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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEP2023-00048 GRD2023-00007 - SEP Application - 7/19/2023 SEPA Environmental Checklist Mason County Permit Center Use: ❑ Single Family DNS: $600.00 SEP_ 2p23 - OOnLA e) Other DNS: 0 to 9.99 acres: $73 Parcel #: - H ' LOU)yD 10 to 20 acres: $880 Over 20 acres: $1 100 Date❑ RECEIVED DS/EIS: $5000 +S90 per hour J U L 19 2023 Purpose of checklist: 615 W. Alder Street- - Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal. Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use "not applicable" or "does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision- making process. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. Instructions for Lead Agencies: Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information neededto make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. BACKGROUND 1) Name of proposed project, if applicable: [help] Belfair Switching Station 2) Name of applicant: [help] Mason County PUD No. 3 3) Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: [help] Justin Holzgrove 360.432.5323 PO Box 2148 Shelton, Washington 98584 SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted).2016 Page 1 of 11 4) Date checklist prepared: [help] April 26, 2023 5) Agency requesting checklist: [help] Mason County 6) Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): [help] Demolition is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2023. Construction of the switching station is scheduled to begin before the 4th quarter of 2024 and is expected to take up to 12 months. 7) Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. LheLp1 There are no plans for future additions, expansions or further activity related to the proposal. 8) List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. [help] Geotechnical Report 9) Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. JLejpJ There are no other applications pending for governmental approvals that affect the property in the proposal. Land Disturbance Activity Permit 1) Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) JheM The project site is owned and operated by Mason PUD 3 and is currently used as a storage area. The existing buildings and structures, including pavement, will be removed to construct the new switching station. The new switching station is currently planned to occupy the same footprint as the existing fenced in area of the parcel, adjacent to State Route (SR)-3. The switching station will include five separate switching pole groups, breakers, a 16 by 24-foot control enclosure and other associated equipment. 2) Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. LNe� Parcel#(s): 12206-44-60040 Address: 21341 SR-3, Belfair, Washington Legal Description: TR 4 OF SE SE S 26/13 SURVEY 1/71 Twp/Range/Section and/or GPS location: T 22 North, R 1 West, Section 6 SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 2 of 11 ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS h( elpl 1. Earth 1) General description of the site[heP] (circle on : flat rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: _ Where work is proposed it is relatively flat. However, the west half of the project parcel is hilly. The project work area will stay completely within the existing fenced in area and will not impact the sloped portion of the parcel. 2) What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? h( pm Where work is proposed the steepest slope is less than 10 percent slope. West half of the project parcel (outside the work area), the steepest slope is about 50 percent. 3) What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Liepj The site is mapped as having gravelly loam soils (USDA-NRCS 2023). The site is not used for agriculture and has no long-term commercial significance. United States Department of Agriculture—National Resource Conservation Service(USDA-NRCS).2023. National Hydric Soils List by State.Available at: https://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/main/soils/use/hydric/ 4) Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. h[ elpl There are no surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity. 5) Describe the purpose, type,total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. [P] It is estimated that to build the switching station, approximately 1,500 cubic yards of cut will be needed and 600 cubic yards of fill. The site will be covered with 6-inch compacted base material (1,200 cubic yards of fill) and an additional cover of 4-inch surface rock(700 cubic yards)will cover the facility footprint. The facility footprint is estimated to be approximately 1.5 acres. 6) Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. [N�jp1 Construction activities typically increase the potential for erosion; however, Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to control potential erosion. 7) About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?Lhelpj The pavement over the project area will be removed and replaced with yard rock and compacted materials. It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of the parcel will be covered by impervious surfaces (yard rock). 8) Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: [heip] A temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) plan will be prepared. Potential stormwater, erosion and sediment impacts will be addressed using BMPs that are detailed in the TESC plan. These include erosion control barriers (i.e., silt fence, mulching and temporary covers). Timely restoration of the disturbed surface will further reduce erosion potential. The contractor will monitor and review the use and maintenance of BMPs throughout construction and restoration activities. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 3 of 11 2. Air 1) What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. rf eM Sources of emissions during construction include fugitive dust and construction equipment exhaust. Fugitive dust will be limited because much of the adjacent area is developed. The quantities of emissions generated and transported offsite from the construction area will depend upon wind and weather conditions but are anticipated to be minor and of short duration. Odors from construction materials may occur and engine exhaust will be present during construction. No long-term sources of air emissions associated with the operational phase of the project are anticipated. 2) Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? Ifso, generally describe. Leipj There are no offsite sources of emissions that will affect the proposed project. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Lnejpl Standard emission control devices, in conformance with federal and state air quality standards will be utilized during construction. Dust control BMPs, including wetting of exposed soil surfaces and/or use of approved soil tackifiers, will be implemented as needed by the contractor to limit dust-generating sources. Efficient construction practices and timely restoration of areas of temporary disturbance will further reduce dust generating sources. 3. Water Surface Water: tf elpl 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year- round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.Ir,elp] A fish-bearing stream is located approximately 75 feet from the project work area. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) thedescribed waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. jheip] No, the project will not require work over, in or adjacent to the described waters. 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material.Ineiej Not applicable—there will be no fill or dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands as part of this project. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Lne�] No, the proposal will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.Lhep1 Based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping, the western portion of the project site (outside of the proposed construction area) is located in a mapped Zone A area. This area is associated with the mapped stream. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. Lneip] No, the project does not involve discharges of waste materials to surface waters. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 4 of 11 Ground Water: 1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. r.e I No, groundwater will not be withdrawn as part of the project. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. Lepl The proposed project will not result in the discharge of waste material into the ground. Water runoff(including stormwater): 3) Describe the source of runoff(including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. 1nelpl Source of runoff may include stormwater runoff from precipitation during construction. The existing stormwater facilities will be removed during demolition and will be replaced with rock at the completion of the project. 4) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.Lndp] It is not anticipated that waste materials will enter ground or surface waters. 5) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No, the proposed project will not alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site. 6) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: A TESC plan will be developed to manage temporary stormwater impacts during construction of the project. 4. Plants h( e 1) Check the types of vegetation found on the site: hf eM The footprint of the project has no vegetation and consists of a paved area currently used for storage. Adjacent site vegetation includes: X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other X shrubs X grass pasture crop or grain orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 5 of 11 2) What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?Lem Trees have been removed from the site as part of a maintenance activity. However, these trees are not being removed as part of this project and therefore are not further discussed. 3) List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. hl elpl No threatened or endangered plant species or critical habitat is known to be on or near the site. 4) Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: of e� There should be no impacts as a result of the project and therefore no measures are proposed. 5) List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. There is scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry adjacent to the existing storage area footprint. 5. Animals 1) List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Examples include: fheip,, birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: X mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: X fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: X 2) List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help] No threatened or endangered terrestrial species are known to be on or near the site. The stream located approximately 75 feet from the footprint of the facility is mapped as containing Steelhead a federally threatened species. 3) Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.LneIF1 The project area is not a migratory route,- however, the Puget Sound area is all part of the Pacific Flyway. 4) Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: !Le BMPs will be utilized during construction to ensure that stormwater and construction debris does not enter the creek. In addition, the existing vegetated buffer will not be impacted. 5) List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. No known invasive animal species are known to be on or near the site. 6. Energy and natural resources 1) What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. he The completed project will improve the reliability of existing electrical distribution service. 2) Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe.yi_epj The project will not affect the use of solar energy by adjacent properties. 3) What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: JkM The project does not have energy conservation features included in the proposal. No impacts are anticipated to energy and therefore no measures are proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 6 of 11 7. Environmental health Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. g2i M 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. The proposed project will not create any known environmental health hazards. Mason County PUD 3 facilities, including switching stations, are designed, constructed and operated in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations and safety codes. 2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. No known existing hazardous chemicals or conditions might affect the project development or design. 3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. Gasoline and diesel might be stored at the site during construction and will be used during construction. However, once construction is completed there will be no known toxic or hazardous chemicals used, stored or produced at the site. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. There are no special emergency services that might be required. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: There are no environmental health hazards anticipated as a result of the project and therefore, no measures are proposed. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)?[rieipi No existing noise will affect the proposed project. 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi- cate what hours noise would come from the site.[help] A short-term increase in noise will result from construction activities which will include the use of heavy equipment. Construction will be generally confined to normal daytime weekday hours. Operation of the project will not generate long term noise impacts. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Lhel Work will occur within normal working hours during regular workdays. 8. Land and shoreline use 1) What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. [(le4)1 The site is currently used as a storage area for the Mason County PUD 3. . 2) Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. No, the site has not been used as working farmlands or working forest lands. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 7 of 11 3) How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? None 4) If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use?Lhelpl None 5) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: No, the project will not affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land business operations. 