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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEP2021-00005 - SEP Letters / Memos - 3/17/2021 (3)�.z saP2ol1-caxDS 51+XZOZL -0000 RE IVE D 5-711 Waterman West East Dock Re Habitat Manage December 11, 2020 t Plan Site Address: 12 Beach Dr. 6999 East Highway 106 Union, WA For: Watermark Estate Management Services 10230 NE Points Dr., Suite 200 Kirkland, WA 98033 MARINE SURVEYS & ASSESSMENTS 380 Jefferson Street Port Townsend WA 98368 360-385-4073 msa@marinesurveysandassessments.com Table of Contents 1 Project Overview 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Applicant Information 1 1.3 Project Location 1 1.4 Project Description 2 1.4.1 West Dock Description 2 1.4.2 East Dock Description 3 1.5 Construction Details 7 1.6 Action Area 8 2 Species and Habitat 9 2.1 On Site Habitat Information 9 2.2 Mason County 10 2.3 State Priority Habitat & Species 10 2.3.1 Forage Fish 10 2.4 Federal ESA Species & Critical Habitat 11 2.4.1 Puget Sound Chinook 12 2.4.2 Hood Canal Summer -run Chum 13 2.4.3 Bull Trout 13 2.4.4 Puget Sound Steelhead 14 2.4.5 Rockfish 14 2.4.6 Marbled Murrelet 15 2.4.7 Humpback whale 16 2.4.8 Leatherback Sea Turtle 16 2.4.9 Southern Resident Killer Whale 16 2.4.10 Green Sturgeon 17 3 Effects of the Proposed Action 17 3.1 Direct Effects 17 3.1.1 Water Quality 18 3.1.2 Pile Driving Noise 19 3.2 Indirect Effects 20 3.2 1 S ahnonid Migratory Pathway Alteration 20 Watermark HMP MS&A I i 3.2.2 Increased Predation 21 3.2 3 Shading Impacts 21 3.2.4 Boating Impacts 22 3.2.5 Sediment Scour 22 3.3 Impacts to FEMA Floodplain 22 3.4 Cumulative Effects 23 3.5 Inten-elated/Interdependent Effects 24 4 Conservation Measures to Avoid & Minimize Impacts 24 5 Take Analysis 25 6 Determination of Effect 26 7 Conclusions 27 7.1 No Net Loss Evaluation 27 References 28 Attachment 1. Essential Fish Habitat Assessment 35 Attachment 2. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Puget Sound Chinook and Hood Canal Summer -run Chum 37 Attachment 3. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Bull Trout 39 Attachment 4. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Nearshore Rockfish 41 Appendix 1. Habitat Report 42 List of Tables & Figures Table 1. National Marine Fisheries Service/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Designated Critical Habitat .... 11 Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Figure 8. Figure 9. 2 West Dock Proposed Site Plan 3 East Dock Proposed Site Plan 5 Proposed East Dock Elevation View 5 East Dock Moorage Float Detail 6 WDFW Documented Forage Fish Spawning Habitat 11 FEMA Flood Map (arrows indicate docks to be replaced) 23 Department of Ecology Shoreline Photo (dated 5/24/1993) 32 Department of Ecology Water Quality Atlas Map 33 Watermark HMP MS&A I ii Figure 10. Photo of the existing West Dock 33 Figure 11. Photo of the existing East Dock (looking north) 34 Figure 12. Photo of the existing East Dock (looking east) 34 Watermark HMP MS&A I iii 1 Project Overview 1.1 Introduction The project proposal is along a shoreline of statewide significance, within fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (FWHCA), and is also within a FEMA 100-year floodplain. This report addresses the FEMA Habitat Assessment requirements including an assessment of impacts. This report has been prepared to demonstrate that the project will meet the standards for overwater structures under Mason Country Code (MCC) 17.50.32(B) and the goals of Mason County's Shoreline Master Program (SMP); it also includes a No Net Loss evaluation. 1.2 Applicant Information Name: c/o Ray Nelson at Watermark Estate Management Services Mailing Address: 10230 NE Points Drive, Suite 200 Kirkland, WA 98033 1.3 Project Location Section 33, Township 22N, Range 3W Site Address: 6999 East State Route 106 (Site H & K), Union, WA Parcels: 32233-50-00010 (west) and 32233-50-00902 (east) in Mason County Latitude/Longitude: 47.348790°/-122.071061° (west pier) 47.348460°/-122.070031° (east pier) Waterbody: lower Hood Canal The project location is seen in Figure 1. Watermark HMP MS&A I 1 Figure 1. Vicinity Map Service La}er Credits: Eouro:: E=ri, Maxar, GeoE}e, Earthst r Geographies, CNES,'hirbus CS, USE , USGS, h_roGRIC, IGN, ar•d the GIS User Community Eouro- • Esri, HERE, Garmir,, USGS, InErmap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, E=riJa.pan,1','ETI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thaila": , NGCC, Op_nStreetMap 1.4 Project Description 1.4.1 West Dock Description The proposal is to remove the existing structures which have been in place since at least 1993 and replace them with a new pier, ramp, and float within the footprint of the existing structures (Figure 2). The proposed structures will use a more fish friendly design and materials to reduce habitat impacts. Current structures include an existing 116'+ sectional walkway float that extends over tidelands into Hood Canal. The shoreward end of the float abuts a low concrete bulkhead that is set 10 ft shoreward of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM). There are five (5) floating walkway sections out to three (3) finger floats. All of the floating portion of the structure sits on the tidelands when the tide level recedes below a +4 ft MLLW tide. All of the float sections are solid decked. All the float sections are secured by seven (7) large diameter creosote -treated timber piles embedded into the beach. The float sections and piles are deteriorating and need to be replaced. The proposal is to remove all the existing float sections and creosote piles and replace them with a new fixed pile pier, ramp, and moorage floats. The replacement structures include the following: • New 8' 1" x 34' pier consists of (6) 8-inch galvanized steel piles driven to refusal with galvanized steel cap beams welded to two piles each. A new 8' 1" x 28' fully grated Watermark HMP MS&A 12 aluminum framed pier will be bolted to the new galvanized steel cap beams. 8" tall curbs will be installed along the length of the pier and ramp. • The new fully grated aluminum framed ramp will connect to the new pier on the shoreward end and rest on the main walkway float. • There will be two (2) fully grated aluminum framed main walkway floats (measuring 8' 1" x 54' in total) and three (3) fully grated aluminum framed finger floats (each measuring 5.5' x 20'). Walkway and finger floats will connect with heavy galvanized steel float hinges. The floats will be secured with (5) 10-inch galvanized steel piles and include float feet to prevent grounding on tidelands. • The new structures will replace the existing structure in the same location and the same configuration. No change in size, shape, or location is proposed. • The existing boatlift and mechanical equipment will be re -installed on the new floats. Figure 2. West Dock Proposed Site Plan I�.I•I1•���•1: �i1:1•�it•�~301i/.CI� liNl /.ilti::•11••r` a.1z.)11taid WATER SUDE 10 BE RE -INSTALLED / / / / / 1 1 (4) PROJECT COMM fl THIS DOCUMENT Is PICMIEWf PROPERTY OF WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC.. NC 1! NOT TO SE USED, IN %HOIE OR N PART. FOR ANY OTHER PROJECT 1IRIOUT THE WR1TTE N AUTHORIZATION OF RY1TUVRONT CONSTRUCTION INC. (3) PROPOSED EXTERNAL 10' ► STEEL PLES 1 1 1 I I (5) PROPOSED FORTS I (6) P8. / SSTTEEL PLES 1 1 1 1 1 1 I / W �' 1 / I / % /I/ / / "% 1 7 / / /! / / / 1 / / / I / / I 1 110'f FR00 KILL 1/ '1 1(3) EXISTING JETISKI FIATS � 1 ,1 TO BE RETAINED/ 1 & RE-INSTALLEQ 4 1�` / \ \ .4 — / 1 I ... ‘'(7) (8) '(°) (10) 1 '1 11 1 0116POSED PLAN VIEW 16' 8' 4' 0' 16' .' \ \\\ 1 \ \ \ 1 \ \ 1 \ \ 1 EXTSRNO PROPOSED NET CHANGE PIER 0 S/F 274.8 S/F +274.8 RAMP 0 S/F 228.3 S/F +228.3 FLOATS 1293 S/F 764.5 Si, -508.5 GRATING 0 S/F 1173.1 S/F +1173.1 PILING 7 11 +4 I 1II , 1.,CONCRETEWALKWAY I 1 I 1 1 TO REMMN - - 1 11 1 .►- 04 r 1 % 11 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 % 1 1 I. 1 1 1 (1 1) 1'(`2) (13) (114) 1 1 j 1 1 1 11T0 INCLUDE CURDS ON 1 1 11 1 1 FIXED PER & RAMP 1 I 11 1 1 1 REVISED I 1-21- 02o REFERENCE 4: WPUCANT: WATERMARK ESTATE MGMNT SERV.. LLC PROPOSED: DOCK/FLOAT REPLCEMENT SHEET' 0 OF:9 NEAR/AT: O1MG/:18-32049-A2-6H UNION/HOOD CANAL OA T E: 9 -23- 2 02 0 1.4.2 East Dock Description The proposal is to remove the existing structures which have been in place since at least 1993 and replace them with a new pier, ramp, and float within the footprint of the existing structures. Watermark HMP MS&AI3 The proposed structures will use a more fish friendly design and materials to reduce habitat impacts. Current structures include an existing 26-ft fixed pile pier and 156'+ sectional moorage float that extends over tidelands into Hood Canal. The fixed pile pier starts upland of a low concrete bulkhead and extends a few feet seaward of the bulkhead located at the eastern edge of the property. There are six (6) floating walkway sections out to a large moorage float. All of the floating portion of the structure sits on the tidelands when the tide level recedes below a +5 ft MLLW tide. The entire existing pier and floats are solid decked except for two sections of grating on the large moorage float. All of the float sections are secured with anchors embedded into the beach with chain and heavy ropes connecting the anchors to the float sections. The existing pier, walkway floats, moorage float, and anchors are deteriorating and need to be replaced. The proposal is to remove all of the existing structures and associated anchors and replace them with a new pier, ramp, and floats (Figure 3). The replacement structures include the following: • A new 7' 11" x 85' (overwater) fully grated aluminum framed pier will be constructed in multiple sections. A 6' 8" x 24' fully grated section of pier will be behind the bulkhead. The pier will have twelve (12) 8-inch and four (4) 4-inch galvanized steel support piles driven to refusal with galvanized steel cap beams welded to the top of the piles. The pier sections will be secured to the cap beams. The 4-inch pin piles will be installed behind the existing bulkhead (Figure 3). • A new 7' 11" x 28' fully grated aluminum framed ramp will connect to the seaward end of the pier and the small connecting float. • A small connecting float will be secured by two (2) 10-inch steel piles and supported by two 2' x 6' x 20" float tubs and two 2' x 4' x 20" float tubs (Figure 5). • The new 20'3" x 34'3" fully grated aluminum framed moorage float will be secured by (6) 10-inch steel piles. Eight (8) SeaFlex anchor rodes will connect to the float's exterior frame on one end with the other end connected to a steel pile or i-beam float stops. The SeaFlex rodes will allow the float to move vertically with the tides but prevent lateral movements (Figure 5 and 5). • Flotation for the moorage float will be four (4) foam -filled HDPE pontoons installed under the entire length of the moorage float (Figure 5). • A new float stop grid will be installed to prevent the moorage float from grounding out at low tides. Float stops will be installed on the eight (8) 10-inch piles and an additional 12 HDPE-lined pontoon cradles will be installed along the beams of the grid to help support the float at low tides and prevent it from grounding out. The 10-inch piles will not project above the float deck to allow for seaplanes to safely access the float without damaging the wings. See Figures 4 and 5 for more detail on the float stop system. • The new fully grated aluminum structures will replace the existing structures in the same location and the same configuration. No change in size, shape or location is proposed. Watermark HMP MS&A 14 Figure 3. East Dock Proposed Site Plan 1 1 1 1 (5) stt L4 lizNattlIgTO EMMA 11113St:T.TrIZi:i%:n_• CL ER8 in f.• 411::•11•islh.*tc 112:41 l / [I•II&tm (6) PROPOSED 694t SF FLOATS W/ (8) 10' STEEL PILES PROPOSED TEMPORARY SILT FENCE (SEE SHEET 8 FOR DETAIL) PROPOSED NET CHANGE EXISTING PIER 159 S/F 608 S/F +447 RAMP 0 S/F 222 S/F +222 FLOATS 1681 S/F -885 778 S/F GRATING 194 S/F 1873 S/F +1479 PIUNG 0 24 +24 FOOTPRINT 1820 S/F 1816 S/F -4 OVERWATER SQUARE FOOTAGE - 1681.5 S/F TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE o 1816 S/F PROJECT OESXMED BY: PROPOSED 237.5 SF RAMP KFVISIil) l l-?3-2020 (7) TO INCWOE IiE—OOOIGNED FLOAT THIS 000JWENT IS Pft tLU4f/ PROPERTY OF WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC., ANO 5 NOT TO BE USED, IN WHOLE 0R IN PART. fon ANY OTTER PROJ[DT WITNOUT THE WRITTEN AUTIIORUATION OF WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC. f 7'-11' PROPOSED 833.5 SF FIXED PIER W/ (12) 8' STEEL PILES & (4) 4 PIN PILES / (10) HTL/OHWL 0 11.45' (11) (12) / 13) (14) PROPOSED PLAN DETAIL VIEW 16' 8 4' 0' 18' SCALE: 1/10-sal. oasnNG CONCRETE BULKHEAD_TO REMAIN -._IP'._ REFERENCE 4: APP CNit. WATERMARK ESTATE MGMNT SERV., LLC PROPOSE): REMOVE & REPLACE EXISTING FLOATS & SEA -PLANE MOORAGE FOR VESSEL SMKF 6 9 EAR/AI : UNION/HOOD CANAL IN DATF 9-23-2020 10-32¢19- -§K __, Figure 4. Proposed East Dock Elevation View RAMP & PIER LEFT OUT OF THIS —\\ VIEW FOR CLARRY 5►-2" 4'-8"f (2) PRO 2'x6'x20" & (2) _ 2'x4'x20" HIGH —DENSITY FLOAT TUBS (4) PROPOSED 24"e HDPE FOAM —FILLED PONTOONS PROPOSED FLOAT W/ (8) SEA —FLEX TENDONS 34'-3" f 311*****ffl��Ij•��III•I f I•I /• �' '�'f�'�I'�I�������i�I�I�, , �I�1`l�I�I���I`I4i/`� .�.►�I��tI�/��I�I�I������������������1�����ti��4 '� c�������` N/ems/�s/• 11�����, ����������� ��������r - ,/ ..Ir ./ ./ ,// � ./f. f .I/./�./ �; ..�/.//./f.,�,.//./f, ff.I/. j. ,��,,►.//./�,// If. fj /I /I'/Il ,* *No`/f�//tff�j/�hs, , ff`jf'`jf.I �j./�. ff. ff. ff. ►�I.//./�.