SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

Transcription

1 Purpose of checklist: SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST UPDATED 2014 Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal. Instructions for applicants: [help] This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use not applicable or "does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decisionmaking process. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. Instructions for Lead Agencies: Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: [help] For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. A. background [help] 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: [help] Douglas County PUD Columbia Cove Park Shoreline Protection Brewster 2. Name of applicant: [help] Public Utility District #1 of Douglas County Attention: Scott Kreiter SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 1 of 24

2 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: [help] 1151 Valley Mall Pkwy Authorized Agent: Larry Lehman; Grette Associates, LLC East Wenatchee, WA S. Worthen St, Suite Wenatchee, WA Date checklist prepared: [help] April 14, Agency requesting checklist: [help] Douglas County PUD 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): [help] Upon receipt of shoreline permits and during the low reservoir scheduled for September Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. [help] There are no plans for future additions, expansions, or further activity related to this proposal. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. [help] Biological Assessment 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. [help] No 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. [help] Hydraulic Project Approval (WDFW) Section 404 permit (Corps) Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WSDOE) Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (City of Brewster) SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 2 of 24

3 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) [help] The proposed project will consist primarily of minor bank and riverbed excavation and grading, installation of rounded boulder and cobble toe protection, and installation of a bioengineered slope in order to stabilize the Columbia Cove shoreline and protect the existing mature trees located at the top of the bank. This erosion is expected to continue if not stabilized. The design of the shoreline stabilization/protection will secure and stabilize the shoreline with natural and bioengineered materials to eliminate further erosion, eliminate the public safety hazard created from a near vertical shoreline, and increase the quality and quantity of the riparian and aquatic habitats. The proposed bank stabilization/protection will be approximately 215 feet long and consist of a rounded boulder rock toe, geotextile fabric, cobble backfill, coir log and fabric, soil bags, and riparian plantings. This system will protect upland features such as two existing large trees, park area, and an existing parking lot. Present slope erosion due to wave action has created a small bluff that has left a small cobble beach and exposed the tree root systems. The installation of the shoreline stabilization/protection will entail the excavation and grading of an approximately 215 ft stretch of shoreline. The excavation will occur from the top of the existing bank to approximately 25 ft waterward of the OHWM. The distance from the OHWM will vary due to the existing variability in the existing shoreline (5-19 ft). Excavation below the OHWM will entail the removal of up to the initial 2 ft of substrate. These substrates will be placed in the upland portion of the park for reuse in the project. Following excavation, the shoreline will be graded to a 3H:1V slope from the waterward extent of the excavation to the proposed OHWM. The excavation below the OHWM will disturb approximately 4,450 sq ft and will remove approximately 260 cubic yards of cobble and substrates (based on the existing OHWM). The proposed OHWM will be located approximately ft waterward of the existing OHWM, which will result in a minor reduction in aquatic habitat. Landward of the existing OHWM, the shoreline will be excavated and graded at a 1H:1V slope. The width of the excavation above the OHWM (distance from the OHWM) will vary based on the existing shoreline variation and the root system of the existing mature trees. The excavation above the OHWM will disturb approximately 420 sq ft and will remove approximately 35 cubic yards of material (based on the existing OHWM). The material will either be stored on site or removed and disposed of at an appropriate upland site (outside of the 200 ft shoreline zone). Following the excavation and grading of the shoreline, a geotextile fabric will be installed below the OHWM and a coir fabric will be installed above the OHWM. Approximately 4,860 sq ft (~3,400 sq ft below the OHWM) of geotextile fabric and approximately 1,105 sq ft (~585 sq ft below the OHWM) of coir fabric will be installed. The shoreline stabilization/protection will entail the placement of an approximately 2 ft thick layer of native rounded cobble and boulders. The rounded boulders and cobble will be placed at a 3H:1V slope with an embedded toe. Boulders and cobble will be installed at the waterward end of the excavation first. The toe will daylight with the existing ground elevation and be at a 1H:1V slope, reaching 3 ft below the existing ground surface. Boulders and cobble will extend up to approximately NGVD29, which is approximately 0.5 ft above the OHWM. The proposed project will install a total of approximately 300 cubic yards of boulder and cobble over approximately 4,000 sq ft located below the OHWM and approximately 5 cubic yards over approximately 25 sq ft above the OHWM (based on the existing OHWM). The placement of the native rounded boulders and cobble will restore the existing conditions of the shoreline and will not result in impacts associated with the modification of substrates. The cobble backfill will extend from the landward end of the boulders and cobble to within SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 3 of 24

