CRITICAL AREA DETERMINATION REPORT & HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Transcription

1 CRITICAL AREA DETERMINATION REPORT & HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD NO. 1 MACHIAS CUTOFF WATER MAIN EXTENSION SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA Project #12078 Prepared By th Avenue SE, Suite 106 Everett, WA (425) Prepared For Snohomish County PUD No. 1 Attn: Mark Flury Professional Engineer, Water Resources PO Box 1107 Everett, WA

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SITE DESCRIPTION 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1 REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION 2 WETLAND DETERMINATION REPORT 2 BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS 5 TABLE 1: WETLAND/STREAM RATINGS 33 GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS 34 CRITICAL AREA PROTECTION AREA STANDARDS 34 HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 35 USE OF THIS REPORT 36 REFERENCES 37 FIELD DATA 38 APPENDIX A: DOE WETLAND RATING FORMS MAPS SHEETS 4/21-21/21

3 SITE DESCRIPTION The Machias Cutoff water main project is located along Machias Cutoff Road, between South Lake Stevens Road and an existing pump station on South Machias Road. The northwestern end of the project begins at the intersection of South Lake Stevens Road and Machias Cutoff Road, within the city limits of Lake Stevens. It continues southeast along Machias Cutoff Road for approximately 1.3 miles, where it will connect to Machias Pump Station. Another small section will be installed along Williams Road and along 123 rd Avenue SE and 124 th Avenue SE. Most of the project is located within unincorporated Snohomish County, with approximately 600 linear feet within the City of Lake Stevens. The project is sited entirely within existing, improved road rights-of-way. It is located within portions of Sections 19 and 20, Township 29N, Range 6E, W.M. Land use in the project area is characterized by a mix of residential uses. A total of 21 wetlands and nine streams are located within the project area, composed of five Category II wetlands, 13 Category III wetlands, three Category IV wetlands, six Type Ns streams, two Type Np streams, and one Type F stream. Wetland buffer widths in Snohomish County are dependent upon the proposed land use. Due to the occurrence of this utility project along an established public road, it will be considered a standard intensity use. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with moderate habitat scores adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 110-foot protective buffers; Category II wetlands with low habitat scores typically receive 75- foot protective buffers; Category III wetlands with moderate habitat scores typically receive 75-foot protective buffers, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores typically receive 60-foot protective buffers; and Category IV wetlands typically receive 40-foot protective buffers. Type Ns and Type Np streams both typically receive 50-foot buffers from their delineated ordinary high water marks (OHWM). Type F streams typically receive 150-foot buffers. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Snohomish County PUD No. 1 (PUD) is proposing to construct approximately 8,000 feet of eightinch diameter water main. The primary purpose of the project is to extend and replace the existing water main service area. The proposed work will connect the existing mains between South Lake Stevens Road, Williams Road Tap, and southeast to Machias Pump Station (#1), Machias Pump Station (Pump #2), Machias Pump Station (#3), and Machias Pump Station Tap. It is proposed to be installed through open trenching either within the roadways or in their regularly maintained gravel shoulders. The installation of fire hydrants, valves, fittings, water services, and other appurtenances will also occur as part of the main installation effort. All work will occur within the improved road prism or its regularly maintained shoulder. Installation of the water line is proposed to occur within the prescribed buffer widths of several wetlands and streams. Because all of the proposed work will occur within the improved roadway or their regularly maintained gravel shoulders, the proposed areas of impact do not meet the definition of buffer in Snohomish County. Per SCC 30.91B.190, buffer means an area adjacent to a critical area consisting of naturally occurring or re-established vegetation and having a width adequate to protect the critical area. Based on this definition, the improved roads and gravel shoulders are not buffers, so no impacts to wetlands, streams, or buffers will occur. The impacted areas will be restored in-kind to preconstruction conditions immediately after completion of the main installation. Impacts to the 1

