2020.0004 Yelm Creek Lane Apts. Final WFWH Assessment and Riparian Buffer Averaging Report amended 1.29.2020WETLAND AND FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
ASSESSMENT REPORT AND RIPARIAN HABITAT BUFFER
AVERAGING PLAN
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS
JANUARY 2020
WETLAND AND FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
ASSESSMENT REPORT AND BUFFER AVERAGING PLAN
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS
JANUARY 29, 2020
PROJECT LOCATION
16516 CREEK LANE SOUTHEAST
YELM, WASHINGTON 98597
PREPARED FOR
THE RANTS GROUP – PATRICK RANTS
724 COLUMBIA STREET NORTHWEST, #140
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501
PREPARED BY
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC
2907 HARBORVIEW DRIVE, SUITE D
GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON 98335
(253) 514-8952
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments i Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Executive Summary
Soundview Consultants LLC (SVC) has been assisting The Rants Group (Applicant) with a wetland
and fish and wildlife habitat assessment, Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) survey, and buffer averaging
plan for a proposed apartment development on an approximately 3.01-acre property located at 16516
Creek Lane Southeast in the City of Yelm, Washington. The property consists of one parcel located
in the Northeast ¼ of Section 29, Township 17 North, Range 02 East, W.M. (Thurston County Tax
Parcel Number 64303400202).
SVC investigated, assessed, and delineated wetlands, drainages, and other potentially regulated fish
and wildlife habitat on or within 300 feet of the subject property in the summer and fall of 2019. The
site investigations performed by SVC were in support of the multi-family residential development of
this property. Using current methodology, the site investigations identified one stream, Yelm Creek,
on the northern corner of the subject property. Yelm Creek is classified as a Type 5 stream per Yelm
Municipal Code (YMC) 18.21.110.C.2.b. However, the creek appears to support potential seasonal
fish-habitat and has documented fish used, therefore, SVC classified it as a Type F per Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 222-16-030. Additionally, SVC conducted a Mazama pocket gopher
survey during the site investigation and found no evidence of pocket gophers or their habitat on the
subject property. No other potentially regulated wetlands or fish and wildlife habitat were identified
within 300 feet of the subject property.
The Applicant proposes the development of two 3-story apartment buildings, required parking,
stormwater improvements, and associated infrastructure on the subject property. The project was
carefully designed in order to avoid impacts to critical areas to the greatest extent feasible; however,
due to the subject property’s proximity to Yelm Creek and the encumbrance of the associated buffer
on the subject property, riparian habitat buffer averaging is necessary for a small portion of the buffer
area as allowed under YMC 18.21.110.C.2 to accommodate the required parking area.
The table below summarizes the critical areas and identifies the potential regulatory status by local,
state, and federal agencies.
Regulated Feature Size/Length
Onsite Category/Type Regulated
Under YMC1
Regulated
Under RCW
90.48
Regulated
Under Clean
Water Act
Yelm Creek ~640 SF 51 (F2) Yes Likely Likely
1. Critical area definitions as defined in YMC 18.21.110.C.2.b.
2. Per Washington State Interim Stream Typing System, WAC 222-16-031. Irrespective of the rating used, the buffer of Yelm
Creek, per YMC 18.21.110.C.2.b. is 150 feet.
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Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 2. Proposed Project ........................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Project Location .................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Project Description................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter 3. Methods ........................................................................................................................ 4
Chapter 4. Existing Conditions ...................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Landscape Setting ................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Soils....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................. 7
4.4 Stream and Wetland Inventories ........................................................................................... 7
4.5 Priority Habitats and Species ................................................................................................ 8
4.6 FEMA Floodplain ................................................................................................................. 8
4.7 Precipitation .......................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 5. Results ........................................................................................................................ 10
5.1 Yelm Creek ......................................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Mapped Wetland ................................................................................................................. 11
5.3 Stormwater Drainages ......................................................................................................... 11
5.4 Stormwater Pond ................................................................................................................. 11
5.4 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Results ............................................................................. 11
Chapter 6. Regulatory Considerations ......................................................................................... 13
6.1 Local Critical Area Requirements ...................................................................................... 13
6.2 State and Federal Considerations ........................................................................................ 15
Chapter 7. Closure ....................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 8. References .................................................................................................................... 1
Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map ................................................................................................................................ 2
Figure 2. Aerial View of the Subject Property ........................................................................................ 6
Tables
Table 1. Precipitation Summary ................................................................................................................ 8
Table 2. Yelm Creek Summary ............................................................................................................... 10
Table 3. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Results ................................................................................ 12
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Appendices
Appendix A – Methods and Tools
Appendix B – Background Information
Appendix C – Site Plan
Appendix D – Data Forms
Appendix E – MPG Survey Maps
Appendix F – Qualifications
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SITE MAP
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments 1 Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Chapter 1. Introduction
Soundview Consultants LLC (SVC) has been assisting The Rants Group (Applicant) with a wetland
and fish and wildlife habitat assessment, Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) survey, and buffer averaging
plan for a proposed apartment development on an approximately 3.01-acre property located at 16516
Creek Lane Southeast in the City of Yelm, Washington. The property consists of one parcel located
in the Northeast ¼ of Section 29, Township 17 North, Range 02 East, W.M. (Thurston County Tax
Parcel Number 64303400202).
The purpose of the wetland and fish and wildlife habitat assessment is to identify the presence of
potentially-regulated wetlands, waterbodies, fish and wildlife habitat, and/or priority species that may
be found on or near the subject property, assess potential impacts to any such critical areas from the
proposed project, and provide mitigation to offset those impacts.