4 approximately 1 ft of the existing top of bank. The cobble backfill will be approximately 1.5 ft thick and will have a slope of approximately 1H:1V. A total of 40 cubic yards of cobble backfill will be installed below the OHWM and 25 cubic yards will be installed above the OHWM (based on the existing OHWM). Waterward of the cobble backfill, starting approximately 0.5 ft above the OHWM, soil bags (ex. Envirolok Bags) will be installed with a slope of approximately 1H:1V. The use of soil bags will allow for vegetation to be planted immediately landward of the OHWM. The soil bags will extend to an elevation of approximately ft, which is the approximate elevation of the existing top of bank. Soil bags will cover approximately 950 sq ft, of which 600 sq ft will be located below the OHWM (existing OHWM; however all bags will be installed above the proposed OHWM). A total of 40 cubic yards of material will be within the soil bags below the OHWM while 10 cubic yards will be used in the soil bags above the OHWM (based on the existing OHWM). Once the soils bags are installed a 12 inch diameter coir log will be installed at the toe of the soil bags along the entire 215 ft stretch of shoreline. Landward of the soil bags and above the cobble backfill, topsoil will be placed to match existing grade. Approximately 1 ft of topsoil will be installed landward of the soil bags. The width of the placement of topsoil varies along the shoreline due to the variation of the existing shoreline. Because the soil bags, cobble backfill, and topsoil will all be installed at a 1H:1V slope these materials will be installed in lifts. The proposed project will install approximately 85 cubic yards of topsoil over approximately 1,180 sq ft. Following the completion of the slope stabilization/protection, native vegetation will be installed within the soil bags and above the top of the bank. Immediately landward of the coir log, a row of live stakes (coyote willow or red-osier dogwood) will be installed along the entire shoreline. These planting will be planted directly into the soil bags at a spacing of 2-3 ft on-center. Landward of the live stakes, nootka rose and snowberry will be installed (spacing of 3-5 ft on-center) within the remainder of the disturbed area (proposed slope and topsoil fill. Additionally, all disturbed areas will be seeded with a native grass mixture. The installation of the native riparian vegetation will provide a buffer between the park and the nearshore shallow water habitat and will also deter the public from utilizing this portion of the shoreline. Overall the installation of the native vegetation will result in an overall increase in riparian habitat over the existing conditions. The proposed project would have very little, if any impact on the existing habitat functions and values at the Columbia Cove Park based on the lack of riparian vegetation, heavy public use, and small area of impact. In addition, the proposed shoreline stabilization/protection will reuse the existing rounded boulder and cobble to ensure that the project will not result in the modification on the shoreline substrates. The existing conditions of the shoreline and riparian area have already been significantly disturbed as part of the construction and operation of the Columbia Cove Park, which significantly reduced the level of habitat functions and values typically provided by these habitat types. Specifically, the riparian area consists of lawn grass and weedy species and several mature trees. The shoreline immediately above the OHWM consists of an actively eroding shoreline that has resulted in a 2-4 ft vertical dirt bank. Waterward of the OHWM, the shoreline consists of gradually sloped boulders and cobble. The proposed project will protect the mature trees located at the top of the bank by eliminating the continued erosion of the shoreline by the placement of soil bags to protect the bank and topsoil to increase the riparian area. The proposed project will not result in any significant adverse impacts to the riparian area or the nearshore shallow water habitat. As stated above, the existing riparian conditions are already significantly degraded and devoid of native riparian vegetation. The proposed project will also result in little if any adverse impacts to the nearshore shallow water habitat at the site. No adverse impacts will occur due to the fact that the pre-project conditions and post-project conditions will both consist of a gradually sloped, rounded boulder cobble shoreline. The existing substrates and approximate slopes of the nearshore shallow water habitat will be extremely similar and will provide the same level of functions and values. Minor adverse impacts associated with the proposed project will be limited to the reduction of aquatic habitat (area located below the OHWM). This reduction in aquatic habitat is a SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 4 of 24

