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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA Lake Cushman Debris Removal Ramp - SEP Determinations - 8/13/2021 LEGAL NOTICE City of Tacoma Determination of Environmental Non-Significance Lead Agency: City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division, DBA Tacoma Power, Natural Resources Applicant: City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division, DBA Tacoma Power, Matt Peter, Natural Resources Proposal: Construction of a Debris Removal Ramp along the southern portion of Lake Cushman Reservoir. Ramp will be approximately 170' long (including upper graveled portion) and 40' wide with the top of the ramp being at approximate elevation 744' and the lower end of the ramp extending down into the reservoir to approximate elevation 730'. The structure will be comprised of precast concrete blocks, precast concrete interlocking panels, a pour in place concrete anchor section (located above OHW) and fill/dressing material. Location: The project location is 52 N. Cooper Hawk PI., Hoodsport, WA 98548. Project work will occur in the southern portion of Mason County Parcel #422050060000, located in the South West portion of Section 5 of Township 22N and Range 4W. The project coordinates are 47.41861 N, -123.22639W. SEPA Public Information Center File No. LU21-0185 City of Tacoma, Planning and Development Services, has made a preliminary determination that this project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21 C.030(2)(9c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on www.tacomapermits.org or upon request. Comments on this determination of environmental non-significance must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 3, 2021 to Tacoma Public Utilities/Generation, Attn: Matt Bleich, 3628 S 35'h Street, Tacoma, Washington 98409. The City will reconsider this determination based on timely comments and may retain, modify, or if significant adverse impacts are likely, withdraw the determination. Unless modified by the City, this determination will become a final determination on September 24, 2021. There is no administrative appeal opportunity for this Determination. Appeals may be filed at the Superior Court of the State of Washington within 21 days after the final Determination of Non-Significance is issued. Appeals to the Superior Court shall be taken in accordance with procedures and limitations set forth in RCW 43.21 C.075. A copy of the appeal shall be filed with City of Tacoma, Planning and Development Services, Attn: Shirley Schultz. The City of Tacoma does not discriminate on the basis of disability in any of its programs or services. Upon request, special accommodations will be provided within five (5) business days by contacting 591-5363 (VOICE) or 591-5070 (TTY). Issue/Publication Dates: August 16, 2021 and August 23, 2021 Shelton-Mason County Journal ♦ I V 1 ED City of Tacoma AUG mommad Tacoma Public Utilities Tacoma 3628 South 35th Street 615 VV Tacoma, WA 98409 Adder Street STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT Determination of Non Significance Date of Issuance: August 13,2021 Lead agency: City of Tacoma Agency Contact: Matt Peter E-mail: mpeter@citvoftacoma.org Phone:(253)208-2814 Agency File Number: LU21-0185 Proposal: Tacoma Power is proposing the construction of a Debris Removal Ramp along the southern portion of Cushman Dam No. 1 Reservoir(Lake Cushman).The ramp will be approximately 170'long(including upper graveled portion)and 40'wide with the top of the ramp being at approximate elevation 744'and the lower end of the ramp extending down into the reservoir to approximate elevation 730'. The structure will be comprised of precast concrete blocks,precast concrete interlocking panels,a pour in place concrete anchor section(located above OHW)and fill/dressing material.The purpose of the project is to facilitate the removal (and hauling)of debris from the Cushman No.1 reservoir.Construction of the ramp is intended to reduce or eliminate ground disturbance and turbid discharges associated with dragging material up and along the shoreline. Following construction,the ramp will mitigate discharges of material and disturbances to the shoreline.Construction of the ramp will facilitate the removal of intact Large Woody Debris(LWD). Removal of larger pieces of LWD and eliminating or decreasing the need to cut LWD into more manageable sizes will ultimately result in more availability of LWD suitable for local restoration projects. LWD will be placed along the shoreline in an area east of the ramp as mitigation for the project. Location: The project location is 52 N.Cooper Hawk PI., Hoodsport,WA 98548. Project work will occur in the southern portion of Mason County Parcel#422050060000, located in the South West portion of Section 5 of Township 22N and Range 4W.The project coordinates are 47°25'7"N, 123°13'35"W.From the junction of SR101 and SR119 in Hoodsport,head west for 4.20 miles on SR119 to N Standstill Drive S. Head west 0.40 miles on N.Standstill Drive S.to the gate above the Cushman Dam#1 switch yard.Continue through gates over the dam and spillway 0.60 miles to the project site. Applicant: Matt Peter Tacoma Power 3628 South 35th Street Tacoma,WA 98409 E-mail: mpeter@citvoftacoma.org Phone:(253)208-2814 The City of Tacoma has determined that this proposal will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment.An environmental impact statement(EIS)is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). We have reviewed the attached Environmental Checklist and other information on file with the lead agency.This information is available to the public upon request. This determination is based on the following findings and conclusions by the City of Tacoma,the lead agency for this proposal,that the requirements for environmental analysis,protection,and mitigation measures have been adequately addressed in the development regulations and comprehensive plan adopted under Chapter 36.70A RCW,and in other applicable local,state,or federal laws or rules,as provided by RCW 43.21C.240 and WAC 198- 11-158. The City will not require any additional mitigation measures under SEPA. This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2)and the comment period will end on September 3,2021. Responsible Official: Matt Bleich 3628 South 35th Street Tacoma,WA 98409 E-mail: mbleich@citvoftacoma.org Phone:(253)337-1079 Signature Date: 08.13.2021 RFc s, ft 2 F� SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST der Street Purpose of checklist: 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 needed to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements—that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197.11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 18 A. Background HELP 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Lake Cushman Debris Removal Ramp 2. Name of applicant: City of Tacoma Tacoma Power 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 3628 South 35th Street Tacoma, WA 98409-3192 Contact: Matt Peter 253-208-2814 4. Date checklist prepared: Updated August 11, 2021 5. Agency requesting checklist: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): The proposed project is anticipated to occur between October 2022 and March 2023, during annual reservoir drawdown. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Environmental information that has been or will be prepared that is directly related with this proposal includes the following: • A Water Quality Protection Plan (WQPP) will be prepared to provide Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) with "reasonable assurance" of the protection of water quality. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 18 • Mason County Habitat Management Plan 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. No 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. The following are approvals and permits anticipated for the proposed project: • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife o Hydraulic Project Approval • Washington Department of Ecology o Water Quality Protection Plan 0 401 Water Quality Certification (already obtained for FERC Project No. 460) • Mason County o Shoreline Conditional Use o Shoreline Substantial Development o Habitat Management Plan o Fill and Grade Permit • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers o Section 404 Nationwide Permit(s) • Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation Section 106 Compliance o Letter of concurrence for proposed action and assessment 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) Tacoma Power is proposing the installation of a Debris Removal Ramp along the southern portion of Cushman Dam No. 1 Reservoir (Lake Cushman). The ramp will be approximately 170' long (including upper graveled portion) and 40' wide with the top of the ramp being at approximate elevation 744' and the lower end of the ramp extending down into the reservoir to approximate elevation 730'. The toe of the precast concrete block bulkhead will extend down to approximate elevation 720'. Ordinary high water (OHW or full pool) for Lake Cushman is elevation 738'. The structure will be comprised of precast concrete blocks, precast concrete interlocking panels, a pour in place concrete anchor section (located above OHW) and fill/dressing material. The purpose of the project is to facilitate the removal (and hauling) of debris from the Cushman No.1 reservoir. Construction of the ramp is intended to reduce or eliminate ground disturbance and turbid discharges associated with dragging material up and along the shoreline. Following construction, the ramp will mitigate discharges of material and disturbances to the shoreline. Construction of the ramp will facilitate the removal of intact Large Woody Debris (LWD). Removal of larger pieces of LWD and eliminating or decreasing the need to cut LWD into more manageable sizes will ultimately result in more availability of LWD suitable for local restoration projects. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 18 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. Project work will occur in the southern portion of Mason County Parcel #422050060000, located in the South West portion of section 5 of Township 22N and Range 4W. The project coordinates are 47°25'7"N, 123°13'35"W. A vicinity map is attached that illustrates the action area. The parcel where work will occur is owned and managed by Tacoma Power. B. Environmental Elements HELP 1. Earth hf e a. General description of the site: (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, stee slopes, ountainous, other_Gently Sloping b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? —30% (e.g. 3:1) c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Gravel, sand, silts, mixed soil and rock d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. Project will consist primarily of native fill material from on-site grading capped with imported gravel for surface dressing/hardening in addition to precast concrete blocks and precast interlocking concrete panels. An approximate breakdown of proposed materials is as follows: SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 18 • 81 (93 C.Y.) Precast Concrete Blocks utilized for bulkhead creation around the lower end and sides of the ramp structure • 87 (97 C.Y.) Precast Concrete Interlocking Panels utilized for the lower ramp surface • 15 C.Y. of Cast in Place Concrete utilized as an anchor section (above OHW) to secure the Precast Concrete Interlocking Panels upland • 21 C.Y. (Y depth) of Crushed Surface Base Course (CSBC) used for dressing upper portion of ramp • 235 C.Y. cut volume to be used as fill following construction bulkhead structure The entire proposed project is approximately 40' wide by 170' long and will cover approximately 6,800 S.F. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Some potential exists for erosion to occur during construction. Construction will occur during a period of low reservoir elevations to facilitate working in the dry. However, the potential exists for weather conditions during actions to promote erosion. Following construction, the Debris Ramp will be a dedicated area with hardened surface that will preserve the adjacent shoreline areas and reduce turbid discharges resulting from dragging debris up and along the shoreline. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? -60% precast concrete interlocking panels and precast concrete block bulkhead. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Appropriate BMPs will be utilized to mitigate potential erosion concerns. As part of this proposal, a Water Quality Protection Plan (WQPP) will be developed in consultation with Washington Department of Ecology to address water quality and erosion concerns. 2. Air hf e a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Vehicle Exhaust b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. None SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 18 c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: None 3. Water h a. Surface Water: hf 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. Yes, the proposed project is located within in or near-waters of Lake Cushman Reservoir, North Fork Skokomish River. 2)Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. Yes, the majority of construction actions will occur below the OHWM. However, work will be scheduled during seasonal drawdown of Lake Cushman to facilitate working in the dry. 