appendix e environmental planning memorandum, david evans

Appendix E

• Environmental Planning Memorandum,

David Evans and Associates, Inc., Dec. 2014

deas

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Memorandum

DATE: December 3, 2014

TO: Vicki Cummings Executive Director Grays Harbor Council of Governments

FROM: Maggie Buckley, LEED AP

SUBJECT: Environmental Planning Memorandum

PROJECT: East Aberdeen Mobility Project

PROJECT NO.: GHCG0000-0001

COPIES: File Debra Seeman, PE

The purpose of this memorandum is to identify key environmental constraints for the top three alternates for the East Aberdeen Mobility Improvements Project (Project). The results of this memorandum are based upon a desktop review of data, maps, and documentation from City of Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, and various state and federal agency sources. A site visit was also conducted on October 27, 2014, to verify the results of the desktop review and note omissions or errors in data.

Project Need

The Project area is a vital commercial core in the City of Aberdeen (City). Local residents, as well as visitors to Grays Harbor, frequent this busy area as they patronize local businesses—grocery stores, retail shops, and restaurants. Olympic Gateway Plaza is accessed by vehicles from US 12 on the north side of the shopping area by crossing over the Puget Sound and Pacific (PSAP) railroad tracks at seven at-grade intersections and private driveways. When trains are moving through east Aberdeen along the PSAP tracks, access to and from the shopping area is severed until the train passes, resulting in traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion occurs on US 12 as vehicles use the eastbound right lane as turn lane storage. Westbound left turn lane pockets fill up as vehicles wait for trains to clear the at-grade intersections into Olympic Gateway Plaza. Perhaps most importantly, standard emergency vehicle access to the Olympic Gateway Plaza is not available when the trains are present, a delay which can last upwards of 30 minutes. This backup of traffic onto US 12 impedes and, in some events, stops traffic movement on US 12 altogether; interrupting the free flow of traffic, interrupting access to area businesses, slowing or halting the efficient movement of freight traffic, and virtually eliminating all pedestrian and bicycle access.

Project Description

The top three alternates for the Project are Alternates A, B, and C. Figures 1, 2, and 3 illustrate each alternate design and the anticipated area of potential effect (APE).

Appendix EPage 1 of 9

Vicki Cummings December 3, 2014 Page 2 Alternate A – Heron Street Flyover

Alternate A (Figure 1) requires constructing one roundabout and one roadway overpass. This design constructs a two-lane facility that bridges over two eastbound lanes of US 12 as well as the PSAP rail. Retaining walls are incorporated on the east and west approach ramps. One 6-foot sidewalk has been incorporated into the facility. A WB67 semi-truck will be accommodated for horizontal turning movements on the elevated facility. The roundabout at Newell Street can accommodate semi-trucks, and adds vehicular access to the neighborhood north of US 12.

Alternate B – Benn Street Texas-T

Alternate B (Figure 2) includes the construction of two roundabouts and a new grade-separated access to Olympic Gateway Plaza. This design constructs a T-shaped, one-lane facility through the center of US 12, and bridges over the eastbound lanes of US 12 as well as the PSAP rail. Retaining walls are incorporated on both sides of the ramps, adjacent to US 12 through-lanes. One 6-foot sidewalk has been incorporated into the facility. A two-lane ramp is located within the Olympic Gateway Plaza parking lot to accommodate entering and exiting vehicles. Large vehicles, such as a WB67 semi-truck, will be accommodated for horizontal turning movements on the elevated facilities. The single-lane roadway located within the US 12 corridor has westbound traffic driving up the ramp and into the mall; the traffic exiting the mall crosses over the tracks and US 12, turns left, and travels down the westbound single-lane ramp and joins US 12 at the westernmost roundabout. The roundabouts are needed to redirect traffic to their desired direction. Driveways and entrances on the north and south side of US 12 will become Right-in/Right-out due to the elevated structure in the center of US 12.

