Environmental ReviewCITY OF YELM
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires all governmental agencies to consider the
environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. The purpose of this checklist is to
provide information to help identify impacts from your proposal, to reduce or avoid impacts from the
proposal if it can be done, and to help the City decide whether an EIS is required. An environment
impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for any proposal with probable significant adverse impacts on
environmental quality.
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. The
City will use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are
significant and require preparation of an EIS. You must answer each question accurately, carefully and
to the best of your knowledge. Answer the questions briefly, but give the best description you can. In
most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans
without the need for experts. If you do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your
proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply." Complete answers to the questions now may avoid
delays later. If the space provided is too small, feel free to attach additional sheets.
Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark
designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the City staff can assist you.
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. You may be asked to explain your answers or provide additional
information for determining if there may be significant adverse impact.
Nonproject Proposals Only:
Complete both the checklist (even though many questions may be answered "does not apply") and the
Supplemental Sheet For Nonproject Actions (part D). For nonproject actions, the referenced in the
checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal,"
"proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively.
CITY OF YELM
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. BACKGROUND
CITY USE ONL Y
FEE: $150.00
DATE RECD
BY:
FILE NO.
1. Name of proposed project, if any: Prairie Plaza Shopping Center Phase II.
2. Name of applicant: Mike McKinnen, Forbest Partner
3. Address and phone number of applicant and of any other contact person:
7310 Huckleberry Road NW Olympia WA 98502, (360) 352-2004
4. Date checklist prepared: July 29 2003
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Yelm.
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Within the next 5 years.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected
with this proposal? If yes, explain. It is anticipated that Plaza Drive will be dedicated to the
City of Yelm.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared,
directly related to this proposal. None known.
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. None known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Buildin~Lpermit site en ing eeringLpermits, short plat approval, utilitypermits, right-of-way
permits and any other development related permits.
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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. A_ ply icant
proposes to subdivide a 12.32-acre parcel into 3 lots to be served b~ity of Yelm sewer and
water Applicant proposes to construct a commercial shopping center on one of the lots to be
served by N E. Algiers Drive and Plaza Drive.
12. Location of 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. You need not duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist. The property is located in the northeast quarter of section 30, township
17 north range 2 east. It specifically lies to the south of 103rd Street, to the east of Plaza Drive
and to the west of N.E. Creek Street.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one):
rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous; other
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The steepest slope on site
is approximately 5%
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 prime
farmland. According to the soils surveX of Thurston County issued by the United States
Department of Agriculture in 1958, the site has both Spanawa~y loam (0-3% slopes)
and Spanawa~y loam (0-3% slopes).
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. None to our knowledge.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed.
Indicate source of fill. Minimal rg ading will be balanced on site.
£ Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction such as asphalt or buildings? Approximate1~45% of the site will be impervious
and 55% of the site will be pervious. This does not include the future lot where the existing
commercial building exists.
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h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: None
proposed
2. Air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile
exhaust, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is
completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Dust
during construction. Automobile exhausts during and after completion, but should be
insignificant in terms of environmental impact.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. None known.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: None
proposed
3. Water
a. Surface Water
1) Is there any surface water body or wetland on or in the immediate vicinity of the site
(including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. State what stream or river it flows into? According to the
Thurston GeoData Center there appear to be some off-site wetlands approximately
feet northwest of the site.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 300 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. No.
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. None.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. No.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note elevation on the site plan.
According to the Federal Emergenc~gement Agenc~Parcel #5303100001A) the
property is not within the 100-year flood plain.
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.
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b. Groundwater:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to groundwater? Give
general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known.
The development will be served by Cit~of Yelm water.
2) Describe the underlying aquifer with regard to quality and quantity, sensitivity,
protection, recharge areas, etc. N/A.
3) Describe waste material that will be discharged into or onto the ground from septic tanks
or other sources, if any (such as domestic sewage; industrial by products; agricultural
chemicals). The development will be served b~public sewer.
c. Water Runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) 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. Stormwater design for this plat will meet
Department of Ecology regulations for cLuality and retention. Stormwater will be treated
and detained on-site through an infiltration system. See the storm report for greater
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Yes,
sediments during construction oils and grease fertilizers from landscaped areas.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
Erosion control measures will be used during construction. Permanent infiltration
facilities will be provided to mitigate for increases in runoff from impervious surfaces.