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. Approximately 260 C.Y. of native on site material will be graded out and used as fill below the OHWM to create the appropriate grade and base for the ramp structure. Approximately 93 C.Y. (81 blocks) of precast concrete blocks will be used to create the bulkhead around the lower end and the sides of the ramp structure below the OHWM. Approximately 67 C.Y. (75 panels) of precast concrete interlocking panels will be used for surfacing of lower end of the ramp below the OHWM. 4)Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No, all work will be done during seasonal drawdown of Lake Cushman and in the d ry. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. Yes, the entire project is located within the mapped 100-year floodplain. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11.960) July 2016 Page 6 of 18 No b. Ground Water: hf elpl 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. No 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. None c. Water runoff(including stormwater): 1) Describe the source of runoff(including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. Surface flow from precipitation is anticipated. The timing of the action will occur in the winter during seasonal drawdown of the reservoir and appropriate BMPs will be deployed per the WQPP to prevent erosion and turbid discharges to waters of the state. Equipment will remain on developed surfaces as practical to prevent erosion or creation of preferential paths for stormwater, should precipitation occur. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No waste material will be generated on site. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. Drainage patterns will remain the same; project will not collect or concentrate flows. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 18 Proposed Debris Removal Ramp will be uniformly graded to evenly shed water. Adaptive management through the nexus of the WQPP will be utilized should measures be deemed necessary. 4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: —X—deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other _X_evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other shrubs X grass pasture crop or grain Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. X wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Upland portion of the project will improve an existing roadway. Therefore, vegetation removal and alteration will likely be limited to an area of approximately 387 square yards of lakebed (below OHWM) which will be graded and filled with the native material before being covered by precast concrete blocks and precast concrete interlocking panels. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: None, nature and use of proposed ramp will preserve adjacent shorelines and vegetation by restricting debris removal operations to the Debris Removal Ramp. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None Known 5. Animals hf elpl a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Birds: Eagles, Hawks, Osprey, Ducks, Songbirds Mammals: Deer, Elk, Rodents, Shrews, Moles, Coyotes Fish: Trout, Bass, Bull Trout, Salmon, Whitefish, Suckers, Dace, Sculpin b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 18 • Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) -Threatened • Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) -Threatened • Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) —Threatened/Endangered • Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) —Threatened c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. The proposed project site is located within the Pacific Flyway, a regional flight corridor for migratory birds that extends from Alaska through South America. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: Limited vegetation will be removed as part of the project. Work will be completed during seasonal drawdown of the reservoir, so no surface water will be present during project construction. Erosion prevention and control measures will be implemented to prevent impacts to the reservoir. The main impact will be the loss of natural shoreline area that will be replaced with a precast Debris Removal Ramp. Lost shoreline habitat is steeply sloping, minimally vegetated with little habitat complexity and is only inundated for a limited portion of the year. Therefore, limited aquatic habitat will be lost as a result of the project. In addition, the WQPP and HPA associated with the proposed actions will prescribe BMPs for protection of water quality and ultimately the aquatic species present. Based on consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mason County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Skokomish Tribe, Tacoma Power will provide mitigation for the project through placement of LWD in the reservoir in an area east of the project site. Tacoma will also provide a habitat management plan as required by Mason County to address the project and associated mitigation efforts. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known 6. Energy and Natural Resources Lhel a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. This project will not use any energy. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 18 c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: This project will not use any energy. 7. Environmental Health hf elpl a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. Leakage from heavy equipment utilized for the proposed project has the potential to enter Lake Cushman. The WQPP prepared for the proposed project will prescribe BMPs for the prevention of deleterious discharges. The HPA issued for the project will additionally indicate provisions associated with water quality protection. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None Known 2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. Project has no known existing hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used or produced during the projects development or during its operating life. 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. The only chemicals potentially present on site will be oils, lubricants, and greases associated with the heavy equipment (excavators and heavy trucks) used to complete the project. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. Project has no special emergency service that may be required. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: A WQPP will be prepared that will address potential spills, leaks or discharge of deleterious materials. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 18 There are no types of noise existing in the area that might affect this 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)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. There will be noise from vehicles and construction between hours of 7am and 5pm during construction, and then again during periods of debris removal operations. It is anticipated that debris removal will be required approximately annually for up to 2 weeks. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: No measures proposed to reduce noise impacts from this project. 8. Land and Shoreline Use hel a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. Current use of site is the wildlife boundary surrounding Lake Cushman Reservoir and is occasionally used to remove surface debris collected from the reservoir. This project will not affect adjacent properties. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? This site has not been used as a working farm or forestland. 1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: This project will not affect surrounding farm or forestland operations. c. Describe any structures on the site. Existing structures on the property include the Cushman Dam No.1 spillway and Emergency Generator Building, as well as underground utilities associated with operation and security of these facilities. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? None. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 18 Rural Residential (5 acres) f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? N/A g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Conservancy h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. Lake Cushman Reservoir is a Critical Area. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? No people will reside or work in the completed project. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? No people will be displaced due to this project. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: N/A L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: Project design is minimalistic and was scaled down from an original debris pad concept that extended into the reservoir and included a substantial volume of fill material. Project consists of minimal construction elements: cut/grading, placement of precast concrete blocks, filling/grading, placement of precast concrete interlocking panels, pouring of cast in place anchor section (above OHWM), and dressing of upper ramp with CSBC. Fill material will be graded locally and on site. Existing use of the location as a debris removal site will continue as it has historically. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: No impacts to agricultural and forestlands will result from the project. 9. Housing hf e a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid- dle, or low-income housing. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 18 None b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. None c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: No housing impacts associated with this project. 10. Aesthetics hf e a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The Debris Removal Ramp bulkhead is expected to be up to 10' tall. Due to the nature of Lake Cushman Reservoir elevations, exposure of the precast concrete block bulkhead will vary seasonally. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: N/A 11. Light and Glare hf elpl a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? There will be no light or glare from this project. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 18 None 12. Recreation hf elpl a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Lake Cushman offers recreational opportunities including boating and fishing. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: This project will not affect recreational opportunities. This project will be located behind a log debris boom preventing recreational access, and several signs prohibiting unauthorized personnel and activities are posted in the area. Removal of debris from the reservoir is intended to facilitate recreation on the reservoir and operation of the Juvenile Fish Collector (JFC) associated with the dam. 13. Historic and cultural preservation hf elpl a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so, specifically describe. No b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. No c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. Site adjacent to reservoir spillway has already historically experienced extensive clearing and grading. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. None proposed or required SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 18 14. Transportation hel a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Project is located on private land and is accessed from the east via WA-119 to N. Standstill Dr. and then crossing the Cushman No.1 Dam. The site can be accessed from the west via a series of National Forest roads (NF-2355). c. 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? No, Project is rural c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? Project does not have, add or eliminate any parking spaces. d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). Project does not require new or improvement to existing roads, streets, pedestrian or bicycle transportation facility. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. This project does not use or occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail or air transportation. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? Project is located in a rural area and will have an estimated peak usage of five trips per workday throughout the year of non-passenger vehicles. g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. The project will not interfere with, affect or be affected by movement of agricultural and forest products on roads in the area. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 15 of 18 None required 15. Public Services hf elpl a. 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. This project will not result in any increase to public services. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None necessary of required 16. Utilities hI e a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other No utilities available at the project site. d. 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. No utilities proposed for this project. C. Signature fHELP1 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. tt+t Digitally signed by Peter,Matt Signature: Peter, MaDate:2021.08.11 14:33:25-07'00' Name of signee: Matt Peter Position and Agency/Organization: Biologist, Tacoma Power/Natural Resources Date Submitted: 8/11/2021 SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 16 of 18 D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions ltjELP (IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers,threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 17 of 18 Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. SEPA Environmental checklist(WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 18 of 18