Railway Road Yelm_SEPA Checklist_2023-02-28_signed1 | P a g e
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all
governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making
decisions. An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with
probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this
checklist is to provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your
proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the
agency decide whether an EIS is required.
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your
proposal. Governmental agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental
impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions
briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can.
You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge.
In most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or
project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really 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 unnecessary delays later.
Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and
landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the
governmental agencies 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. 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.
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Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
For nonproject proposals complete this checklist and the supplemental sheet for
nonproject actions (Part D). The lead agency may exclude any question for the environmental
elements (Part B) which they determine do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the
proposal.
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.
A. Background [Help]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Railway Road Preliminary Plat
2. Name of applicant:
Blue Fern – Ben Paulus & Anna Drumheller
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
18300 Redmond Way, Suite 120
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 319-9681
Ben@BlueFern.com
4. Date checklist prepared:
February 6, 2023
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Yelm, WA
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Clearing and grading is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2024, with construction
immediately following.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
No, there are no further plans.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
A Critical Area Review prepared by Land Services Northwest in October 2022, a Mazama
Pocket Gopher & Thurston County Regulated Prairie Absence Report, with a separate
report for each existing parcel, prepared by Land Services Northwest in August 2022, a
Geotechnical Report prepared by Terra Associates, Inc. in September 2022, a Traffic
Scoping Memo by TENW Northwest in January 2023, and a Preliminary Storm
Drainage Report prepared by Core Design, Inc. in February 2023.
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9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
None at this time.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Preliminary Plat Approval, Clearing & Grading Permit, Right-of-way Permit, Building
Permits, & SEPA Determination
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 proposal’s intent is to entitle 90 new single family home sites ranging from
approximately 4,000 to 5,300 square feet each. New public right-of-way includes 2
stubbed termini for future connectivity and 5 public internal roads connecting to Railway
Road SE in two proposed intersections. Stormwater management infrastructure,
landscaping, tree retention, and open space opportunities are proposed onsite as well.
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 location of the proposal includes two parcels at approximately 14.923 acres inside
the City of Yelm’s city limits, less than a half mile from the intersection of 1st Street NE
and Railway Road SE. The site is addressed as 16314 & 16330 Railway Road SE, and
also identified as Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) 64300700400 & 64300700501 in
Section 19, Township 17, Range 2E. The legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and
topographic map can be found in the plan set submitted with this SEPA review.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [Help]
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous,
other......
The overall elevation change is roughly 4- feet from the highest points in the southeast
and lowest points in the northwest.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The steepest slope is approximately 3% or less across the entire of the project area.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)?
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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.
Soil type listed by the NRSC Web Soil Survey Map is Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to
3 percent slopes at 100% of the area of interest. Both existing parcel are considered to be
agricultural lands of long-term significance according to the WSDA Agricultural Land
Use interactive online map, with the larger parcel noted as ‘Pasture’ and the smaller
parcel noted as ‘Other’. Any removal of soils onsite will be in accordance with the City of
Yelm’s clearing and grading requirements.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
Per the WA State DNR Geologic Information Portal, there are no indications or history
of unstable soils onsite or in the immediate vicinity. Site topography is relatively flat
with no sign of sloping per the Geotechnical Report submitted with this project proposal.
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.
Grading is proposed in the development to ensure proper roadway configuration, site
drainage, stormwater management, and building envelopes. Approximately 9,274 CY of
cut and 9,148 CY of fill is anticipated with a net cut of 126 CY. The source of fill dirt has
not been determined yet.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion could occur as a result of clearing and grading during construction. However,
best management practices (BMPs) through the implementation of a SWPPP and
CESCL will be utilized to minimize erosion and ensure sediment control.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 54% of the subject site will be covered by impervious surfaces post
construction.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
A Construction Storm Water General Permit (CSWGP) from WA State Dept. of Ecology
is required due to the site being larger than one acre in size. The CSWGP requires a
Storm Water Pollution and Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Temporary Erosion and
Sedimentation Control (TESC) Plan that will be prepared and implemented prior to start
of construction.