This report provides conclusions, recommendations, and preliminary specifications regarding:
• Site description, a brief project description, and area of assessment;
• Identification, delineation, and assessment of potentially regulated wetlands and other
waterbodies within the vicinity of the proposed project;
• Identification and assessment of potentially regulated fish and wildlife habitat and/or priority
species within the vicinity of the proposed project;
• Standard buffer recommendations and development limitations;
• Documentation of riparian habitat buffer impact avoidance, minimization measures and
buffer averaging sequencing;
• Existing conditions site map detailing identified critical areas and standard buffers;
• Site plan outlining the proposed residential development and improvements;
• Supplemental information necessary for local, state, and federal regulatory review.
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Chapter 2. Proposed Project
2.1 Project Location
The proposed project is located on a 3.01-acre subject property located at 16516 Creek Lane Southeast
in the City of Yelm, Washington (Figure 1). The property consists of one parcel located in the
Northeast ¼ of Section 29, Township 17 North, Range 02 East, W.M. (Thurston County Tax Parcel
Number 64303400202).
To access the site from the Spanaway area from Washington State Route 507, take Spanaway Loop
Road South towards Washington State Route 704 East. Continue for 4.7 miles until WA-507 turns
left and becomes Washington State Route 704 East. Continue for 0.6 mile and use the right two lanes
to turn right onto Washington State Route 7 South. Continue for 1 mile and take a slight right onto
WA-507 South. Continue for 14 miles and turn right onto Grove Road Southeast. Continue for 0.4
mile and turn left onto 103rd Avenue Southeast/ Old Yelm-Mckenna Road Southeast and follow 103rd
Avenue Southeast. Continue for 0.3 mile and turn left onto Creek Street Southeast. Continue for 318
feet and turn left onto Creek Lane Southeast. Continue for 90 feet, the destination will be on the left.
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Subject Property
Location
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2.2 Project Description
The Applicant proposes the development of 2 three-story apartment buildings, required parking,
stormwater improvements, and associated infrastructure on the western portion of the subject
property. The project was carefully designed in order to avoid impacts to critical areas to the greatest
extent feasible. However, due to the subject property’s proximity to Yelm Creek and the encumbrance
of the associated buffer on the subject property, riparian habitat buffer averaging is necessary for a
small portion of the buffer area as allowed under Yelm Municipal Code (YMC) 18.21.110.C.2.d to
accommodate the required parking area. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Temporary Erosion
and Sediment Control Measures (TESC) will be implemented to minimize impacts to Yelm Creek
during all construction and mitigation actions.
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Chapter 3. Methods
SVC investigated, assessed, and delineated wetlands, drainages, and other potentially regulated fish
and wildlife habitat on or within 300 feet of the subject property in the late summer and early fall of
2019. All wetland determinations were made using observable vegetation, hydrology, and soils in
conjunction with data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map, Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) National Wetland
Inventory (NWI), Thurston County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, City of Yelm
Wetland Inventory, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and
Species (PHS) and SalmonScape mapping tools, DNR Water Typing Data, FEMA Flood Hazard
Zones, local precipitation data, and various ortho-photographic resources (Appendix B). Appendix
A contains further details for the methods and tools used to prepare this report.
Wetland presence/absence was determined in accordance with YMC 18.21.060.A and as outlined in
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory,
1987) and modified according to the guidelines established in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Version 2.0 (USACE,
2010) and Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (USDA, 2018). To mark the points where
data was collected (DP-1 to DP-2), pink surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied to
3-foot vegetation at each sampling location (shown in Attachment C). Additional test pits were
excavated throughout the subject property to further verify wetland absence.
The OHW mark determination was made using the WSDOE’s method detailed in Determining the
Ordinary High Water Mark for Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State (Anderson et al,
2016) and the definitions established in the Shoreline Management Act (Revised Code of Washington
[RCW] 90.58.030(2)(b) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-22-030(11). To mark the
OHW of the stream, blue surveyor’s flagging was alpha-numerically labeled and tied to vegetation or
wooden stakes. Yelm Creek (Stream Z) and surface water features were classified using the
Washington Department of Natural Resources Water Typing System as outlined in described in WAC
222-16-031 and the guidelines established in YMC 18.21.110.A.
The fish and wildlife habitat assessment was conducted during the same site visits by qualified fish
and wildlife biologists. The experienced biologists made visual observations using stationary and
walking survey methods for both aquatic and upland habitats noting any special habitat features or
signs of fish and wildlife activity.
The Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) site investigations were performed by qualified USFWS MPG
survey biologists on August 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019. The investigations consisted of walk-
through surveys of the subject property to document the presence of any burrowing rodent mounds
constructed by MPG or native mole species such as the Townsend mole (Scapanus townsendii) or Pacific
mole (Scapanus orarius).
Four subspecies of MPG found in Thurston and Pierce counties were listed as threatened under the
federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended by the USFWS in 2014. The Roy Prairie
pocket gopher (Thomomys Mazama glacialis), Olympia pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama pugetensis),
Tenino pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama tumuli), and Yelm pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama yelmensis)
are four subspecies of MPG that occur in Thurston County. These MPG subspecies are regulated
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locally under YMC 18.21.110 (Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas) and subject to restricted
uses/activities under the same title. MPG presence was determined according to the USFWS Mazama
Pocket Gopher Screening Protocol Checklist (USFWS, 2018).
Following a preliminary in-office assessment, onsite MPG surveys consisted of walking evenly spaced
transects approximately 5 meters apart while scanning approximately 2-3 meters on each side, looking
for potential mounds. Transects were conducted in a back and forth “snake” pattern to ensure that
all areas of the parcel were evenly surveyed. Mowing of all areas outside of the stream buffer occurred
prior to the second investigation to facilitate the survey. Areas of dense understory with no openings
within the stream buffer were precluded from the survey area, as they were very unlikely to support
MPG habitat. All surveyed routes were recorded using a GPS in real time to ensure accuracy. Each
mound or grouping of mounds observed were identified as either MPG or mole mound(s). Any
positive MPG mounds or indeterminate mound identifications were documented, photographed, and
marked with a GPS unit. The required formal surveys were conducted over a month apart within the
required survey window (June 1 to October 31). Two formal site visits were conducted within the
survey window to determine MPG presence which conforms with established USFWS survey
protocol. This number of visits within a survey window conforms with established USFWS guidance
(USFWS, 2018) for sites with less preferred soils and more than 600 feet from a known MPG
occurrence. Maps of the surveys are provided in Appendix E.