5 result of the grading of the shoreline and installation of the soil bags. The slope of the shoreline will be graded at 3H:1V and will relocate the OHWM waterward of its existing location, due to the fact that the slope immediately waterward of the OHWM are slightly more gradual than the proposed conditions. The location of the landward edge of the soil bags was selected based on the existing mature trees on the top of the bank and the desire to protect the trees. The distance that the soil bags will extend waterward of the OHWM is based on the required 1H:1V slopes. Overall, the proposed project will result in a reduction of approximately 0.02 acre (1,047 sq ft) of aquatic habitat. The adverse impacts associated with the reduction in aquatic habitat are considered minimal due to the fact that the quality of the habitat is low and the area to be lost is very small. The potential impacts associated with the reduction of approximately 1,047 sq ft will be mitigated for by the installation of the 973 sq ft of native riparian vegetation within the soil bags and above the proposed top of bank. The installation of native riparian vegetation will increase the riparian habitat functions and at the site and will result in an improvement of the nearshore shallow water habitat by providing a visual buffer from the park, reducing public use of this portion of the shoreline, and providing organic debris (leaf litter and prey organism) into the river. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. [help] The proposed project is located at the Columbia Cove Park in the City of Brewster, 604 W Bruce Avenue. Parcels , Section 23, Township 30 North, Range 24 East; º N Lat. / º W Long. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [help] 1. Earth a. General description of the site [help] (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other The property consists of nearly flat topography above the top of the bank. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? [help] Approximately 100% below the top of the bank. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. [help] Soils above the OHWM consists of sand and silt with cobble. dominated by boulders and cobble. Below the OHWM the soils are SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 5 of 24

6 d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. [help] The purpose of the proposed project is to stabilize the existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park. e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. [help] The quantities of excavation, fill, and grading will be discussed in relation to the existing OHWM. As a result of the proposed project, the OHWM will move slightly landward of the existing location. The quantities will be based on the existing OHWM and not the proposed OHWM. The proposed project will also occur in the dry; however, the quantities are discussed as if they will occur below the OHWM and above the OHWM. The proposed project will result in the excavation of a total of 295 cubic yards, of which 260 cubic yards will be excavated from below the OHWM. The total area that will be disturbed will be 4,870 sq ft, of which approximately 4,450 sq ft will be located below the OHWM. The substrates that will be removed will consist of boulders and cobble below the OHWM and sands and silt above the OHWM. The material will be removed in order to regrade the shoreline and to allow for the installation of the cobble backfill and soil bags to stabilize the shoreline. Following the excavation approximately 300 cubic yards of boulder and cobble, 40 cubic yards of cobble backfill, and 10 cubic yards of topsoil will be installed below the OHWM. This fill will be placed over 4,180 sq ft of the shoreline. The purpose of the boulder and cobble is to provide protection for the shoreline and the cobble backfill will ensure that the stabilization action will not fail. The topsoil will be installed below the existing OHWM but outside the proposed OHWM and will provide transition between the soil bags and the existing slope. Above the OHWM, approximately 5 cubic yards of boulder and cobble, 25 cubic yards of cobble backfill, and 75 cubic yards of topsoil will be installed. The purpose of these subtrates will be the same as above and will cover approximately 1,025 sq ft. The topsoil will be planted with native vegetation. Approximately 50 cubic yards of soil bags will be installed over approximately 950 sq ft. Of this approximately 40 cubic yards will be installed over 600 sq ft below the OHWM. The soil bags will provide the stabilization of the shoreline. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. [help] The purpose of the project is to protect the existing shoreline from continued erosion. The proposed construction will not result in erosion. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? [help] The proposed project will not result in an increase in impervious surfaces at the site. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: [help] Since no erosion is expected to occur with this project, no control measures have been proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 6 of 24

7 2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. [help] Minimal, short-term emissions will occur as a result of gas-powered construction machinery used to construct the project. Long-term, the project would not increase emissions. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. [help] No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: [help] None proposed. 3. Water a. Surface Water: [help] 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. [help] The property is located on the Columbia River. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. [help] Yes. The proposed project will take place within and adjacent to the Columbia River (all within 200 ft of the shoreline). 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. [help] The quantities of excavation, fill, and grading will be discussed in relation to the existing OHWM. As a resutll of the proposed project, the OHWM will moved moved waterward of the existing location. The quantities will be based on the existing OHWM and not the proposed OHWM. The proposed project will result in the excavation of a total of 295 cubic yards, of which 260 cubic yards will be excavated from below the OHWM. The total area that will be disturbed will be 4,870 sq ft, of which 4,450 sq ft will be located below the OHWM. The substrates that will be removed will consist of boulders and cobble below the OHWM and sands and silt above the OHWM. The material will be removed in order to regrade the shoreline and to allow for the installation of the cobble backfill and soil bags to stabilize the shoreline. Following the excavation approximately 300 cubic yards of boulder and cobble, 40 cubic yards of cobble backfill, and 10 cubic yards of topsoil will be installed below the OHWM. This fill will be placed over 4,180 sq ft of the shoreline. The purpose of the boulder and cobble is to provide protection for the shoreline and the cobble backfill will ensure that the stabilization action will not fail. The topsoil will be SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 7 of 24

