The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutWetland ReportHABITAT TECHNOLOGIES July 16, 2018 Mr. Robert Hansen, Planning Manager @ City of Federal Way 33325-8 th Avenue South Federal Way, Washington 98003 Ms. Becky Chapin, Associated Planner @ City of Federal Way 33325 — 8th Avenue South Federal Way, Washington 98003 e-mail Becky.Chapin@cityoffederalway.com RE: Review of Wetland Z Adjacent to Parcel 1721049034 I would first like to thank you both for meeting with me to discuss the potential implementation of Wetland Z and its associated buffer (as depicted in the prior delineation for the Celebration Park Area) in relation to the future planning for Parcel 1721049034. As noted for the prior Celebration Park Area, Wetland Z was confined within a narrow ravine and dominated by a forest plant community. As such, Wetland Z was defined in 1997 as a City of Federal Way Category II Wetland with a standard buffer of 100 feet in width. Wetland Z was also defined as not exhibiting any high value ratings for any functions. As we discussed, and as depicted within the mapping prepared for the Celebration Park Area, the prior standard 100 -foot buffer for Wetland Z extended approximately 30 to 40 feet onto the very western boundary of Parcel 1721049034. In addition, the compensatory mitigation completed along Wetland Z also pushed the standard buffer even further onto the western boundary of Parcel 1721049034. Following our discussion Habitat Technologies completed an onsite assessment and subsequent categorization of Wetland Z pursuant to the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby, 2014). Wetland Z was identified as confined within an existing ravine that appeared to have not changed significantly since the 1997 assessment completed for the Celebration Park Area, was dominated by a deciduous forest plant community, as not exhibiting an intermittent defined channel, and as entering a stormwater system at the southern end of the wetland. In addition, the prior mitigation work completed along Wetland Z as a part of the development of the Celebration Park has added a variety of young coniferous trees and a mixture of native shrubs to the buffer area. wetlands, streams, fisheries, wildlife — mitigation and permitting solutions P.O. Box 1088, Puyallup, Washington 98371 253-845-5119 contact@habitattechnologies.net As defined, Wetland Z was identified as meeting the present criteria for designation as a City of Federal Way Category III Wetland. This wetland received a total of 17 points for total functions which included a total of 4 points for habitat functions (Appendix A). As such, the present City of Federal Way buffer for this wetland would be 60 feet in width. With a Category III Wetland rating and a standard buffer of 60 feet it appears that the standard buffer for this wetland would generally follow the existing chain link fence along the western boundary of Parcel 1721049034. In addition, as discussed it would appear beneficial that any required landscaping associated with the future development of Parcel 1721049034 be composed on native species located along the western boundary of the parcel. Thank you for your attention to this site planning. Sincerely, 7�io�ra� � �e�rrhg Thomas D. Deming, PWS Habitat Technologies cc. Mr. Paul Rasmussen, @ Cascadia Senior Living e-mail paulr@cascadiaseniorliving.com 2 18116 Appendix A — 2014 Wetland Rating Worksheet 18116 Wetland name or number Z RATING SUMMARY - Western Washington Name of wetland (or ID #): Wetland Z Date of site visit: 13 JUL 2018 Rated by Habitat Technologies Trained by Ecology? x Yes No Date of training 2014 HGM Class used for rating Depressional Wetland has multiple HGM classes?__X_Y N NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined). .Source of base aerial photo/map Google OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY 3 (based on functions x or special characteristics_) 1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS Category I —Total score = 23 - 27 Category II — Total score = 20 - 22 X Category III — Total score = 16 - 19 Category IV — Total score = 9 - 15 FUNCTION Improving Water quality Hydrologic -Habitat Wetland of High Conservation Value Circle the appropriate ratings Bog Site Potential H L HMD L HMQ L I Landscape Potential H ® L H M L H M None of the above Value ® M L HM❑ L H M M TOTAL ;Score Based on Ratings 7 6 4 17 2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY Estuarine I II Wetland of High Conservation Value I Bog I Mature Forest I Old Growth Forest I Coastal Lagoon I II Interdunal I II III IV None of the above x Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2011" Score for each function based on three ratings (order of ratings Is not important) 9 = H,H,H 8 = H,H,M 7 = H,H,L 7 = H,M,M 6 = H,M,L 6 = M,M,M 5 = H,L,L 5 = M,M,L 4 = M,L,L 3 = L, L, L 1 Wetland name or number Z Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington Depressional Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 Wi Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2 W2 Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1 W2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2 W2 Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3 W3 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 W4 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2 W5 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3 W6 Riverine Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods H 1.2 Ponded depressions R 1.1 L 1.2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to anotherfigure) R 2.4 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2 Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to anotherfigure) R 4.1 N/A Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3. 1, L 3.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3 S 3.1, S 3.2 Lake Fringe Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 N/A Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3. 1, L 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Slope Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H 1.2 Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3 Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (can be added to figure above) S4.1 N/A Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2 Screen capture of list of TIVIDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S3.3 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 Wetland name or number Z HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated. If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods? NO- goto2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe - go to 1.1 1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe Ifyour wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score functions for estuarine wetlands. 