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Yelm SEPA Checklist 2023SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 1 (WAC 197-11-960) SEPA1 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. 1 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/Checklist-guidance SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 2 (WAC 197-11-960) A.Background Find help answering background questions2 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Meadowview Community 2. Name of applicant: Robert Sternoff 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 255 7th Ave S. Kirkland, WA 98033 425 922-4009 4. Date checklist prepared: July 22, 2024 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Yelm 6. Proposed timing of schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Development activity proposed to start 2025 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Mazama Pocket Gopher Study Traffic study 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. NO 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Special Use Permit and Building Permit 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.) 2 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-A-Background SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 3 (WAC 197-11-960) Development of 10 acre property into a age 55+ 71 Manufactured Home Community rental spaces. Spaces average 4009 sq. ft. and including 2 parking spaces. An additional 26 guest parking spaces are spread throughout the Community. The project will include a Community Center and Pickle Ball Court. 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. Thurston County Tax I.D. 64300900100 961 Northern Pacific Road NE Environmental Elements 1. Earth Find help answering earth questions3 a. General description of the site: 10 acres (435600 sf) of unimproved pasture land. Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? <3% 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. Minimal excavation and backfill for utility trenches, STEP system and grading for roads and leveling of Modular Home sites. No export of soils is anticipated. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No 3 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-earth SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 4 (WAC 197-11-960) 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. Clearing of grass and brush across majority of property, trenching for utilities and grading for roads, manufactured home foundations and Community Building. f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Approximately <50% h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. Silt fence as necessary during construction 2. Air Find help answering air questions4 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. Motorized construction equipment during development. 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: Dust control during development as necessary 3. Water Find help answering water questions5 a. Surface: Find help answering surface water questions6 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 4 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-Air 5 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water 6 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water/Environmental- elements-Surface-water SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 5 (WAC 197-11-960) 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 a 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. No 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: Find help answering ground water questions7 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 a general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No 2. Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (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. STEP System will be engineered to serve 72 single family residences per City of Yelm requirements c. Water Runoff (including stormwater): 7 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water/Environmental- elements-Groundwater SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 6 (WAC 197-11-960) 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. All storm water will be contained and infiltrated within the site. 2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Mitigation measures including covering of catch basins within the site and external to the site will be utilized 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: Appropriate engineered drainage plans per Civil Engineer will be utilized. 4. Plants Find help answering plants questions 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? There is one tree and several small bushes on the site. All will be removed. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Mazama Pocket Gopher d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 7 (WAC 197-11-960) City development standards mandate minimum 10’ landscape perimeter around site. Additional landscaping as appropriate will be installed in open spaces and within individual pads. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Scotch Broom 5. Animals Find help answering animal questions8 a. List any birds and other animals that 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: None observed b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Mazama Pocket Gopher c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Unknown 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. Unknown 6. Energy and natural resources Find help answering energy and natural resource questions9 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. Electric 8 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-5-Animals 9 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-6-Energy-natural-resou SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 8 (WAC 197-11-960) b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No 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. All construction will meet current energy codes 7. Environmental health Health Find help with answering environmental health questions10 a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur because of this proposal? If so, describe. No 1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. NA 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 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. 4. Describe special emergency services that might be required. None 5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. Posted site work rules and safety procedures. All but the community building will be built offsite. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Normal street traffic and noise from adjacent auto wrecking yard. 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)? 10 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-7-Environmental-health SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 9 (WAC 197-11-960) Construction equipment noise during construction work 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: None 8. Land and shoreline use Find help answering land and shoreline use questions11 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 is undeveloped. Proposal is compatible with adjacent property 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 because 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? No 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? No e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Industrial f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Industrial g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? NA 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? 11 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-8-Land-shoreline-use SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 10 (WAC 197-11-960) 150 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. Special Use process m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: None 9. Housing Find help answering housing questions12 a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. 71 Manufactured Home rental sites for Manufactured Homeowners. Low to lower middle income homeowners. 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: This project provides 72 new sites (including Manager residence) for owned affordable homes 10. Aesthetics Find help answering aesthetics questions13 a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? Community building may be 2 story approximatley 20 ft. in height. Exterior of building will be wood sided. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None 12 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-9-Housing 13 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-10-Aesthetics SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 11 (WAC 197-11-960) c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: None 11. Light and glare Find help answering light and glare questions14 a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? None b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: None 12. Recreation Find help answering recreation questions a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Yelm Tenino Trail across the street. Yelm dog park and Longmire Community Park nearby 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: Pickle Ball Court and Community Building on site 13. Historic and cultural preservation Find help answering historic and cultural preservation questions15 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. No 14 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-11-Light-glare 15 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-13-Historic-cultural-p SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 12 (WAC 197-11-960) 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. Unknown 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. Title search of property using Washington State archives did not reveal any historic uses 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 14. Transportation Find help with answering transportation questions16 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. Northern Pacific Road SE, Canal Road SE and proposed Highway 510 loop via Wilkenson Road SE located approximatley ½ mile from 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? No c. 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). No d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. No e. 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? 16 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-14-Transportation SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 13 (WAC 197-11-960) f. 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 g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: None 15. Public services Find help answering public service questions17 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. Unknown impact of 72 new homes and 150 residents b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Fire impact fees 16. Utilities Find help answering utilities questions18 a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other: All services are in Northern Pacific Road SE and Canal Road SE 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. Water and Sewer service will be provided by City of Yelm Electricity will be provided by Puget Sound Energy B.Signature Find help about who should sign19 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. 17 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-15-public-services 18 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-16-utilities 19 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist- guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-C-Signature SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 14 (WAC 197-11-960) Type name of signee: Position and agency/organization: Date submitted: C.Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions Find help for the nonproject actions worksheet20 Do not use this section 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: 20 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist- guidance/sepa-checklist-section-d-non-project-actions X SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 15 (WAC 197-11-960) 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, floodplains, 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.