4 roadways will be restored with asphalt and impacts to gravel shoulders will be restored with gravel. Because the proposed work areas are not located in critical areas or buffers, and will be restored to pre-construction conditions, no net loss of functions or values will occur. The only critical areas associated with this project that lie within the city limits of Lake Stevens are Wetland A1 (Category III) and Stream A (Type Ns). All work within the city limits will occur within the asphalt roadway of Machias Cutoff Road and will be restored in-kind. No impacts will occur to critical areas or buffers within the City of Lake Stevens. REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION Before conducting on-site investigations, a literature review was performed to identify records of wetlands and streams within the project area. While this project is located in the rights-of-way of existing roads, the majority of the adjacent critical areas are located on private properties. Due to the lack of legal access, the presence of wetlands and streams on these properties was determined using a combination of observations from the road, aerial photography, survey information, and the following resources: Hydric Soils List Snohomish County Area Washington (NRCS, 2001) National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National Summary Indicator by Region and Subregion (USFWS, March 2, 1997) National Wetlands Inventory map of project area (online wetlands mapper found at Web Soil Survey of the project area (online soil survey found at Snohomish County Critical Areas Regulations (CAR), Chapter 30.62A Snohomish County Landscape Imaging Snoscape Website accessed at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map of Snohomish quadrangle (USGS, Version 2011) SalmonScape. Interactive Mapping website administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WETLAND DETERMINATION REPORT Methods The methods used for identifying, classifying, and rating the wetlands in the project area are consistent with current Snohomish County requirements. Wetland Resources staff conducted site visits in April through September, 2012, to locate and verify wetlands and streams occurring within the project area. Wetlands were identified using the on-site, routine methodology described in the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (Washington State Department of Ecology Publication #96-94, March 1997) as required by Snohomish County and City of Lake Stevens. Wetland Resources staff also assessed the site using 2

5 the routine methodology described in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (May 2010). Where differences in the two documents occur, the Regional Supplement takes precedence over the 1987 Manual for applications in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. In general, wetland delineation consisted of two tasks: (1) assessing vegetation, soil, and hydrologic characteristics to identify areas meeting the wetland identification criteria and recording the observations on field data forms, and (2), mapping wetland boundaries using aerial photography and existing survey information. The approximate wetland boundaries can be found on the attached maps. At the time of our 2012 site visits, the weather was sunny with temperatures of approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The following criteria descriptions were used in the boundary determination: Wetland Vegetation Criteria The 1997 edition of the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual defines hydrophytic vegetation as the sum total of macrophytic plant life that occurs in areas where the frequency and duration of inundation or soil saturation produce permanently or periodically saturated soils of sufficient duration to exert a controlling influence on the plant species present. Field indicators were used to determine whether the vegetation meets the definition for hydrophytic vegetation. Wetland Soils Criteria and Mapped Description The 1997 edition of the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual defines hydric soils as soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. Field indicators were used to determine whether a given soil meets the definition for hydric soils. The soils underlying the project area are mapped in the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as follows: Tokul gravelly sandy loam (0 to 8 percent slopes), Mukilteo muck, Pastik silt loam (8 to 25 percent slopes), Puyallup fine sandy loam, and Tokul-Winston gravelly loams (25 to 65 percent slopes). The following soil descriptions are excerpts from the aforementioned soil survey. Tokul Gravelly Loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes is described as moderately deep, moderately well drained soil on till plains. This soil formed in glacial till and volcanic ash. Typically, the surface is covered with a mat of leaves, twigs, and decomposed litter about two inches thick. The surface layer is dark brown gravelly loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil is brown, strong brown, and dark yellowish brown gravelly loam about 18 inches thick. A hardpan is at a depth of about 31 inches. Permeability of this soil is moderate above the hardpan and very slow through it. Available water capacity is moderate. Included in this unit are areas of soils that have slopes of more than 8 percent, McKenna and Norma soils in depressional areas along drainageways on till plains, Terric Medisaprists in depressional areas on till plains, Winston and Pastik soils on terraces and outwash plains, and Ragnar soils on outwash plains. Included areas make up about 25 percent of the total acreage. McKenna and Norma soils are listed as hydric on the Hydric Soils List for Washington State. 3

