HomeMy WebLinkAboutHMP - HMP Habitat Managment Plan - 11/7/2010 Habitat Management Plan
Nordstrom Pond Dredging Project
Union, WA
For:
Shallow Creek, LLC
C/O Bank of America
Atten: LeeAnn Martinson
800 Fifth Ave Floor 32
Seattle, WA 98104-3188
Prepared by:
BioResources, LLC
Kim Schaumburg
Fisheries biologist, University of Washington, 1981
10112 Bay View Rd. KPN
Vaughn, WA,98394
(253) 884-5776 or 225-2973
Email: kimberly035(tLxcnturytel.net
November 7,2010
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 2
Table of Contents
I. Project Description
A. Project Location........................................................................ 3
B. Project Description..................................................................... 34
C. Action Area..............................................................................4
U. Species and Habitat Information
A. Species and Habitat Information........................................................ 4-5
B. Survey Results............................................................................5
C. Existing Environmental Conditions....................................................6
III. Effects of the Action
A. Direct Effects............................................................................ 6-7
B. Indirect Effects........................................................................... 7-8
C. Cumulative Effects.......................................................................8
D. Take Analysis.............................................................................8
E. Conservation Measures..................................................................9
F. Determination of Effect................................................................. 9
List of Attachments
1. Project location...................................................................................10
2. Site Photograph...................................................................................11
3. Site Photograph...................................................................................12
l
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 3
I. Project Description
A. Project Location
0.15 miles east of the Alderbrook Lodge on the south side of
State Route(SR) 106(Attachment 1)
Tax Parcel#322335000023
Section 33,Township 22N,Range 03W,W.M.
47 degrees 20'51.46"N 123 degrees 03'50.49"W
B. Project Description
This Habitat Assessment Report has been submitted on behalf of Shallow Creek,LLC to facilitate
approval for the dredging of an existing manmade pond(Attachment 2)that acts as a sediment
trap for an unnamed perennial stream on the property, in order to prevent downstream flooding of
SR 106 and the applicant's adjoining parcel. The stream originates on a forested slope to the
south of the property and is regulated as a Type F stream under the Mason County Resource
Ordinance for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas. As per the Ordinance,a Habitat
Management Plan must be submitted for County review.
The approximately 2.2 acre parcel supports an existing single-family residence. The pond,which
is approximately 30 feet in diameter, is located approximately 200 feet south of SR 106 and 500
feet south of the marine shoreline of the Hood Canal. During normal flows,the unnamed Type F
perennial stream discharges into the pond and exits it via a subsurface pipe that transports the
stream beneath SR 106 and through the applicant's adjoining property,where it daylights in some
areas before discharging into the Hood Canal. Storm flows are transported via an overflow pipe,
subsurface,to a Hood Canal outfall located approximately 300 feet east of the stream's primary
discharge point.
The pond collects alluvial sediments transported downstream from the stream's upper(high
energy)reaches,thus alleviating aggradation of the stream's lower reach,which helps to prevent
flooding. Periodically,the pond needs to be dredged of excess sediments. The proposed project
consists of using an excavator to remove the excess sediments and hauling them by truck to an
approved storage site.
Equipment and materials will be driven to the site. The equipment will consist of a track
excavator,a loader,and other appropriate heavy equipment,plus various hand tools. Work on the
project is tentatively scheduled to begin after the receipt of all required permits and approvals.
Work will be completed during daylight working hours normal to a rural neighborhood.
In order to maintain the present water quality of the Type F stream and the Hood Canal during
work,Best Management Practices will be implemented. BMWs are defined as physical,
structural,and/or managerial practices that prevent or reduce the pollution of water(WDOE).
The following applicable BMPs shall be used to insure that water quality is not degraded by
erosion and sedimentation from rainfall at the site. 1)All existing native vegetation shall be
preserved except where required to be removed for construction purposes. 2)Equipment shall be
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 4
cleaned and checked daily for leaks. 3)Prior to commencing work,filter fabric shall be placed
around the pond's two outlets. Accumulated sediments shall be removed during the project and
prior to removing the fabric after completion of work.
