13-105136FILE
CITY OF
Federal Way
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
Panther Lake Trail & Amenities
File #13-105136-SE
Proposal: Proposed construction of paved loop trail around Panther Lake and 41-stall surface parking
lot. Additional improvements that will be phased as capital budgets allow include
restrooms, gazebo, children's play area and other park -like amenities. Portions of the trail
and park improvements are within regulated wetland buffers and will be mitigated by
enhancing the remaining buffer.
Applicant: John Mulkey, City of Federal Way — Public Works Department
Project Location: 650 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way, WA 98023 / Parcel 1921049003
Lead Agency: City of Federal Way - Community and Economic Development Department
Staff Contact: Matthew Herrera - Senior Planner, 253-835-2638
The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have probable significant adverse impact
on the environment and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW
43.21 C.032(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist, Federal
Way Comprehensive Plan, Federal Way Revised Code, 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual,
and other municipal policies, plans, rules, and regulations designated as a basis for exercise of substantive
authority under the State Environmental Policy Act Rules pursuant to Revised Code of Washington
(RCW) 43.31 C.060.
This DNS is issued after using the optional DNS process in WAC 197-11-355. No written comments
were received in response to the 14-day comment period that ended February 24, 2014. There is no
further comment period on the DNS.
You may appeal this determination to the Federal Way City Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 16,
2014, by a written letter stating the reason for the appeal of the determination and associated fee. You
should be prepared to make specific factual objections.
Responsible Official: Isaac Conlen, Planning Manager
for Patrick Doherty, Director of Community and Economic Development
Address: 33325 8`� Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003
Date Issued: March 26March 26.2014Signature•
Doc I D 65277
WAC 197-11-960 Environmental checklist.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
z�i �
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the
environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for
all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to
provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the
proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is required_
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental
agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring
preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you
can.
You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be
able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not
know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply_" Complete answers
to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later.
Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer
these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on
different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects.
The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information
reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply_" IN
ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).
For nonproject actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should
be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively.
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Panther Lake Open Space Trail and Park Improvements
2. Name of applicant: City of Federal Way 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: RECEIVED
John Mulkey
253.835.2722 NOV 14 2013
33325 8th Avenue S
Federal Way, WA 98003 CITY OF FFDERAL WAY
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4. Date checklist prepared: March 8th, 2013
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Federal Way
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Construction to begin in 2014. Duration of construction period expected to be nine months.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal?
If yes, explain.
Park facilities may be added in the future. Potential facilities include a permanent restroom, playground equipment,
gazebo and/or other appurtenances.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to
this proposal.
Thirty Percent Geotechnical Design Recommendations, Panther Lake Park Improvements, Landau Associates, January
29, 2013.
Draft Technical Memorandum, Panther Lake Wetland Evaluation, The Watershed Company, October 171 , 2013.
Draft Technical Information Report for Panther Lake Trail, Federal Way, Washington, Huitt-Zollars, November 51h
2012
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.
None known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
City of Federal Way Use Process tjj
City of Federal Way Master Land Use Application 0;PQ) r� �QQ,`� r, •� rit>V,-E
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site.
There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do
not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific
information on project description.)
The project is located at the City of Federal Way's Panther Lake Open Space, a 69 acre parcel, adjacent to the King
County Aquatic Center. The City is proposing to provide a paved loop trail around Panther Lake. The trail will be
located along an existing storm water berm on the south and east side of the storm water facility. On the northeast side
of Panther Lake, the trail will either cross on an existing bridge or a new bridge will be constructed over a periodic
drainage channel. The trail will then connect to the existing BPA Trail.
There will also be a park entrance on the south end, which will consist of a driveway that connects to an existing Little
League parking lot and a parking lot, which serves as access to both the loop trail and the existing BPA Trail. The park
area will be located outside of the wetland boundary and above the high water area.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your
proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would
occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan,
vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the
agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to
this checklist.
The project site is located in the Panther Lake Open Space in Federal Way, WA in Section 19, Township 21 North,
Range 4 East, W.M. Roadways bordering the site include Southwest Campus Drive to the south, V Way South and V
Place South to the east and the BPA Trail to the west and north. See attached site plan and vicinity map for additional
information.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Hal(S)
lail rollin hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other ......
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The steepest slope in with the project site is along a drainage ditch on the southwest portion of the site, which is nearing
a 100% slope.
The steepest slope associated with the proposed improvements is approximately 50%.
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.
Per the Geologic Map of the Poverty Bay 7.5' Quadrangle, King and Pierce Counties, Washington (Booth et al. 2004),
published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, subsurface deposits in the vicinity of the project site consists of
recessional outwash, which typically consists of stratified deposits of sand and gavel with variable silt content. Silt and
fine -gained sand are occasionally encountered in portions of the recessional deposit.
