, near the mouth of the Puyallup River. In the early 1900s the Puyallup River was channelized and its mudflats and wetlands filled to create the eight artificial waterways now found in the bay. Massive amounts of dredging and waterway alterations with considerable development onshore left little room for these habitats. The intertidal area directly adjacent to the USAR pier is classified as marine deepwater (WDFW 2016a). The intertidal area consists generally of mud with some gravel and cobble. Small estuarine and marine salt marsh wetlands are found along the northern shore of the Hylebos Waterway. These wetlands include salt tolerant species like seaside plantain (Plantago maritima), fat hen (Atriplex patula), pickleweed (Salicornia virginica), brass button (Cotula coronopifolia), Puget gumweed (Grindelia intergrifolia), jaumea (Jaumea cornosa), saltgrass (Disichlis spicata), and seaside arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). The intertidal wetland habitat onsite has been used for industrial purposes in the past and still has steel rails left from boat launching activities. Intertidal mudflats are important habitat for small marine invertebrates which in turn are important food resources for outmigrating juvenile salmon. Eelgrass is present in the port but only in a patchy fringe on the opposite side of the bay, west of where the Puyallup River enters (WDOE 2016). Eelgrass provides important habitat to young fish and invertebrates. It is also a source of food for migratory waterfowl and a surface for some species of fish to lay their eggs. NAVMAG Indian Island The intertidal and subtidal areas of NAVMAG Indian Island are classified as estuarine and marine wetland/deepwater (WDFW 2016). The salt marsh located south of the piers at Site 1 is largely an estuarine intertidal emergent wetland that is flooded by tidal waters. The vegetation within this wetland may resemble nearby systems that contain coastal saltgrass, spear saltbrush (Atriplex patula), silverweed, pickleweed, salt-marsh bulrush (Schoenoplectus maritimus), Puget Sound gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia), and Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum). Eelgrass is present in patches along the western shoreline of the island and in much greater quantity along the eastern shore in Kilisut Harbor. Kilisut Harbor supports a moderate- to small-sized native oyster population. Kelp is found along the northern shore and a nearby island to the north. A small stormwater pond was constructed two years ago within the proposed LSA area. This pond has developed wetland characteristics, though as a regularly maintained stormwater facility it is not a jurisdictional wetland. Vashon Island The intertidal and subtidal areas near Jensen Point Park are classified as estuarine and marine wetland/deepwater (WDFW 2016a). Eelgrass is found throughout most of Quartermaster Harbor. It is most abundant in the outer harbor, with patches of eelgrass along Jensen Point in the inner harbor. Kelp is found in the harbor but away from the point in the outer harbor. Additionally, salt marsh is found within the inner harbor away from Jensen Point (WDOE 2016). Solo Point The intertidal and subtidal areas at Solo Point are classified as estuarine and marine wetland/deepwater. Although patches of eelgrass are present along the shorelines around Solo Point, 46

61 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 eelgrass is not found at the Solo Point shoreline. Patchy eelgrass may be found at the point (WDOE 2016), but it is unlikely that it is common around the boat launch due to frequent use of the boat launch and shoreline by boaters and military training. No wetlands are present above the beach. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. Without on the ground JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact to wetlands or shoreline resources. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point No permanent structures would be constructed at any site or fill placed in wetlands or below mean higher high water. Activities at the Port of Tacoma USAR pier would impact the intertidal zone for a short duration of time, but upon completion the site would return to normal as waves move and redeposit substrate sediments. Activities at NAVMAG Indian Island and Solo Point are limited to existing structures (i.e. wharfs, piers, and seaplane/boat ramps) and anchoring would be limited to 300 ft from the shoreline or in unvegetated areas so no impact to eelgrass or intertidal habitats is expected. Generators within the LSA on NAVMAG Indian Island will be placed over 150 ft away from the stormwater pond to provide an appropriate refueling buffer. Bare beach landings at Vashon Island could impact eelgrass however restricting landings to high tide is expected to limit this effect. No kelp beds and marine or freshwater wetlands would be impacted. No significant impact to wetlands and shoreline resources is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Under this alternative, activities at the Port of Tacoma would shift to NAVMAG Indian Island and no JLOTS actions would take place at Solo Point or Vashon Island. No eelgrass would be impacted at the wharf since all activities would be conducted off an existing structure away from the shoreline and salt marsh. Eelgrass would not be impacted where bare beach landings are proposed at NAVMAG Indian Island since landings would be restricted to existing seaplane ramps. Eelgrass is not present at the small craft pier at Site 3. No kelp, oyster beds, freshwater wetlands, or saltmarsh are located within the proposed action areas and would not be affected. No significant impact to wetlands and shoreline resources is expected. 3.9 Water Quality Definition of Resource The federal Clean Water Act, adopted in 1972, requires that all states restore their waters to be fishable and swimmable. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act established a process to identify and clean up polluted waters. WDOE sets water quality standards based on water use and the water quality criteria for designated uses. Freshwater Category 1 waters meet tested standards for clean waters whereas Category 5 waters are polluted waters that require a total maximum daily load (TMDL). A TMDL is a pollution budget that calculates the maximum amount of pollutant that can enter a waterbody in order to restoring the water quality. Placement within Category 5 indicates that data have 47

62 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 been collected showing that water quality standards have not been met. WDOE water quality standards for marine waters include extraordinary (AA), excellent (A), good (B), and fair (C). Affected Environment Port of Tacoma Commencement Bay is rated as excellent (A) while the Hylebos and Blair waterways are rated as good (B) for aquatic life uses in marine waters (WDOE 2015a) and are on WDOE s 303(d) list of polluted waters that require a TMDL and/or are listed as a water of concern. The bay and waterways are the receiving waters for treated and untreated industrial, commercial, and municipal discharges. NOAA s 2008 surveys (in USAR 2009) found 763 pipes, channels, seeps, and other nonpoint-source and pointsource discharges into the bay. The listings are as follows for the water that borders the USAR pier (WDOE 2015b): Commencement Bay 303(d) Category 5 list for Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Hylebos Waterway 303(d) Category 5 list for chlorinated pesticides, DDT, dieldrin, high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAH), and PCB. Blair Waterway 303(d) Category 5 list for dieldrin and PCB. Hylebos Creek 303(d) Category 5 list for a bioassessment and bacteria. Wapato Creek 303(d) Category 5 list for ammonia-n, bacteria, and dissolved oxygen. NAVMAG Indian Island The waters to the north of NAVMAG Indian Island, Port Townsend (Outer) and Kilisut Harbor, are on the 303(d) list for bacteria (WDOE 2015b). Surface waters surrounding NAVMAG Indian Island are rated as Extraordinary (AA), aside from Port Townsend rated as Excellent (A) (WDOE 2015a). Vashon Island Quartermaster Harbor is the Puget Sound waterbody adjacent to the Jensen Point boat launch on Vashon Island. The harbor is on the 303(d) list for dissolved oxygen (WDOE 2015b). All waters within Puget Sound from Solo Point to Quartermaster Harbor are rated as Extraordinary (AA) by WDOE (WDOE 2015a). Solo Point The Puget Sound waters adjacent to Solo Point have no documented water quality impairments (WDOE 2015b). The waters of the Puget Sound adjacent to Solo Point are rated as Extraordinary (AA) for marine aquatic life uses (WDOE 2015a). Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. The No Action Alternative would have no impact on water quality. 48

63 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point The movement of rolling stock and landing craft during roll-on/roll-off operations would disturb shoreline sediments, increasing the turbidity of the affected waters. Predominantly sandy or gravelly shorelines would quickly settle back into place. Lighter particles would remain suspended for a longer time. Ships would only anchor in the Port of Tacoma or in Port Townsend Bay, an activity that occurs regularly in the area. All rolling stock would be cleaned and checked for leaks prior to JLOTS operations. If any leaks or drips develop during the JLOTS training, corrective actions would be taken to stop, contain, and cleanup any spill. No leaking vehicles would be allowed to conduct roll-on/roll-off or lift-on/lift-off operations until fixed. Maintenance and fueling areas would have a secondary containment area established to contain any spills with spill kits available. Fueling operations may occur both offshore and onshore. At NAVMAG Indian Island, boat refueling would occur at Site 3, the existing small craft pier. A commercial offshore refueling vessel would be brought to the pier, a containment system of absorbent booms would be established. This vessel would be used to refuel all small vessels used in the exercise. Refueling offshore would be conducted from ship-to-ship under existing Navy/Coastguard and state rules and regulations. Refueling onshore would be conducted at existing fuel facilities or by a fuel truck. Generators would be placed within appropriately-sized containment units to catch any fuel or lubricants in the event of a spill or leak. Fuel trucks would establish a secondary containment area for each refueling session. Spill kits would be available at all fueling locations, offshore and onshore. At the Port of Tacoma, refueling would be similar to the methods used at NAVMAG Indian Island, with the refueling vessel expected to be docked at Pier 23. Additionally, refueling at the Port of Tacoma may occur at existing commercial marine fueling facilities. No refueling would occur at Vashon Island or Solo Point. Generators would not be placed within 150 ft of any wetlands, including the stormwater pond near the LSA on NAVMAG Indian Island. This would maintain an appropriate buffer for refueling. Waste and grey water from kitchens, latrines, and showers would be collected for treatment at a wastewater treatment or other facility. Likewise, any waste material used in response to spills or during vehicle maintenance would be disposed of properly. Remaining clean freshwater from the IPDS system at NAVMAG Indian Island would be discharged slowly into an onsite stormwater pond. Discharge rates would be slow to ensure that the activity is not disturbing sediment and causing turbidity impacts. No impervious surfaces would be constructed and wastes would be contained and disposed of in an approved fashion. All actions would be short in duration with no permanent structures built. No vegetation clearing is expected. No significant impact to water quality is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Impacts of this alternative would be similar to those described in Alternative 1. However, NAVMAG Indian Island would house all activities proposed in Alternative 1. The use of this site would remove JLOTS activities at Port of Tacoma, and Vashon Island. No significant impact to water quality is expected. 49

64 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Visual Resources Definition of Resource Visual resources are the various physical elements of the landscape that contribute to the visual character or aesthetic of a place. These elements can be either natural or human-made and include scenic viewsheds and sky lines. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The Port of Tacoma is a working seaport with all of the visual attributes of an industrial area. The vista is dominated by cranes, shipping containers, vessel traffic, and warehouses, paired with the open waters of Commencement Bay. The USAR pier typically houses military vessels including a LSV, a barge derrick crane, and a large tug. NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island is a Naval facility with a mix of forested area and small grassy areas surrounding existing infrastructure and buildings. The proposed activity locations include existing anchorages within the bay, an existing pier, an existing pair of seaplane ramps, an existing small craft pier, and a grassy area adjacent to maintenance buildings. Vashon Island Jensen Point is a public park with beach access, a public boat ramp and a large parking area. A kayak rental center is also located on the property. The gravelly beach and adjacent small grassy picnic area are largely visually separated from nearby residences by vegetation. Solo Point Solo Point is a gravel/sand beach with a forested riparian buffer. The site is an active recreation site for military personnel and their families as well as an active military training area. The site includes a wellused boat ramp, a large parking area, and is separated from the forest by an active railroad track. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative The No Action Alternative would include no JLOTS activities associated with the Cascadia Rising training event. Therefore there would be no change in visual resources in the project areas. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point No permanent change to visual resources would occur as a result of the proposed action at any of the proposed sites. Short-term changes or interruptions may occur during the activities proposed at each location. While the movement of vessels into the project sites would temporarily change the views at each of the sites, the short duration of each landing event and the overall Cascadia Rising activity would limit the impact to the water views of each location. The USAR Pier and NAVMAG Indian Island are typically used for activities similar to those proposed by the JLOTS action, with the activity levels and number of vessels expected to temporarily increase during 50

65 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 the training. Occupation of these sites is expected to be of short duration. Although Jensen Point is not typically used for military offloading, the area is used as a boat ramp and each impact would be temporary and of very short duration (maximum of 3 hours each, for a total of three times). No significant effect on visual resources would be expected from the JLOTS training. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Activities proposed at NAVMAG Indian Island are similar to normal activities that occur at the military facility. Cascadia Rising would increase the number of Soldiers and Sailors at the facility for the duration of the training event, with tent structures and additional equipment. At the completion of the training, it is expected that all additional personnel, equipment, and vessels would depart the area. No permanent change to visual resources would occur as a result of the proposed actions on NAVMAG Indian Island Bathymetry, Sediments, Topography, and Soils Definition of Resource Bathymetry, sediments, topography, and soils relate to a site s physical characteristics. A bathymetric map illustrates the land that lies underwater, essentially an underwater equivalent of topography. Sediments are created from material broken down by weathering and erosion and transported by water, ice, or wind. Sediment is one component of soil and the grain size of sediments can range from boulders to the individual components of clay. Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and organisms that can be thought of as the earth s skin. Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The Port of Tacoma is located within Commencement Bay. During mean lower low water the offshore gradient ranges in depth from a couple feet near the Puyallup River, approximately 30 to 50 feet in the Hylebos and Blair waterways, and drops below 550 feet deep past Browns Point east into the Puget Sound. The USAR pier property drops to about 35 feet deep from its near-vertical slag banks. South of the pier the roll-on/roll-off location is much shallower than the surrounding waters and slopes gently into mudflats. This intertidal and subtidal zone is composed of silt and very fine to fine sand (Hart Crowser 2004). Embedded into this material are dock pilings and iron rails where shipbuilding facilities once were. These old structures alter the substrate with increased shell material from the invertebrate communities growing on them (Pentilla and Doty 1990, Shreffler and Moursund Portions of the Hylebos and Blair Waterways are a part of the larger Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund Site. The superfund site consists of separate operable units, the closest of which is found in the mouth and head of the Hylebos waterway (Figure 13). Most cleanup actions for the Hylebos Superfund Site have been completed with the remaining parts moving towards completion (USEPA 2014). No activities are proposed within any superfund sites. 51

66 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Figure 13. Superfund problem areas within the Port of Tacoma (USEPA 2014). Most of the Port of Tacoma is paved. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (2016) has no data for the land the pier is located on, however the surrounding land is classified Xerorthents, fill areas. The parent material for this is artificial fill and/or dredge spoils and is often found in the sides of valleys and tidal flats. It is likely that this soil near the pier is this same type. NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island is dominated by well drained, gravely soils on top of a cemented permeable layer. Much of the shoreline varies from mud flats to steep bluffs and the island is relatively hilly with moderate slopes. Shorelines slopes are slight in most nearshore tidal zones, with steeper offshore slopes dropping to 60 feet in the south and west. NRCS classifies the shorelines as coastal beaches and much of the facilities on the south east portion of the island sit atop cut and fill land (NRCS 2016). Vashon Island Jensen Point is located within the inner Quartermaster Harbor, most of which is bounded by hills and bluffs. The inner harbor is shallower than the outer harbor (1 to 7 feet during mean lower low water) and has fine silt and mud subtidal sediment deposits (Blau 1975). The shoreline is classified as coastal beaches by NCRS (2016) and is gently-sloping, consisting of mixed sand and gravel. The boat ramp on the shore is approximately 265 feet long and is made out of concrete. It leads directly to a paved parking lot and road onshore. Solo Point Solo Point is a small gently-sloping beach in the south Puget Sound. Offshore depths may get down to approximately 20 feet during mean lower low water. The area is classified as beaches and is composed 52

67 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 of fine- to medium- gravel and sand (NRCS 2016). Landward of the railroad are steep slopes, the source of a small intermittent stream that empties at the beach. The top of the point is heavily utilized by vehicles and the beach is disconnected from the uplands by railroad tracks. The main sources of sediment are from the uplands and deposited from wave action. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. The No Action Alternative would have no immediate impact on bathymetry, sediments, topography, or soils. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point No activities would significantly impact the bathymetry, sediment, topography, and soils under this alternative. No permanent alterations or structures would be constructed that would impact or change the landscape and natural processes that influence or drive sedimentation and the creation of soil. No vegetation removal would occur. Grassy areas may be disturbed and would be reseeded after project completion. Ship movement and anchoring would not significantly disturb the seafloor or shoreline more than already occurs. The movement of rolling stock and landing craft at the sites during rollon/roll-off operations would disturb the shoreline for a short duration in a localized area since tidal action would quickly wash away evidence of the activity and return the site back to normal conditions. No significant impact to bathymetry, sediments, topography and soils would be expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Impacts of this alternative would be similar to those described in Alternative 1. However, NAVMAG Indian Island would house all activities proposed in Alternative 1 from NAVMAG Indian Island and the Port of Tacoma and remove JLOTS activities at Vashon Island. Beach landings at NAVMAG Indian Island under this alternative would not require excavation for access or vegetation removal for the LSA. No significant impact to bathymetry, sediments, topography, and soils would be expected Vegetation Definition of Resource This section addresses vegetation in the JLOTS study area, and the impacts to this resource that may result from training activities. Impacts to vegetation may also impact fish and wildlife which could also be listed under the ESA. Impacts to these are addressed in Sections 3.13 and Affected Environment Port of Tacoma The considerable development onshore left little room for terrestrial and aquatic vegetation to grow. The most common upland vegetation in the bay include shore pine (Pinus contorta), willows (Salix sp.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana), oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), soft rush (Juncus effusus), and Lyngbye s sedge (Carex lyngbyei). Invasive opportunistic species that are common in the area, especially in highly developed 53

68 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 plots, include reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), Scot s broom (Cytisus scoparius), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). See Section 3.8 for aquatic and wetland vegetation. NAVMAG Indian Island Patches of dunegrass are present along the northwest shoreline of the island and around the estuarine intertidal wetland, near the wharf. South of the wharf the shoreline is lined with dunegrass and beyond that either pavement, Scot s broom, or mowed lawns. Vashon Island A significant amount of the shoreline of Quartermaster Harbor is developed, primarily as residences. At Jensen Point the entire shoreline is lined with houses. Many of these houses have lawns that span to the shoreline and are planted with conifers and hardwoods. Inland from the point is the Burton Acres Park which is heavily forested. See Section 3.8 for information concerning wetlands and aquatic vegetation. Solo Point Solo Point is relatively unvegetated above the beach where it is cleared for parking and staging. Where vegetation grows in the parking area, it is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and a variety of grasses. See Section 3.8 for further information concerning wetlands and aquatic vegetation. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative the Cascadia Rising training would continue, however the JLOTS activities would not occur. Without on the ground JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact on vegetation. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point Impacts to terrestrial vegetation at the Port of Tacoma would be limited to invasive and opportunistic vegetation growing out of a mostly paved or graveled surface. Impacts to vegetation at NAVMAG Indian Island would be limited to a stretch of 4 acres of grassy mown areas. No vegetation would be impacted on Vashon Island nor Solo Point. No wetland vegetation would be impacted as no work is proposed within the wetlands. Any disturbed grassy areas on NAVMAG Indian Island would be reseeded during site restoration work. No significant impact to vegetation is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Under this alternative, activities proposed at the Port of Tacoma would occur at NAVMAG Indian Island and no actions would take place at Vashon Island. Impacts would be similar to those discussed for Alternative 1 at NAVMAG Indian Island. Activities would still be limited to grassy mown areas, though the square footage of grassy areas to be disturbed would increase. As in Alternative 1, any disturbed grassy areas on NAVMAG Indian Island would be reseeded during site restoration work. No significant impact to vegetation is expected. 54

69 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Fish, Wildlife, and Birds Definition of Resource This section addresses fish, wildlife and birds that may be present in the JLOTS project areas, as well as the potential impacts to these animals that may result from the training exercise activities. Applicable regulations for fish, wildlife and birds include the Endangered Species Act (discussed in Section 3.14, Threatened and Endangered Species), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Marine Mammals Protection Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act aims to protect habitat for relevant commercial, federally managed fisheries. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) includes those waters and substrate necessary for fish spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 (16 U.S.C ) restricts harassment of marine mammals. The types of stressors that could rise to the level of harassment of marine mammals as defined under the MMPA include sonar use, underwater detonations, and vibratory pile driving. None of these activities are proposed for the JLOTS training exercise. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act established federal responsibilities for protecting nearly all migratory species of birds, their eggs, and nests. Bird migration is defined as the periodic seasonal movement of birds from one geographic region to another, typically coinciding with available food supplies or breeding seasons. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C c), enacted in 1940, and amended several times since then, prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), including their parts, nests, or eggs. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act provides criminal penalties for persons who "take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof." The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act defines "take" as to "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb." "Disturb" means: to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available, 1) injury to an eagle, 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior, or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior." In addition to immediate impacts, this definition also covers impacts that result from human-induced alterations initiated around a previously used nest site during a time when eagles are not present, if, upon the eagle's return, such alterations agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that interferes with or interrupts normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering habits, and causes injury, death or nest abandonment. 55

70 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Affected Environment Port of Tacoma A number of fish species are present in the nearshore waters of Commencement Bay. Four species of Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, sea-run cutthroat trout, and bull trout all utilize the bay. Benthic and epibenthic communities in highly industrialized ports that are regularly dredged are typically in a continual state of re-colonization by opportunistic species. WDOE (2008) found an increase in biomass of tolerant species (both invertebrates and fish) at industrialized sites, including the waterways of Commencement Bay, when compared to reference sites elsewhere in Puget Sound. A variety of larger invertebrate species that have been caught in the Blair and Hylebos waterways including, but are not limited to, graceful crabs (Metacarcinus gracilis), Dungeness crabs (Metacarcinus magister), coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus spp.), and crangon shrimp (Crangon crangon), several species of sea stars (Asteroidea), octopus (Octopoda), plumose anemones (Metridium spp.), squid (Teuthida), and nudibranchs (Nudibranchia; Eaton and Dinnel 1993). There are no clam or oyster beds mapped in Commencement Bay (WDFW 2016b) No eelgrass is found on or directly adjacent to the Pier 23 property, but some macroalgae (e.g., Fucus spp.) is present. The fine silt/sand and slag substrates on the Pier 23 property do not provide adequate attachment substrate for macroalgae, but a small amount of macroalgae is present on pier pilings and the riprap/concrete debris that lines parts of the shore. No forage fish spawning areas exists in the action area, but forage fish spawning does occur elsewhere in Commencement Bay. Although forage fish do not spawn in the action area, they likely use the waterways for foraging and resting. Demersal fish typical of estuaries and marine zones in Puget Sound that have been found in the Blair and Hylebos waterways include, but are not limited to English sole (Parophrys vetulus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), pacific sanddabs (Citharichthys sordidus), starry flounders (Platichthys stellatus), ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei), midshipman (Porichthys), sculpin species (Cottoidea), big skates (Raja binoculata), spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), snake pricklebacks (Lumpenus sagitta), bay gobies (Lepidogobius lepidus), pacific tomcods (Microgadus proximus), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), and eelpouts (Zoarcidae). Pelagic species that may to be found in the waterways include shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) and pile perch (Rhacochilus vacca), three-spine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), salmonids (Salmonidae), and the forage fish mentioned in the previous section (Eaton and Dinnel 1993). Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are known to haul out on manmade structures such as piers and jetties. The nearest documented harbor seal haul out is on a log boom storage area in Commencement Bay just off the entrance of Hylebos Waterway. This is not documented as a pupping and nursing site, although in recent years females have been observed nursing pups there (Lambourne et. al 2010, WDFW 2000). River otters (Lontra canadensis) commonly venture into marine waters to increase the variety of their forage base. However, the highly industrialized nature of the Port makes the occurrence of river otters in the waterways a rarity. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) also use the haul out in Commencement Bay (WDFW 2000) and likely swim into Hylebos waterways during the late summer/fall salmon runs. Other mammals that are likely to be in and around the waterways are those acclimated to 56

71 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 human development including muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and Norway (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (Rattus rattus). More than 203 species of birds have been observed in Commencement Bay and its waterways, 162 are found regularly (CBNRT 1995). The most common are tolerant species like gulls (Laridae), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Wading birds like the great blue heron (Ardea herodias) use the estuarine wetlands along the north side of Hylebos channel for foraging. Other common birds found in Commencement Bay s waterways include cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), killdeers (Charadrius vociferus), sandpipers (Scolopacidae), widgeons (Mareca), barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). The closest bald eagle nesting area is roughly 0.75 miles to the east of Pier 23 (WDFW 2016b) NAVMAG Indian Island A diverse variety of wildlife occur in the NAVMAG Indian Island vicinity. Shellfish include, but are not limited to Pacific oyster, blue mussel, various types of clams, Hood Canal shrimp and various crab. Five species of salmon have been documented in the marine habitats of Port Townsend Bay, including the Puget Sound Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Hood Canal Summer Run chum (O. keta), coho (O. kisutch), coastal sea run cutthroat (O. clarkii clarkii) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). There are also many other types of fish such as halibut, perch, flounder and rock sole. Marine mammals include harbor seals, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and porpoises (Phocoenidae). More than 30 species of water birds have been observed near NAVMAG Indian Island such as ducks, loons (Gavia), plovers (Charadriinae) and gulls. Raptors include hawks and falcons. Bald eagles are present on NAVMAG Indian Island. There are 9 active eagle nest territiries on NAVMAG Indian Island. One eagle nest exists near the southern seaplane ramp at Site 2. Terrestrial wildlife may be present within the vicinity of the project area. Large mammals include Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), bobcat (Felis rufus), cougar (Puma concolor), raccoon (Procyon lotor), river otter and black bear (Ursus americanus). Smaller mammals include raccoon (Procyon lotor), brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa), Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii), and numerous rodent species (Navy 2015). Vashon Island Extensive eelgrass (Zostera marina) and macroalgae beds in the harbor provide spawning habitat for forage fish (herring, surf smelt, and sand lance), as well as nursery and migratory habitat for salmon (WDNR 2014), including Chinook, chum, and coho salmon and steelhead, cutthroat, and bull trout (DNR 2004). The area is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon Washington, primarily due to a wintering western grebe population (WDNR 2014) although many other waterfowl also use the area. Bald eagle are often seen hunting from the Jensen Point site. Approximately 60 species of fish, 90 57

72 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 species of birds, several species of marine and terrestrial-based mammals, and a variety of invertebrates use the reserve area. Recreational clam harvests are known to occur in the area (WDNR 2014). Solo Point Fish species present in South Puget Sound and near the installation include Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus), hake (Merluccius productus), cod (Gadus macrocephalus), rockfish (Sebastes spp.), surfperch (Embiotocidae), flounder (Paralichthys spp.), sole, spiny dogfish, and various salmonids. Surf smelt do not spawn in near-shore areas of Solo Point (Army 1998, WDFW 2016b). Pacific herring were harvested for bait, roe, and food until this fishery was closed in 1983 because herring are a major food fish for declining salmon populations. Herring spawn on kelp and eelgrass found in near-shore regions, but this habitat is not found in abundance near Solo Point or nearby islands. However, a large concentration is found west of Anderson Island (Paulsson 1998). Groundfish and salmonids are harvested off Solo Point (Puget Sound Water Quality Authority [PSWQA] and WDNR 1992). Shellfish and crustaceans are abundant within Puget Sound in nearshore, shallow areas to depths greater than 300 feet, although they are not found in major abundance near Solo Point (PSWQA and WDNR 1992). Seals and sea lions rest or haul-out on shorelines throughout Puget Sound. Haul-out areas are found in South Puget Sound, Hood Canal, Port Gardner, Admiralty Inlet, the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. California sea lions are found in Puget Sound in winter at haul-out sites near Fox Island, Port Gardner, and on Sucia Island in the northern San Juan Islands. California sea lions are occasionally seen near Solo Point, and one was found beached at Solo Point following a shooting injury (Clouse 1998 in Army 2010). Bird species attracted to the protected marine habitats of Puget Sound near Solo Point include seabirds (such as alcids, gulls, and shearwaters) and shorebirds (such as phalaropes, sandpipers, herons, and plovers). Pigeon guillemot and glaucous-winged gull, the primary seabirds commonly found nesting south of Whidbey Island, are the only breeding seabirds with nests found in highly industrial areas in Puget Sound (e.g., Commencement Bay near Tacoma). Pigeon guillemots are particularly common near Solo Point, and the steep slopes adjacent to Solo Point provide suitable nesting habitat. They breed along the Pacific Coast from northwest Alaska to southern California, nesting in crevices and cavities on rocky shores and coastal cliffs. Marbled murrelets are not known to occur on JBLM. Surveys have been conducted twice at JBLM (Bottorff et al. 1991, Bottorff et al. 1992), and though birds were observed near JBLM on the Nisqually River and in the Puget Sound area near Solo Point, none were found on the installation. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative no JLOTS activities would occur. Without JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact on fish, wildlife or birds. 58

73 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/ NAVMAG Indian Island/ Vashon Island/Solo Point A diversity of fish, invertebrates, mammals and birds exist near the project area at all four locations. Temporary effects due to noise, vibration, lighting, and sediment suspension (e.g. turbidity) are likely to occur with this alternative. Turbidity increases could be caused from use of motors to land and hold vessels on the beach for offloading, as well as driving vehicles through shallow water to offload landing craft at the Port of Tacoma. No turbidity increase is expected at NAVMAG Indian Island, Vashon Island, or Solo Point from the use of the boat/seaplane ramps or the upper beach landings. Disturbance from noise and vibration is possible during use of the cranes and other equipment to transport, construct and emplace the INLS and MCS modules as well as the use of boats and landing craft. Salmonids have been found to respond maximally to sounds between 35 and 170 Hz, but the fish did not move more than 60 cm from the sound source (Van Derwalker 1967). Vibration could cause any fish in the area to move away from the ongoing activity. The activity locations are all relatively small, and similar habitat is available nearby for any fish that vacate the project area. Vibrational and noise disturbance during training activities will be minimal due to the short duration of the training. Additionally, the noise produced by the activities is expected to be similar to existing noise sources at all sites. Training activities could temporarily displace fish, birds and mammals. Animals may be temporarily displaced, but impacts would be negligible as similar habitats are available nearby to relocate to during the training exercise. There is a seal and sea lion haul out in Commencement Bay near the entrance to the Hylebos waterway and seals/sea lions could be present near any of our action areas. These animals would likely avoid the boats and landing craft in the project areas, however they are expected to be acclimated to boat traffic by the existing conditions surrounding the project areas. The Port of Tacoma estimates 1,200 large public vessels enter the waterways annually, in addition to all the private vessel activity for which there is not reliable quantification. Tugboats regularly enter the log boom where the seals haul-out in Commencement Bay to make adjustments to logs. The Port of Port Townsend operates two marinas, a marine trades industrial area, and several boat launches in the Port Townsend Bay. Artificial lighting would be used on vehicles, equipment and land during the INLS, cargo marshalling and movement, at the TOC, and within the tent encampment (LSA). Artificial lighting could result in physiological or behavioral changes for mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians in the study area. Studies have suggested that behaviors such as vigilance, foraging, reproduction, and locomotion can be altered by artificial lights. The level of these behavioral changes can be influenced by the species visual acuity and light intensity relative to the animals surroundings (Lashley et al. 2014; Le Tallec et al. 2013; Baker and Richardson 2006; Bird et al. 2004). Changes in physiology (e.g., stress and reproductive hormone levels) and behavior (e.g., avoidance or pursuit of flying insects that may be attracted to the area) may occur (Dominoni et al. 2013; Titulaer et al. 2012; Schroeder et al. 2012), but are expected to be temporary and insignificant. However, lighting that would be used during the training exercise would be of moderate intensity and would be no greater than lights used in commercial and some residential areas. Impacts would be highly localized to the immediate area where they are being used, and the 59