• The following Spill Prevention Control measures shall also be followed: 1)The contractor will
supply the site with a portable bathroom if an onsite bathroom is not available for workers,so that
liquid or solid waste will not become a source of stormwater pollution. 2)The contractor shall be
responsible for alerting the appropriate authorities in the event of a hazardous spill. 3)The
contractor shall be able to perform basic control,containment,and/or confinement operations
within the capabilities of the resources and personnel protective equipment available. In other
words, small spills,such as paint or oil,shall be promptly and fully collected and disposed of at a
suitable disposal site. In the event of a significant spill,a fish kill,and/or if fish are observed in
distress the Washington State Department of Ecology(800.258.5990)and the Washington State
Department of Fish and Wildlife's Area Habitat Biologist,Gloria Rogers(360.249.1293),shall be
notified immediately.
C. Action Area
The action area is located at the pond on the project site and for approximately 500' downstream,
to where the Type F stream discharges into the Hood Canal. Besides the proposed project
location,the action area includes the area within a one mile radius of the site in order to account
for construction related noise that may affect species listed under the Endangered Species Act by
the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service as either endangered or threatened. The action area also
includes the marine environment within a 0.5 mile radius,in order to account for littoral drift.
II1. SPECIES AND HABITAT INFORMATION
A. SPECIES INFORMATION
In the proposed project area,there are four species listed under the Endangered Species Act by
the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service as either Endangered or Threatened:the bull trout(Salvelinus
confluentus),the Puget Sound Chinook salmon(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha),the Puget Sound
Steelhead(Oncorhynchus mykiss),and the Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon(Oncorhynchus
keta). In addition,the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a Priority Habitats
and Species list(PHS)and a Species of Concern(SOC)list. The PHS list includes habitats,
species,and species groups considered to be priorities for conservation and management. The
project site is categorized as one of those habitat types--Riparian. The SOC list includes only
native Washington Fish and Wildlife species that are listed as State Endangered,Threatened,
Sensitive,or Candidates for these designations,or Federal Endangered,Threatened,Candidate,or
Species of Concern.
WDFW data revealed that four other species of anadromous salmonids on the State's PHS/SOC
lists may be found within the action area:the Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Chum salmon
(Oncorhynchus keta),the Puget Sound coho salmon(Oncorhynchus kisutch),the pink salmon
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 5
(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha),and the Puget Sound/Coastal cutthroat(Oncorhynchus clarki clarki).
The Puget Sound coho salmon is also an ESA listed Species of Concern. Species of Concern are
not species that are being actively considered for listing under the ESA by the NMFS(National
Marine Fisheries Service)or FWS. They have been identified as Species of Concern because of
• concerns or great uncertainties regarding biological status and threats. Washington State
Department of Ecology(WSDE 2007)and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW
2003)GIS maps reveal that the nearest documented presence of Chinook, summer-run chum,and
pink sahnon is the Skokomish River,which is located approximately 2.7 miles to the west of the
proposed project site. The nearest documented presence of fall-run chum,coho,and winter
steelhead is an unnamed stream 0.4 miles to the west and the Skokomish River. Fall chum,coho,
and cutthroat trout also have been reported to spawn in Alderbrook Creek,which is located
approximately 0.15 miles to the west.
In addition,Mason County publishes a species of importance list. Species that may be found in
the proposed project area include the Chinook salmon,Hood Canal summer-run chum,bald eagle
(Haliaetus leucocephalus),northern goshawk(Accipiter gentiles),pileated woodpecker
(Drycopus pileatus),band-tailed pigeon(Colmba fasciata),olive-sided flycatcher(Contopus
bureaus),Van Dyke's salamander(Plethodon vancWi),Olympic Torrent salamander
(Ryacotriton olympicus),and great blue heron(Ardea herodias). Conservation measures
proposed in this report are intended to minimize impacts to listed and/or unlisted species that may
inhabit or utilize the proposed project site.