6 Mukilteo Muck is described as very deep, very poorly drained soil is in depressional areas. It formed in organic material derived dominantly from sedges. Typically, the upper layer is dark reddish brown muck about 4 inches thick. The next layer is dark reddish brown and black organic material about 31 inches thick. Included in this unit are areas of Terric Medisaprists, Orcas Peat, and Mukilteo soils that have been artificially drained. Included areas make up about 10 percent of the total acreage. Permeability of this soil is moderate. Available water capacity is high. Mukilteo and Orcas soils are both listed on the Hydric Soils List for Washington. Pastik silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes is described as a very deep, moderately well drained soil found on terraces. If formed in lake sediment and volcanic ash. Typically, the surface layer is dark brown silt loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil is dark brown silt loam about 6 inches thick. In some areas the surface layer and subsoil are fine sandy loam and loamy fine sand. Included in this unit are areas of Nargar soils on high terraces, Ragnar soils on outwash plains, and Tokul soils on till plains. Included areas make up about 15 percent of the total acreage. Permeability of this Pastik soil is slow. Available water capacity is high. Puyallup fine sandy loam is described as very deep well drained soil on stream terraces. It formed in alluvium of mixed origin. Typically, the surface layer is very dark grayish brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The upper part of the underlying material is dark grayish brown and olive brown fine sandy loam about 20 inches thick. Included in this unit are small areas of Puget soils in depressional areas on flood plains and Pilchuck, Sultan, Sultan Variant and Sumas soils on flood plains. Included areas make up about 15 percent of the total acreage. Permeability of this Puyallup soil is moderately rapid. Available water capacity is moderate. Runoff is slow and rare periods of flooding occurs from November to April. This soil is not listed as hydric on the Washington State Hydric Soils List. Tokul-Winston gravelly loam, percent slopes is described as moderately deep, moderately well drained soil on till plains and terrace escarpments. This soil formed in glacial till and volcanic ash. This unit is about 50 percent Tokul gravelly loan and 30 percent Winston gravelly loam. Typically, the surface is covered with a mat of leaves, twigs, and decomposed litter about 2 inches thick. The surface layer is dark brown gravelly loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil is brown, strong brown, and dark yellowish brown gravelly loam about 18 inches thick. A hardpan is at a depth of about inches. Permeability of this soil is moderate to the hardpan and very slow through it. Available water capacity is moderate. Included in this unit are areas of McKenna and Norma soils in depressional areas along drainageways on till plains, Terric Medisaprists in depressional areas on till plains, Winston and Pastik soils on terraces and outwash plains, and Ragnar soils on outwash plains. Included areas make up about 25 percent of the total acreage. McKenna and Norma soils are listed as hydric on the Hydric Soils List for Washington State. Wetland Hydrology Criteria: The 1997 edition of the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual states that the term wetland hydrology encompasses all hydrologic characteristics of areas that are periodically inundated or have soils saturated to the surface for a sufficient duration during the growing season. It also explains areas with evident characteristics of wetland hydrology are those where the presence of water has an overriding influence on characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and chemically reducing conditions, respectively. 4

7 Additionally, the manual states that areas which are seasonally inundated and/or saturated to the surface for a consecutive number of days 12.5 percent of the growing season are wetlands, provided the soil and vegetation parameters are met. Areas inundated or saturated between 5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season in most years may or may not be wetlands. Areas saturated to the surface for less than 5 percent of the growing season are non-wetlands. Field indicators were used to determine whether wetland hydrology parameters were met on this site. BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS Wetlands were classified according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) system (Cowardin et al., 1979) and rated by categories, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology s Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington Revised. In Snohomish County, buffers are determined by Snohomish County Code (SCC), Chapter 30.62A.320, Table 2b. This project is located within the existing road rights-of-way, where regular maintenance and vegetation management occurs, thus it is assumed that this project would be considered a standard intensity use. Wetland A1 and Stream A are partially located in the City of Lake Stevens and partially within unincorporated Snohomish County. For the areas within city limits, City of Lake Stevens Land Use Code, Chapter , was used to determine buffers. In the City of Lake Stevens, low intensity land uses Includes land uses which are associated with low levels of human disturbance or low habitat impacts, including but not limited to, passive recreation and open space. High intensity land uses are Uses which are associated with moderate or high levels of human disturbance or substantial impacts including, but not limited to, a zone classification allowing four or more dwelling units per acre, active recreation, and commercial and industrial land uses. It is assumed that the project and its surrounding uses would be considered high intensity. Along the portions of the project, physical inspection of the wetland was not possible due to lack of access on private properties. As a result, vegetation and hydrologic attributes were observed from the roadways and the soil survey and professional opinion were used to determine whether areas met the soil parameter for jurisdictional wetlands. 5