Alternate C – Chehalis Street Overpass

Alternate C (Figure 3) requires the construction of a roundabout and a roadway overpass. The design constructs a two-lane facility that bridges over all lanes of US 12 as well as the PSAP railroad tracks. One roundabout would be located at the intersection of US 12 and Newell Street. This roundabout allows traffic to enter and exit the neighborhood north of US 12, as well as access the new overpass into the Gateway Plaza. Parking lot modifications would be necessary within the Gateway Plaza shopping area to optimize traffic circulation as a result of the new grade-separated access. Retaining walls are incorporated on the north and south approach ramps of the overpass. One 6-foot-wide sidewalk has been incorporated into the facility. Large vehicles, such as a WB67 (i.e., wheel base length of 67 feet) semi-truck and RVs towing a boat, will be accommodated for horizontal turning movements on the elevated facility. The roundabout at Newell Street will accommodate semi-trucks and adds vehicular access to the neighborhood north of US 12.

Wetlands and Streams

The Project site is situated on a small peninsula defined by the converging channels of the Chehalis River (on the south) and Wishkah River (on the north and west). A stream (Wilson Creek) flows between these two ridges and across the southeastern edge of the peninsula.

According to City critical areas maps, the Wishkah and Chehalis Rivers are shorelines of the state and have a 150-foot buffer. Wilson Creek is a fish-bearing stream with a 100-foot buffer. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices Application Review System (FPARS) identifies the Wishkah and Chehalis Rivers as Type “S” streams (shorelines of the state) and Wilson Creek as stream Type “F” (moderate to high fish, wildlife, or human use). The land within 200 feet of the Wishkah and Chehalis Rivers is also protected by the City’s Shoreline Management Master Program Regulations. Wilson Creek flows under US 12 via a culvert, with an outlet to the Chehalis River on the south side of US 12. Work below the ordinary high water mark of these three waterbodies would trigger permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), and the City.


Vicki Cummings December 3, 2014 Page 3 Per data from the National Wetland Inventory, the Chehalis and Wishkah Rivers are designated as estuarine wetlands. Desktop research did not reveal any wetlands within the APE for the top three alternates. However, a wetland was identified beneath the railroad trestle during the October 2014 site visit, adjacent to Guest House International hotel (see Figure 1).

Conclusions relative to wetlands and streams for each alternate are summarized below.

Alternate A is located within the stream and shoreline buffer of the Wishkah River and would trigger compliance with the City’s Shoreline Management Master Program Regulations and critical areas regulations. Proposed improvements along East Heron Street may be within a wetland buffer, triggering compliance with City critical areas regulations.

Alternate B proposes improvements within the 100-foot stream buffer of Wilson Creek, triggering compliance with City critical areas regulations. A culvert replacement would trigger substantial permitting requirements, including mitigation. These improvements may also fall within the 200-foot shoreline area of the Chehalis River, triggering compliance with the City’s Shoreline Management Master Program Regulations.

Alternate C would not impact any documented wetlands or streams.

Fish and Wildlife

The Chehalis River, Wishkah River, and Wilson Creek are all designated by the City as fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and by DNR as fish-bearing. Both rivers are designated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as critical habitat for bull trout. According to Salmonscape and Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) data maintained by WDFW, fish use is documented in both rivers, but none are documented in Wilson Creek (see Table A).

Table A: Documented Fish in the Project Vicinity

Waterbody WDFW Salmonscape Data WDFW PHS Data

Chehalis River Documented for Bull Trout (presumed), Fall Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Spring Chinook Salmon, Summer Chinook Salmon, Summer Steelhead Trout, Fall Chum Salmon, and Winter Steelhead Trout.

Includes occurrence/migration areas for Summer Chinook, Resident Coastal Cutthroat, Spring Chinook, Fall Chinook, Fall Chum, Summer Steelhead, and Winter Steelhead.

Wishkah River Documented for Coho Salmon, Winter Steelhead Trout, Fall Chinook Salmon, Bull Trout (presumed), and Fall Chum Salmon.

Includes Resident Coastal Cutthroat Occurrence/Migration Area; Bull Trout Occurrence/Migration Area; Fall Chinook Breeding Area; Winter Steelhead Occurrence/Migration Area; Fall Chum Breeding Area; and Coho Breeding Area.

