2021.0330.PR0010 2021-05-25 - WRF SEPA Checklist (Signed) - WRF Ph 21 | P a g e
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
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.
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.
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A. Background [HELP]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2 Upgrades
2. Name of applicant:
City of Yelm
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Patrick Hughes, (360) 878-2042, 106 2nd St SE Yelm, WA 98597
4. Date checklist prepared:
5/25/2021
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Yelm
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Begin construction: December 2021; Completion: December 2022 (370 day schedule)
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related
to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
Not at this time
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared,
directly related to this proposal.
City of Yelm Sewer Facilities Plan (SFP) was prepared, submitted to, and subsequently
approved by the Washington Department of Ecology on October 21, 2016. Appendix I of the SFP
included a State Environmental Review Process (SERP) checklist. This SERP was approved by Ecology
on November 10, 2016. A City of Yelm Community Development Department Environmental Checklist
is also included in Appendix I of the SFP.
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.
This project consists of two major components. Construction plans and specifications for the
liquid stream component (“Schedule A”) were submitted to Ecology for review, and were
subsequently approved on December 8, 2020. Plans and specifications for the Biosolids component
(“Schedule B”) are currently under development and will be submitted to Ecology for review and
approval prior to construction.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
City of Yelm Site Plan Review Approval , civil construction and building permit approvals. An
update to the Sewer Facilities Plan is being prepared and will be submitted to Ecology for review and
approval. A renewal of the City’s NPDES (dischage) permit will also be required.
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.)
The City of Yelm's existing Water Reclamation Facility produces Class A reclaimed water that is
distributed for irrigation and other beneficial uses. Designed in 1995, it is now nearing its design
capacity of 1.06 million gallons per day. The projected flow by 2030 is 1.25 million gallons per day and
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1.80 million gallons per day in 2040. In order to meet this projection, the current sequencing batch
reactor (SBR) liquid steam process will be modified to a membrane bioreactor system (MBR).
Proposed upgrades include an addition to the current solids handling building and converting 2 of the
3 SBR basins to anoxic and aeration tanks.
Major components in the liquid stream modifications will include construction of a new plant
headworks facility, a new crane system at the membrane tankage to facilitate module and equipment
removal, new MBR tanks, and construction of a new Mechanical/Electrical Building.
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.
The City of Yelm Water Reclamation facility is located at 931 Northern Pacific Road SW,
Parcel 64300900400, with construction access from 902 Rhoton Road, Parcel No. 64300800304.
Project is located in the NE ¼ of Section 19, T17N, R2E in Thurston County, Washington.
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B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help]
a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The steepest slope on the site is ap proximately 27%.
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.
The soils of Thurston County have been mapped and classified into 133 soil units
by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soils Conservation Service (SCS). The
majority of soils in the City of Yelm area are classified as either (1) Spanaway gravelly
sandy or stony loam or (2) Everett very gravelly sandy loam. The characteristics of the soils
have been grouped by the SCS as undulating and rolling, coarse and moderately coarse
textured soils underlain by loose glacial outwash materials.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
There are no known unstable soils in the vicinity of the proposed project.
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.
The total area of surface disturbance for the WRF upgrades (both liquid and solid
stream components) is approximately 1.21 acres. Except for small quantities (utility pipe
bedding, trench backfill, road base gravel, etc.) there will be very little fill required (less
than 1,000 cubic yards) for this portion of the project.
The total area of surface disturbance for the proposed access road is estimated to
be approximately 1.55 acres. Actual quantities of fill will be determined during the design
stage, but the objective is to “balance” the quantities of fill and excavation. Where native
materials are unsuitable for fill (for example, crushed road gravel), suitable materials will
be imported from nearby sources.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Possible minor erosion may result from construction activities. Best management
practices will be followed to prevent erosion . A Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control
(TESC) Plan has been prepared and is included as Sheet C002 of the WRF Ph 2 construction
plans. A similar plan will be prepared for construction of the proposed access road.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
The existing 11.9-acre site is presently covered with 87,800 square feet of impervious
surfaces (53,500 pavement and 34,300 buildings), or 16.9% impervious. Approximately
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8,800 square feet of new impervious surfaces (3,100 sft of pavement and 5,700 sft of
building area) will be added to the existing site. After construction, approximately 18.6%
of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Standard erosion control measures and BMP’s will be utilized to the maximum
extent to reduce and control erosion and earth impacts associated with the project.
2. Air [help]
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.
Temporary gas and diesel powered vehicles and construction equipment
emissions (exhaust) will occur during the projects construction. Emergency generator may
be operated for routine maintenance purposes, and will be used during power outages.
During normal operations (i.e., after construction), some odor emission is expected as part
of the solid treatment (biosolids) process. A new odor control unit will be installed
immediately adjacent to the proposed bio dryer to control odor emission. No other long
term air emissions are expected to result from the project.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
There are no known off-site sources of emission or odor that will affect this proposal.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Standard energy efficient machinery and equipment. All equipment and facilities
are required to meet local, state and federal regulation in regards to air emissions.
3. Water [help]
a. Surface Water: [help]
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.
N/A
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.
N/A
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.
N/A
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
N/A
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5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
A portion of parcel 64300800304 which includes the proposed construction access is encumbered
by designated flood zone, however recent documentation of best available science from FEMA
indicate that the flood zone in this area should be removed from the FIRM. The City anticipates that
approval of construction in the area shown on the FIRM would be allowed based on FEMA current
findings.