8 Wetland A HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category IV Snohomish County Rating: Category IV, 40 Buffer This wetland is located near the northwestern portion of the project area, and extends southwest approximately 30 feet. It drains to a roadside ditch (Stream A) located adjacent to the west. This wetland received a total score for functions of 28 with a habitat score of 12 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores less than 30 points for all functions are classified as Category IV wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category IV wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 40-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 1 & 2: Views of Wetland A Vegetation in this wetland is represented by scrub-shrub areas dominated by Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, FacU), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), with patches of horsetail (Equisetum arvense, Fac) and curvepod yellowcress (Rorippa curvisiliqua, FacW). Soils in this wetland were found to be moist, with a Munsell color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), silt loam from 0-18 inches below the surface, with redoximorphic features of dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6). 6

9 Wetland A1 HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer City of Lake Stevens Rating: Category III, 50 Buffer This wetland is located in the northeastern portion of the project area and extends off-site to the north. It is partially within unincorporated Snohomish County and partially within the city limits of Lake Stevens. This wetland received a total score for functions of 40 with a habitat score of 18 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. In the City of Lake Stevens, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to high intensity land uses typically receive 50-foot buffers from their delineated edges, per Lake Stevens Municipal Code (LSMC) (a). Figures 3 & 4: Views of Wetland A1 Vegetation in this wetland is represented by a forested component dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, FacU), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). The wetland that extends off-site within the City of Lake Stevens is represented by forested vegetation comprised primarily of: red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera, Fac), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), and yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl). During our site investigation, soils were saturated to the surface. From 0 t 18 inches below the surface, soils have a Munsell color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) with dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. 7

10 Wetland B HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the northwestern portion of the project area. Due to the adjacent culvert, this wetland has a highly constricted outlet. This wetland received a total score for functions of 36 with a habitat score of 12 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 5: View of Wetland B Vegetation in this wetland is represented by scrub-shrub areas dominated by salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, FacU), blueberry (Vaccinium ovatum, Nol/Upl), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). At the time of our investigation, the soils were found saturated to the surface. From 0-18 inches below the surface, the soil was a Munsell color of dark gray (10YR 4/1), with a silt loam texture. 8

11 Wetland B1 HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded Ecology Rating: Category II Snohomish County Rating: Category II, 75 Buffer This wetland is located in the northwestern portion of the project area, with Rhodora Heights Rd and Wetland B adjacent to the east. This wetland received a total score for functions of 58 with a habitat score of 16 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 51 and 69 points for all functions are classified as Category II wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 75-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 6 & 7: Views of Wetland B1 Vegetation in this wetland is represented by scrub-shrub areas dominated by salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, FacU), blueberry (Vaccinium ovatum, Nol/Upl), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). Due to a lack of legal access, soils in this wetland were not sampled. However, soils in this wetland are mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as Tokul gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, which contains inclusions of hydric soils. Soils in this wetland appeared to be saturated or ponded during our April 2012 observations. 9

12 Wetland C/D HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad Leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, and extends southward. It is flagged as Wetlands C and D, but it appears that these wetlands converge off-site to the south. This wetland received a total score for functions of 47 with a habitat score of 19 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 8 & 9: Views of Wetlands C/D Vegetation in this wetland is represented by a canopy of western red cedar (Thuja plicata, Fac), red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), with an understory of hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), cascara buckthorn (Rhamnus pershiana, Fac-), stink currant (Ribes bracteosum, Fac), pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes, Nol/Upl), and piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii, Fac). During our site investigation, soils in this wetland were found saturated to the surface, with visible sediment deposits showing signs of recent ponding. From 0-18 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1) and a texture of silt loam. 10

13 Wetland E HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Emergent Wetland, Persistent, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category IV Snohomish County Rating: Category IV, 40 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, adjacent to Wetland C/D just north across Machias Cutoff Rd. This wetland received a total score for functions of 20 with a habitat score of 6 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores less than 30 points for all functions are classified as Category IV wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category IV wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 40-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 10 & 11: Views of Wetland E Vegetation in this wetland is primarily dominated by an emergent areas of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). At the time of our site investigation, the soils were found saturated 4 inches below the surface. From 0-18 inches below the surface, the soils are a silt loam texture with a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1). 11