Wilson Creek No documented anadromous fish use. Barrier status of culvert where US 12 at MP 0.61 crosses Wilson Creek (Site #990485) is unknown due to insufficient information.

None documented.

PHS data shows Peregrine falcon priority wintering area just east of the Project area, but no documented habitat or species within the APE for the Project alternates.

Conclusions relative to fish and wildlife for each alternate are summarized below.

Alternate A proposes no improvements within the three waterbodies identified in Table A. No impacts to fish or wildlife are anticipated.

Alternate B would likely require replacement of the Wilson Creek culvert under US 12. Regulatory agencies may require fish barrier improvements. Formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife


Vicki Cummings December 3, 2014 Page 4

Service and/or NOAA Fisheries may be required to satisfy requirements of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Alternate C proposes no improvements within the three waterbodies identified in Table A. No impacts to fish or wildlife are anticipated.

Water Resources

According to City critical areas maps, there are no critical aquifer recharge areas located within the City limits and therefore none within the APE for all alternates. However, the APE for all alternates is located within the 100-year flood zone (FEMA Zone A). A dike is proposed along the riverbank of the peninsula, from US 12 over the Wishkah River east to the outlet of Wilson Creek. This appears to be outside of the APE for all alternates. Per the City’s Comprehensive Plan Policy O-230, new development should be designed to maintain natural flood storage functions and minimize hazards.

The Wishkah River is on the Ecology 303(d) list for temperature and fecal coliform. East of the Wilson Creek outlet, the Chehalis River is listed for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and ammonia. Both rivers are located outside of the APE for all three alternates and will not be directly impacted by the Project.

There are no differences of note amongst the three alternates relative to water resources.

Geology and Soils

According to City critical area maps, the APE for all alternates contains “Slight Erosion Potential” (the lowest hazard level), “Moderate to High” liquefaction potential (the highest hazard level), seismic shaking potential “D-E” (the highest hazard level), and 0-5% slopes (not steep). Landau Associates, Inc. prepared a Geotechnical Engineering Services Technical Memorandum that summarizes geotechnical site conditions and provides fundamental geotechnical design considerations for all three alternates. The memorandum concludes that Alternate C is the most effective or least costly, while Alternate B is the least effective or most costly.

Hazardous Materials

Landau Associates, Inc. is preparing a Hazardous Materials Technical Memorandum to address the potential for encountering contamination within the APE for each alternate.

Land Use and Acquisitions

Existing land use on the peninsula is primarily commercial, with a pocket of residential land uses located north of Nevel Street. Per the City’s 2001 Comprehensive Plan, zoning designations within the APE for all three alternates are General Commercial and Multiple Family Residential (north of Nevel Street). The area south of US 12 is located within the Waterfront Development (WD) area. Land use policies applicable to transportation improvements within these land use designations include:

Policy L-202: adequate street lighting should be provided on all streets within this area and where needed on pedestrian paths and access ways.

Policy L-203: sidewalks should be constructed and maintained along all arterials.

Policy W-015c: the harbor provides unique vistas that should be preserved and emphasized.

Policy W-015f: public improvements should be encouraged to complement or enhance development in the area, with the district “user friendly” to vehicles and pedestrians in both East Aberdeen and South “F” Street area. Pedestrian facilities should be accessible for the disabled.

Right-of-way acquisitions will be required for all three alternates, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. Residential and commercial relocations that may be required as a result of those acquisitions are identified in Table B.


Vicki Cummings December 3, 2014 Page 5 Table B: Residential and Commercial Relocations

Residential Relocations Commercial Relocations Total Relocations

Alternate A 1 parcel 2 parcels (1 business) 3 parcels (1 business)

Alternate B 1 parcel 7 parcels (4 businesses) 8 parcels (4 businesses)

Alternate C 6 parcels 4 parcels (3 businesses) 10 parcels (3 businesses)

Right-of-way acquisitions and changes in local circulation and access may affect development potential within the APE and surrounding area for all three alternates. A land use analysis of the selected alternate may be required to further explore this topic.

