Environmental Review
City of Yelm
105 Yelm Avenue West
PO Box 479
Yelm, Washington 98597
(360) 458-3244
SEPA NO 8242
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE
Proponent:
Thurston County Parks and Recreation Department
Description of Proposal
Construction of approximately one mile of paved trail surface, 10 feet
wide connecting Yelm and Rainier The trial is designed for bicycle,
pedestrian and equestrian use
Location of the Proposal
Yelm-Tenino Rail-Trail
Section/Township/Range
Sections 19, 24, 25, Township 17N Range 2E, and Sections 25, 26,
Township 17N, R1 E
Threshold Determination
The City of Yelm as lead agency for this action has determined that this
proposal does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the
environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement (EIS) will
not be required under RCW 43.21 C 030(2)(c) This decision was made
after review of a completed environmental checklist and other
information on file with the lead agency This information is available to
the public on request.
Conditions/Mitigating Measures
None
Lead agency.
Responsible Official
City of Yelm
Shelly Badger, City Administrator
Date of Issue
Comment Deadline
November 22, 1999
5 00 pm, December 6, 1999
This Determination of NonSignificance is issued pursuant to Washington Administrative Code 197-11-340(2)
The City of Yelm will not act on this proposal prior to 500 pm, December 17, 1999 Comments must be
submitted to Catherine Carlson, City Planner, at City of Yelm, 105 Yelm Ave W, POBox 479, Yelm, WA
98597, by 5 00 pm, December 6, 1999
You may appeal this determination to the Yelm City Council, at above address, by submitting a written appeal no
later than 5 00 pm, December 13, 1999 You should be prepared to make specific factual objections Contact
Agnes Bennick, City Clerk, to learn more about the procedures for SEPA appeals This DNS is not a permit and
does not by itself constitute project approval The applicant must comply with all applicable requirements of the
City of Yelm prior to receiving construction permits which may include but are not limited to the City of Yelm
Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Title (17), Critical Areas Ordinance (1408), Storm water Drainage Design and
Erosion Control Manual (DOE), Uniform Building Code, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Title (14), Road
Design Standards, Platting and Subdivision Title (16), and the Shoreline Master Program
DO NOT PUBLISH BELOW THIS LINE
Published Nisqually Valley News, Friday November 26, 1999
Posted in public areas Monday, November 22, 1999
Copies to Monday, November 22, 1999 - Dept. of Ecology
All agencies/citizens on SEPA mailing list and adjacent property owners
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T~ILHEAD PARKING LAYOUT
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CITY
MAINTENANCE
FACILITY
YELM- TENINO T~ILHEA[
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THURSTON COUNTY
WAlKINGTON
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AT YELM CENTER
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CITY OF YELM
OTY USE ONLY
FEE. $150.00
DATE REC'D
BY:
FILE NO.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. BACKGROUND
1 Name of proposed project, if any: Yelm- Temno Rail-Trail
2 Name of applicant. Thurston County Parks & Recreation Department
3 Address and phone number of applicant and of any other contact person:
2617-A 12th Court SW
OlympIa, W A 98502
(360) 786-5595
Project Contact. Michael Welter, DIrector
4
Date checklist prepared:
October 21, 1999
5 Agency requesting checklist: City ofYelm
6 Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Grant funds have been receIved to construct the project. Grant dIctates that funds be
utihzed by December 31, 1999 or the earliest possible date as close to that possible
Project trail constructIOn from Mossman Street to Rmmer to be complete by January 31,
2000 Phase I of Trailhead from Mossman Street to the dnveway near the Yelm Library
to be complete by January 31,2000 as well. Other phases of trailhead development are
grant dependent. Actual constructIOn time frame IS unknown at tills time.
7 Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
AddItional sectIOns of the Ye1m-Temno Trail hnkmg RaImer to the Chehahs Western Trail
and to the City of Temno will follow m the next couple of years. AddItional phases of
trailhead development to create town center VISIOn m Yelm will be completed m
accordance WIth the Yelm- TenIno Trailhead at Yelm Center Master Plan as grant and
other fundmg becomes available. AddItiOnal benches, picmc sItes, VIeWpOInts and other
amemtles will also be added over tIme as the project IS more fully developed. Finally, as
the Yelm-Temno Trail extends to the west It will hnk up WIth the contInued development
of the Chehahs Western trail so that a linkage to the northern county is created.