74 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 potential for effects is expected to decrease rapidly with distance from the source of the artificial light. Activities at Vashon Island and Solo Point are expected to occur during the day, with no changes in lighting expected at this site. The amount of artificial lighting near the USAR pier may be increased slightly during the training activities, though artificial lighting already exists at the site. Minimal lighting exists at the LSA and near the water at Sites 2 and 3 on NAVMAG Indian Island, however artificial lighting does exist on NAVMAG Indian Island for security purposes. Lights will be on 24 hours a day at the LSA and at the TOC. Lights would be directed at the ground, away from the water to minimize any effect. Since the areas to be used already include artificial lighting, wildlife is expected to be acclimated to this condition. Elevated noise levels would be expected in the immediate vicinity of the training exercise sites as a result of equipment and vehicle operation, and personnel communications. Behavioral responses may include avoidance (Klein 1973, Manci et al. 1988), changes in vocalization patterns (Penna and Zúñiga 2014, Halfwerk et al 2011), or temporary cessation of foraging or reproductive activities (Mooney 1986, Watson 1993). Another effect of JLOTS activities may be masking of vocalizations (Vargas-Salinas and Amézquita 2014). Natural and artificial sounds can disrupt behavior by interfering with an animal s ability to detect and interpret other relevant sounds, such as communication signals (Wartzok et al. 2003). Noise levels would increase temporarily, however the short duration and limited scope of the increase is not expected to significantly impact existing fish, wildlife, and birds. Suspended sediments can directly impact aquatic animals by clogging gills and pores, which can result in mortality or reduced feeding (Ross and Lancaster 1996). The ability to forage in the immediate area of a moving vessel or amphibious vehicle, anchor, or transfer hose could be impacted by the reduced visual perception in turbid waters (Lindquist and Manning 2001). Turbidity increases are expected to be minor and of short duration. As noted above, an eagle s nest exists near the southern seaplane ramp at Site 2. This eagle s nest is in a tree adjacent to the NAVMAG Indian Island fire response station and is within 450 ft of a helipad. The fire station blasts its siren daily and the helipad is actively used. Additionally, the seaplane ramps are used often and between the ramps is a large paved area where equipment and containers are stored and moved around. Although additional noise and human presence will occur with the JLOTS activity within breeding season, these animals are highly acclimated to human noise and existing activities and as such are not expected to be disturbed by the proposed JLOTS training activities. No significant impacts to fish, wildlife, or birds are expected from any of the impacts discussed above. Impacts would be negligible as the action areas are regularly used for similar activities and similar habitats are available nearby for relocation if needed. The short duration of the proposed activities and the use of best management practices, as noted in Section 2.3.4, would minimize any effects to fish, wildlife, and birds. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island The impacts of this alternative would be similar to those of Alternative 1, with a slight increase due to the concentration of activities in one location. However, the impacts produced by the training activities 60

75 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 under this alternative would continue to be similar to existing conditions. The exercise noise and activity could cause minor disturbance to fish, wildlife and birds. Since the principal activities in the JLOTS exercise area would be short-term, the noise and human intrusions are not expected to have any impact other than short-term avoidance Threatened and Endangered Species Definition of Resource The ESA (16 U.S.C ), amended in 1988, establishes a national program for the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants and the habitats upon which they depend. Section 7(a) of the ESA requires that Federal agencies consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as appropriate, to ensure that proposed actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or to adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitats. The Army submitted a Biological Assessment (BA) on the preferred alternative to NMFS and USFWS under Section 7 of the ESA. This BA contained an extensive analysis of the project s effects and an associated effects determination of either no effect or may affect, but not likely to adversely affect for each ESA listed species in the project area. The analysis presented below is a summary of ESA species occurrence and life history strategies in the project areas, as well as potential impacts resulting from the alternatives Affected Environment Listed and proposed endangered and threatened species with the potential to occur in the project areas, as well as critical habitat status are listed in Table 7. Table 7. ESA Protected Species Potentially Within the Proposed Action Locations. SPECIES LISTING STATUS CRITICAL HABITAT STATUS Coastal/Puget Sound bull trout Salvelinus confluentus Threatened Designated Yes Puget Sound Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus Threatened Designated Yes tshawytscha Hood Canal Summer-run chum Oncorhynchus keta Threatened Designated Yes salmon Puget Sound steelhead salmon Oncorhynchus mykiss Threatened Proposed No Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus Threatened Designated No Georgia Basin bocaccio Sebastes paucispinus Endangered Designated Yes Georgia Basin yelloweye Sebastes ruberrimus Threatened Designated Yes rockfish Georgia Basin canary rockfish Sebastes pinniger Threatened Designated Yes Marbled murrelet Brachyramphus Threatened Designated No marmoratus Southern resident killer whale Orcinus orca Endangered Designated No Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae Endangered None CRITICAL HABITAT IN ACTION AREA 61

76 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Several other listed species occur within the Puget Sound area, but are not likely to occur in the study area due to lack of habitat and/or specialized habitat requirements that are not met at the project sites, and/or lack of tolerance for human activity. These species are listed below. Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama) [historic] Threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) - Threatened North American wolverine (Gulo luteus) - Proposed Gray wolf (Canis lupus) - Endangered Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) - Threatened Streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata) - Threatened Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Threatened Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) - Threatened Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) - Proposed Taylor s checkerspot (Euphydryas editha taylori) - Proposed Marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola) [historic] - Endangered Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) [historic] - Threatened Water howellia (Howellia aquatilis) Threatened Fisher (Martes pennant) Proposed Threatened Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Endangered Fish Bull Trout The Coastal-Puget Sound distinct population segment of bull trout is listed as threatened under the ESA (USFWS2010a). Anadromous sub-adult and adult bull trout use estuarine and nearshore marine habitats in Puget Sound for feeding. Puget Sound anadromous bull trout have a short period of marine residence, exiting rivers in the late winter and early spring, spending 2-4 months in Puget Sound or river estuaries and then returning to freshwater between mid-may and mid-july to either spawn or rear young (Goetz et al in USACE 2015b). The likelihood of encountering bull trout in any of our proposed project sites is low. Extensive beach surveys in Commencement Bay show very little use of this area by bull trout (Port of Tacoma and Puyallup Tribe of Indians 1999, USAR 2009, USACE 2013). There are no documented occurrences of bull trout in Port Townsend Bay and the marine waters around NAVMAG Indian Island (USFWS 2005). There are no bull trout in streams on Vashon Island, and Quartermaster Harbor is generally too warm to be used by rearing, anadromous bull trout during the summer months (WDNR 2004). Bull trout have been documented using the Nisqually River system south of Solo Point, but they have not been observed within the tributaries on JBLM (Army 2010). Chinook The Puget Sound Chinook salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) found east of the Elwha River is listed as threatened (NMFS 2005b). Puget Sound populations are largely summer/fall runs, which are typically considered ocean-type fish (migrating to marine water within their first year). Juvenile Chinook 62

77 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 use small coastal embayments and nearshore areas while rearing along the shoreline before they migrate to the North Pacific Ocean (Fresh 2006). Critical habitat exists throughout Puget Sound and its tributaries. The marine nearshore zone from extreme high tide to mean lower low tide has also been included in the critical habitat designation for Chinook. DoD lands are excluded from critical habitat designation when they are managed with an approved Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). Hood Canal Chum The Hood Canal Summer-Run chum salmon ESU is listed as threatened (NMFS 2005b). Critical habitat exists throughout Hood Canal and its tributaries. Critical habitat in areas within Navy security zones identified at 33 CFR 334, including NAVMAG Indian Island, is only designated within a narrow nearshore zone from the line of extreme high tide down to the line of mean lower low water. Outside of the naval restricted area, Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor and the other surrounding waters are designated as critical nearshore habitat. Juvenile chum salmon use small coastal embayments and eelgrass beds as foraging grounds and refuge from predators before migrating to the North Pacific Ocean (Fresh 2006). Steelhead Puget Sound steelhead are listed as threatened (NMFS 2007). Relative to the longer nearshore rearing periods of other juvenile salmonids, juvenile steelhead smolts generally outmigrate to offshore areas quickly and the transit time through the estuary is brief (days to weeks). Therefore, proposed critical habitat for steelhead does not include nearshore habitats (Federal Register 2013). The action areas contain no proposed critical habitat. Eulachon The southern distinct population segment (DPS) of eulachon is ESA-listed as threatened (NMFS 2010). No spawning areas are documented in Puget Sound. The closest documented eulachon spawning area to the project locations is the Elwha River in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Fraser River in southern British Columbia (NMFS 2010). Migrants from the northern population likely forage in areas of the Puget Sound nearshore zone that extend beyond their spawning range (USACE 2014). Although established populations are not thought to exist in Puget Sound rivers, the occasional occurrence has been recorded (NMFS 2010). Rockfish (Bocaccio, Yelloweye, and Canary) Bocaccio, yelloweye rockfish, and canary rockfish are all listed as threatened under the ESA. Rockfish give birth to live larval young which are found in surface waters extending several hundred miles offshore. Larvae and juvenile rockfish remain in the open ocean for several months, being passively dispersed by currents (NMFS 2013b, NMFS 2013c, NMFS 2013d). Juvenile bocaccio hover in the nearshore zone over rocky substrate with various understory kelps or sandy bottoms with eelgrass. Canary rockfish juvenile hover in the nearshore zone over rock-sand interfaces and sand flats. Adults, sub-adults, and juvenile yelloweye rockfish occupy nearshore areas with rocky substrate. Critical nearshore habitat for bocaccio and canary rockfish exists at all sites except for the Port of Tacoma site. Deepwater critical habitat for all species does not occur at the project areas but is nearby all sites except for Vashon Island. 63

78 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Birds Marbled Murrelet Marbled murrelets are small marine diving birds that feed on fish and invertebrates close to shore and nest up to 50 miles (USFWS 1992) inland in stands of mature and old-growth forest. They are ESA-listed as threatened (USFWS 1992). Critical habitat includes upland forested stands used for nesting, but does not include marine water. Murrelets are common winter residents of Puget Sound, especially the northern portions. Forage habitat is deeper water in entrance channels of rocky shores, estuaries, and protected bays where the birds can dive in pursuit of forage fish, which are dependent on nearshore habitat (Angell and Balcomb 1982). Marine Mammals Southern Resident Killer Whale The southern resident population of killer whale was listed as endangered effective February 16, 2006 (NMFS 2005a). The Southern Resident s customary range is thought to be primarily within Puget Sound, and through and within the Georgia and Johnstone Straits. Southern Residents occasionally migrate as far south as Monterey Bay, California and as far north as the northern Queen Charlotte Islands in Canada. Critical habitat has been designated for killer whales, including Puget Sound and Commencement Bay marine waters deeper than 20 feet (NMFS 2014). Foraging is known to occur in waters of all depths, and killer whales have been seen to herd schools of fish into shallow bays to increase their feeding effectiveness. Decline in Chinook and chum abundance, underwater noise, and contaminants are all factors that limit Southern Resident killer whale recovery. Humpback Whale The humpback whale is listed as endangered under the ESA and also is afforded protection by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (NMFS 1970). They occur worldwide; in the North Pacific, they range from California to Russia and also occur in the Bering Sea. About every other year humpback whales stray into Puget Sound but tend not to stay for extended periods of time. Although, in late spring 2004 a small humpback whale spent about two weeks in the Puget Sound near Tacoma. Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative no JLOTS activities would occur. Without JLOTS activities, the No Action Alternative would have no impact to threatened or endangered species. Alternative 1: Port of Tacoma/NAVMAG Indian Island/Vashon Island/Solo Point Bull Trout The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, in combination with the use of best management practices and conservation measures such as those for refueling and shoreline protection, (see Section 2.3.4), would limit impacts to this species. No significant impact to bull trout is expected. 64

79 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Chinook Each of the project areas are potentially used by Chinook salmon outmigrants for foraging and rearing young during the proposed action timeframe. These fish are very mobile and would be able to move away from activities. The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions limits the impacts to this species. Use of best management practices, including limiting bare beach landings to very few locations and to only occur at high tide, would limit the impacts to intertidal foraging areas and vegetated spaces. No significant impact to Chinook is expected. Hood Canal Chum Juvenile chum salmon may be found near NAVMAG Indian Island during the proposed JLOTS training activities. Conservation measures have been established to avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation and thereby limit impacts to this species. These measures include limiting vessel landings to the existing sea plane ramps and avoiding anchor drops within 300 ft of mean higher high water. The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions limits the impacts to this species. No significant impact to chum is expected. Steelhead Juvenile steelhead could pass through the project areas during the proposed activities. These fish are very mobile and would be able to move away from activities. The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions limits the impacts to this species. Use of best management practices, including limiting bare beach landings to very few locations and to only occur at high tide, would limit the impacts to nearshore habitats. No significant impact to steelhead is expected. Eulachon The rare presence of this species within Puget Sound, the short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, as well as the use of best management practices and conservation measures such as those for refueling and water quality protection, (see Section 2.3.4), would limit impacts to eulachon. No significant impact to eulachon is expected. Rockfish (Bocaccio, Yelloweye, and Canary) It is very unlikely that any adults of these species would occur in the project areas as they tend to inhabit deeper water. Juveniles, particularly bocaccio and canary rockfish, could be present at project sites. These two species are associated with shallower water and areas with eelgrass beds such as NAVMAG Indian Island and Vashon Island. There is only a slight chance the larval stage of all three species would be present at the project sites because at this life stage they are pelagic drifters at the mercy of the currents. The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures such as those protecting water quality and aquatic vegetation (see Section 2.3.4), would limit impacts to this species as well as to aquatic vegetation in the project areas. No significant impact to rockfish is expected. Marbled Murrelet Because all activities would occur in areas that receive regular boat traffic, the proposed action is expected to have insignificant effects on foraging marbled murrelets. In addition, the use of best 65

80 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 management practices and conservation measures such as those protecting water quality and aquatic vegetation (see Section 2.3.4) would avoid impacts to forage fish and their habitat, so that adverse effects to marbled murrelets via their prey species are also considered insignificant. No significant impact to marbled murrelet is expected. Southern Resident Killer Whale Military ships have personnel assigned to stand watch at all times when moving through the water (Navy 2014a, Navy 2014b). Watch personnel undertake extensive training such as the U.S. Navy Afloat Environmental Compliance Training Series. This series includes the updated Marine Species Awareness Training. The program provides training on how to sight marine species, focusing on marine mammals. The training also includes instruction for visually identifying sea turtles, concentrations of floating vegetation (kelp paddies), jellyfish aggregations, and flocks of seabirds, which are often indicators of marine mammal or sea turtle presence. The Marine Species Awareness Training also addresses the role that watchstanders and lookouts play in helping to maintain compliance with environmental protection requirements, as well as supporting Navy stewardship commitments. New NMFS regulations (2011) require a 200 yard distance be maintained from killer whales as well as keeping the path of the whales clear. Procedures would be in place to ensure that killer whales would not be disturbed by training exercises through maintaining safe distances and limiting activities while whales are present. All activities would occur in areas that receive regular boat traffic. NMFS (2014) found that noise from motoring vessels can affect killer whale echolocation at a distance of up to 400 meters and that ambient noise levels increase as the number of vessels increase. Various vessels would be used to move cargo and provide force protection at all locations. These vessels would be additive to existing boat traffic. The short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures such as those protecting water quality (see Section 2.3.4) and ensuring continuous watch is kept on moving vessels would limit impacts to this species. No significant impact to killer whale is expected. Humpback Whale Because humpback whales are so rare in the project area, any impact to them is unlikely. Also, the short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures, particularly maintenance of watches on all moving vessels (see Section 2.3.4), would limit impacts to this species. No significant impact to humpback whales is expected. Alternative 2: NAVMAG Indian Island Impacts of Alternative 2 would be the same as discussed above for Alternative 1, except that increased activity would be concentrated at NAVMAG Indian Island. This would increase the amount of noise and boat traffic at this location, with an associated increase in impacts to sensitive species. However, the short-term and temporary nature of the proposed actions, and the use of best management practices and conservation measures (see Section 2.3.4) would continue to limit impacts to all sensitive species. No significant impact to any threatened and endangered species would occur with the implementation of Alternative 2. 66

81 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Cumulative Impact Analysis Analysis of cumulative impacts (or cumulative effects) presented in this section follows the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and CEQ regulations and guidance. The regulations define cumulative impacts as impacts on the environment which result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time (40 C.F.R ). Consistent with CEQ regulations the significance of the anticipated cumulative impacts is assessed taking into account the context and intensity as described at the beginning of Chapter 3 (Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences). The CEQ interprets NEPA and their own NEPA regulations on cumulative effects as requiring analysis and a concise description of the identifiable present effects of past actions to the extent that they are relevant and useful in analyzing whether the reasonably foreseeable effects of the agency proposal for action and its alternatives may have a continuing, additive and significant relationship to those effects. Agencies look for present effects of past actions that are, in the judgment of the agency, relevant and useful because they have a significant cause-and-effect relationship with the direct and indirect effects of the proposal for agency action and its alternatives. While a single project may have minor impacts, overall impacts may be collectively significant when the project is considered together with other projects or activities on a regional scale. A cumulative impact is the additive effect of all projects in the geographic area. CEQ guidance observes that it is not practical to analyze how the cumulative effects of an action interact with the universe; the analysis of environmental effects must focus on the aggregate effects of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions that are truly meaningful. The level of analysis for each resource was commensurate with the intensity of the impacts identified in Chapter 3 (Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences). The scope of the cumulative impact analysis is related to the magnitude of the environmental impacts of a proposed action. Proposed actions of limited scope typically do not require as comprehensive an assessment of cumulative impacts as proposed actions that have significant environmental impacts over a large area. Proposed actions that are typically finalized with a finding of no significant impact usually involve only a limited cumulative impact assessment to confirm that the effects of the proposed action do not reach a point of significant environmental impacts. 4.1 Port of Tacoma Commencement Bay has been heavily developed and industrialized. Near Pier 23, other redevelopment and nearshore restoration plans are underway. Notably, the Port of Tacoma plans a several-acre container shipping facility immediately adjacent and to the southwest of the Pier 23 property. This project would include dredging and filling in the nearshore area. The historic estuarine habitats of Commencement Bay have been altered by previous dredging, filling, sewage and industrial discharges, and other anthropogenic activities over the past 100 years. A portion 67

82 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 of Commencement Bay was designated as a Superfund site in Toxic chemicals and heavy metals introduced into the bay from a number of industrial activities continue to have adverse effects on the aquatic environment including benthic organisms, fish, marine mammals, and marine birds. In 1993, the effects of these changes were assessed in the Commencement Bay Cumulative Impacts Study (USACE 1993). Given the highly modified state of the Port of Tacoma, the cumulative effects of the JLOTS training exercise on biological and other environmental resources is expected to be negligible. The project is not likely to adversely affect federally-listed bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead because of the short project duration and the use of best management practices and conservation measures that protect water quality, aquatic vegetation, and shoreline habitat (see Section 2.3.4). No cumulative effects are expected to occur to ESA listed rockfish, marbled murrelet, and southern resident killer whales since their occurrence in the project area is extremely rare. 4.2 NAVMAG Indian Island Past and present development on NAVMAG Indian Island has resulted in the conversion of forest areas to developed areas and disturbance to species. However, NAVMAG Indian Island remains relatively undeveloped, with approximately 77% forested land. Ongoing Navy activities at NAVMAG Indian Island, including natural resource management and forest thinning, would generate noise on a temporary basis in the upland environment. Three future projects, Building 833 heat pump, missile magazines, and aboveground shore power to Ammunition Wharf would generate temporary noise during construction. The short-duration of JLOTS training activities could overlap with construction noise from present or future actions, however any cumulative impacts to the ambient noise of the area are anticipated to be minor. 4.3 Vashon Island A significant amount of the shoreline of Quartermaster Harbor is developed, primarily as residences. At Jensen Point the entire shoreline is lined with houses. Although Jensen Point is not typically used for military offloading, the area is used as a public boat ramp. The JLOTS training event at Jensen Point would be temporary and of very short duration (maximum of 3 hours each, for a total of three times). No permanent alterations or structures would be constructed at this site that would impact or change the landscape and natural processes of the area. Use of the existing public boat ramp or bare beach landings at high tide with mats placed above mean higher high water would avoid or minimize cumulative effects to biological resources at Jensen Point. As noted previously, the JLOTS actions at Jensen Point would provide ferry services to the National Guard for their Cascadia Rising Training activities on the island. The National Guard is set to bring up to 40 vehicles and personnel to the island to conduct humanitarian aid and disaster response training. They will establish an encampment on the island, staying for approximately one week. JLOTS would then provide ferry service for the Soldiers and vehicles off of the island. The exact location of the National Guard encampment on Vashon Island is unknown at this time, with several locations under consideration. Likely locations include various public parks. The encampment is expected to be established in a mown grassy area or on un-vegetated parking areas. No clearing, grubbing, or 68

83 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 excavation is anticipated. Impacts would include disturbance to any vegetation from tent placement and use of the site, increased noise from the use of generators and Soldier presence, traffic impacts from vehicle movements, and limitations on public access to the park the during the exercise. No significant cumulative impacts are associated with the proposed activities nor the JLOTS assistance in the activities. 4.4 Solo Point Solo Point on JBLM is used for beach landings and other training events. The proposed JLOTS training event consists of the loading and unloading of up to 40 vehicles at the existing Solo Point boat ramp over a two day time period. Since the proposed action would be a onetime occurrence lasting only two days using existing infrastructure, cumulatively the effects to all resources would overall be minimal. In combination with the other noise and air emissions generating activities on JBLM, the proposed training would only slightly add to the noise and air emission generating activities during the training. The proposed training would be of short duration and consistent with other on-going activities at JBLM and therefore would only negligibly contribute to effects on biological resources and recreation. 5 Compliance with Environmental Statutes This chapter provides documentation of how the proposed JLOTS training event complies with all applicable Federal environmental laws, statutes and EOs. 5.1 Federal Laws National Environmental Policy Act NEPA is a basic national charter for protection of the environment. It establishes policy, sets goals, and provides a means for carrying out environmental policy. NEPA mandates that Federal agencies utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and decision making which may have an impact on man s environment. The National Environmental Policy Act, implementing regulations promulgated by the CEQ and the Army and Navy, requires that environmental information is made available to decision makers and citizens before making decisions and taking major Federal actions, and that the National Environmental Policy Act process should identify and assess reasonable alternatives to proposed actions to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects. This final EA is an analysis of the potential environmental impact of the proposed action. Action proponents must prepare an EA when they do not know beforehand whether or not the proposed action will significantly affect the human environment or be controversial regarding environmental effects. Effects on the quality of the human environment as a result of the proposed project are anticipated to be less than significant. Accompanying this EA is a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI). American Indian Religious Freedom Act The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (AIRFA) (42 U.S.C. 1996) establishes protection and preservation of Native Americans rights of freedom of belief, expression, and exercise of traditional religions. Courts have interpreted AIRFA to mean that public officials must consider Native Americans 69

84 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 interests before undertaking actions that might impact their religious practices, including impact on sacred sites. The Army and Navy have begun coordination with the Tribes and will continue to coordinate with them to avoid impacts to religious practices and sacred sites. Archaeological Resources Protection Act The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-470mm; Public Law as amended) establishes the requirements to protect archaeological resources and sites on public and Indian lands and to foster increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private individuals. The Act established civil and criminal penalties for the destruction or alteration of cultural resources. All appropriate measures will be taken to protect archaeological resources and sites during the implementation of the proposed action. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C c), enacted in 1940, prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. The Act provides criminal penalties for persons who "take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof." The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act defines "take" as to "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb." "Disturb" means: to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available, 1) injury to an eagle, 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior, or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior." In addition to immediate impacts, this definition also covers impacts that result from human-induced alterations initiated around a previously used nest site during a time when eagles are not present, if, upon the eagle's return, such alterations agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that interferes with or interrupts normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering habits, and causes injury, death or nest abandonment. Bald eagles are present on NAVMAG Indian Island. There are 9 active eagle nest territories on NAVMAG Indian Island. As mentioned in Section , an eagle s nest exists near the southern seaplane ramp at Site 2. This eagle s nest is in a tree adjacent to the NAVMAG Indian Island fire station and is within 450 ft of a helipad. The fire station blasts its siren daily and the helipad is actively used. Additionally, the seaplane ramps are used often and between the ramps is a large paved area where equipment and containers are stored and moved by heavy equipment. Although additional noise and human presence will occur with the JLOTS activity within breeding season, these animals are highly acclimated to human noise and existing activities and as such are not expected to be disturbed by the proposed JLOTS training activities. Clean Air Act The Clean Air Act (CAA) as Amended (42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.) prohibits Federal agencies from approving any action that does not conform to an approved State or Federal implementation plan. The agencies 70

85 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 that currently monitor air quality throughout the region are: the Environmental Protection Agency, the WDOE, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). The USEPA sets standards for concentrations of pollutants in outdoor air and the State establishes regulations that govern contaminant emissions from air pollution sources. There may be a temporary and localized increase of emissions from use of military vehicles, marine vessels, and bivouac machinery (e.g. LSA generators). This would include operation at each site and transportation of vehicles between each site. These emissions would not exceed USEPA s de minimis threshold levels (100 tons/year for carbon monoxide and 50 tons/year for ozone). Air quality reduction would be minimal and short in duration. Coastal Zone Management Act The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 as amended (16 U.S.C ) requires Federal agencies to carry out their activities in a manner that is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the approved State Coastal Zone Management Program. The aim of the act is to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the nation s coastal zone. The delegated authority for review of consistency in Washington State is WDOE. The site at Solo Point is on JBLM in Pierce County and NAVMAG Indian Island is in Jefferson County. These sites are located in a coastal counties included in the Washington State Coastal Zone Management Program subject to the CZMA. However, the CZMA specifically excludes lands that are owned, leased, or held in trust by the federal government from regulation. The proposed sites at Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island are located in the City of Tacoma and King County. In compliance with State law, the city of Tacoma and King County have developed their own Shoreline Master Programs under the State Shoreline Management Act. The Army expects to be fully consistent with the enforceable policies of both the City of Tacoma and King County Shoreline Master Programs. In addition under Washington State s Program, federal activities that affect any land use, water use or natural resource of the coastal zone must comply with the enforceable policies within the six laws identified in the Program document. The six state laws are: Shoreline Management Act (including local government shoreline master programs) State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Clean Water Act (CWA) Clean Air Act (CAA) Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) Ocean Resource Management Act (ORMA) The Army submitted the CZMA Consistency Determination to WDOE on February, for their review. The Army has determined that the project is substantively consistent with the enforceable polices of the City of Tacoma and King County s Shoreline Master Program. Verification from Ecology of the project s consistency with the enforceable polices of the Washington State Coastal Zone Management Program was received on May 3, 2016 (see Appendix B). 71

86 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Endangered Species Act The ESA (16 U.S.C ), amended in 1988, establishes a national program for the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants and the habitat upon which they depend. Section 7(a) requires that Federal agencies consult with the NMFS and USFWS, as appropriate, to ensure that proposed actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or to adversely modify or destroy their critical habitats. The Army coordinated with NMFS and USFWS to ensure the protection of those threatened and endangered species under their respective jurisdictions and to anticipate potential negative effects that may result from the project. The Army prepared a Biological Assessment that analyzed the effects on listed species of all elements of the proposed action. The Army submitted this document to NMFS and USFWS on March 9, 2016 for their consideration. NMFS and USFWS concurred with the Army s effect determintations in letters dated April 4, 2016 and May 4, 2016, respectively (Appendix C). Federal Water Pollution Control Act The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C et seq.) is more commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA). This act is the primary legislative vehicle for Federal water pollution control programs and the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. The CWA was established to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation s waters. The CWA sets goals to eliminate discharges of pollutants into navigable waters, protect fish and wildlife, and prohibit the discharge of toxic pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect the environment. Section 401 Any project that involves placing dredged or fill material in waters of the United States or wetlands, or mechanized clearing of wetlands, requires a water quality certification from the State agency as delegated by the USEPA. For the proposed training sites, the delegated authority is WDOE. The Army has evaluated potential training activities subject to this regulation and has determined that the actions do not trigger Section 401. Section 402 Section 402 of the Act requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and the associated implementing regulations for General Permit for Discharges from Large and Small Construction Activities for construction disturbance over one acre. This project would have land disturbance of less than one acre and therefore a NPDES permit is not needed. Section 404 Section 404 of the Act authorized a permit program for the disposal of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, and defined conditions which must be met by Federal projects before they may make such discharges. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) retains primary responsibility for this permit program. The Army has evaluated potential training activities subject to this regulation and has determined that the actions do not trigger Section 404. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C et. seq.) requires Federal agencies to consult with NMFS on activities that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). The objective of an EFH assessment is to determine whether the proposed action(s) may 72

87 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 adversely affect designated EFH for relevant commercial, federally managed fisheries within the proposed action area. EFH includes those waters and substrate necessary for fish spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. The assessment describes conservation measures proposed to avoid, minimize, or otherwise offset potential adverse effects to designated EFH resulting from the proposed action. The Army prepared an effects analysis addressing EFH, which was provided to NMFS within the Biological Assessment required under ESA Section 7. EFH exists in all project areas for salmon species and for groundfish. Although habitat disturbance may have temporary minor adverse effects to designated EFH, the conservation measures and best management practices (see Section 2.3.4) are adequate to avoid adverse impacts to the EFH. NMFS also concluded that the proposed action would have no adverse effects to EFH and is documented in their April 4, 2016 concurence letter (see Appendix C). Migratory Bird Treaty Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C ) as amended protects over 800 bird species and their habitat, and commits that the U.S. will take measures to protect identified ecosystems of special importance to migratory birds against pollution, detrimental alterations, and other environmental degradations. EO directs Federal agencies to evaluate the effects of their actions on migratory birds, with emphasis on species of concern, and inform the USFWS of potential negative effects to migratory birds. The proposed training event would be conducted in such a manner that migratory birds would not be harmed or harassed to any significant degree. Marine Mammal Protection Act The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C ) restricts harassment of marine mammals. Typical stressors from military training activities most likely to result in impacts to marine mammals that could rise to the level of harassment as defined under the MMPA include sonar use, underwater detonations, and vibratory pile driving. None of these activities are proposed for the JLOTS 2016 training exercise. Some individual animals may experience minor temporary physiological or behavioral effects in response to vessel noise, but it is not expected to result in significant (Level A or Level B) harassment of any marine mammal. There would be no permanent loss of habitat and all impacts would cease entirely at the close of the training exercise. Standard operating procedures may reduce the likelihood of impacts to marine mammals. Thus, the Army has determined that it is not necessary to pursue an incidental harassment authorization under the MMPA. National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires that Federal agencies, prior to approving an undertaking, take into account the effects of their actions on historic properties. The implementing regulations for Section 106 are published in 36 C.F.R The regulations describe the process by which an agency complies with Section 106. The regulations emphasize a process of consultation with various parties to identify, evaluate and consider effects on historic properties. Consulting parties include the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Indian tribes, State and municipal governments, and organizations or individuals with a specific interest in the undertaking. 73

88 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 In general, an agency moves through the consultation process in several steps. These include: identifying and documenting the Area of Potential Effect (APE), identifying cultural resources in the APE and evaluating properties using the Criteria of the National Register of Historic Places, assessing the effects of the undertaking on historic properties, taking steps to avoid or mitigate adverse effects. Where adverse effects are identified, the agency must resolve the effect in consultation with the consulting parties. The resolution of adverse effect is normal codified in a Memorandum of Agreement among the parties. A signed and executed memorandum of agreement (MOA) concludes Section 106 for undertakings that have an adverse effect. The Army consulted with the Washington State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on March 17, 2016 to define the APE on all four sites, and SHPOs concurrence with the APE was received on March 21, Then Corps archeologists and historians looked through records and histories of the area for all four sites, and while there are potential cultural properties in the APE, it was found that lands in the APE will be used for their intended purpose with no additional disturbance to either any potential archaeological sites or built-enivronment resources. The Army made a determination that no historic properties would be affected, and consulted with the SHPO on April 11, The SHPO concurred to this determination on April 14, These letters can be found in Appendix D. The Army also notified the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S 'Klallam Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Yakama Nation, and Nisqually Tribe about the project to identify properties to which they may attach religious or cultural significance or other concerns with historic properties that may be affected. The Tribes did not comment on the undertaking. Native American Graves and Repatriation Act The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (Public Law ; 25 U.S.C ) describes the rights of Native American lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations with respect to the treatment, repatriation, and disposition of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, referred to collectively in the statute as cultural items, with which they can show a relationship of lineal descent or cultural affiliation. If cultural items protected under NAGPRA are discovered during the proposed JLOTS training, activities would be halted and procedures outlined in the Act would be followed. Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 prohibits the unauthorized obstruction or alteration of any navigable water of the United States. Activities that involve the construction of dams, bridges, dikes etc. across any navigable water, or placing obstructions to navigation outside established Federal lines and excavating from or depositing material in such waters, require permits from the Corps. The Corps conducts public interest reviews to ensure that proposed projects comply with Section 10, and as part of these reviews coordinates with other Federal, State, and local agencies. The Army has evaluated potential training activities subject to this regulation and has determined that the actions do not trigger Section