4. Plants
a. Check types of vegetation found on the site and list specific species:
-deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen; other
-evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine; other
Xshrubs
Xgrass
-pasture
-crop or grain
-wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, 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? The existing shrubs and
,grass will be removed from the portion of the site where the commercial building will be
located.
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c. List threatened or endangered plant 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: Landscaping will be~rovided per requirements of Chapter
5. Animals
a. Circle any birds or animals that have been observed on or near the site, or that are known to
be on or near the site:
Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, bir • other:
Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver; other:
Fish: bass, salmon, trout, shellfish; other:
b. List any priority, threatened or endangered animal species known to be on or near the site.
None known.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Not to our knowledge.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None proposed at this time.
6. Energy And Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, gasoline, heating oil, wood, solar, etc.) will be
used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for
heating, manufacturing, transportation, etc. Electrical ener~y will be used for lighting and
heating
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe. No.
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: No measures proposed.
7. Environmental Health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of
fire and explosion, spills, of hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If
so describe. No.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. None known.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None
proposed.
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d. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment operation, other)? Traffic noise from Plaza Drive, 103rd Street E. and Yelm
Ave.
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. Short term -traffic along with
construction activity Long term -traffic from customers and employees associated with
the development
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Landscaping around the
perimeter of the site and limit construction activity to daylight hours.
8. Land And Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Current use of the prope and
adjacentproperties is vacant and commercial.
b. Has the site been used for mineral excavation, agriculture or forestry? Is so, describe. No.
c. Describe any structures on the site. A commercial building of similar dimensions to the one
proposed is located on the southeast portion of the site.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No.
e. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Commercial.
f. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Commercial.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "natural resource", "critical" or
"environmentally sensitive" area? If so, please specify. No according to the Thurston
County GeoData website.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? Assuming
1 500 buildin S~.F.^per store and 4 persons per unit, the completed project should have
approximatelypeople working during the business hours.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: No measures proposed.
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1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses
and plans, if any: Compatibilitywill be achieved through compliance with site plan and
zoning regulation and by reco nog izin tghe foals and policies of the Yelm Comprehensive
Plan.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing. 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: None proposed.
10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the
principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The tallest height of andstructure will not
exceed 50 feet. __
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Potential views of
Mount Rainier from some of the site maybe partially obstructed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: New landscapin will be
provided throughout the site
11. Light And Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? Parkin lg_ of lighting_for safety and security purposes.
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: None proposed.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Various City_parks in the area.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No.
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13. Historic And Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local
preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so generally describe. None
known.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or
cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. None known.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: None proposed.
14. Transportation
a. Identify sidewalks, trails, public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed
access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. N.E. Algiers Drive, Plaza
Drive 103rd Street East Yelm Avenue and sidewalks on both Plaza Drive and N.E. Alders
Drive.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? By what means? If not, what plans exist for transit
service? Yes bus. Intercity Transit serves this area. According to Tami Merryman, there is
a stop at the QFC lot approximately 2000 feet away.
How many parking spaces would the complete project have? How many would the project
eliminate? 61 spaces will be provided (4 of which are handicapped.) No parking spaces will
be eliminated.
d. Will the proposal require any new sidewalks, trails, roads or streets, or improvements to
existing sidewalks, trails, roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private). Full code improvements are proposed on Plaza Drive
on the frontage side (east sideLfrom 103rd Avenue to Yelm Avenue. The non-frontage side
of Plaza Drive (west side) will receive curb and gutter improvements. No current plans exist
to improve N.E. Algiers Drive. At this point, both streets are private.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation?
If so, generally describe. No.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known,
indicate when peak volumes would occur. Approximately 924 vehicle trips per day (92 peak
hour trips) will be generated by the project. Peak volumes are assumed to occur between 6-8
a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Improvements to
Plaza Drive and N.E. Algiers Drive.
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15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe: A slight
increase in the need for police fire health care schools etc can be expected from the
development of this project
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. The cost of
services will be offset over time through increased property tax revenues collected form
improving the property
16. Utilities
a. Cir utilities ~ ntly available at the site: lectricity natural ga Ovate efuse service,
telephone sanitary sewe ,septic system; other.
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and
the general utility construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed. Sewer -City of Yelm.
Water -City of Yelm.
Electricity - Puget Sound Energy.
Telephone - YCom Networks.
SIGNATURE
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.
/'n,
Signature:
Date Submitt~d: ~~ C3
I/25507/docs-rpts/docs_tk072903
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