8 installed below the existing OHWM but outside the proposed OHWM and will provide transition between the soil bags and the existing slope. Above the OHWM, approximately 5 cubic yards of boulder and cobble, 25 cubic yards of cobble backfill, and 75 cubic yards of topsoil will be installed. The purpose of these subtrates will be the same as above and will cover approximately 1,025 sq ft. The topsoil will be planted with native vegetation. Approximately 50 cubic yards of soil bags will be installed over approximately 950 sq ft. Of this approximately 40 cubic yards will be installed over 600 sq ft below the OHWM. The soil bags will provide the stabilization of the shoreline. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help] No. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. [help] No. There is no mapped floodplain on the Columbia River in this location. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. [help] No waste material will be discharged. b. Ground Water: 1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help] No. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals... ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. [help] No waste material will be discharged. c. Water runoff (including stormwater): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. [help] No surface water runoff management will be required as a result of this project. The proposed property is virtually flat and the proposed project will not result in runoff. The proposed project will not impacts the existing drainage on the site. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 8 of 24

9 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. [help] No waste materials will enter ground or surface waters. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: No proposed. 4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: [help] deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other _X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other _X shrubs _X grass pasture crop or grain orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? [help] The proposed project will protect the existing mature trees located at the top of the bank. The vegetation present on the shoreline consists of lawn grass and weedy species. The excavation for the installation of the cobble backfill and installation of topsoil will result in the disturbance of approximately 1,020 sq ft of the existing lawn grass. No native vegetation will be disturbed. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help] Species listed under the ESA that may be present in the vicinity of the property include Ute ladies - tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis threatened). No Ute ladies -tresses were identified on site, and suitable habitat is not present. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: [help] Overall, the majority of the proposed project will not result in impacts to that will require compensatory mitigation. The disturbance to the riparian area and the disturbance to the existing shoreline (both SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 9 of 24

10 above and below the OHWM) will not result in adverse impacts due to the fact that the existing conditions are degraded and the proposed conditions will provide the same if not slightly increased habitat functions. Specifically, the proposed shoreline below the OHWM with be constructed with approximately the same gradual slope and will consist of similar native, rounded boulders and cobbles (the existing boulders and cobbles will be reused). The potential impacts of the proposed project will be the loss of approximately 1,047 sq ft of aquatic habitat. As stated above, this loss of aquatic habitat is due to the relocation of the OHWM in order to reestablish a stable shoreline slope with soil bags and construct a gradually sloped shoreline. The potential impacts of the project would be minimal due to the low quality of habitat currently provided by the site and the small area of impact. The potential impacts of the project will be mitigated for by the installation of native riparian vegetation within the soil bags and above the top of the proposed bank. In total, approximately 973 sq ft of native riparian vegetation will be installed along the proposed shoreline. The installation of native riparian vegetation will result in an increase in riparian habitat and will reduce the public use of this portion of shoreline. The proposed mitigation will ensure that the proposed project will not result in a loss of riparian and aquatic habitat function and value at the site. The proposed mitigation will entail the installation of native riparian vegetation within the soil bag slope and above the proposed top of the bank. Immediately landward of the OHWM live stakes will be installed into the soil bags at a spacing of 2-3 ft on-center. The live stakes will extend approximately 3 ft landward of the OHWM, which is approximately the height of the soil bags. Species to be installed includes coyote willow and red-osier dogwood. Landward of the live stakes the top of the slope and the topsoil fill will be planted with native riparian shrubs at a spacing of 3-5 ft on-center. Species to be installed will include nootka rose and common snowberry. Additionally, all disturbed areas will be seeded with a native grass mixture. In total, approximately 973 sq ft of native vegetation will be installed on the constructed shoreline. The mitigation planting would result in an increase in native vegetation along the shoreline that would not only provide habitat functions and values on the property but would also result in the export of resources downriver of the project. To ensure the success of the planting areas, a five-year monitoring plan would be conducted to determine percent survival of the installed mitigation. During the first two years after planting 100 percent survival would be required within each planting area. During years three through five after planting 80 percent survival would be required, within each planting area. The plantings must be allowed to remain as long as the launch and handling float are present. Individual plants that do not survive must be replaced with an individual of the same species, or a similar species with approval from Douglas County. A Riparian Restoration Monitoring Report would be completed and submitted to the permitting agencies annually following completion of the riparian plantings. The applicant would be responsible for ensuring that the Riparian Restoration Monitoring Reports are submitted on the schedule and that success measures are met. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Vegetation present on or adjacent to the subject property includes yellow flag iris, blackberry, and Siberian elm. Milfoil is present near the site. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 10 of 24