89 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Executive Orders Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands EO entitled Protection of Wetlands, dated May 24, 1977, requires Federal agencies to take action to avoid adversely impacting wetlands wherever possible, to minimize wetlands destruction and to preserve the values of wetlands, and to prescribe procedures to implement the policies and procedures of this EO. In addition, Federal agencies shall incorporate floodplain management goals and wetlands protection considerations into its planning, regulatory, and decision making processes. The preferred alternative would have no adverse effects to wetlands. Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites EO requires agencies of the executive branch of the federal government to accommodate access to and use of Indian scared sites located on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners, and to avoid disturbances to sacred sites. The Army will coordinate with Tribes in the area to assure that disturbances to sacred sites are avoided, and access to sacred sites is retained. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments EO 13175, requires agencies to be guided by three fundamental principles: 1) uphold the unique legal relationship with Indian tribal governments as set forth in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, EOs and court decisions, 2) recognize the right of Indian tribes to self-government and continue to work with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis to address issues concerning Indian tribal selfgovernment, tribal trust resources and Indian tribal treaty, 3) recognize the right of Indian tribes to selfgovernment and supports tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The Army and Navy have a government-to-government consultation policy to facilitate the interchange between decision makers to obtain mutually acceptable decisions. In accordance with this Executive Order, the Army and Navy will continue to engage in regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with the tribes in the proposed training areas. Executive Order 13653, Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change EO directs Federal Agencies to improve preparedness to address the impacts of climate change on human and natural resources. Federal agencies must implement coordinated planning, including cooperation with state, local, private-sector, and non-profit stakeholders to enhance the country s resilience to the effects of climate change. Federal agencies must promote partnerships and information sharing with all levels of government, engage in risk-informed decision-making and develop tools to facilitate decision-making, employ experience-based adaptive management practices, and carry out preparedness planning. The Department of Defense prepared a Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap in 2014 to implement the directives in EO (U.S. Department of Defense 2014). The Department identified four lines of effort that support these goals, one of which is training and testing, which the Roadmap describes as, critical to maintaining a capable and ready Force in the face of a rapidly changing strategic setting. Access to land, air, and sea space that replicate the operational environment for training and testing is essential to readiness. The Roadmap also identifies four main climate related phenomena likely to 75

90 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 impact the Department s activities: rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, increasing frequency or intensity of extreme weather events, and sea level rise associated with storm surge. While the natural disaster scenario of the Cascadia Rising event is unrelated to climate change, the competencies being practiced are fully applicable. Extreme weather events can cause humanitarian crises, requiring the coordinated responses promoted by this EO. The Cascadia Rising exercise, with the JLOTS activities and the participation of various entities, better prepares the nation for responding to natural disasters and enhances the country s ability to quickly recover from a disaster. 5.3 Treaties Treaties with the Native American Tribes are the supreme law of the land, superior to State laws, and equal to Federal laws. The Federal Trust Responsibility to Native American Tribes is a protection and preservation of land and certain rights for them. The trust responsibility is derived from the special relationship between the U.S. and Native American Indian Tribes, first defined by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, 30 U.S. 1 (5 Pet.) (1831). Later, in Seminole Nation v. United States, 316 U.S. 286 (1942), the Supreme Court noted that the U.S. "has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust" toward Native American Indian Tribes. The scope of the Federal Trust Responsibility is broad and incumbent upon all Federal agencies. The U.S. government has an obligation to protect tribal land, assets, resources, and rights, as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to Indian Tribes. In the mid-1850s, the United States entered into treaties with nearly all of the Native American Tribes in the territory that would become Washington State. Language in treaties and other federal laws securing off-reservation fishing and hunting rights has been construed as preserving aboriginal rights that Tribes traditionally exercised before the treaties were executed. Treaty fishing and hunting clauses are not a grant of rights (from the federal government to the Indians), but a grant of rights from them a reservation of those not granted (United States v. Winans, 25 S. Ct. 662, [1905]). This means that the Tribes retain rights not specifically surrendered to the United States. Tribes retained the right to "take fish at usual and accustomed grounds and stations... in common with all citizens of the territory" [U.S. v. Washington, 384 F. Supp. 312 at 332 (WDWA 1974)]. The Boldt I decision resolved that the Treaty tribes had the right to take up to 50 percent of the harvestable anadromous fish runs passing through those grounds, as needed to provide them with a moderate standard of living. Over the years, the courts have also held that this right comprehends certain subsidiary rights, such as access to their "usual and accustomed" fishing grounds. More than de minimis impacts to access to usual and accustomed fishing area violate this treaty right [Northwest Sea Farms v. Wynn, F.Supp. 931 F.Supp at 1522 (WDWA1996)]. In U.S. v. Washington, 759 F.2d 1353 (9th Cir 1985) the court indicated that the obligation to prevent degradation of the fish habitat would be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Army and Navy have coordinated with the Native American Tribes potentially affected by the proposed action (See Section 6 and Appendix E) and will continue to coordinate with them to avoid impacts to Tribal Treaty Rights. Tribal fishers routinely use beaches on the eastern shores of NAVMAG Indian Island for shellfish harvesting. No impact to these beaches nor to tribal access to these areas is 76

91 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 anticipated. Similarly, tribal fishers are known to use areas near Solo Point for shellfish harvesting. The short duration use of the existing boat ramp at this location is not expected to impact these resources nor inhibit access to these areas. Also, no significant impact to salmonids is anticipated as a result of the proposed actions at any location and access to these sites is not expected to be affected by the actions. Tribal fishers also use Port Townsend Bay for crab fishing; however, the 2016 crabbing season should not overlap with the JLOTS activities. As a precaution, all boat crews will be briefed and aware of potential crab pot buoys and will move vessels slowly through any areas with ongoing crabbing to avoid impacting any gear. Overall, no impact to Tribal Treaty Rights is expected. 6 List of Agencies and Tribes Contacted National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch Washington State Department of Ecology Washington State Historic Preservation Office Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Muckleshoot Tribe Nisqually Indian Tribe Port Gamble S'Klallam Puyallup Tribe Snoqualmie Tribe Squaxin Island Tribe Suquamish Tribe Yakama Nation 7 List of Preparers The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District prepared this EA. Members of the project team include the following military and civilian professional staff. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Melissa Leslie Biologist Bobbi Jo McClain Biologist James R. Thomas Chief, Watersheds and Terrestrial Section U.S. Transportation Command MAJ Stephen Messenger TCJ3-TC Joint Planner 77

92 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Wayne Munie JLOTS Planner U.S. Army CPT. Kevin Dean 7 th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) Plans Officer MAJ Robert Ayers 7 th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) Brigade Judge Advocate U.S. Navy Chris Cervantes Operations, NBG 1 LCDR Shaun Gorman ALFA Company Commander - A6 Amy Burt NAVFAC Environmental Planning Supervisor, EV21 Laura Bishop NAVFAC Region Environmental Counsel Bill Kalina NAVMAG Indian Island, Environmental Site Manager 78

93 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May References American National Standards Institute ANSI S (R 2004) American National Standard Acoustical Terminology (Vol. S (R 2004). New York, NY: Acoustical Society of America. Angell, T., and K.C. Balcomb, III Marine Birds and Mammals of Puget Sound. University of Washington Press. Seattle. Army Extension for the Temporary Service Agreement for Treatment of Northwest Landing Flows at Tatsolo Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Assessment. Adolfson Associates, Inc. Fort Lewis, Washington Army Draft Environmental Impact Statement Transformation of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (L) to a Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Hawai i. Tetra Tech, Inc. Army Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Fort Lewis Army Growth and Force Structure Realignment. July Online at: Accessed 12 Feb Baker, B.J. and J.M.L. Richardson The effect of artificial light on male breeding season behavior in green frogs, Rana clamitans melanota. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 84, Bird, B.L., L.C. Branch, & D.L. Miller Effects of coastal lighting on foraging behavior of beach mice. Conservation Biology, 18(5), Blau, S.F Volume II, Report #4: Marine Biology. In: Quartermaster Harbor marine park study. Seattle (WA): College of Forest Resources, University of Washington. Bottorff, J., B. Gilbert, and T. Williams Marbled Murrelet Survey: Fort Lewis Military Reservation, Pierce County, Washington. Bottorff, J., B. Richard, and G. Schroer A Survey for Marbled Murrelets: Fort Lewis Military Reservation. Unpublished report. Resources Northwest, Inc., and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Olympia, Washington. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees (CBNRT) Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Accessed online at: City of Port Townsend Welcome to the City of Port Townsend. Online at: Accessed 11 Dec City of Tacoma Container Port Element. Online at: Accessed 27 Jan Eaton and Dinnel Development of Trawl-based Criteria for Assessment of Demersal Fauna (Macroinvertebrates and Fishes): Pilot Study in Puget Sound, Washington. 79

94 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Dominoni, D.M., M. Quetting, and J. Partecke Long-term effects of chronic light pollution on seasonal functions of European blackbirds (Turdus merula). PlosOne, 8(12), e doi: /journal.pone Dooling, R Avian hearing and the avoidance of wind turbines (NREL/TP ). Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Dooling, R.J. and S.C Therrien Hearing in birds: what changes from air to water. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 730, doi: / _17. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Exercise Scenario Document, Cascadia Rising. Cascadia Subduction Zone Catastrophic Earthquake and Tsunami. Dated January Fresh, K.L Juvenile Pacific Salmon in Puget Sound. Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership Report No Published by Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Washington. Available: Halfwerk, W., S. Bot, J. Buikx, M. van der Velde, J. Komdeur, C. ten Cate, and H. Slabbekoom Low frequency songs lose their potency in noisy urban conditions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. Online at: Accessed 25 Feb Hart Crowser Final Remedial Design Investigation Sediment and Groundwater Sampling and Analysis Pier 23, Phase II Tacoma, Washington. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Contract DACA67-02-D Integrated Concepts & Research Corporation Port of Anchorage marine terminal development project; underwater noise survey test pile driving program, Anchorage, Alaska. Prepared by URS. Anchorage, AK: Integrated Concepts & Research Corporation. Klein, D.R The Reaction of Some Northern Mammals to Aircraft Disturbance. 11th International Congress of Game Biologists; Stockholm, Sweden. Lambourne D.M., S.J. Jeffries, and H.R. Huber Observations of Harbor Seals in Southern Puget Sound during WDFW contract report. Lashley, M.A., Chitwood, M.C., Biggerstaff, M.T., Morina, D.L., Moorman, C.E., & DePerno, C.S White-tailed deer vigilance: the influence of social and environmental factors. PLoSONE, 9(3), e Lesage, V., C. Barrette, M.C.S Kingsley. & Sjare, B The effect of vessel noise on the vocal behavior of belugas in the St. Lawrence River estuary, Canada. Marine Mammal Science, 15(1), Le Tallec, T., M. Perret, and M. Théry, Light pollution modified the expression of daily rhythms and behavior patterns in a nocturnal primate. PLoSONE, 8(11): e

95 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Linquist, N. and L. Manning, Impacts of beach nourishment and beach scraping on critical habitat and productivity of surf fishes. NC Division of Marine Fisheries, Fisheries Resource Grant 98-EP-05: 41 pp. Manci, K.M., D.N. Gladwin, R. Villela, and M.G. Cavendish Effects of aircraft noise and sonic booms on domestic animals and wildlife: a literature synthesis. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. National Ecology Research Center, Ft. Collins, CO. NERC-88/ pp. McClure, C.J.W., H.E. Ware, J. Carlisle, G. Kaltenecker, and J.R Barber An experimental investigation into the effects of traffic noise on distributions of birds: avoiding the phantom road. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 280(1773). doi: /rspb McKenna, M.F., S.M. Wiggins, and J.A. Hildebrand Relationship between container ship underwater noise levels and ship design, operational and oceanographic conditions. Sci. Rep. 3, 1760; DOI: /srep Mooney, N Reactions of raptors to aircraft. Australasian Raptor Association News, 7(4). National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Conservation of Endangered Species and Other Fish or Wildlife, List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife, Title 50 CFR Part 17. Federal Register 35, No. 233, NMFS Acoustic measurements in Cook Inlet, Alaska, during August 2001 (Contract Number 40HANF100123). Prepared by Blackwell, S.B. & Greene, C.R. Anchorage, AK: National Marine Fisheries Service. NMFS. 2005a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Endangered Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales, Title 50 CFR Part 224. Federal Register 70, No. 22, NMFS. 2005b. Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Listing Determinations for 16 ESUs of West Coast Salmon, and Final 4(d) Protective Regulations for Threatened Salmonid ESUs: Final rule. Federal Register 70(123): NMFS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon. Final rule. Federal Register 71(67): Available: ecos.fws.gov/speciesprofile/profile/speciesprofile.action?spcode=e09k NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Listing Determination for Puget Sound Steelhead, Final Rule, Title 50 CFR Part 223. Federal Register 72, No. 91, NMFS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon. Final rule. Federal Register 76(203): NMFS Be Whale Wise. Online at: Accessed 29 Jan

96 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 NMFS. 2013a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposal to designate critical habitat for lower Columbia River coho salmon and Puget Sound steelhead; request for comments. Title 50 CFR Part 226. Federal Register 78, No. 9, NMFS. 2013b. Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis). Online at: Accessed 27 January NMFS. 2013c. Canary Rockfish (Sebastes pinniger). Online at: Accessed 27 January NMFS. 2013d. Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus). Online at: Accessed 27 January NMFS Southern Resident Killer Whales: 10 years of Research and Conservation. Accessed 29 Jan National Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey. Online at: Accessed 20 Jan Navy Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor test pile program acoustic monitoring report. Prepared by Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. Bangor, WA: U.S. Department of the Navy. Navy. 2014a. Draft Environmental Assessment for the Joint Logistics Over The Shore, Maritime Prepositioning Force, and Field Exercise Training, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. San Diego County, CA. Navy. 2014b. Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement. Online at: Accessed 29 Jan Navy Final Environmental Assessment for the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Virginia Beach, Virginia and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, North Carolina. April The Northwest Seaport Alliance Cargo Stats. Online at: Accessed 9 December Penna, M. and D. Zúñiga Strong responsiveness to noise interference in an anuran from the southern temperate forest. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 68(1), Pentilla, D. and D. Doty Results of 1989 eelgrass shading studies in Puget Sound. Progress Reports Data. WDFW Marine Fish Habitat Investigations Division. Port of Tacoma and Puyallup Tribe and Indians Beach seine data summary, Data compilation by Pacific Engineering for the Port of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA. 82

97 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Port of Tacoma Economic Impact. Online at: Accessed 10 Dec Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) The Kent, Seattle, And Tacoma, WA Second 10-year Limited Maintenance Plan for PM 10. Online at: Accessed 26 Jan Puget Sound Water Quality Authority and Washington Department of Natural Resources The 1992 Puget Sound Environmental Atlas Update. Puget Sound Water Quality Authority and Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, Washington. Richardson, W.J., C.R. Greene, Jr., C.I. Malme, and D.H. Thomson Marine mammals and noise. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. Ross, S.W. and J.E. Lancaster Movements of juvenile fishes using surf zone nursery habitats and the relationship of movements to beach nourishment along a North Carolina beach: pilot project. Final report submitted to NOAA Office of Coastal Resource Management and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Wilmington, NC: North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. Schroeder, J., S. Nakagawa, I.R. Cleasby, and T. Burke Passerine birds breeding under chronic noise experience reduced fitness. PLoSONE, 7(7), e doi: /journal.pone Shreffler, D.K. and R. Moursund Impacts of ferry terminals on migrating juvenile salmon along Puget Sound shorelines: Phase II field studies at Port Townsend Ferry Terminal, Contract GCA Washington State Department of Transportation. Titulaer, M., K. Spoelstra, C.Y.M.J.G Lange, and M.E. Visser Activity patterns during food provisioning are affected by artificial light in free living great tits (Parus major). PLoSONE, 7(5), e doi: /journal.pone U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Fact Sheet: How does the Department of Defense Assess Noise and Its Impacts? Operational Noise Program. Retrieved from http//chppm- Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board Rule 4, Noise Pollution Control. U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Operational Noise Consultation, No. 52 ON 0BE1 09, Grow the Army Operational Noise Contours for Fort Lewis, Washington. U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. 17 pages + appendices. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Commencement Bay Cumulative Impacts Study (Volume 1: Assessment of Impacts). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Seattle, Washington. 83

98 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 USACE Biological Evaluation for the Continued Use of Puget Sound Dredged Disposa; Analysis Program (PSDDA) Dredged Material Disposal Sites. August USACE Supplemental EA FY 2012 through 2018 South Jetty Breach Fill Maintenance, Westport, Grays Harbor County, WA. USACE Biological Assessment: Operation and Maintenance of Mud Mountain Dam, Cascade Water Alliance Buckley Diversion Dam for Fish Trap Purposes, and Corps Buckley Fish Trap; and Replacement of the Cascade Diversion Dam with a Fish Passage Barrier. Seattle District, Seattle, Washington. 130 pp. + appendices. USACE Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Study, Draft Integrated Feasilbility Report and Environmental Impact Statement. Online at: entaldocuments.aspx. Accessed 29 Jan USACE. 2015b. Final Environmental Assessment for Mud Mountain Dam Upstream Fish Passage, Pierce County Washington. Online at: %20Documents/Draft_FINAL_Fish_Trap_and_Barrier_Structure_EA_ _FINAL.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) Pier 23 Replacement, Sediment Remediation, and Slag Removal Tacoma, Washington. Online at: 0replacement%20remediation%20slag%20EA.pdf. Accessed 20 Jan 2015 U.S. Census Bureau State and County QuickFacts. Online at: Accessed 10 Dec U.S. Department of Defense. (2014) Climate Change Adaptation Road Map. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment (Science and Technology Directorate). June 2014 U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratories: Remedial Investigation, Risk Assessment, and Feasibility Study of Sediment at Pier 23, Commencement Bay, Tacoma WA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Noise from construction equipment and operations, building equipment, and home appliances (NTID 300-1). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. USEPA Information on levels of environmental noise requisite to protect public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 84

99 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 USEPA Facility level information on Greenhouse Gases Tool Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Large Facilities. Online at: Accessed 22 Dec USEPA Fourth Five-Year Review Report for the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund Site. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Threatened status for the Washington, Oregon, and California population of the marbled murrelet; Final Rule. 57 FR USFWS Letter response to Biological Assessment for the Training Exercises conducted annually on the Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island. 21 July USFWS Reference Number I USFWS. 2010a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for Bull Trout in the Coterminous United States. 50 CFR Part 17. USFWS. 2010b. Biological Opinion on Re-issuance of the Fort Lewis Wastewater Treatment Plant, Permit No. WA Dated 4 March. Urick, R.J Principles of underwater sound. Los Altos, CA: Peninsula Publishing. Van Derwalker, J.G Response of salmonids to low frequency sound. pp in W.N. Tavolga, editor. Marine bio-acoustics, volume 2. Pergamon Press, New York. (cited in Popper and Carlson 1998). Vashon Park District Jensen Point. Online at: Accessed 10 Dec Vargas-Salinas, F. and A. Amézquita Abiotic noise, call frequency and stream breeding anuran assemblages. Evolutionary Ecology, 28(2), Vecellio, R. and J. McCarthy "Lighting Specifications for Nighttime Construction Work Zones on Active Highways" Report Online at: Accessed 12 Feb 2016 Wartzok, D., A.N.Popper, J. Gordon, and, J. Merrill Factors affecting the responses of marine mammals to acoustic disturbance. Marine Technology Society Journal, 37(4), Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Maritime Preservation. Online at: Accessed 12 Feb Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE) Urban Waters Initiative, Sediment Quality in Commencement Bay. Online at: Accessed 12 Feb

100 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 WDOE. 2015a. Water Quality Standards for Marine Waters. Online at: Accessed 31 Dec WDOE. 2015b. Water Quality Assessment for Washington. Online at: Accessed 8 Dec WDOE Washington State Coastal Atlas. Online at: Accessed 8 Jan Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Altas of Seal and Sea Lion Haulout Sites in Washington. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Science Division, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia WA. pp WDFW. 2016a. National Wetlands Inventory. Online at: Accessed 11 Jan WDFW. 2016b. Priority Habitats and Species on the Web. Online at: Accessed 19 Jan Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Final Supplemental Impact Statement Maury Island Aquatic Reserve. October 29, Online at: Accessed 7 Jan WDNR Maury Island Aquatic Reserve Management Plan. December Online at: Accessed 12 Feb WDNR Developing Indicators and Targets for Eelgrass in Puget Sound. Online at: Accessed 8 Jan Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Underwater sound levels associated with driving steel piles for the State Route 520 bridge replacement and HOV Project, Pile Installation Test Program. Prepared by Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT Biological Assessment Preparation for Transportation Projects Advanced Training Manual, Chapter 7, Noise Impact Assessment. Version Washington State Department of Transportation, Olympia, WA. February Watson, J.W Responses of Nesting Bald Eagles to Helicopter Surveys. Wildlife Society Bulletin 21(2): Wiles, G.J Washington State status report for the killer whale. Washington Department Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 106 p. 86

101 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 Wilson, J.R Rapid Response: The U.S. Military s Haiti Relief Surge. Online at: Accessed 13 Nov Wilson, O.B., Jr., S.N. Wolf, and F. Ingenito Measurements of acoustic ambient noise in shallow water due to breaking surf. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 78(1),

102 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May Appendices 88

103 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 APPENDIX A: PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

104 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 The draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) were available to the public for review from March 9, 2016 through April 8, Two open houses were held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on March 15, 2016 at the Eagles Pride Golf Course Conference Center at JBLM, Lewis Main, WA and on March 16, 2016 at Chimacum High School in Chimacum, WA. Notification of the public comment period and open houses was widely distributed. s were sent to over 300 individuals and agencies and postcards were mailed to roughly 500 individuals and agencies. Postcards provided a brief description of the proposed action, defined the time period for the comment period, supplied the location of the draft EA and FNSI on the internet, and provided information about the open houses. Notice of the comment period and open houses was also advertised in six local newspapers: Olympian, Tacoma News Tribune, Tacoma Weekly, Vashon Island Beachcomber, Peninsula Daily News, and Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader. Approximately people attended the open houses. The open houses included a number of posters available for review, handouts available for the public to take home, and staff were available to answer questions. During the open houses, hard copies of the draft EA and draft FNSI were available and comment cards were provided to the public for their use. No written comments were submitted at either of the open houses. During the comment period, a total of three letters were received via electronic mail (see below) from the Sierra Club North Olympic Group, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE). Comments from WDNR and WDOE are listed below in italics, with responses in bold type.

105 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 WDNR comments: The final EA should account for potential increased environmental impacts associated with a potential bare beach landing (at Jensen Point) if it is pursued as a possible alternative. It should clearly articulate the possible scenarios under which the boat ramp may be inaccessible during the schedule training exercise. Potential impacts to forage fish spawning and eelgrass habitats from (1) vessel grounding and (2) vessel propeller scour should be quantified. Potential for benthic habitat disturbance should be evaluated across various tidal heights and engine thrust capacities for the types of vessels participating the landing exercise. Under what tidal elevations will operations be suspended to reduce impacts? Will eelgrass survey be conducted to confirm presence/absence of eelgrass habitat within the exercise footprint? Response: The Army feels it has adequately analyzed impacts for the exercise at Jensen Point Park. Eelgrass surveys and scour analyses were not deemed necessary due to the scope and duration of the exercise, as similar activities are ongoing at this existing and regularly used public boat launch. As stated in Section , beach landings would only occur if the boat ramp in unexpectedly inaccessible. Beach landings would only occur at high tide to avoid impacts to eelgrass, vessel landings would cause minimal ground disturbance, and mats would also be used above MHHW to limit beach disturbance. Project timing avoids sensitive periods for forage fish spawning, as all JLOTS activities occur within the forage fish work windows WDOE comment: The small embayment adjacent to the pier is part of the Earley Business Center environmental cleanup & has documented presence of contamination in the soil & groundwater. Activity in this area should be avoided. The Port of Tacoma has noted that the small embayment & the first ships way adjacent to it should be avoided. Please coordinate with Rob Healy or Tony Warfield at the Port of Tacoma for details regarding avoidance of this area. Response: The Army has coordinated with the Port of Tacoma environmental staff regarding the proposed beach landing location near Pier 23. Beach landings will avoid the contaminated area identified as the small embayment and the first shipway adjacent to the embayment.

106 US Army Corps of Engineers 6 April 2016 Seattle District Attn: PM-ER JLOTS PO Box 3755 Seattle, WA RE: Draft EA and Finding of No Significant Impact for Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Response to a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training Exercise Dear Sir: On behalf of the Sierra Club North Olympic Group (NOG) and our hundreds of members and activists, and supporters here on the Olympic Peninsula, we are writing to thank you and all the Services for planning and eventually conducting this timely and important training exercise in the greater-seattle area. We have no comments for the administrative record. If planned we look forward to any scheduled de-briefs in our communities on the training events and needed areas for improvement. Please advise. Sincerely, Bob Sextro, Chair North Olympic Group Sierra Club P.O. Box 714 Carlsborg, WA northolympicgroupsc@gmail.com

107

108

109 STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY PO Box Olympia, Washington (360) for Washington Relay Service Persons with a speech disability can call April 8, 2016 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District ATTN: PM-ER JLOTS PO Box 3755 Seattle, WA Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the NEPA/EA for the Joint Logistics Over the Shore Training Exercise for Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Response Project. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) reviewed the information provided and has the following comment(s): TOXICS CLEANUP: Marv Coleman (360) Part of the scheduled JLOTS Exercise entails bringing materiel ashore near the Port of Tacoma Pier 23 facility at the Earley Business Center. The small embayment adjacent to the pier is part of the Earley Business Center environmental cleanup & has documented presence of contamination in the soil & groundwater. Activity in this area should be avoided. The Port of Tacoma has noted that the small embayment & the first ships way adjacent to it should be avoided. Please coordinate with Rob Healy or Tony Warfield at the Port of Tacoma for details regarding avoidance of this area. Ecology s comments are based upon information provided by the lead agency. As such, they may not constitute an exhaustive list of the various authorizations that must be obtained or legal requirements that must be fulfilled in order to carry out the proposed action. If you have any questions or would like to respond to these comments, please contact the appropriate reviewing staff listed above. Department of Ecology Southwest Regional Office (SM: ) cc: Marv Coleman, TCP

110 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 APPENDIX B: COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT DOCUMENTATION

111 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION Coastal Zone Management Act Consistency Determination The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, requires Federal agencies to carry out their activities in a manner which is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the approved state Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Programs. The Shoreline Management Act of 1972 (SMA; RCW 90.58) is the core of Washington's CZM Program. Primary responsibility for the implementation of the SMA is assigned to local government. According to 15 CFR Ch. IX , the Federal Government is directed to ensure that all Federal agency activities including development projects affecting any coastal use or resource will be undertaken in a manner consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of approved management programs. The training exercise sponsored by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) occurs within the coastal zone governed by multiple municipalities including King County and the city of Tacoma. The training exercise actions are activities undertaken by a Federal agency; the following constitutes a federal consistency determination with the enforceable provisions of the Washington Coastal Zone Management Program. 1 INTRODUCTION The proposed Federal action applicable to this consistency determination is the Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore (JLOTS) component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise which will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest sponsored by USTRANSCOM. The draft Environmental Assessment (EA), prepared by the Army, evaluates the impacts of the proposed JLOTS component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise. The proposed training exercise would take place at four locations in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) at Indian Island, Solo Point, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The proposed training exercise would occur June 7-16, 2016; however, JLOTS operations associated with the Cascadia Rising exercise would begin in mid-may and last through June This timeframe includes site preparation, movement of materials into the region, and site set-up and tear-down, as well as site restoration after the training exercise. Transport of material between sites will include waterborne distribution as well as ground transportation. Limited helicopter transport of personnel may occur. Helicopters would land at existing nearby airports or established landing areas with personnel then transported to the site via ground transport. Helicopters would also be available for medical evacuation in the case on an emergency. In addition, an alternate proposal being considered would only include the NAVMAG Indian Island location. This site could house all activities proposed for the training

112 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination exercise. Similar JLOTS training activities were conducted at the Indian Island site in A brief description of the proposed training activities at each site is included below. Figure 1. Map of Exercise Locations (yellow). Port of Tacoma The U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Pier, also known as Pier 23, at the Port of Tacoma would serve as the overall mission command node (hub) for the JLOTS portion of the Cascadia Rising exercise. The exercise scenario at this site presumes that the port is largely destroyed with only one usable pier remaining. Tasks at this site would be to receive cargo sent for support, stage equipment in a marshalling yard by commodity, process requests for on-ship movement of 2

113 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination cargo to Indian Island and Vashon Island, and establish interoperability between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants. The USAR pier currently features a logistics support vessel (LSV), barge derrick crane, and a large tug berthed at the pier; these would be utilized in the operations. All operations at this site would be under an Army command. Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the USAR Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (rollon/roll-off operations). Bare beach operations at the Port of Tacoma would take place at a landing site adjacent to the USAR pier. This site would be used for roll-on/roll-off operations, with cargo discharged directly onto shore from LSV s and/or causeway ferries. Suitable space is available at the site for a marshalling yard/staging area on existing paved surfaces. No construction is required for these operations. Vessels would land between existing piles. Up to 400 personnel participating in training activities at the Port of Tacoma would be temporarily housed in a tent camp facility erected on a training area at JBLM. Tent camp installation and use is a typical training activity that occurs on JBLM. As such, this activity has been fully analyzed for environmental impacts in the Army s 2010 Final Environmental Impact Statement for Army Growth at Fort Lewis and the Yakima Training Center, WA. NAVMAG Indian Island Operations at NAVMAG Indian Island would include cargo delivery and transport (lift-on/lift-off and roll-on/roll-off operations) and liquid transfer activities conducted under a Naval command. Four activity locations have been proposed as shown in Table 1. Approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers are expected at this location. Table 1. Indian Island site overview. Site Site Name Activities Designation Site 1 Main Pier Lighterage Mooring and Repair Facility; Refueling; Safe Haven Site 2 Seaplane Ramps Cargo Transport; Marshalling Yard/Staging Area; Repair Facility; Tactical Operations Center Site 3 Crane Point Boat Dock Small Craft Moorage, USCG Boat Moorage, Refueling Site 4 Life Support Area Tent Camp Facility, Container Staging Area, Inland Petroleum Discharge System During JLOTS operations at Indian Island, one prepositioning ship and one chartered vessel containing cargo, supplies, and equipment would be anchored in Port Townsend Bay. The cargo would consist of approximately 200 pieces of rolling stock (i.e. wheeled vehicles), material handling equipment, and up to foot containers. During the exercise the cargo, 3