// i f . f •\/Vs�� �1 ��``�������a`/���`����������������``�1�f / (4) PROPOSED W10x49 /�f`f�` `•``SECTIONS TO ANCHOR SEA —FLEX TENDONS 1' (8) PROPOSED 10" Sl tEL PILES W/ W10x49 FLOAT STOPS PREVENTING FLOAT FROM GROUNDING OUT PROPOSED ELEVATION: E 3 8' 4' 3' 2 1' 0' 8' SCALE: 1 /8"=1' (12) PROPOSED HDPE—UNED PONTOON CRADLES Watermark HMP MS&A 5 Figure 5. East Dock Moorage Float Detail 3x3" SQUARE ALUMINUM TUBE SIMILAR TOP & BOTTOM 2x4" RECT. ALUMINUM TUBE (DIAGONAL & PERPENDICULAR LONG) TUDINALS) 13'± 34'-3" (*) (") N44070.0,,,000#0, SOS*, (*) c t r=- 111 3' T 4'± 4'± 4'± 4'± 20' 4't 4'± 4'±_ T 3' 1 201-3" (*TO OUTSIDE OF 1" FASCIA) PROPOSED FLOAT FRAMING DETAIL 8' 4' 3' 2' 1 ' 0' 8' SCALE: 1 /8"-1' PROPOSED PIER MATERIAL UST (8) PROPOSED 10" STEEL PILES W/ (4) W-10x49 FLOAT STOPS PREVDONG FLOAT FROM GROUNDING (2) PROPOSED 2'x8'x20" FLOAT TUBS (2) PROPOSED 2'x4'x20" FLOAT TUBS OUTER FOOTPRINT 118' SPECS TREATMENT PART EXTERNAL PIUNG GALVANIZED 12" STD WALL Slut PIPE CAP :EAM ASSY GALVANIZED 1" STEEL BAR / W6x15 GRATING FIBERGLASS NONE ALUMINUM NONE PIER TU : ING HARDWARE STAINLESS OR HDG. STEEL PROPOSED FLOAT MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS SEAFLEX ANCHOR RODES (8) LOCATIONS (4) PROPOSED 24"0 FOAM -FILLED HDPE PONTOONS • 34'-3" • -• 10.01. ( 1 i 1 20'-3" TOTAL AREA OF GRATING - 737 SF AREA OF FUNCTIONAL GRATING - 449 SF OR 61 % OF TOTAL GRATING ON FLOATS FLOAT TUB LAYOUT SCALE: 1 /8"-1' fl SEAFLEX ANCHOR RODES IN (8) LOCATIONS TO CONNECT BTWN FRAMING & 10" STEEL PIUNG/I-BEAM FLOAT STOPS. TO INCLUDE RE —DESIGNED REVISED 11-23-2020 PROPOSED RAMP MATERIAL. UST FLOAT PART SPECS TREATMENT GRATING _ FIBERGLASS NONE RAMP TUBING ALUMINUM NONE HARDWARE STEEL STAINLESS OR HDG. PART SPECIFICATIONS TREATMENT PILING 10" STD WALL STEEL PIPE GALVANIZED FLOAT STOPS 12" STD STEEL I -BEAM GALVANIZED FLOAT NAILERS ALUM. SQ. TUBE NONE FLOAT TRUSS FRAMING ALUM. RECT. TUBE NONE FLOAT FASCIA 1 x12" COMPOSITE FASCIA NONE FLOAT GRATING FIBERGLASS NONE HARDWARE STEEL STAINLESS OR HDG PROJECT DESIGNED BY: Wat/Ifrfsrc;I iI; Ccn ri I,:i;i,: t, THIS OCCUM NT IS PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC., AND IS NOT TO BE USED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FUR ANY OTHER PROJECT WITHOUT THE WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION INC. REF-tXENCE #: APPLICANT: WATERMARK ESTATE MGMNT SERV., LLC PROPOSED: REMOVE & REPLACE EXISTING FLOATS FOR VESSEL do SEA —PLANE MOORAGE SHEET: 9 OF: 9 NEAR/AT: UNION/HOOD CANAL DATE:9-23-2020 DWG#:18-32049-A2-9K Water nark HMP MS&A6 1.5 Construction Details Pre -fabrication construction: The proposed aluminum framed pier, ramp, and float will be prefabricated in the contractor's Seattle Yard. Site preparation: If required by Mason County, a pre -construction site meeting will be scheduled with County staff and the construction crew. The tidelands will be examined waterward of pier to ensure safe access corridor for barge to reach float and pier without the risk of grounding on sensitive aquatic vegetation or hitting a large rock that could damage the barge hull. Construction access: Construction access to site will be from the water only via the construction barge. On site construction: The proposed project involves the following: • Using the barge mounted construction crane, remove the existing overwater structures and associated piles and anchors. • All construction debris will be placed in 20 c/y containers on the construction barge. • Using a vibratory pile driver from the barge crane, drive all new galvanized steel piles to support the aluminum pier sections and to secure the float sections. • Install galvanized steel cap beams and secure to pier support piles. • Set aluminum pier section and secure to the steel cap beams. • Set the moorage floats in place and secure to float mooring piles and walkway floats. • Connect ramp to seaward end of the pier and set waterward end of ramp on new moorage float. • Dispose of all construction debris at an approved upland disposal site. Equipment used: Crane barge will be used to deliver materials, equipment, and crew to the site. Crane will be used to remove existing structures and place them into the 20 c/y containers. Piles to be driven with the barge mounted construction crane using a vibratory pile driver. Small power tools and hand tools will also be used to complete the project. Materials used: Material consists of aluminum framed float with plastic foam -filled moorage tubs, aluminum framed pier sections, and aluminum framed ramp. Both pier, ramp, and float facilities will have grated decking and galvanized steel pipe piles and galvanized hardware. Work corridor: The barge would operate offshore during construction to avoid disturbances to the tidelands or upland shoreline. Staging areas and equipment washouts: All staging area activities will occur on the barge. Once the project has been completed construction equipment will be transported to contractor's Waterinark HMP MS&A 17 yard where washouts will occur in a contained area of the contractor's yard to ensure runoff does not enter the marine water column. Stockpiling areas: Construction equipment and materials will be stockpiled and staged on the construction barge with no disturbance to the tidelands or uplands. Running of equipment during construction: Equipment will be running off and on throughout the on -site construction phase. All equipment will be kept in good running order and will only be running when required. Clean-up: Existing structures and all construction debris will be loaded onto the barge and held on the barge in a 20 c/y container bins. Debris will be barged to the contractor's Seattle yard, offloaded into trucks and transported to an approved upland disposal site for recycle or disposal. No vegetation will be disturbed so re -vegetation is not proposed. Project timing: All proposed construction will occur within the approved work windows and take place during daylight hours. Work will be coordinated with high tides for deliveries and pile driving/construction and the barge will move offshore during low tides. Duration of construction: Onsite project work will take a 3-4 work weeks for each dock, depending on tides. 1.6 Action Area The "project area" is the area within and around the footprints of the docks. The project area also includes areas used for staging materials and equipment and accessing the site. The "action area" includes any areas with potential ecological effects from short-term construction activities or long-term habitat modifications. Short-term construction impacts would include potential turbidity effects from pile installation and removal, as well as noise effects. For impact assessments during potential fish migration, the distance at which underwater pile driving noise attenuates to ambient sound levels is generally considered the project action area, even though the radius of potential injury is a much smaller area (CalTrans 2015). The NMFS prescribed acoustic thresholds are: • 150 dBRms threshold for fish behavioral impacts • 120 dBRms threshold for marine mammals behavioral impacts for continuous (vibratory pile driving) For this project, the following equation was used to delineate the action area where sound exposure levels (SELs) from pile driving could cause behavioral effects in fish (150 dBRms) since the likelihood of marine mammals being present is low: Watermark HMP MS&A 18 R2 = Ri x 10^((dBRI-dBthreshold)/15) Where, R1= distance of known/measured sound level R2= estimated distance that a sound will attenuate to prescribed acoustic threshold For sound levels measured 10 meters away during vibratory pile driving of 12-inch steel pipe pile, there was a peak of 171 dB, 155 dBRms, and 155 dBsEL (CalTrans 2015, Table I.2-2.). The action area for a maximum of 10-inch piles for vibratory pile driving is then calculated to be approximately 21.5 meters where sound is anticipated to attenuate to 150 dBRms. This action area also includes potential turbidity effects from pile driving (25 ft around each pile as defined by the USACE). 2 Species and Habitat 2.1 On Site Habitat Information A SCUBA survey was performed on September 28, 2020 from approximately 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the project site located at 6999 E. Highway 106, Union, WA. Bryan De Caterina and Darby Flanagan from Marine Surveys & Assessments used SCUBA to run transects in the area of 2 existing docks where replacement structures are proposed to identify flora, fauna, substrate types and other qualitative information relative to the proposed project. Weather was clear and sunny; water visibility was 6 to 10 feet. Nine (9) transects were surveyed from the baseline along MHHW/bullchead at the western end of the site near West Dock. Eleven (11) transects were surveyed from the baseline along MHHW/bulkhead at the eastern end of the site near East Dock. The area of the survey ranged in elevation from +8 ft MLLW near the bulkhead to -5 ft MLLW at the seaward extent of the 500-ft survey transects. Substrate is pea gravel and mud throughout with some areas of cobble. Oysters were observed in many areas. Macroalgae identified at the site included some small areas of Ulva (10-75% cover) and foliose red algae (1-5%). Salt -tolerant vegetation in the upper -shore zone included: • Plantago maritima (Seaside Plantain) 10-15% cover • Salicornia 5-30% cover • Jaumea carnosa (Fleshy Jaurnea) 30-40% cover • Atriplex patula (Spear Saltbrush) 10% cover • Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass) 5-10% cover Watermark HMP MS&A 1 9 Zostera manna eelgrass was observed only at the seaward ends of the 500-foot long transects of the moorage dock survey area. No Laminariales or other kelp species were observed in the survey areas. The full habitat report and map can be seen in Appendix 1. 2.2 Mason County The project site is located on a shoreline that is designated as "Residential" under the Mason County SMP, which would allow for recreational overwater structures (17.50.080 (A)(4)). The proposed work would occur below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) which would place it in FWHCA. The marine intertidal and subtidal portions of the proposed project site would be considered critical areas under MCC 8.52.170, particularly due to intertidal areas supporting surf smelt spawning and the oyster beds at the project site; eelgrass was found 400+ ft from the site. Species of Importance listed under MCC 8.52.170 that may occur near the project site or be affected by the proposed project are discussed in the following sections. 2.3 State Priority Habitat & Species The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) mapper indicates surf smelt spawning habitat, estuarine and marine wetland, oyster beds, and purple martin breeding area at the project site. Dungeness crab is mapped waterward of the action area. WDFW PHS and Salmonid Stock Inventory (SaSI) data document resident coastal cutthroat, coho, winter steelhead, and fall chum in a stream approximately 650 ft immediately west of the project site; resident coastal cutthroat are documented in two streams to the east with the closest being approximately 450 ft from the project site. All three streams are outside of the action area, however, these salmonid species may travel past the project site. 2.3.1 Forage Fish Migrating salmon utilize baitfish such as Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus), and surf smelt (Hypornesus pretiosus) as prey resources. These forage fish form a very important trophic link between plankton resources and a wide variety of predatory marine organisms as well as providing food for marbled murrelets and bald eagles. According to WDFW, there is documented surf smelt spawning habitat along the shoreline (Figure 6). Watermark HMP MS&A 110 Figure 6. WDFW Documented Forage Fish Spawning Habitat Forage Fish Spawning Map - Washington State Forage Fish Spawning Data Sand Lance Spawning smelt Spawning Herring Spawning Pre -spawner Herrring Holding Areas WADNR Aquatic Reserves Forage Fish Survey Data Sand Lance Spawning Smelt Spawning MEE This map displays sand lance, smelt, herring spawning areas, herring pre -spawner holding areas, and the forage fish spawning survey beaches in Washington State. USDA FSA, GeoEye, Maxar I Washington Department of Natural Resources Aquatics Division ( These data were collected by WDFW staff with contributions from the North Olympic Salmon Coalition and the Friends of the San Juans. I Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife I Esri, HERE, Garmin I 1 0.4mi 2.4 Federal ESA Species & Critical Habitat For each listed species with the potential to be in the project action area, the listing status, distribution of species, and relevant life history traits are presented in the sections below. Salmon species that utilize streams nearby will also be included as they may migrate past the project site. For species with critical habitat within the action area (Table 1), a detailed Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat is included with this report as an attachment (see Attachments 2 - 4). Table 1. National Marine Fisheries Service/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Designated Critical Habitat NMFS/USFWS Critical Habitat Action Area 2014) Y Final Nearshore Rockfish Critical Habitat (NMFS, Final Deepwater Rockfish Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2014) N 2005) N Chum Salmon Critical Habitat (NMFS, for Puget Sound Chinook Salmon ,Y Marine (NMFS, Critical 2005) Habitat 2005) N Freshwater Puget Sound Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat (NMFS, Critical Habitat for Puget Sound Steelhead (NOAA, 2016) N Watermark HMP MS&AI11 Marine Critical Habitat Hood Canal Summer -run Chum Salmon (NMFS, 2005) Y N Southern Resident Killer Whale Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2006) Steelhead Trout Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2005) N Y Bull Trout Final Critical Habitat (USFWS, 2010) Marbled Murrelet (USFWS, 2016) N Northern Spotted Owl (USFWS, 2012) N Leatherback Sea Turtle Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2012) N Green Sturgeon Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2009) N Southern Eulachon (NMFS, 2011) N Proposed Humpback Whale Critical Habitat (NMFS, 2019) N 2.4.1 Puget Sound Chinook Puget Sound Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), also called the king salmon, are distinguished from all other Pacific salmon by their large size. Most Chinook in the Puget Sound are "ocean -type" and migrate to the marine environment during their first year (Myers et al. 1998). They may enter estuaries immediately after emergence as fry from March to May at a length of 401nm or they may enter the estuaries as fingerling smolts during May and June of their first year at a length of 60-80 mm (Healey 1982). Chinook fry in Washington estuaries feed on emergent insects and epibenthic crustaceans (gammarid amphipods, mysids, and cumaceans). As they grow and move into neritic habitats, they feed on decapod larvae, larval and juvenile fish, drift insects, and euphausiids (Simenstad et al. 1982). These ocean -type Chinook use estuaries as rearing areas and are the most dependent of all salmon species on estuaries for . survival. The Puget Sound Chinook is listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened according to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (70 FR 37160; June 28, 2005). In addition, NMFS has designated critical habitat for 12 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast salmon, including the Puget Sound Chinook Salmon ESU. The portion of the project footprint and action area below the line of extreme high water is in an area designated as critical habitat for the Puget Sound Chinook ESU (70 FR 52685; September 2, 2005). The project site and action area are within Puget Sound Chinook marine critical habitat. According to queries of the SaSI data (WDFW), the closest Chinook riverine presence is outside of the action area in the Tahuya River to the north and the Skokomish River to the southwest. There is also documented Chinook presence in Mission Creek and the Union River at the end of the Hood Canal (SaSI, WDFW). This species may emigrate past the project site. An "Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Puget Sound Chinook" is provided in Attachment 2. Watermark HMP MS&A 112 2.4.2 Hood Canal Summer -run Chum In Puget Sound, chum spawning grounds are situated near coastal rivers and lowland streams. Puget Sound chum typically spawn from September to March (WSCC 2003). Chum (along with ocean -type Chinook) spend more time in the estuarine environment than other species of salmon (Healey 1982). Residence time in the Hood Canal ranges from 4 to 32 days with an average residence of 24 days (Simenstad et al. 1982). Juvenile chum consume benthic organisms found in and around eelgrass beds (harpacticoid copepods, gammarid amphipods and isopods), but change their diet to drift insects and plankton such as calanoid copepods, larvaceans, and hyperiid amphipods as their size increases to 50 - 60 mm (Simenstad, Fresh, & Salo 1982). Chum move offshore and switch diets when presented with a lack of food supply (Simenstad et al. 1982). NMFS has listed the Hood Canal summer run chum ESU (Oncorhynchus keta) as threatened under the ESA (70 FR 37160; June 28, 2005). NMFS designated critical habitat for the Hood Canal summer -run chum ESU shortly after (70 FR 52739; September 2, 2005) and it includes the entire Hood Canal and contiguous shoreline north/northwest, ending past Dungeness Bay near Sequim. Hood Canal Summer -run chum critical habitat is within the action area. No streams near the project site have documented summer chum presence; the Tahuya River and Union River (both over one mile away) are the closest with documented summer chum presence (SaSI, WDFW). It is possible this species might migrate past the project site. An "Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Hood Canal Summer -run Chum" is provided in Attachment 2. 