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2025.0071-2025.0463.PR0003 06 - Panda Express Yelm Ave - Environmental Checklist 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. Panda Express - Yelm Panda Express, Inc. (Attn: Michael Cadell) Applicant: Michael Cadell Panda Express, Inc. July 2, 2025 City of Yelm Construction will begin upon approval of all necessary permits. This is estimated to occur in the spring of 2027. No additions, expansions, or further activity outside this proposal will occur. A Geotechnical Engineering Report has been prepared by Terracon, dated April 21, 2025. A Storm Drainage Report has been prepared by Atwell, dated June 25, 2025. None that the applicant is aware of. Contact Person: Evan Terry Atwell, LLC 25 Central Way Suite 400, Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 803-3122 1683 Walnut Grove Ave. Rosemead, CA 91770 (626)-372-8550 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. Site Plan Review, SEPA, Clearing & Grading, Right-of-Way Use, Commercial Building Permit, CSWGP, Water & Sewer Connections The project proposes to develop the site with a new 2,600 square foot (sf) Panda Express restaurant with a drive-through window and parking lot. Associated infrastructure improvements including frontage, utility (storm drainage, sewer, water, power, communications), and site access improvements will be included. Project Address: 1104 YELM AVE E, Yelm, WA 98597 Parcel: 22730110208 PLSS: T17N, R02E, S30 Legal Description: Section 30 Township 17 Range 2E SS988210 LT 6 Document 3167697 Vicinity Map, Topographic Survey, and Site Plan: Attached to application. The site is currently undeveloped existing gravel and lawn area. The steepest slope on-site is approximately 5%, in the northwest corner of the property. According to the Geotechnical Engineering Study prepared by Terracon, site soils include: •Loose to medium dense, well-graded gravel with silt and sand •Medium dense to very dense, gravel with silt and sand, or sand with silt and gravel According to the Geotechnical Engineering Study prepared by Terracon, there are no surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity. 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 expected amount of excavation is 400 CF and 235 CF of fill, for a net cut of roughly 165 CF. Any imported soils will come from a city-approved location and tested to ensure no contamination is present. Limited erosion could occur as a result of initial construction, but erosion control measures will be utilized to minimize potential impacts. Temporary control plans will be submitted to City of Yelm for approval prior to any clearing or grading activity. It is anticipated that approximately 76.2% of the project site will be covered with impervious surfaces, such as buildings and roadways, after project construction. A temporary erosion and sediment control plan, designed in accordance with City of Yelm standards, will be employed during the construction phase of the project. This would include perimeter silt fencing to contain erosion and cover measures to prevent or reduce soil erosion during and following construction, as well as BMPs. Heavy equipment operation and worker’s vehicles will generate exhaust emissions to the local air. Construction activity on-site could also stir up exposed soils and generate dust into the local air. The completed project will result in a minor increase in the number of exhaust-related pollutants in the local air from residents traveling to and from the restaurant. No off-site sources of emissions or odor would affect this proposal. No adjacent or nearby activity or developments emit odors or are associated with odor-producing activities. Emissions will be mitigated by proper maintenance of equipment while on-site, prohibiting machinery from idling when not in use, and water of the site as necessary during the construction phase of the project to help control dust and other particulates. Other Best Management Practices will be implemented to control emissions. No, there are no surface water bodies on or in the immediate vicinity of the site. No, the project will not require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) any surface water bodies. 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. No fill or dredge material will be placed in or removed from surface waters or wetlands. No, the proposal will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions. No, the proposal does not lie within a 100-year floodplain. No, the proposal does not involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters. No, groundwater will not be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes. The project will be serviced by the Yelm Water Department. No water will be discharged to groundwater. No waste material will be discharged into the ground. The project will discharge sewage to the municipal sanitary sewer system. In the existing condition, stormwater from the undeveloped site infiltrates into the native soils. Runoff generated by impervious surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, on the developed lot, will be routed to an onsite ADS StormTech detention system and will infiltrate offsite. Runoff from pollution-generating impervious surfaces will be collected and flow through a Contech Filterra before being conveyed to the proposed ADS StormTech system. 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. TESC measures and best management practices will be in place to prevent any runoff that may contain waste materials from entering ground or surface waters. The proposal includes a professionally engineered drainage design that maintains existing drainage flow rates and discharge locations to the maximum extent feasible. This includes maintaining historical flow paths, minimizing changes to peak flow rates, and preserving the location and timing of runoff discharges. The stormwater management system has been designed in accordance with applicable local and state regulations, incorporating best management practices (BMPs). TESC BMPs will be provided in accordance with City of Yelm regulations to reduce and/or control runoff water impacts. X X To generate the site grade appropriate for the proposed development, vegetation within the disturbed area boundaries of the site will be removed. No threatened or endangered species have been documented to be on or near the site. No noxious weeds or invasive species are known to be on or near the site. Onsite landscaping will include perimeter, parking lot, and interior screening. The perimeter of the site will be landscaped with an assortment of trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials, and ground cover. The proposed Plant Schedule is on sheet L01 of the Civil & Landscape Plan. 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: Hawks, songbirds (including robins, sparrows, crows, jays, and finches), deer, opossums, raccoons, and coyotes are known to be near the site, but have not been observed on-site. No threatened or endangered species have been documented to be on or within 200 feet of the site. The Pacific Flyway Migration Route overlays all of western Washington State, including this site. The project site does not contain any critical or final habitat for any of the above-mentioned species. As a result, there are no proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife. The site does not contain any known invasive animal species. Electricity will be the primary source of energy used to meet the energy needs of the new restaurant. No, the project would not affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties. The proposed restaurant will be 23.33 feet in height, which conforms to the maximum height requirement in the Yelm Municipal Code, which is 60 feet for the Commercial zone (C-1). The project will meet Washington State Energy Code requirements, which is one of the most stringent in the country. The building will be constructed to meet or exceed applicable local, state, and/or federal building code to ensure compliance with energy conservation