HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 Yelm Veterans Memorial Park - SEPA Checklist_202511211 | 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.
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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:
Veterans Memorial Park
2. Name of applicant:
Ross Jarvis, PE, Assoc. DBIA
LDC, Inc.
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
321 Cleveland Ave SE, Suite 200, Tumwater, WA 98501, Ross Jarvis, 360.634.2065
4. Date checklist prepared:
November 21, 2025
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Yelm
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Design and permitting – 2025–2026; Construction – 2026–2027, subject to funding and SEPA
review.
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7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
Potential future phases may include interpretive signage expansion, plaza
improvements, or additional memorial walls.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
• Critical Areas Report (Land Services Northwest, November 6, 2025)
• Preliminary Tree Protection Plan (Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc., October 6, 2025)
• Mazama Pocket Gopher Evaluation (City of Yelm, 2023-2025)
• Cultural Resources Report (Willamette CRA, October 31, 2025)
• DAHP Concurrence on Cultural Resources Recommendations (Nov. 3, 2025)
• DAHP Letter – No Historic Resources Impacted (August 7, 2025)
• Stormwater Site Plan (LDC, 2025)
• Geotechnical Services Report (Quality Geo NW, November 12, 2025)
• Traffic Analysis Memo (GVC Transportation Solutions, October 10, 2025)
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.
There are no current pending government approvals of proposals directly affecting the
property covered by this proposal; however, prior to ground disturbance within 20
meters of archaeological site 45TN595, the Department of Archaeology and Historic
Preservation (DAHP) must grant a monitoring permit that will serve as a Monitoring
and Inadvertent Discovery Plan. The plan must be reviewed and approved by affected
Tribes and DAHP.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
City of Yelm
• SEPA determination
• Administrative Site Plan Review
• Civil Plan Review/Building Plan Review
• ROW Use Permit
• Demolition Permit
• Building permits
Washington Department of Ecology
• NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit
Washington Department of Transportation
• Traffic Concurrence
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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.)
The City of Yelm is proposing to construct a Veteran’s Memorial on two parcels in the City of Yelm
totaling 4.92 acres. Project elements include the construction of memorials commemorating
multiple war conflicts, a monument honoring all military branches, a reflection walk around the
adjacent Mill Pond, a parking lot, information kisok, landscaping, utilities, frontage improvements,
and realignment of Mill Road SE.
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.
The project site is located at 15425 State Route 507 SE in Yelm, near the intersection of Mill
Road SE and WA-507. It is situated within Township 17N, Range 1E, Sections 24 and 25, and
includes parcel numbers 21724440500 and 62320000002.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS [Help]
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)?
The northeast corner of the site where the plaza and parking lot will be constructed is
relatively flat and slopes to the southwest at approximately 2.5%. There is an existing
wetland located at the southwest corner of the site and has slopes of approximately 20%.
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.
Soils are Spanaway gravelly sandy loam (0–15 % slopes). Minor grading and compaction are
anticipated for parking, paths, and plaza areas. There is no long-term commercial
significance to removing said soils.
Please see the Geotechnical Services Report (Quality Geo NW, November 12, 2025) for
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additional information.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
There is no surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity.
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.
The project would require roughly 400 cubic yards of cut and 1,350 cubic yards of fill for a
net of fill of 950 cubic yards of earthwork. The project site is previously disturbed and will
require 1.61 acres of clearing. Fill will be sourced from an approved location.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
During construction, the potential for increased erosion would be present. However, erosion
control BMP's will be implemented to prevent sediment runoff. Following construction,
erosion potential would decrease when drainage is controlled and cleared areas are re-
vegetated.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 22% of the site will be covered with impervious surface after construction,
including paved parking, memorial plaza, and pedestrian paths.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if
any:
The project will meet or exceed the Engineering Design and Development Standards for erosion
control and shall apply BMPs throughout the construction of the project.
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.
During construction, there would be increased exhaust and dust particle emissions to
the ambient air. Objectionable odors could be caused by the construction of structures
or the paving of roadways and driveways. After construction, the principal source of
pollution would be exhaust from vehicular traffic.
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b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
None to our knowledge.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Should construction activities be taken during the dry season, periodic watering, if deemed
necessary, could be used to control dust. Automobile emissions should be negligible because
of the standards regulated by the State of Washington Department of Licensing.