2.4.3 Bull Trout Coastal -Puget Sound bull trout (Saivelinus confluentus) have ranged geographically from northern California (at present they are extinct in California) to the Bering Sea coast of Alaska, and northwest along the Pacific Rim to northern Japan and Korea. Bull trout are members of the char subgroup of the salmon family. Spawning occurs typically from August to November in streams and migration to the open sea (for anadromous populations) takes place in the spring. Eggs and juveniles require extremely cold water for survival. Temperatures in excess of about 15 degrees C are thought to limit bull trout distribution (Rieman & McIntyre, 1993). They live both in fresh and marine waters. Some migrate to larger rivers (fluvial), lakes (adfluvial), or saltwater (anadromous) before returning to smaller streams to spawn. Others (resident bull trout) complete all of their life in the streams where they were reared. Habitat degradation, dams and diversions, and predation by non-native fish threaten the Coastal Puget Sound population (64 FR 58910; November 1,1999). Watermark HMP MS&A ( 13 All populations of bull trout including the Coastal -Puget Sound populations, were listed as threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1999 (64 FR 58910; November 1, 1999). USFWS designated critical habitat for bull trout in 2010 (75 FR 63898; October 18, 2010). The project site is along shoreline designated as critical habitat for bull trout. The Skokomish River is the nearest stream (over 3 miles away) with documented bull trout presence (SaSI, WDFW). It is unlikely this species would migrate past the project site as there are no streams east of the project site that are documented as being utilized by bull trout, but they may forage in the nearshore environment of the project site. An "Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Bull Trout" is provided in Attachment 3. 2.4.4 Puget Sound Steelhead Steelhead is the name given to the anadrornous form of the species Oncorhynchus mykiss. The freshwater residents are called rainbow trout. Steelhead can return to the ocean after spawning and migrate to freshwater to spawn again, unlike Pacific salmon. Steelhead fry can spend one to two years in freshwater before heading to the open ocean, where they may stay for two to four years before returning to Washington streams. Steelhead migrate quickly through Puget Sound and into the open sea as individuals or in small groups (PSEMP 2012). Unlike Chinook, steelhead do not have a long term feeding and growth period in Puget Sound nearshore areas (PSEMP 2012). NMFS has listed the Puget Sound steelhead (O. mykiss) as a threatened species under the ESA (72 FR 26722; May 11, 2007). Critical habitat has been finalized for the Puget Sound steelhead distinct population segment (81 FR 9252; February 24, 2016). There is no designated critical habitat for steelhead in the action area. There is designated critical habitat in the Skokomish River and Tahuya River as well as in Mission Creek and the Union River towards the end of the Hood Canal with a few designated streams in between. According to queries of WDFW's SaSI data, there is documented presence of winter steelhead in a stream within 0.5 mile to the west side of the project site. This species may migrate past the project site. 2.4.5 Rockfish Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) and yelloweye (Sebastes ruberrimus) rockfish remain in the upper part of the water column as larvae and pelagic juveniles. Around 3 to 6 months old, bocaccio rockfish settle into intertidal, nearshore habitat; they prefer to settle in rocky reefs, kelp beds, low rock, and cobble areas (Love et al. 2002). Juvenile yelloweye rockfish are usually found in the upper extent of the adult depth range instead of in intertidal habitat (Studebaker- et al. 2009). As both species grow larger, they move into deeper waters. Adults are found around rocky reefs and coarse habitats. Marine habitats high in complexity are associated with higher Watermark HMP MS&A 114 numbers of rockfish species (Young et al. 2010). Adult yelloweye and bocaccio rockfish generally inhabit depths from approximately 90 ft to 1,400 ft (Love et al. 2002). Both species are opportunistic feeders, with their prey dependent on their life stage. Predators of adult rockfish include marine mammals, salmon, other rockfish, lingcod, and sharks. NOAA has listed the distinct population segments (DPSs) of yelloweye (Sebastes ruberrimus) as threatened species under the ESA and listed the Georgia Basin DPS of bocaccio rockfish (Sebastes paucispinis) as endangered (75 FR 22276 April 28, 2010). The Georgia Basin refers to all of Puget Sound, including the area around the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Georgia, north to the mouth of the Campbell River in British Columbia. The western boundary of the Georgia Basin runs from east of Port Angeles to Victoria in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Critical habitat for both species was designated in 2014 (79 FR 68042; November 13, 2014). The proposed project is in the designated nearshore rockfish critical habitat. Although these species have the potential to be present within the action area, the effects of this project are expected to be minimal, if at all. Adult rockfish and juvenile yelloweye rockfish are commonly found in deeper water than exists at the project site. Shallow, intertidal, nearshore waters in rocky, cobble, and sand substrates (with or without kelp) can provide suitable substrate for juvenile (3-6 month old) bocaccio rockfish. However, the highest densities of juvenile rockfish are found in areas with floating or submerged kelp species, which was not observed at this site. It is more likely any juvenile bocaccio rockfish in the area inhabit the eelgrass that was found 400+ ft waterward of the site as little to no submerged aquatic vegetation was found around the docks (Appendix 1) . An "Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Rockfish" can be found in Attachment 3. 2.4.6 Marbled Murrelet Marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marrnoratus) are small marine birds in the Alcidae family. They spend most of their time at sea and only use old growth areas for nesting. In the critical nesting areas, fragmentation and loss of old growth forest has a significant impact on the survival and conservation of the species (WDW 1993). Adult birds are found within or adjacent to the marine environment where they dive for sand lance, sea perch, Pacific herring, surf smelt, other small schooling fish and invertebrates. Marbled murrelets have been listed as threatened by the USFWS since 1992 (57 FR 45328; October 1, 1992). Critical habitat was designated by USFWS in 1996, revised in 2011, and reviewed again in 2016 to determine if the ESA definition of critical habitat was being met (81 FR 51348, August 4, 2016). Watermark HMP MS&A 115 There is no critical habitat within close range of the project and there are no nests close to the project site (WDFW, USFWS). Due to the presence of surf smelt spawning habitat in the area, it is possible that marbled rnurrelets may forage in the action area. 2.4.7 Humpback whale NMFS has listed the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) as an endangered species that may occur in Puget Sound (81 FR 62260; September 8, 2016). Critical habitat was proposed by NMFS in 2019, but does not include any portion of the Hood Canal (84 FR 54354; October 9, 2019). In at least the last three years, no humpback whales have been documented in the action area or in the Hood Canal (Orca Network), therefore, it is unlikely that any humpback whales would be impacted by this project. 2.4.8 Leatherback Sea Turtle NMFS has listed the Pacific leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) as an endangered species that may occur in Puget Sound (35 FR 8491; June 2, 1970). There is no designated critical habitat for Pacific leatherback turtles in Puget Sound at this time; it is designated along the outer coast of Washington state (77 FR 4170; January 26, 2012). Breeding habitat for leatherback sea turtles in Washington does not exist, even though they are occasionally seen along the coast (Bowlby et al. 1994). Leatherback sea turtles are rarely seen in Puget Sound (McAllister, pers. comm.). It is highly unlikely leatherback turtles would be found near the project site. 2.4.9 Southern Resident Killer Whale The Southern Resident population consists of three pods: J, K and L. According to Wiles (2004), "While in inland waters during warmer months, all of the pods concentrate their activity in Haro Strait, Boundary Passage, the Southern Gulf Islands, the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and several localities in the southern Georgia Strait." During early autumn, these pods, especially J pod, extend their movements into Puget Sound to take advantage of the chum and Chinook salmon runs. Resident killer whales spend more time in deeper water and only occasionally enter water less than 5 meters deep (Baird 2001). On November 15, 2005 NMFS listed the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) as endangered under the ESA (70 FR 69903; November 18, 2005). NOAA Fisheries has designated critical habitat for killer whales: "Critical habitat includes waters deeper than 20 ft relative to a contiguous shoreline delimited by the line of extreme high water." (71 FR 69054; November 29, 2006). Waterrnark HMP MS&A 116 According to the Southern Resident Killer Whale Sighting 1990-2013 map (Olson 2014), there were no sightings in quad #435 during July -February work window. There are few killer whale sightings in the Hood Canal and when they are sighted, it is usually in the northern portion of the Hood Canal. Due to the shallow nature of the project site and the low number of sightings, this species is not expected to be present during construction. 2.4.10 Green Sturgeon On April 7, 2006, NMFS determined that the Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris; hereafter, "Southern DPS") is at risk of extinction in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range and listed the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (71 FR 17757; April 7, 2006). Critical habitat for the threatened Southern DPS green sturgeon was subsequently designated by NMFS in 2009 (74 FR 52300; October 9, 2009). Southern DPS green sturgeon occupy coastal bays and estuaries from Monterey Bay, CA to Puget Sound, WA. Observations of green sturgeon in Puget Sound are much less common compared to the other estuaries in Washington State. Green sturgeon have a complex anadromous reproductive cycle and do not reach reproductive age until 15 years old for males and 17 years old for females; female green sturgeon are thought to spawn every 5 years (NMFS, 2002). Activities of concern in Puget Sound include dredging and capping, which could affect benthic habitats, alter water flow and water quality (NMFS, 2009). There is no designated critical habitat for green sturgeon in the action area. 3 Effects of the Proposed Action When reviewing all of the data, the direct and indirect effects of the project on the listed species and their critical habitat should be considered. Impacts to ESA -listed species and critical habitats are based on current baseline conditions versus historic pre -development conditions, where existing structures are considered an element of the environmental baseline at the time of a proposed action. 