Adjacent to Panther Lake, near -surface deposits are mapped as wetland deposits (alluvium). Alluvium typically
consists of stratified deposits of sand, gavel, clay, and silt. Peat and organic rich silt are often encountered in alluvium.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
King County iMap indicates erosion prone soils on the eastern and western sides of the parcel. Construction for the
proposed project does not impact these soil areas.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
One fill location will be at the southeast portion of the site, adjacent to Southwest Campus Drive, where a culvert will
be extended by approximately 18 ft. This will result in approximately 70 cu yd of fill, which is anticipated to come
from on an site cut.
The proposed loop trail will have some grading associated with it. For most of the loop trail, filling won't be needed.
The design goal is to balance cuts and fills along the trail alignment. It is anticipated that there will be no fill brought
from off site.
E Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
There is potential for erosion to occur during construction on the site, primarily if construction were to occur during
wet weather. Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Measures and best management practices
(BMP's) will be implemented to reduce risk of construction -related erosion. Minimal risk of erosion is anticipated once
TESC measures are in place and construction has been begun
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example,
asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 68,000 sq ft of impervious surface will be added to the site, which is less than 2% of the total site area
per King County Assessor's parcel area of 3,429,043 sq ft.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Expected measures to minimize erosion during construction include silt fences, sediment traps, standard construction
entrances, catch basin filter bags, trench water filtration (Baker Tank if necessary) etc.
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.
Typical construction equipment exhaust and machinery odors would be emitted during construction of improvements.
Dust may be produced from grading, excavation and demolition activities. With adherence to applicable construction
regulations, no significant air quality impacts and no violation of ambient air quality standards are anticipated.
b. Are there any off -site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe.
The King County Aquatic Center, adjacent to the property, utilizes chlorine for the pool water. A scenario could occur
where a chlorine odor escapes the facility.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Park area will have facilities, such as bike racks and paved access points to sidewalks, to encourage alternative forms of
transportation in reaching the park, such as bicycles or walking.
Temporary emissions during construction could be reduced through use of well maintained construction equipment and
dust suppression during excavation. Best Management Practices for erosion control will reduce emissions. Onsite
watering will be utilized to control dust during construction.
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.
The proposed trail loops around Panther Lake, which is a regional storm water control facility. There are three} I
drainage inflows, one from the north, one from the west and one from the southwest. A-11-' l�•.a
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, C'r'� ti` ` ,A
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please describe and attach available plans.
The majority of the loop trail will exist within the 200 ft buffer of the Panther Lake wetland boundary. There will be a
parking lot, a future gazebo, future play areas and other park appurtenances located within the 200 ft buffer. A future
permanent restroom will not be located within the 200 ft buffer.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water
or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material.
No fill or dredge material will be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose,
and approximate quantities if known.
The proposal will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions.
5) Does the proposal be within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
The proposal does not lie within a 100 year floodplain per King County iMAP.
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.
This project will not discharge waste material to surface waters. TESC and erosion control BMP's will be used to
prevent waste material from leaving the construction area-
b. Ground:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
Discharge into ground water is not expected. A potential exists that subsurface water may be temporarily pumped from
excavations in order to properly place trench foundation and pipe bedding materials. This water (if generated) will be
discharged in accordance with erosion control BMPs and in accordance with grading permit requirements.
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.).
4
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.
No waste materials are anticipated to enter ground or surface waters, appropriate BMP's will be utilized to minimize
stormwater impacts.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) 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.
Storm water runoff from the proposed parking area will be treated and conveyed to an existing drainage ditch, east of
the park entrance area. Storm water runoff from the proposed trail will be dispersed into the existing Panther Lake
Storm Water Drainage Facility.
The project will be in compliance with the King County Surface Water Design Manual (with Federal Way addendum)_
The existing Panther Lake storm water system will not be affected by the project. BMPs for sedimentation control will'
minimize impacts during construction. ��,y.-.rv�..� 01�,1vrvZ_� uv� _Q_ • CR p4i3—
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2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. t rlc.
No waste materials are anticipated to enter ground or surface waters, appropriate BMP's will be utilized to minimize
stormwater impacts.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
Structural and non-structural BMPs will be utilized to minimize stormwater impacts during construction.
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, pine, other
X shrubs
X grass
pasture
crop or gram
X wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
X water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Grasses, bushes and several trees will be removed for the trail loop and park project area. The actual amount is not
known at this phase of the project, but will be determined and mitigation provided in later phases.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
There are no known threatened or endangered species located on or near the site.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
The proposed trail alignment and park area have been chosen to minimize impacts to wetlands and streams. Native
grasses and plants will be used to revegetate non -wetland disturbed areas. Mitigation will be provided for isturbed
wetland and associated buffer areas with appropriate native plants. Mitigation will be provided for and inclu in the
project plans per Federal Way and the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife requirements.