Morrison Riverfront Park is located at the east end of the peninsula. If federal funding is obtained for the Project, this property would be protected as a Section 4(f) resource.

The dilapidated condition of the residential area north of Nevel Street, observed during the October 2014 site visit, suggests that this is a low-income area. Spanish signage was also observed, suggesting the potential presence of minority populations. If federal funding is obtained for the Project, compliance with Executive Order 128998 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations) will be required.

Conclusions relative to land use and acquisitions for each alternate are summarized below.

Alternate A will require the relocation of one commercial business (Michael’s Meats) and one residence.

Alternate B will require the greatest number of commercial relocations and one residential relocation. Business relocations are Michael’s Meats, Verizon, Aaron’s Furniture, and H&R Block. Additional relocations may be required if it is determined that businesses located along the north side of US 12 can no longer be viable due to the shift of westbound US 12 to the north by 23 feet, which will affect access and several drive-thrus (notably Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Baskin Robbins). The elevated structure proposed along US 12 will also affect visibility of these businesses for drivers on eastbound US 12. Morrison Riverfront Park, a Section 4(f) resource, is in close proximity to the proposed roundabout at Fleet Street.

Alternate C will require the greatest number of relocations, including six residential and four commercial. Business relocations are Michael’s Meats, Consistent Cups (drive-thru coffee stand), and Lynn Nails. Residential relocations and potential noise and visual impacts to this area (further discussed below) present the greatest environmental justice concern.

Noise

All three alternates propose changes in the vertical and horizontal alignment of the roadway, which is likely to increase traffic noise in the Project vicinity. Sensitive noise receptors in the Project vicinity include single and multi-family residences north of Nevel Street and the Guest House International hotel.

Conclusions relative to noise for each alternate are summarized below.

Alternate A elevates westbound US 12 in close proximity to the Guest House International hotel, likely increasing traffic noise for hotel patrons.

Alternate B will likely increase traffic noise for residents located north of Nevel Street.

Alternate C will likely increase traffic noise for the remaining residents located north of Summit Street and west of Newell Street.


Vicki Cummings December 3, 2014 Page 6 Visual Quality

All three alternates propose changes in the vertical and horizontal alignment of the roadway, which will modify visual character within the Project vicinity. The elevated structures proposed under all alternates are a significant change that will be visible for drivers, residents, employees, and business patrons alike.

Conclusions relative to visual quality for each alternate are summarized below.

Alternate A will construct an elevated structure that will modify visual quality for drivers and employees and patrons of businesses on the south side of US 12, and patrons of Guest House International hotel.

Alternate B will construct an elevated structure that will modify visual quality for drivers and employees and patrons of businesses on both sides of US 12. The structure may impair visibility of businesses on the north side of US 12.

Alternate C will construct an elevated structure that will modify visual quality for drivers and employees and patrons of businesses on both sides of US 12, and the residential neighborhood on the north side of US 12.

Cultural Resources

Lithic Analysts is preparing a Cultural Resources Memorandum to address the potential for encountering cultural material within the APE for each alternate.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusions and recommendations specific to each alternate include:

Alternate A requires work within the stream and shoreline buffer of the Wishkah River, but has the least number of relocations. Delineation of the wetland beneath the railroad trestle is recommended so that measures can be taken to avoid and minimize impacts.

Alternate B has the greatest potential impact to streams, fish, and wildlife due to the anticipated Wilson Creek culvert replacement. A Biological Evaluation and agency consultation would be required in support of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or a Corps permit. This alternate is likely to have the greatest potential permitting and mitigation costs. Alternatve B also has the greatest number of commercial relocations and would result in the most geotechnical costs.

Alternate C has the least impact to biological resources and is the most effective from geotechnical perspective, but requires the greatest number of total relocations and noise and visual impacts to the residential area north of US 12. Preparation of an outreach plan to target potential environmental justice populations is recommended.

Based upon the findings of this memorandum, additional technical analysis is likely required to comply with the State Environmental Policy Act and NEPA (if needed) for several environmental disciplines for the selected alternate.

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appendix e environmental planning memorandum, david evans

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