3.1 Direct Effects When considering the direct effects of the proposed project, one must determine if the proposed project will immediately reduce or destroy the listed species and/or their habitat. The potential, direct impacts caused by the construction process include increased noise and impacts to water quality. Watermark HMP MS&A 117 3.1.1 Water Quality Increased turbidity caused by pile removal and vibratory pile driving could have adverse effects on salmon and bull trout. The impact level depends on duration of exposure, concentration of turbidity, the life stage during the increased exposure and the options available for the fish to avoid the plumes. The effects can be discussed in terms of lethal, sublethal or behavioral (Nightingale and Simenstad 2001a). Variations in suspended sediment concentration can also negatively impact species composition, biomass, algal growth and can affect secondary production as well (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991; Kahler et al. 2000). Filter feeders can have blockages in feeding structures which affects their feeding efficiency, in turn reducing growth rates, increasing stress or in some cases can result in death (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991). Suspended sediments can also impact salmonid fishes by increasing mortality rate, reducing growth rate and/or reducing resistance to disease, modifying natural movements, interfering with development, reducing prey abundance and fish catch methods (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991). For this project, during pile installation, turbidity effects are expected to be localized and brief; a silt curtain will also be used to help reduce turbidity. The area where turbidity impacts may affect the listed fish has been defined by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a 25 ft radius around each pile. However, turbidity is much more localized with pile installation than it is with pile removal. To be more reserved in our analysis of turbidity from activity associated with pile work, we will discuss turbidity from pile removal as it tends to generate more turbidity than pile driving. In terms of turbidity generated by vibratory pile removal, the following results were noted in "Jimmycomelately Piling Removal Monitoring Project" (Weston Solutions 2006): "Based on TSS measurements from fixed OBS sensors, the primary source for sediment resuspension was prop wash from the tug boat as it maneuvered the barge to and from pile removal locations. This influence was increased by "live boating," the use of the tug to continuously hold the barge on location, which was necessitated by the absence of operating spuds to hold the barge in position. TSS concentrations resulting from the tug's prop wash often exceeded 50 to 100 mg/L. To provide some perspective, the Washington State Water Quality Limits for AA waters is 5 NTU (approximately 5 mg/L) above background. Generally, elevated TSS concentrations did not remain for more than five minutes; however, on one occasion, a turbidity plume was observed from the work station to the shore and near the mouth of Jimmycomelately Creek. It should be pointed out that the former log yard is located in very shallow waters and it is not uncommon to have elevated turbidity from wind waves in this area. Watermark HMP MS&A 118 The extraction of the pile resulted in greater increases in TSS, with average concentrations of 40 mg/L near the pile and 26 mg/L at the sensor located 5 to 10 meters from the pile (approximately 30 and 16 mg/L above background, respectively). The turbidity plume during extraction, although larger than observed during activation of the vibratory hammer, did appear to be finite; however, it was difficult to determine how long the turbidity plume persisted, because the tug boat prop wash would overwhelm the signal from the pile removal soon after the pile was pulled." A positive effect on water quality would result from the removal of creosote -treated piles. Creosote is a broad term encompassing coal tar creosote, coal tar, and coal tar pitch wood preservatives. Concern with creosote -treated wood comes from the presence, leaching, and outgassing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Effects associated with organics like PAHs depend on a variety of factors including route of exposure, duration and concentration, chemical composition, organism sensitivity, life stage affected, organism potential for detoxification/excretion, and the organism's physical condition (Johnson et al. 2007, Vines et al. 2000). Nevertheless, compounds in creosote degrade in water extremely slowly since they can also cling to suspended particles and aggregate in sediments near the creosote piles, where organisms can then consume them (Johnson et al. 2007, Vines et al. 2000). Toxicity to organisms varies; however, many are considered carcinogens and endocrine disruptors for many species (Dickey and Huettel 2016). 3.1.2 Pile Driving Noise Exposure to elevated in -water sound levels can lead to a variety of impacts to fish, including behavioral, stress and physiological responses, and injury to hearing organs (including temporary or permanent hearing loss), and structural and cellular damage (including barotrauma to organs and potentially lethal damage to gas -filled structures such as swim bladders) (Hastings and Popper 2005, Halvorsen et al 2011). These effects are usually associated with impact pile driving and the associated high levels of sound pressure underwater. In this respect, vibratory pile driving (which is proposed for this project) is considered to be a better alternative to avoid in -water noise impacts to fish. Feist et al. (1992) reported that salmonids could be expected to hear pile driving noise approximately 2,000 ft from the source. Based on the studies at the Everett Holneport, these researchers concluded that pile driving did alter the distribution and behavior of juvenile pink and chum salmon. It is also possible that noise from pile driving will mask the approach of predators. As calculated in section 1.5 above, 21.5 meters is where sound is anticipated to attenuate to 150 dBiuvts (the threshold for fish behavioral impacts). Marine mammals, such as killer whales and humpback whales, can also be impacted by pile driving noise. Migration, resting, and foraging behaviors may be altered in response to noise Watermark HMP MS&A 119 effects from pile driving. Using the equation mentioned in section 1.5 above, vibratory pile driving sound is expected to attenuate to 120 dBis approximately 1 mile away; which is a conservative estimate as land masses would keep most of the in -water noise from propagating to the west or the south. Due to the low sightings of killer whales and humpback whales in lower Hood Canal, a marine mammal monitoring plan has not been prepared. 3.2 Indirect Effects When considering the indirect effects of the proposed project on the listed species and their habitat, one must determine the effects that might occur later in time, after completion of the project. The dock replacements would continue long-term impacts in lower Hood Canal; however, creosote removal and the addition of grated surfaces would result in a net benefit to the marine environment. 3.2.1 Salmonid Migratory Pathway Alteration It is generally accepted that overwater structures in the nearshore environment can alter migration behavior of juvenile salmon; though these effects may vary depending on the design and orientation of the structure, degree of shading, and the presence of artificial light (Simenstad et al. 1999). Simenstad et al. (1999) summarized the following observations from previous studies on fish migration behavior with regard to overwater structures: • delays in their migration due to disorientation caused by lighting changes • loss of schooling refugia due to fish school dispersal under light limitation • a change in migratory route into deeper water, without refugia, to avoid the light change. However, the significance of these effects is not clear. Nightingale and Simenstad (2001b) state, "Presently, although we know that under some conditions small juvenile salmon will delay or otherwise alter their shoreline movements when encountering an overwater structure, the conditions under which this behavioral modification is significant to the fishes' fitness and survival is relatively unknown." A study by Williams et al. (2003) at the Mukilteo ferry terminal, found that, "Salmon fry were observed in all nearshore habitats during each transect sampling period (day and night). The fry were observed under a wide range of PAR values (0.0 µmol m-2 s-1 to 2370 µmol m-2 s-1). Fry were observed both outside the terminal and underneath the terminal at all times, and shadows produced by the 10-m-wide terminal structure did not appear to act as bathers to fry movement at this location." Chum and pink salmon fry were the most abundant species at this study site. Responses to overwater structure also seem to vary by species. After reviewing literature on juvenile salmon use of nearshore habitats, notable conclusions Weitkamp (2003) made were: all Watermark HMP MS&A 120 species of juvenile salmon avoided areas with substantial changes in light intensity, Chinook juveniles preferred widely spaced piles over densely spaced piles that create dark conditions, chum fry do not seem to alter their course to avoid piers, and coho responses to light varied by study. Grating will be incorporated into the proposed docks and measures will be incorporated to prevent the proposed floats from grounding out; therefore, the current baseline conditions will not be altered in a way that would cause additional pathway alteration to migrating salmonids. 3.2.2 Increased Predation Historically, there is little evidence of docks aggregating salmonid predators in the Puget Sound (Ratte & Salo 1985; Cardwell et al. 1980; Nightingale and Simenstad 2001b). Dock associated structures, such as breakwaters, may serve as marine mammal haulout areas, but there is limited evidence that suggests these mammals are particularly targeting small out -migrating juveniles. It might be assumed that birds would be interested in small migrating juveniles, but there is no evidence that docks provide an aggregation site for predatory birds (Taylor and Willey 1997). An additional concern about the impacts of overwater structures on migrating salmon is that they will be forced to move out into deeper water, where they will be consumed by predatory fish species. However, in the Williams study cited above, the authors noted: "We found no evidence that avian, marine mammal, or fish predators consumed more juvenile salmon near WSF terminals than along shorelines without overwater structures. Few species appeared to be targeting abundant fry in nearshore habitats, and we observed only two occasions in which predators (one tern sp., one staghorn sculpin) had consumed juvenile salmon." The authors also state: "Our analysis of fish diets at the Mukilteo ferry terminal provides one piece of conclusive evidence that juvenile salmon were not a major dietary component of predatory fish species during our study." 3.2.3 Shading Impacts Shading caused by overwater structures can reduce or eliminate eelgrass, macroalgae, and other epibenthic organisms resulting in reduced prey and refugia resources for salmonids (Simenstad et al. 1999; Nightingale and Simenstad 2001b). The proposed structure will have functional grating installed to minimize shading impacts. The existing floats which are proposed to be removed have mostly solid decking. The minimum number of piles needed to secure the docks will be Watermark HMP MS&A 121 used. Float feet and a float stop grid will prevent the proposed floats from grounding out. All of these design parameters will minimize shading impacts. 3.2.4 Boating Impacts Boating activity can cause damage to the aquatic habitat due to prop scour and increased turbidity. In several studies, aquatic vegetation and benthic organisms were found to be absent or greatly reduced in areas where boat traffic was high and the propellers were within one foot of the bottom (Chmura and Ross 1978). Lagler (1950) found that propellers within approximately 14 inches of the bottom removed all plants and silt within a swath approximately 5 ft wide. Conversely, boat use over deeper water can actually stimulate aquatic plant growth by increasing the dissolved carbon dioxide and increasing water circulation (Warrington 1999). It is assumed that most boating activity adjacent to the dock will be at slow speeds. Little macroalgae was found around the docks and the closest eelgrass was documented 400+ ft waterward (Appendix 1). 3.2.5 Sediment Scour As noted by Ratte and E. O. Solo (1985) and Penttila and Doty (1990), piles can impact the water flow around the piles, thereby altering the bathymetry in the adjacent area. Nightingale and Simenstad (2001b) also noted that piles can affect water direction and intensity, which could result in altered substrate distribution and associated detritus. Nightingale and Simenstad (2001b) observed that "...widely spaced piles allow currents to flow freely and sediment is essentially unaffected." The piles for the proposed project are spaced apart as far as possible to minimize sediment scour and water circulation impacts. 3.3 Impacts to FEMA Floodplain The site is within the intertidal zone of marine waters, categorized by FEMA as a Special Flood Hazard Area Zone AE (EL 14 ft) (Figure 7). This habitat assessment describes impacts to habitat functions associated with the proposed dock replacements within the 100-year floodplain (the marine waters of lower Hood Canal). There will be temporary noise and turbidity impacts associated with construction that will extend beyond the project footprint and into the action area within the adjoining floodplain. However, long-term adverse impacts are not anticipated as the proposed docks will be updated to include grated surfaces to reduce shading impacts and measures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides; creosote -treated piles will also be removed. This assessment demonstrates that there will be no long-term adverse effects from replacing the two docks at the site. This finding also applies to the adjoining floodplain and the state, county, and federally listed species and their habitat within the floodplain. Avoidance and minimization Watermark HMP MS&A 122 measures, as well as Best Management Practices, presented in Section 4 will prevent impacts to species and their habitat within the adjoining floodplain. Figure 7. FEMA Flood Map (arrows indicate docks to be replaced) National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette 123c424 %Y 47 2111Tt FEMA Legend 5 30.1'; C O4'. F t'ff, ti/)U/101 9 hirs 'Dr )tWmtry. Nif ti^Ct 1ial 0.' `vL'Jr 242.0. 4/ +. 0 250 500 1,000 1.500 t• Feet 2.000 1:6,000 111'1411 W •IPW4rN SEE AS REPORT FOR DETAILED LEGEND AND INDEX MAP FOR ARM PA.NCL LAYOUT SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS OTHER AREAS OF FLOOD HAZARD OTHER AREAS GENERAL STRUCTURES OTHER FEATURES MAP PANELS 9 Without Base Flood Elevation (BFE) riot! t ¥ .143 With BEE Or Depth tax at .sa .fir r!_ Ay Regulatory Floodway 02% Annual Chance Flood Hazard. Areas of 1% annual chance flood with average depth Tess than one foot or with drainage areas of less than one square mile : Future Conditions 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to Levies. See Notes.: Area with Flood Risk due to Levee: , NO emus Area of Minimal Flood Hazard : • - Effective LOMRs Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard — — — • Channel Cuhert. or Storm Sewer 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Levee. Dike, or Floodwall 2O2 Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance In Water Surface Elevation - Coastal Transect e'i--- Base Flood Elevation Line (GTE) Limit of Study Jurisdiction Boundary Coastal Transect Baseline Profile Baseline Hydrographic Feature Digital Data Available No Digital Data Available Unmapped Trio pin displayed on the map is an approximate point selected by the user and does not represen an authontaUve property location. Thls map complies with FEMA's standards for the use of digital flood maps If it Is not void as desaibod below. The basemap shown complies with FEMA's bascmap accuracy standard, The flood hazard Inhumation is derived directly from the authoritative NFHL web senices provided by FEMA. This map oaf exported on 11 1tl 202') .it 4 ie. Fht and does not reflect changes or amendments subsequent to this data and time. The NFHL and effective Information may change a become superseded try new data over time. This map Imago Is void If the ono ot more of the following map elements do not appear. bascntap imagery, flood zone labels. legend. scalp bar, map creation datecommunity identifiers. FIRM panel number. and FIRM effective date. Map Images for unmapped and unntodemi:ed areas cannot be used for regulatory purposes. 