114 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination supplies, and equipment would be offloaded using a variety of craft, including: Improved Navy Lighterage Systems (INLS), LSVs, and Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The Navy s INLS is a system of floating platforms. Lighterage is the transportation of cargo by flat bottomed barges, also known as lighters. One configuration of the INLS is known as a Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF). An RRDF is a floating platform that is placed adjacent to the ship. A ramp can then be lowered from the ship to the RRDF such that vehicles can be driven off of the ship onto the floating platform. Smaller landing craft can dock at the RRDF and load the vehicles and cargo for transport to the shore. A second configuration of the INLS is known as a causeway ferry. The causeway ferry is used as a transport for vehicles and large cargo from ship to shore, and has a top speed of 12 knots. The causeway ferry assembly includes a Power section (with engine and controls), an Intermediate section, and a Beach section (with ramp). In addition to the causeway ferry, other landing vessels may be used to transport vehicles and cargo from the ship to the shore. Cargo could be loaded onto the vessels via the RRDF or using the ship s crane. Vessel operations would use existing chartered navigable waterways that are available for public use and would follow all applicable navigation rules. The JLOTS afloat operations should not interfere with normal boating traffic between NAVMAG and Port Hadlock/Port Townsend. A Notice to Mariners would be issued regarding this exercise. For all vessel landings, no anchor drops would be done (nor are permitted) within 300 feet of the shoreline (mean higher high water), due to the presence of eelgrass beds. Exercises at Indian Island would also include training in force security. In-water force protection is typical in an exercise, and would be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and would include area patrols by up to six small (28 to 34 ft) security boats that are stationed around supply ships Solo Point Solo Point is an existing gravel beach on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This beach is regularly used for bare beach landing training events. As part of the Cascadia Rising Training, the existing boat ramp at this site would be used for landing of Army landing vessels for Roll On/ Roll Off operations. On 7 June 2015, up to 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto boats or a causeway ferry for transport to Vashon Island. Vashon Island JLOTS has been asked to assist the National Guard Soldiers with transport to and from Vashon Island. The boat dock at Jensen Point would be used to discharge Soldiers and cargo at the beginning of the training event. The proposed date for the event is 7 June Activities would involve LSVs and/or Causeway Ferries approaching the ramp and discharging cargo at the ramp. The offload would be scheduled for high tide, however if the ramp is unexpectedly 4

115 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination inaccessible, a bare beach landing would be completed. If a bare beach landing is used, mats will be placed onto the beach to reduce the impacts of vehicles on the beach sediments. On 9 June 2015, a public demonstration and media event is also proposed for this site. As on the 7th, LSUs and/or causeway ferries would approach the area and offload vehicles. The vehicles are expected to travel a short duration and return to reload onto the vessel for departure. On 11 June 2015, JLOTS will assist the National Guard with their retreat from the island. The actions will essentially be the reverse of 7 June, with vehicles travelling to Jensen Point for loading onto JLOTS vessels either via the ramp or potentially via the bare beach. The site at Solo Point is located on JBLM which is in Pierce County and the site at Indian Island is part of the Naval Magazine which is in Jefferson County. Both sites are located in coastal counties included in the Washington State Coastal Zone Management Program and subject to the CZMA. However, the CZMA specifically excludes lands that are owned, leased, or held in trust by the federal government from regulation. Excluded federal lands within Washington s coastal zone include military reservations and other defense installations. This determination of consistency with the Washington Coastal Zone Management Act is based on review of applicable sections of the State of Washington Shoreline Management Program and policies and standards of the King County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and City of Tacoma SMP. Applicable sections of the plans are presented below, with the Army s consistency indicated in bold italics. 2 STATE OF WASHINGTON SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Shoreline Management Act of 1972 (RCW 90.58) is the core of authority of Washington s CZM Program. Primary responsibility for the implementation of the SMA is assigned to local government, in this case, King County and the City of Tacoma. 3 KING COUNTY SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM Chapter 5 (Shorelines) of the King County SMP identified the boat dock at Jensen Point on Vashon Island with a Conservancy Shoreline designation. All applicable policies and regulations within Title 21A of the King County Municipal Code, specifically Title 21A.25 "Shorelines were reviewed for the proposed transport of National Guard Soldiers and vehicles to Vashon Island. No development or physical modification of the shoreline is proposed and the action is short duration (three partial days over one week). Therefore, the proposed action has been determined to be consistent with the King County SMP. Applicable policies and regulations of the King County SMP as found in the municipal code are presented below with the Army s consistency indicated in bold italics. 5

116 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination 21A Names of Shoreline Environments Designations; C. Purpose; 4: The purpose of the Conservancy shoreline is to conserve areas that are a high priority for restoration, include valuable historic properties or provide recreational opportunities. Consistent to the maximum extent practicable. The proposed action at Jensen Point Park would temporarily limit recreational opportunities during Roll-On/Roll-Off operations on 7, 9 and 11 June There would be no permanent impacts to recreational opportunities at the park. 21A Shoreline use and modification - defined - no net loss of shoreline ecological functions allowed - sequencing compliance; C: King County shall ensure that uses and modifications within the shoreline jurisdiction do not cause a net loss of shoreline ecological functions and comply with the sequencing requirements under K.C.C. 21A (Ord , 2010). Consistent. The proposed action would not result in any net loss of shoreline ecological functions. The actions at Jensen Point Park would be limited to Roll-On/Roll-Off operations on 7, 9 and 11 June No physical modification to the shoreline would occur. 4 CITY OF TACOMA SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM The Shoreline Management Act applies to all marine waters of the state below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM), as does local shoreline jurisdiction. The Port of Tacoma site is located within the S-10 - Port Industrial Shoreline District, in an area environmentally designated as Urban. Applicable policies and regulations of Title 13 of the City of Tacoma Municipal Code, Land Use Regulatory Code are presented below with the Army s consistency indicated in bold italics. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 1: For the purposes of determining to which uses and activities this classification applies, the use of moorage facilities, such as a wharf or pier, for the layberthing, or lay-by berthing of cargo, container, military, or other oceangoing vessels shall be permitted only where port and industrial uses are allowed. This use category shall likewise apply to facilities that handle the loading and unloading of cargo and materials associated with port and/or industrial uses. Water-dependent port and industrial uses shall have shoreline location priority over all other uses in the S-7 and S-10 Shoreline Districts. Consistent. The proposed training exercise includes port type uses such as offloading cargo from the USAR Pier. The logistics support vessel (LSV), barge derrick crane, and a large tug berthed at the pier would be utilized as part of the training exercise. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 2: The location, design, and construction of port and industrial uses shall assure no net loss of ecological functions. 6

117 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination Consistent. The proposed action would not result in any net loss of shoreline ecological functions. The actions at the Port of Tacoma would be limited to Lift-On/Lift-Off operations at the USAR Pier, Roll-On/Roll-Off bare beach landings, floating modular causeway system and set-up of marshalling area and life support area. No physical modification to the shoreline would occur. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 5: Where shoreline stabilization or in-water structures are required to support a water-dependent port or industrial use, the applicant shall be required to demonstrate: a. That the proposed action shall give special consideration to the viability of migratory salmonids and other aquatic species; b. That contaminated sediments are managed and/or remediated in accordance with state and federal laws; c. That public access to the water body is provided where safety and operation of use are not compromised; d. That shading and water surface coverage is the minimum necessary for the use. Consistent. For purposes of the training scenario, a floating modular causeway system would be used to augment the existing pier. The causeway system would be in place for the short duration of the training exercise. No permanent infrastructure would be constructed as a result of the proposed action. Additional shading associated with the causeway system would be minor and temporary in nature. Salmonids (adults and juveniles) may migrate through Commencement Bay during the JLOTS action, however the area is routinely used by large boats for various Port and recreational activities. The addition of boats in the project area for cargo movement is not a changed condition that would be expected to impact migration activities. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 6: Port and industrial development shall comply with all federal, state, regional and local requirements regarding air and water quality. Consistent. During site preparation, the training exercise and restoration following the exercise, there would be temporary and localized decreases in air quality due to emissions from heavy machinery, marine vessels, equipment and vehicles. These emissions are not anticipated to exceed EPAs de minimis threshold levels (100 tons/year for carbon monoxide and 50 tons/year for ozone) or affect the implementation of Washington s Clean Air Act implementation plan. Proposed actions at the Port of Tacoma would be similar to ongoing port operations and would have negligible impacts to water quality. All vessels and vehicles would be equipped with appropriate spill response kits and best management practices would be in place to ensure no release of pollutants into Commencement Bay. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 8: Best management practices shall be strictly adhered to for facilities, vessels, and products used in association with these facilities and vessels. 7

118 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination Consistent. All vessels and vehicles would be equipped with appropriate spill response kits and best management practices would be in place to ensure safe handling of materials and operations for human and environmental health and safety. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 9: All developments shall include the capability to contain and clean up spills, discharges, or pollutants, and shall be responsible for any water pollution which they cause. Consistent. All vessels and vehicles would be equipped with appropriate spill response kits and best management practices would be in place to ensure no release of pollutants into water or onto land. 7.6 Port/Industrial Use; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 11: Procedures for handling toxic materials in shoreline areas shall prevent their entering the air or water. Consistent. Fueling operations at the Port of Tacoma may occur both onshore and offshore. Refueling onshore would be conducted at existing fuel facilities or by a fuel truck. Generators would be placed within appropriately sized containment units to catch any fuel or lubricants in the event of a spill or leak. Fuel trucks would establish a secondary containment area for each refueling session. No onshore refueling of vehicles or equipment would occur within 150 feet from any waterbody. Best management practices would be implemented to ensure safe handling of toxic materials such as fuels and lubricants. For offshore refueling, a commercial offshore refueling vessel would be brought to Pier 23 and a containment system of absorbent booms would be established. Refueling offshore would be conducted from ship-to-ship under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. Additionally, refueling may occur at existing commercial marine fueling facilities. Spill kits would be available at all fueling locations, offshore and onshore Solid Waste Disposal; Regulations; 1-4: Solid waste refers to all solid and semi-solid wastes, except wastes identified in WAC , including, but not limited to, junk vehicles, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, and discarded commodities, but excluding agricultural wastes and crop residues returned to the soil at agronomic rates. This includes all liquid, solid and semi-solid materials which are not the primary products of public, private, industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations. Solid waste includes but is not limited to sludge from wastewater treatment plants and septage from septic tanks, wood waste, dangerous waste, and problem wastes. Unrecovered residues from recycling operations shall be considered solid waste. 1. Permanent treatment and/or storage facilities for solid waste shall be prohibited in the shorelines. All garbage shall be deposited in trash or recycling receptacles. The handling of all solid waste in the shoreline shall conform to the provisions of TMC Disposal of hazardous substances or other materials generated, treated, or disposed of in conjunction with an environmental cleanup is permitted if in accordance with State and Federal regulations. 8

119 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination 3. No person shall throw, discharge, or deposit from any vessel or the shore, pier, wharf, dock, float, or otherwise, any refuse matter of any kind whatsoever into or upon the waters or land area of Tacoma or Puget Sound, in accordance with local refuse disposal requirements. 4. No person shall dump or discharge oil, spirits, flammable liquid, or contaminated bilge water into or upon the waters or land areas of Tacoma or Puget Sound. Consistent. All waste generated by the proposed training exercise would be disposed of at an off-site approved location. No substances or refuse would be placed into or upon waters or land area of Tacoma or Puget Sound. 8.6 Moorage Facilities; Regulations; A. General Regulations; 1-3: Moorage facilities refer to piers, wharves, docks, floats, mooring buoys and other structures (either fixed or floating), to which vessels may be secured. Where piers, wharves, docks, and floats are proposed for purposes other than moorage, for example a fishing pier, the structure shall be subject to the policies and standards of this section, where applicable. 1. There shall be no net loss of ecological functions as a result of development of moorage facilities and associated recreational opportunities. 2. Moorage facilities shall be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to minimize impacts to shoreline resources and unnecessary interference with the right of adjacent property owners, public navigation of public waters, as well as adjacent shoreline or water uses. 3. Extended moorage on waters of the State without a lease or permission is prohibited. Consistent. The proposed action would not result in any net loss of shoreline ecological functions. Vessel mooring and floating modular causeway system would remain at the Port of Tacoma during the short duration of the training exercise. No extended moorage would occur and no physical modification to the shoreline would occur. 8.6 Moorage Facilities; Regulations; C. Piers, Wharves, Docks and Floats; 1-3: 1. New piers, wharves, docks, and floats may be permitted only for water-dependent uses or public access and shall be restricted to the minimum size necessary to serve a proposed waterdependent use. 2. Design and construction of all piers, wharves, docks, and floats is required to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for impacts to ecological processes and functions and to be constructed of approved materials. 3. Pilings for newly constructed piers, wharves, docks, and floats shall be of materials other than treated wood or creosote. The afore cited prohibition does not apply to fender systems, mooring bollards, dolphins, batter walls or wing walls; nor wood treatments deemed acceptable in the future by State and Federal agencies with expertise. For replacement of the pilings in an existing pier, wharf, dock, or float, materials other than treated wood shall be used unless extreme adverse economic or engineering impacts can be demonstrated. The exceptions listed above also apply to this limitation. Consistent. The proposed action would utilize the existing USAR pier and a floating modular causeway system. No new moorage facilities or permanent modification of existing facilities would occur as a result of the proposed action. 9

120 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination 9.12 S-10 Port Industrial Area (HI); A. Intent The intent of the S-10 Port Industrial Area Shoreline District is to allow the continued development of the Port Industrial Area, with an increase in the intensity of development and a greater emphasis on terminal facilities within the City. Consistent. The proposed training exercise would not inhibit continued development of the Port Industrial Area. The proposed action is temporary and would have no long-term impacts to the surrounding area. 5 FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT The Army has discussed the proposed training activities with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District Regulatory Program. Per these discussions, the Army concludes that the JLOTS training exercise is not subject to regulation under Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act. The exemption applies because no dredged or fill material would be placed waterward of mean higher high water at all project locations. 6 CLEAN AIR ACT The proposed action has been analyzed for conformity applicability pursuant to regulations implementing Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act. The project constitutes training exercise activities generating an increase in emissions that are clearly de minimis under 40 CFR (c)(2)(iv). For this reason, a conformity determination is not required for this project. 7 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT The proposed action is a Federal action subject to NEPA and SEPA is not applicable. 8 ENERGY FACILITY SITE EVALUATION COUNCIL LAW The proposed action does not involve siting of energy facilities in the state of Washington and does not apply to the proposed action. 9 OCEAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT The proposed action includes sites in the Salish Sea which is a waterbody connected to the Pacific Ocean. The enforceable policies of Chapter RCW apply to coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. The proposed action is a training exercise to demonstrate response capabilities in the event of a natural disaster. Disaster preparedness is needed for the region as a whole and the short-term nature of the exercise minimizes any adverse impacts to humans and the environment. There would be no significant long-term impacts to coastal or marine resources or uses. Therefore, the proposed action is in compliance with this Act. 10

121 JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise February 2016 CZMA Consistency Determination 10 STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY Based on the above evaluation, the Army has determined that the proposed training exercise activities are consistent with the applicable policies and regulations specified in the Shoreline Master Programs for King County and the City of Tacoma. The proposed action is thus considered to be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the State of Washington Shoreline Management Program and policies and standards of the Shoreline Master Programs for King County and the City of Tacoma. 11

122

123

124 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 APPENDIX C: ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT DOCUMENTATION

125 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT JOINT LOGISTICS OVER THE SHORE TRAINING EXERCISE FOR HUMANITARIAN AID / DISASTER RESPONSE TO A CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

126

127 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION PROJECT HISTORY TRAINING SCENARIO DETAILS PROJECT DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED ACTION PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION Port of Tacoma NAVMAG Indian Island Solo Point Vashon Island BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CONSERVATION MEASURES PROJECT AND ACTION AREA DESCRIPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ACTION AREA PORT OF TACOMA NAVMAG INDIAN ISLAND SOLO POINT VASHON ISLAND SENSITIVE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE ACTION AREA EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ON SENSITIVE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES COASTAL PUGET SOUND BULL TROUT Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination PUGET SOUND CHINOOK SALMON Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination HOOD CANAL SUMMER RUN CHUM Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination Biological Assessment i March 2016

128 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 6.4 PUGET SOUND STEELHEAD Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination BOCACCIO, YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH, AND CANARY ROCKFISH Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination EULACHON Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALE Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination MARBLED MURRELET Use of the Project Area Effects of the Proposed Action Critical Habitat Effect Determination INTERRELATED AND INTERDEPENDENT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS CONCLUSIONS EFH ASSESSMENT REFERENCES FIGURES Figure 1. Location of the proposed actions (yellow) Figure 2. Operations at the USAR pier Figure 3. A soldier guides a vehicle from a U.S. Army vessel during a JLOTS exercise in Virginia Beach, VA. This is an example of a typical Roll On/Roll Off operation Figure 4. The USAR pier at the Port of Tacoma Figure 5. Overview of Indian Island with the four activity locations Figure 6. Typical Naval INLS operations showing Roll On/Roll Off Discharge Facility (RRDF) and Causeway Ferry Figure 7. Cargo offloading from a Causeway Ferry at the shoreline Biological Assessment ii March 2016

129 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 8. Bladder and hose used for bulk liquid transfer operations Figure 9. The south Puget Sound project sites Figure 10. Port of Tacoma action area Figure 11. Action area for Indian Island Figure 12. Action Areas for the proposed project locations Figure 13. Vashon Island action area TABLES Table 1. Indian Island site overview Table 2. ESA protected species potentially within the proposed action locations Table 3. Approved work windows for fish protection Table 4. Depth preference of rockfish Table 5. Summary of Effect Determinations Biological Assessment iii March 2016

130 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System BA Biological Assessment BMP Best Management Practice CFR Code of Federal Regulations DBH diameter at breast height DoD Department of Defense DPS Distinct Population Segment ESA Endangered Species Act EFH Essential Fish Habitat ESU Evolutionarily Significant Unit HMMWV High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle INLS Improved Navy Lighterage System IPDS Inland Petroleum Distribution System JBLM Joint Base Lewis McChord JLOTS Joint Logistics Over The Shore LCU Landing Craft Utility LMSR Large, Medium Speed Roll On/Roll Off LSA Life Support Area LOTS Logistics Over The Shore LSV Logistics Support Vessel MHE Material Handling Equipment MSA Magnuson Stevens Fishery Act, or Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act NAVMAG Naval Magazine NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service PCE primary constituent elements RRDF Roll On/Roll Off Discharge Facility RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USAR U.S. Army Reserves USCG U.S. Coast Guard USC United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command WAC Washington Administrative Code WDFW Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WDNR Department of Natural Resources Biological Assessment iv March 2016

131 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 1 INTRODUCTION Cascadia Rising is an international, multi agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team (FEMA 2016). The Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint United States (U.S.) Department of the Army (Army), U.S. Navy (Navy), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Army Reserves (USAR), and Washington Army National Guard (WNG) joint assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. JLOTS exercises are sponsored by United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). USTRANSCOM has designated the U.S. Army to be the lead service in the conduct of the JLOTS 2016 operations. The planned exercise is proposed to use the JLOTS capabilities at four locations in Washington State. This Biological Assessment (BA) is being prepared pursuant to Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 USC ). The Army requests informal consultation under the ESA for potential impacts to endangered and threatened species and their critical habitat attributable to implementation of activities described in this document. 2 PROJECT HISTORY The Cascadia Subduction Zone is an active tectonic plate boundary off the west coast of North America, stretching from northern California to Vancouver Island. This tectonic plate boundary has the capability of producing major earthquakes; the last major rupture was a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in The geologic record shows that subduction earthquakes of this scale recur, on average, every 500 years, but the actual intervals vary greatly, from 200 to 1,000 years. Stresses have been building in the Cascadia system for over 300 years, and another major earthquake is possible at any time. The Cascadia Rising Training exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon. However, the JLOTS portion will have on the ground operations. The JLOTS component of the Cascadia Rising training exercise would demonstrate and assess the ability of Service assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts. Logistics Over The Shore (LOTS) is the process of loading and unloading ships without port facilities, so that equipment and cargo can be moved from ship to shore at inadequate or damaged ports or over a bare beach. JLOTS is the integration of multiple military assets working together under a joint task force to complete the LOTS. Under the Cascadia Rising training scenario, severe damage to existing ports, airports, roads, and bridges will require the Biological Assessment iv March 2016

132 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise implementation of JLOTS capabilities to reopen ports and establish supply lines for life saving and life supporting response efforts. 2.1 Training Scenario Details As a part of the training exercise, a number of events that could occur with a major earthquake event are included in the training scenario. A severe scenario is considered, in order to best train participants. The simulation, for the purpose of this training exercise, represents the 90th percentile damage, with only a 10 percent chance of this being exceeded in such an event. By using a worst case scenario model, this training will consider some of the potential compounding effects of aftershocks and landslide impacts. Damage estimates in this scenario are provided for the purposes of the Cascadia Rising functional exercise, based upon modeling of a seismic event of a particular magnitude, location and faulting mechanism. They should not be read as a definitive statement of likely damages from any one of many possible Cascadia Subduction Zone events. The Cascadia Rising scenario supposes a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that strikes the Cascadia Subduction Zone on June 7th 2016, with an epicenter 95 miles west of Eugene, Oregon. This is a full length rupture scenario of the fault zone, producing four to six minutes of intense shaking, a major tsunami, and a range of secondary impacts from liquefaction, landslides, subsidence, and other factors. This scenario is roughly based on the last major Cascadia rupture. The earthquake itself would cause widespread damage in the coastal region along the I 5 corridor. Shaking would be most intense on the coast, but would also be more severe in places where seismic waves are locally amplified by soft river valley soils or artificial fill. The training scenario assumes substantial loss of life and injuries in the earthquake. Impacts to infrastructure are also assumed to be severe, with damage to roads, bridges, ports, and airports hindering response efforts. Shelter needs for up to 1,000,000 displaced survivors and feeding and hydration support for up to 2.5 million survivors is predicted. Aftershocks could occur throughout the region for months after the main earthquake; following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, aftershocks exceeding magnitude 7.0 are likely to occur. These aftershocks would interfere with recovery efforts and potentially cause collapse of structures damaged in the initial earthquake. Following the main earthquake, tsunami waves are expected to reach the coast within 20 to 30 minutes. Additional waves are expected to follow for up to 24 hours after the earthquake, and aftershocks that may occur in the following days and weeks may generate additional tsunami waves. Large populations are at risk from these waves, with over 50,000 Washington residents and over 30,000 Oregon residents living in the predicted tsunami inundation zone. Additional populations at risk include tourists, workers, and commuters in the coastal area, depending on time of day. Due to short warning times, it is expected that many of these residents and visitors will be unable to reach high ground before the first waves reach the coast. Within the training scenario, fatalities from tsunami waves are expected to exceed those of the main earthquake. Additional damage will likely occur from a range of secondary impact factors. Ground disturbance from liquefaction and deformation is expected to cause extensive damage to the Biological Assessment 4 March 2016

133 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise built environment. Landslides may occur in areas with steep topography, and may isolate communities by blocking transportation corridors. Hazardous material spills will likely occur at sites throughout the region; Washington and Oregon contain thousands of facilities with reportable quantities of hazardous materials, including many with Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS). Flooding may result from tsunami waves, dam or levee breeches, land subsidence, landslides, or seiche waves. Fires may occur following the earthquake, and may be difficult to combat due to broken water lines, staffing and equipment shortages, and limited access routes. Significant damage to property and infrastructure is expected from the various primary and secondary impacts, with no surviving coastal ports or airports. Ground access is also expected to be severely compromised due to damaged infrastructure. Following such an event, response needs will be large, complex, and immediate. Success of response efforts will hinge on coordination between all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. The Cascadia Rising exercise is designed to coordinate and simulate this response, and will incorporate state Emergency Operation and Coordination Centers, FEMA, the military and affected communities. 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Schedule of Proposed Action The Cascadia Rising training exercise is scheduled to take place 7 16 June 2016, and would be comprised of two parts separated by a stand down period. The scenario begins with an earthquake taking place on 7 June. The first part of the exercise occurs 7 10 June 2016, and includes the initial earthquake and tsunami response with the Department of Defense, regional partners, and FEMA Headquarters in real time from the time of the earthquake event through three days after the event. This would be followed by a stand down period which serves as a time bridge and scenario reset. The second part of the exercise would occur June 2016, and includes planning and operations of sustained assistance to survivors. JLOTS operations associated with Cascadia Rising, as assessed in this BA, would begin in mid May and last through June. This timeframe includes site preparation, movement of materials into the region, and site set up and tear down, as well as site restoration after the training exercise. The early start time allows the JLOTS team to be most effective in integrating response activities with the other training participants. At each JLOTS site, a media day is planned for Thursday 9 June 2016 to demonstrate the humanitarian aid capabilities of the JLOTS assets. 3.2 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action The purpose of executing JLOTS training exercises is to provide an opportunity for Service personnel to gain and improve amphibious competencies at a location that allows for the focused assemblage and execution of logistics movement from the offload to locations inland. Completing these training exercises as a part of the Cascadia Rising training also provides the opportunity to integrate the JLOTS capabilities with a multi agency disaster response operation and demonstrates these capabilities to the public. Biological Assessment 5 March 2016

134 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise The Proposed Action is needed for the joint military assets to conduct realistic JLOTS training exercises to ensure continued readiness. The Cascadia Rising training exercise provides a unique opportunity to allow military commands to practice their individual skills as well as prepare for joint operations where multiple units, multiple commands, and multiple services work together with local, state, and Federal agencies as well as non governmental agencies and Tribes. The training aims to validate, enhance, and refine tactics, techniques, procedures, and doctrine for the JLOTS operations, which ultimately provides the U.S. military the capability to move cargo across the surf zone, onto land, and to inland areas in support of military missions, including the provision of aid for disaster relief. 3.3 Project Location The preferred JLOTS action alternative includes activities at four locations in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, NAVMAG Indian Island, Solo Point, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). 3.4 Project Description Transport of material between sites would include waterborne distribution as well as ground transportation. Limited helicopter transport of personnel may occur. Helicopters would land at existing nearby airports or established landing areas with personnel then transported to the site via ground transport. Helicopters would also be available for medical evacuation in the case of an emergency. The following sections outline what activities are proposed at each of the western Washington locations Port of Tacoma The USAR Pier, also known as Pier 23, at the Port of Tacoma would serve as the overall mission command node (hub) for the JLOTS portion of the Cascadia Rising exercise (Figure 2). The exercise scenario at this site presumes that the port is largely destroyed with only one usable pier remaining. Tasks at this site would be to receive cargo sent for support, stage equipment in the marshalling yard by commodity, process requests for on ship movement of cargo to NAVMAG Indian Island and Vashon Island, and establish interoperability between JLOTS and other non military Cascadia Rising exercise participants. The USAR pier currently features a logistics support vessel (LSV), barge derrick crane, and a large tug berthed at the pier; these would be utilized in the operations. A large, medium speed roll on/roll off (LMSR) cargo ship would also be contracted for the exercise. Up to 150 containers would be loaded onto the LMSR at the Port of Tacoma, then the LMSR would move to Pier 23. Additional cargo, trucks, material handling equipment (MHE) and modular causeway components would be shipped via rail to the Port of Tacoma from Virginia. The Army s modular causeway system (MCS) is an assemblage of interoperable and interchangeable components which constitute the Army's primary means of augmenting existing port facilities, or conducting LOTS operations where no port is available. The MCS is comprised of powered and non powered floating platforms and that can be configured in Biological Assessment 6 March 2016

135 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 1. Location of the proposed actions (yellow). Biological Assessment 7 March 2016

136 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Lift On/Lift Off Roll On/Roll Off Marshalling Yard Figure 2. Operations at the USAR pier. multiple ways. The MCS would be used as powered causeway ferries. The causeway ferries would be used to offload the 150 containers from the LMSR, simulating the offloading of humanitarian aid supplies during a disaster. All operations at this site would be under an Army command. Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the USAR Center, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift on/lift off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll on/roll off operations). Bare beach operations at the Port of Tacoma would take place at a landing site adjacent to the USAR pier or on an adjacent existing boat ramp. This site would be used for roll on/roll off operations (Figure 3), with cargo discharged directly onto shore from LSV s and/or causeway ferries. Suitable space is available at the site for a marshalling yard/staging area on existing paved surfaces. No construction is required for these operations. Vessels would land between existing piles or at the nearby existing boat ramp if it is available (Figure 4). Biological Assessment 8 March 2016

137 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 3. A soldier guides a vehicle from a U.S. Army vessel during a JLOTS exercise in Virginia Beach, VA. This is an example of a typical Roll On/Roll Off operation. Figure 4. The USAR pier at the Port of Tacoma. Up to 400 personnel participating in training activities at the Port of Tacoma would be temporarily housed in a tent camp facility erected on a training area at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). Tent camp installation and use is a typical training activity that occurs on JBLM. As such, this activity has been fully analyzed for environmental impacts to listed species and appropriate conservation measures, including those outlined in the existing Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for the base, will be followed. The tent camp facility will therefore not be analyzed in this BA. Biological Assessment 9 March 2016

138 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Fueling operations may occur both offshore and onshore at the Port of Tacoma site. A commercial offshore refueling vessel may be brought to Pier 23 and a containment system of absorbent booms would be established. This vessel would be used to refuel all small vessels used in the exercise. Refueling offshore would be conducted from ship to ship under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. Refueling onshore would be conducted at existing fuel facilities or by a fuel truck. Generators would be placed within appropriately sized containment units to catch any fuel or lubricants in the event of a spill or leak. Fuel trucks would establish a secondary containment area during each refueling session. Spill kits would be available at all fueling locations, offshore and onshore. Additionally, vessel refueling may occur at existing commercial marine fueling facilities. Generators would not be placed within 150 ft of any wetlands or waterways. This would maintain an appropriate buffer for refueling NAVMAG Indian Island Operations at NAVMAG Indian Island would include cargo delivery and transport (lift on/lift off and roll on/roll off operations) and liquid transfer activities conducted under a Naval command. Four activity locations have been proposed (Figure 5; Table 1). Approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers are expected at this location. During JLOTS operations at NAVMAG Indian Island, one prepositioning ship and one chartered vessel containing cargo, supplies, and equipment would be anchored in Port Townsend Bay (Figure 5). The cargo would consist of approximately 200 pieces of rolling stock (i.e. wheeled vehicles), MHE, and up to foot containers. During the exercise the cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded using a variety of craft, including: Improved Navy Lighterage Systems (INLS), LSVs, and Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The INLS is a system of powered and nonpowered barge systems that are used to transport containerized assets, rolling stock to include tracked and wheeled vehicles, or a combination thereof. Lighterage is the transportation of cargo by flat bottomed barges, also known as lighters. One configuration of the INLS is known as a Roll On/Roll Off Discharge Facility (RRDF). An RRDF is a floating platform that is placed underfoot the stern or side port ramps depending on the class of cargo ship. A ramp can then be lowered from the ship to the RRDF such that vehicles can be driven off of the ship onto the floating platform (Figure 6). Smaller landing craft can moor to the RRDF and load the vehicles and cargo for transport to the shore. Biological Assessment 10 March 2016

139 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 5. Overview of NAVMAG Indian Island with the four activity locations. A second configuration of the INLS is known as a causeway ferry. The causeway ferry is used as a transport for vehicles and large cargo from ship to shore, and has a top speed of 12 knots (Figure 7). The causeway ferry assembly includes a Power section (with engine and controls), an Intermediate section, and a Beach section (with ramp). In addition to the causeway ferry, other landing vessels may be used to transport vehicles and cargo from the ship to the shore. Cargo could be loaded onto the vessels via the RRDF or using the ship s crane. Vessel operations would use existing chartered navigable waterways that are available for public use and would follow all applicable navigation rules. The JLOTS afloat operations should not interfere with normal boating traffic between NAVMAG Indian Island and Port Hadlock/Port Townsend. A Notice to Mariners would be issued regarding this exercise. For all vessel landings, no anchor drops would be done (nor are permitted) within 300 feet of the shoreline (mean higher high water), due to the presence of eelgrass beds. Exercises at NAVMAG Indian Island would also include training in force security. Waterborne force protection is typical in an exercise, and would be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and would include area patrols by up to six small (28 to 34 ft) security boats that are stationed around supply ships. Biological Assessment 11 March 2016