C. Survey Results
Two field investigations were conducted in August and October of 2010,during daylight hours,
and the proposed project area was surveyed visually on foot. The site is located on an
approximately 2.2-acre parcel that features a single-family residence,a perennial Type F stream
(fish-bearing),and a manmade pond. The property south of the pond is moderately sloped and
heavily forested,while the area between the pond and SR 106 is relatively flat and partially
cleared. Invasive,non-native knotweed is growing on the south side of the pond(Attachment 3).
Several existing fish passage blockages downstream from the pond(WDFW 2010)prevent adult
and possibly juvenile salmonids from accessing the unnamed Type F stream. Several fish of
undetermined species,approximately 2.5 cm(1 inch)in size,were observed in the pond.
The following native plant species were observed growing at the site: Western hemlock(Tsuga
heterophylla),Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesia),bigleaf maple(Acer macrophyllum), Western
red cedar(Thuja plicata),Red alder(alnus rubra),horsetail(Equisetum spp.),and sword fern
(Polystichum munitum).
The following non-native, invasive plant species were observed:Himalayan blackberry(Rebus
procerus)and knotweed(Polygonum spp.).
Shallow Creek, LLC Habitat Management Plan 6
D. Existing Environmental Conditions
The environmental baseline represents the existing set of conditions,to which the effects of the
proposed action are then added. The proposed project site is located in WRIA 14(Water
• Resource Inventory Area)on a parcel with a stream and a manmade pond,adjacent to the Hood
Canal. State Highway 106 accesses the site. The majority of the shoreline along the South Shore
of the Hood Canal has been developed with single-family residences that have bulkheads and
docks.
The Hood Canal is a glacial-carved fjord that runs 63 miles from its mouth at Admiralty Inlet to
Lynch Cove at Belfair. It averages 3.8 miles in width and 500 feet in depth(Johnson et al. 1997).
Several factors, including the canal's great depth,poor water circulation,and the input of
nutrients have resulted in its lowest concentrations of dissolved oxygen in recorded history.
Algae appears to be a primary culprit. Huge algae blooms fueled by warm weather and nutrients
from leaking septic tanks,dairy waste,and fertilizer runoff,etc.,eventually die then decompose,a
process that consumes significant amounts of oxygen. In October of 2003 large fish kills were
reported in the Hood Canal(USGS 2006). WDFW biologist Margie Shirato reported that a fish
kill had occurred recently(June `07)near Dewatto,which is over a dozen miles northwest of the
proposed project site.
WRIA 14 features an extensive network of low-elevation, low-gradient streams that are
dependant on precipitation and groundwater for flow but has no major rivers. The majority of the
fresh and marine waterbodies in WRIA 14 suffer from water quality issues. The Hood Canal is
on the WSDE's(Washington State Department of Ecology's)2008 Water Quality 303(d)List as
an impaired waterbody for the following parameters in the vicinity of Union: dissolved oxygen
and fecal coliform. Besides water quality issues and shoreline hard-armoring, it can be assumed
that the existing environmental conditions in the area have also been degraded by organic and
inorganic pollutants,deforestation,fishing,and other anthropogenic changes that accompany
urbanization.
III. Effects of the Action
A. Direct Effects
Direct effects are the immediate effects of the project on the listed species and their habitats
(FWS&NMFS 1998). The direct effect to the project site will be the dredging of alluvial
sediments from a manmade pond that acts as a sediment trap for an unnamed Type F stream.
Direct effects to the stream and the marine shoreline include: 1)The loss of alluvial sediments
that would naturally feed the stream channel and the beach.
1) The pond is located at the upper end of the stream's natural flood plain,where the steep
terrain flattens out and the stream losses energy. The pond traps sediments transported
by the stream that were once available to feed the stream and the beach,thus directly and
adversely affecting downstream fluvial morphology and natural beach-forming processes.