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Chapter 4. Existing Conditions
4.1 Landscape Setting
The approximately 3.01-acre subject property is located in mixed commercial and residential setting
in the City of Yelm (Figure 2). The subject property is surrounded by commercial developments to
the south and by an apartment complex (Phase 1 of the Yelm Creek Apartment complex) to the west.
Yelm Creek abuts the subject property to the north and east, separating the subject property from
additional commercial and residential developments to the north and east.
The subject property is currently partially developed with an existing access road and parking lot in
the western portion of the site and an existing stormwater pond with associated swales in the southeast
corner of the site. The remainder of the subject property is undeveloped but appears to have been
previously graded; spoils piles from the previous grading were observed throughout the site and
heavily overgrown. Topography onsite is generally flat, with small hills, that appear to be the spoils
piles, on the northern and southeastern portion of the subject property. A Thurston County contours
map is provided in Appendix B1.
Figure 2. Aerial View of the Subject Property
Subject Property
Location
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4.2 Soils
The NRCS Soil Survey of Thurston County, Washington identifies two main soil series on the subject
property: McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes and Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3
percent slopes. A soil map is provided in Appendix B2. Below is a detailed description of the soil
profiles.
McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes (65)
According to the NRCS survey, McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, is a moderately
deep, poorly drained soil in depressions and drainageways that is formed in glacial drift. In a typical
profile, the surface is covered with a mat of leaves, twigs, and decomposed litter about 3 inches thick.
The surface layer is a black gravelly silt loam approximately 9 inches thick. The upper 4 inches of the
subsoil is very dark grayish brown gravelly silt loam. Below that is 8 inches of dark brown very gravelly
silt loam. The lowest 15 inches of subsoil is dark brown and dark yellowish brown, mottled very
gravelly loam. The substratum at a depth of 60 inches or more is grayish brown, dense glacial till,
which crushes to very gravelly loam. The depth of this glacial till ranges from 20 to 40 inches.
McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, is listed as a hydric soil by the Thurston County
Area Hydric Soils List (NRCS, 2012) and as a “less-preferred” soil for Mazama pocket gophers
(Stinson, 2019).
Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (110)
According to the NRCS survey, the Spanaway series consists of somewhat excessively drained soils
formed from glacial outwash and volcanic ash and is located on terraces. According to the survey,
this soils series is somewhat excessively drained with high permeability; consisting of mostly inorganic
materials. In a typical profile, the surface layer is a black gravelly sandy loam approximately 15 inches
thick. The subsoil is a dark yellowish-brown very gravelly sandy loam approximately 5 inches thick.
The substratum to a depth of 60 inches in typically am more dark, yellowish-brown extremely gravelly
sand. The Spanaway gravelly sandy loam is listed as non-hydric on the Thurston County Soils List
(NRCS, 2012). and as a “more-preferred” soil for Mazama pocket gophers (Stinson, 2019) (See
Appendix E)
4.3 Vegetation
The subject property is predominantly composed of dense scrub-shrub and unmaintained field. The
scrub-shrub plant community is dominated by non-native invasive species including Himalayan
blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). The field is dominated by tall fescue
(Schedonorus arundinacea), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), tansy
ragwort (Jacobea vulgaris), mowed lawn grass. Sparse black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) trees are
present along the southern property boundary.
4.4 Stream and Wetland Inventories
The City of Yelm Wetland Inventory (Appendix B3), Thurston County Stream and Wetland Inventory
(Appendix B4), USFWS NWI map (Appendix B5), and WDFW PHS map (Appendix B6) identify
Yelm Creek along the northeast property boundary and a potential wetland area associated with the
creek projecting onto the northeast portion of the subject property. The DNR Stream Typing map
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(Appendix B7) identifies Yelm Creek as a potential fish-habitat (Type F) stream. No other streams or
wetlands are documented on or within 300 feet of the subject property.
4.5 Priority Habitats and Species
The WDFW PHS map and WDFW SalmonScape map (Appendix B8) identify the presence of
salmonids in Yelm Creek including documented presence of coho, fall chinook, pink, residential
coastal cutthroat, sockeye, and winter steelhead, and the presumed presence of winter chum.
Additionally, the WDFW PHS map identifies the presence of Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus
townsendii) communal roost and Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) breeding area within the township but
not necessarily on or within 300 feet of the subject property. Both “more preferred” and “less
preferred” Mazama pocket gopher soil are mapped on site, indicating the possible presence of Mazama
pocket gopher, a protected species. However, there is no documented presence of Mazama pocket
gophers within 600 feet of the subject property. No other priority species or habitats are mapped on
or within 300 feet of the subject property.
4.6 FEMA Floodplain
The FEMA floodplain map (Appendix B9) identifies regulatory floodway along the northeast
boundary of the subject property and encroaching onto the southeast corner of the subject property.
Additionally, FEMA identifies a one percent annual chance of flood hazard (100-year floodplain)
paralleling the northeast site boundary and extending into the southeast portion of the site. Areas
within the floodway and the 100-year floodplain are regulated features per YMC 18.21.080. All
proposed activities will avoid impacts to the floodway and FEMA mapped floodplain, with the
exception that plantings are proposed in a small portion of the floodplain as part of the buffer
averaging plan (Appendix C); however, no filling or grading is proposed within the floodplain.
