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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. NewHeritageSEPAChecklistCommunity & Economic Development Department Fee: $75 PO Box 293, 525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 P: 509.545.3441 / F: 509.545.3499 WAC 197-11-960 Environmental Checklist Updated April 2020 SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST State Environmental Policy Act Purpose of checklist: Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal. Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or "does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision- making process. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. Instructions for Lead Agencies: Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents. Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts of sections A and B plus the Supplemental Sheet for Non-Project Actions (part D). Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project, applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal, proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B (Environmental Elements) that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: New Heritage 2. Name of applicant: Broetje Family Trust 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 3713 East A Street, Pasco, WA 99301, (509) 412-1110, Roger Bairstow, Broetje Family Trust 4. Date checklist prepared: 3/11/2022 5. Agency requesting checklist: Pasco Community and Economic Development 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Application is for Amending the Pasco Comprehensive Plan for the May 2, 2022 deadline. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. If approved, application would be made for a Planned Unit Development Permit (See Section 2 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report) 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. See Sections 3 through 5 and Appendices A through B of New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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 is a Distribution Center being developed immediately to the East. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Planned Unit Development Application. 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.) This is a Nonproject request to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan. See Sections 1 and 2 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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. See Section 2 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 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)? 5%± c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long- term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. There are no agricultural lands of long-term significance. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No 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. Total area and approximate quantities of fill material will be determined at the time a Planned Unit Development is approved. See Sections 2 and 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Erosion could occur to adjacent properties, without mitigation, during grading and construction. Runoff could occur from roads and other impenetrable surfaces without stormwater management. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? This would be determined at the time the Planned Unit Development Permit is approved. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Project will include stormwater management and dust control during construction. 2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Potential air emissions could occur from construction dust and automobile exhaust. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. The Distribution Center to the east may have exhaust emissions from trucks c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: The distribution center has proposed a 15' high berm and wall to control noise and air pollution. Construction will have dust control. 3. Water a. Surface Water: i. 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 ii. Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. No iii. Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. Not Applicable iv. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No v. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. No vi. Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No b. Ground Water: i. 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. Project will use a combination of public domestic water and irrigation water. ii. 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. The number of housing units retail buildings served will depend on the Planned Unit Development Permit. See Sections 2 and 5, in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report c. Water Runoff (including stormwater): i. Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. Stormwater would occur from roads, housing and retail building and would be retained in stormwater retention facilities. ii. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Waste material would not enter ground water. Oil and other potential surface pollutions would be treated by the stormwater management system. iii. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: A stormwater management system, including stormwater retention and treatment, would be developed as part of the Plan Unit Development Permit process and Concomitate Agreement. 4. Plants 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? All existing vegetation would be removed during grading and development. c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Approximately 15% of the site would be in public open space landscaped with trees, grass and native shrubs and plants. Additional landscaping would occur in residential yards, street trees and private open spaces. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None known 5. Animals a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Birds in existing crop areas. 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. None known. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Yes, Pasco is within the Pacific Flyway d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: Future landscaped areas, including open spaces, yards and street trees will provide habitat for birds and small mammals. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known 6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. Electricity and natural gas would be used in homes and retail spaces. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: All development would meet or exceed existing building codes. 7. Environmental Health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. Risk of fire can occur from residences and retail shops. i. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. None known ii. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. None known iii. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project’s development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. None anticipated iv. Describe special emergency services that might be required. Fire and Police services would be required (See Section 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report) v. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: All development would meet existing fire codes. b. Noise i. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Truck noise from the existing distribution center to the East. ii. 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. Construction noise during development and traffic noise from residences and retail uses. Construction noise would be limited at the time of Planned Unit Development approval and with the Concomitant Agreement. iii. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: The distribution center to the east has agreed to construct a 15' berm and wall to mitigate noise. In addition, hours of construction could be limited. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. Site is currently vacant 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? The site has been irrigated and used for farming in the past. i. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: No c. Describe any structures on the site. No Structures d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Medium and Light Industrial f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Industrial g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not Applicable h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. No i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? It's estimated that between 2,660 and 4,536 would reside in area and between 288 and 493 would be employed (See Sections 2 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report) j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not Applicable l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: See Section 4 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: Not Applicable 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. Between 794 and 1,354 units would be provided with a range of affordability. (See Section 1 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report) 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: See Sections 1 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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? Building/s be up to 45'± (3 to 4 stories) b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: See Section 1 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Light will come from residences, street lights and businesses. Street lights could be on all night. 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? Light from adjacent industrial uses could impact residences. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: Residences would be protected from a combination of berms, wall and landscaping. 12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? There is a bike path adjacent to the site and a state park a few miles to the east. Additional park facilities are available in the city and region. A new soccer park is planned to be constructed by the City of Pasco near the northwest corner of the amendment area. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: The proposal would provide a mix of recreational opportunities and open space. See Sections 1 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe. No 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. No 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. Not Applicable 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. Not Applicable 14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. See Section 5 and Appendix A in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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 transportation and bus stops and car pools would be encouraged. See Sections 1 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? The number of parking spaces would depend on the alternatives/s selected and would be consistent with Pasco requirements. Because this is intended to be "walking" community, it is assumed that fewer parking spaces may be required. No parking spaces would be removed. See Sections 1 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). Yes. Improvements will be required and are identified in general in Section 5 and Appendix A in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Rail is available to the south but would not be utilized by this proposal. Residents may use the airport. 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? See Section 5 and Appendix A in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. No. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: See Section 5 and Appendix A in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 15. Public Services 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. Yes. Residential and retail uses would require fire protection, police, public transit, health care, schools, etc. This is identified in Section 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. A 15-acre elementary school site has been identified within the proposal. See Sections 1, 2 and 5 in the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other ___________ b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. Electricity-Franklin County PUD, Natural Gas-Cascade Natural Gas, Water, Sewer-City of Pasco, Telephone-various provider. 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: ______________________________________________________ Name of signee: __________________________________________________ Position and Agency/Organization: ___________________________________ Date Submitted: _____________ Community & Economic Development Department This application was reviewed by the Planning Division of the Community & Economic Development Department. Any comments or changes made by the Department are entered in the body of the checklist and contain initials of the reviewer. Signature: ______________________________________________________ Name of signee: __________________________________________________ Position: ___________________________________ Date Reviewed: _____________ D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON-PROJECT ACTIONS (It is not necessary to 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 how 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 faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. In general, the current Industrial designation in the Comprehensive Plan could have a greater impact on the natural and man-made environment than the proposed Residential/Mixed-Use designation. It's understood the Industrial designation may allow for the creation of jobs and in the increased economic benefits and, while economic benefits and impacts are not typically addressed as part of the Environmental Checklist process, they are discussed in Sections 5, 6 and Appendix B of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water, emissions to air, production of noise, or production, storage, or release of toxic/hazardous substances? The change of the Industrial designation, and the potential use under that designation, could have a greater impact on water, emissions to air, production of noise, storage or release of toxic/hazardous substances than the proposed residential and retail uses. The level of impact would depend on the specific uses proposed under the industrial designation and what mitigation measures are imposed Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: It is not anticipated that this change, from industry to mixed residential and commercial uses, would increase the potential impacts to the natural and man-made environment identified, but these impacts and mitigation measures are discussed above and in Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? There would likely be a greater potential for impacts to plants, animals, fish, or marine life under the industrial designation that under a residential/mixed-use designation. Impacts to these issues are discussed in Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: See Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proposal could have less impact on energy and natural resources than the residential and retail uses proposed, depending on the specific industrial uses developed under the Industrial designation in the Comprehensive Plan. See Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: See Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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 (i.e. parks, wilderness, wild and floodplains, or prime farmlands)? With mitigation measures available to the City of Pasco, it is not anticipated that either the Industrial designation or the Residential/Mixed-Use amendment proposed would result in a significant impact to endangered species, other sensitive areas. The industrial designation could have a greater secondary impact on parks. See Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. Mitigation measures are identified under Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. 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? The proposed amendment would affect land use and would encourage land uses to residential and retail. This change would be more compatible with the uses to the north and potentially less compatible to uses to the east, west and south. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: Mitigation measures are identified in Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. These include landscape buffers, setbacks, berms and walls. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? Impact to transportation is discussed in Section 5 and Appendix A of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. Public Services, primarily, fire and police, could be greater under the residential/mixed-use designation than under industrial, depending on the specific use that is developed. See Section 5 of the New Heritage 2022 Supplemental Report. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Section 5 and Appendices A and B, identify mitigation measures to transportation, public services and utilities. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. The proposed amendment would be not result in conflicts with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. It would result in a change to the Pasco Comprehensive Plan from Industrial to Residential/Mixed-Use. While this change could have impacts to total employment, it would not significantly impact the natural and man-made environment.