Because,the stream's natural floodplain has been compromised by anthropogenic
development that precludes channel migration,the natural fluvial process of avulsion
cannot take place to offset aggredation. An avulsion is a significant and abrupt relocation
of a new channel(WDFW 2002). A stream aggrades when more sediment is transported
into the reach than can be transported out of the reach(WDFW 2002). The unnamed
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 7
stream downstream from the proposed project site exhibits several physical
characteristics that lead to(and exacerbate)aggradation, including reduced slope and
channel confinement. Channelized streams are prone to aggradation,as they lack the
capacity for sediment storage, i.e.a floodplain or a broader migration corridor.
Reducing the excess supply of sediments from upstream sources would be the most
effective solution,but considering the scope of such a project,it is an unrealistic option.
Increasing the stream's slope downstream from the site is also not a viable solution,nor is
removing existing infrastructure and development to accommodate a natural floodplain.
Therefore, it is necessary to dredge the pond to alleviate or prevent downstream flooding.
The proposed project will also result in the loss of sediments that would normally feed
the marine beach near the site. However,it is expected that the beach in the area receives
sufficient sediment input from the nearby Skokomish and Tahuya Rivers and numerous
smaller streams.
Temporary direct effects caused by the proposed projects include: 1)Sedimentation and/or
siltation,and turbidity in the unnamed Type F stream and the Hood Canal. 2)Noise. 3)Water
pollution from incidental release of fuel,oil,or other contaminants.
1) Since the purpose of the dredging is to remove the existing deposition of sediments in
the pond,the proposed project will not contribute additional sedimentation in excess of
the amount that it will eliminate. In order to minimize downstream turbidity and
siltation, filter fabric shall be placed around the pond's two outlets and accumulated
sediments shall be removed during the project and prior to removing the fabric after
completion of work(see BMP#3). However,increased turbidity and siltation from the
dredging of the channel still may impact salmonids in the area. Salmon are mobile, so it
is possible that they will avoid the area of disturbance and not be impacted. Salmonids
have been observed to move laterally and downstream to avoid turbidity plumes(Sigler
et al. 1984,Lloyd 1987,Scannell 1988). Gregory and Northcote(1993)suggested that
turbidity could be used as a protective cover by juvenile salmon. In order to further
minimize the adverse effects,the proposed projects will not take place between February
16th and July 15th,when juvenile salmonid migration activity is high.
2) The main source of construction noise will be the operation of heavy equipment. The
project site is located in a rural commercial neighborhood that is adjacent to a State
Highway,so it is expected that the noise from heavy equipment will not be more
excessive than noise normal to the neighborhood.
3) Potential water pollution from accidental release of fuel,oil,or other contaminants is
another possible temporary direct effect. As previously discussed, Spill Prevention
Control measures and BMPs shall be implemented during the proposed project.
B. Indirect Effects
Indirect effects are those effects that are caused by or will result from the proposed action and are
later in time,but are still reasonably certain to occur(50 CFR 402.02). Indirect effects from the
proposed project include: 1)The loss of salmonid spawning habitat in the stream and forage fish
spawning habitat on the beach. 2)Habitat improvement at the site from proposed mitigation.
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 8
1) Several existing fish passage blockages downstream from the pond prevent adult and
possibly juvenile salmonids from accessing the unnamed Type F stream. In addition,
the stream is predominantly tightlined(i.e.transported in a subsurface pipe)between
the pond and the Hood Canal,which further impedes fish passage. Therefore,the loss
• of spawning habitat is not relevant unless the stream is someday restored to a more
natural condition.
A WDFW GIS map for the action area indicates that there are potential forage fish
spawning beaches(WDFW 2010)located within 0.5 miles of the site. As previously
discussed,it is expected that the beach in the area receives sufficient sediment input
from the nearby Skokomish and Tahuya Rivers and numerous smaller streams.