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.
Yes. The site contains a Category III wetland associated with Mill Pond (also known as
McKenzie Lake), which is an isolated depressional wetland (1.2 acres), located along the
southwest portion of the project area (see Critical Areas Report, November 6, 2025). Mill
Pond has no surface outlet and drains to groundwater.
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.
Yes. The project will include a pedestrian path within 200 feet of the described waters.
See the Critical Areas Report prepared by Land Services Northwest and civil engineering
plans for planned disturbance within the wetland buffer areas.
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.
No fill or dredge material would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands.
Limited work within buffers is proposed to be mitigated as discussed in the Critical Areas
Report prepared by Land Services Northwest.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
The proposal will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions.
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5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site
plan.
Per FEMA Flood Map # 53067C0353F, the proposal does not lie within a mapped flood
hazard area.
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 direct discharge. Stormwater will be infiltrated within infiltration facilities per the
Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (2024).
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.
No. City water service will supply the site. Groundwater will not be withdrawn from the
site. The stormwater will be discharged to groundwater through infiltration after
treatment.
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 likely. There will be no septic or industrial discharge; all wastewater routed to the
City’s sanitary sewer system. The stormwater system will be treated through water
quality BMPs.
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.
Stormwater runoff from pavement onsite, including parking, the internal circulation drive
will be the primary source of runoff. During development, vegetation removal and site
grading temporary erosion control measures will limit the potential for uncontrolled
runoff. After development, stormwater will be collected by a storm drainage system
installed with this project.
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2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Not likely. Waste materials deposited by automobiles on interior roadways will be
collected in a subsurface (piped) system and conveyed to the water quality and
infiltration system. Pollutants will be separated and filtered prior to being infiltrated.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site?
If so, describe.
The proposal will not alter or otherwise affect the drainage patterns in the vicinity of the
project site.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
All adopted development and engineering requirements imposed by the City of Yelm to
control hydrologic impacts on adjacent properties will be incorporated into final construction
plans and implemented by the proponent. Storm drainage facilities will be designed in
accordance with the versions of the DOE Storm Water Manual and City of Yelm Engineering
Standards in effect at the time of a complete application.
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
Refer to the following environmental reports for more details about existing vegetation on-
site:
• Critical Areas Report (Land Services Northwest, 2025)
• Preliminary Tree Protection Plan (Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc., 2025)
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
All vegetation within the grading limits will be removed as part of this project including lawn,
shrubs, and trees. Vegetation within the wetland buffer areas shall be retained.
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c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
There are no known threatened or endangered plant species known to be on or near the site
per the State Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage database.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
Measures to preserve and enhance vegetation on the site include removal of invasive species,
and extensive planting of native grasses, shrubs, and trees within the buffer area (see Critical
Areas Report, November 6, 2025). Additional landscaping will be provided throughout the
park including planning of new trees and shrubs, and the retention of some existing trees.
See the proposed planting plans for additional information.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
The vegetation on site that is classified as noxious weeds according to the Washington State
Weed Control Board includes the following:
Class B: Scotch broom
Class C: Himalayan blackberry
These weeds are to be removed during site preparation and prior to construction.
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:
Common songbirds, crows, raccoons, deer, and other urban-tolerant species.
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
There are no known threatened or endangered plant or animal species on or near the site,
according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage database.
Because the property is located within an area mapped by Thurston County as having “more
preferred” soils for the Mazama pocket gopher (a federally threatened species), the City of
Yelm conducted site observations and found no evidence of Mazama pocket gopher presence
or activity on the project site (see Mazama Pocket Gopher Evaluation, 2023-2025).
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c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Yes. The area lies within the Pacific Flyway Migratory Route for migratory birds.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Measures to preserve and enhance habitat for wildlife on the site include native plant
landscaping, dark-sky compliant lighting, and wetland buffer enhancement.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
There are no invasive animals in or near the site to our knowledge.
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.
Electricity will be the primary source of energy for the proposal and will be used for
lighting and irrigation controls. Project will meet current energy codes.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
It is not anticipated that the project will impact any surrounding solar uses. Structures are
low in height and do not create shade impacts.
