SEPA Checklist
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 1 of 11
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance,
minimization, or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an
environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is
unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and
accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the
decision-making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your
proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to
explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may
be significant adverse impact.
Instructions for lead agencies
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B, plus the Supplemental Sheet for Nonproject Actions (Part D). Please completely
answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site"
should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency
may exclude (for non-projects) questions in “Part B: Environmental Elements” that do not contribute
meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 2 of 11
A. Background
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Rainier View Estates
2. Name of applicant:
C & E Developments, LLC Attn: Ashlynne Solseth
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
PO Box 2983
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 400-0432
4. Date checklist prepared:
February 9, 2024
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Yelm, WA
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The infrastructure improvements (e.g. roadways, utilities, stormwater system) will be completed
in one phase with anticipated substantial construction completion by spring/summer 2025. At
this time it is unknown when the individual lots will be developed.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
None at this time.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
A Prairie Habitat Critical Area (Pocket gopher) report was prepared by Key Environmental
Solutions in 2022.
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 known
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Department of Ecology Stormwater Permit; grading permit; right-of-way encroachment permit;
land use and civil plan approvals
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site.
Subdivide a 5.28-acre parcel into 23 residential lots. 19 lots will contain single-family residences
and 4 lots will contain duplexes for 27 total units.
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.
NW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 24, Township 17 North, Range 1 East, W.M.
9910 Durant St. SE
Yelm, WA 98597
Parcel Number: 21724420501
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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)?
Approximately 9% (isolated)
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.
Spanaway Gravelly Sandy Loam (HSG A) per the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS).
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
None known
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.
Approximately 6,675 cubic yards of grading will be required to construct the proposed
improvements.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion can occur during construction of the proposed improvements improvements. An erosion
and sedimentation control plan will be prepared meeting City of Yelm requirements and Best
Management Practices (BMP’s) will be implemented during and after construction to prevent and
control erosion.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 54% (roads, sidewalks, buildings, patios)
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
An erosion and sedimentation control plan will be prepared meeting City of Yelm requirements
and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be implemented during and after construction to
prevent and control erosion.
2. Air
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.
Emissions from typical construction equipment and dust during contruction; emissions from
vehicles after the project is completed. Quantities are unkown.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
None known
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
None
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3. Water
a. Surface Water:
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.
No.
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.
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.
None
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Per a FEMA FIRM 53067C0353F, dated October 19, 2023, the parcel is located in Zone X, 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
b. Ground Water:
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.
Yes. Groundwater will be withdrawn from existing municipal wells for domestic uses associated
with the future houses and for irrigation of the landscape areas. Quantities are currently
unknown.
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.
None.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
Stormwater runoff from the proposed public roadway improvements will be collected and routed
to a bioretention facility for treatment, detention, and infiltration. Stormwater runoff generated by
the proposed roof areas will routed to individual lot downspout infiltration trenches for detention
and infiltration. Stormwater runoff from individual lot driveway, walkway, and patio areas will
be sheet flow dispersed over adjacent lawn/landscape areas.
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2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Not likely. A pollution source control plan will be a part of a storm drainage maintenance
agreement that will be recored at the county auditor’s office prior to final project approval. This
plan will outline the Best Management Practices to help reduce the potential for any waste
materials to enter ground water.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
No
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
See Section c.1) above. All stormwater runoff generated by the project will be retained on-site.
4. Plants
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
___deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen
___evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__X_shrubs
__X_grass
__X _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?
Approximately 5.1-acres of vegetation (brush, grass, saplings) will be removed as needed to
construct the proposed improvements.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None known
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
Street trees will be provided along the public roadway. Additional landscaping is anticipated to
be installed as each lot develops.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
None known per Washington State Noxious Weed Data Viewer
5. Animals
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:
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 6 of 11
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
Deer, crows, robins, stellar jays, songbirds, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, bats
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None per WDFW Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) GIS
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
The project site is located within the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds per the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
None
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
None of the invasive animal species listed by the Washington Invasive Species Council have been
observed on or near the site
6. Energy and Natural Resources
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 will be used for heating and general electrical needs for the project.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe.
Not likely
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 future homes will be required to meet Washington State energy code requirements.
7. Environmental Health
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.
None known
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
None known
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity.
None known
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project.
None
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
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None
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
No existing noises will 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)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Short-term: Construction equipment noise during construction
Long-term: Noises typical to a residential subdivision (traffic).
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Construction hours will be limited to city approved hours
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The project site is undeveloped. Adjacent developed parcels are developed residential. The
proposal will not affect land uses on nearby or adjacent properties.
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?
Unknown but unlikely
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
c. Describe any structures on the site.
None
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Not applicable
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
R-4, Low Density Residential
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Residential
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Not applicable
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
No
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Up to approximately 68 people will reside in the homes.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
None
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
None
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L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
The project will meet City of Yelm zoning code requirements.
m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest
lands of long-term commercial significance, if any:
None
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing.
None
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
None
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
None
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?
Building code allows for up to a 35-foot building height. It is anticipated that the future houses
will be sided with cement fiber siding.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
None
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
None
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Street lighting and exterior building and driveway lighting, from dusk to dawn
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not likely. Light fixtures will be shielded.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
None known
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
Light fixtures will be shielded.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
The City of Yelm Park & Splash Pad is located approximately 0.8-miles away; the Tahoma
Valley Golf Course is located approximately 0.6-miles away, the Cochrane Memorial Park is
located approximately 0.9-miles away, and Yelm Middle School is located 0.9-miles away.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
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No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
The proposal includes active an recreation facility (playground) located on a proposed open space
tract.
13. Historic and cultural preservation
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 located on or
near the site? If so, specifically describe.
None listed per the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
website (WISAARD database).
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.
None observed on or near the site and no listings in the WISAARD database.
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.
Review of Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation website
(WISAARD database).
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.
None at this time.
14. Transportation
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.
Durant Drive SE and Durant St. SE will provide a looped access through the site.
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?
The nearest Intercity Transit stop is located at the the intersection of Yelm Ave. and Culens St.
and Yelm Ave. and Solberg St., both approximately 0.6-miles away from the project site.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Approximately 54 total formal off-street parking spaces will be provided on the individual lots.
Some on-street parking will be available alogn the new public roadway. No parking spaces will
be eliminated.
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).
None known
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
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No
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?
It is anticipated that the project will generate approximately 255 average vehicle trips per day
with peak hours between 4 p.m - 6 p.m. per the Trip Generation Manual prepared by the Institute
of Transporation Engineers. The volume of trucks is unknown but is expected to be those
normally associated with providing goods and services typical to a residential area.
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
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
Traffic mitigation fees will be paid if required.
15. Public Services
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.
No new public service facilties are proposed; however, the project will increase the need on
existing public services.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Mitigation fees will be paid if required.
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.
City of Yelm water and sanitary sewer, refuse/recycling service from Pacific Disposal;
telecommunications from Consolidated Communications and Comcast; electricity from Puget
Sound Energy. All will require connection to adjacent/nearby existing utilities.
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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.
Type name of signee _Chris Merritt_______________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization _Owner, Olympic Engineering _________________
Date Submitted: _February 9, 2024