3.4 Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects from future state, local, or private projects that are reasonably certain to occur with one mile of the project site are anticipated for this project. This would include shoreline properties within one mile to the east and west of the project site. The proposed project would facilitate continued habitat alteration along the shoreline and may promote future activities, including fishing, swimming, and any other water dependent recreational activity. The influence of these activities cannot be quantified in this assessment, but with appropriate regulations in place, these activities are not anticipated to have an adverse effect on state and ESA -listed species and/or critical habitat. Watermark HMP MS&A 123 3.5 Interrelated/Interdependent Effects The shorelines of Hood Canal include many permitted docks and marinas. Completion of this project is not anticipated to promote future construction or other activities that would not otherwise occur without its completion. Therefore, no additional interrelated or interdependent actions that could affect species are anticipated to occur because of this project. 4 Conservation Measures to Avoid & Minimize Impacts Conservation measures presented here include avoidance and minimization measures that are intended to address both Mason County criteria and FEMA requirements. The FEMA requirements pertain to marine critical habitat and ESA -listed species within the adjoining floodplain. All shoreline development must be located, designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that protects ecological functions and ecosystem -wide processes. This section describes the steps taken during project planning and implementation to find the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative to achieve the project goal. The following mitigation sequencing steps, as described in Mason County SMP17.50.110(B)(1)(c), were considered during project development: • No action: To avoid the adverse impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action. o The project purpose and need are described in more detail in the Project Description section. "No Action" would not achieve the project goal. The current West and East docks need to be updated because they are ungrated and ground out at low tides. • Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation by using appropriate technology or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts. o The proposal will replace the docks in the same footprint and introduces no new long-term impacts to ecological function along the marine shoreline. Grated surfaces and measures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides will be incorporated in the replacement West and East docks. • Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment. o The proposed replacement of these two docks will reduce impacts to the nearshore environment by preventing grounding of the floats at low tides and incorporating grated surfaces. The existing floats of both docks ground out at low tides, possibly damaging benthic environment below. • Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations. Watermark HMP MS&A 124 o Opportunities to reduce or eliminate the permanent direct and indirect negative impacts from the project over time include grated surfaces, measures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides, and the removal of creosote -treated p iles • Compensating for the adverse impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments. o Compensatory mitigation has not been proposed at this time because there will not be a change in overwater coverage. Grating will also be incorporated into the new overwater structures to reduce shading impacts and existing creosote piles will be removed. • Monitoring the impact and the compensation project and taking appropriate corrective measures. o Because compensatory mitigation is not proposed, this step was not applicable in project planning. Ecologically friendly design and construction techniques will always be implemented during construction, as well as the following measures: 1. The design of the dock will comply with regulatory agencies' criteria. a. Grating will be incorporated throughout both docks. b. Proposed floats will not ground out due to the addition of float feet and a float pile grid. 2. "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) will be exercised throughout this project including: a. Care will be taken to contain all construction debris. b. EPA Region 10 BMPs for pile removal will be followed. c. A silt curtain will be used for pile removal and installation to reduce turbidity. d. The piers, ramps, and floats will be prefabricated in Seattle. e. No grounding of the barge will occur. When the tides recede, the barge will move offshore to ensure it does not ground out. 3. USACE in -water work windows will be observed (July 16 to February 15). 4. Prior to any work in the upper shore zone (USZ) outside of the surf smelt work window (March 2 to September 14), a WDFW certified biologist should conduct a forage fish survey to verify the presence/absence of spawning activity. 5 Take Analysis The ESA (Section 3) defines "take" as to "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct." The USFWS further defines "harm" as "significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to listed species Watermark HMP MS&A 125 by significantly impairing behavioral patterns such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering." It is likely that no "take" will result from this project. 6 Determination of Effect ESA -listed species and critical habitat in the action area and FEMA Flood Hazard Area are evaluated below based on the following assessments: • No effect (absolutely no effect whatsoever, either positive or negative); • May affect, not likely to adversely affect (insignificant effects that never reach the level where take occurs, or effects are discountable and extremely unlikely to occur; or there would be an entirely beneficial effect); or, • May affect, likely to adversely affect (measurable or significant effects are likely, and the project will require formal consultation) . This determination of effect for protected species and habitat is contingent upon implementation of the conservation measures described in section 4. In general, direct adverse effects to the ESA -listed species (avoidance, behavior modification) will be short-term, but would not result in take, and would not contribute to an increased risk of extinction. Indirect effects may be reduced over time with reduced shading of substrate and improved water quality. After reviewing the appropriate data, the determination of effect to each ESA -listed species likely to be present within the action area is: • Puget Sound Chinook — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Rockfish — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Bull trout — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Hood Canal Summer -run chum — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Puget Sound Steelhead — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Marbled Murrelet — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" • Northern Spotted Owl — "No effect" • Green sturgeon — "No effect" • Southern Eulachon — "No effect" • Humpback whale — "No effect" • Leatherback sea turtle — "No effect" • Southern Resident Killer Whale — "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" Watermark HMP MS&A 126 7 Conclusions 7.1 No Net Loss Evaluation Because these are renovations in the sane footprint as opposed to new structures, the project will perpetuate a permanent loss of intertidal habitat but will not result in additional habitat or functional loss. Short-term impacts from demolition and construction will be minimized through avoidance and minimization measures. Some ecological benefits will result from the removal of creosote -treated piles, an overall reduction in shading, and preventing the floats from grounding out; therefore, no net loss to ecological function is anticipated to occur. Watermark HMP MS&A 127 References Baird, R.W. 2001. Status of killer whales, Orcinus orca, in Canada. Canadian Field -Naturalist 115:676-701. Caltrans. 2015. Technical Guidance for Assessment and Mitigation of the Hydroacoustic Effects of Pile Driving on Fish. Report number CTHWANP-RT-15-306.01.01. November 2015. Cardwell R.D., S.J. Olsen, M.I. Carr, and E.W. Sanborn. 1980. Biotic, water quality and hydrologic characteristics of Skyline Marina in 1978. Tech. Rep. 54, WDFW, Olympia, WA. Chmura, G.L. and N.W. Ross. 1978. The Environmental Impacts of Marinas and Their Boats: A literature review with management considerations. Marine Advisory Service, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI. Dickey, R. and M. Huettel. 2016. Seafood and beach safety in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Oceanography 29(3):196-203. http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/ oceanog.2016.83. Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Federal Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. Register / Vol. 35, No. 106 / Tuesday, June 2, 1970 / Rules and Regulations. 57, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 1992 / Rules and Regulations. 64, No. 210 / Monday, November 1, 1999 / Rules and Regulations. 70, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 28, 2005 / Rules and Regulations. 70, No. 170 / Friday, September 2, 2005 / Rules and Regulations. 70, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2005 / Rules and Regulations. 71, No. 67 / Friday, April 7, 2006 / Rules and Regulations. 71, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 29, 2006 / Rules and Regulations. 72, No. 91 / Friday, May 11, 2007 / Rules and Regulations. 74, No. 195 / Friday, October 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations. 75, No. 52 / Thursday, March 18, 2010 / Rules and Regulations. 75, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / Rules and Regulations. 75, No. 200 / Monday, October 18, 2010 / Rules and Regulations. 76, No. 203 / Thursday, October 20, 2011 / Rules and Regulations. 77, No. 17 / Thursday, January 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulations. 79, No. 219 / Friday, November- 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations. 81, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 24, 2016 / Rules and Regulations. 81, No. 150 / Thursday, August 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations. 81, No. 174 / Thursday, September 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations. 84, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 9, 2019 / Rules and Regulations. Feist, B.E., J.J. Anderson and R. Miyamota. 1992. Potential impacts of pile driving on juvenile pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and chum (O. keta) salmon behavior and distribution. FRI-UW-9603. Fisheries Resources Institute, University of Washington. Seattle, WA. Watermark HMP MS&A (2 8 Halvorsen, M.B., Casper, B.M., Woodley, C.M., Carlson, T.J., and Popper, A.N. 2011. Predicting and mitigating hydroacoustic impacts on fish from pile installations. NCHRP Research Results Digest 363, Project 25-28, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C. Hastings, M.C. and A.N. Popper. 2005. Effects of Sound on Fish. California Department of Transportation. Contract No. 43A0139, Task Order 1. Sacramento CA. Healey, M.C. 1982. Juvenile Pacific salmon in estuaries - the life support system, p. 315-341. In: V.S. Kennedy (ed.). Estuarine comparisons. Academic Press, New York, NY. Johnson, L.L., M.R. Arkoosh, C.F. Bravo, T.K. Collier, M.M. Krahn, J.P. Meador, M.S. Myers, W.L. Reichert, and J.E. Stein. 2007. The Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fish from Puget Sound, Washington. The Toxicology of Fishes: Chapter 22. Kahler, T., M. Grassley, & D. Beauchamp. 2000. A summary of the effects of bulkheads, piers, and other artificial structures and shorezone development on ESA -listed salmonids in lakes. Final Report prepared for the City of Bellevue. Lagier, K.F., A.S. Hazzard, W.E. Hazen, and W.A. Tompkins. 1950. Outboard motors in relation to fish behavior, fish production and angling success. Transactions of the 15th Annual North American Wildlife Conference. pp. 280-303. Love, M.S., M.M. Yoklavich, and L.K. Thorsteinson. 2002. The rockfishes of the northeast Pacific. University of California Press, Berkeley. Myers, J.M., R.G. Kope, G.J. Bryant, D. Teel, L.J. Lierheimer, T.C. Wainwright, W.S. Grant, F.W. Waknitz, K. Neeley, S.T. Lindley, and R.S. Waples. 1998. Status review of Chinook salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Technical Memo, NMFS- NWFSC-35, 443p. Newcombe, C.P. and MacDonald, D.D., 1991. Effects of suspended sediments on aquatic ecosystems. North American journal of fisheries management, 11(1), pp.72-82. Nightingale, B. and C.A. Simenstad. 2001a. Dredging activities: marine issues. White Paper. Submitted to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Ecology, and Washington Department of Transportation. Nightingale, B. and C.A. Simenstad. 2001b. Overwater structures: marine issues. White Paper, Res. Proj. T 1803, Task 35, Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC). Seattle, WA. 133p. Olson, J., 2014. Southern Resident Killer Whale Sighting Compilation 1948-2013. Web. http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/protected species/marine _mammal s/killer- whales/occurrencemap.pdf Watermark HMP MS&A 129 Orca Network. Sightings Archives. Accessed October 2020. Available at: http://www.orcanetwork.org/sightings/archives.html Pearson, S.F. and M.M. Lance. 2018. Fall -spring 2017/2018 Marbled Murrelet At -Sea Densities for Four Strata Associated with U.S. Navy Facilities: Annual Research Progress Report. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Science Division, Olympia, WA. Penttila, Dan and D. Doty. 1990. Results of 1989 eelgrass shading studies in Puget Sound, Progress Report Draft. WDFW Marine Fish Habitat Investigations Division. Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Salmonid Workgroup. 2012. Methods and quality of VSP monitoring of ESA listed Puget Sound salmon and steelhead. Bruce A. Crawford editor. 