140 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Table 1. NAVMAG Indian Island site overview. Site Designation Site Name Activities Site 1 Main Wharf Lighterage Mooring and Repair Facility; Refueling; Safe Haven Site 2 Seaplane Ramps Cargo Transport; Marshalling Yard/Staging Area; Repair Facility; Tactical Operations Center Site 3 Crane Point Small Craft Pier Small Craft Moorage, USCG Boat Moorage, Refueling, Lighterage Mooring and Repair Facility Site 4 Life Support Area Tent Camp Facility, Container Staging Area, Inland Petroleum Discharge System LMSR RRDF Causeway Ferry Figure 6. Typical Naval INLS operations showing Roll On/Roll Off Discharge Facility (RRDF) and Causeway Ferry. Biological Assessment 12 March 2016

141 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 7. Cargo offloading from a causeway ferry at the shoreline. Offloading would occur only at existing paved ramps at NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island Site 1: Main Wharf The main wharf at Walan Point would be used for lighterage mooring, lighterage repair and maintenance, refueling, and as a safe haven. While not in use, water craft such as the RRDF would moor at the pier. No other activities are proposed at the main pier NAVMAG Indian Island Site 2: Seaplane Ramps This site includes the use of the seaplane ramps and the adjacent large paved area. Rollon/roll off operations would occur at the paved seaplane ramps at Site 2 (Figure 5). Causeway ferries or other landing craft would be powered to the seaplane ramps, the ramp lowered, and cargo offloaded. Offloading is expected to take less than 30 minutes per occurrence. After cargo is offloaded, the causeway ferry/landing craft raises its ramp and returns to the ship and the RRDF for another load of cargo. In general, operations would be limited to daylight hours, with the one exception being the offloading and construction of the INLS system. This activity takes approximately 48 hours and would occur around the clock until completed. Disassembly and reloading of the INLS onto the ship would occur only during normal daylight hours only. After equipment, materials, and cargo are offloaded, they would be staged temporarily on existing paved surfaces at Site 2. Vehicles would be marshalled (inventoried) and if needed, assembled. Many vehicles and equipment are partly disassembled for tight storage on the ship and have to be reassembled when they are delivered to the shore so that they can be easily driven/transferred further inland. Cargo would be transferred by MHE (e.g. forklift, rough terrain container handler, etc.) onto trucks for further transport to the Port of Tacoma site. Convoys of 4 to 6 vehicles would use existing roads to transport cargo from Site 2 to other Biological Assessment 13 March 2016

142 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise areas. Transport of cargo to the Port of Tacoma or other inland destinations would occur on the existing public highway system. Site 2 would also include a vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair area within the paved parking/storage area landward of the seaplane ramps. Hazardous materials used in vehicle maintenance could include: antifreeze, brake fluid, solvent cleaning compound, grease, hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil, detergent, isopropyl alcohol, corrosion preventative compound, penetrating oil, sealing compound, and silicone compound. A secondary containment area would be established during the use of any of these materials. The tactical operations center (TOC) would also be established at Site 2 on the paved surface. The TOC would include several communications tents, a generator, and a radar array. A small area for parking of vehicles would be established. The site would be manned 24 hours per day. Generators would run 24 hours per day to support the on site electricity demand. Light plants would be used at night for personnel safety and force protection needs NAVMAG Indian Island Site 3: Crane Point Small Craft Pier The Crane Point small craft pier would be used to moor small Navy vessels, Coast Guard boats, a water barge, and a fuel barge/vessel. Maritime Prepositioning Force Utility Boats (MPF UB) would support personnel transfer operations from shore to ship and ship to shore. Two to three MPF UB s would be used in this JLOTS training exercise. When not in use, utility boats and Coast Guard force protection vessels would be moored at this pier. A commercial offshore refueling vessel would be brought to the pier, and a floating containment boom system would be set in place around the vessel. This vessel would be used to refuel all small vessels used in the exercise. Refueling offshore would be conducted from ship to ship under existing Navy/Coastguard and state rules and regulations NAVMAG Indian Island Site 4: Life Support Area Throughout the duration of the exercise, the bulk of personnel would be temporarily housed in a tent camp facility/life Support Area (LSA) at Site 4 (Figure 5). The tent encampment would consist of personnel billeting tents, command, communications and operations tents, maintenance facilities, a chapel, medical tents, portable galley facilities, portable latrine facilities, portable shower facilities, and laundry facilities. LSA equipment would be transported in containers from San Diego to NAVMAG Indian Island by commercial trucks. The LSA would be built to accommodate approximately 900 Sailors and Soldiers. The LSA would be located on the current existing recreational campground site located at Crane Point (Figure 5). The field kitchen would comply with all safety, environmental, fire, and waste regulations. Additionally, portable latrines, which are commercially installed, serviced, and removed, would be used to augment the existing latrines. Gray water from kitchens and showers would be collected for treatment at NAVMAG Indian Island's wastewater treatment plant. Dumpsters would be serviced and removed commercially or by the existing NAVMAG Indian Island services. Both the berthing and headquarters camp would consist of wall tents and would use diesel generators. Generators would be running 24 hours per day to support the on site electricity demand. Generators would be placed within appropriately sized secondary Biological Assessment 14 March 2016

143 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise containment to catch any fuel or lubricants in the event of a spill or leak. Fuel trucks would be used to provide fuel to vehicles and generators. Fuel trucks would typically be stationed at the tent camp or Site 2, making routine rounds to supply fuel. The LSA equipment containers would be staged in a paved area adjacent to the LSA. The Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) and the Inland Petroleum Distribution System (IPDS) are used to transfer liquids, such as petroleum and water from a ship to supply forces on the shore and inland areas (Figure 8). Bulk transfer of liquids from ships to inland areas would be critical during disaster relief. Transfer of petroleum and water would be needed to supply vehicles and generators with needed fuels and provide potable water for humanitarian assistance. During the JLOTS training exercise, the transfer of fresh water would be used to simulate this activity. Figure 8. Bladder and hose used for bulk liquid transfer operations. For the training, a barge filled with potable water would be moored at site 3, with pipes run along the shoreline to Site 4. Water would be purchased from a local source. The barge will be equipped with a pumping system in order to facilitate the transfer of the potable water via ABLTS to a beach interface unit located above mean higher high water on shore. The beach interface unit would connect the hose to the IPDS that would then pump the liquid further inland. The beach unit, IPDS, hoses, and water bladders would be placed at Site 4. The conduit typically has a 6 inch inner diameter and an 8 inch outer diameter. The IPDS hose may extend up to 5 miles. For the training, approximately 1.5 miles of piping would be used. Two bags, each holding 50,000 gallons would be filled. Up to 250,000 gallons of water may be moved through the system over 10 days, with intermittent slow release of the water. A stormwater retention pond at Site 4 is expected to receive the waters Solo Point Solo Point is an existing gravel beach on JBLM (Figure 9). This beach is regularly used for bare beach landings and other training events. Solo Point is also a popular recreational area for Soldiers. As part of the Cascadia Rising Training, the existing boat ramp at this site would be used for landing of Army landing vessels for roll on/roll off operations. On 7 June 2015, up to Biological Assessment 15 March 2016

144 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 40 National Guard vehicles would be loaded onto boats or causeway ferries for transport to Vashon Island. On 11 June, the vehicles would be offloaded at Solo Point, returning from Vashon Island. Figure 9. The south Puget Sound project sites Vashon Island A National Guard training exercise will occur on Vashon Island in conjunction with the Cascadia Rising event. JLOTS would assist the National Guard Soldiers with transport to and from the island. This would give the JLOTS team training on landings under different conditions, demonstrate the ability to assist island communities that could be isolated during a disaster as well as show the interoperability of the various military assets during disaster relief. On Vashon Island, the boat ramp at Jensen Point would be used to discharge Soldiers and cargo at the beginning of the training event. The proposed date for the event is 7 June Activities would involve LSUs and/or causeway ferries approaching the boat ramp and discharging cargo at the ramp. The offload would be scheduled for high tide, however if the ramp is unexpectedly inaccessible, a bare beach landing would be completed. If a bare beach Biological Assessment 16 March 2016

145 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise landing is used, mats would be placed onto the upper beach to reduce the impacts of vehicles on the beach sediments. A forklift would be used to move parking barriers out of the way, replacing them at the end of the offload. Cargo would include 35 to 40 vehicles which would be moved to an offsite location. Vehicles could stage for a short duration within the parking area at the site, though site size limitations require minimal onsite staging. The offloading is expected to take a maximum of three hours, though is likely to take less than one hour. The park would be reserved for the event, but would still be open to the public. Public access would be available in limited areas to maintain public safety during offloading and vehicle movement. A viewing area would be available for spectators. On 9 June 2015, a public demonstration and media event is also proposed for this site. As on the 7 June, LSUs and/or Causeway Ferries would approach the area and offload vehicles. The vehicles would travel a short duration and return to reload onto the vessel for departure. Dignitaries may be transported to the area to view the demonstration. They may fly to the area in helicopters, landing at an existing airfield on the island and then transported to Jensen Point by available ground transportation. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. On 11 June 2015, JLOTS would assist the National Guard with their retreat from the island and return to Solo Point. The actions would essentially be the reverse of 7 June, with vehicles travelling to Jensen Point for loading onto JLOTS vessels either via the ramp or potentially via the bare beach. Mats would be used to protect the beach if a bare beach landing is required. The park would again be reserved for this event with public access limited to safe areas. 3.5 Best Management Practices and Conservation Measures Several best management practices and conservation measures would be employed during JLOTS activities to avoid and minimize the adverse effects of the proposed actions. These are listed below by location. All locations If any large woody debris must be moved from the shoreline to create safe landing areas, the material would be placed to the side during the training event and replaced to the original location upon completion of the training activities. Offshore refueling would be conducted under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. A containment system, including floating containment booms, would be set in place around the re fueling operation and regularly inspected. Onshore refueling of vehicles or equipment would not occur within 150 feet from any water body or wetland. A secondary containment area would be established prior to fueling activities to contain any spills. All fuel hoses, transfer valves, fittings, etc. would be checked regularly for drips or leaks and shall be maintained and stored properly to prevent spills. Biological Assessment 17 March 2016

146 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise To lessen any noise disturbance and air emissions output, vehicles would be required to minimize idling. Disturbed grassy areas would be reseeded with grasses at the end of the training period. Trained personnel would be assigned to stand watch at all times on vessels which are moving through the water to ensure appropriate distances are maintained from sensitive species. Waste and grey water from kitchens, latrines, and showers would be collected for treatment at a wastewater treatment or other facility. Likewise, any waste material used in response to spills or during vehicle maintenance would be disposed of properly. All artificial lights would be directed at the ground, away from the water and forested areas, focusing on work areas. Military ships would have personnel assigned to stand watch at all times when moving through the water. Vashon Island Roll on/roll off landings would occur on the boat ramp, if possible. If the boat ramp is too narrow to accommodate safe landings, bare beach landings would occur only at high tide to avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation. Mats would also be placed onto the beach above mean higher high water to reduce the impacts of vehicles on beach sediments if boat ramps are not used. NAVMAG Indian Island All landings would be restricted to the seaplane/boat ramps. No anchor drops would occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in order to protect eelgrass beds. Gray water from kitchens and showers would be collected and brought to a wastewater treatment plant for proper treatment and disposal. Portable latrines and a dumpster service would be available for proper and safe collection and disposal of other wastes. Discharge rates from the IPDS would be slow to ensure that the activity would not disturb sediment to cause turbidity impacts. Solo Point All landings would be restricted to the boat ramp. Biological Assessment 18 March 2016

147 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 4 PROJECT AND ACTION AREA DESCRIPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE 4.1 Action Area The action area includes all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action (50 CFR ). The proposed project takes place in several areas of western Washington. All action areas are 0.5 mile radius around the proposed activity areas. See Figures 10 through 13 for maps. Activities at the Port of Tacoma occur within Commencement Bay near the Hylebos Waterway and the Blair Waterway. The NAVMAG Indian Island action area occurs within Port Townsend Bay. Solo Point action area includes the Puget Sound. The Vashon Island action area occurs within Quartermaster Harbor. This area includes sufficient space to encompass all possible effects to ESA listed species, including any effects to prey species, and extends to the point where any far field effects would be lost. 4.2 Port of Tacoma Pier 23 is a 1,134 foot long concrete and wood pier dating to WWII (Figure 10). The pier is used by the USAR for vessel training and maintenance. Upland features include buildings for training, administration, and maintenance as well as large paved areas and access drives. The intertidal area is mud which slopes from the shoreline to reach a depth of minus 35 ft at the end of the pier. There is some sediment mounded up under the pier, making it about two feet shallower than the substrate on either side. Utilities to Pier 23 include electrical, potable water, fire protection, and communications connections. In addition to the ambient light from the city, the pier is lit at night for operations and security. The pier extends into Commencement Bay, between the Hylebos and Blair waterways. Historically the action area included extensive tide flats along the southeastern shoreline of Commencement Bay. Construction of the Port of Tacoma waterways and filling of adjacent wetlands began around the turn of the 19th century. Six waterways exist at the terminus of the bay. The Hylebos Creek watershed drains into the Hylebos waterway, originating 25 river miles upstream of the outlet. Hylebos Waterway was initially constructed in 1917 and deepened and widened in The Wapato Creek watershed drains into the Blair waterway, originating 14 river miles upstream from the outlet. The Blair Waterway was completed in It was formerly called Wapato and Industrial Waterway before its named was changed in In 1956 the Port extended and deepened the waterway and in 1979 it was deepened again. Both waterways are a part of the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund Site. In 2004, the Army Reserve reconstructed the shoreline of the Pier 23 property. The shoreline adjacent to Pier 23 had been composed of industrial molten metal (or slag) material, concrete, fill dirt, and bricks. The slag was thought to be a mix of rusted molten wastes that originated from on site shipbuilding activities, but may have also included some waste from the Asarco smelter. A sheet pile wall was installed landward of MHHW along the western shoreline of the Pier 23 property. Debris, orphan pilings, and slag material waterward of the sheet pile were then removed. The shoreline was reconstructed using riprap and cobble/gravel. On the adjacent property, there is a wide intertidal zone composed of gently sloping mudflat. The Biological Assessment 19 March 2016

148 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise upper slope of the shore is a concrete pad. The shoreline of the project site lacks overhanging vegetation. Commencement Bay is rated as excellent (A) and the Hylebos and Blair waterways are rated as good (B) for aquatic life uses in marine waters (WDOE 2015a) and are on Ecology s 303(d) list of polluted waters that require a total maximum daily load and/or are listed as a water of concern. Figure 10. Port of Tacoma action area. Point and nonpoint sources of contaminants runoff from the surrounding watersheds that drain high to medium density industrial and urban areas. The listings are as followed for the water that borders the USAR pier (WDOE 2015b): Commencement Bay 303(d) Category 5 list for Bis(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Hylebos Waterway 303(d) Category 5 list for chlorinated pesticides, DDT, dieldrin, high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAH), and PCB. Blair Waterway 303(d) Category 5 list for dieldrin and PCB. Hylebos Creek 303(d) Category 5 list for a bioassessment and bacteria. Biological Assessment 20 March 2016

149 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Wapato Creek 303(d) Category 5 list for ammonia N, bacteria, and dissolved oxygen. No eelgrass is found on or directly adjacent to the Pier 23 property, but some macroalgae (e.g., Fucus spp.) is present. The fine silt/sand and slag substrates on the Pier 23 property do not provide adequate attachment substrate for macroalgae, but a small amount of macroalgae is present on pier pilings and the riprap/concrete debris that line parts of the shore. The lack of native vegetation communities likely results in low detrital input, which would affect the production of benthic and epibenthic invertebrates. In addition, the bulkheads, riprap, and other artificial substrates present in the action area provide little opportunity for colonization by benthic organisms (USAR 2009). Contaminant exposure also likely reduces invertebrate abundance in the action area. Benthic and epibenthic communities exposed to contaminants typically have altered species assemblages, reductions in abundance, and lack of recruitment of more sensitive taxa. These effects have been documented in Commencement Bay, where sampling efforts have shown a high abundance of only a few taxa of invertebrates. Invertebrates which may be found on Commencement Bay mud substrate include crustaceans (harpacticoid copepods, dungeness crabs, ostracods, shore crabs, coonstripe shrimp, and sand shrimps), polychaete worms, nematodes, oligochaete worms, and sea urchin (EPA 2002 in USAR 2009). There are no clam or oyster beds mapped in Commencement Bay (WDFW 2015). No forage fish spawning areas exist in the action area, but forage fish spawning does occur elsewhere in Commencement Bay. Although forage fish do not spawn in the action area, they likely use the action area for foraging and holding. Demersal fish typical of estuaries and marine zones in Puget Sound that have been found in the action area including English sole, rock sole, starry flounders, ratfish, midshipman, sculpin species, big skates, spiny dogfish, snake pricklebacks, bay gobies, pacific tomcods, flathead sole, and eelpouts. Pelagic species that may to be found in the waterways include shiner and pile perch, three spine sticklebacks, salmonids, and forage fish (Eaton and Dinnel 1993). Four species of Pacific salmon (coho, Chinook, pink and sockeye), steelhead trout, sea run cutthroat trout, and bull trout all utilize the bay. The reduction of light levels caused by these piers affects both plant and animal communities. Distributions of plants, invertebrates, and fishes have been found to be limited in under dock environments when compared to adjacent, unshaded vegetated habitats (Nightingale and Simenstad 2001). Most fish rely on sight for spatial orientation, prey capture, schooling, predator avoidance, and migration. The reduced light conditions under an overwater structure limit the ability of fishes, especially juveniles and larvae, to perform these essential activities. Shading from overwater structures reduces prey organism abundance and habitat complexity by reducing aquatic vegetation and phytoplankton abundance (USAR 2009). These factors are thought to be responsible for the observed reductions in juvenile fish populations found under piers when compared to open habitats. Studies of the under pier ecology of juvenile salmon in Commencement Bay found that Chinook preferred to migrate along the edge of a pier, rather than pass under it (Ratte and Salo 1985 in USAR 2009). The number of large ships and vessels Biological Assessment 21 March 2016

150 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise docked at Pier 23 and adjacent industrial piers would be expected to exacerbate the shading impacts of the pier structures. 4.3 NAVMAG Indian Island NAVMAG Indian Island is 5 miles long by 1.5 miles wide (Figure 11). It is bounded by Kilisut Harbor on the east, Port Townsend Bay to the North and West, and Oak Bay and Portage Canal to the south. The largest population center in the area is Port Townsend with two smaller communities nearby, Port Hadlock and Irondale, located approximately 0.5 miles west of the island. NAVMAG Indian Island is owned by the U.S. Navy and is used primarily for the handling and storage of naval ordnance. The shoreline character of NAVMAG Indian lsland is varied, ranging from accreting sand spits and tidal mud flats to steep, slowly eroding bluffs. Offshore gradients are slight in most nearshore tidal zones, with steeper offshore slopes dropping to 60 foot depths to the south and west and to a relatively shallow bottom in Kilisut Harbor. Diverse wildlife inhabit the NAVMAG Indian Island action area including: fish, marine and terrestrial animals, and bird populations. Shellfish include the Pacific oyster, blue mussel, various types of clams, Hood Canal shrimp and various crabs. Five species of salmon have been documented in the marine habitats of Port Townsend Bay, including the Puget Sound Chinook, Hood Canal summer run chum, Coho, coastal sea run cutthroat, and bull trout (Navy 2005). Forage fish spawning, specifically sand lance and surf smelt, occurs along the shoreline at several locations. There are also many other types of fish such as halibut, perch, flounder and rock sole. Marine mammals in the action area could include harbor seals humpback whale, Steller sea lions and porpoises. More than 30 species of water birds have been observed near NAVMAG Indian Island such as ducks, loons, plovers and gulls. Raptors include hawks and falcons. There are numerous active bald eagle nests identified on NAVMAG Indian Island (WDFW 2015). One of these is located next to a fire station and adjacent from a helipad. In addition, migrant bald eagles overwinter on NAVMAG Indian Island (Navy 2005). Eelgrass beds are present at NAVMAG Indian Island along the Kilisut Harbor shoreline from the central to the north end of the Island. Eelgrass is also present on the Island's west side from Crane Point to Walan Point as well as along the shoreline north of Walan point and near the Main Wharf, albeit in sparse patches east of the pier. Eelgrass serves as a foraging area for waterfowl, refuge for out migrating juvenile salmonids, and spawning habitat for forage fish. Kelp beds are patchy along the northern shore of NAVMAG Indian Island, and are more continuous along the north end of the neighboring Marrowstone Island. Various red and green algae occur in Port Townsend Bay. The waters to the north of NAVMAG Indian Island, Port Townsend Bay (Outer) and Kilisut Harbor, are on the 303(d) list for bacteria (WDOE 2015b). Surface waters surrounding NAVMAG Indian Island are rated as Extraordinary (AA), aside from Port Townsend Bay rated as Excellent (A) (WDOE 2015a). Biological Assessment 22 March 2016

151 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 11. Action area for NAVMAG Indian Island. 4.4 Solo Point Solo Point is located on JBLM. This site is a popular recreation area for Soldiers and their families. A four mile trail at this site is used by trail runners, hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. There is also a boat launch at the site (Figure 12). Additionally, the site is regularly used for military training. The Solo Point Amphibious Training Site has been approved in the past for over the shore and diving operations, engineer bridging, small boat operations, infantry beach assault, and as a ground base for water drops (parachuting) into Puget Sound (Army 2000) Biological Assessment 23 March 2016

152 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise though the use of the site for these activities has been limited. Diving entails day and night surface swims, to a maximum depth of 110 feet (33.5 meters). Bridging activities, carried out by engineering units, entail construction of floating bridges to assist in amphibious and military operations. Specific activities involve launching bridge bays into a water body, and then maneuvering them together, using bridge erection boats, to assemble a consolidated bridge or raft (Army 2000). Infantry beach assault consists of landing boats, hiding boats, conducting a mission, retrieving boats, and returning to Solo Point. The natural point is composed of gravel and sand. The shoreline north and south of the point is armored to protect the active railroad that follows the shoreline through this reach. A small intermittent stream discharges via a culvert to the point. Eelgrass and kelp are patchy through this area, though macroalgae exists on the point. The Puget Sound waters adjacent to Solo Point have no documented water quality impairments (WDOE 2015b). The waters of the Puget Sound adjacent to Solo Point are rated as Extraordinary (AA) for marine aquatic life uses (WDOE 2015a). Fish species present in South Puget Sound and near the Solo Point action area include Pacific herring, surf smelt, hake, cod, Pollock, rockfish, surfperch, flounder, sole, spiny dogfish, Chinook salmon, chum salmon, Coho salmon, pink salmon, sockeye salmon, and sea run cutthroat trout (Army 2010). Forage fish do not spawn in near shore areas of Solo Point though, in 2006 surf smelt were known to spawn south of the point, near the wastewater treatment plan (WDFW 2015). Forage fish spawning (surf smelt, herring, and pacific sand lance) occurs in numerous locations around the nearby Anderson Island (WDFW 2015). Ground fish and salmonids are harvested off Solo Point (Puget Sound Water Quality Authority and WDNR 1992 in Army 2010). Shellfish and crustaceans are abundant within Puget Sound in nearshore, shallow areas to depths greater than 300 feet, although they are not found in major abundance near Solo Point (PSWQA and WDNR 1992 in Army 2010). Seabirds and shorebirds are attracted to the protected marine habitats of Puget Sound. Pigeon guillemot and glaucous winged gull are the only breeding seabirds with nests found in highly industrial areas in Puget Sound (e.g., Commencement Bay near Tacoma). Pigeon guillemots are particularly common near Solo Point, and the steep slopes adjacent to Solo Point provide suitable nesting habitat (Army 2010). Marbled murrelet have been observed near JBLM on the Nisqually River and in Puget Sound near Solo Point (Army 2013). Several marine mammal species may be found in the waters of South Puget Sound. River otters are mainly found on quiet shorelines with inflowing freshwater streams. Harbor porpoise is rarely seen south of Central Puget Sound, and Dall s porpoise is only occasionally seen south of Admiralty Inlet. Killer whales are occasionally seen in Central and South Puget Sound as the three resident pods travel throughout Puget Sound feeding (Army 2010). Seals and sea lions rest or haul out on shorelines throughout Puget Sound. California sea lions are occasionally seen near Solo Point, and one was found beached at Solo Point following a shooting injury (Clouse 1998 in Army 2010). Biological Assessment 24 March 2016

153 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Figure 12. Action area for Solo Point. 4.5 Vashon Island Jensen Point on Vashon Island includes a four acre public park operated by the Vashon Park District (Figure 13). The site includes a public boat ramp, in water parking areas for motorized watercraft, public beach access, on land parking and turn around areas for visitors, a grassy picnic area, and a put in access point for hand carried kayaks and canoes. A private kayak rental business is also located on the property. Jensen Point is adjacent to a residential neighborhood as well as Burton Acres Park. The residences are single family homes that encircle Burton Peninsula. Burton Acres Park includes the majority of the interior of the peninsula. The park is a 64 acre terrestrial conservancy park of second growth forest. A system of trails within the park are used for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding. Jensen Point is found within Quartermaster Harbor. All of the harbor is within the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve. This reserve encompasses approximately 5,530 acres of state owned aquatic tidelands and bedlands around Vashon Maury Island. The reserve boundary extends offshore to a depth of 70 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW) or one half mile from the line of extreme low tide, whichever is farther waterward (WDNR 2014). Quartermaster Harbor is a 6 mile long shallow embayment between Vashon and Maury Islands. Water depths within the inner harbor average 16 ft below mean lower low water (MLLW), while the outer harbor averages 72 feet MLLW (WDNR 2014). Extensive eelgrass and macroalgae beds in the harbor provide spawning habitat for forage fish (surf smelt, Pacific herring, or sand lance), as well as nursery and migratory habitat for salmon (WDNR 2014), including Chinook, chum, and coho salmon and steelhead, cutthroat, and bull trout (WDNR Biological Assessment 25 March 2016

154 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 2004). The area is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon Washington, primarily due to a wintering western grebe population (WDNR 2004) although many other waterfowl also use the area. Bald eagle are often seen hunting from the Jensen Point site. Approximately 60 species of fish, 90 species of birds, several species of marine and terrestrial based mammals, and a variety of invertebrates use the reserve area. Recreational clam harvests are known to occur in the area (WDNR 2014). Inner Quartermaster Harbor has shallower water and indeterminate or very weak currents created by wind and tidal conditions (Turnbeaugh 1975 in WDNR 2014). The subtidal sediments in this area are classified as fine silt/mud, with the mud deposition being thicker than areas in the outer harbor (Blau 1975 in WDNR 2014). Typical of a shallow Puget Sound embayment, Quartermaster Harbor is subject to wide seasonal fluctuations in water quality parameters, including salinity, ph, and temperature (WDNR 2014). However, Quartermaster Harbor also has a unique flushing regime. The Puyallup River, which feeds into Commencement Bay across Puget Sound in Tacoma, influences flushing rates for Quartermaster Harbor. Since water movement from the Puyallup River is primarily northward into Quartermaster Harbor, longer water residency time occurs in the bay (WDNR 2014). Most Puget Sound inlets experience slow flush times in late summer due to typical reduced rainfall with the quickest flushing time in November. In addition to these slower times, an atypical period of slow flushing occurs in Quartermaster Harbor in the spring. Spring snow melt increases the discharge of the Puyallup River which can create a plume that extends across the Sound, slowing flushing in the harbor. The slow flushing rate, along with other natural and anthropogenic factors, contributes to water quality problems in the harbor (Albertson 2011 in WDNR 2014). The harbor is on the 303(d) list for dissolved oxygen (WDOE 2015b). Figure 13. Vashon Island action area. Biological Assessment 26 March 2016

155 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 5 SENSITIVE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE ACTION AREA In accordance with Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA, federally funded, constructed, permitted, or licensed projects must take into consideration impacts to federally listed and proposed threatened or endangered species. A number of species protected under the ESA may occur in the action areas. The following sections briefly summarize relevant information for the protected species, evaluate how the proposed project may affect the species, and conclude with a determination of effect. Fish Birds Table 2. ESA protected species potentially within the proposed action locations. SPECIES LISTING STATUS CRITICAL HABITAT STATUS Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Salvelinus confluentus Threatened Designated Yes Trout Puget Sound Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus Threatened Designated Yes tshawytscha Hood Canal Summer Run Oncorhynchus keta Threatened Designated Yes Chum Salmon Puget Sound Steelhead Oncorhyncus mykiss Threatened Proposed Yes Salmon Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus Threatened Designated No Georgia Basin Bocaccio Sebastes paucispinus Endangered Designated Yes Georgia Basin Yelloweye Sebastes ruberrimus Threatened Designated Yes Rockfish Georgia Basin Canary Rockfish Sebastes pinniger Threatened Designated Yes Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus Threatened Designated No marmoratus CRITICAL HABITAT IN ACTION AREA Mammals Southern Resident Killer Whale Humpback Whale Orcinus orca Endangered Designated Yes Megaptera novaeangliae Endangered None Turtles Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea Endangered Designated No No effect is anticipated for two of the species listed in Table 2. These species are humpback whale and leatherback turtle. The humpback whale is listed under the ESA and is also afforded protection by the MMPA (USFWS 1970). In winter, most humpback whales occur in the subtropical and tropical waters of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The North Pacific population was considerably reduced as a result of intensive commercial exploitation during the 20th century and recovery has been very slow. Studies indicate that humpback whales from the Western and Central Biological Assessment 27 March 2016

156 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise North Pacific mix on summer feeding grounds in the central Gulf of Alaska and perhaps the Bering Sea. No critical habitat has been designated for humpback whales. Humpback whales are rarely seen in southern Puget Sound. Historically, humpback whales were common in inland waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands (Calambokidis et al. 2003). In the early part of this century, there was a productive commercial hunt for humpbacks in Georgia Strait that was probably responsible for their long disappearance from local waters (Osborne et al. 1988). Since the mid 1990s, sightings in Puget Sound have increased. Between 1996 and 2001, Calambokidis et al. (2003) recorded six individuals south of Admiralty Inlet (northern Puget Sound). Due to the infrequency of their presence within the action area and the limited duration of the activity, no effect to humpback whales is expected to result from JLOT activities. Leatherback turtle is listed under the ESA and has critical habitat listed along the western coast of Washington, Oregon, and California (USFWS 1970; NMFS 2012). Leatherback turtle nesting grounds occur between 40 degrees North and 35 degrees South (Plotkin 1995); therefore, no nesting areas are located in Washington. This species may use oceanic areas off the coast of Washington as foraging grounds during the summer and fall months. Aerial surveys indicate that when off the U.S. Pacific coast, leatherbacks usually occur in continental slope waters and are the most pelagic of the sea turtles (NMFS and USFWS 1998). Since all JLOTS activities would occur within the shallower Puget Sound, no effect to leatherback turtles is expected to occur. 6 EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ON SENSITIVE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES 6.1 Coastal Puget Sound Bull Trout The Coastal Puget Sound distinct population segment (DPS) of bull trout is listed as threatened under the ESA (USFWS 1999). Anadromous sub adult and adult bull trout use estuarine and nearshore marine habitats in Puget Sound for feeding. Puget Sound anadromous bull trout have a short period of marine residence, exiting rivers in the late winter and early spring, spending 2 4 months in Puget Sound or river estuaries and then returning to freshwater between mid May and mid July to either spawn or rear (Goetz et al in USACE 2015) Use of the Project Area Port of Tacoma The likelihood of encountering bull trout in the Port of Tacoma project area is low. Extensive beach surveys by the Puyallup Tribe ( with over 1,600 beach seine events) found only three bull trout in Commencement Bay (Port of Tacoma and Puyallup Tribe of Indians 1999). Several other seining and tow net/purse seine studies in Commencement Bay found no bull trout (USAR 2009). A more recent telemetry study found that of 31 tagged bull trout over six years only three were detected in Commencement Bay. None of which went into the Hylebos or Blair waterways (USACE 2013). Biological Assessment 28 March 2016