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:
Energy conservation measures for the proposal include installation of energy-efficient LED
lighting fixtures and irrigation controls. The City is also exploring future solar integration
at Public Services Center to help offset park energy use.
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.
There are no environmental health hazards or risks associated that could occur as a
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result of this proposal.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
There are no known possible pollutants/contamination from past or present uses at the site.
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.
There are no known existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that will affect this project.
According to the Utilities and Transportation Commission ArcGIS website, there are no
underground pipelines located within the project neighborhood.
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.
No toxic or hazardous chemicals are expected to 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 known.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
All potentially hazardous materials used during construction would be handled and stored in
accordance with state and federal hazardous materials handling requirements. If
contaminated soil or groundwater are encountered during construction, a formal plan would
be developed consistent with state and federal regulations for their removal and treatment
or disposal. Also, if contaminants are encountered, measures would be implemented to
minimize exposure to people in accordance with applicable regulations.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)?
Vehicle traffic on SR 507 traffic would be the only notable source of noise. Noise is not
expected to adversely affect the project.
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.
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Noise levels would be intermittently high during construction but would be limited to code
allowed and normal waking hours (7 AM–6 PM). Post-development traffic noise created by
vehicular trips would increase ambient noise levels to the vicinity.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Construction will be limited to normal waking hours as prescribed by the City of Yelm’s
Ordinance (YMC 18.51.020) so nearby residents should not experience adverse noise impacts.
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.
The site is currently vacant. Uses on properties surrounding the project site include SR-507
corridor (north), church (east), residential (south), and open space/stormwater (west). The
proposed project will not affect current land uses on nearby/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?
Historically, the site served as pasture but has since been cleared. The site is not
designated as agricultural or forest land of commercial significance.
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:
The proposed project is not located near any working farms or forest lands.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
The site has two small buildings and storage/well house structure. These structures were
constructed in 1971 and are currently unused.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Yes. All existing structures on the site, including the two small buildings and the storage/well
house structure, will be demolished.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
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The site is currently zoned Commercial and R-4 Residential.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The current comprehensive plan designates this site as Public Facilities.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
The site is not within the shoreline jurisdiction.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
Yes. The site contains a Category III wetland associated with Mill Pond (also known as
McKenzie Lake) located along the southwest portion of the project area (see Critical Areas
Report, November 2025).
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
This project will not be providing residence or place of work for any individuals because the
site will be used for public recreation and memorial use.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
This project will not displace any residents as the site is currently vacant and does not consist
of any residential structures.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
There are no measures in place to avoid or reduce displacement as the site is currently
vacant.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
Compliance with existing regulatory codes and standards ensures compatibility with existing
and project land uses.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-
term commercial significance, if any:
Not applicable as there are no agricultural or forest lands with long term commercial
significance in the immediate vicinity of the project site.
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9. Housing [Help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
No housing will be provided as part of this project.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
No housing will be provided as part of this project.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
There are no measures in place to reduce or control housing impacts as the site is
currently vacant.
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?
Flag poles up to 40 ft; monuments 6–8 ft; materials include concrete, stone veneer, and
metal paneling.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
No views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed. The Project would
provide an enhanced visual corridor and include a landscaped plaza.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
The observance of building setbacks and provision of native landscaping will reduce the
aesthetic impact of the project. The project will comply with the City of Yelm’s standards for
landscaping, parking lot design, and signage.
11. Light and glare [Help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
The project would produce light from vehicle headlights, parking lot lighting, and pedestrian-
scale lighting along paths throughout the park. All site lighting will operate primarily from
dusk to dawn. Lights will be directed away from the wetland/pond and buffers.
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b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
No light or glare from the finished project is anticipated to be a safety hazard or interfere
with views. Lighting fixtures are fully shielded and directed downward consistent with dark-
sky standards.
c. What existing offsite sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
Light from nearby residences, roadway lighting, and vehicle traffic along State Route 507 may
affect the site.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
Measures to preserve and reduce or control light and glare impacts off site include dark-sky
compliant lighting and a low-intensity lighting plan.
12. Recreation [Help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Nearby recreational opportunities include:
• Cochrane Memorial Park – Located immediately east of the site, this park provides
opportunities for walking, wildlife viewing, and passive recreation such as picnicking and
relaxation.