148 p. https://www.psp.wa.gov/downloads/psemp/salrnonid_VSP_monitoringassessment.pdf Ratte, L.D. and E.O, Salo. 1985. Under -pier ecology of juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in Commencement Bay, Washington. Port of Tacoma. Report number FRI-UW- 8508. December 1985. Rieman, B.E. and J.D. McIntyre. 1993. Demographic and habitat requirements for conservation of Bull Trout. USDA, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Technical Report TNT-302, Ogden, Utah, September 1993. 38 pp. Simenstad, C.A., K.L. Fresh, and E.O. Salo. 1982. The role of Puget Sound and Washington coastal estuaries in the life history of Pacific salmon: an unappreciated function. Pages 343 -3 64. In: V.S. Kennedy, editor. Estuarine comparisons. Academic Press. New York, NY. Simenstad, C. A., B.J. Nightingale, R.M. Thorn, and D.K. Shreffler. 1999. Impacts of ferry terminals on juvenile salmon migrating along Puget Sound shorelines. Phase I: Synthesis of state of knowledge. Washington State Department of Transportation. Seattle, WA. Research Project T9903. June 1999. Studebaker, R.S., K.M. Cox, and T.J. Mulligan. 2009. Recent and historical spatial distributions of juvenile rockfish, Sebastes spp., in rocky intertidal tidepools with emphasis on Sebastes melanops, Trans., Am. Fish. Soc., 138:645-651. Taylor, W.S. and W.S. Willey. 1997. Port of Seattle fish mitigation study: Pier 64/65 short -stay moorage facility: qualitative fish and avian predator observations. Prepared for Beak Consultants. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2017. Final Biological Opinion for Regional General Permit 6: Structures in Inland Marine Waters in Washington State (RGP-6). USFWS Reference: 01EWFW00-2016-F-0565. Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, Lacey, WA. Watermark HMP MS&A 130 Vines, C.A., T. Robbins, F.J. Griffin, and C.N. Cheri-. 2000. The effects of diffusible creosote - derived compounds on development in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi). Aquatic Toxicology 51: 225-239. Warrington, P.D. 1999. Impacts of outboard motors on the aquatic environment. www.nalms.org/bciss/impactsrecreationboat.htm Washington Department of Wildlife (WDW). 1993. Status of the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in Washington. July 1993. Unpubl. Rep. Washington Department of Wildlife, Olympia, WA. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) report. Accessed October 2020. Available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/ Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Salmonid Stock Inventory (SaSI). Accessed October 2020. Available at: http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html# Weitkamp, D.E. 2003. Young Pacific salmon in estuarine habitats. Pararnetrix, Inc., Kirkland, WA. 53 pp. Weston Solutions. 2006. Jimmycomelately piling removal monitoring project. Final Report for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Sequim, WA. 116 pp. Wiles, G.J. 2004. Washington State status report for the killer whale. Washington Department Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 106 pp. Williams, G.D., R.M. Thom, D.K. Shreffler, J.A. Southard, L.K. O'Rourke, S.L. Sargeant, V.I Cullinan, R. Moursund, and M. Stamey. 2003. Assessing overwater structure -related predation risk on juvenile salmon: field observations and recommended protocols. September 2003. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Sequim, WA. Young et al. 2010. Multivariate bathymetry-derived generalized linear model accurately predicts rockfish distribution on Cordell Bank, California, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series. Vol. 415: 247-261. Watermark HMP MS&A 131 Figure 8. Department of Ecology Shoreline Photo (dated 5/24/1993) Watermark HMP MS&A ( 32 Figure 9. Department of Ecology Water Quality Atlas Map WA Dept. of Ecology U ?WO 61u:ro+o* Cotpceabon p 2020 Wet (ONES 1?0201 tMtnbubon Alrbuw US,v 2020 IIENE 0 025 U5 Figure 10. Photo of the existing West Dock 1 Assessed Waters/Sediment Water OW Category 5 - 303d RV Category 4C =r; ' Category 48 Category 4A Category 2 IV Category 1 Sediment 660 Category 5 - 303d Category 4C %MO, Category 4B G2Z Category 4A z,z Category 2 Category 1 sea FC!OGY Watermark HMP MS&A I 33 Par 1. Figure 11. Photo of the existing East Dock (looking north) 7�• Ey C'••FL j•'•' e. >. AZ.; la}p^j .• •'1, �I, '' .. ».-^vim- • •'N'II y• 1'. • • I le;i • A.. • • . • I •- "•'• Si. 4a. ed. • -•1Rti'. (tie 11 Figure 12. Photo of the existing East Dock (looking east) • Mira 1 • • y a �*t► i , isj.� lust . Jw' Watermark HMP MS&A 134 Attachment 1. Essential Fish Habitat Assessment A. Background The Magnuson -Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 (Public law 104-267), requires Federal agencies to consult with NMFS on activities that may adversely affect designated Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the relevant species. According to the MSA, EFH means "those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity." For the Pacific West Coast, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (Council) has designated EFH for federally managed groundfish (PFMC 1998a), coastal pelagic (PFMC 1998b) and Pacific salmon fisheries (PFMC 1999 ). The purpose of the EFH Assessment is to determine the effects of the proposed project on the EFH for the relevant species and to recommend conservation measures to avoid, minimize of otherwise offset adverse effects on EFH. B. Identification of EFH The designated EFH for groundfish and coastal pelagic species encompasses all waters from the mean high water line, and upriver extent of saltwater intrusion in river mouths, along the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California, seaward to the boundary of the U. S. exclusive economic zone (370.4 km) (PFMC 1998a, 1998b). The designated EFH in estuarine and marine areas for salmon species extends from the nearshore and tidal submerged environments within state telTitorial water out to the full extent of the exclusive economic zone (370.4 kin) offshore of Washington, Oregon and California north of Point Conception to the Canadian border PFMC, 1999). C. Proposed Action The details of the proposed project are presented in "Project Description" section of the BE. The project consists of the replacement of two docks in the same footprint. D. Effects of the Proposed Action The effects of this project on designated EFH are likely to be similar to the effects described in detail in the "Effects Analysis" section of the attached BE. The project may have minor temporary adverse effects on EFH designated for Pacific coast salmon and groundfish due to turbidity impacts resulting from construction and from long-term effects such as shading. Watermark HMP MS&A 135 E. EFH Conservation Measures The conservation measures contained in the BE will be implemented to minimize any possible adverse effects to EFH. These include grating in the replacements docks and structures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides. F. Conclusion The project may have temporary and long-term adverse effects on EFH for Pacific coast salmon and groundfish. No new permanent adverse effects on EFH will occur. The project will minimize impacts on EFH by: 1. Best Management Practices will be followed. 2. In -water Tidal Reference Area 11 work windows will be followed (July 16 to February 15 )• 3. Creosote will be removed from the marine environment. 4. Solid decking will be replaced with grated decking. The site is in PSNERP coastal inlet unit 137, which has a recommendation of "Restore". "Restore" is defined as "sites where indicators of degradation suggest the opportunity to substantively increase ecosystem services through restoration, but where degradation is not so complex or intense that recovery of self-sustaining and resilient ecosystem services becomes unlikely" (Cereghino et al. 2012). G. Additional References Cereghino, P., J. Toft, C. Simenstad, E. Iverson, S. Campbell, C. Behrens, J. Burke. 2012. Strategies for Nearshore Protection and Restoration in Puget Sound. Puget Sound Nearshore Report No. 2012-01. Published by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Washington. PFMC (Pacific Fishery Management Council). 1999. Amendment 14 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan. Appendix A: Description and Identification of Essential Fish Habitat, Adverse Impacts and Recommended Conservation Measures for Salmon (August 1999). PFMC, 1998a. Final Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Review for Amendment 11 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (October, 1998). PFMC, 1998b. The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan: Amendment 8 (December, 1998). Watermark HMP MS&A 136 Attachment 2. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Puget Sound Chinook and Hood Canal Summer -run Chum Project description: West and East Dock replacements Applicant: Watermark Estate Management Services The Physical and Biological Features (PBFs) determined essential to the conservation of salmon are: (1) Freshwater spawning sites with water quantity and quality conditions and substrate supporting spawning, incubation, and larval development. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the project is in a marine environment. Effects to PBF: None. (2) Freshwater rearing sites with water quantity and floodplain connectivity to form and maintain physical habitat conditions and support juvenile growth and mobility; water quality and forage supporting juvenile development; and natural cover such as shade, submerged and overhanging large wood, log jams and beaver dams, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the project is in a marine environment. Effects to PBF: None. (3) Freshwater migration corridors free of obstruction with water quantity and quality conditions and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, side channels, and undercut banks supporting juvenile and adult mobility and survival. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the project is in a marine environment. Effects to PBF: None. (4) Estuarine areas free of obstruction with water quality, water quantity and salinity conditions supporting juvenile and adult physiological transitions between fresh -and saltwater; natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulders, and side channels, and juvenile and adult forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. Existing Conditions: In the action area, Department of Ecology's 303(d) lists the stream to the west that is a tributary to the Hood Canal as Category 5 water for bacteria (Figure 9). Solid decking on both docks currently impacts habitat through shading and the floats of both docks ground out at low tides. There is scattered large riparian vegetation along the shoreline. Little aquatic vegetation was observed, and no large rocks or boulders were noted (Appendix 1). There is surf smelt spawning habitat mapped along the shoreline (Figure 6). Watermark HMP MS&A 137 Effects to PBF: Localized impacts associated with pile removal/installation on site will cause localized, short term increases in turbidity. However, long term water quality will be improved through the removal of creosote and habitat function will be improved through the introduction of dock grating and measures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides. (5) Nearshore marine areas free of obstruction with water quality and quantity conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation; and natural cover such as submerged and overhanging large wood, aquatic vegetation, large rocks and boulder and side channels. Existing Conditions In the action area, Department of Ecology's 303(d) lists the stream to the west that is a tributary to the Hood Canal as Category 5 water for bacteria (Figure 9). Solid decking on both docks currently impacts habitat through shading and the floats of both docks ground out at low tides. There is scattered large riparian vegetation along the shoreline. Little aquatic vegetation was observed, and no large rocks or boulders were noted (Appendix 1). There is surf smelt spawning habitat mapped along the shoreline (Figure 6). Effects of the Action: Localized impacts associated with pile removal/installation on site will cause localized, short term increases in turbidity. However, long term water quality will be improved through the removal of creosote and habitat function will be improved through the introduction of dock grating and measures to prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides. (6) Offshore marine areas with water quality conditions and forage, including aquatic invertebrates and fishes, supporting growth and maturation. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the project is in a marine environment. Effects to PBF: None Determination of Effect: May affect, not likely to adversely affect critical habitat Watermark HMP MS&A 138 Attachment 3. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Bull Trout The physical and biological features (PBFs) determined essential to the conservation of bull trout (Saivilinus confluentus) are: (1) Springs, seeps, groundwater sources, and subsurface water connectivity (hyporehic flows) to contribute to water quality and quantity and provide thermal refugia. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the site is in a nearshore marine environment. Effects to PBF: None. (2) Migratory habitats with minimal physical, biological, or water quality impediments between spawning, rearing, overwintering, and freshwater and marine foraging habitats, including, but not limited to permanent, partial, intermittent or seasonal barriers. Existing Conditions: There are two ungrated docks that are along the shoreline; the floats on both ground out at low tides. Department of Ecology's 303(d) lists the stream to the west that is a tributary to the Hood Canal as Category 5 water for bacteria (Figure 9). Effects to PBF: The proposed project is occurring in the same footprint for each dock so no additional marine nearshore habitat will be affected. With grating incorporated into the new dock, shading impacts will be reduced. Float feet and a float pile grid will prevent the floats from grounding out at low tides. (3) An abundant food base, including terrestrial organisms of riparian origin, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and forage fish. Existing Conditions: This is a developed shoreline with a bulkhead along part of the shoreline and few scattered large trees along the shore. There is documented surf smelt spawning at the site. The habitat survey noted little macroalgae; eelgrass was found 400+ ft waterward. Effects to PBF: The replacement docks are not anticipated to adversely affect this PBF. They will be replaced in the same footprint with grating incorporated to reduce shading impacts. The new docks will remain elevated at all tides instead of resting on the beach. No upland, riparian, or aquatic vegetation will be removed. (4) Complex river, stream, lake, reservoir, and marine shoreline aquatic environments and processes with features such as large wood, side channels, pools, undercut banks and substrates, to provide a variety of depths, gradients, velocities, and structure. Existing Conditions: This is a developed shoreline with overwater structures and bulkheads and some large riparian vegetation along the shore. There is little complexity due to the shallow nature of the site. Effects to PBF: The replacement docks are not anticipated to adversely affect this PBF. They will be replaced in the same footprint with grating incorporated to reduce shading impacts. The new docks will remain elevated at all tides instead of resting on the beach. Watermark HMP MS&A 13 9 (5) Water temperatures ranging from 2 to 15 °C (36 to 59 °F), with adequate thermal refugia available for temperatures at the upper end of this range. Specific temperatures within this range will vary depending on bull trout life -history stage and form; geography; elevation; diurnal and seasonal variation; shade, such as that provided by riparian habitat; and local groundwater influence. Existing Conditions: Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas (Figure 9) identifies water east of the site as being listed for temperature (Category 2), which is common in south Hood Canal. Effects to PBF: None. (6) Substrates of sufficient amount, size, and composition to ensure success of egg and embryo overwinter survival, fry emergence, and young -of -the -year and juvenile survival. A minimal amount (e.g., less than 12 percent) of fine substrate less than 0.85 rnm (0.03 in.) in diameter and minimal embeddedness of these fines in larger substrates are characteristic of these conditions. Existing Conditions: Does not apply - the site is in a nearshore marine environment which is not used for bull trout spawning habitat. Effects to PBF: None. (7) A natural hydrograph, including peak, high, low, and base flows within historic and seasonal ranges or, if flows are controlled, they minimize departures from a natural hydrograph. Existing Conditions: Does not apply, the site is in a nearshore marine environment. Effects to PBF: None. (8) Sufficient water quality and quantity such that normal reproduction, growth, and survival are not inhibited. Existing Conditions: Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas (Figure 9) identifies water at the site and adjacent as being listed for bacteria and temperature. Effects to PBF: There will be no additional long-term effects to water quality from this dock replacement. The removal of creosote treated will improve water quality at this site. (9) Few or no nonnative predatory (e.g., lake trout, walleye, northern pike, srnallmouth bass; inbreeding (e.g., brook trout); or competitive (e.g., brown trout) species present. Existing Conditions: Does not apply - the site is in a nearshore marine environment where these species are not present. Effects to PBF: None. Determination of Effect: "May affect, not likely to adversely affect" critical habitat Watermark HMP MS&A 140 Attachment 4. Assessment of Impacts to Critical Habitat for Nearshore Rockfish The Physical and Biological Features (PBFs) determined essential to the conservation of Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Bocaccio and Yelloweye Rockfish are: (1) Nearshore juvenile rearing sites with sand, rock, and/or cobble to support forage and refuge. Existing Conditions: The existing substrate is mostly cobble, pebble, and mud. Effects to PBF: The project won't affect this PBF. (2) Quantity, quality, and availability of prey species to support individual growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities. Existing Conditions: The existing substrate is mostly cobble, pebble, and mud, with no eelgrass or kelp present around the docks. A small percentage of vegetation is present (Appendix 1). Effects to PBF: The project could have brief and temporary negative impacts on zooplankton (prey species for juvenile rockfish) due to brief turbidity and noise resulting from pile removal and installation. A positive effect on habitat will most likely occur due to removal of creosote - treated wood and the introduction of grating in the new docks to reduce shading. To reduce benthic impacts, the new docks will remain elevated above the bottom at all tides. (3) Water quality and sufficient levels of dissolved oxygen to support growth, survival, reproduction, and feeding opportunities. Existing Conditions: Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas identifies water at the site and adjacent as being listed for bacteria and temperature (Figure 9). Effects to PBF: Impacts associated with pile removal and installation on site will cause localized, short term increases in turbidity. However, long term water quality will be improved through the removal of creosote -treated wood. Determination of Effect: May affect, not likely to adversely affect critical habitat Watermark HMP MS&A 141 Appendix 1. Habitat Report 360-385-4073 msa@marinesurveysandassessments.com 380 Jefferson Street Port Townsend WA 98368 Watermark 2020 Habitat Survey Report A SCUBA survey was performed on September 28, 2020 from approximately 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the project site located at 6999 E. Highway 106, Union, WA. Bryan DeCaterina and Darby Flanagan from Marine Surveys & Assessments used SCUBA to run transects in the area of 2 existing docks where replacement structures are proposed to identify flora, fauna, substrate types and other qualitative information relative to the proposed project. Weather was clear and sunny; water visibility was 6 to 10 feet. Figure 1. Vicinity Map • • a _ 1. •- - -• 0 t•R_V a—tr- r► N 123 E1IlV 123-6'1 1 1 �. -1- /,+ • ''6 1 Li.. \ .1 1 2 12J •'1.1 1i - I - t ^ l• • I • - '1 I I•- • . ♦ :,(- iI I —I tin I i lJ dot I,'1-t `r1' i ip �•• I,af .• ` ''-j� t.t1, I) t lc is • �'- 1 •�� ,: 1: ' ' 4t, . .L •t- 1 AS. • .T 123 '213•'.V 1 a ! i -1,_ `t�•r• _•\ \:t .� • ,r.I 1 h k1 I •!' 1• ,Ytr • 1 I, 1 t li °F� yq f' 4 t jProject Location e . .'?' 1. i de r•1 ' Miles «' � :1 4 = nol- .t ♦: ris �,,,� 11 :, , (1).f i_• 1 t •• ..es! l Service Layer Credits: Eource: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Eartr.atar G_o,rapfiics, CNE&Airbus CS, US CA, USGS,heroGRID, IGN,are the GIS User Community Scluroes: Esri, HERE, Garrrin, USGS, Irtrrrap, INCREMENT P, NRCar,, EsriJapan, }'ETI, Esri China (Herb Kor.'a), Esri Korea, Esri IThailar• •, NGCC, (q' Op_r.•Str:-_tMap ••I Nine (9) transects were surveyed from the baseline along MHHW/bulkhead at the western end of the site near the "Pier 1" (Moorage/West Dock). Eleven (11) transects were surveyed from the Watermark HMP MS&A 142 baseline along MHHW/bulkhead at the eastern end of the site near "Pier 2" (Helicopter/East Dock). The transects at each location were oriented heading north from the shoreline and were arranged from east to west, or when looking at the water from shore, from right (T-1) to left (T-1 1 / T 9). Transects were separated from each other by 10 ft except the outer transects (T- 1 and T-11 / T-9) which were offset by 15 feet. Most transects were 225 feet long, but some transects were extended out to 500 feet to locate the edge of an offshore eelgrass bed. The area of the survey ranged in elevation from +8 ft MLLW near the bulkhead to -5 ft MLLW at the seaward extent of the 500-ft survey transects. Substrate is pea gravel and mud throughout with some areas of cobble. Oysters were observed in many areas. Macroalgae identified at the site included some small areas of Ulva (10-75% cover) and foliose red algae (1-5%). Salt -tolerant vegetation in the upper -shore zone included: • Plantago maritima (Seaside Plantain) 10-15% cover • Salicornia 5-30% cover • Jaumea carnosa (Fleshy Jaumea) 30-40% cover • Atriplex patula (Spear Saltbrush) 10% cover • Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass) 5-10% cover Zostera marina eelgrass was observed only at the seaward ends of the 500-foot long transects of the moorage dock survey area (Figure 4). No Laminariales or other kelp species were observed in the survey areas. Total percent cover vegetation is mapped in Figure 5 but does not include Ulva because the area around the site has not been documented as a herring spawning habitat (although a pre -spawner herring holding area is located 1 mile offshore). Please note the depths in this report are for reference only can have an error of +/- 1 ft and should not be used for engineering purposes. The full results for the Moorage/West Dock and Helicopter/East Dock can be seen at the end of this report in Tables 1 and 2. Watermark HMP MS&A 143 Figure 2. Moorage dock looking seaward Figure 3. Salt tolerant vegetation around OHWM (from west of helicopter float, looking east) Watermark HMP MS&AI44 Figure 4. Zostera marina found at end of T1 of Moorage Dock Survey Area Water nark HMP MS&A J 45 Figure 5. Habitat Survey Results Map Watermark Estates 6999 E. Highway 106 Union, WA Piers 1 & 2 Survey Results Survey Date: 9/28/2020 Map Date 10/30/2020 Moorage Dock (Pier 1) Legend Proposed PRF (Waterfront 9-21-2020) Existing Bulkhead (approx). _�j 25-ft. Float Buffer Pier 1 Survey Transect Pier 2 Survey Transect --- Est. Elev. (ft MLLW)` Total % Cover Macroalgae (no Ulva) Total % Cover Salt -Tolerant USZ Vegetation 1.0-25.0% 25.1 - 70.0% 70.1 - 100.0% Z. marina presence Eelgrass shoots or sparse patches Eelgrass bed (sparse or patchy) Helicopter Dock (Pier 2) 300 Feet Watermark HMP Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographies, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community 'The depths shown are for reference only and can have an error of +/- one foot; they should not be used for engineering purposes. MS&A 146 Table 1. Habitat Survey Results for Moorage (West) Dock Transect 1 (Moorage Dock Distance along (Ft) Tidal Substrate and Eel grass g presence/absence %Cover; Elevation to transect(Corrected baseline from Other Noted FeaturesVegetation Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 30 Pebble, Shell hash. mud, Barren. 63 Pebble, hash; mud, Oysters. Shell Barren. 107 2.8 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Foliose reds 5%. 135 1.8 Pebble, thud. Foliose 5%. reds 147 0.8 Pebble, Foliose reds 5%. mud. 159 -0.2 Pebble, Foliose reds 5%. mud. 199 -1.2 Pebble, mud. Foliose reds 5%. 235 -2.2 Pebble, mud. Ulva 5%; Foliose reds 5%. 246 -2.2 Pebble, mud. Ulva 20%. 300 -3.2 Pebble, mud. Ulva 20%. 310 -3.2 Pebble, mud. Barren. 381 -4.2 Pebble, few mud; Barren. oysters. 411 -5.2 Pebble, mud. Ulva 10%. 436 -6.2 Pebble, Ulva 20%. mud. 489 -6.2 Pebble, Z. marina shoots transition to sparse bed. mud. 500 -7.1 Pebble, mud. Z. bed. marina sparse Transect 2 (Moorage Dock) Distance t baseline along from ansect(Corrected (Ft) Tidal Substrate and Vegetation ° /o Cover, . Elevation to Other Noted Features Eel grass g presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 32 Pebble, hash;. mud, Shell Barren. 70 hash; Pebble, Oyster mud, boundary. Shell _ Barren. Watermark HMP MS&A 147 94 3.2 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 114 2.2 Pebble, Barren. mud. 133 1.2 Pebble, mud. Barren. 166 0.1 Pebble, mud. Barren. 200 -0.9 Pebble, mud. Barren. 243 -1.9 Pebble, Barren. mud. 252 -2.9 Pebble, mud. Barren. 382 -4.0 Pebble, Barren. mud. 426 -5.0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 452 -6.0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 465 -7.0 Pebble, Z. marina shoots transition to sparse bed. mud. 500 -7.1 Pebble, mud. Z. bed. marina sparse Transect 3 (Moorage Dock Distance (Ft) Tidal alongElevation Substrate and Vegetation % Cover; transect (Corrected Other Features Eel grass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) Pebble, mud, Shell 0 hash. Barren. Pebble, mud, Shell 36 hash. Barren. Pebble, mud, Shell 92 3.4 hash. Barren. 107 2.4 Pebble, mud. Barren. Pebble, mud; 120 1.4 Edge of Float. Barren. Pebble, mud; 130 0.5 lots of oyster. Barren. Pebble, mud; less 171 -0.5 oyster. Barren. 191 -1.5 Pebble, mud. Barren. 225 -2.4 Pebble, mud. Barren. Watermark HMP MS&AI48 Transect 4 (Moorage Dock) Tidal Substrate and Vegetation g %Cover•• ' Distance (Ft) along Elevation (Corrected to transect baseline from Other Noted Features Eelgrass presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 37 3.8 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 87 108 2.7 Pebble, mud. Barren. 119 1.7 Pebble, edge of mud; float. Barren. 143 0.7 Pebble, lots of oyster. mud; Barren. 174 -0.4 Pebble, mud; Oysters. Barren. 189 -1.4 Pebble, Barren. laud. 225 -2.4 Pebble, Barren. mud. Transect 5 (Moorage Dock) Tidal Substrate and Eelgrass Vegetation gCover; presence/absence % Distance (Ft) transect baseline along from • m Elevation (Corrected to Other Noted Features Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. Pebble, hash. mud, Shell 37 Barren. 84 3.9 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 109 2.9 Pebble, mud. Barren. 114 1.9 Pebble, Dock mud; Barren. edge. 155 1.0 Pebble, oyster. mud; lots of Foliose reds 1%. 171 0.0 Pebble, Foliose 1%. reds mud. -1.0 Pebble, mud. Foliose reds 1%. 178 199 -1.9 Pebble, mud. Barren. 225 -1.9 Pebble, mud. Ulva 20%. Watermark HMP MS&AI49 Transect 6 (Moorage Dock Vegetation % Cover; Distance (Ft) Tidal along Elevation Substrate and transect from (Corrected to Ot her Not Features ed Eelgrass presence/absence baseline Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 25 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 63 4.3 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. Pebble, Barren. 94 3.2 mud. Pebble, Barren. 101 2.2 mud. 119 1.2 Pebble, mud. Barren. 154 0.2 Pebble, mud; Oysters Barren. 183 -0.9 Pebble, mud. Barren. 225 -1.9 Pebble, mud. Ulva 20%. Transect 7 (Moorage Dock Distance (Ft) Tidal alongElevation Substrate and Vegetation % Cover; transect (Corrected Other Features Eelgrass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) Pebble, hash; Salt mud, tolerant Shell Jaumea Saltbrush) Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa Atriplex 10%; 10%; maritima Salicornia Distichlis (Fleshy patula (Seaside Jaumea) (Spear spicata 30%; 0 vegetation boundary. (Saltgrass) 10%. Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 30%; Pebble, hash; Salt mud, tolerant Shell Jaumea Saltbrush) 40%; carnosa Atriplex 10%; (Fleshy patula Distichlis (Spear spicata 36 vegetation boundary. (Saltgrass) 10%. Pebble, mud, Shell 66 4.4 hash. Barren. 79 3.4 Pebble, mud. Barren. 100 2.5 Pebble, mud. Barren. Pebble, mud; lots of 123 1.5 oyster. Barren. Watermark HMP MS&A 150 143 0.5 Pebble, mud; Oyster. No ' Barren. 166 -0.5 Pebble, Barren. mud. 191 -1.4 Pebble, Ulva 10%. mud. -2.4 Pebble, Ulva 75%. 