6) Describe any structures on the site.[heip1 The site is used as a storage location and contains impervious surfaces, a warehouse structure and two smaller sheds. 7) Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?[hel)j All structures onsite will be demolished to construct the switching station. 8) What is the current zoning classification of the site?Lfjol, Rural Residential 5 Acres (RR5) 9) What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?[help] Rural Area 10) If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? h( elpl Not applicable 11) Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. hC e� Yes, a stream is mapped in the west half of the project area; approximately 75 feet from the proposed work area. 12)Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? h� The station will be visited on a routine basis for maintenance and inspection; no personnel will work full-time at the site. 13)Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? hf eipl None 14) Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: [help] There should be no displacement impacts and therefore, no measures are proposed. 15) Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: them The project is designed to be consistent with Mason County code requirements. The project will increase service reliability for existing electrical customers. Land use will not change as a result of the project. 16)Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: Not applicable—there'are no known adjacent agricultural or forest lands of long-term commercial significance. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 8 of 11 9. Housing 1) Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. Lh�� No housing units will be provided. 2) Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. Le�1 No housing units will be eliminated. • 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: Lejj No measures are proposed. 10. Aesthetics 1) What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?Lheip1 The switch towers will be the tallest structure and will be at least 48 feet tall. 2) What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?ple_p] Views in the immediate vicinity will not be significantly altered or obstructed because the switching station will be constructed where there is currently existing buildings and structures. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: 11ep� There are no measures proposed. 11. Light and glare 1) What type of light or glare will the proposal produce?What time of day would it mainly occur? [i eip] The facility will have lights installed. However, there are already existing lights at the facility and light produced will not be significantly different as a result of the project. Lights will likely be turned on during nighttime hours. 2) Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? hl eM No, light or glare from the project is not expected to be a safety hazard or interfere with views. 3) What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?Lh-PA None 4) Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: [i,elp] None are proposed. 12. Recreation 1) What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? h[ e I1 There are no known designated or informal recreational opportunities at or adjacent to the proposed project. 2) Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. hel No, the project will not displace existing recreational uses. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: hL eM There should be no impacts to recreation as a result of the project and therefore, no measures are proposed. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 9 of 11 13. Historic and cultural preservation 1) Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe. Jhei There are no structures or sites listed or eligible for listing on the project site according to the DAHP WISAARD mapping system. There are no registered properties within the immediate vicinity of the project. However, approximately 800 feet to the southeast is the Naval Base Kitsap-Shelton Bangor Railroad Bridge, which has been identified as eligible for listing. Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation(DAHP).2023.WISAARD Mapping application.Available at: https://wisaard.dahp.wa.gov/Map/ 2) Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources.Lnopl None are known. DAHP WISAARD mapping application indicates this area is in a "Low Risk" area. In addition, the work area is contained within the existing fence line of the developed facility. 3) Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. jhel WISAARD mapping application was reviewed. 4) Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. The project is not expected to uncover or disturb any unknown significant cultural or historic remains. An inadvertent discovery plan will be implemented in the unlikely event that cultural resources or human remains are encountered during construction. 14. Transportation 1) Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. ht ei The site is accessed from SR-3. 2) Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?[betel 1 No bus stops are in the area or general vicinity. The nearest transit stop is likely in Belfair approximately 3 miles to the north. 3) How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?JheM The project will not create parking spots or remove any parking spots. 4) Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). hf e The project will not require any new or improvements to existing roads or facilities. 5) Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, orair transportation? If so, generally describe. Lheii The project will not use or occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail or air transportation. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 10 of 11 6) How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates?LLLel The proposed project will not generate any additional vehicular trips. 7) Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. The project will not interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products. 8) Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:Lelp1 If needed, a plan for traffic control during construction will be approved by Mason County. 15. Public services 1) Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. Lk The project will not result in an increased need for public services. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Lne pi There are no measures proposed. 16. Utilities 1) Circle utilities currently available at the site: [help] e ectrici natural gas, water refuse service, elephone sanitary sewer, eptic system other 2) Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. ILeip No new utilities are proposed as part of this project. In addition, no water, sewer, septic will be provided at the site following project completion. SIGNATURE r,( elpl The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision. Signature: Date Signed: 4/26/2023 Print Name of Signee: Jennifer L. Dadisman If applicable, Position and Agency/Organization: Senior Biologist/GeoEngineers, Inc. Date Submitted: SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960)(MC version-non project portion omitted):2016 Page 11 of 11