14 Wetland F HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad Leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 110 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, just east of Wetland C/D. This wetland received a total score for functions of 46 with a habitat score of 22 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with moderate habitat scores (20-28 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 110-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 12: View of Wetland F Vegetation in this wetland is represented by mixed forested and shrub/scrub areas dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa, FacU), yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl), with scattered patches of creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FacW), and lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac). During our site investigation, the soils in this wetland were found saturated to the surface, with ponding over some portions. From 0-18 inches, the soils were a silt loam texture with a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1). 12

15 Wetland G HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-Shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, southeast of Wetland F and extends southwest from Machias Cutoff Road. It drains to a roadside ditch (Stream B). This wetland received a total score for functions of 43 with a habitat score of 15 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 13 & 14: Views of Wetland G Vegetation in this wetland is represented by scrub-shrub areas dominated by dogwood (Cornus sericea, FacW), cascara buckthorn (Rhamnus pershiana, Fac-), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FacW), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii, Fac), and lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac). During our site investigation, soils were found saturated to the surface. From 0 to 4 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) with redoximorphic features of dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) and a loamy sand texture. From 4-18 inches below the surface the soils were black (10YR 2/1) with a silt loam texture and faint dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) redoximorphic features. 13

16 Wetland H HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category II Snohomish County Rating: Category II, 110 Buffer This wetland is located in the southern portion of the project area, and extends southward along Williams Rd. Both Streams B and C drain to this wetland. This wetland received a total score for functions of 51 with a habitat score of 21 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 51 and 69 points for all functions are classified as Category II wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with moderate habitat scores (20-28 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 110-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 15 & 16: Views of Wetland H and associated Type Ns stream Vegetation in this wetland is represented by mixed forested and scrub-shrub areas dominated by pacific willow (Salix lucida, FacW+), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera, Fac), red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea, FacW), hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl), water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa, Obl), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). During our site investigation, soils in this wetland were saturated to the surface, with scattered areas of ponding present. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of dark gray (10YR 4/1) with a silt loam texture. 14

17 Wetland I HGM Class: Riverine Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-Shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category II Snohomish County Rating: Category II, 75 Buffer This wetland is located southeast of the intersection between Williams Rd and Machias Cutoff Road. It is a small fringe wetland associated with Stream I that runs through it. This wetland received a total score for functions of 53 with a habitat score of 19 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 51 and 69 points for all functions are classified as Category II wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 75-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 17 & 18: Views of Wetland I Vegetation in this wetland is represented by scrub-shrub areas dominated by hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl), and lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac). During our site investigation, soils were saturated to the surface, with scattered areas of ponding present. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of dark gray (10YR 4/1) with a silt loam texture. 15

18 Wetland J HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category IV Snohomish County Rating: Category IV, 40 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the project area, near Machias Cutoff Road. This wetland received a total score for functions of 29 with a habitat score of 17 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores less than 30 points for all functions are classified as Category IV wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category IV wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 40-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 19 & 20: Views of Wetland J Vegetation in this wetland is represented by mixed scrub-shrub and emergent areas dominated by salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii, Fac), lady fern (Athyrium filixfemina, Fac), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FacW), horsetail (Equisetum arvense, Fac), and curvepod yellowcress (Rorippa curvisiliqua, FacW). During our site investigation, soils in this wetland were found saturated to the surface with faint redoximorphic features. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) with a silt loam texture. 16

19 Wetland K HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the subject property, along the southern boundary of Machias Cutoff Road. This wetland received a total score for functions of 32 with a habitat score of 16 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 21 & 22: Views of Wetland K Vegetation in this wetland is represented by mixed scrub-shrub and emergent areas dominated by salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), piggy-back plant (Tolmiea menziesii, Fac), lady fern (Athyrium filixfemina, Fac), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). During our site investigation, soils in this wetland were found to be saturated at 7 inches. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils were a Munsell color of grayish brown (10YR 5/2) with redoximorphic features of yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) with silt loam textures. 17

20 Wetland L HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Scrub-shrub Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the property, southwest of the intersection of South Machias Road and Machias Cutoff Road. This wetland received a total score for functions of 45 with a habitat score of 17 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 23: View of Wetland L Vegetation in this wetland is represented by mixed forested and emergent areas dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), Scouler s willow (Salix scouleriana, Fac), hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), and broad-leaf cattail (Typha latifolia, Obl). During our April site investigation, soils were found saturated to the surface. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, soils have a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1) with faint redoximorphic features. 18