207 mud. 350 -3.4 Pebble, mud. Barren. 393 -3.3 Pebble, Ulva 5%. Z. marina shoots. mud. 425 -4.3 Pebble, Z. bed. marina patchy mud. 500 -5.3 Pebble, Z. marina patchy bed. mud. Transect 8 (Moorage Dock) Distance alongElevation (Ft) Substrate and Vegetation /0 Cover; Tidal (Corrected to transect baseline from Other Noted Features Eelgrass g presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, hash; Salt mud, Shell Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 30%; 40%; carnosa Atriplex (Fleshy (Spear Saltbrush) 10%; Distichlis patula spicata tolerant (Saltgrass) 10%. vegetation boundary. 33 Pebble, hash; Salt mud, Shell Jaumea Saltbrush) Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa Atriplex 10%; 10%; maritima Salicornia (Fleshy patula Distichlis (Seaside Jaumea) (Spear spicata 30%; vegetation boundary. tolerant (Saltgrass) 10%. 5.0 Pebble, Shell hash. mud, 57 Barren. 4.0 Pebble, 79 Barren. mud. 98 3.0 Pebble, Barren. mud. 121 2.0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 141 0.9 Pebble, Barren. mud. 157 -0.1 Pebble, Barren. mud. 189 -1.1 Pebble, Ulva 60%. mud. 310 -2.1 Barren. Pebble, mud; Barren. 360 -3.2 Pebble, Ulva 15%. mud. -4.2 Pebble, 387 Ulva 10%. Eelgrass shoot. mud. 425 -4.2 Pebble, Eelgrass patches (very sparse). mud. Sparse bed. 500 -5.3 Pebble, mud; Patchy eelgrass Bed. eelgrass Watermark HMP MS&A 1 51 Transect 9 (Moorage Dock) Tidal Substrate and Eel grass g presence/absence o /o Covey, Distance (Ft) transect(Corrected baseline along from s Elevation to Other Noted FeaturesVegetation Ft MLLW) 0 vegetation Pebble, hash; Salt mud, boundary. tolerant Shell Jaumea Saltbrush) Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa Atriplex 10%; 10%; maritima Salicornia (Fleshy Distichlis patula (Seaside Jaumea) (Spear spicata 30%; (Saltgrass) 10%. 26 vegetation Pebble, hash; Salt mud, boundary. tolerant Shell Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 30%; Saltbrush) 40%; carnosa Atriplex 10%; Distichlis (Fleshy patula (Spear spicata (Saltgrass) 10%. 47 5.2 Pebble, hash. mud, Shell Barren. 4.2 Pebble, 74 Barren. mud. 83 3.2 Pebble, Barren. mud. 118 2.3 Pebble, Barren. mud. 1.3 Pebble, mud. Ulva 10%. 147 152 0.3 Pebble, mud. Ulva 60%. 193 -0.7 Barren. Pebble, mud; Barren. 225 -1.6 Pebble, mud. Barren. Watermark HMP MS&A 152 Table 2. Habitat Survey Results for Helicopter (East) Dock Transect 1 (Helicopter Dock Distance transact(Corrected baseline along from (Ft) Substrate and o /o Cover, Tidal Elevation to Other Noted FeaturesVegetation Eelgrass g presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 2 Pebble, mud. 7.6 Barren. 25 6.6 Pebble, mud. Barren. 40 5.7 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 80 Cobble, 4.7 Barren. pebble, mud. 122 Cobble, boundary pebble, Oysters. mud; 3.7 Barren. 180 2.7 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 200 1.7 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 0.8 Cobble, Less pebble, Oyster. mud; 247 Barren. 276 -0.2 Pebble, mud, Sand. Barren. 300 -1.2 Pebble, mud, Oyster. Sand; No Barren. 341 -2.2 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 400 -3.1 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 420 -4.1 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 438 -5.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; Barren. Barren. 463 -6.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; Barren. Barren. -7.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; 478 Barren. Barren. 500 -8.0 Pebble, mud, Sand; NO EG. Barren. Transect 2 (Helicopter Dock) Tidal Substrate and Vegetation o /o Cover; Distance transact(Corrected baseline along from (Ft) Elevation to Other Noted Features Eelgrass presence/absence Ft MLLW) Watermark HMP MS&A 153 0 Pebble, Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima 30%. Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; mud. 5 8.3 Pebble, Oysters Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima 40%. Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; boundary. mud; 19 Pebble, Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima 40%. Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; 7.3 mud. 43 6.3 Pebble, Barren. mud. 90 5.2 Cobble, Less pebble, Oyster. mud; Barren. 130 4.2 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 171 3.2 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 210 2.2 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 1.2 Cobble, No pebble, SAV. mud; 247 Barren. 263 0.1 Cobble, SO Many pebble, Oysters. mud; Barren. 300 -0.9 Pebble, Sand; Oyster mud, boundary. Barren. 348 -1.9 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 389 -2.9 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 410 -4.0 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 435 -5.0 Pebble, mud, Sand; Barren. Barren. 450 -6.0 Pebble, mud, Sand; Dung Crab & Leather Star. Barren. 500 -7.0 Pebble, mud, EG. Sand; NO Barren. Transect 3 (Helicopter Dock Distance (Ft) Tidal alongElevation Substrate and Vegetation % Cover; transect (Corrected Other Features Eel grass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) Pebble, Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside 10%; 0 mud. Watermark HMP MS&A 154 Jaumea camosa 30%. (Fleshy Jaumea) 14 8.4 Pebble, Oyster Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima 40%. Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; boundary. mud; 21 7.4 Pebble, mud. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima 40%. Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; 44 6.4 Pebble, Barren. mud. 5.4 Cobble, 72 Barren. pebble, mud. 131 4.4 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 3.5 Cobble, More pebble, Oyster. mud; 173 Barren. 200 2.5 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 225 1.5 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Transect 4 (Helicopter Dock) Distance transect(Corrected baseline along from (Ft) Substrate and o /a Cover, Elevation Tidal to Other Noted FeaturesVegetation Eel grass g presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Pebble, mud; Salt Cont.. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis maritima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; (Saltgrass) 5%. tolerant vegetation 8.7 Pebble, Salt Plantago Jaumea Plantain) 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis maritima (Fleshy Salicornia spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 5%; tolerant boundary. vegetation mud; (Saltgrass) 5%. 17 26 Pebble, mud. 7.7 Barren. 45 6.6 Pebble, Barren. mud. 108 5.6 Pebble, Barren. mud. 125 4.6 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 166 3.6 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 202 2.6 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 225 1.5 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Watermark HMP MS&A 155 Transect 5 (Helicopter Dock) Distance (Ft) along transect from baseline Tidal Elevation (Corrected to Ft MLLW) Substrate and Other Features Noted Vegetation % Cover; Eelgrass presence/absence 0 32 55 79 102 142 157 225 8.7 7.8 6.8 5.8 4.8 3.8 2.9 Transect 6 (Helicopter Dock Pebble, mud; At Bulkhead, Salt tolerant vegetation boundary. Pebble, mud; Oysters boundary , Salt tolerant vegetation boundary. Pebble, mud. Pebble, mud. Pebble, mud. Cobble, pebble, mud; boundary of Float. Cobble, pebble, mud. Cobble, pebble, mud. Plantago rnarAitima (Seaside Plantain) 10%; Salicornia 10%; Jaumea carnosa (Fleshy Jaumea) 40%; Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass) 5%. Plantago maritima (Seaside Plantain) 10%; Salicornia 10%; Jaumea carnosa (Fleshy Jaumea) 40%; Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass) 5%. Barren. Barren. Barren. Barren. Barren. Barren. Distance (Ft) Tidal along Elevation Substrate and Vegetation %Cover transect(Corrected Other Featuresg' Eelgrass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) bulkhead) Soil; Upland landscaped (above 0 (non-native). Upland non-native vegetation. tolerant Pebble, vegetation mud; Salt Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis rnanitima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; 25 8.0 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; Pebble, mud; Bulkhead, 40%; carnosa Distichlis (Fleshy spicata Salt tolerant vegetation 40 9.0 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Pebble, Barren. 67 7.0 mud. Watermark HMP MS&AI56 83 6.0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 106 5.0 Pebble, mud. Barren. 3.9 Cobble, 175 Barren. pebble, mud. 2.9 Cobble, 197 Barren. pebble, mud. 225 1.9 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Transect 7 (Helicopter Dock) Distance transect baseline along ' from S ect(Corrected (Ft) Substrate and % Cover; Elevation Tidal to Other NotedEelgrass FeFeaturesveVegetation presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 Soil; Upland (above Upland bulkhead) (non-native). landscaped non-native vegetation. 48 9.1 Plantago Jaumea Plantain) 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis maritima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; Cobble, Salt tolerant mud; Bulkhead, boundary. vegetation (Saltgrass) 5%. 64 8.1 tolerant Cobble, boundary. vegetation mud; Salt Plantago maritima (Seaside Jaumea Plantain) 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis Salicornia (Fleshy spicata Jaumea) 10%; (Saltgrass) 5%. 83 Pebble, Some mud; 7.1 Barren. oysters. 126 6.2 Pebble, of mud; float. boundary Barren. 149 5.2 Cobble, boundary pebble, of float. mud; Barren. 168 4.2 Cobble, boundary pebble, oysters. mud; Barren. 225 3.2 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Transect 8 (Helicopter Dock) Tidal Substrate and Vegetation o /o Covey, .. Distance (Ft) along Elevation to t baseline r � aI from � se ct(Corrected Other NotedEelgrass Features presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 bulkhead) Soil; (non-native). Upland landscaped (above Upland non-native vegetation. Watermark HMP MS&A 157 49 Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis maritima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; Pebble, Salt tolerant boundary. mud; (Bulkhead) vegetation (Saltgrass) 5%. 50 9.4 Pebble, Salt Plantago maritima (Seaside Jaumea Plantain) 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis Salicornia (Fleshy spicata Jaumea) 10%; mud; tolerant boundary. vegetation (Saltgrass) 5%. 80 8.4 Pebble, mud. Barren. less Oyster. 94 7.3 Barren. Pebble, mud; 155 6.3 Pebble, Barren. mud. 169 5.3 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Cobble, 175 4.3 Barren. pebble, mud. 225 3.3 Cobble, Oysters. pebble, mud; Barren. Transect 9 (Helicopter Dock) Distance (Ft) Tidal along Elevation Substrate and Vegetation %Cover t ansect(Corrected Other Featuresg' Eel grass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) bulkhead) Soil; Upland landscaped (above 0 (non-native). Upland non-native vegetation. Pebble, Salt Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; mud; 40%; carnosa Distichlis tolerant vegetation spicata 51 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Pebble, mud; Salt Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis maritima Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; tolerant vegetation spicata 54 9.5 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Pebble, Barren. 63 8.5 mud. 82 7.5 Pebble, mud. Barren. 92 6.5 Pebble, mud. Barren. Cobble, pebble, mud; 112 5.6 Oyster boundary. Barren. Cobble, pebble, mud; 151 4.6 Oysters (many). Barren. Watermark HMP MS&AI58 184 3.6 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 218 2.6 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 248 Pebble, Sand; Less mud, Oyster. 1.7 Barren. 264 0.7 Pebble, mud, Sand. Barren. 292 -0.3 Pebble, mud, Sand. Barren. 318 -1.3 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 346 -2.3 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 376 -3.2 Pebble, Drift mud, Ulva. Sand; 5% Barren. 419 -4.2 Pebble, Sand; mud, Barren. Barren. 469 -5.2 Pebble, Sand. Barren. mud, 500 -6.2 Pebble, mud, EG. Sand; NO Barren. Transect 10 (Helicopter Dock) Substrate Other Noted FeaturesVegetation and o /o Cover, Tidal Distance along (Ft) Elevation transect(Corrected baseline from to Eel grass g presence/absence Ft MLLW) 0 bulkhead) Soil; Upland landscaped (above Upland non-native vegetation. (non-native). 26 Plantago Jaumea Plantain) 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; Pebble, Salt tolerant boundary. mud; (Bulkhead) vegetation 40%; carnosa Distichlis (Fleshy spicata (Saltgrass) 5%. 40 10.2 Pebble, mud. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis manitima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; (Saltgrass) 5%. 48 9.2 Pebble, Salt Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 40%; carnosa 10%; Distichlis rnaritima Salicornia (Fleshy spicata (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; mud; tolerant boundary. vegetation (Saltgrass) 5%. 59 8.1 Pebble, mud. Barren. 71 Pebble, Oyster less. 7.1 Barren. mud; 100 6.1 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. Watermark HMP MS&A 159 150 5.1 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 167 4.1 Cobble, Barren. pebble, mud. 200 3.0 Cobble, pebble, mud; More Oyster. Barren. Pebble, mud, Sand; 207 2.0 Oyster boundary. Barren. 249 1.0 Pebble, mud, Sand. Barren. 270 0.0 Pebble, mud, Sand; 5% Drift Ulva. Barren. 290 -1.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; 5% Drift Ulva. Barren. 326 -2.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; 5% Drift Ulva. Barren. Pebble, mud, Sand; 5% 377 -3.1 Drift Ulva. Barren. 404 -4.1 Pebble, mud, Sand. Barren. 435 -5.1 Pebble, mud, Sand; Barren. Barren. 500 -6.2 Pebble, mud, Sand; NO EG. Barren. Transect 11 (Helicopter Dock a Distance (Ft) Tidal alongElevation Substrate and Vegetation % Cover; transect (Corrected Other Features Eel grass g presence/absence from to Noted baseline Ft MLLW) bulkhead) Soil; Upland landscaped (above 0 (non- native). Upland non-native vegetation. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago 10%; maritima Salicornia (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; Pebble, mud; (Bulkhead) 40%; carnosa Distichlis (Fleshy Salt tolerant vegetation spicata 34 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Jaumea Plantain) Plantago carnosa 10%; maritima Salicornia (Fleshy (Seaside Jaumea) 10%; 40%; Distichlis spicata Pebble, 5%. 41 10.3 mud. (Saltgrass) Plantago maritima (Seaside Plantain) 10%; Salicornia Jaumea) 10%; Pebble, Salt Jaumea (Fleshy mud; 40%; carnosa Distichlis tolerant vegetation spicata 47 9.3 boundary. (Saltgrass) 5%. Watermark HMP MS&A 160 58 8.3 Pebble, rnud. Barren. 7.4 Pebble, rnud. 67 Barren. 98 6.4 Cobble, Oyster- pebble, bed. mud; Barren. 142 5.4 Cobble, pebble, mud. Barren. 159 4.4 Cobble, pebble, mud. Barren. 193 3.4 Cobble, pebble, mud. Barren. 225 2.5 Cobble, Oyster pebble, mud; Barren. cont. Watermark HMP MS&A 161