11 5. Animals a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Examples include: [help] birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help] Species listed under the ESA that may be present in the vicinity of the Project Area include the Upper Columbia River Spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha - endangered), Upper Columbia River steelhead (O. mykiss endangered), Columbia River bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus threatened) and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus threatened). c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. [help] Yes. The area is also used as a migration route by waterfowl. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: [help] The proposed project will have no negative impact on water quality, water supply, recreation, or aesthetics of the Columbia River. The project has been designed to protect the existing shoreline from continued erosion in an effort to protect the existing large trees and the safe public use of the park. The project has been designed to utilize a soft shoreline solution to protect the shoreline form further erosion. Instead of utilizing riprap to armor the shoreline, the proposed project will utilize soil bags. The soil bags will primarily be placed above the OHWM and will allow for the planting of native riparian vegetation within the bags. This will result in a fully vegetated slope. The shoreline below the OHWM will be sloped at 3H1V and will utilize native boulders and cobble to protect the shoreline. The existing shoreline consists of rounded boulders and cobble, which will be reused and installed below the OHWM. The use of native rounded boulders and cobble will ensure that the proposed substrates will be similar to the existing shoreline substrates (minimal change in substrates conditions). The project will eliminate the existing vertical, eroding bank and provide a more stable, vegetated shoreline that will result in a greater level of habitat function. The project will also protect the existing large trees located within 5 ft of the OHWM. Without the proposed project the existing large trees will eventually fall over into the river and be removed, which would eliminate the riparian function provided. The protection of these trees will protect the existing riparian functions at the site. The proposed project will also significantly minimize the potential impacts by completing the construction in the dry. The PUD is proposing to lower the reservoir in September 2015 (for other maintenance activities) and this will completely dewater the site. By completing the project in the dry, all potential construction impacts will be eliminated. However, if the permits for the project are not obtained in a timely manner the proposed project will be completed in the wet during the approved inwater work window. If that is the case, a silt curtain will be installed surrounding the project area to protect water quality. Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be employed to reduce the potential for construction-related impacts on species and habitats. The following BMPs will be followed for this Project: A Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan will be developed prior to the commencement of any construction activities and will be used for the duration of the project. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 11 of 24

12 A copy of the SPCC plan with any updates will be maintained at the work site by the Contractor and will provide advanced planning for potential spill sources and hazardous materials (gasoline, oils, chemicals, etc.) and will outline roles and responsibilities, notifications, inspection, and response protocols. Care will be taken to prevent any petroleum products, chemicals, or other toxic or deleterious materials from entering the water. If a spill were to occur work would be stopped immediately, steps would be taken to contain the material, and appropriate agency notifications would be made. Fuel hoses, oil drums, or fuel transfer valves and fittings, etc., shall be checked regularly for drips or leaks, and shall be maintained and stored properly to prevent spills. All upland soil disturbed areas will be protected in accordance with standard BMPs as outlined in the WA Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington. A detailed Upland Erosion & Sediment Control Plan will be developed by the Contractor prior to the start of construction. The Plan will include descriptions of project site specific work equipment, activities and approaches, and the corresponding BMPs and Water Quality Protection measures that will be implemented for conformance with the permit requirements and conservation measures outlined herein. Excess or waste materials will not be disposed of or abandoned waterward of the OHW line, or allowed to enter waters of the state. The contractor shall have a spill containment kit, including oil absorbent materials, on site to be used in the event of a spill or if any oil product is observed in the water. The contractor will be required to capture any debris associated with project construction and not allow it to enter the Columbia River Stormwater catch basins within the vicinity of the work area will be protected with inserts in accordance with WDOE Standard BMP #C220. This will include within areas that receive stormwater runoff from proposed access locations and upland work areas within the project area limits. Turbidity and other water quality parameters will be monitored to ensure construction activities in conformance with Washington State Surface Water Quality Standards, or other conditions as specified in the WDOE Water Quality Certification (WQC). Appropriate BMPs will be employed to minimize sediment loss and turbidity generation during excavation, re-handling, rock installation and other earth disturbing activities. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None. 6. Energy and natural resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. [help] No energy will be required to meet the completed projects need. If lights are proposed as part of the permitting then solar power will be utilized. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. [help] No. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 12 of 24