21 Wetland M HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category II Snohomish County Rating: Category II, 110 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the project area, just north of the intersection between South Machias Road and Machias Cutoff Road. This wetland received a total score for functions of 57 with a habitat score of 21 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 51 and 69 points for all functions are classified as Category II wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with moderate habitat scores (20 28 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 110-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 24: View of Wetland M Vegetation in this wetland is represented by primarily by Pacific willow (Salix lucida, FacW) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). Due to a lack of legal access, soils in this wetland were not sampled. However, soils in this wetland are mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as Puyallup fine sandy loam, which contains inclusions of hydric soils. Soils in this wetland appeared to be saturated or ponded during our site observations. 19

22 Wetland M1 HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category II Snohomish County Rating: Category II, 110 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the project area, just north of the intersection between South Machias Road and Machias Cutoff Road. It appears to be an extension of Wetland M that was cutoff by an old railroad (now Centennial Trail). This wetland received a total score for functions of 57 with a habitat score of 21 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 51 and 69 points for all functions are classified as Category II wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category II wetlands with moderate habitat scores (20 28 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 110-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Vegetation in this wetland is represented by primarily by Pacific willow (Salix lucida, FacW) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). Due to a lack of legal access, soils in this wetland were not sampled. However, soils in this wetland are mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as Puyallup fine sandy loam, which contains inclusions of hydric soils. Soils in this wetland appeared to be saturated or ponded during our site observations. 20

23 Wetland N HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Emergent Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the southeastern portion of the project area, north of Machias Cutoff Road. This wetland received a total score for functions of 36 with a habitat score of 12 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 25: View of Wetland N Vegetation in this wetland is represented by emergent pasture areas dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), soft rush (Juncus effuses, FacW), and water foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus, Obl). Due to a lack of legal access, soils in this wetland were not sampled. However, soils in this wetland are mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as Tokul- Winston gravelly loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes, and Puyallup fine sandy loam, which contains inclusions of hydric soils. Soils in this wetland appeared to be saturated or ponded during our site observations. 21

24 Wetland O HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the southern portion of the project area, northwest of Wetland N and appears to extend to the north. This wetland received a total score for functions of 34 with a habitat score of 18 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 26 & 27: Views of Wetland O Vegetation in this wetland is represented by an forested overstory of black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera, Fac) and red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), with an understory comprised of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, FacU), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). Due to a lack of legal access, soils in this wetland were not sampled. However, soils in this wetland are mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey as Pastik silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, which contains inclusions of hydric soils. Soils in this wetland appeared to be saturated or ponded during our site observations. 22

25 Wetland P HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, directly north of Machias Cutoff Road and Wetland H. Hydrology is fed by Stream E and drained by Streams C and D. This wetland received a total score for functions of 33 with a habitat score of 17 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 28 & 29: Views of Wetland P Vegetation in this wetland is represented by an forested overstory of black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera, Fac) and red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), with an understory comprised of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), hardhack (Spiraea douglasii, FacW), four-line honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata, Fac+), yellow skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum, Obl), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). During our site investigation, the soils in this wetland were found saturated to the surface. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface the soils are a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1) with a silt loam texture. 23

26 Wetland Q HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Emergent Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the project area, northeast of Machias Cutoff Road and north of Wetland R. This wetland received a total score for functions of 42 with a habitat score of 12 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figure 30: View of Wetland Q Vegetation in this wetland is represented by emergent areas dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), soft rush (Juncus effusus, FacW), sedges (Carex sp., Fac-Obl), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FacW), and hedge nettle (Stachys cooleyae, FacW). During our site investigation, soils were found to be saturated at 10 inches below the surface. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils are a Munsell color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) with redoximorphic features of dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) and a silt loam textures. 24

27 Wetland R HGM Class: Depressional Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Seasonally Flooded/Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the central portion of the property, with Wetland Q adjacent to the north and Machias Cutoff Road forming its border on the west. This wetland received a total score for functions of 42 with a habitat score of 16 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 31 & 32: Views of Wetland R Vegetation in this wetland is represented by a forested component of red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), dogwood (Cornus sericea, FacW), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW), and an emergent component dominated by colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis, Fac) and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FacW). At the time of our investigation, soils were found saturated at 6 inches with scattered ponding in places. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface, the soils were found to have a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1) with a silt loam texture. 25

