SEPA Checklist Michaels Landing Signed
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) September 2023 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.
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A. Background
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Michaels Landing
2. Name of applicant:
Michael Kempinski
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Michael Kempinski
PO Box 1496
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 507-0868
4. Date checklist prepared:
May 1, 2024
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Yelm
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The project will be completed in one phase with anticipated substantial site work (e.g. grading,
utilities, roadway) completion by fall 2025. The timing of individual residential lot development
and development of Lot 15 (see A.7 and A.11 below) is currently unknown.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
Proposed Lot 15 will be developed by the City of Yelm in the future (see A.7 and A.11 below).
The timing is currently unknown.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
Pocket gopher report prepared by S2C LLC John Baldridge, dated July 1, 2021.
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.
Land use approval, civil and building permits
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.)
Subdivide two parcels totaling 3.58-acres into 14 single-family residential lots with associated
roadway, storm drainage, and public/private utility improvements. A 15th lot is currently
proposed to be deeded to the City of Yelm for a future parking lot for the Longmire Community
Park.
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
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required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to
this checklist.
SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 20, Township 17 North, Range 2 West, W.M.
16803 Canal Rd. SE
Yelm, WA 98597
Parcel Number: 64300600101 & 64300600102 B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth a. General description of the site:
Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Approximately 5%.
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 NRCS. Recessional outwash gravel per soils
report prepared by GeoResources, dated February 22, 2024
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 4,500 cubic yards of grading will be required to construct the proposed
improvements. The source of fill is currently unknown.
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 (BMPs) 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 56% (buildings, roadway, sidewalks, patios). This does not include any
impervious surface associated with the future development of Lot 15.
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 (BMPs) will be implemented during and after construction to
prevent and control erosion.
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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:
Construction hours will be limited to city approved hours; an ORCCA permit will be obtained if
required; soil stockpiles will be covered, a wheel wash will be provided for vehicles, and the site
will be watered during construction for dust control.
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.
Not applicable.
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.
Not applicable.
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 53067C00354F, dated October 19, 2023, the project and surrounding area are
located within 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.
No. The project will utilize City of Yelm public domestic water. No water will be discharged
directly to groundwater.
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
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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 roadway and west half of the Canal Rd. frontage will be
routed to a bioretention pond for treatment and 100% infiltration. Stormwater BMPs associated
with the individual lot developments are anticipated to consist of below-grade downspout
infiltration trenches to accommodate stormwater runoff from the roof areas and sheet flow
dispersion areas for runoff from the driveway, patio, and walkway areas. Stormwater BMPs
associated with the future city parking lot are currently unknown.
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.
Stormwater runoff from the adjacent developed areas will remain as-is. Stormwater runoff from
the west half of the Canal Rd. frontage currently sheet flows over adjacent vegetation and this
will be changed to be routed to a new bioretention stormwater facility located on the subject site.
All stormwater runoff from the new improvements will be contained on-site.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
Stormwater best manage practices will meet or exceed City of Yelm stormwater standards. See
response under c.1) above for a description of the proposed stormwater systems.
4. Plants a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_X_deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen
_X_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 2.75-acres of vegetation (brush, grass, and small trees) will be removed as needed
to construct the proposed improvements.
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c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None known per site visit and review of the Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP)
website and associated Data Explorer.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
The proposed bioretention pond will be landscaped, street trees will be plated along the proposed
roadway and Canal Rd. frontage, and the open space tracts will be landscaped per City of Yelm
requirements. It is anticipated that landscaping will be installed on the lots at the time of
individual lot development.
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:
• birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
• mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
• fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
Deer, crows, robins, stellar jays, 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 due to building height restrictions per city code.
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 buildings will meet or exceed Washington State energy code requirements in affect
at the time of building permit application or as otherwise vested.
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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. In the event of a fire, the fire department will be contacted. In the event of a spill, the spill
will be contained as much as possible, the waste and any contaminated materials will be cleaned
up, and 1-800-SPILL-911 will be called.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
None anticipated at this time. The storage and use of any toxic chemicals is required to meet
applicatle state and federal rules.
b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Existing noises consist of those typical to an urban area (e.g. vehicle traffic) but these noises are
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)? 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 (e.g. 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 site contains a single-family residence, mobile home, and several outbuildings. The
surrounding parcels contain single-family residences. 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.
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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.
The site contains a single-family residence, mobile home, and several outbuildings.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Yes, all existing structures will be demolished and removed.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
R-6
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Industrial per the city’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan. The subject parcels were recently rezoned to
R-6.
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?
Approximately 35 people will reside at the completed project.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
None
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 (e.g. building design, landscaping,
site design).
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.
Fourteen middle-income housing units
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
Two middle- to low-income
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?
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Maximum 35-foot building height allowed per city code. The principal exterior building
materials are unknown at this time.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None likely
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
It is anticipated that each lot will be fenced and landscaped at the time of individual lot
development. The open space tracts will be landscaped and street trees will be installed along the
roadway and Canal Rd. frontage.
11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Exterior building and roadway 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. Lighting from vehicles may temporarily impact the
neighboring parcels but it is not anticipated to create a safety hazard.
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. Future anticipated individual lot landscaping and fencing will
help shield or diffuse vehicle lights at night.
12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Longmire Community Park is located immediately across Canal Rd. SE from the project site and
the Yelm City Park and Splash Pad is located approximately 1.4 miles from the site.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
None proposed at this time. Park impact fees will be paid per residential unit as required.
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.
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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). The WISAARD Predictive Model indicates a moderate risk for
encountering archaeological items.
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. If required, an Inadvertent Discovery Plan will be signed and submitted to the
City of Yelm and will be on-site and followed as necessary during all ground disturbing activities.
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.
Canal Rd. SE will provide the main access to the site. A residential subdivision (Willow Glen) is
currently proposed to the south of the subject site which would provide for a looped roadway
between Canal Rd. SE and Greenleaf Lp. SE.
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 approximately 1.2 miles from the site on 170th St. SE
(adjacent to WalMart).
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
28 off-street parking spaces are proposed; approximately 4 will be eliminated. It is currently
unknown how many parking spaces may be provided on proposed Lot 15 for the future City of
Yelm parking lot.
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 westerly half of Canal Rd. SE will be improved (e.g. lane widening, sidewalk, planter
strip) and a new roadway will be extended through the site to serve the proposed lots.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
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 approximately 133 vehicle trips per day will be generated by the completed
project with peak hours between 4 p.m - 6 p.m. per the Institute of Transporation Engineers Trip
Generation Manual. The PM peak hour will generate approximately 14 vehicle trips.
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
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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.
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 as required. The buildings will meet building code requirements in
place at the time of building permit application, fire hydrants are proposed per city requirements,
and the roadway will be looped in the future to provide for a secondary emergency vehicle access
to the site.
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, solid waste from Pacific Disposal; telecommunications
from Consolidated Communications and Comcast; elecrictiy from Puget Sound Energy
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 ________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization _ _________________
Date Submitted: _
Mike Kempinski
Owner
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