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO -go toTj YES - The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? _The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any plants on the surface at anytime of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size; _At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m). YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks, The water leaves the wetland without being impounded. NO- gotos YES - The wetland class is Slope NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep). 5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river, The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Rnrm _ R ffectiva laniwa yr 1 ?n1r, Wetland name or number Z NO - go to 6 YES - The wetland class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at sometime during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO-goto7 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. NO- goto8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM class to use in rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope +Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary of depression Depressional Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE Ifyou are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or ifyou have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4 Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 Wetland name or number Z DEPRESSLONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No -_0 1 Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0 D 1.0. Does the site have the {potential to improve water quality? D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1-D 2.3? Source Yes = 1 No = 0 0 D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: 2 Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet). points = 3 Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet. 2 points = 2 Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1 Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1 D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface [or duff laver] is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions). Yes = 4 No = 0 0 D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub -shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes): Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > % of area points = 3 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/io of area points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0 D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual. Area seasonally ponded is > Y2 total area of wetland points = 4 2 Area seasonally ponded is > X total area of wetland points = 2 Area seasonally ponded is < X total area of wetland points = 0 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 1 9 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H X 6-11= M �0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site? D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No -_0 1 D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0 1 D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0 0 D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1-D 2.3? Source Yes = 1 No = 0 0 Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is:_3 or 4 = H X 1 or 2 = M _0 = L Record the rating on the first page 11 3 0 1- aL_ 1' 'J J L he -: 'le ? lJ J.V. is he water quality improveflleflt pr VVIUeU buy tflC site ValUaule to society? D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the 303(d) list? Yes =1 No = 0 0 D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub -basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0 1 D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer VES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 No =O 1 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Value If score is: X_2-4 = H —1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form e Effective January 1, 2015 Wetland name or number Z DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS W'ETLAND'S Hydrologic Functions - indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: 0 Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4 1 Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outletpoints = 2 2 Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1 Wetland has an unconstrictgd, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 0 1 D 4.2. Death of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part. Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7 Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3 3 The wetland is a "headwater" wetland points = 3 Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1 1 Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0 D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0 Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5 Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above 10 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H X 6-11= M _0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site? D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0 1 D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0 0 D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? Yes =1 No = 0 1 Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is:_3 = H X 1 or 2 = M _0 = L Record the rating on the first page D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? D 6.1. The unit is in a landsca a that has floodinq problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met. The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down -gradient into areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds): • Flooding occurs in a sub -basin that is immediately down -gradient of unit. points = 2 • Surface flooding problems are in a sub -basin farther down -gradient. points = 1 1 Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub -basin. points = 1 The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why points = 0 There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0 D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan? 0 Yes=2 No=O Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above 1 Rating of Value If score is: _2-4=H X 1=M _0 = L Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form — Effective January 1, 2015 Record the rating on the first page Wetland name or number Z These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. A6lTAT I=UNCTION5 - Indicators -that sitefunctionsto provide important habitat H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat? H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold of % ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4 Emergent 3 structeres: points = 2 1 Scrub -shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1 X Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0 If the unit has a Forested class, check if.