157 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise NAVMAG Indian Island There are no documented occurrences of bull trout in Port Townsend Bay and the marine waters around NAVMAG Indian Island (USFWS 2005). The closest bull trout populations (Dungeness, Skokomish, and Snohomish Rivers) are more than 50 miles from the action area. The action area is not critical habitat for the Coastal Puget Sound DPS of bull trout (USFWS 2010) Solo Point Bull trout have been documented using the Nisqually River system south of Solo Point for feeding, overwintering, and migration (USFWS 2010 in Army 2013). They have not been observed within the tributaries on JBLM (Army 2010). The likelihood of encountering bull trout in the Solo Point project area is low. There are very few observations of bull trout south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (USFWS 2010b in Army 2013). Bull trout that may be present within the project area would originate from the Puyallup core area, of which the mouth of the Puyallup River is more than 20 miles from the project site. Bull trout monitoring efforts have shown that very few bull trout migrating from the Puyallup/White Rivers migrate into tidal waters, and even fewer migrate beyond Commencement Bay (USACE 2015). Lastly, there are fewer than 10 records of bull trout observed in or near the Nisqually River (USFWS 2010b in Army 2013) Vashon Island There are no bull trout found in the streams of Vashon or Maury islands, and Quartermaster Harbor is generally too warm to be utilized by rearing, anadromous bull trout. Migrating anadromous bull trout could periodically inhabit the eastern shoreline of Maury Island, although no observations of the species have been documented in this area (WDNR 2004) Effects of the Proposed Action The in water work window for the proposed action locations are shown in Table 3 below. The JLOTS activities are planned to coincide with the Cascadia Rising Training, which is occurring outside of the bull trout work window. As such, the proposed JLOTS activities would occur outside the bull trout work windows at all locations. Potential impacts at the Port of Tacoma would include impacts from construction, placement, anchoring, and lighting of the the causeway ferries, as well as cargo offloading activities. Potential impacts could include noise, vibration, and turbidity increase as well as possible injury from anchor placement. Potential impacts from bare beach landings include turbidity increases from boat motors used to land the vessels, hold them in place at the shoreline, and then power away from the shore. In addition, offloading vehicles through shallow water could have the potential to cause injury. Contaminant exposure from turbidity increases may also occur and the transfer of fuel from one vessel to the other increases risk of a spill. Potential impacts at Solo Point and Vashon Island would include increased boat traffic and the associated noise disturbance. Biological Assessment 29 March 2016

158 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Table 3. Approved work windows for fish protection. LOCATION Solo Point (Tidal Reference Area 3) Vashon, Port of Tacoma (Tidal Reference Area 4 Commencement Bay) NAVMAG Indian Island (Tidal Reference Area 10) SALMON WORK WINDOW BULL TROUT WORK WINDOW July 2 March 2 July 16 February 15 July 2 March 2 Commencement Bay only: August 16 March 15 July 16 March 1 July 16 February 15 July 16 February 15 FORAGE FISH WORK WINDOWS Surf Smelt May 1 September 30 Pacific Herring April 1 January 14 Pacific Sand March 2 October 14 Lance Surf Smelt April 15 September 30 Pacific Herring April 15 January 14 Pacific Sand March 2 October 14 Lance Surf Smelt NA Pacific Herring May 1 January 14 Pacific Sand March 2 October 14 Lance Potential impacts at NAVMAG Indian Island would resemble that at the Port of Tacoma, except all beach landings would occur on existing boat ramps. Impacts could include noise, vibration, and turbidity increase as well as possible injury from anchor placement. Impacts from the use of the boat ramps would include increased boat traffic and the associated noise disturbance. Bull trout use of all the sites is expected to be quite limited. Additionally, bull trout in any of the project areas would be sub adults or adults and would therefore be highly mobile, able to swim away from any disturbance. Disturbance from noise and vibration is possible during use of the cranes and other equipment to transport, construct and emplace the pier augmentation modules as well as the use of boats and landing craft for cargo movement. Salmonids have been found to respond maximally to sounds between 35 and 170 Hz, but the fish did not move more than 60 cm from the sound source (Van Derwalker 1967). Vibration could cause any fish in the area to move away from the ongoing activity. The activity locations are all relatively small, providing similar habitat as nearby locations for any fish that vacate the project area. Vibrational and noise disturbance during training activities would be minimal due to the short duration of the training. Additionally, the noise produced by the activities is expected to be similar to existing noise sources. Turbidity increases could be caused from use of motors to land and hold vessels and causeway ferries on the beach for offloading, as well as driving vehicles through shallow water to offload landing craft at the Port of Tacoma. No turbidity increase is expected at NAVMAG Indian Island, Vashon Island, and Solo Point from the use of the boat ramps. Salmonids exhibit physiological and behavioral responses to suspended sediments (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991). Physiological effects can include gill trauma (Servizi and Martens 1987; Noggle 1978; Redding Biological Assessment 30 March 2016

159 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise and Schreck 1987), and effects on osmoregulation, blood chemistry (Redding et al. 1987, cited in Sigler 1988), growth, and reproduction. Behavioral responses include feeding disruption from olfactory and visual impairment (Kim et al. 1986, cited in Sigler 1988); gill flaring; and curtailment of territorial defense (Berg and Northcote 1985, cited in LaSalle 1988). Conversely, some protection against predation may be afforded salmonids in areas of suspended sediment (Gregory 1988). Suspension of sediments can increase biochemical oxygen demand, and reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water. At the Port of Tacoma, 20,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments at the USAR pier were dredged and replaced with clean material in Crushing injury to bull trout is possible due to beach landings and offloading through shallow water, though this impact is not expected. Bull trout in the action areas are highly mobile and would be expected to easily avoid injury, if they are present. Refueling offshore would be conducted from ship to ship under existing Navy/Coast Guard and state rules and regulations. A floating containment boom system would be set in place prior to any ship to ship fueling. Refueling onshore would be conducted at existing fuel facilities or by a fuel truck. Fuel trucks would establish a secondary containment area for each refueling session. Spill kits would be available at all fueling locations, offshore and onshore. No impact from fueling activities is expected. The JLOTS exercises are not expected to affect documented or potential forage fish spawning areas and would not impact eelgrass beds or other aquatic vegetation. These sensitive resources exist near Solo Point, Vashon Island, and NAVMAG Indian Island. Project timing avoids sensitive periods for forage fish spawning. All JLOTS activities occur within the forage fish work windows. Conservation measures such as limiting landings to existing boat ramps and limiting landings at Vashon Island to high tide would avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation Critical Habitat Bull trout critical habitat is designated in marine nearshore areas, including tidally influenced freshwater heads of estuaries, extending to the depth of 33 MLLW for the purpose of encompassing the photic zone (USFWS 2005; USFWS 2010). Bull trout critical habitat is designated at Port of Tacoma, Solo Point, and Vashon Island action areas. The USFWS (2010) outlined nine Primary Constituent Elements (PCE) of bull trout critical habitat. PCEs are listed below, with each PCE followed in italics by a summary of effects of the proposed action. 1. Springs, seeps, groundwater sources, and subsurface water connectivity (hyporheic flows) to contribute to water quality and quantity and provide thermal refugia; The proposed actions are not expected to impact springs, seeps, groundwater sources, or subsurface water connectivity. No impact to this PCE is expected. Biological Assessment 31 March 2016

160 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 2. Migration habitats with minimal physical, biological, or water quality impediments between spawning, rearing, overwintering, and freshwater and marine foraging habitats, including but not limited to permanent, partial, intermittent, or seasonal barriers; There would be no impediments to bull trout migration created by the proposed actions. Temporary use of existing boat ramps and the placement of a temporary pier would not be expected to impede migration. 3. An abundant food base, including terrestrial organisms of riparian origin, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and forage fish; Forage fish spawning and the presence of aquatic vegetation near Solo Point and NAVMAG Indian Island contributed to the decision to remove bare beach landings at these locations in favor of limiting landings to existing boat ramps. Limiting bare beach landings at Jensen Point on Vashon Island to high tide would also protect aquatic vegetation and forage fish spawning areas. The proposed action would occur within the window for forage fish spawning, further limiting impacts to this aquatic resource. No significant impact to this PCE is anticipated with the implementation of the proposed Conservation Measures. 4. Complex river, stream, lake, reservoir, and marine shoreline aquatic environments, and processes that establish and maintain these aquatic environments, with features such as large wood, side channels, pools, undercut banks and unembedded substrates, to provide a variety of depths, gradients, velocities, and structure; The proposed project would have no impact on shoreline complexity. If any large woody debris is moved for landing sites, the material would not be removed from the site, but would simply be moved out of the way for safety. Woody material would be replaced after the training is complete. No beach fill placement would occur. Any ruts or sediment displacement caused by beach landings at Tacoma is be expected to naturally return to pre project conditions by subsequent tides and wave actions. 5. Water temperatures ranging from 36 to 59 F, with adequate thermal refugia available for temperatures that exceed the upper end of this range. Specific temperatures within this range will depend on bull trout life history stage and form; geography; elevation; diurnal and seasonal variation; shading, such as that provided by riparian habitat; stream flow; and local groundwater influence; Proposed actions would have no impact on water temperatures, shading, groundwater influence, nor thermal refugia. 6. In spawning and rearing areas, substrate of sufficient amount, size, and composition to ensure success of egg and embryo overwinter survival, fry emergence, and young of the year and juvenile survival. A minimal amount of fine sediment, generally ranging in size from silt to coarse sand, embedded in larger substrates, is characteristic of these conditions. The size and amounts of fine sediment suitable to bull trout will likely vary from system to system; Biological Assessment 32 March 2016

161 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Bull trout do not use the project area for spawning or rearing. The proposed action would not influence substrate in spawning or rearing areas. 7. A natural hydrograph, including peak, high, low, and base flows within historic and seasonal ranges or, if flows are controlled, minimal flow departure from a natural hydrograph; The proposed action would have no effect on the hydrograph of any area rivers. 8. Sufficient water quality and quantity such that normal reproduction, growth, and survival are not inhibited. Water quality or quantity would not be changed from pre JLOTS condition by the proposed actions. Water quality effects from turbidity during the training event would be minimal and short term. Best management practices would be used to minimize risks of oil spills or leaks. No impact to water quantity would occur due to the proposed action. Overall impacts to this PCE are expected to be minor with discountable impacts to growth and survival. No impact to reproduction is expected as no spawning occurs in the project areas. 9. Sufficiently low levels of occurrence of nonnative predatory (e.g., lake trout, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass); interbreeding (e.g., brook trout); or competing (e.g., brown trout) species that, if present, are adequately temporally and spatially isolated from bull trout. The project would not affect presence of nonnative predatory, interbreeding, or competing species Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Coastal Puget Sound bull trout and may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect their designated critical habitat. This determination is made based upon the very short duration of the overall training event and the short term impacts to turbidity as well as any increased noise or vibration from the actions. Overall, impacts to bull trout are expected to be discountable through the use of best management practices and conservation measures. Bull trout presence in the action areas is rare. Any that are present would be of an age class that is very mobile and could easily avoid impact and injury. 6.2 Puget Sound Chinook Salmon The Puget Sound Chinook salmon is listed as threatened under the ESA (NMFS 2005). Chinook generally spend a brief time in freshwater streams then migrate to estuary waters, where they may stay for an extended time before heading out to sea. Other Chinook may live in freshwater streams for one or more years, then quickly pass through estuaries before moving out to sea Use of the Project Area Port of Tacoma Adult spring Chinook migrate through Commencement Bay during April June, while adult fall Chinook pass through the bay from July to September (Dames and Moore 1981). Juveniles Biological Assessment 33 March 2016

162 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise forage in shallow nearshore waters from late winter through mid summer. Several studies in Commencement Bay indicate that juvenile Chinook salmon use nearshore habitat before moving out to deeper water of the bay, and eventually toward the open ocean (USAR 2009). Chinook salmon fry appear to congregate at the mouth of the Puyallup River and then disperse along nearshore habitat at the head of the bay. Chinook salmon outmigrants are generally present between late March and the first week of July in Commencement Bay, with peak numbers between late May and early June (Duker et al in USAR 2009). Relative use of nearshore habitat in the vicinity of Pier 23 was rated medium and high, corresponding to periods before and after the release of hatchery fish (USAR 2009). Use of the Hylebos Waterway was rated low (Duker et al in USAR 2009). Young salmon appear to congregate at the head of the longer waterways and avoid the interior waters of these channels NAVMAG Indian Island No natural populations of Chinook are found in the freshwater streams of NAVMAG Indian Island or the surrounding watershed. However, there are documented occurrences of Chinook in Port Townsend Bay and the marine waters around NAVMAG Indian Island. Outmigrating juvenile and subadult and in migrating adult Chinook likely use the waters around NAVMAG Indian Island for forage. The Port Townsend Creel report the highest number of Chinook caught in the last few years occurs in July (WDFW 2015b). No Chinook were caught in May between 2013 and 2015, and no records exist for June. The closest natural spawning Chinook populations are in tributaries of mid Hood Canal and the Dungeness, Skokomish, and Elwha Rivers Solo Point The Solo Point action area is potentially used for foraging by outmigrating juvenile and subadult Chinook and by in migrating adult anadromous salmonids using nearby rivers and streams for spawning (Army 2010). Chinook salmon use streams on and near JBLM for spawning, rearing, and/or migration, including the Nisqually River and Muck Creek Vashon Island Juvenile and adult Chinook use Quartermaster Harbor for rearing (King County 2001; WDNR 2014). Sampling efforts suggest that fish found in this area arise from several surrounding watersheds (WRIA 7, WRIA 9, WRIA 10, and WRIA 15) (Brennan and Higgins 2004 in WDNR 2014). The presence of Chinook salmon along the shorelines of Vashon and Maury Islands from these different areas suggest that that juvenile Chinook readily cross open water to reach the island. These fish prey on the forage fish populations within the action area. The eastern shoreline of Maury Island is also an important migration corridor for Chinook smolts. Smolts tend to remain in the nearshore environment as they migrate out of the Puget Sound (WDNR 2014). While there are suggestions that Chinook may have been observed in the lower reaches of Judd Creek, evidence suggests that there are no Chinook producing streams or hatchery releases on Vashon or Maury islands (Brennan and Higgins 2004 in WDNR 2014; WDFW 2015c). Biological Assessment 34 March 2016

163 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Effects of the Proposed Action Effects on Chinook would be similar to those described for bull trout in section Proposed JLOTS activities would occur outside the salmon work windows at all locations Critical Habitat The action areas contain designated critical habitat for Puget Sound Chinook. Critical habitat for Chinook has been excluded from DoD lands subject to an approved Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). Critical habitat, as defined by NMFS, includes the following PCEs (NMFS 2005b): 1. Freshwater spawning sites with water quantity and quality conditions and substrate supporting spawning, incubation and larval development. The project would have no effect on this PCE as the action areas do not contain any freshwater spawning sites. 2. Freshwater rearing sites with water quantity and floodplain connectivity to form and maintain physical habitat conditions and support juvenile growth and mobility; water quality and forage supporting juvenile development; and natural cover such as shade, submerged and overhanging large wood, log jams and beaver dams, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks. The project would have no effect on this PCE as the action areas do not contain any freshwater rearing sites. 3. Freshwater migration corridors free of obstruction and excessive predation with water quantity and quality conditions and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks supporting juvenile and adult mobility and survival. The project would have no effect on this PCE as the action areas do not occur within any freshwater migration corridors. 4. Estuarine areas free of obstruction with water quality, water quantity, and salinity conditions supporting juvenile and adult physiological transitions between fresh and saltwater; natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, and side channels; and juvenile and adult forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. The use of best management practices and conservation measures would avoid significant impacts to water quality. Minor short term turbidity impacts may occur due to anchor placement and/or nearshore boat use for cargo movement. The proposed project would have no impact on water quantity, salinity conditions or shoreline complexity in the estuary. No aquatic vegetation would be disturbed, large rocks or boulders removed, nor side channels altered. No anchor drops would occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in eelgrass areas Biological Assessment 35 March 2016

164 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise to protect aquatic vegetation. If any large woody debris is moved at landing sites, the material would be moved out of the way for safety and replaced after the training is complete. Any impacts to this PCE are expected to be minor and of very short duration. 5. Nearshore marine areas free of obstruction with water quality and quantity conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation; and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, and side channels. The use of best management practices and conservation measures would avoid significant impacts to water quality. Minor short term turbidity impacts may occur due to anchor placement and/or nearshore boat use for cargo movement. The proposed project would have no impact on water quantity, or shoreline complexity. No aquatic vegetation would be disturbed, large rocks or boulders removed, nor side channels altered. No anchor drops would occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in eelgrass areas to protect aquatic vegetation and forage fish habitat. If any large woody debris is moved at landing sites, the material would be moved out of the way for safety and replaced after the training is complete. Any impacts to this PCE are expected to be minor and of very short duration. 6. Offshore marine areas with water quality conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. The proposed project would have little to no effect on offshore marine areas. Anchoring of ships offshore may increase turbidity, noise, and vibration in a localized area, but fish that would be impacted are highly mobile and would be able to safely move away to nearby similar habitat Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Puget Sound Chinook and may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect their designated critical habitat. This determination is made based upon the very short duration of the overall training event and the short term impacts to turbidity as well as any increased noise or vibration from the actions. Overall, impacts to Chinook are expected to be discountable through the use of best management practices and conservation measures. Any Chinook that are present would be of an age class that is very mobile and could easily avoid impact and injury. 6.3 Hood Canal Summer Run Chum The Hood Canal Summer run chum evolutionary significant unit (ESU) is listed as threatened under the ESA (NMFS 2005). Hood Canal summer chum run in the streams of Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca region. They typically return from the ocean from mid August through October and spawn predominately in September and October. Chum fry travel downstream shortly after hatching, form dense schools, and spend a month or more in estuary waters. The period of estuarine residence appears to be the most critical phase in the life history of chum salmon, having a major role in determining the size of the subsequent adult run. Young chum favor eelgrass meadows and often prey on small crustaceans. Biological Assessment 36 March 2016

165 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Use of the Project Area Hood Canal summer run chum do not spawn or use the project areas at the Port of Tacoma, Solo Point, or Vashon Island. These locations will not be discussed NAVMAG Indian Island Hood Canal summer run chum are not known to spawn on NAVMAG Indian Island. However, outmigrating juveniles and subadults, and in migrating adults likely pass by NAVMAG Indian Island and forage in the Puget Sound around the island. The closest known spawning of chum salmon occurs in Chimacum Creek southwest of NAVMAG Indian Island. Other spawning streams are located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and south in Hood Canal and on the Kitsap Peninsula. Chum typically return from the ocean from mid August through October, spawning predominately in natal streams in September and October (WDFW 2016). Summer chum spawn soon after entering freshwater, spawning in the lower reaches of mainstem streams. The use of lower reaches may be an adaptation to low flow conditions present in summertime. Fry emerge between early February and May, peaking in late March in Hood Canal populations (Ames et. al 2000). By late winter/early spring fry migrate to estuaries. Hood Canal chum typically maintain a nearshore distribution until reaching a 45 50mm in size, at which time they move to deeper offshore areas (WDFW and Point No Point Treaty Tribes 2000). Small subestuaries and tidal marshes appear to be stopover sites for chum fry migrating along the nearshore corridor, moving in with the tide and utilizing both terrestrial and marine based food webs, before moving out again on the receding tide (Mason 1974; WDFW and Point No Point Treaty Tribes 2000). Eel grass beds are an important habitat for chum, feeding largely on copepods. The southernmost Hood Canal summer chum emigrating fry population may exit the Canal in about two weeks after entering seawater. Summer chum salmon juveniles likely migrate in schools northward along the Hood Canal shoreline and then westward adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca shoreline to reach Pacific Ocean rearing areas (HCCC 2005) Effects of the Proposed Action Effects on Hood Canal summer run chum are similar to those described above for bull trout and Chinook (discussed above). These impacts would be restricted to NAVMAG Indian Island. Proposed JLOTS activities would occur outside the salmon work windows at this location Critical Habitat The Naval Magazine is located on Indian Island. This location is subject to an approved Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan. Critical habitat along the island was negotiated during designation with DoD. This resulted in areas within Navy security zones identified in 33 CFR 334, including NAVMAG Indian Island, with critical habitat designated only within a narrow nearshore zone from the line of extreme high tide down to the line of mean lower low water. Biological Assessment 37 March 2016

166 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Outside of this area, Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor and the other surrounding waters are designated as critical habitat for Hood Canal summer run chum. Critical habitat for Hood Canal chum includes the following PCEs (NMFS 2005b): 1. Freshwater spawning sites with water quantity and quality conditions and substrate supporting spawning, incubation and larval development. These features are essential to conservation because without them the species cannot successfully spawn and produce offspring. The action area does not include any freshwater spawning sites for Hood Canal chum. 2. Freshwater rearing sites with water quantity and floodplain connectivity to form and maintain physical habitat conditions and support juvenile growth and mobility; water quality and forage supporting juvenile development; and natural cover such as shade, submerged and overhanging large wood, log jams and beaver dams, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks. The action area does not include any freshwater rearing sites for Hood Canal chum. 3. Freshwater migration corridors free of obstruction with water quantity and quality conditions and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks supporting juvenile and adult mobility and survival. The action area does not include any freshwater migration corridors for Hood Canal chum. 4. Estuarine areas free of obstruction with water quality, water quantity, and salinity conditions supporting juvenile and adult physiological transitions between fresh and saltwater; natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, and side channels; and juvenile and adult forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. The proposed actions would not create any changes to water quality, quantity, or salinity conditions. The use of best management practices and conservation measures would avoid significant impacts to water quality. Minor short term turbidity impacts may occur due to anchor placement and/or nearshore boat use for cargo movement. Use of existing piers, and use of existing sea plane ramps would not impact natural cover or side channels in the action area. No vessel landings would occur off of the existing sea plane ramps and no anchor drops would occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in order to protect eelgrass beds. Any impacts to this PCE are expected to be minor and of very short duration. 5. Nearshore marine areas free of obstruction with water quality and quantity conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation; and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, and side channels. Biological Assessment 38 March 2016

167 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise The proposed actions would not create any changes to water quality, quantity, or salinity conditions. The use of best management practices and conservation measures would avoid significant impacts to water quality. Minor short term turbidity impacts may occur due to anchor placement and/or nearshore boat use for cargo movement. Use of existing piers, and use of existing sea plane ramps would not impact natural cover or side channels in the action area. No vessel landings would occur off of the existing sea plane ramps and no anchor drops would occur within 300 ft of mean higher high water in order to protect eelgrass beds. Any impacts to this PCE are expected to be minor and of very short duration. 6. Offshore marine areas with water quality conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. The proposed project would have little to no effect on offshore marine areas. Anchoring of ships offshore may increase turbidity, noise, and vibration in a localized area, but fish that would be impacted are highly mobile and would be able to safely move away to nearby similar habitat Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Hood Canal summer run chum and may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect their designated critical habitat. This determination is made based upon the very short duration of the overall training event and the short term impacts to turbidity as well as any increased noise or vibration from the actions. Overall, impacts to Hood Canal summer run chum are expected to be discountable through the use of best management practices and conservation measures. 6.4 Puget Sound Steelhead Puget Sound steelhead trout are listed as threatened under the ESA (NMFS 2007). Anadromous steelhead can spend up to 7 years in freshwater prior to moving into marine waters. They can spend up to 3 years in salt water before migrating back to natal streams to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead may spawn more than once during their lifetime. Steelhead can be split into two separate runs for spawning: summer and winter. Summer steelhead enter freshwater in a sexually immature condition between May and October, and require several months to mature and spawn. Winter steelhead enter freshwater sexually matured between November and April, and spawn shortly thereafter. Both types can occur in a single basin Use of the Project Area Port of Tacoma The majority of steelhead returning to the Puyallup and White river system are winter run. However, a few summer run strays, likely from the Green or Skykomish rivers, are caught annually in the basin (Marks et al. 2014). Adult steelhead use Commencement Bay mainly during winter, from November through January with a peak in December (Dames and Moore 1981). White River steelhead adults appear in Commencement Bay later in the spring, most likely peaking in early April. G. Grette (USAR 2009) indicates that over approximately two decades of beach seine sampling in Commencement Bay in the 1980s and 1990s, only a very Biological Assessment 39 March 2016

168 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise small number of juvenile (2 year old outmigrant) steelhead were captured; it appears they are moving out of the area and offshore fairly quickly when they exit the Puyallup River. In estuaries, steelhead feed on insects, small crustaceans, and crab larvae NAVMAG Indian Island The nearest steelhead bearing stream is Chimacum Creek, southwest of NAVMAG Indian Island. Other steelhead bearing streams are the Dungeness, Elwha, and other rivers and streams within Hood Canal. Forage is available in Port Townsend Bay, but smolts appear to move rapidly through estuaries and nearshore waters to forage on larger prey in offshore marine areas (Quinn 2005 and Welch 2010 in NMFS 2013). The most likely use of the NAVMAG Indian Island action area is by adult steelhead migrating to freshwater systems, and by juveniles and subadults foraging in the area Solo Point Steelhead use the Nisqually River and its tributaries south of Solo Point as well as Chambers Creek along the shoreline to the north. The fish use these streams for spawning, rearing, and/or migration. Solo Point action area is likely visited by steelhead migrating to freshwater systems, and by juveniles and subadults foraging in the area Vashon Island Steelhead are documented in Judd Creek on Vashon Island, in the northwest corner of Quartermaster Harbor. It is not known if this population is self sustaining or whether they are strays from other systems (Kerwin and Nelson 2000). The Vashon Island Jensen Point action area is likely visited by steelhead migrating to freshwater systems, and by juveniles and subadults foraging in the harbor Effects of the Proposed Action Effects on steelhead would be similar to those described above for other salmon species. Proposed JLOTS activities would occur outside the salmon work windows at all locations. Steelhead tend to spend more time in offshore marine habitat rather than nearshore environment. Such behavior would result in steelhead avoiding much of the potential impacts from JLOTS activities Critical Habitat Nearshore habitats are not proposed as critical habitat because steelhead move rapidly out of freshwater and into offshore marine areas, unlike Puget Sound Chinook and Hood Canal summer chum, making it difficult to identify specific foraging areas where the essential features are found. Therefore, NMFS determined that for Puget Sound steelhead it is not possible to designate critical habitat in the nearshore zone in Puget Sound (NMFS 2013) Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Puget Sound steelhead and there would be no effect to their proposed critical habitat. This determination is made based upon the very short duration of the overall training event and the short term impacts to Biological Assessment 40 March 2016

169 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise turbidity as well as any increased noise or vibration from the actions. Overall, impacts to Puget Sound steelhead are expected to be discountable through the use of best management practices and conservation measures. Any steelhead that are present would be of an age class that is very mobile and could easily avoid impact and injury. 6.5 Bocaccio, Yelloweye Rockfish, and Canary Rockfish The bocaccio was listed as endangered and the yelloweye and canary rockfish as threatened under the ESA in 2010 (NMFS 2010). In general, rockfish are long lived, to over the age of 50, with yelloweye living the longest, to over 100. Rockfishes are unusual among bony fishes in that fertilization and embryo development is internal and female rockfish give birth to live larval young (ovoviviparous). The birthing period is in the winter, from mid November to mid March. Larval rockfish may drift near the water surface for several months. They feed on diatoms, dinoflagellates, tintinnids, and cladocerans, and juveniles consume copepods and euphausiids of all life stages. Adults eat demersal invertebrates and small fishes, including other species of rockfish, associated with kelp beds, rocky reefs, pinnacles, and sharp drop offs (NMFS 2011). Bocaccio feed primarily on other fishes, even before they complete their first year of life (Phillips 1964) Use of the Project Area The retentive circulation patterns of currents within Puget Sound make it likely that a significant fraction of larvae released by rockfish (especially in more inland portions of the Sound) are retained within the Sound. According to Love et al. (2002), larval rockfish may be near shore. As adults, rockfish typically use habitats with moderate to extreme steepness, complex bathymetry, and rock and boulder complexes (Love et al. 2002). Late larvae and pelagic juveniles of bocaccio might be found in kelp beds. Beginning in April, juvenile canary rockfish may occur in tidepools and kelp beds. Both as adults and juveniles, yelloweye rockfish are most abundant near rocky substrata. Rockfish prefer a rocky substrate (such as outcroppings) and to some extent kelp beds; they are not expected to be in water as shallow as the nearshore edge over unvegetated cobble and gravel. Rocky substrates are infrequent and patchy in distribution in North Puget Sound and the Georgia Strait, and are very rare in Puget Sound proper (waters east of Admiralty Inlet). Adult rockfish generally move into deeper water as they increase in size and age but usually exhibit strong site fidelity to rocky bottoms and outcrops. Juveniles and subadults may be more common than adults in shallower water, and are associated with rocky reefs, kelp canopies, and artificial structures, such as piers and oil platforms. The yelloweye tends to be in a wider range of depths than bocaccio or canary rockfish. Adults of each species are most commonly found in waters deeper than 120 feet (Table 4). No JLOTS training activities are proposed at these depths. Biological Assessment 41 March 2016

170 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Table 4. Depth preference of rockfish. FISH COMMON DEPTH MAXIMUM DEPTH Bocaccio m ( ft) 475 m (1560 ft) Canary Rockfish m ( ft) 425 m (1395 ft) Yelloweye Rockfish m ( ft) 475 m (1560 ft) Source: NMFS 2011, and Orr Port of Tacoma It is unlikely that adult rockfish use the water around Pier 23 in the Port of Tacoma. Water depth is much shallower than the fish prefer, is not rocky, and has little to no vegetation to support forage use. Larvae may occur within the waters of Commencement Bay and potentially in the action area NAVMAG Indian Island Port Townsend Bay is mostly shallow and has the potential to support larvae and subadult rockfish in the nearshore environments. The waters have many shipwrecks and kelp beds are known to occur along the northern shoreline of Indian and Marrowstone Island, away from JLOTS activities. No proposed activities would occur in tide pools or kelp beds Solo Point Juveniles may be found in a variety of habitats including shallow water environments similar to those found around Solo Point. Solo Point lacks the particular type of habitat needed for adult fish, however juveniles of these species have been observed in the vicinity of Solo Point, but in extremely limited numbers. Larvae may also occur within the action area Vashon Island The eastern shore of Maury Island has several rocky reefs and submerged wrecks that are capable of supporting rockfish. Monitoring by WDFW has documented a variety of rockfish species at this location, but has not recorded bocaccio, yelloweye rockfish, or canary rockfish (WDNR 2004). Nearwater habitat adjacent to Jensen Point is too shallow for rockfish and does not contain any kelp beds or tidepools. However, kelp does exist elsewhere within the harbor and along the island. Juveniles and larvae could occur along Jensen Point Effects of the Proposed Action Potential effects to rockfish would be similar to those described for bull trout in section Potential impacts could include noise, vibration, and turbidity increase as well as possible injury from anchor placement. Potential impacts from bare beach landings include turbidity increases from boat motors used to land the vessels, hold them in place at the shoreline, and then power away from the shore. In addition, offloading vehicles through shallow water could have the potential to cause injury. Limiting beach landings at Solo Point, Vashon Island, and NAVMAG Indian Island to boat/seaplane ramps reduces the potential to damage aquatic vegetation that larval and subadult rockfish might utilize. These ramps are regularly used for similar purposes. Bare beach landing areas at Tacoma are void of aquatic vegetation and are unlikely to support larval or juvenile rockfish. Biological Assessment 42 March 2016

