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ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2022 1 | 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. 2 | P a g e 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: 2. Name of applicant: 3. Address and phone number of applicant and 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. Country Meadow Estates Phase 1 AHBL Sheri Greene, AHBL (253) 383-2422 2215 N. 30th Street #300 Tacoma, WA 98403 August 22, 2023 City of Yelm Construction will commence upon issuance of site development permit. It is anticipated the site development permit will be issued in Winter 2023/Spring 2024. Country Meadow Estates Phase 2. SEPA Checklist, Mazama Pocket Gopher Study, Geotechnical Report, Traffic Impact Analysis No 3 | P a g e 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. 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.) 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. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [Help] 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 agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. SEPA Determination, Preliminary Plat Approval, Site Development Permit, Building Permits and NPDES Permit Project proposes construction of a 59-lot residential subdivision with associated roadway. Services will include city water and sewer, and private drainage routed to onsite infiltration facilities. The project site is located off Vancil Road SE, Parcel 22730410300 in Yelm, Washington. According to the Geotechnical Report prepared by Earth Solutions NW dated June 14, 2023, the soils are predominately Spanaway gravelly sandy loam. None to our knowledge. The steepest slope is 10% in the center of the site. 4 | P a g e 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. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: 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. 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 [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. 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. The project is in preliminary design but it is anticipated that approximately 7,700 cy of cut and 5,700 cy of fill, for a net export of 2,000 cy will be needed. Minimal erosion could occur during project construction. All applicable BMPs will be followed to prevent or minimize such impacts. Approximately 54.97% of the site will be covered by impervious surfaces from the construction of the roadways and driveways (500 SF x 59 units). 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. None to our knowledge. 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. None to our knowledge. Not applicable. 5 | P a g e 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. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location 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. 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. 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. 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. Not applicable. No. No. Water will not be withdrawn; however some stormwater runoff will be directed to stormwater treatment facilities and infiltrated onsite. No. 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 an onsite infiltration system. The individual homes will have onsite drywells to infiltrate roof runoff. 6 | P a g e 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: 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? c. List threatened and 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: e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. 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, No. The project will provide source control of pollutants by providing treatment of stormwater prior to infiltrating onsite. No other measures are proposed. X X 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 with the site development plans for approval. Blackberry bushes 7 | P a g e 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: Fish: Bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: b. List any threatened and 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: e. List any invasive animal species 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. 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: Crows Rabbits, mice None known. The site is within the Pacific Flyway for Migratory Birds. No impacts are anticipated to wildlife, therefore no special measures are proposed. None known. The completed project will utilize electricity to provide for heating, cooling and lighting needs. The project will meet the 2015 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). Other conservation features, such as LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixutres, will be determined upon development. No, the project will not affect the use of solar energy by adjacent properties. 8 | P a g e 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. 1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past 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. 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 th e operating life of the project. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. 5) 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. 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. None known. None known. None known. 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 Vancil 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. No special emergency services will be required other than those normally provided such as police and fire protections. 9 | P a g e 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: 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. 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? 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: c. Describe any structures on the site. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation 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 critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? 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 vacant. It is bounded by single family residential to the north, vacant residential land to the east and south, and Vancil Road SE to the west. Not to our knowledge. No. There are no structures on the site. N/A R-6. R-6, Moderate Density Residential. Not applicable. No. Based on 2.5 persons per household, approximately 148 people will reside in the completed project. 10 | P a g e 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: m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long- term commercial significance, if any: 9. Housing [Help] 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. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: 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? b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: None. Does not apply. The proposed project is residential, consistent with the surrounding area. The project requires approval through the Preliminary Plat process to ensure it is compatible with existing and proposed land uses. No special measures are proposed. 59 units are proposed and will be middle income housing. None. No special measures are proposed. The height of the structures will not exceed the maximum height allowed in the R-6 zone. The exterior building materials will likely be wood. The site will transition from a vacant property to an attractive residential neighborhood. Perimeter landscaping and/or sight obscuring fencing will screen the development. 11 | P a g e 11. Light and glare [Help] 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 o r interfere with views? c. What existing offsite sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: 12. Recreation [Help] 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 on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: 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. 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. Exterior lighting from the houses and street lights will occur after dark, typical of a residential neighborhood. Prairie Elementary School is located southeast of the site, approximately 0.25 miles away. Ball fields and play equipment are available for public use during non-school hours. No. The project will provide open space with active recreation amenities for the residences. 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. No. Lighting will be directed downward so s 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 cast downward to reduce light and glare impacts. All lighting fixtures will meet city requirements for light spillage. 12 | P a g e 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. 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. 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. 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? c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or nonproject proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? 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). e. Will the project or proposal 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 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? 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. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Historic Property Inventory Report was reviewed to determine there are no listings near the project site. The project will be served by Vancil Road SE, with an additional access point through Country Meadows Estates Phase 2 to Morris Road. Not to our knowledge. Each residence will have a two car garage and parking in their driveways. Some frontage improvements may be required along Vancil Road SE. No. No. If cultural or archaeological objects are found during the site preparation work, the Department of Archaeological and Historic Preservation will be notified and appropriate measures will be taken. Based on the Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by Heath and Associates dated July 24, 2023, the project will generate 621 average weekday daily trips with 46 AM peak trips and 61 PM peak trips. 13 | P a g e h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: 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. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any . 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 se rvice, 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 lead agency is relying on them to make its decision. Signature: ____________________________ Date Submitted: _______________________ Payment of traffic facilities charge. There will be a need for fire or police services in the event of a fire or accident. Impacts to the road network due to the increase in vehicular traffic will be mitigated through the payment of traffic impact fees. Impacts to schools will be mitigated through the payment of school impact fees. Property taxes collected on the property will reduce impacts to public services. PSE: Electricity Comcast: Cable City of Yelm: Water and Sewer Telephone: Fairpoint Communications Refuse: Pacific Disposal _______________________________ 8/22/2023 14 | P a g e 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 conjunct ion 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.