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 impacts include construction-related vehicle exhaust and dust particles
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dispersed from sawing, cutting, and manipulating materials onsite. Any spray-on
material applications, such as paint or insulation, should be applied following OSHA and
ISO guidelines for installation and clean up management.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
No, off-site sources of emissions would be those typical for residential neighborhoods,
such as automobile exhaust and fireplace/heating infrastructure.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Construction impacts are not anticipated to be significant and can be control through
BMP implementation.
3. Water [Help]
a. Surface:
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.
There are no known surface water bodies located onsite, nor within 300 feet of the
project site.
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.
No, there will not be any work over, in, adjacent, or within 200 feet of surface water
bodies.
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.
No filling or dredging of surface water bodies are anticipated.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No withdrawals or diversions are anticipated.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site
plan.
No, the project site is not located inside of a 100-year regulated floodplain. The subject
parcels is located within FEMA FIRM Panel 53067C0353E & 5367C0354E, Zone X, and
noted as an area of minimal flood hazard.
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.
No, the proposal does not involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters.
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b. Ground
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.
The proposed development is within the City of Yelm’s Water Utility Area, a public water
system. No wells and no groundwater withdrawals are anticipated.
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.
The proposed development will be served by City of Yelm’s Wastewater Utility STEP
System, a public sanitary sewer system, and no industrial or agricultural uses are
anticipated.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) and method of collection and
disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water
flow into other waters? If so, describe.
Runoff will be generated from driveways, sidewalks, right-of-ways, and structures, and
will be captured, conveyed and discharged into a detention pond located on Tract C.
Stormwater management infrastructure will be sized according to the capacity
requirements listed in the WA State Dept. of Ecology’s (DOE) Stormwater Management
Manual for Western WA and the City of Yelm’s Engineering and Standards Details. A
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction stormwater
permit may be required.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Generally, no. Stormwater infrastructure will include treatment mechanisms and/or flow
control applications to prevent the discharge of waste into the environment. The potential
for illicit discharges and petroleum hydrocarbons from construction vehicles will be
managed through the associated project SWPPP.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site?
If so, describe.
No, drainage patterns will only be affected within the limits of the development.
Stormwater generated in the vicinity of the project will remain in its natural drainage
basins at pre-development rates.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
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TESC measures, construction BMPs, onsite stormwater quality and quantity
infrastructure are all proposed
4. Plants [Help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
— Deciduous tree: Alder, maple, aspen, other
— Evergreen tree: Fir, cedar, pine, other
— Shrubs
— 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?
Selective alteration or removal of vegetation will occur for the construction of roads and
dwellings. Trees will be retained pursuant to the applicable Code requirements. New
vegetation will be planted, and invasive or noxious species will the removed.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No threatened, endangered, or candidate species are known to be on or near the site and
according to the WSFW PHS interactive web map.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
Proposed landscaping may include the use of native or drought resistant plants. Invasive
species found on site will be removed to enhance existing and planted vegetation. Please
reference the Landscaping & Tree Retention Plan submitted with this development
proposal.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
Per WSDA Noxious Weed Data Viewer and King County’s iMap data, Tree of Heaven
and Tansy Ragwort have been reported within one half mile of the project site. The
Thurston County’s interactive online mapping tool notes the presence of Poison Hemlock
less than one mile form the project site.
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. Examples include:
Birds: Hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
Mammals: Deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
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Fish: Bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No threatened or endangered species are known to be on or near the site and according
to the WSFW PHS interactive web map, but the Townsend Big-eared Bat and Yuma
myotis are candidate species with occurrences listed in the area. Furthermore, according
to the City of Yelm’s Habitat Conservation Plan the site is within the service area of the
Mazama Pocket Gopher and soils onsite are considered more preferred. Please reference
the provided Absence Report prepared by Land Services Northwest for more detailed
information.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Yes, like all of Western Washington, the project lies within the Pacific Flyway Migratory
Route.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
To help preserve and enhance wildlife, the project is proposing the meet the required tree
retention and landscaping requirements to support animal species in the area.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
No invasive animal species are known to be on or near the site.
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.