8 List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal
None prepared or reqUlred. Project constructiOn will take place entlrely on an eXlstmg
railroad bed wmch IS already an ImperviOus surface conslstmg of a sohd, compacted gravel
base. No addltlonallmperviOus surface will be created. The project does not Include any
shoreline, wetland, or other cntlcaVsensltlve areas.
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.
Thurston County currently IS consldenng a SpeCIal Use Penmt application for the
constructiOn of the Yelm-Temno Trail located between the Yelm City hrruts and the
connectiOn WIth the Chehalis Western Trail. Thurston County IS also consldenng a
SpeCIal Use and Shorehne Penmt associated WIth the contmued development of the
Chehahs Western Trail from Fir Tree Road to ItS connectiOn WIth the Yelm- T emno Trail.
10 List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if
known.
SpeCIal Use and Shorehne SubstantIal Development
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.
Tms Thurston County Rails to Trails Development Project Includes the constructiOn of
approXlmately five (5) miles ofYelm-Temno Trail comdor linlong the CIty ofYelm WIth
the Town ofRmmer Tms five-mile sectlon will run from Yelm Avenue (SR 510) to at
least Minnesota Street In Rmmer ApproXlmately one (1) mile of trail surface will be
developed WIthIn the Yelm City hrruts. The trail comdor WItmn the Yelm City lirruts
vanes from 100 to 200 feet, dependmg on locatiOn. All development will occur on
eXlstmg railroad grades wmch already conSIst of a solid, compacted gravel base. The trail
will be developed to a width of approXlmately 17 feet and include a ten (10) foot paved
surface In the center of the apex. The trail will be used by pedestnans, bicyclIsts, and
equestnan users. The equestnan trail, whtch will generally be located away from and
parallel to the paved trail surface, will all be Included WIthtn the eXIstIng trail propertIes
and IS not planned as a part of phase I development and will be constructed at a future,
undetermIned tIme.
Phase I development of the Yelm-Temno Trailhead at Yelm Center, located between Yelm
Avenue and Mossman Street, will also be completed. The master plan for the Trailhead
consists ofa cobblestone plaza IncludIng parkIng for 30-40 cars, benches, entry portal, an
elevated deck and other city-type amemtIes. Phase I of the Trailhead development will
consIst of a meandenng trail, 8 parkIng stalls, extensIon of the dnveway near the library
onto the SIte, a couple of benches, landscapIng and sIgnage. The timIng for development
offuture phases of the Trailhead IS unknown at thts tIme. The Yelm-Temno Trail can be
accessed from SR 510, SR 507, and Mossman Street In Yelm, George Road, Manke
Road, and Tipsoo Loop Roads, and Center and Minnesota Streets In RaImer The trail
does not traverse near or through any senSItive areas WIthtn the City luruts. No structures
are planned as a part of this development project. No utilItIes are reqUired along the trail
comdor Itself. ImgatIon will be requIred In phase I development to maIntain the
landscaped areas at the proposed Yelm- Temno Trailhead at Yelm Center AddItIOnal
utilities will be reqUired In later development phases of the trailhead facilIty
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. You need not
duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to
this checklist.
See attached documentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1 Earth
a. General description ofthe site (circle one): ~ rolling, hilly, steep slopes,
mountainous, other.
b What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
PrevIOUS use as a railroad comdor necessItates a relatively flat slope, With no
longItudInal grades exceedIng 2%
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 prime farmland.
The trail comdor and proposed trailhead property IS compacted sand and gravel as
a result of Its previous use as a railroad comdor The trail Itself passes through
over 20 different soil types rangmg from Alderwood Gravelly sandy loam to
Mukilteo muck. The eXlstmg railbed IS stabihzed and does not exhibIt any sIgns of
settlement, mass wastmg or other sIgns of failure.
d. Are there surface indicators or history of unstable soils in the immediate
vicinity? If so, describe.