Therefore, no further FEMA floodplain analysis is required to support development.
4.7 Precipitation
Precipitation data was obtained from the NOAA weather station at Olympia Regional Airport in order
to obtain percent of normal precipitation during and preceding the investigations. A summary of data
collected is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Precipitation Summary1
Date Day of Day
Before
1 Week
Prior
2 Weeks
Prior
Last 30 Days
(Observed/Normal)
Year-to-Date2
(Observed/Normal)
Percent of
Normal
(Last 30 days/Year)
08/30/19 0.00 0.12 0.12 0.24 0.80/0.90 35.78/48.24 89/74
09/30/19 0.00 0.01 0.50 1.66 3.43/1.76 39.21/50.00 195/78
Notes:
1. Precipitation volume in inches. Data obtained from the NOAA (http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sew) for Olympia Airport.
2. Year-to-date precipitation is the total for the 2018/2019 water year from October 1st to the onsite date(s).
During the August 30, 2019 site investigation, precipitation levels for the prior 30 days and for the
2018/2019 water year were within the statistical normal (89 percent and 74 percent of normal). During
the September 30, 2019 site investigation, precipitation levels for the prior 30 days were significantly
above normal (195 percent of normal) and within normal for the 2018/2019 water year (78 percent
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of normal). All wetland determinations were made during the August 30, 2019 site investigation. Such
conditions were considered in determining wetland presence/absence.
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Chapter 5. Results
The site investigations in August 2019 identified one potentially regulated stream, Yelm Creek (Table
2), along the northeast boundary of the subject property, as well as one likely non-regulated
stormwater pond and drainages. No other potentially-regulated wetlands, waterbodies, priority fish
and wildlife habitat, or priority species were identified on or within 300 of the subject property during
the site investigations.
Table 2. Yelm Creek Summary
STREAM INFORMATION SUMMARY
Feature Name Yelm Creek
WRIA 11 – Nisqually
Local Jurisdiction City of Yelm
DNR Stream Type Type F
Local Stream Rating Type 5
Buffer Width 150-feet
Building Setback None
Documented Fish Use
Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch),
Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha),
Pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), Coastal
Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clark),
Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka),
Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Location of Feature
Yelm Creek flows northwest along the northeast boundary of the subject
property, crossing the northern corner of the subject property and continuing
northwest offsite.
Connectivity (where
water flows from/to)
Yelm Creek originates approximately 5 miles southwest of the site, receiving
hydrology from other unnamed tributaries, ponds, and agricultural ditches, and
confluences with the Nisqually River, approximately 3 miles northwest of the
subject property.
Riparian/Buffer
Condition
The riparian habitat buffer is highly disturbed due to prior grading and spoils
piles, and dominated by non-native invasive vegetation including Himalayan
blackberry, Canada thistle, and reed canary grass.
5.1 Yelm Creek
The site investigation identified one stream (Yelm Creek) paralleling the northeast property boundary.
Yelm Creek begins offsite, southeast of the subject property, and flows northwest along the northeast
boundary of the subject property before crossing the northern corner of the subject property and
continuing northwest offsite. Defined bed and bank were present, and the channel was noted to be
approximately 2 to 6 feet wide with evidence of sorted substrate and scour. The channel was dry at
the time of the investigation and vegetated densely by reed canary grass and patches of yellowflag iris
(Iris pseudacris). Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra), Oregon oak (Fraxinus latifolia), Himalayan blackberry,
reed canarygrass, and curly dock (Rumex crispus) line the banks of the stream.
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Yelm Creek discharges to the Nisqually River approximately 3 miles northwest of the subject property.
The DNR stream typing map and WDFW SalmonScape map document Yelm Creek as a Type F
stream with documented salmon presence. However, YMC 18.21.110.C.b identifies Yelm Creek as a
“Type 5” water with intermittent flow and low mass wasting potential per WAC 222-16-031, which
translates to a “Type Ns” according to the permanent water typing system. Given the documentation
of fish species and presence of potential fish habitat, SVC classified this stream as a Type F water per
WAC 222-16-030.
5.2 Mapped Wetland
Potential wetland was identified along the northeast portion of the subject property, adjacent to Yelm
Creek by NWI, Thurston County, the City of Yelm, and WDFW PHS maps. A data point (DP-1)
was collected in one of the lowest points that exhibited facultative wetland species and documents the
absence of both wetland hydrology and hydric soil indicators and criteria. While hydrophytic
vegetation was present, no primary or secondary indicators of wetland hydrology were met.
Additionally, soils in this area consisted of a uniform soil profile of very dark gray (10YR 3/1) medium
loam soil, devoid of redoximorphic features. As a result, it was determined that these mapped areas
do not meet wetland criteria (See Wetland Data Sheets, Appendix D).
5.3 Stormwater Drainages
Two stormwater drainage swales were identified on the subject property. Both drainage swales appear
to have been artificially excavated to convey stormwater from the parking area in the northwest corner
of the subject property to the stormwater pond in the southeast corner of the subject property. The
stormwater drainage swales do not exhibit natural stream characteristics (e.g., defined bed and bank)
and were excavated from uplands. Given that these are artificially and intentionally created features
for the purpose of stormwater conveyance, they do not meet the stream definition per WAC 222-16-
030 and -031 and YMC 18.21.110.A.1.d.
5.4 Stormwater Pond
One artificial stormwater pond was identified on the southeast corner of the subject property. The
pond appears to have been created to manage stormwater runoff from the apartment complex west
of the site and appears to have been excavated from uplands. Per YMC 18.21.110. naturally occurring
ponds “do not include ponds deliberately designed and created from dry sites, such as canals, detention facilities,
wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, temporary construction ponds, and landscape amenities, unless such artificial
ponds were intentionally created for mitigation”. As a result, the stormwater pond would likely not be
considered a regulated feature.