• Yelm City Park – Located approximately 900 feet northeast of the site (about a 1-minute
drive or 6-minute walk). Facilities include a playground, splash pad, fitness equipment,
open lawn areas, and the Yelm Community Center, which hosts community events and the
farmers market.
• Yelm-Tenino Trail – Located across State Route 507, approximately a 1-minute drive or 6-
minute walk northeast of the site. The trail provides opportunities for walking, running, and
cycling.
• Yelm Skate Park – Located about 1,200 feet northeast of the site (approximately a 1-minute
drive or 6-minute walk). The park supports skateboarding, scootering, and biking activities.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
The proposal will not displace any existing recreation use.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
The proposed project will create new public recreational amenities, interpretive
signage, plaza seating, and accessible walking paths.
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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.
There are no 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.
• Please see the DAHP Letter – No Historic Resources Impacted (Aug. 7, 2025) for more
information.
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.
There are no landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indigenous or historic use or
occupation. (See Willamette CRA Cultural Resources Report, 2025.)
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.
The methods used to assess potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near
the project site included site walks, review of the Washington State Department of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) WISAARD database, and direct coordination
with DAHP. A Cultural Resources Report was prepared by Willamette Cultural Resources
Associates (Willamette CRA), and a response letter was received from DAHP regarding the
findings. A tribal consultation notice was also provided as part of the cultural resources
review process.
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.
If any human remains or evidence of historic resources of any type (e.g., old bottles,
charcoal, bones, shell, stone, horn or antler tools or weapons ) are uncovered during the
clearing and grading activities, all work in the immediate vicinity should stop, the area
should be secured, and any equipment moved to a safe distance away from the location.
The on-site superintendent should then follow the steps specified in the Inadvertent
Discovery Plan (IDP).
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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.
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?
The site is served by public transit. The closest transit site is the stop 741 - Yelm Ave & 3rd St
bus stop located ½ mile east of the project site (about a 2-minute drive or 11-minute walk).
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or nonproject proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The proposed project includes up to 40 parking spaces. No parking spaces currently exist on
site, therefore parking will not 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).
The proposed improvements for the project include:
• Mill Road frontage improvements (driveway, crosswalk, curb, and sidewalk along
project frontage)
• SR-507 Frontage Improvements (sidewalk along project frontage)
• SR 507 Safety Improvements Project (intersection re-alignment and crosswalks at
intersection of SR-507 and Mill Road)
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
The proposal will not use or occur in the immediate vicinity of water, rail, or air
transportation.
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?
The project is anticipated to generate up to 40 vehicle trips during peak AM and PM hours.
Please see the Traffic Analysis Memo (GVC Transportation Solutions, October 10, 2025) for
more information.
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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 proposal will not interfere with the movement of agricultural and forest products on
roads or streets in the area.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
The proposed project will result in negligible transportation impacts and includes several
improvements to enhance safety and accessibility. Pedestrian safety and connectivity will
be improved through internal pathways and new sidewalk construction, while vehicle
safety will be enhanced by re-aligning the intersection of SR 507 and Mill Road and
maintaining appropriate driveway spacing in accordance with the City of Yelm Engineering
Standards (2025). No additional measures are proposed to reduce or control transportation
impacts.
Please see the Traffic Analysis Memo (GVC Transportation Solutions, October 10, 2025) for
additional information.
15. Public services [Help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: Fire
protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe.
The proposal would result in a minor increased need for fire protection, police
protection, public transit, and park maintenance due to anticipated site use. These
services are already established and can accommodate the proposal.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
No additional measures are proposed beyond the standard City Parks maintenance schedule
and existing emergency services already available to the site.
16. Utilities [Help]
a. Utilities currently available at the site (circle or highlight): Electricity, natural gas, water,
refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.
Electricity (PSE)
Water (City of Yelm)
Sewer (City of Yelm)
Stormwater (City system)
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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.
Each of the utility purveyors listed in 16(a) are prospective service providers for the
project. Existing services in the vicinity of the project site will be extended for service.
This extension will involve trenching and backfill efforts for each of the utilities.
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Date Submitted:
11/21/2025
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SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS [Help]
(do not use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in 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:
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness,
wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites,
wetlands, flood plains, or prime farmlands?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would
allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services
and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.