No
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or
grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
The railbed IS typIcally 14-18 feet wIde. Gradmg reqUIred only to level existmg
railroad bed to met the needs for the standard trail speCIficatIOns of a ten (10) foot
paved surfaced, WIth adequate shoulders of2-3 feet on each sIde. A crushed
gravel surface will be added m preparatIOn for asphaltmg. No fill IS antIcipated.
f Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so,
generally describe.
The railroad comdor and trailhead area IS a compact gravel surface. EroSIOn IS not
expected as a result of the removal of the encroaching vegetation along the trail
comdor smce It mostly IS scotch broom and/or alder trees and IS not of slgmficant
denSIty ConstructIon will mclude general gradmg of the eXlstmg surface m order
to apply a crushed gravel surface m preparatIOn for paVIng. If eroSIon were to
occur, It would happen dunng that short penod of tIme where the eXlstmg gravel
surface has been dIsturbed by gradmg m preparatIon for the crushed gravel surface
to be applIed and ram occurs. ThIs tIme penod IS expected to be nunimal. Once
crushed gravel IS added to the surface and It IS rolled, eroSIOn should not occur
EroSIon will not occur because of planned ongomg uses of the trail corridor
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after
project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
The trail comdor and proposed trailhead SIte, by VIrtue of ItS 1 DO-year use as a
railroad comdor, IS already an ImpervIOUS surface. No Impervtous surface will be
added by VIrtue of the proJect's completIon.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the
earth, if any:
None antIcipated. As needed, water will be used to control dust during
constructIon. EroslOn control fencmg to be used m areas where a chance of
eroslOn could occur Re-vegetation along constructIon areas unmediately
followmg constructIon. ConstructIon actIVItIes to be controlled and monitored
dunng wet or other weather condItIons winch may lend themselves to potentIal
Impacts.
2 Air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust,
automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the
project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate
quantities if known.
Some dust dunng constructlOn phases. No other eInlSSlOnS expected.
b Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your
proposal? If so, generally describe.
No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if
any:
Water to control dust as needed.
3 Water
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.
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.
N/A
(3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed
in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of
the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material.
None.
(4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions?
Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if
known.
No
(5) Does the proposal lie within a tOO-year flood plain? 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
(1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to
ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximately
quantities if known.
No
(2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from
septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: domestic sewage;
industrial, containing the following chemicals. . .; agricultural; etc.).
Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems,
the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of
animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
None.
c. Water Run-off (including stormwater)
(1) Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) and method of
collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, in known). Where
will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so,
describe.
Run-off would be stormwater only Water will flow onto and remam
wIthm the trail property as It currently and htstoncally does.
(2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so,
generally describe.
No
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water
impacts, if any:
After trail constructIon, re-vegetate properties along the trail not m use for
recreatIOn.
4 Plants
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:
...x.. DecIduous tree alder, maple, aspen, other
...x.. Evergreen tree fir, cedar, pme, other
_ Shrubs
Grass
_ Pasture
_ Crop or gram
_ Wet soil plants. cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other
_ Water plants. water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
...x.. Other types of vegetation
b What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Some small decIduous (less than 2 Inches m diameter) and fir (less than 4 inches In
diameter) trees that are encroachIng upon the trail comdor due to non-use of the
railroad comdor will need to be removed. Scotch broom and other weed-type
plants will be removed as necessary to grade and pave the trail to the reqUIred
deSIgn standards.
c List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
All vegetatIOn along the trail corridor will be native. VegetatIOn adjacent to the
developed trail surface will be encouraged to return to provIde for buffers for
adjacent property owners and trail users and to provIde wildhfe comdors. A
cOmbInatIOn of natIve and other plant matenals will be used Wltlun the proposed
trailhead sIte to present a park-like enVironment.
5 Animals
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or
are known to be on or near the site:
Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
b List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None.
c Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
No
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
All areas not developed to the reqUired trail development standards will be allowed
to return to Its natural state and be maIntaIned at that level.