5.4 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Results
No MPGs or MPG activity was observed during the August or September 2019 site visits. Soils along
the northeast half of the subject property were determined to have low potential for MPG use, and
soils along the southwest half of the subject were determined to have moderate potential for MPG
use (Appendix E). During the August site investigation, no mounds were observed and more than
1/3 of the subject property was encumbered with Himalayan blackberry. Dense woody plants
generally root and crowd out MPGs. Prior to the September 2019 site investigation, mowing and
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clearing of Himalayan blackberry was conducted outside of the riparian habitat buffer to improve
visibility and accessibility for the MPG survey. Approximately 9-12 mole mounds were observed, but
no indeterminate or mounds characteristic of the MPG were identified.
Considering the lack of suitable habitat onsite, and the lack of MPG mounds visible during the two
site surveys, it is not likely the subject property is used by MPGs. Table 3 below summarizes the
results of the MPG survey.
Table 3. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Results
Site Visit Date Mound Type Mound Density Mound Visibility
8/30/2019 MPG 0 Fair
8/30/2019 Likely MPG 0 Fair
8/30/2019 Indeterminate 0 Fair
8/30/2019 Likely Mole 0 Fair
8/30/2019 Mole 0 Fair
9/30/2019 MPG 0 Fair
9/30/2019 Likely MPG 0 Fair
9/30/2019 Indeterminate 0 Fair
9/30/2019 Likely Mole 0 Fair
9/30/2019 Mole 9 - 12 Fair
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Chapter 6. Regulatory Considerations
The site investigations in summer and fall of 2019 identified one potentially regulated stream (Yelm
Creek) on and adjacent to the subject property. No other waterbodies, priority fish and wildlife
habitat, or priority species were identified on or within 300 of the subject property during the site
investigations.
6.1 Local Critical Area Requirements
6.1.1 Buffer Standards
Yelm Creek is a regulated as fish and wildlife habitat conservation area per YMC 18.21.110.A. Yelm
Creek is subject to a standard 150-foot riparian habitat buffer per YMC 18.21.110.C.2.b--all structures
and activities should be located outside this buffer. Given its location along the entire northern and
eastern property boundary, the buffer encumbers a large portion of the site. All direct impacts to the
stream have been avoided, however, a small portion of the proposed development will impact the
buffer.
6.1.2 Buffer Averaging
Due to the encumbrance of the riparian habitat buffer area associated with Yelm Creek, buffer
averaging is necessary to support a small section of the required parking associated with the proposed
project. Per YMC 18.21.110.C.2.d, riparian habitat buffer averaging may be permitted for activities
and uses that result in unavoidable impacts to riparian habitat buffers in accordance with a critical area
report only if:
i. The width reduction will not reduce stream or habitat functions, including those of nonfish habitat
The width reduction is not anticipated to reduce stream or habitat functions. The project was
carefully designed in order to avoid impacts to critical areas to the greatest extent feasible;
however, complete avoidance of the riparian habitat buffer associated with Yelm Creek is not
possible due to the encumbrance of the buffer on the subject property. Buffer averaging of a
small area of approximately 710 square feet in size on the northwest portion of the subject
property is required to support the development of required parking spaces and sidwalk
associated with the proposed project. The buffer averaging plan includes an increase of 2,140
square feet to the buffer area in the southeast portion of the subject property. Overall, a net
increase of 1,430 square feet of riparian habitat buffer area is proposed by this plan, which will
provide a significant increase in stream and habitat functions by introducing new native species
and providing a habitat interspersion. Additionally, the riparian habitat buffer area of Yelm
Creek on the subject property is currently dominated by a monoculture of non-native, invasive
reed canary grass. The proposed riparian habitat buffer averaging plan includes restoration and
replanting of the increased buffer area with native vegetation, providing further increase of
stream and riparian habitat functions.
ii. The width reduction will not degrade the habitat, including habitat for anadromous fish
The width reduction is not anticipated to degrade habitat. Rather, the proposed project will
result in a net increase of 1,430 square feet of riparian habitat buffer. Additionally, the riparian
habitat buffer area of Yelm Creek on the subject property is currently dominated by a
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments 14 Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
monoculture of non-native reed canary grass. The proposed riparian habitat buffer averaging
plan includes restoration and replanting of the increased buffer area with native vegetation,
providing further increase of stream and riparian habitat functions.
iii. The proposal will provide additional habitat protection
Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
(TESC) such as silt fencing will be implemented as additional habitat protection in order to
minimize impacts to Yelm Creek during all construction and mitigation actions. Additionally,
native replanting of shrub species in the buffer restoration area with a more diverse plant
community will provide increased protection to Yelm Creek from stormwater and pollutant
runoff while also providing more habitat for local species.
iv. The total area contained in the riparian habitat area of each stream on the development proposal site is
not decreased;
The total area of riparian habitat will not be decreased. Rather, the proposed buffer averaging
provides a net increase of 1,430 square feet of riparian habitat buffer area on the subject
property.
v. The recommended riparian habitat area width is not reduced by more than 25 percent in any one location;
The riparian habitat buffer width will not be reduced by more than 25 percent at any location
onsite. The riparian habitat buffer averaging plan includes the reduction of the 150-foot buffer
to approximately 137 feet in a small area in the northwestern portion of the site. This represents
a reduction of approximately 9 percent of the buffer width, below the allowed 25 percent
reduction.
vi. The width reduction will not be located within another critical area or associated buffer; and
No other critical areas are located on or within 300 feet of the subject property and as such no
impacts to other critical areas or their associated buffers are proposed. Buffer averaging will
occur exclusively within the riparian habitat buffer area associated with Yelm Creek.
vii. The reduced riparian habitat area width is supported by the best available science.
Due to the encumbrance of the buffer area of Yelm Creek on the subject property, minor buffer
reduction of a 710 square foot area near the northwest corner of the subject property is necessary
to support the development of a required parking area associated with the proposed project.
Reducing the riparian habitat buffer near the northwest corner of the subject property and
increasing the stream buffer near the southeast corner of the subject property allows for a net
increase in stream buffer habitat of 1,430 square feet. Additionally, the area of proposed
reduction width is dominated by non-native invasive Himalayan blackberry and currently does
not provide any notable value or protection to the creek. The proposed buffer increase area will
not only provide a net increase of 1,430 square feet, but it will also be restored with native
plantings providing a net increase in riparian habitat functions including species diversity and
habitat interspersion.
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments 15 Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
A planting plan, schedule, and specifications for the proposed buffer increase area will be submitted
under separate cover by the project engineer.
6.2 State and Federal Considerations
Yelm Creek is likely regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) due to its connection
to traditionally navigable waters. The WSDOE also regulates wetlands and natural surface waters
under RCW 90.48. The proposed project has been designed to avoid direct impacts to Yelm Creek;
therefore, the proposed project does not likely require state and federal authorizations.
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments 16 Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Chapter 7. Closure
The findings and conclusions documented in this assessment report have been prepared for specific
application to the Yelm Creek Lane Apartments site. These findings and conclusions have been
developed in a manner consistent with that level of care and skill normally exercised by members of
the environmental science profession currently practicing under similar conditions in the area. The
conclusions and recommendations presented in this assessment report are professional opinions based
on an interpretation of information currently available and are made within the operation scope,
budget, and schedule of this project. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made. In addition, changes
in government codes, regulations, or laws may occur. Due to such changes, our observations and
conclusions applicable to this assessment may need to be revised wholly or in part in the future.
Wetland and waterbody status and boundaries identified by SVC are based on conditions present at
the time of the site visit and considered preliminary until the wetland and waterbody boundaries
validated by the jurisdictional agencies. Validation of the boundaries and jurisdictional status of such
features by the regulatory agencies provides a certification, usually written, that the critical area
determination and boundaries verified are the units that will be regulated by the agencies until a
specific date or until the regulations are modified. Only the regulatory agencies can provide this
certification.
As wetlands and waterbodies are dynamic communities affected by both natural and human activities,
changes in boundaries may be expected; therefore, delineations cannot remain valid for an indefinite
period of time. Regulatory agencies typically recognize the validity of critical area delineations for a
period of 5 years after completion of an assessment report. Development activities on a site five years
after the completion of this assessment report may require reassessment of the wetland and waterbody
status and/or boundaries. In addition, changes in government codes, regulations, or laws may occur.
Due to such changes, our observations and conclusions applicable to this site may need to be revised
wholly or in part.
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Chapter 8. References
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-
1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Hitchcock, C.L. & A. Cronquist, Ed. by D. Giblin, B. Ledger, P. Zika, and R. Olmstead. 2018. Flora
of the Pacific Northwest, 2nd Edition. U.W Press and Burke Museum. Seattle, Washington.
Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. The National Wetland Plant
List: 2016 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published 28 April 2016. ISSN 2153
733X
Yelm Municipal Code (MMC). 2019. Chapter 18.21 – Critical Areas and Resource Lands. Current
through September 24, 2019. Website:
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Yelm/#!/Yelm18/Yelm1821.html#18.21.
Munsell Color. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts. New Windsor, New York.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 1995. Hydric Soils of Washington. U.S. Department
of Agriculture. Washington D.C.
NRCS. 2012. Hydric Soils List: Thurston County, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington D.C.
Stinson, D. W.. 2019. DRAFT Mazama Pocket Gopher Recovery Plan and Periodic Status Review.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 100 pp
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Ver2.0), ed. J.S. Wakeley,
R.W. Lichvar, and C.V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Development Center. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Field
Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.2. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F. Berkowitz
(eds.). USDA, NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils
United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Mazama Pocket Gopher
Screening Protocol Checklist. Washington Fish and Wildlife Office.
https://www.fws.gov/wafwo/documents/MPG%20Screening%20Protocol%20Checklist%204
_20_18.pdf
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix A – Methods and Tools
Table A1. Methods and tools used to prepare the report.
Parameter Method or Tool Website Reference
Wetland
Delineation
USACE 1987
Wetland Delineation
Manual
http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/e
lpubs/pdf/wlman87.pdf
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical
Report Y-87-1, US Army Engineer Waterways
Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Western Mountains,
Valleys, and Coast
Region Regional
Supplement
http://www.usace.army.mil/P
ortals/2/docs/civilworks/regul
atory/reg_supp/west_mt_final
supp.pdf
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
(Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C.
V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MS: U.S.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
Wetland
Indicator Status
2016 National
Wetland Plant List
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands
/documents/National-
Wetland-Plant-List-2016-
Wetland-Ratings.pdf
Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C.
Melvin. 2016. The National Wetland Plant List: 2016
wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published
28 April 2016. ISSN 2153 733X
Hydric Soil
Indicator
Field Indicators of
Hydric Soils in the
U.S. Version 8.2
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/In
ternet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/n
rcs142p2_053171.pdf
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Field
Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States,
Version 8.2. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F.
Berkowitz (eds.). USDA, NRCS, in cooperation with
the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils
Plant Names USDA Plant
Database http://plants.usda.gov/ Website.
Soils Data
NRCS Soil Survey http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.
gov/app/
Website GIS data based upon:
Russel F. Pringle., Carl J McMurphy, Ken
Schlichte, Nick Comerford, Gerry Richardson,
Norman Mofield, Chien-Lu Ping, and Harry
Anderson. 1990. Soil Survey of Thurston County,
Washington. Soil Conservation Service United States
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
in cooperation with the Washington Agricultural
Experiment Station. Natural Resource Conservation
Service.