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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:
bird hawk ero eagl ngbird
mamma eer, bear. G then: squirrels, opossum, raccoon. coup[
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, she is , other:
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No threatened or endangered species are known to be located on or near the site.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Yes, migratory birds pass near the vicinity of this project.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
The existing site topography and native vegetation will remain and/or be enhanced in order to preserve wildlife habitat
that may exist.
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.
The completed project will have electrical stub service provided for future restroom, irrigation and lighting. The initial
park is not anticipated to have any electrical usage.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe.
There will be no effect upon the potential use of solar energy of adjacent properties.
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:
There are no specific energy saving plans for this project, as there will be no energy usage anticipated upon initial park
opening. However, future buildouts could include energy saving measure, which would be identified at that time.
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.
The proposed facilities pose no inherent risk to environmental health. The Contractor shall be prepared to contain any
spills resulting from a malfunction of construction equipment.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
No special emergency services are anticipated.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
Disposal of wastes will be in accordance with Washington State guidelines and requirements. The Contractor shall be
prepared to contain any spills resulting from a malfunction of construction equipment.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment,
operation, other)?
There are no known noises in the project area that may affect the project.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a
long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would
come from the site.
Noise levels will be typical of construction sites. Noise during the construction phase of project will occur during
daytime hours in accordance with Federal Way's Noise Ordinance. Operational noise will consist of park patrons
utilizing the park and vehicular traffic associated with park patron usage.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
The Contractor's operations being in compliance with local noise ordinance will control noise impacts.
8. Land and shoreline use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
The site is currently designated an open space and is undeveloped. Informal use occurs at the project site.
The project is located east of the existing King County Aquatic Center and west of an existing Little League facility.
To the north and east of the project are residential developments.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
Historical photos suggest past logging of the area.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
• There is a drainage outflow structure located on the southeast part of the site, within the existing berm.
• There is a drainage infiltration structure located on the south part of the site, within the existing berm.
• There is a concrete drainage overflow spillway located on the east side of the site, as part of the existing berm.
d. Will any structures he demolished? If so, what?
No structures will be demolished.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? ViA,,Q. 0 J �?-, A t S
The site is currently zoned ReserveMilderness Area per the King County Assessor. 9 � 3s-
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The current comprehensive plan designation of the site is Parks and Open Space per the City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan.
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 an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
Parts of the parcel are listed as erosion prone, but the project will not affect these areas, per King County MAP.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
None.
7
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:
Not applicable.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
Not applicable.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
Not applicable.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Impacts to housing will not occur.
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?
No buildings are currently planned for the initial park opening. Potential future buildings, such as a gazebo or restroom
will be no more than one story high.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
No views will be altered.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Not applicable.
11. Light and glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
Possible restroom lighting could occur at all times of day for future proposed permanent restroom.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
None anticipated.
c. What existing off -site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
None anticipated.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
8
None applicable.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
The King County Aquatic Center, BPA Trail and West Hylebos Wetlands Park are nearby recreational impunities. In
addition, the project intends to become a recreational opportunity.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No, the opposite affect will happen.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by
the project or applicant, if any:
Construction closures to the BPA will be minimized.
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.
There are no known objects of historical preservation near the project site.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to
be on or next to the site.
There are no known areas of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance near the project site.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
If archaeological or historical materials are discovered during project activities, work in the immediate vicinity will
stop, the area secured, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and any applicable Native American
Tribes will be notified.
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.
Panther Lake Open Space is located on SW Campus Drive. Access to the site is proposed to be shared with the
adjacent Little League parking lot entrance. See attached plans for details.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
The site is served by a Pierce Transit bus stop in front of the proposed site and a King County Metro bus stop
approximately''/Z mile southeast of the site.
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate?
The completed project will have 41 Stalls. No stalls currently exist to be displaced.
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).
There are no proposed new roads or improvements to existing roads.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally
describe.
The project is not located in the vicinity of water, rail, or air transportation.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak
volumes would occur.
Per the ITE Trip Generation Informal Report, 5't' Edition, the park could generate anywhere between 100 to 300 trips
per day, depending on the day of the week. The report indicates that peak volumes would generally occur between 12
PM and 5 PM.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
None identified. r G f
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.
This project is not anticipated to create a need for additional public services.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Not applicable.
16. Utilities
a.tilities currently available at the site electrici natural ga Ovate refuse servic Eelephon sanitary
sewer, s ptic 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.
Water and Sewer will be provided to the site, the utility agency is LakeHaven Utility District. Electricity will be
provided to the site, the utility agency is Puget Sound Energy.
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.
Signatur
Date Submitted:
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EXHIBIT 1: VICINITY MAP
Date: Mar M 2013 =:55 PM HUITT—ZOLARS
Drawing: %"ZSEA7rLEV-DRIVEV15104801 PANTHER LAKE TRAIL106 DESIGN_CADIEXHIBITStSEPA\SEPA EXHIBIT 1 VICINITY.DWG