171 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Critical Habitat Critical habitat for bocaccio, canary rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish was designated in 2014 and totals square miles of nearshore habitat for canary and bocaccio rockfish, and square miles of deepwater habitat for all three species of rockfish (NMFS 2014). As discussed above, NAVMAG Indian Island was not designated critical habitat because it has an INRMP that benefits listed rockfish. Critical habitat, as defined by NMFS, includes the following physical or biological features essential to the conservation of adult canary rockfish and bocaccio, and adult and juvenile yelloweye rockfish: 1. Quantity, quality, and availability of prey species to support individual growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities The proposed action would not impact the quantity, quality, and availability of prey species for these three rockfish. Conservation measures to protect aquatic vegetation and protect water quality would also avoid impacts to rockfish prey species. 2. Water quality and sufficient levels of dissolved oxygen to support growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities The proposed action would not impact the levels of dissolved oxygen in marine waters and conservation measures would protect water quality. 3. The type and amount of structure and rugosity that supports feeding opportunities and predator avoidance. The proposed action would not alter the amount of structure and rugosity supporting these rockfish species. Use of anchors offshore could disturb the seafloor, however no structures would be removed and use of anchors is a typical activity within the busy waterways of the proposed action areas. In addition to these, the listing defined physical and biological features essential to the conservation of juvenile canary rockfish and bocaccio: 1. Quantity, quality, and availability of prey species to support individual growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities The proposed action would not impact the quantity, quality, and availability of prey species for juvenile canary rockfish and bocaccio. Conservation measures to protect aquatic vegetation and protect water quality would also avoid impacts to rockfish prey species. 2. Water quality and sufficient levels of dissolved oxygen to support growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities. The proposed action would not impact the levels of dissolved oxygen in marine waters and conservation measures would protect water quality. Biological Assessment 43 March 2016

172 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Puget Sound / Georgia Basin DPSs of yelloweye rockfish, canary rockfish, and bocaccio and may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect their critical habitat. This determination is based upon the localized geographic scope of the project, the short duration of the action, and the low likelihood that these species would be present in the action area during project activities. 6.6 Eulachon The southern DPS of eulachon was listed as threatened under the ESA in 2010 (NMFS 2010b). Eulachon typically spend 3 to 5 years in saltwater before returning to freshwater to spawn in rivers from late winter through mid spring. Shortly after hatching, the larvae are carried downstream and dispersed by estuarine and ocean currents. Juvenile eulachon move from shallow nearshore areas to mid depth areas (NMFS 2010b). Larvae and young juveniles become widely distributed in coastal waters, where they are typically found near the ocean bottom in waters 20 to 150 m deep (NMFS 2010b). Eulachon adults feed on zooplankton while larvae and juveniles eat phytoplankton, copepods, and barnacle and worm larvae Use of the Project Area In Washington, eulachon are present predominantly in the mainstem Columbia River up to approximately Bonneville Dam. Although established populations are not thought to exist in Puget Sound rivers, the occasional occurrence has been recorded (NMFS 2010b, USACE 2015). Limited use of all of the action areas by eulachon is expected Effects of the Proposed Action Impacts to eulachon would be similar to effects described for other fish species, to include increased noise, vibration, and turbidity Critical Habitat Critical habitat for eulachon was designated in 2011 (NMFS 2011c). It includes parts of California and Oregon coast, and the Columbia, Quinault, and Elwha Rivers. No critical habitat for this species is located within the project area Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect eulachon. This determination is made based upon the short duration of the training event, the rarity of the eulachon in Puget Sound, and the use of conservation measures to limit impacts to water quality and aquatic vegetation. No critical habitat is designated in the project area, thus JLOTS activities would have no effect on eulachon critical habitat. Biological Assessment 44 March 2016

173 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 6.7 Southern Resident Killer Whale The Southern Resident killer whale DPS was listed as endangered in 2005 and critical habitat designated by NMFS in 2006 (NMFS 2005c; NMFS 2006). The Southern Resident population of killer whales resides for part of the year in the inland waterways of Washington and British Columbia (Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound), principally during the late spring, summer, and fall. Resident killer whales generally spend more time in deeper water and only occasionally enter water less than 15 feet deep (Baird 2000). Distribution is strongly associated with areas of greatest salmon abundance, with heaviest foraging activity occurring over deep open water and in areas characterized by high relief underwater topography, such as subsurface canyons, seamounts, ridges, and steep slopes (Wiles 2004) Use of the Project Area Three pods are identified for the inland waterways: the J, L, and K pods. Pods probably seek out and forage in areas that salmon most commonly occur, especially those associated with migrating salmon. Beginning in May or June and through the summer months, all three pods are most often located in the protected inshore waters of Haro Strait (west of San Juan Island) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Georgia Strait near the Fraser River. During early autumn, all three pods occur in areas where migrating salmon are concentrated such as the mouth of the Fraser River. Pods, especially the J pod, may also enter areas in Puget Sound where migrating chum and Chinook salmon are concentrated (Osborne 1999). In the winter months, the K and L pods spend progressively less time in inland marine waters and depart for coastal waters in January or February. The J pod is most likely to appear year round near the San Juan Islands, and in the fall/winter, in the lower Puget Sound and in Georgia Strait at the mouth of the Fraser River. Records from 1976 through 2006 document Southern Residents in the inland waters of Washington during the months of March through June and October through December, with the primary area of occurrence in inland waters north of Admiralty Inlet, located in north Puget Sound (The Whale Museum 2008a). Use of all the action areas by killer whale is expected to be limited. Intertidal and nearshore environments are not suitable habitat for Southern Resident killer whales and the largest portion of the proposed activity occurs in nearshore/intertidal or upland areas. During the JLOTS training, Southern Resident killer whales are typically congregated north of the action areas, though they could pass through the action areas Effects of the Proposed Action Effects of the Proposed Action Potential effects to Southern Resident killer whales involve possible sound disturbance caused by vessel operations and potential impacts to their prey base. Military ships have personnel assigned to stand watch at all times when moving through the water (Navy 2014a, Navy 2014b). Watch personnel undertake extensive training such as the U.S. Navy Afloat Environmental Biological Assessment 45 March 2016

174 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Compliance Training Series. This series includes the updated Marine Species Awareness Training. The program provides training on how to sight marine species, focusing on marine mammals. The training also includes instruction for visually identifying sea turtles, concentrations of floating vegetation (kelp paddies), jellyfish aggregations, and flocks of seabirds, which are often indicators of marine mammal or sea turtle presence. The Marine Species Awareness Training also addresses the role that watchstanders and lookouts play in helping to maintain compliance with environmental protection requirements, as well as supporting Navy stewardship commitments. New NMFS regulations (2011d) require a 200 yard distance be maintained from killer whales as well as keeping the path of the whales clear. Procedures would be in place to ensure that killer whales would not be disturbed by training exercises through maintaining safe distances and limiting activities while whales are present. All activities would occur in areas that receive regular boat traffic. NMFS (2014) found that noise from motoring vessels can affect killer whale echolocation at a distance of up to 400 meters and that ambient noise levels increase as the number of vessels increase. Various vessels would be used to move cargo and provide force protection at all locations. These vessels would be additive to existing boat traffic. Any noise impacts resulting from JLOTS activities would be short term (occurring only between mid May and 30 June). While not moving between ports, moving cargo, or actively patrolling, vessels would be anchored or docked to minimize noise impacts. The Southern Resident killer whale feed exclusively on fish with salmon (primarily Chinook) comprising the majority of their diet. Minimal effects to salmon have been discussed above. JLOTS activities are not expected to adversely affect the food base of the whales Critical Habitat Critical habitat for Southern Resident killer whales comprises Puget Sound and the U.S. waters of the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, greater than 20 feet deep (NMFS 2006). Thus, Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat includes part of the action area. Critical habitat, as defined by NMFS, includes the following PCEs: 1. Water quality to support growth and development. The proposed action would have no effect on the water quality of the marine environment. Use of conservation measures and best management practices would avoid water quality impacts. 2. Prey species of sufficient quantity, quality and availability to support individual growth, reproduction and development, as well as overall population growth. As discussed above, impacts to Chinook and other salmonids from the proposed action are expected to be negligible. Given this minimal impact to prey species discountable impacts to this PCE are expected. 3. Passage conditions to allow for migration, resting, and foraging. Biological Assessment 46 March 2016

175 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise The proposed action would have no effect on killer whale passage conditions Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Southern Resident killer whales and may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect their designated critical habitat. This determination is made based upon the location of these whales during the proposed activity (northern Puget Sound), the short duration of the overall training event, and the discountable effects to prey species and sound disturbances. 6.8 Marbled Murrelet The marbled murrelet was listed as threatened under the ESA in 1992 (USFWS 1992). Marbled murrelets forage in the near shore marine environment and nest in inland old growth coniferous forests. Marbled murrelets nest in low elevation forests with multi layered canopies, large trees with horizontal branches, and heavy moss growth. In Washington, marbled murrelets generally nest between May 1 and August 5 (Mack et al. 2003). Adults feeding young fly between terrestrial nest sites and ocean feeding areas primarily during the dawn and dusk hours. Marbled murrelets spend most of their lives in the marine environment, where they forage in areas within two miles from shore. Murrelets often aggregate near localized food sources, resulting in a clumped distribution. Prey species include herring, sand lance, anchovy, osmerids, sea perch, sardines, rockfish, capelin, smelt, as well as euphausiids, mysids, and gammarid amphipods Use of the Project Area Marbled murrelets occur in Puget Sound marine habitats in relatively low numbers (Speich and Wahl 1995). The species moves about a great deal over several temporal scales: seasonally, daily, and hourly. Regional patterns of activity tend to be seasonal, and are tied to exposure to winter storm activity. There is generally a shift of birds from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia during spring and summer to areas in the San Juan Islands and eastern bays during the fall and winter (Speich and Wahl 1995). Murrelets are often found in specific areas (e.g., Hood Canal, Rosario Strait/San Juan Islands), as foraging distribution is closely linked to tidal patterns. However, occurrences are highly variable as they move from one area to another, often in short periods of time Port of Tacoma Marbled murrelets may fly over the project area and could forage within Commencement Bay. Pier 23 Endangered Species Management Plan (Jones and Stokes 2006) did not document marbled murrelet occurrence in the action area. Nevertheless, it is considered possible for these birds to use the project area during JLOTS activities NAVMAG Indian Island Although there have been no documented marbled murrelet nests on NAVMAG Indian Island, recent USFWS boat surveys have found a high population density of the birds foraging in the Biological Assessment 47 March 2016

176 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise marine waters of Port Townsend Bay (Navy 2015). Other aerial surveys from by WDFW have also documented murrelet use in the bay and have found more birds in the winter than during the summer months. The Navy conducted a ground survey (December 2014 thru April 2015) to assess potential nest platform trees on NAVMAG Indian Island for a construction project (the aboveground shore power to ammunition wharf project). Preliminary survey results indicate one potential nest platform tree, a single Douglas fir located on Fort Road approximately.4 miles away from the proposed LSA site. No nesting marbled murrelets were observed at the site (Navy 2015) Solo Point Land and marine surveys were performed in 1991 on JBLM to detect marbled murrelets that use forest and marine habitats (Army 2009). Surveys were conducted on the Nisqually River corridor and the bluff above Solo Point. Boat surveys of potential foraging and loafing areas were conducted off Solo Point toward the mouth of the Nisqually River. The forest along the bluff contains some suitable murrelet nesting trees, including trees with large, often deformed branches (Clouse 1998). No marbled murrelets were observed during land based surveys in Between 5 and 25 murrelets were observed along the shoreline during each boat survey. No suitable nesting trees exist on Solo Point. There was no indication that breeding activities were occurring nearby, as birds were not observed flying to or from land (Bottorff et al. 1991). During similar surveys in 1992, one murrelet was potentially observed flying over JBLM; however, no information was collected to confirm the murrelet sighting or breeding behavior. A survey of the forest east of Solo Point and the Nisqually River, and a marine survey between Anderson Island, Ketron Island, and the mouth of the Nisqually River, were conducted in No murrelets were detected during the forest survey, but some were observed along the coast. Additional monitoring took place in the 2009 and 2010 nesting season. Based on past surveys there is no evidence that murrelets use forests on JBLM for nesting. Eight murrelets were sighted along the shoreline between Solo Point and the Nisqually River during summer and autumn boat surveys of seabirds in Puget Sound in 1995 and Murrelets were concentrated in well defined areas, with seasonal shifts in the locations of these aggregations. Therefore, these sites were thought to be primarily the result of changes in food availability. Low numbers of murrelets were found in South Puget Sound, from Ketron Island to Johnson Point, during the summer (< 15 each year), and none were found in the autumn. Most murrelets were seen 1,000 to 1,600 feet offshore (Courtney et al. 1996; Merizon et al. 1997) Vashon Island Marbled murrelets primarily feed on small fish such as sand lance, smelt, and herring which makes the waters around Jensen Point a suitable foraging location for these birds. There is no information regarding abundance or frequency of use for murrelets in the Jensen Point area but there have been reported sightings of marbled murrelets in the vicinity of Point Robinson on Maury Island (WDNR 2004; WDNR 2014). Biological Assessment 48 March 2016

177 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Effects of the Proposed Action No impacts to forage fish would result from JLOTS activities due to the conservation measures to limit impacts to aquatic vegetation and activities occurring within the forage fish window. Noise from JLOTS activities is expected to be similar to existing noises at all locations, since the project areas already experience frequent boat traffic for cargo movement or recreation. Murrelets may vacate an area near ongoing cargo movement activities, but would be expected to find similar foraging habitats nearby. No impact to nesting habitat or behaviors is anticipated. The stationing of an LSA on NAVMAG Indian Island would raise the noise level on the Island. However, since no nesting is known to occur on the Island and birds flying over can easily avoid the LSA, this is not expected to be significant. Fly overs of other sites would also not be impacted due to the similar use of the sites with ongoing activities (use of the Port of Tacoma by boats for cargo movement and use of the existing boat ramps at Solo Point and Vashon Island) Critical Habitat Critical habitat for marbled murrelet was designated in 1996 and revised in 2011 (NMFS 1996; NMFS 2011). No critical habitat is designated in any JLOTS action areas Effect Determination The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect marbled murrelets. Because designated critical habitat is not in the project areas, JLOTS would have no effect on designated marbled murrelet critical habitat. This determination is based upon the short duration of the training event, avoidance of damage to forage resources, and the short term increased noise from the actions. Overall, impacts to marbled murrelets are expected to be discountable through the use of best management practices and conservation measures. 7 INTERRELATED AND INTERDEPENDENT EFFECTS According to 50 CFR , Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification. Interdependent actions are those that have no independent utility apart from the action under consideration. The JLOTS action is a part of the larger Cascadia Rising Exercise, as noted previously. Four separate, but integrated military field exercises would be conducted, involving multiple military assets and resources. These include Ardent Sentry, Vigilant Guard, Ultimate Caduceus, and JLOTS. Each of these actions are independent of one another, but are occurring in conjunction with the Cascadia Rising Exercise. Additionally, the JLOTS activities include assisting the National Guard in a portion of their Cascadia Rising exercise. This is also considered an independent activity as, without JLOTS assistance, the National Guard would continue to access the island via state ferry and conduct their mission. Biological Assessment 49 March 2016

178 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 8 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects in ESA consultation refer to future nonfederal actions known or reasonably foreseeable in the project area Port of Tacoma Commencement Bay has been heavily developed and industrialized. Near Pier 23, other redevelopment and nearshore restoration plans are underway. Notably, the Port of Tacoma plans a several acre container shipping facility immediately adjacent and to the southwest of the Pier 23 property. This project would include dredging and filling in the nearshore area. The historic estuarine habitats of Commencement Bay have been altered by previous dredging, filling, sewage and industrial discharges, and other anthropogenic activities over the past 100 years. A portion of Commencement Bay was designated as a Superfund site in Toxic chemicals and heavy metals introduced into the bay from a number of industrial activities continue to have adverse effects on the aquatic environment including benthic organisms, fish, marine mammals, and marine birds. Given the highly modified state of the Port of Tacoma the cumulative effects of the JLOTS training exercise on biological and other environmental resources is expected to be negligible NAVMAG Indian Island Past and present development on NAVMAG Indian Island has resulted in the conversion of forested areas to developed areas and disturbance to species. However, NAVMAG Indian Island remains relatively undeveloped, with approximately 77% forested land. Ongoing Navy activities at NAVMAG Indian Island, including natural resource management and forest thinning, would generate noise on a temporary basis in the upland environment. Three future projects, Building 833 heat pump, missile magazines, and Aboveground Shore Power to Ammunition Wharf would generate temporary noise during construction. The short duration of JLOTS training activities could overlap with construction noise from present or future actions, however any cumulative impacts to noise are anticipated to be minor Solo Point Solo Point is frequently used for recreational purposes. Training is lighter at the point than elsewhere on the base. A railroad built near the turn of the century, separates Solo Point from the forested bluffs. Much of the shoreline north and south of the point has been armored. The existing Solo Point Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) and associated outfalls are located near the point. A replacement for the WWTP is being built and will meet Federal water quality regulatory and sustainability requirements. The need for the new WWTP is to improve the quality of wastewater leaving the installation with the construction of a new WWTP that will eliminate or reduce the permit exceedances that have been taking place with the outdated existing Solo Point WWTP. The short duration of JLOTS training activities could overlap with construction noise from present or future actions related to the WWTP and recreational usage, however any cumulative impacts to noise are anticipated to be minor. Biological Assessment 50 March 2016

179 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Vashon Island A significant amount of the shoreline of Quartermaster Harbor is developed, primarily as residences. Although Jensen Point is not typically used for military offloading, the area is used as a public boat ramp. The JLOTS training event at Jensen Point would be temporary and of very short duration (maximum of 3 hours each, for a total of three times). No permanent alterations or structures would be constructed at this site that would impact or change the landscape and natural processes of the area. Use of the existing public boat ramp or bare beach landings at high tide with mats placed above MHHW would avoid or minimize cumulative effects to biological resources at Jensen Point. As noted previously, the JLOTS actions at Jensen Point would provide ferry services to the National Guard for their Cascadia Rising Training activities on the island. The National Guard is set to bring up to 40 vehicles and personnel to the island to conduct humanitarian aid and disaster response training. They will establish an encampment on the island, staying for approximately one week. JLOTS would then provide ferry service for the Soldiers and vehicles off of the island. The exact location of the National Guard encampment on Vashon is unknown at this time, with several locations under consideration. Likely locations include various public parks. The encampment is expected to be established in a mown grassy area or on unvegetated parking areas. No clearing, grubbing, or excavation is anticipated. Impacts would include disturbance to any vegetation from tent placement and use of the site, increased noise from the use of generators and Soldier presence, traffic impacts from vehicle movements, and limitations on public access to the park the during the exercise. No cumulative impacts to ESAlisted or proposed species nor their habitats are associated with the proposed activities nor the JLOTS assistance in the activities. 9 CONCLUSIONS Table 5 summarizes the effect determinations made for each of the species potentially occurring in the project area and designated critical habitat. Table 5. Summary of Effect Determinations SPECIES EFFECT DETERMINATION CRITICAL HABITAT DETERMINATION Fish Coastal/Puget Sound Bull Trout not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Puget Sound Chinook salmon not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Hood Canal Summer run chum not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Puget Sound steelhead not likely to adversely affect no effect Georgia Basin bocaccio not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Georgia Basin yelloweye not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect rockfish Georgia Basin canary rockfish not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Eulachon not likely to adversely affect no effect Birds Marbled Murrelet not likely to adversely affect no effect Mammals Southern Resident Killer Whale not likely to adversely affect not likely to adversely affect Humpback whales no effect no effect Turtles Leatherback sea turtle no effect no effect Biological Assessment 51 March 2016

180 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 10 EFH ASSESSMENT The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C et. seq.) requires Federal agencies to consult with NMFS on activities that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). The objective of an EFH assessment is to determine whether the proposed action(s) may adversely affect designated EFH for relevant commercial, federally managed fisheries within the proposed action area. EFH includes those waters and substrate necessary for fish spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. The assessment describes conservation measures proposed to avoid, minimize, or otherwise offset potential adverse effects to designated EFH resulting from the proposed action. EFH exists in all project areas for salmon species and for groundfish. Effects of the proposed training activities on EFH would be essentially identical to those discussed in Section 6 above. Based on the above critical habitat analysis the Army concludes that the proposed project would not adversely affect EFH for federally managed fisheries in Washington waters. Although habitat disturbance may have temporary minor adverse effects to designated EFH, the conservation measures and best management practices are adequate to avoid adverse impacts to the EFH. Biological Assessment 52 March 2016

181 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise 11 REFERENCES Ames, J., G. Graves, and C. Weller, editors Summer chum salmon conservation initiative: an implementation plan to recovery summer chum in the Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca region. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Point No Point Treaty Tribes. Army Fort Lewis Range Regulations. FL Reg March Army Draft Biological and Essential Fish Habitat Assessment Army Growth and Force Structure Realignment (Grow the Army or GTA) at Fort Lewis and Yakima Training Center, Washington. August Online at: Army Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Fort Lewis Army Growth and Force Structure Realignment. July Online at: Army Environmental Assessment for Construction of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Main Pipeline Infrastructure for Water Reuse at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. January Baird, R.W The Killer Whale Foraging Specializations and Group Hunting. Mann J. et al, Bottorff, J., B. Gilbert, and T. Williams Marbled Murrelet Survey: Fort Lewis Military Reservation, Pierce County, Washington. Calambokidis, J., Steiger, G.H., and Ellifrit, D.K Distribution and abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and other marine mammals of the northern Washington coast. Fishery Bulletin 102: (2004). Courtney, S., T. Grubba, W. Beattie, and D. Brosnan Seabird Surveys in Puget Sound Report to Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Report Prepared by Sustainable Ecosystems Institute. Portland, Oregon. Dames and Moore Commencement Bay Study. Volume III. Fish, wetlands. Prepared for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, WA. Eaton and Dinnel Development of Trawl based Criteria for Assessment of Demersal Fauna (Macroinvertebrates and Fishes): Pilot Study in Puget Sound, Washington. Evans Mack, D., W. P. Ritchie, S. K. Nelson, E. Kuo Harrison, P. Harrison, and T. E. Hamer Methods for surveying marbled murrelets in forests: a revised protocol for land management and research. Pacific Seabird Group Technical Publication Number 2. Available on line: Accessed January Biological Assessment 53 March 2016

182 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) About Cascadia Rising Online at: &exp=e1. Accessed 25 Jan Gregory, R.S Effects of turbidity on benthic foraging and predation risk in juvenile Chinook salmon. Presentation in the 1988 Effects of dredging on anadromous Pacific coast fishes workshop, Sponsored by Wetland Ecosystem Team, Fisheries Research Institute: University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) Hood Canal and Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca Summer Chum Salmon Recovery Plan. Online at: omains/puget_sound/chum/hcc_plan.pdf. Accessed 26 Jan Jones and Stokes Endangered Species Management Plan. U.S. Army Reserve 70th Regional Readiness Command for Activities Performed at Pier 23. Prepared for U.S. Army Reserve 70th Regional Readiness Command, Ft. Lawton, WA. 72 pp. Kerwin, J., and Nelson S. (Eds.) Habitat limiting factors and reconnaissance assessment report, Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watersheds (WRIA 9 and Vashon Island). Lacey and Seattle (WA): Washington State Conservation Commission and King County Department of Natural Resources. King County Reconnaissance Assessment of the State of the Nearshore Report Including Vashon and Maury Islands. Online at puget sound/nearshoreenvironments/reconnaissance assessment.aspx LaSalle, M.W Physical and chemical alterations associated with dredging: an overview. Presentation in the 1988 Effects of dredging on anadromous Pacific coast fishes workshop, Sponsored by Wetland Ecosystem Team, Fisheries Research Institute: University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Love, M.S., M. Yoklavich, and L Thorsteinson The rockfishes of the northeast Pacific. University of California Press. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London. 404 pp. Marks, E. L., R.C. Ladley, B.E. Smith, A.G. Berger, J.A. Paul, T.G. Sebastian and K. Williamson Annual Salmon, Steelhead, and Bull Trout Report: Puyallup/White River Watershed Water Resource Inventory Area 10. Puyallup Tribal Fisheries, Puyallup, WA. Online at: Accessed 26 May Mason, J.C Behavioral ecology of chum salmon fry in a small estuary. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can.31: Merizon, R., S. Courtney, W. Beattie, D. Brosnan, D. Evans, T. Grubba, W. Kerschke, J. Luginbuhl, R. Millner, E. Neatherlin, D. Nysewander, M. Raphael, and M. Salema Seabird Surveys Biological Assessment 54 March 2016

183 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise in Puget Sound Report Prepared by Sustainable Ecosystems Institute for Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Portland, Oregon. Navy Joint Logisitics Over The Shore 2005 Environmental Assessment. 26 Apr Navy Technical Manual for U.S. Navy Shipboard Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Contingency Plan Guide. S9593 FF MMA 010. Navy. 2014a. Draft Environmental Assessment for the Joint Logistics Over The Shore, Maritime Prepositioning Force, and Field Exercise Training, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. San Diego County, CA. Navy. 2014b. Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement. Online at: Accessed 29 Jan Navy Aboveground Shore Power to Ammunition Wharf Draft EA. Newcombe, C.P. and D.D. MacDonald Effects of suspended sediments on aquatic ecosystems. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 11: Nightingale, B. and C. Simenstad Overwater Structures: Marine Issues White Paper. Submitted to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Ecology, and Washington Department of Transportation. Noggle, C.C Behavioral, physiological and lethal effects of suspended sediment on juvenile salmonids. MS thesis. University of Washington, Seattle, WA. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Recovery Plan for U.S. Pacific populations of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring MD. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Listing Determinations for 16 ESUs of West Coast Salmon, and Final 4(d) Protective Regulations for Threatened Salmonid ESUs: Final rule. Federal Register 70(123): NMFS. 2005b. Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for 12 Evolutionarily Significant Units of West Coast Salmon and Steelhead in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho: Final Rule. Federal Register 70(170): NMFS. 2005c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Endangered Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales. Final rule. Federal Register 70(222): NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale. Final rule. Federal Register 71(229): Biological Assessment 55 March 2016

184 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Listing Determination for Puget Sound Steelhead. Final rule. Federal Register 72(91): NMFS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Distinct Population Segments of Yelloweye and Canary Rockfish and Endangered Status for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Distinct Population Segment of Bocaccio Rockfish. Final rule. Federal Register 75(81): NMFS. 2010b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon; Final Rule. Federal Register 75(52): NMFS Marine / anadromous fish species under the Endangered Species Act. NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources. NMFS. 2011b. Designation of critical habitat for Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon: Proposed Rule. Federal Register 76(3): NMFS. 2011c. Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon; Final Rule. Federal Register 76(203): NMFS. 2011d. Be Whale Wise. Online at: Accessed 29 Jan NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Rule To Revise the Critical Habitat Designation for the Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle; Final Rule. Federal Register 77(17): NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Lower Columbia River Coho Salmon and Puget Sound Steelhead; Proposed Rule. Federal Register 78(9): NMFS Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Distinct Population Segments of Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish and Bocaccio; Final Rule. Federal Register 79(219): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization for Vashon Seismic Retrofit Project Vashon, Washington., WSDOT Environmental Assessment. Online at: Accessed 23 Jan Osborne, R., J. Calambokidis & E.M. Dorsey A guide to marine mammals of Greater Puget Sound. Island Publishers, Anacortes, Wash. 191pp. Biological Assessment 56 March 2016

185 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise Osborne, R.W A historical ecology of Salish Sea "resident" killer whales (Orcinus orca): with implications for management. Ph.D. thesis, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia. Phillips, J.B Life history studies on ten species of rockfish (genus Sebastodes). Fish Bulletin No. 126, California Dept. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA Plotkin, P.T National Marine Fisheries Service and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Status Reviews for Sea Turtles Listed under the Endangered Species Act of National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Maryland Port of Tacoma and Puyallup Tribe and Indians Beach seine data summary, Data compilation by Pacific Engineering for the Port of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA. Redding J.M., and C.B. Schreck Physiological effects of coho salmon and steelhead of exposure to suspended solids. Trans Fish Soc 116: Servizi J.A., and D.W. Martens Some effects of suspended Fraser River sediments on sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) p Can Spec Publ Fish Aquat Sci 96 Sigler, J.W Effects of chronic turbidity on anadromous salmonids: Recent studies and assessment techniques perspective. Presentation in the 1988 Effects of dredging on anadromous Pacific coast fishes workshop, Sponsored by Wetland Ecosystem Team, Fisheries Research Institute: University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Speich and Wahl Marbled Murrelet Populations of Washington Marine Habitat Preferences and Variability of Occurrence. Pp in Ralph, C.J., G.L. Hunt, Jr., M.G. Raphael, and J.F. Platt (eds.), Ecology and Conservation of the Marbled Murrelet, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station General Technical Report PSW GTR 152, Albany, CA. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Biological Assessment: Operation and Maintenance of Mud Mountain Dam, Cascade Water Alliance Buckley Diversion Dam for Fish Trap Purposes, and Corps Buckley Fish Trap; and Replacement of the Cascade Diversion Dam with a Fish Passage Barrier. Seattle District, Seattle, Washington. 130 pp. + appendices. USACE Final Environmental Assessment for Mud Mountain Dam Upstream Fish Passage, Pierce County Washington. Online at: nmental%20documents/draft_final_fish_trap_and_barrier_structure_ea_ _FINAL.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) Pier 23 Replacement, Sediment Remediation, and Slag Removal Tacoma, Washington. Online at: FINAL%20replacement%20remediation%20slag%20EA.pdf. Accessed 20 Jan 2015 Biological Assessment 57 March 2016

186 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Conservation of Endangered Species and Other Fish or Wildlife. Federal Register: 35(70): USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the Washington, Oregon, and California Population of the Marbled Murrelet. Final rule. Federal Register 57(191): USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet. Final rule. Federal Register 61(102): USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for Bull Trout in the Coterminous United States. Final rule. Federal Register 64(210): USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Bull Trout; Final Rule. Federal Register 70(185): USFWS Year review, marbled murrelet/brachyramphus marmoratus. USFWS Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, Lacey, WA. USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for Bull Trout in the Coterminous United States. Final Rule. Federal Register 75(200): USFWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet. Final rule. Federal Register 76(193): Van Derwalker, J.G Response of salmonids to low frequency sound. pp in W.N. Tavolga, editor. Marine bio acoustics, volume 2. Pergamon Press, New York. (cited in Popper and Carlson 1998). Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 2015a. Water Quality Standards for Marine Waters. Online at: Accessed 31 Dec WDOE. 2015b. Water Quality Assessment for WA. Online at: Accessed 7 Jan Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat Database. Online at: Accessed 28 Dec WDFW. 2015b. Puget Sound Creel Reports. Online at: Accessed 4 February Biological Assessment 58 March 2016

187 JLOTS: 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise WDFW. 2015c. Salmonscape Interactive mapping. Online at Accessed 2 February WDFW Puget Sound Chum Salmon. Online at: Accessed on 26 Jan WDFW and Point No Point Treaty Tribes Summer Chum Conservation Initiative. April Online at: Accessed 17 Jan Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Maury Island Aquatic Reserve Management Plan. Online at: Accessed 7 Jan WDNR Final Supplemental Impact Statement Maury Island Aquatic Reserve. October 29, Online at: Accessed 7 Jan The Whale Museum The Whale Hotline API. Online at: Accessed on 15 February Wiles, G. J Washington State status report for the killer whale. Washington Department Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 106 pp. Biological Assessment 59 March 2016

188 Refer to NMFS No: April 4, 2016 WCR UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE West Coast Region 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Bldg. 1 Seattle, Washington Jason R. House LTC, LG Department of the Army HHC, 7 th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary 831 Monroe Ave. Fort Eustis, Virginia Re: Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Concurrence Letter and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training Exercise (Puget Sound, HUC ). Dear LTC House: On March 9, 2016, NOAA s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received your request for a written concurrence that the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training Exercise (JLOTS) is not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) species listed as threatened or endangered or critical habitats designated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This response to your request was prepared by NMFS pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the ESA, implementing regulations at 50 CFR 402, and agency guidance for preparation of letters of concurrence. NMFS also reviewed the proposed action for potential effects on essential fish habitat (EFH) designated under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), including conservation measures and any determination you made regarding the potential effects of the action. This review was pursuant to section 305(b) of the MSA, implementing regulations at 50 CFR , and agency guidance for use of the ESA consultation process to complete EFH consultation. Based on careful review of the information provided, we concluded that the action would not adversely affect EFH. Thus, consultation under the MSA is not required for this action. This letter underwent pre-dissemination review using standards for utility, integrity, and objectivity in compliance with applicable guidelines issued under the Data Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001, Public