Washington State
Hydric Soils List
http://www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov/
technical/soils/hydric_lists/hy
dsoil-wa-653.pdf
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1983.
Hydric Soils List: Snohomish County, Washington.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington D.C.
Soil Color Charts Munsell Color. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts.
New Windsor, New York.
Threatened and
Endangered
Species
Washington Natural
Heritage Program
http://data-
wadnr.opendata.arcgis.com/dat
asets/wnhp-current-element-
occurrences
Washington Natural Heritage Program (Data
published 07/19/17). Endangered, threatened, and
sensitive plants of Washington. Washington State
Department of Natural Resources, Washington
Natural Heritage Program, Olympia, WA
Washington Priority
Habitats and Species
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phsp
age.htm
Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Program
Map of priority habitats and species in project vicinity.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
USFWS
https://www.fws.gov/wafwo/
documents/MPG%20Screenin
g%20Protocol%20Checklist%2
04_20_18.pdf
Mazama Pocket Gopher Screening Protocol
Checklist United States Department of the Interior,
Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington Fish and
Wildlife Office. April 19, 2018.
Species of Local
Importance WDFW GIS Data http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/
salmonscape/ Website
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Parameter Method or Tool Website Reference
Report
Preparation
Yelm Municipal
Code (YMC)
https://www.codepublishing.c
om/WA/Yelm/ YMC 18.21 – Critical Areas and Resource Lands
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B – Background Information
This Appendix includes a Thurston County Contours Map (B1); NRCS Soil Survey Map (B2); City of
Yelm Stream and Wetland Inventory (B3); Thurston County Stream and Wetland Inventory (B4);
USFWS NWI Map (B5); WDFW PHS Map (B6); WDFW SalmonScape Map (B7); and FEMA
Floodplain Map (B8).
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B1. Thurston County Topographic Map
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B2. NRCS Soil Survey Map
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B3. City of Yelm Stream and Wetland Inventory
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B4. Thurston County Stream and Wetland Inventory
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B5. USFWS NWI Map
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B6. WDFW PHS Map
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B7. DNR Stream Typing Map
Subject Property
Location
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B8. WDFW SalmonScape Map
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix B9.. FEMA Floodplain Map
1968.0001 Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan December 23, 2019
Appendix C – Site Plan
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Z-1
DP-2
DP-1
Thurston Geodata Center, Fugro EarthData Inc.
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS - EXISTING CONDITIONS
¢
0 80 16040 Feet
PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ONLYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
www.soundviewconsultants.com
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions LLC 16516 CREEK LANE SEYELM, WA 98597 THURSTON COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER:64303400202
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS DATE:
JOB:
BY:
SCALE:
FIGURE NO.
1/27/2020
1968.0001
DLS
1
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC ASSUMESNO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PLAN SET
1 " = 80 '
Stream ZType F
'&Data Point
'&OHWM
Standard 150' Stream & Riparian Habitat Buffer
` `
OHW of Type F Stream
Site Boundary
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Thurston Geodata Center, Fugro EarthData Inc.
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS - PROPOSED SITE PLANS
¢
0 80 16040 Feet
PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ONLYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
www.soundviewconsultants.com
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions LLC 16516 CREEK LANE SEYELM, WA 98597 THURSTON COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER:64303400202
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS DATE:
JOB:
BY:
SCALE:
FIGURE NO.
1/27/2020
1968.0001
DLS
2
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC ASSUMESNO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PLAN SET
1 " = 80 '
Stream ZType F
'&Data Point'&OHWM
Standard 150' Stream &Riparian Habitat Buffer
Proposed BufferDecreased Boundary
Proposed Buffer AdditionBoundary
`OHW of Type F Stream
Buffer Increased Area(~2,140 SF)
Buffer Decrease Area(~710 SF)
Floodplain
Existing Detention Pond
Gravel Drainage Swale
Proposed Access &Parking
Proposed Curb andAccess Pathways
Proposed LandscapedAreas
Proposed Multi-FamilyResidential
Existing Parking
! ! !! !Proposed Utilities
Site BoundaryBuffer EncroachmentArea (~710 SF)
Buffer Restoration &Expansion Area(~2,140 SF)
Existing ParkingArea
ExistingDetention Pond
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix D – Field Data Sheets
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30 ft) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15 ft)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5 ft)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 30 ft)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
1968.0001 - Yelm Creek Apartments Yelm / Thurston 08/30/2019
Rants Group - Patrick Rants WA DP-1
Ryan Krapp 29/ 17N/ 02E
Floodplain Concave 1
A2 46.936493 -122.58698994 WGS 84
McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes NA
Not all three wetland criteria met, only hydrophytic vegetation present. Data collected in southeast corner of site as it slopes towards
Yelm Creek (offsite).
1
1
0 100%
0
Phalaris arundinacea 98 Yes FACW
Sonchus arvensis 2 No FACU
100
0
0
Hydrophytic vegetation criteria met through dominance test; thick stand of Phalaris arundinacea observed along
Yelm Creek and the adjacent floodplain.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
DP-1
0 - 15 10YR 3/1 100 ----MeLo Medium loam
None
--
No hydric soil criteria met; uniform soil profile down to 15+ inches.
None
None
None
No hydrologic criteria met; data collected in area mapped as FEMA Floodplain with no remaining evidence of hydrology
present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30 ft) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15 ft)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5 ft)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 30 ft)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
1968.0001 - Yelm Creek Apartments Yelm / Thurston 08/30/2019
Rants Group - Patrick Rants WA DP-2
Ryan Krapp 29/ 17 N/ 02E
Plain None 0
A2 46.936664 -122.58839311 NAD83
Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes NA
Not all three wetland criteria met, only hydrophytic vegetation present. Data collected in area previously graded and leveled.