2) Mitigation,consisting of the eradication of invasive,non-native knotweed that is
growing around the pond and the installation of native vegetation, is expected to
improve habitat at the site. Knotweed is a particularly insidious plant that displaces
native vegetation and destroys fish and wildlife habitat(as it provides little in the way
of food and shelter for animals and fish).
C. Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects are defined as"those effects of future state or private activities,not involving
Federal activities,that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area of the action subject
to consultation"(50 CFR 402.02). Cumulative impacts are difficult to access. Continued growth
and urbanization is likely to detrimentally impact fish and wildlife resources. Global warming
could raise the water level of Puget Sound,leaving many waterfront properties underwater.
Over-fishing may deplete stocks of salmon,even as restoration of habitat in the watershed
furthers their likelihood of survival.
D. Take Analysis
Section 9 of the ESA prohibits take of endangered or threatened species,"take"being defined in
Section 3 as to harass,harm,pursue,hunt,shoot,wound,trap,capture,or collect listed species,or
attempt to engage in any such conduct. "Harm"is further defined as a significant habitat
modification or degradation that actually kills or injures listed species by"significantly impairing
behavioral patterns such as breeding,spawning,rearing,migrating,feeding,and sheltering"(50
CFR 222.102). "Harass"is further defined as an intentional or negligent act which creates the
likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal
behavior patterns which include,but are not limited to,breeding,feeding,or sheltering(50 CFR
17.3). In regards to the proposed project and the existing development activities,it is extremely
unlikely that any"take"will occur. The following conservation measures(some previously
discussed)will further insure the likelihood that no"take"will occur.
Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 9
E. Conservation Measures
1. Previously discussed BMPs to be strictly adhered to.
2. Invasive knotweed to be eradicated by a professional licensed to apply aquatic herbicides.
3. Ten native trees and twenty native shrubs to be planted in the area where the knotweed is
removed. The following species are recommended: Sitka spruce(Picea sitchensis),
Western red cedar(Thuja plicata),western hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla),bigleaf maple
(Acer macrophyllum),Red alder(alnus rubra),Indian plum(Oemleria cerasiformis),red-
osier dogwood(Corpus sericea ssp. occidentalis),willow(Salix spp.),vine maple(Acer
Circinaturm), and salmonberry(Rebus Spectabilis).
4. The proposed projects will not take place between February 16th and July 15th,when
juvenile salmonid migration activity is high.
F. Determination of Effect
A determination of May affect,ect, not likely to adversely affect is the appropriate conclusion when
effects on the species or their critical habitat are expected to be beneficial,discountable,or
insignificant After reviewing the appropriate data and survey information,I have concluded that
the proposed project will have an insignificant impact on the previously discussed Endangered or
Threatened species if the previously discussed conservation measures are implemented. In my
most honest and professional opinion,while the proposed project may impact individual
Endangered or Threatened species in the project area,it is not likely to adversely affect or
jeopardize the continued existence of those species or their designated Critical Habitat. The
determination of effect for each of the listed species is:
1. Puget Sound chinook May affect, not likely to adversely affect.
2. Puget Sound Steelhead--May affect, not likely to adversely affect.
3. Hood Canal summer-run chum--May affect, not likely to adversely affect.
4. Bull trout--May affect, not likely to adversely affect.
SITE PLAN
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POND ALLUIVAL SEDIMENT
REMOVAL PROJECT PROJECT NAME: NORDSTROM POND DREDGING
DRAVNNG SCALE: 1"=40'
FILE: SH4LLOWCREEK,LLC
BY: KLS SR 106, 0.15 MILES EAST OF ►►-��{{
onre +1-19-10 PROJECT ADDRESS: NORTH 0 �
THE ALDERBROOK LODGE
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Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan 10
Attachment 1
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Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan l l
Attachment 2
The manmade pond at the proposed project site.
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Shallow Creek,LLC Habitat Management Plan I
Attachment 3
The manmade pond at the proposed project site with dormant knotweed in the
background.
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