28 Wetland S HGM Class: Slope Cowardin: Palustrine, Forested Wetland, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Ecology Rating: Category III Snohomish County Rating: Category III, 60 Buffer This wetland is located in the southwestern portion of the project area, on both sides of 124 th Avenue SE near it intersection Williams Road. Stream L flows through this wetland. This wetland received a total score for functions of 44 with a habitat score of 16 on the DOE Wetland Rating Form for Western Washington (Version 2). Wetlands with scores between 30 and 50 points for all functions are classified as Category III wetlands, per SCC 30.62A.230. In Snohomish County, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (<20 points) adjacent to standard intensity land uses typically receive 60-foot buffers from their delineated edges. Figures 33 & 34: Views of Wetland S Vegetation in this wetland is represented by an forested overstory of big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum, FacU; rooted outside wetland boundary) and red alder (Alnus rubra, Fac), with an understory comprised of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Fac+), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, Fac), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FacW). During our site investigation, the soils in this wetland were found saturated to the surface. From 0 to 18 inches below the surface the soils are a Munsell color of black (10YR 2/1) with a silt loam texture. 26

29 Stream A Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer City of Lake Stevens Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream drains northwest from an off-site wetland to the south of the project area. It continues along a roadside ditch that passes under 116 th DR SE and 115 th DR SE, eventually draining to an unnamed, non-fish-bearing stream located approximately 50 feet west of the flagged portion of Stream A within the project area. The stream in the project area is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in both Lake Stevens and Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. Figures 35 & 36: Views of Stream A Stream B Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream drains from Wetland G, continuing southeast in a roadside ditch adjacent to Machias Cutoff Rd, and eventually draining into Wetland H located in the southeastern portion of the project area. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. 27

30 Figure 37: View of Stream B Stream C Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream flows from Wetland P under Machias Cutoff Rd via an existing culvert. It skirts the northeast corner of Wetland H before flowing under Williams Road via an existing culvert, eventually draining into Wetland I located in the southeastern portion of the project area, southeast of the intersection between Williams Road and Machias Cutoff Road. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. Figure 38: View of Stream C 28

31 Stream D Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream flows from Wetland P, continuing southeast in a roadside ditch adjacent to the north side of Machias Cutoff Rd, and eventually drains into Wetland O, located in the southeastern portion of the project area. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. Figure 39: View of Stream D Stream E Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream drains southeast from a culvert that drains Wetland R, located to the north. It flows along the east side of Machias Cutoff Road in a roadside ditch, eventually draining to Wetland P. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of inchannel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. 29

32 Figures 40 & 41: Views of Stream E Stream I Cowardin: Riverine, Perennial, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Np, 50 buffer This perennial stream flows north along Williams Road. As it crosses through Wetland I, the stream turns to the northeast and continues alongside Machias Cutoff Road, eventually passing under the road through an existing culvert and draining to Wetland O. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Np streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. Figure 42: View of Stream I 30

33 Stream K Cowardin: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Ns, 50 buffer This intermittent stream drains southeast from Wetland K along a roadside ditch adjacent to Machias Cutoff Road. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Ns streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. Figures 43 & 44: Views of Stream K Stream L Cowardin: Riverine, Perennial, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type Np, 50 buffer This perennial stream flows through Wetland S and continues west/southwest near Williams Road, eventually turning to the southeast. This stream is not shown as fish habitat on any available maps and is less than two feet wide between its ordinary high water marks. Based on these attributes and an apparent lack of in-channel habitat, it is assumed that this stream does not support fish. Type Np streams in Snohomish County typically receive 50-foot protective buffers. 31

34 Figure 45: View of Stream L Stream M (Williams Creek) Cowardin: Riverine, Perennial, Streambed Snohomish County Classification: Type F, 150 buffer This perennial stream, known as Williams Creek, flows through Wetlands L and M and continues southwest along South Machias Road. This stream is mapped as known as fish habitat and is therefore classified as a Type F stream. Type F streams in Snohomish County typically receive 150- foot protective buffers. 32