13 c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. 7. Environmental health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. [help] No environmental health hazards are associated with this project. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None known 2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. None known 3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. None known 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. None required. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: Environmental health hazards are not expected through the development of this project. Only approved construction materials will be used in construction of this project. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? [help] No noise exists in the surrounding area that would affect the project. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 13 of 24

14 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. [help] Typical construction equipment operation (excavator and truck noise) will occur at the site. This noise will only occur during construction activities and will be limited to daylight hours. Long term use will be the same as the existing level of noise. The use of the existing shoreline may decrease due to the installation of native riparian vegetation. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. 8. Land and shoreline use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. [help] The current use of the property is a public park and boat launch, with associated parking, jointly owned and operated by Douglas PUD and the City of Brewster. The upland is primarily lawn grass, paved parking areas, access roads and park amenities (basketball court, covered picnic areas, playground, etc). The use of the adjacent upland properties are residential (with existing single family residences), transportation (7 th St N and W Bruce Ave), orchards, public facilities (operated by the City of Brewster) and open public area. The current use of the adjacent property waterward of the OHWM is public lands associated with the Wells Hydroelectric Project. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? [help] No No 1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: c. Describe any structures on the site. [help] Structures currently on the property include a boat launch, two handling docks, playground, basketball court, pump house, two bathrooms and three covered picnic areas. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? [help] No structures will be demolished. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 14 of 24

15 e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? [help] Public Use f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? [help] Public Use g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? [help] Suburban h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. [help] No; however, the shoreline of the Columbia River (aquatic and riparian) are protected. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? [help] None. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? [help] None k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: [help] Approval for this project will be obtained from the City of Brewster m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: None proposed. 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. [help] None b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. [help] SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 15 of 24

16 None c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. 10. Aesthetics a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? [help] There are no structures proposed as part of this project. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? [help] No views in the immediate vicinity will be altered or obstructed as a result of the proposed project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. 11. Light and glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? [help] None. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? [help] No c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? [help] No off-site sources of light that will affect the proposal currently exist. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: [help] None proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 16 of 24

17 12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? [help] Informal recreational opportunities in the immediate vicinity include fishing, boating, water skiing, and other typical water sports. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. [help] No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: [help] No measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation are proposed. 13. Historic and cultural preservation a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe. [help] The site is within the Pateros Archaeological District; no contributing sites are known to be within project boundaries. b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. [help] None known on or adjacent to the site. c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. [help] There is little potential to disturb cultural and historic resources as the project will occur in a portion of the shoreline that has been significantly disturbed as part of the historic and current use of the site. There are no previously recorded archaeological resources at this location and the upland soil is composed of fill. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. Contractors and workers will be informed to immediately stop work if artifacts of historical or cultural importance are found. If any are found, work will immediately stop and the land owner (Douglas Co. PUD) will be notified along with the Washington State Historic Preservation Office. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 17 of 24

18 14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. [help] SR 97 passes through Brewster, which provides access to 7 th St N, which provides access to Bruce Ave. and the park. b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? [help] No c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? [help] No new parking spaces will be required; no parking spaces will be eliminated. d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). [help] No new roads or road improvements will be required for the project. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. [help] The project will not facilitate a transportation use. The primary access to the site is and will continue to be by road. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? [help] No vehicular trips would be generated by the complete project. g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. No. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: [help] No measures are proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 18 of 24

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20 Photograph 1: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park. Photograph 2: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 20 of 24

21 Photograph 3: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park, mature tree to be protected. Photograph 4: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park, with root of mature tree to be protected. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 21 of 24

22 Photograph 5: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park, with root of mature tree to be protected. Photograph 6: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park, with root of mature tree to be. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 22 of 24

23 Photograph 7: Existing boulders and cobbles along the shoreline that will be reused. Photograph 8: Existing boulders and cobbles along the shoreline that will be reused. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 23 of 24

24 Photograph 9: Existing boulders and cobbles along the shoreline that will be reused and existing erosion at one of the tree locations. Photograph 10: Existing eroding shoreline at the Columbia Cove Park, with tree/roots to be protected. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC ) May 2014 Page 24 of 24