Electricity and natural gas through Puget Sound Energy will be the primary source of
energy used to provide heating and cooling to each dwelling. The builder will provide the
appropriate heating and cooling systems that are energy efficient and cost effective for
the homebuyer.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
No, the project will not affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties.
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:
The proposed dwellings will be constructed in conformance with the applicable
International Residential Code and State Energy Code standards. Energy conserving
materials and fixtures will be evaluated for suitability in all new construction. Homes
designed to be energy efficient are common in this area.
7. Environmental health [Help]
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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.
No. There are no known environmental health hazards that could occur as a result of
this proposal.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
According to the WA DOE Toxic Cleanup program interactive map, there are no known
contamination events at the site from past or present uses.
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.
No known additional existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that would affect the
proposal.
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.
Any chemicals stored onsite would be typical of residential home usage, such as paint,
fertilizers, and automotive lubricants. During construction, use of heavy-duty trucks will
be common onsite, but spill control plans and standard automotive maintenance practices
performed by the contractor should be in place throughout the construction phase.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
No known requirements for special emergency services.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
No proposed measures at this time. The contractor onsite should follow all standard
OSHA, L&I and WA DOE spill prevention plan requirements.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)?
The main source of off-site noise in this area originates from the vehicular traffic present
on Railway Road SE, Northern Pacific Road SE, and nearby local access streets. This is
not anticipated to negatively affect the proposal.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)?
Indicate what hours noise would come from the site.
Short-term noise impacts will result from the use of construction and building equipment
during site development and home construction. Long-term impacts will be those
associated with the increase of human population, additional traffic and noise associated
with residential areas.
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3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Building construction will be done during the hours prescribed by the City.
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.
Site: Single-Family, & Pasture
North: Yelm Railroad & Industrial
East: Single-Family Residential
South: Single-Family Residential
West: Capital Facilities (PSE-Electrical Distribution)
Current proposal does not affect current land uses.
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?
Both subject parcels are currently used as agricultural land. There will be approximately
14 acres that will be converted to single-family land uses.
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:
No, there are no farm or forest uses in the immediate vicinity and regional agricultural
activity does not utilize Railway Road SE as a primary transport route.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Both parcels each contain one single-family residence along with associated accessory
storage structures.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Yes, both single-family residences and their accessory structures will be demolished as a
result of this proposal.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
R-6 – Moderate Density Residential
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Urban Growth Area
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Not applicable, no designated shoreline of the state are located on or within the vicinity
the project site.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
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According to both the Critical Area Memo and Geotechnical Report prepared for this
proposal, there is no evidence of any surface water bodies, nor indications of geological
hazards onsite.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Per the US Census Quick Facts from the 2017-2021 population dataset there are 3.22
persons per household in the City of Yelm, WA. Based on this dataset, approximately 290
individuals may reside within the completed project. (90 Dus X 3.22 persons per
household = 289.8 persons)
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Per the above dataset calculation for persons per household, approximately 6 individuals
will be displaced by the demolition of the two existing residences. (2 Dus X 3.22 persons
per household = 6.44 persons)
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
No measures proposed, due to a net gain of 284 additional individuals projected to reside
within the development. All existing single-family dwelling units are individually owned
and the real estate sale associate with the transfer of ownership will support relocation.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
Site design is regulated per local and state code, and the proposed land use is permitted in
this zoning district to ensure the project will be compatible with existing and projected
land use plans.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-
term commercial significance, if any:
No measures are proposed due to the site’s location within the Urban Growth Area.
9. Housing [Help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
The project will provide 90 new residences. The new residences are anticipated to be
market rate homes as middle-income housing.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
Two single-family units will be eliminated, resulting in a net gain of 88 new residential
units.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Other than being regulated by local and state code, there are no measures to reduce or
control housing impacts.
10. Aesthetics [Help]
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a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the
principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
The tallest height of any proposed structure will be the maximum height allowed by local
code. Exterior materials may be wood, cement board siding or other materials allowed by
building codes.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
There should be no impact upon views in the immediate vicinity.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Since the proposal does not anticipate obstructing or altering any views, all measures to
reduce or control aesthetic impacts will be regulated by local code and reviewed by the
appropriate jurisdiction.