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.
Under the City of Yelm’s NPDES permit #WA0040762, the Water Reclamation
facility currently discharges, and proposes to continue to discharge, Class A reclaimed
water to three primary outfalls. For Outfall #001 (reclaimed water distribution) the City is
authorized to distribute Class A reclaimed water to public and private entities for
commercial and industrial uses and/or to apply reclaimed water to land for irrigation
purposes and ground water recharge by surface percolation . Currently, 50,000 gallons per
day is discharged at Cochrane Memorial Park through a series of rapid infiltration basins.
Outfall #002 is to the Centrailia Power Canal. However, whenever flows in the Power
Canal drops below 200 cubic feet per second, the City of Yelm must cease discharging
effluent to the Centralia Power Canal. Outfall #003 is to the Nisqually River. The City is
authorized to discharge municipal wastewater at this location only as an emergency
backup.
b. Ground Water: [help]
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.
N/A
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.
Refer to the response for Question 3.a.6), above.
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.
Approved stormwater facilities for impervious surface meeting the most current
Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington are provided. A Site Grading
and Drainage Plan is included in the construction plan set (Sheet C007). Storm runof f
collected by existing and proposed catch basins discharge to a ditch located along the
west property line, and into an existing storm detention basin located in the northeast
portion of the site.
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2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Yes, but only in the form of Class A reclaimed water, discharged as described
under Question 3.a.6), above.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site?
If so, describe.
N/A
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
Stormwater facilities will meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the most
current Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
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
X shrubs
X grass
pasture
crop or grain
Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Grading for construction access, and expanded facilities will remove grasses. Some
evergreen trees considered perimeter landscape will be removed for access.
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:
Additional landscape requirements of the City will be met.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
5. Animals [help]
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.
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Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver,
other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Yelm Mazama Pocket Gopher is known to be located on the Yelm prairie. The
project site is hard surface with no evidence of gopher activity. Parcel 64300800304 which
is construction access has low soil suitability, with known barriers surrounding the site.
Adjoining parcels have expert review of no evidence, as well as visual reconnaissance that
shows no activity.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
N/A
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
N/A
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help]
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.
The completed project will use electric power and generator.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
N/A
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:
N/A
7. Environmental Health [help]
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.
The main chemicals used in the liquid treatment process include sodium hydroxide
(used for pH control), liquid chlorine (for disinfection) and sodium bisulfite (for
dechlorination). For the solid treatment process (biosolids), a polymer will be used as a
coagulant. The City has a written chemical safety response plan in place for the existing
facility. This plan includes Material Safety Data Sheets for each chemical used . This plan
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is on file at Water Reclamation Facility and will be modified as needed to address new
processes and chemicals that are part of the planned facility modifications.
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.
None known
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.
See response for Question B.7.a., above.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
Police services are provided by the City of Yelm. Fire and EMS services are
provided by the SE Thurston Fire Authority/Medic One.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
These measures are described in detail in the written chemical safety response
plan on file at Water Reclamation Facility. Included are Material Safety Data Sheets for
each chemical used.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Nearby industrial uses include machinery and processing noise.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on
a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation,
other)? Indi- cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Short term construction noise between 7am-6pm. Generator is used as needed.
Very little noise will be generated by the plant under normal operating conditions.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Construction noise limited to normal business hours.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
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.
The site and adjacent properties are currently developed as industrial uses, and
vacant land zoned industrial. Use is consistent with zoning.
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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?
N/A
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:
N/A
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Solids handling building, control building, reclaimed water storage tank,
maintenance building, 2 sludge storage tanks, 3 SBR tanks, 2 ponds
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Industrial
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Industrial
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 a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
Extremely sensitive critical aquifer recharge area
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
6 WRF personnel
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
N/A
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:
City development regulations apply to provide visual barriers between uses, and
landscaping to screen the facility
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-
term commercial significance, if any:
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N/A
9. Housing [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
N/A
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A
10. Aesthetics [help]
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 structure at this site, after construction, will be the top of the crane
gallery, located above the proposed MBR tanks. The top elevation wi ll be 376.73.
Comparing this to a nearby proposed ground surface elevation of 341.90, this height will
be 34.83 feet. The principal exterior building material proposed for the new
mechanical/electrical building will be CMU (concrete masonry unit) construction. Refer
to Sheet A402 of the construction plans.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Retain existing perimeter landscaping screening
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it
mainly occur?
On site building lighting, no off site lighting.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
N/A
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
N/A
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
N/A
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
N/A
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b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
N/A
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help]
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.
N/A
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.
Search of WISAARD maps show no properties or structures eligible.
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.
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation data inventory map WISAARD.
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.
N/A
14. Transportation [help]
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.
Main access on Northern Pacific Rd NW and construction access on Rhoton Rd NW
b. 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
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
No additional or eliminated parking is proposed
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
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bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
N/A
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
N/A
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?
Construction will generate temporary vehicle trips, however no change is
expected after construction.
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.
N/A
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
N/A
15. Public Services [help]
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.
None anticipated.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
N/A
16. Utilities [help]
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, reclaimed water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer,
other
b. 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.
City of Yelm utility services, Puget Sound Energy, Telephone and cable services
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C. Signature [HELP]
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Name of signee
Position and Agency/Organization
Date Submitted: