Revised SEPA Checklist
105 Yelm Ave W (360) 458-3835
Yelm, WA 98597 (360) 458-3144 FAX
www.ci.yelm.wa.us
City of Yelm
Community Development
Department
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHECKLIST
Fee
Date Received
By
File No.
Instructions:
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires all governmental agencies to
consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. The
purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help identify impacts from your
proposal, to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal if it can be done, and to help the
City decide whether an EIS is required. An environmental impact statement (EIS) must
be prepared for any proposal with probable significant adverse impacts on
environmental quality.
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your
proposal. The City will use this checklist to determine whether the environmental
impacts of your proposal are significant and require preparation of an EIS. You must
answer each question accurately, carefully and to the best of your knowledge. Answer
the questions briefly, but give the best description you can. In most cases, you should
be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the
need for experts. If you do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your
proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply". Complete answers to the questions
now may avoid delays later. If the space provided is too small, feel free to attach
additional sheets.
Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and
landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the
city staff can assist you.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal even if you plan to do them
over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information
that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. You may be asked to
explain your answers or provide additional information for determining if there may be
significant adverse impacts.
Nonproject Proposals Only:
Complete both the checklist (even though many questions may be answered "does not
apply") and the Supplemental Sheet for Nonproject Actions (part D). For nonproject
actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property
or site" should be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area,"
respectively.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 1
CITY OF YELM CITY USE ONLY
FEE: $150.00
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DATE REC'D
BY:
FILE NO.
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if any:
2. Name of applicant:
3. Address, phone number and email address of applicant and of any other contact person:
4. Date checklist prepared:
5. Agency requesting checklist:
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
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.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
(Update to SEPA Checklist dated 4/28/2006)
The Summit at Thompson Creek
Sheri Greene, AHBL
Sheri Greene, AHBL Mill Pond Development LLC. c/o Matt Weber, PE AHBL
2215 N. 30th Street #300 2215 N. 30th Street #300
Tacoma, WA 98403 Tacoma, WA 98403
July 21, 2022
City of Yelm
Construction will commence upon issuance of site development permit. It is anticipated the
site development permit will be issued in Winter 2022.
No.
SEPA Checklist, Mazama Pocket Gopher Study, Critical Areas Report, Geotechnical Report,
Traffic Impact Analysis
Not to our knowledge.
SEPA Determination, Preliminary Plat Approval, Site Development Permit, Building Permits, NPDES Permit
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 2
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.
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. You need not duplicate maps or
detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth
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)?
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 prime farmland.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity?
If so, describe.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or
grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally
describe.
Project proposes construction of a 96-lot residential subdivision and associated roadways.
Services will include city water and sewer, and private drainage routed to onsite infiltration facilities
and detention ponds.
The site is located at 14444 & 14504 Berry Valley Road in the City of Yelm, Thurston County,
parcel numbers 21723140102, 21723140000 and 21724230100.
The steepest slope is approximately 18%.
According to the Geotechnical Report prepared by South Sound Geotechnical Consulting dated
June 16, 2022, site soils consist of both glacial outwash and glacial drift.
Not to our knowledge.
Minimal erosion could occur during project construction. All applicable BMPs will be
followed to prevent or minimize such impacts.
The project is in preliminary design but it is anticipated there will be 75,000 cy of cut and
89,000 cy of fill, for a net import of 14,000 cy. Any imported material will be similar to existing
and from a clean site.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 3
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after
project construction such as asphalt or buildings?
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if
any:
2. Air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust,
automobile exhaust, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when
the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate
quantities if known.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your
proposal? If so, generally describe.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
3. Water
a. Surface Water
1) Is there any surface water body or wetland on or in the immediate vicinity of the
site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds)? If
yes, describe type and provide names. State what stream or river it flows into?
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 300 feet) the
described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
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.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
Approximately 36.49% of the site will be covered by impervious surfaces from the construction
of the roadways. Additional impervious surfaces will be added at the time of home construction.
Proposed measures include the use of BMPs to minimize the risk of erosion during construction.
A drainage plan will incorporate designs that convey and infiltrate stormwater away from the
disturbed areas as much as possible.
Construction will result in a temporary increase in air pollution, including
emissions from equipment and dust from construction activities. Dust controls will include watering soils to prevent
blowing of dust. Construction vehicles will be turned off when not in use to help control emissions. Construction
activities and equipment will follow the appropriate regulations for controlling emissions to the air. Post-construction
emissions would include emissions from vehicle trips associated with the development.
There are no known off-site sources of emissions or odors observed that might effect
this proposal.
Potential BMPs include using water sprays or other non-toxic dust control methods on unpaved roadways,
preventing the tracking out of mud onto public streets, covering soil piles when practical, and minimizing work
during periods of high winds. Additionally, to minimize air quality and odor issues caused by tailpipe emissions,
BMPs will be used. Such BMPs include maintaining engines of construction equipment while also minimizing the
idling of construction equipment.
There are three wetlands on the site and also Thompson Creek. See Wetland Delineation and
Stream Assessment Report prepared by Land Services Northwest.
Some grading will take place within 300 feet but outside of the critical area buffers. BMPs
will be implemented.
There will be no fill or dredge material as a result of construction
activities associated with this proposal.
The project will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 4
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note elevation on the
site plan.
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.
b. Groundwater:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to groundwater?
Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
2) Describe the underlying aquifer with regard to quality and quantity, sensitivity,
protection, recharge areas, etc.
3) Describe waste material that will be discharged into or onto the ground from
septic tanks or other sources, if any (such as domestic sewage; industrial
byproducts; agricultural chemicals).
c. Water Runoff (including storm water):
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.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water
impacts, if any:
A portion of Parcel 21724230100 lies within a 100-year floodplain. No development is
proposed in this area.
No.
Water will not be withdrawn; however some stormwater runoff will be directed to stormwater
treatment facilities and infiltrated onsite.
The site is within an extremely sensitive aquifer area so all stormwater runoff from impervious
surfaces will be treated prior to infiltrating onsite or discharging offsite.
No waste material will be discharged to the ground. The homes will be served
by the City of Yelm STEP collection system and holding tanks will be maintained by the city.
Stormwater from the roadways will be collected, treated and conveyed to either an onsite
infiltration system or onsite detention system. The individual homes will have onsite drywells
to infiltrate roof runoff.
No waste materials will enter ground or surface waters as a result of this
proposal.
ed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts,
The project will provide source control of pollutants by providing treatment of stormwater.
No other measures are proposed.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 5
4. Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
____ deciduous tree: alder, maple, oak, aspen, other
____ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
____ shrubs
____ grasses
____ pasture
____ crops or grains
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other
____ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____ other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
5. Animals
a. Circle any birds and animals that have been observed on or near the site or are
known to be on or near the site:
birds: hawk, heron, ducks, eagle, songbirds,
other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, shellfish, other:
b. List any priority, threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the
site.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
6. Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, gasoline, heating oil, wood, solar etc.)
will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it
will be used for heating, manufacturing, transportation, etc.
X
X
Most of the existing vegetation within the project area will be removed.
None to our knowledge.
Landscape design and buffer will be in accordance with the City of Yelm Municipal Code.
Plans will be submitted to the city for approval.
rabbits, mice, possum
Little brown bat is mapped as in the vicinity of the site but none were observed during the
critical area study.
The site is within the Pacific Flyway for Migratory Birds.
No impacts are anticipated to wildlife, therefore no special measures are
proposed.
The completed project will utilize electricity to provide for heating, cooling and lighting needs.
X
X
X
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 6
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent
properties? If so, generally describe.
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:
7. Environmental Health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic
chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spills, of hazardous waste, that could occur
as a result of this proposal? If so, describe.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment operation, other)?
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the
project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction,
operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
b. Has the site been used for mineral excavation, agriculture or forestry? If so,
describe.
No, this proposal will not have an impact on adjacent property’s ability to utilize
solar energy.
The project will meet the 2015 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). Other
conservation features, such as LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures, will
be determined upon development.
There is the potential for construction
equipment and personal vehicles to leak fuel, oil or other fluids necessary to operate the
equipment/vehicles. This risk is typical of construction activities and vehicle trips associated with
the development, and is minimal. The site will provide water quality treatment prior to infiltrating
stormwater, further minimizing the risk of impacts.
No special emergency services will be required other than those normally
provided such as police and fire protection.
None are anticipated to be required. Specialized erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented
if contaminated soils are detected during the construction process. Standard dust control measures will be
implemented to mitigate dust emissions resulting from construction activities. Pursuant to State Law, 811 will be
contacted prior to any digging activities to prevent damage to on-site utilities.