standards. opossums, raccoons, coyotes 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. No, there are no known environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, which could occur as a result of this proposal. The applicant is not aware of any contamination at the site from present or past practices. As described above, there are no existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. There are no underground hazardous liquid or gas transmission pipelines that are known. The applicant is not aware of any other hazardous chemicals/conditions on-site. Fuels associated with automobiles and construction machinery, as well as typical restaurant cleaning supplies may be present at the site. Chemicals used in commercial development construction such as paint and cleaning agents will be used, managed, and regulated under the SWPPP. The proposal will not require any special emergency services. State regulations regarding safe handling of hazardous materials will be enforced during the construction process. Any site-disturbing activities will, at a minimum, comply with the provisions of 29 Federal Code of Revisions (CFR) 1926 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-155. The typical sources of noise in the area are those associated with light commercial activity, retail, and traffic. It is not anticipated the level of noise in the area is enough to impact the project. On a short-term basis, construction activities will increase the peak on-site noise levels. Construction will occur during City of Yelm approved hours of operation. The completed project would result in a slight increase in ambient noise levels in the immediate vicinity from new traffic to and from the new restaurant. 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? Construction activity will be limited to hours as specified by City of Yelm which will mitigate the impacts of potential construction noise. The site is bound by right-of-way to the east and south, a KeyBank to the west, and a mixed-use commercial building to the north. There are no expected impacts on land use on nearby properties resulting from the proposal. No, there is no information that indicates this site has been used as working farmland or working forest land. The site is not zoned or designated for agriculture or forestry; the site and adjacent parcels are all zoned C-1 (Commercial). No, the proposal will not affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land operations. None of the surrounding parcels are designated working farm or forest lands. No structures will be demolished. There are no existing structures on the site. C-1 (Commercial) The comprehensive plan land use designation of the site is Commercial. The site does not have a shoreline master program designation. The site lies within a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) designed by both City of Yelm and Thurston County. Approximately 20 people would work 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: The completed project would not displace any people. Not applicable; the completed project would not displace any people. The site is zoned C-1, which permits service-oriented establishments outright. Restaurants fall under the definition of service-oriented establishments per YMC 18.02.040. There are no known nearby agricultural or forest lands of long-term commercial significance. Not applicable; this is a commercial project. Not applicable; this is a commercial project. Not applicable; this is a commercial project. The proposed restaurant building height is 23.33 feet. The principal exterior building material will match the aesthetic of the surrounding residential character. No views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed. The tallest height of any proposed structure will be at most 23.33 feet, which is well below the maximum height permitted in the C-1 zone (60 feet). Neighboring properties may experience a change in view of the property itself once it is developed, however, it is not anticipated any scenic views will be altered or obstructed. The project will comply with the current zoning of the site and will be similar in style to the surrounding area. Building styles and landscaping will be developed in accordance with the design standards for the zone. 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. The completed project will generate limited light and glare as typically associated with a drive-through and dine-in restaurant. Light will be shielded away from the night sky and adjacent development to control impacts. Light or glare would mainly occur at night. No. Under normal circumstances, it is not anticipated that light or glare from the finished project will present a safety hazard or block views. Surrounding properties are ROW or light commercial/retail businesses; as such, there are sources of light and glare typically associated with commercial properties. However, the existing sources of light or glare are not anticipated to affect this proposal in any manner. Building and street lighting will be designed in accordance with the YMC. There are no proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts. There are no designated or informal recreational opportunities in the immediate vicinity (0.1 mi). No, the proposed project would not displace any existing recreational uses. No recreational uses are in the immediate vicinity, so no measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation are proposed. Recreation and open space are not required for the proposal pursuant to YMC 18.56.010. The building west of the project site on parcel 22730121700 was constructed in 1988, and the building north of the project site on parcel 22730110207 was constructed in 1994; neither building is over 45 years old. No structures in the immediate vicinity of the site are listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers. There was no evidence of culturally significant features or artifacts found on-site. 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 methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site included Thurston County GIS and the Washington Information System for Architectural and Archeological Records Data (WISAARD). Best Management Practices will be used if any cultural or historic artifacts are found on site. None at this time as there are no known impacts to cultural resources. If cultural evidence is encountered during construction or installation of improvements, work will be halted in the area and a state approved archaeologist/historian will be engaged to investigate/evaluate and/or move or curate resources as appropriate. The site is currently served by E Yelm Ave/SR 507 and NE Plaza Dr SE. Proposed site access will connect to NE Plaza Dr to serve the new restaurant. The site is currently served by Intercity Transit Route 94. The nearest stop is approximately 0.1 miles northwest of the site, Nisqually Plaza. The proposal will include new public sidewalk along NE Plaza Dr SE. The proposal will not include any new roads or improvements to existing roads, streets, bicycle, or state transportation facilities. The project will not use or occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail, or air transportation. The proposed project is estimated to generate 547 new weekday daily trips, with 39 new trips occurring during the weekday PM peak hour per the Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by TENW. No AM peak hour trips are anticipated to be generated by the site since Panda Express is not open during the AM peak period. The weekday daily and PM peak hour trip generation estimates for the proposed project were calculated based on methodology documented in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition for land use code (LUC) 934 (Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive-Through Window). No, the proposal will not be affected by or interfere with the movement of agricultural and forest products. No, the proposal will not be affected by or interfere with the movement of agricultural and forest products.