6 Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be
used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will
be used for heating, manufacturing, etc.
N/A
b Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent
properties? If so, generally describe.
N/A
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:
None. Trail ultimately will serve as an alternatIve to use of vehicles for
transportation by encouragmg bicycle use for recreational and commutmg
purposes.
7 Environmental Health
a. Are there are 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.
No
(1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None.
(2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health
hazards, if any:
N/A
b Noise
(1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project
(for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
None.
(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.
EqUipment operatlOn dunng constructlOn. OccaslOnal nOise may be
generated by trail mamtenance actiVIties. Hours of operation for
construction would be 7 am to dusk. Hours of operatiOn for the trail
would be daylight to dusk, but nOise would not be a result of use.
(3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
None.
8 Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
Site is deSignated as a part of the adopted Thurston County Trail system for
recreatiOnal trail and trailhead purposes. PreVIously used as a railroad comdor
b Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
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?
CommerCial
f What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Public RecreatiOnal Trail
g. If applicable, what is the current Shoreline Master Program designation of
the site?
N/A
h. Has any part of the site been classified an "environmentally sensitive" area?
If so, specify.
No
I. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed
project?
None.
J Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any?
N/A
1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and
projected land uses and plans, if any:
Trail will be developed In the center part of the property Adjacent properties will
be screened by vegetative buffers. OperatIng hours generally set for 9 am to dusk.
9 Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether
high-, middle-, or low-income housing.
None
b Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate
whether high-, middle, or low-income housing.
None.
c Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A
10 Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including
antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
Other than proposed VIeWIng tower and/or restroom facihties that may be
constructed In Yelm-Temno Trailhead at Yelm Center at some future
undetermIned date, no buildIngs are proposed as a part of phase I development of
the project.
b What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
None. Project will focus on aesthetics and Improved recreational use.
c Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
None expected. Project will Improve aesthetIcs.
11 Light and Glare
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:
N/A
12 Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the
immediate vicinity?
Yelm library and Nisqually Valley Golf Course IS adjacent to the trail and trailhead
areas. The Yelm City Park IS wIthm one block of the trail and trailhead. Cochrane
Park IS wIthin three blocks of the trail comdor
b Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? Ifso,
describe.
No The project will Improve recreatIonal opportumtles by creatmg a publ1c
recreatlOnal trail for pedestnan, bIcycle, equestnan, and other paSSIve uses.
c Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including
recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
No negative Impacts will occur The project will Improve recreatIOnal
opportumtIes by creatmg a pubhc recreatIOnal trail for pedestnan, bIcycle,
equestrian, and other paSSIve uses.
13 Historic and Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or
local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so,
generally describe.
No
b Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological,
scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site.
None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
N/A
14 Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed
access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
Access to the trail system can occur at SR 510 (Yelm Avenue), SR 507, Mossman
Street, George Road, Manke Road, and Tipsoo Loop Road and Center and
Minnesota Streets in Raimer
b Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate
distance to the nearest transit stop?
Portions may be, partIcularly m the city 111ruts ofYelm and RaImer TransIt IS not
relatIve to use of the site. Developed trail will serve as an alternative mode for
transportatIon and bIcycle use.
c How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many
would the project eliminate?
8 would be added at the trailhead at Yelm Center None would be ehmmated.
d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing
roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate
whether public or private).
The dnveway near the library will have to be Improved to proVIde access to the
trailhead sIte. No other Improvements are necessary
e Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity ot) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
No
f How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed
project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur.
Unknown. Velucles generally would VISIt the sIte for recreatIonal trail purposes
after before and after peak traffic tImes and on weekends.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
N/A
15 Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for
example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If
so, generally describe.
No
b Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if
any.
N/A
16 Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water,
refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.
None.
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.
ImgatIon at trailhead at Yelm Center To be proVIded by the City ofYelm.
C SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead
agency 1S re1ymg on them to make 1tS dec1s10n.
Date Sublll1tted. October 21, 1999 Signature 1JJ ~