• X The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub -canopy; shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon H 1.2. Hydroperiods Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or''/< ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1 1 X Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake Fringe wetland 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points H 1.3. Richness of plant species Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ftz. Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle 2 If you counted: > 19 species points = 2 5 - 19 species points = 1 < 5 species points = 0 H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. 0 J (:*D ( ftO() None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams ----�� oo in this row are HIGH = 3points Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13 Rating Form — Effective January 1, 2015 Wetland name or number Z H 1.5. Special habitat features: Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. __Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long). Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for Benning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed) X At least Y4 ac of thin -stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg -laying by amphibians) X Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata) Total for H 1 M Add the points in the boxes above I 7 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H X 7-14 -_'M _0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site? H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit). Calculate: % undisturbed habitat 0 + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] 5 = 5 % If total accessible habitat is: >'/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points 3 20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2 10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1 < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: % undisturbed habitat 10 [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2]Q = 0 % Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use <- 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensi Total for H 2 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3=M x<1=L H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society? ❑c points = 2 1 points = 1 points = 0 points = (- 2)-2� points = 0 Add the points in the boxes above 0 Record the rating on the first page H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score that applies to the wetland being rated. Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2 — It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page) — It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists) — It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species — It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources — It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0 Rating of Value If score is: _2=H _1= M x0 = L Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 n Record the rating on the first page 14 Wetland name or number Z WDFW Priority Habitats BEiorb habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. ubl' s wci f or access the list from here: V ll Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE. This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat. Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha). Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report). Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and (orbs on shallow soils over bedrock. Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Ca"ade crest - Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi- layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or > 200 years of age. Mature forests - Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that 4 found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest. — Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 - see web link above). Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. — Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non -forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 - see web link above). — Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. — Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report - see web link on previous page). Caves. A nat„rall...,n..,,rr occurring Caaviby .. 4A , ......�.....,._f4' ....., ---. 3 -------- ..- -3 __ tel- -----`'- --- --"- --- -'- �.ara..r. naturally v1.L. u11111� �avuy, 1c�.cJa, vulu, U1 ay JLU111 U1111LU11.U1111C1.LCU F1dJSdgt:b U11UC1 LllC tiff-Ul lil SU11S, FUCK, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. — Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft -(7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation. — Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. — Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long. Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15 Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 CITY OF ,. Fede ra I Way Centered on Opportunity August 10, 2018 Tom Deming Habitat Technologies PO Box 1088 Puyallup, WA 98371 tom@habitattechnologies, net CIIY HALL 33325 8th Avenue Solth Federal VVay, WA 98003-6325 ;253) 835=7000 www, cityofredoraA,,1Aiy, corn Jii v Ferreb; Mayor RE: File #18 -.103574 -00 -AD; RESPONSE LETTER Varga Property 'Wetland, 1403 South 330'h Street, Parcel # 172104-9034, Federal Way Dear Mr. Dealing: The Department of Community Development is in receipt of the review memo for a wetland on the City's Celebration Park property, known as Wetland Z, prepared by Habitat Technologies, dated July 161, 2018. Fol lowing submittal of'an initial Wetland and Drainage Corridor Delineation Assessment, dated June 6, 2018, you met with city staff oil June 26, 2018, to discuss present conditions of the site. The city requested rcvisions to include rating the wetland and buffer pursuant to Federal lYay Revised Cock (F -WRC) 19.145.420. FINDINGS After review of the revised report, staff concurs with the findings that the onsite wetland meets characteristics of a Category ll1 wetland with a 60 -foot buffer. Based on the review memo the standard buffer the Wetland Z would generally follow the existing chain link fence along the western boundary of Parcel # 172104-9034, but uo map/site plan with the exact wetland boundary and buffer was provided with the review memo. FUTURE ITEMS When submitting for a fixture development on parcel 172104-9034, the applicant must include a scaled site plan showing the boundaries of the offsite wetland with the associated 60 -foot buffer. If you have any questions regarding this letter or your upcoming project, please contact me at 253-835- 2641 or beck} chapin(«),eityoffederalway.co►n. Sincerely, Becky C hI , I Senior Planner Doc l.D 78142