189 Law ). A complete record of this consultation is on file electronically at Oregon Washington Coastal Office. Proposed Action and Action Area The U.S. Transportation Command of the Army (USTRANSCOM) proposes to conduct JLOTS traning in conjunction with the Cascadia Rising Emergency Response Dill. The Drill would integrate emergency response operations across all levels of government in the simulated aftermath of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake disaster. This analysis addresses the potential effects of implementing JLOTS as described in the initiation package and BA for this informal consultation. There are a wide range of activities described in the BA that are associated with JLOTS, most of which have no effects on the subject ESA-listed species and are therefore outside the scope of this consultation. The remainder of this section deconstructs elements of the proposed action that are the subject of this consultation and identifies the related action area. The proposed action would stage emergency response drills that would include cargo transport and staging activities at four sites in Puget Sound. Most of the activity would use existing transportation infrastructure (e.g., existing piers and ramps); however, some would occur on natural beach shorelines. A variety of military vehicles would be used to transport cargo including floating platforms and flat-bottom barges. The proposed operations are temporary in nature and no construction would occur. The proposed action would use a Best Management Practices (BMPs), described in detail in Section 3.5 of the BA, to minimize or avoid impacts to listed species. While all of the BMPs are fundamental to this analysis, it is particularly notable that USTRANSCOM proposes to restore disturbed woody debris and grassy areas in the nearshore environment to pre-project conditions; implement effective measures to prevent fuels and other pollutants from entering the water; limit anchor drops to areas deeper than the extent of eelgrass; reduce discharge rates to minimize sediment disturbance; and, use existing infrastructure to the maximum extent possible to avoid beach disturbance. Further, the project is scheduled to occur during the time period designated by the Army Corps of Engineers as a conservation work window when ESA-listed salmon and steelhead are not anticipated to be in the action area. The activities would occur during the June 7-16 time period at the Port of Tacoma, NAVMAG Indian Head Island, Solo Point, and Vashon Island (see BA Section 4 for specific locations at a local scale). The action area is the shoreline and aquatic areas that would be affected by project activites at eash site. The primary impacts are anticipated to come from trampeling of the nearshore environment and turbidity and noise in the aquatic environment. The action area is therefore defined all as nearshore areas that may be trampled (from foot and vehical traffic) and aquatic areas within the extent of noise and sediment travel. Action Agency s Effects Determination The Army submitted a Biolgical Assessment (BA) and requested concurrence with the determinations in Table 1 below. The determinations are based on the BA s conclusion that (1) increased noise or turbidity created by the action will be temporary, spatially limited, of low intensity, and occur during the work window when vulnerable life stages of listed species are WCR (ARMY) 2

190 unlikely to be present; (2) habitat impacts in both the nearshore and aquatic environments would be minimal and temporary and return to pre-project conditions soon after cessation of activities. We conduct consultations with the Department of the Army under section 7(a)(2) of the ESA, and its implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 402. Table 1: Action Agency Effect Determinations (NE=No Effect,, NLAA=Not Likely to Adversely Affect) Species Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Chum (Oncorhynchus keta) Steelhead (O. mykiss) Yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) Canary rockfish (S. pinniger) Bocaccio rockfish (S. paucispinis) Killer whale (Orcinus orca) ESU or DPS Original Listing Notice Puget Sound 3/24/99 64 FR Threatened Hood Canal Summer Run 9/28/05 (70 FR 37160) Puget Sound 5/11/07 72 FR Threatened Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin Southern Resident 4/28/ FR Threatened 4/28/ FR Threatened 4/28/ FR Endangered 11/18/ FR Endangered Listing Status Reaffirmed 8/15/11 76FR50448 Threatened 4/14/14 79FR /15/11 76FR50448 Threatened Critical Habitat 9/02/05 70 FR /2/05 70FR /14/ FR 2725 Proposed but not in action area Not applicable 8/06/ FR Proposed but not in the action area Not applicable 8/06/ FR Not applicable 8/06/ FR /8/11 11/29/ FR Action Agency Determinations Species Critical Habitat NLAA NLAA NLAA NE NLAA NE NLAA NLAA NLAA NLAA NLAA NLAA NLAA NLAA Consultation History We received a Memorandum for the Services, BE, and a request for concurrence from the Army on March 9, 2016, and initiated consultation on March 17, WCR (ARMY) 3

191 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT Effects of the Action Under the ESA, effects of the action means the direct and indirect effects of an action on the listed species or critical habitat, together with the effects of other activities that are interrelated or interdependent with that action (50 CFR ). The applicable standard to find that a proposed action is not likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat is that all of the effects of the action are expected to be discountable, insignificant, or completely beneficial. Beneficial effects are contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse effects to the species or critical habitat. Insignificant effects relate to the size of the impact and should never reach the scale where take occurs. Discountable effects are those extremely unlikely to occur. The short and long-term effects on Puget Sound steelhead will be discountable because they are seldom observed in Puget Sound at any life stage. Steelhead smolts are generally 2-3 years old and over 160 mm long by the time they are in marine water. At this age and size, they are not dependent on shallow nearshore areas and are not commonly caught in beach seine surveys. Chinook and Hood Canal summer-run salmon young-of-the-year are not expected to be in the action area during the time period when the project is scheduled. The effects on vulnerable lifehistory stages of Chinook and Hood Canal summer-run salmon are therefore discountable. Larger salmon are mobile and not vulnerable to the level of turbidity and noise associated with the project. Effects on adult salmon are therefore expected to be insignificant. Effects on salmon critical habitat is similarly anticipated to be insignificant due to the low turbidity levels that will quickly return to normal. Larval rockfish, including boccacio, canary, and yelloweye, could occur within the action area, though they are readily dispersed by currents after they are extruded, making the concentration or probability of presence of larvae in any one location extremely small. The probability of larval ESA listed rockfish being present in the action area combined with the low intensity of turbidity make it extremely unlikely that any larval ESA listed rockfish will be affected. The effects on ESA-listed rockfish are therefore anticipated to be discountable. Effects on rockfish critical habitat is similarly anticipated to be insignificant due to the low turbidity levels that will quickly return to normal. Eulachon are extremely unlikely to be present in the action area, given that there are no known spawning stocks in Puget Sound and they are absent from in the action areas. We have determined no effects on this specie. Southern Resident killer whales (SR killer whales) may occur in the action area; however, the level of noise and turbidity associated with the proposed project is not anticipated to affect their behavior or critical habitat. The effects on SR killer whales are therefore anticipated to be insignificant. WCR (ARMY) 4

192

193 United States Department of the Interior U,S, FlSU&WILDLIFE St,;KVICI< In Reply Refer To: OlEWFW FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Washington Fish and Wildlife Office 510 Desmond Dr. SE, Suite 102 Lacey, Washington ~,.,.,.,,n~v;'~ MAY Jason R. House L TC, LG HHC, th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary U.S. Department of the Army 831 Monroe A venue Fort Eustis, Virginia Dear Lieutenant Colonel House: Subject: Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Disaster Response Training This letter is in response to your correspondence, dated March 9, 2016, requesting U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) concurrence with your "may affect, not likely to adversely affect" determination for the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), and designated critical habitat for bull trout associated with the proposed project. The U.S. Army (Army) has been designated the lead action agency for this project. The Army proposes to conduct joint disaster response training, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy (Navy), the National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), at four sites in Puget Sound. This informal consultation has been conducted in accordance with section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.1531 et seq.)(act). Your letter and Biological Assessment were received in our office on March 11, A complete record of this consultation is on file at the Service's Washington Fish and Wildlife Office in Lacey, Washington. Project Description The purpose of the proposed action is to demonstrate and assess the ability of the Army, Navy, National Guard, and USCG assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. The proposed action includes transport of logistic material, cargo movement operations, beach landings, equipment staging, and life support operations. These activities will occur between June 7 and June 16, 2016, at four sites: 1) Port of Tacoma, 2) Naval Magazine Indian Island, 3) Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McCord, and 4) Vashon Island.

194 Lieutenant Colonel House 2 Port of Tacoma Activities at the Port of Tacoma will occur at Pier 23 and the adjacent beach and boat ramp. The activities include landing a modular causeway system on the boat ramp if possible or the beach, if necessary. The causeway will be used for transporting and unloading equipment and materials from vessels to shore and vice versa. Fueling will occur both on- and offshore. Naval Magazine Indian Island Activities on Indian Island will occur at four separate sites on the Island: Site 1. Site 2. Main wharf - This site is located at Walan Point on the north end of Indian Island and will be used for mooring ships, cargo delivery, and liquid transport using several different types of barges. Small watercraft will be moored here for the USCG security patrols. No anchors will be dropped within 300 feet of shore to avoid eelgrass, and all landing and off-loading will occur at existing paved ramps. Seaplane ramps - The site is located north of Crane Point. The area will be used for roll on and off operations, as a staging and repair area for vehicles, for placement of the generator that will operate 24 hours per day, and for large lights. Site 3. Crane Point small craft pier - This site will be used for small boats, USCG boats, and water barges. Transfer operations on and off ships will occur here. Site 4. Life support area - This area will include a tent camp facility at Crane Point Campground with generators running 24 hours per day. This is the site at which transferring liquids (water) will occur. A temporary retention pond will be used to fill and drain water into and out of the pond using a bladder and hose. Solo Point at Joint Base Lewis-McCord - The site will be used for roll on and off operations using the existing boat ramp only. No beach landings are anticipated at Solo Point. Vashon Island - Activities on Vashon Island will occur in Quartermaster Harbor and include on and off loading of soldiers. The boat ramp at Jensen Point will be used whenever possible and bare beach landings will occur only when deemed necessary.

195 Lieutenant Colonel House 3 Conservation Measures At all Locations Several types of conservation measures will be used to minimize and avoid effects to listed species and sensitive nearshore habitats. 1. Large woody debris will be set aside during the activities and then replaced at the end of the proposed action. 2. Containment booms will be used at all over-water fueling sites and secondary containment structures will be used around land-based fueling transfers. 3. Disturbed grassy areas will be replanted. 4. All large lights will be aimed towards the ground and landing sites. 5. All waste and grey water will be treated at a wastewater management facility. 6. Existing boat ramps will be used whenever possible. 7. Bare beach landings will occur at high tide to avoid aquatic vegetation and mats will be used in the area above ordinary high higher water to minimize impacts to the beach. Specific Locations At Indian Island and Solo Point, all landings will be restricted to use of the existing seaplane and/or boat ramps. No anchor drops will be allowed within 300 feet of shore to avoid impacts to aquatic vegetation. Based on the information provided in your letter and Biological Assessment, we have concluded that effects to the federally listed bull trout, marbled murrelet, and designated critical habitat for bull trout associated with the proposed activities are insignificant. Therefore, we concur with your "may affect, not likely to adversely affect" determination for listed species and designated critical habitat for the bull trout. Specifically, the reasons for this are based on the following rationale. Bull Trout The nearest core areas for bull trout to the action areas are the Skykomish/Snohomish, Nooksack, and the Lower Skagit River drainages. All three core areas are known to have anadromous life histories of bull trout. The action areas provide foraging, migration, and over-wintering habitat for bull trout in the marine environment, and we expect adult and subadult bull trout to be present in the action areas during the proposed action. However, bull trout use of nearshore areas around Vashon Island, Commencement Bay (Port of Tacoma), Solo Point, and Indian Island is very low. The action will result in limited temporary impacts to water quality, native substrates, and the benthic invertebrate community. The project will result in short-term localized increased turbidity, suspended sediments, and release of contaminants during off-loading of vehicles, landing of barges, and refueling over or near open water. Water quality may also be impacted

196 Lieutenant Colonel House 4 through fuel or oil spills from vehicles and barges that operate within the project sites. These effects will be intermittent and limited in physical extent and duration. Degraded water quality from these activities could result in temporary behavioral changes to bull trout through decreased visibility and foraging opportunities and abandonment or avoidance of selected habitats within the various project sites. All of the project sites are currently developed sites and are used regularly by the public and/or military for water access (boat and seaplane launching, beach training exercises, and/or mooring of boats). Adult and subadult bull trout that may be foraging or migrating in nearshore marine areas are highly mobile and can easily avoid areas where training activities or public access is currently ongoing. It is extremely unlikely that bull trout will be injured, killed or experience a significant impairment of normal behaviors during the proposed landings or training activities because: 1) similar activities occur regularly at these sites and bull trout can easily avoid equipment in the water; 2) the sites are already developed and activities will not degrade habitat; 3) all of the training areas are located in geographic areas with low use by bull trout. Use of the conservation measures (see above list) will minimize effects to water quality and bull trout. The action will result in temporary and minimal loss of prey abundance. Some of the landing sites are close to eelgrass and forage fish spawning habitat. However, the proposed action will occur during the recommended in-water work window for forage fish, and conservation measures will be used to avoid disturbance to rooted aquatic vegetation and forage fish. Because impacts to bull trout and their prey resources will not be measurable, the Service considers the effects of the project to bull trout to be insignificant. Designated Critical Habitat for Bull Trout The Service designated critical habitat for bull trout on October 18, 2010 (75 FR 63898). The final rule identified nine Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs) essential for the conservation of bull trout. Four of the nine PCEs are found in the action area: PCE 2: Migration habitats with minimal physical, biological, or water quality impediments between spawning, rearing, overwintering, and foraging habitats including but not limited to permanent, partial, intermittent, or seasonal barriers. PCE 3: An abundant food base, including terrestrial organisms of riparian origin, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and forage fish. PCE 4: Complex river, stream, lake, reservoir, and marine shoreline aquatic environments and processes with features such as large wood, side channels, pools, undercut banks and substrates, to provide a variety of depths, gradients, velocities, and structure. PCE 8: Sufficient water quality and quantity such that normal reproduction, growth, and survival are not inhibited.

197 Lieutenant Colonel House 5 The proposed action is not expected to have measurable short- or long-term effects to any of the bull trout PCEs within the action area. The action will not result in any barriers to the migratory corridor. Vehicles and barges that operate within the project sites and boat moorage at some sites may result in a temporary degradation of water quality through disturbance of substrates and fuel or oil spills. Onshore landings will temporarily reduce the food base via a small reduction of benthic organisms and impacts to nearshore aquatic habitat. Any existing large woody debris at the sites will be set aside and replaced at the end of the action to reduce effects to shoreline complexity. Therefore, effects to bull trout critical habitat from the proposed action are considered insignificant. Marbled Murrelet None of the project sites are near suitable marbled murrelet nesting habitat. The action will not result in sound that will extend into nesting habitat or impact nesting marbled murrelets or their young. Thus, nesting marbled murrelets are extremely unlikely to be exposed to project stressors, including sound and visual disturbance. Of the three project sites, only one is located in an area of high use by marbled murrelets. Marbled murrelets tend to congregate in the waters around Port Townsend, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, northern Puget Sound and Hood Canal, and the San Juan Islands, especially during the fall and winter months. Marbled murrelets are seldom seen in the southern Puget Sound ( especially during the summer when the training will occur) where most of the launch sites are located. The action will result in temporary impacts to water quality, including potential temporary increases in elevated levels of turbidity, contaminants, and/or underwater sound. These effects would be intermittent and limited in physical extent and duration. The terrestrial sound levels from barges, vehicles, and heavy equipment may result in increased sound levels or other temporary stressors that could disturb marbled murrelets. However, due to the present level of development and activity in the vicinity of the sites, the action is not expected to disrupt normal marbled murrelet behaviors (i.e., the ability to successfully feed, loaf, move, and/or shelter). The action may impact habitat that supports marbled murrelets and/or their prey sources. The action will result in limited, temporary impacts to native substrates, aquatic vegetation, the benthic invertebrate community, and marine nearshore habitat. With use of the conservation measures, these impacts will be limited in physical extent and duration and will not measurably degrade habitat functions, including prey resources that are important to marbled murrelets within the action area. All existing large wood debris will be moved, saved, and put back in place when the training exercises are completed to reduce effects to habitat complexity. Use of the project sites may result in periodic impacts to water quality through elevated levels of turbidity and contaminants; however, these effects will be intermittent and short duration.

198 Lieutenant Colonel House 6 Conclusion This concludes consultation pursuant to the regulations implementing the Act (50 CFR ). Our review and concurrence with your effect determination is based on the implementation of the project as described. It is the responsibility of the Army to ensure that projects are in compliance with the Act. If the Army deviates from the measures outlined in the project description, the Army has the obligation to reinitiate consultation and comply with section 7(d). The action should be re-analyzed if new information reveals effects to listed species or critical habitat in a manner, or to an extent, not considered in this consultation. The action should also be re-analyzed if subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to a listed species or critical habitat that was not considered in this consultation, and/or a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated that may be affected by the action. If you have any questions about this letter or our joint responsibilities under the Act, please contact Shirley Burgdorf at (360) or Martha Jensen at (360) , of this office. Sincerely,.fur Eric V. Rickerson, State Supervisor Washington Fish and Wildlife Office

199 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 APPENDIX D: NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT SECTION 106 DOCUMENTATION

200 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 Allyson Brooks, Ph.D. State Historic Preservation Officer Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Post Office Box Olympia, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Dr. Brooks: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. As part of our review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Army has determined that the proposed federal action is an undertaking that has the potential to affect historic properties. The Army has determined and documented the area of potential effect (APE) for the undertaking and is consulting with your office under Section 106 as provided at 36 C.F.R (a). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Army has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement

201 -2- of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

202 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. We have also notified the Jamestown S Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S Klallam Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Lummi Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Yakama Nation, and Nisqually Tribe about the project to identify properties to which they may attach religious or cultural significance or other concerns with historic properties that may be affected.

203

204 Figure 1. Project Overview

205 Figure 2. Port of Tacoma APE

206 Figure 3. Indian Island APE

207 Figure 4. Solo Point APE

208 Figure 5. Vashon Island APE

209 LTC. Jason R. House HHC 7 th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary Department of the Army 831 Monroe Avenue Fort Eustis, Virginia March 21, 2016 Dear LTC House; RE: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project Log No.: DOA Thank you for contacting our department. We have reviewed the materials you provided for the proposed JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project/ Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point and Vashon Island in Jefferson, King and Pierce Counties, Washington. We concur with the proposed Area of Potential Effect (APE) as described in your letter and illustrated in the attached maps. We look forward to further consultations as you consult with the concerned tribal governments, provide the results of your identification efforts and consultations, and render your determination of effect. We request you provide any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CFR800.4(a)(4) and, if necessary, specifically redact those elements that are exempt under the provisions of 36 CFR (c)(2) and provide the remainder of the document. These comments are based on the information available at the time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer in compliance with the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and its implementing regulations 36CFR ). Should additional information become available, our assessment may be revised. Thank you for the opportunity to comment and we look forward to receiving the results of your consultation efforts. Sincerely, Robert G. Whitlam, Ph.D. State Archaeologist (360) rob.whitlam@dahp.wa.gov State of Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation P.O. Box Olympia, Washington (360)

210 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 lransportation BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION Of': AFZA-BHA 11 April 2016 Allyson Brooks, Ph.D. State Historic Preservation Officer Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Post Office Box Olympia, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA (DAHP Log No.: DOA) Dear Dr. Brooks: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. In our letter of March 17, 2016, the Army documented the area of potential effect (APE) with which your office agreed on March 23, This letter provides a brief project description, summarizes the efforts to identify historic properties, and provides agency determinations and findings as provided at 36 C.F.R and 5. We request your concurrence with our finding that there will be no historic properties affected by the proposed undertaking Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals ofcascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

211 -2- transport to the U.S. Anny Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations). as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Anny landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Anny would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The Seattle District, Anny Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Anny in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist and architectural historian have conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. For the built environment, the APE is confined to The Port of Tacoma Industrial Yard, from where Alexander A venue East ends, moving north to the end of the three piers. According to the CR report titled Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for the U.S. Army Reserve 's Pier 23 Project, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, prepared by Ronald J. Kent (USACE, Seattle District, April 2004, SHPO WISAARD Report Reference ), the vicinity has been used for industrial purposes since the 1920s. It was owned and operated by the U.S. Navy until Today the U.S. Anny Reserve Center still uses it for training, and it's also an industrial center owned by the Port of Tacoma with several businesses leasing space. The buildings are modem metal storage facilities. Pier 23 at the end of the industrial yard was constructed in 1946, and has been altered several times through the decades. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded

212 3- within the APE, however they will not be impacted by the proposed project. The structures in the APE of Indian Island date to the Navy's period of significance. The Navy purchased the island in 1939, and construction of the Naval Magazine buildings began in At the northern APE, the structures include the Ammunition Pier and Small Craft Berth, built in 1941 and 1945 respectively. At the southern APE, the structures are the Fuse and Detonator Magazine, a complex of 13 buildings that were constructed from All of the above structures were evaluated in the CR report titled Historic Resources Survey, United States Department of the Navy, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach Detachment Port Hadlock, Port Hadlock, Washington, prepared by EDAW, Inc. (January 1999, SHPO WISAARD Report Reference ), and all of the buildings in the APE for this undertaking were determined not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. The only standing structure at Solo Point is a boat ramp. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. The only standing structure at Jensen Point on Vashon Island is a boat ramp. We have also notified the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha K.lallam Tribe, Port Gamble S 'K.lallam Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Lummi Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Yakama Nation, and Nisqually Tribe about the project to identify properties to which they may attach religious or cultural significance or other concerns with historic properties that may be affected. The Tribes did not comment on the undertaking. The Army has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties that may be affected by this undertaking. Based on the results of the literature review and identification efforts, and given the limited scope of the undertaking, the Army has determined the following: The structures at Port of Tacoma Industrial Yard will be used for their intended purpose of cargo delivery and crane operations for loading of vehicles, and will have no effect on historic structures. All proposed loading and unloading activities will occur in developed areas, with a minimal potential for ground disturbance in the case of a beach landing. As such the Corps has determined that no historic properties will be affected at the Port of Tacoma. The structures at Indian Island will be used for their intended purpose of cargo delivery and loading of vehicles, and will have no effect on historic structures.

213 While there are archaeological sites in the vicinity of the APE, all activities will occur on developed land with no proposed ground disturbance. As such the Corps has determined that no historic properties will be affected at Indian Island. The only standing structure at Solo Point is a boat ramp. This boat ramp will be used for its intended purpose to land vessels and load vehicles, and will have no effect on historic structures. All proposed loading and unloading activities will occur in developed areas, with no proposed ground disturbance. As such the Corps has determined that no historic properties will be affected at Solo Point. This boat ramp at Vashon Island will be used for its intended purpose to land vessels and load vehicles, and will have no effect on historic structures. All proposed loading and unloading activities will occur in developed areas, with a minimal potential for ground disturbance in the case of a beach landing. As such the Corps has determined that no historic properties will be affected at Vashon Island. The Anny requests your review and agreement with our finding of no historic properties affected. If you have any questions or desire additional information, please contact the Corps project Archaeologist, Ms. Ashley Dailide, at ashley.m.dailide@usace.army.mil or (206) For questions regarding proposed activities at Solo Point, please contact Ms. Donna Turnipseed at (253) or donna.l.tumipseed2.civ@mail.mil. For questions regarding proposed activities at NA VMAG Indian Island, please contact Mr. Bill Kalina at (360} or william.kalina@navy.mil. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Enclosure Jason R. House LTC, LG S3

214 LTC. Jason R. House HHC 7 th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary Department of the Army 831 Monroe Avenue Fort Eustis, Virginia April 14, 2016 Dear LTC House; RE: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project Log No.: DOA Thank you for contacting our department. We have reviewed the materials you provided for the proposed JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project/ Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point and Vashon Island in Jefferson, King and Pierce Counties, Washington. We concur with your Determinations of No Historic Properties Affected. We would appreciate receiving any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CFR800.4(a)(4). In the event that archaeological or historic materials are discovered during project activities, work in the immediate vicinity must stop, the area secured, and this department notified These comments are based on the information available at the time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer in compliance with the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and its implementing regulations 36CFR ). Should additional information become available, our assessment may be revised. Thank you for the opportunity to comment and we look forward to receiving the results of your consultation efforts. Sincerely, Robert G. Whitlam, Ph.D. State Archaeologist (360) rob.whitlam@dahp.wa.gov State of Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation P.O. Box Olympia, Washington (360)

215 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable W. Ron Allen Chairman, Jamestown S Klallam Tribe 1033 Old Blyn Hwy Sequim, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Allen: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

216 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

217 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Mr. Gideon Cauffman, Cultural Resources, Jamestown S Klallam Tribe, 1033 Old Blyn Hwy, Sequim, Washington

218

219 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Frances Charles Chairwoman, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe 2851 Lower Elwha Rd Port Angeles, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairwoman Charles: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

220 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

221 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Bill White, Cultural Resources, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, 2851 Lower Elwha Rd, Port Angeles, Washington

222

223 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Virginia Cross Chairwoman, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe nd Avenue SE Auburn, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Madam Cross: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

224 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

225 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Ms. Laura Murphy, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, at nd Avenue SE, Auburn, Washington

226

227 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Farron McCloud Chairman, Nisqually Indian Tribe 4820 She-Na-Num Drive SE Olympia, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman McCloud: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

228 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

229 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Ms. Jackie Wall, THPO, Nisqually Indian Tribe, at 4820 She-Nah-Num Drive SE, Olympia, Washington

230

231 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Jeromy Sullivan Chairman, Port Gamble S Klallam Tribe Little Boston Road NE Kingston, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Sullivan: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

232 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

233 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Dr. Josh Wisniewski, THPO, Natural Resources Department, Port Gamble S Klallam Tribe, Little Boston Road NE, Kingston, Washington

234

235 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Bill Sterud Chairman, Puyallup Tribe of Indians 3009 East Portland Avenue Tacoma, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Sterud: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

236 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

237 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Mr. Brandon Reynon, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, at 3009 East Portland Avenue, Tacoma, Washington

238

239 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Carolyn Lubenau Chairwoman, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe 9571 Ethan Wade Lane PO Box 969 Snoqualmie, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairwoman Lubenau: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e.,

240 -2- Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for

241 -3- the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Mr. Steven Mullen-Moses, Snoqualmie Tribe of Indians, at PO Box 969, Snoqualmie, Washington

242

243 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable David Lopeman Chairman, Squaxin Indian Tribe 10 SE Squaxin Lane Shelton, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Lopeman: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

244 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

245 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Ms. Rhonda Foster, Cultural Resources, Squaxin Island Tribe, at Southeast 10 Squaxin Lane, Shelton, Washington

246

247 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable Leonard Forsman Chairman, Suquamish Tribe PO Box 498 Suquamish, Washington SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Forsman: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

248 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

249 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to Mr. Dennis Lewarch, THPO, Suquamish Tribe, PO Box 498, Suquamish, Washington

250

251 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HHC, 7 TH TRANSPORTATION BRIGADE EXPEDITIONARY 831 MONROE AVE FORT EUSTIS VA REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: AFZA-BHA 17 March 2016 The Honorable JoDe Goudy Chairman, Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation P.O. Box 151 Toppenish, WA SUBJECT: JLOTS Cascadia Rising Disaster Response Project: Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island, WA Dear Chairman Goudy: The U.S Army (Army) proposes to conduct a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training in conjunction with the national Cascadia Rising disaster response exercise at four sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island. The training sponsor, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), has designated the Army to be the lead service in the conduct of JLOTS operations. The JLOTS component will demonstrate and assess the ability of joint Army, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard assets to provide logistical support to disaster response efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We have determined that the proposed project is an undertaking as defined at 36 C.F.R. Part 800 implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).To assist in our review, we are notifying you about the project, requesting your assistance in identifying any issues or concerns you might have, and seeking information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the projects as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 at 36 C.F.R (a) (4). The letter also summarizes efforts that the Corps has taken to date to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. Cascadia Rising is an international, multi-agency training exercise designed to simulate emergency field response operations following a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Conducting successful response operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster requires effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising is to train and test a whole community approach to complex disaster operations as a joint team. While the exercise will predominantly be a computer simulation activity (functional exercise) involving Emergency Operations Centers at all levels of the government and the private sector in Washington and Oregon, some on-the-ground training operations will occur as well. At the Port of Tacoma, the Army mission would be to receive cargo sent for support of the disaster, process requests for on-ship movement of cargo to Indian Island, and establish collaboration between JLOTS and other non-military Cascadia Rising exercise participants (i.e., Tribal/state governments). Operations at the Port of Tacoma would include cargo delivery and

252 -2- transport to the U.S. Army Reserve Center and augmented pier, crane operations for movement of cargo at the pier (lift-on/lift-off operations), as well as bare beach landings (roll-on/roll-off operations). Operations at Indian Island would include cargo and vehicle delivery and transport to the Port of Tacoma conducted under a naval command. Cargo, supplies, and equipment would be offloaded at existing paved seaplane ramps. Up to 900 Sailors and Soldiers would be housed at a temporary tent camp facility at the existing Crane Point campground, which was utilized for the same purpose during the 2005 JLOTS exercise. At Solo Point, the existing boat ramp would be used by Army landing vessels to load vehicles for transport to Vashon Island. The vehicles would then be offloaded at Jensen Point on Vashon Island for use by National Guard units. At the end of the exercise, the Army would transport the vehicles from Vashon Island to Solo Point. Site occupation at the Port of Tacoma and Indian Island would be approximately 45 days, from mid-may to the end of June. This timeframe is needed to adequately conduct site set-up and tear-down operations. Operations at Solo Point and Vashon Island would only occur over three days during the June 7-16 exercise. No subsurface disturbance is proposed at any of the sites, however there is a potential for bare beach landings (Port of Tacoma and Vashon Island) and staging to occur. The undertaking is located at four separate sites in western Washington: the Port of Tacoma, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Solo Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Vashon Island (Figure 1). The Corps has determined the area of direct potential effect (APE) for each JLOTS site as follows: Port of Tacoma: The Port of Tacoma undertaking is located in Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington (Figure 2). The Corps has determined the APE for the Port of Tacoma site to be all staging areas on Pier 23 associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 45 acres, and is confined to the existing structure. Indian Island: The Indian Island undertaking is located in Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 1 West on Indian Island, Jefferson County, WA (Figure 3). The Corps has determined the APE for the Indian Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 64 acres. Solo Point: The Solo Point undertaking is located in Sections 13 and 14, Township 19 North, Range 1 East near DuPont, Pierce County, WA (Figure 4). The Corps has determined the APE for the Solo Point site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario. The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 5 acres, and is confined to existing boat ramps and access roads. Vashon Island: The Vashon Island undertaking is located in Section 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East near Portage, King County, WA (Figure 5). The Corps has determined the APE for the Vashon Island site to be all staging and access areas associated with the exercise scenario.

253 -3- The APE for both direct and indirect effects encompasses approximately 2 acres, and is confined to the existing boat ramp area, parking area, and access road. The Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is assisting the Army in completing all aspects of its responsibilities under Section 106. We would like to summarize efforts taken to date to identify cultural resources within the APE. The Corps staff archaeologist has conducted a records search and literature review of the Washington Information System Architectural and Archaeological Records Database (WISAARD). The literature review and records search are summarized below: Port of Tacoma: There has been one cultural resources survey completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area, and no cultural resources have been recorded within the APE. Indian Island: There have been a number of cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE, and the entire island was part of a maritime heritage study. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project vicinity. Two archaeological sites (JE00016 and JE00397) have been recorded within the APE. Solo Point: There have been no cultural resources surveys completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. One archaeological site (PI00088) has been recorded within the APE, however it was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register. Vashon Island: There has been one cultural resources survey and one historic properties inventory completed within the project APE. There are no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington State Historic Site Register in the project area. If the Tribe has information or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by these projects, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may consult with you and ensure consideration of the information in a timely manner. A copy of this letter with enclosures will be furnished to: Mr. Johnson Meninick, Cultural Resources Program Director and Jon Shellenberger, Cultural Resources Program.

254

255 Final EA for the JLOTS Cascadia Rising Training Exercise May 2016 APPENDIX E: TRIBAL GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENTATION

256

257

258

259

260

261

262

263

264

265

266

267

268

269

270

271