11. Light and glare [Help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Minimal light and glare will be a result of residential lighting and traffic which will likely
occur early in the morning and late in the evening.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
No safety hazards related to light or glare is anticipated. Typical building materials, such
as wood, masonry, brick, or composite, do not commonly produce glare that would pose a
safety hazard.
c. What existing offsite sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
No impacts from off-site light or glare are anticipated due to the surrounding residential
land uses.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
The project should be designed to minimize light and glare, examples include the
utilization of down-lighting and shielding.
12. Recreation [Help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Yelm Prairie Line Trailhead is less than one mile to the west, and Longmire Community
Park is also less than one mile to the east. More than one mile to the west the Yelm Skate
Park, Yelm City Park and Splashpad, and Cochrane Memorial Park.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No displacement of recreational uses is anticipated since the site is currently vacant of
recreational uses.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
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opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
Open space and recreation facilities at 5% of the gross land area is required onsite per
municipal code requirements for all residential subdivisions. Approximately 6% of the
gross land area within the proposal is proposed for open space. Please refer to the
provided site plan sets for the location of the facilities and further details.
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.
According to DAHP’s WISSARD predictive model, there are no sites located on or near
project site. According to the Thurston County’s interactive online mapping tool, the
Louis Cochrane House immediate adjacent to the neighboring electrical transmission
station.
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.
There are not any landmarks or features, such as cemeteries or other evidence of Native
American or historic use by regional tribe affiliations. If an archaeological site or
artifact is found during construction, the appropriate Historical Preservation
Professional will be notified.
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.
According to DAHP’s WISSARD predictive model, the site is listed as Moderately Risk.
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.
No measures are currently proposed. If an archaeological site or artifact is found during
construction, the appropriate Historical Preservation Professional will be notified.
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.
The site is served by Railway Road SE. The development of the parcel will include 5
internal public road with two connecting intersections along Railway Road SE. The
proposal also includes two stubbed termini to the north and west for future connectivity.
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?
Yes, InterCity Transit provides one bus route via Highway 510 (East Yelm Avenue)
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located less than 1 mile from the project site.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or nonproject proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The proposal will provide at least two garage parking stalls and two driveway parking
stalls. Total off-street parking stalls will be approximately 360 stalls, exceeding the
minimum required 2 parking stalls per single-family dwelling. The new public roadways
will also have on-street parking available on both sides of the street.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
Yes, the proposal will add a new public roadways internally accessing the development
from Railway Road SE at two connecting intersections. The new public ROW will include
curb, gutter, landscaping strip, sidewalk on one side, and a utility strip. Due to the
existing ROW width 8-feet of ROW dedication will be required along with 21-feet of
improvements along Railway Road SE. Curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ROW landscaping are
also required on Railway Road SE.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
No, the project will not.
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?
According to the Traffic Scoping Memo prepared by TENW 888 daily trips is anticipated.
Peak hour trips include 66 for AM Peak Hour, and 87 for PM Peak hour. Trip
generation estimates are based on data published by the Institute of Transportation
Engineers.
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.
No, the proposal will not interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of
agricultural and forest products on roads in the area.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
No measures proposed at this time, but the projected rerouting of the Highway 510 away
from downtown Yelm will directly affect traffic distribution when complete approximately
in 2026.
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.
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The proposed community will result in increased need for public service such as fire,
health, and police protection consistent with typical single-family developments.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Roads and dwellings will be constructed to meet all applicable standards and codes of the
City and IRC/WSEC. The proposed development will contribute to the local tax base and
provide additional tax revenue for the various public services.
16. Utilities [Help]
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.
Electricity/Gas: Puget Sound Energy
Water: City of Yelm Water Utility
Sanitary Sewer: City of Yelm Wastwater STEP Utility
Refuse: Waste Management
Communication & Media: Comcast / Ziply fka Frontier
Fire: SE Thurston Fire Authority
Schools: Yelm Community Schools
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Date Submitted: 2/28/2023
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D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS [Help]
(do not use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a
faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air;
production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness,
wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites,
wetlands, flood plains, or prime farmlands?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would
allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services
and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.