There are no off-site sources of noise that will impact this proposal. The primary source of noise
in the area is generated from vehicular traffic along 104th Ave SE and Mill Road SE.
Temporary, short-term noise impacts typical of construction projects will occur with operation
of equipment during construction. Construction activities will be restricted to the hours permitted
under the Yelm Municipal Code. Long term noise will be minimal, and will be typical of residential
developments.
To mitigate general noise
impacts during the construction phase, measures such as locating stationary equipment away from
receiving properties, limiting construction hours to the appropriate Yelm ordinance, turn off idling
construction equipment, and train construction crews to avoid unnecessarily loud actions near
residential areas will be employed.
The site is currently single family residential. Adjacent properties are also single family residential.
Not to our knowledge.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 7
c. Describe any structures on the site.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
e. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
f. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the
site?
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a "natural resource", "critical" or
"environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and
projected land uses and plans, if any:
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether
high, middle, or low-income housing.
There is a single family residence and a covered outbuilding structure.
All structures will be demolished.
R-4
R-4 Low Density Residential District
Does not apply.
The site lies within an extremely sensitive aquifer recharge area. There are three onsite
wetlands, Thompson Creek and an area by Thompson Creek that has been mapped as
being located in the 100-year floodplain.
Based on 2.5 persons per household, approximately 240 people will reside in the completed
project.
None. The current residents are purchasing a home elsewhere.
Does not apply.
Project proposes 96 units and will likely be middle income.
The existing residence and outbuildings will be demolished.
The proposed project is permitted outright in the R4 zone. The project requires approval
through the Preliminary Plat process to ensure it is compatible with existing and proposed
land uses.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 8
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas;
what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it
mainly occur?
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with
views?
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate
vicinity?
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so,
describe.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts or provide recreation
opportunities:
No special measures are proposed.
The height of the structures will not exceed the maximum height allowed in the R4 zone. The
exterior building materials will likely be wood.
The site will transition from a single family residence to an attractive residential
neighborhood.
Perimeter landscaping and/or sight obscuring fencing will screen the development.
Exterior lighting from the houses and street lights will occur after dark, typical of a
residential neighborhood.
No. Lighting will be directed downward so as not to interfere with views or
provide glare.
There are no off-site sources of light or glare that will impact the proposal.
Lighting fixtures will be shielded and lighting cast downward to reduce light and
glare impacts. All lighting fixtures will meet County requirements for light spill.
Yelm High School is just east of the site. Ball fields, football field
and track are available for public use during non-school hours.
No.
The project will provide open space with active recreation amenities for the residences.
ityy requirements for light spill.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 9
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local
preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally
describe.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archeological,
scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
14. Transportation
a. Identify sidewalks, trails, public streets and highways serving the site, and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if
any.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? By what means? If not, what plans exist
for transit service?
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would
the project eliminate?
d. Will the proposal require any new sidewalks, trails, roads or streets, or
improvements to existing sidewalks, trails, roads or streets, not including
driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private).
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
There are no known buildings, structures, or sites within the immediate vicinity
of the project site that are listed on national, state, or local preservation registers.
None to our knowledge.
If cultural or archeological objects are found during site preparation work, the
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation will be
notified, and appropriate measures will be taken.
The site will be served by Berry Valley Road and Jackson Street SE.
Thurston County's Intercity Transit provides route service between Lacey Corporate Center, Yelm
and Olympia Transit Center. The nearest stop is at the intersection of Yelm Avenue and Tahoma Boulevard,
approximately one mile from the project site.
Each residence will have garage and driveway parking.
The project will require new roads and road improvements.
No.
Vehicular trips and peak volumes are noted in the Traffic Impact Analysis Report prepared
by Heath and Associates, dated August 2022.
Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts are noted in the Traffic
Impact Analysis Report prepared by Heath and Associates, dated August 2022.
City of Yelm Environmental Checklist Page 10
15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example:
fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe:
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse
service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, 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.
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand
that the City of Yelm is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Date Submitted:
Yes, typical public services including fire, police protection, health care, schools, and utility
services will be required for this project.
An increased tax base will help mitigate impacts.
Electricity - Puget Sound Energy
Water - City of Yelm
Sanitary Sewer - City of Yelm S.T.E.P.
Refuse Service - Rural Refuse
Telephone - Centurylink
Cable/Internet - Comcast
Sheri Greene 10/28/2022