2
3
0 67%
Cytisus scoparius 25 Yes UPL
Rubus armeniacus 20 Yes FAC
45
Schedonorus arundinaceus 95 Yes FAC
95
0
5
Hydrophytic vegetation criteria met through dominance test.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
DP-2
0 - 14 10YR 3/2 100 ----SaGrLo Cobble, gravel, fine loam
None
--
No hydric soil criteria met; uniform soil profile down to 14+ inches.
None
None
None
No hydrologic criteria met.
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan
Soundview Consultants LLC
January 29, 2020
Appendix E – MPG Survey Map
Thurston GeoData Center, Thurston County Strategic Planning, WDFW Federal Register Vol. 79
No. 68 Part 3, USDA NRCS, Thurston Geodata Center, Fugro EarthData Inc.
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS - MPG SURVEY MAP
¢
0 80 16040 Feet
PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ONLYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
www.soundviewconsultants.com
2907 Harborview Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954
Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions LLC 16516 CREEK LANE SEYELM, WA 98597
THURSTON COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER:64303400202
YELM CREEK LANE APARTMENTS DATE:
JOB:
BY:
SCALE:
FIGURE NO.
11/21/2019
1968.0001
DLS
1
SOUNDVIEW CONSULTANTS LLC ASSUMESNO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PLAN SET
1 " = 80 '
Yel
m
C
r
e
e
k
Likely Mole Mounds
MPG Monitoring Transect
` `
OHW of Type F Stream
Site Boundary
Medium Potential for MPG
Low Potential for MPG
Medium Potential for MPG
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
Appendix F – Qualifications
All field inspections, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and supporting documentation,
including this Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat
Buffer Averaging Plan prepared for the Yelm Creek Lane Apartments project site were prepared
by, or under the direction of Ann Boeholt of SVC. In addition, the field investigations were performed
by Ryan Krapp, and report preparation was completed by Morgan Kentch.
Ann Boeholt
Senior Environmental Planner
Professional Experience: 30 years
Ann Boeholt is a Senior Environmental Planner and a Certified Professional Wetland Scientist with
30 years of experience in aquatic resources management in western Washington. Ann earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the Evergreen State College and completed
coursework and a thesis towards a Master of Science in Aquatic Ecology from the University of
Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences. Ann has formal training and extensive
experience in wetlands delineations and ratings, shorelands management, fish and wildlife and marine
assessments, ordinary high water mark determinations, environmental planning, negotiations and
permitting, native plant selection, care and maintenance, ecological performance monitoring and
scientific data analysis, mitigation banking and alternative mitigation programs. She listed as a
Qualified Wetland Scientist by Pierce County and as a WSDOT Junior BA author.
Ann served as Project Manager for several significant projects within Pierce County, including the
successful development of Pierce County’s In-Lieu Fee Program and the aquatic habitat restoration
design and construction of the 15-acre South Midland Wetland Reserve.
As a Senior Environmental Planner, Ann is responsible for project planning and management,
including researching regulations, analyzing and sharing findings, participating in strategic planning of
projects, reviewing and finalizing assessment reports and permit applications, supporting projects
through the permit review process, and related tasks.
Ryan Krapp
Environmental Scientist and Field Lead
Professional Experience: 11 years
Ryan Krapp is an Environmental Scientist and Field Lead with a background in conducting critical
habitat investigations, wetland delineations, botanical surveys, avian surveys, threatened & endangered
species surveys, and fisheries studies. He has considerable experience in production of Environmental
Assessments and Biological Assessments and Evaluations, under NEPA guidelines for projects
regulated by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Indian Affairs as
well as leading Section 7 ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Project planning,
permitting, and compliance are all part of his professional experiences and practices at SVC.
Ryan has managed environmental investigation projects including wetlands, streams, and critical
habitats data collection on large pipeline corridors, overhead electrical transmission corridors, and
oil/natural gas drilling development. He has extensive experience in utilizing GIS to collect, manage,
1968.0001 – Yelm Creek Lane Apartments Soundview Consultants LLC
Wetland and Fish and Wildlife Assessment Report and Riparian Habitat Buffer Averaging Plan January 29, 2020
and analyze large volumes of spatial and temporal field data to aide in project management,
monitoring, analysis, and mapping. In addition, he is a FAA trained recreational pilot and a PADI
certified SCUBA diver with fresh and saltwater diving experience.
Morgan Kentch
Staff Scientist
Professional Experience: 1 year
Morgan Kentch is a Staff Scientist with a background concentrating in marine biology and aquatic
ecosystems in Washington State. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with
marine emphasis from Western Washington University, Bellingham. There she received extensive,
hands-on experience working in lab and field settings, and studying local marine and aquatic organisms
and ecosystems. One of Morgan’s more exceptional projects included monitoring a stream restoration
project for the City of Bellingham by assessing stream habitat and biotic quality, collecting data,
identifying local stream invertebrates, and writing a report outlining analyzed results. Morgan also
participated in a study abroad program in La Paz, Baja California Sur, where she led an independent
study on the effects of temperature on bioluminescent organisms in a local bay. Through this project,
she demonstrated a strong understanding of collecting background research, following the scientific
method, conducting scientific research, and writing a scientific paper formatted for journal
submission.
Morgan currently assists in wetland, stream, and shoreline delineations and fish and wildlife habitat
assessments; conducts environmental code analysis; and prepares environmental assessment and
mitigation reports, biological evaluations, and permit applications to support clients through the
regulatory and planning process for various land use projects. She has received wetland delineation
training (Western Mtns, Valleys, & Coast and Arid West Regional Supplement), and has received
formal training through the Washington State Department of Ecology and Coastal Training Program
in Using the 2014 Wetland Rating System, and How to Conduct a Forage Fish Survey.