18-103574 F I LE,
` CITY OF 33325 8th Avenue South
' .. Federal Way Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
(253)835-7000
Ce.n S'e;I~ o f Opportunity www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
August 10, 2018
Tom Deming
Habitat Technologies
PO Box 1088
Puyallup, WA 98371
tom @)habitattechnologies.net
RE: File#18-103574-00-AD; RESPONSE LETTER
Varga Property Wetland, 1403 South 330th Street,Parcel# 172104-9034,Federal Way
Dear Mr. Deming:
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 16, 2018.
Following submittal of an initial Wetland and Drainage Corridor Delineation Assessment, dated June 6,
2018,you met with city staff on June 26, 2018,to discuss present conditions of the site.The city
requested revisions to include rating the wetland and buffer pursuant to Federal Way Revised Code
(FWRC) 19.145.420.
FINDINGS
After review of the revised report, staff concurs with the findings that the onsite wetland meets
characteristics of a Category III 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 no map/site plan with the exact wetland boundary and buffer was provided
with the review memo.
FUTURE ITEMS
When submitting for a future 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 becky.chapin@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
Becky Cha
Senior Planner
Doc.ID.78142
R E C E I V E QUEST FO..ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
CITY OF i� DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Federal Wa 33325 8th Avenue South
y AUG Q 8 2018 Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607;Fax 253-835-2609
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY www.cityoffederalway.com
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FILE NUMBER I a - ` 0 3 5 q. Date /l/ /� •
Applicant
NAME PRIMARY PHONE
lb Dem i RS 5111
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION ALTERNATE PHONE
-�C,b'=1O,i TeX/6 IGOt. .f
MAILING eD RESS EMAIL
CITY STATE ZIP FAX
Property Address/Location CFArct( It I `1 D 41103
Description of Request t`-c VI C o'f C 1-h Coq / l i eit- et' '"
List/Describe Attachments lAitftgAtL 0 r f
For Staff Use
❑ Code Interpretation/Clarification - No Fee
Critical Areas Letter/Analysis/Peer Review - No Fee(Actual Cost if Applicable)
❑ Request for Extension(Land Use/Plat Approval) - Check Current Fee Schedule
❑ Revisions to Approved Permit - Check Current Fee Schedule
❑ Tree Removal - No Fee
❑ Zoning Compliance Letter - Check Current Fee Schedule
0
Bulletin#079—January 4,2016 Page 1 of 1 k:\Handouts\Request for Administrative Decision
•
HABITAT TECHNOLOGIES
July 16, 2018
RECEIVED
Mr. Robert Hansen, Planning Manager
@ City of Federal Way AUG 0 8 2018
33325— 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMErir
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,
10nlaf D. During
Thomas D. Deming, PWS
Habitat Technologies
cc. Mr. Paul Rasmussen, @ Cascadia Senior Living
e-mail paulr@cascadiaseniorliving.com
2
18116
0
Appendix A— 2014 Wetland Rating Worksheet
3
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? y 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
Score for each
Category II—Total score = 20-22 function based
onx Category III—Total score = 16- 19 three
8 rY ratings
Category IV—Total score =9- 15 (order of ratings
is not
FUNCTION Improving Hydrologic Habitat important)
Water Quality 9= H,H,H
Circle the appropriate ratings 8= H,H,M
Site Potential HEIL H ® L HEIL 7= H,H,L
Landscape Potential H ® L H L H M 7= H,M,M
Value ® M L H MQ L H M Q TOTAL 6= H,M,L
6= M,M,M
Score Based on
Ratings 7 6 4 17 5= H,L,L
5= M,M,L
4= M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
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 1
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
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 W1
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 2.2,0 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 H 2.1,H 2.2,H 2.3 W4
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
Screen capture of map of 303(d)listed waters in basin(from Ecology website) 0 3.1,D 3.2 W5
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found(from web) 0 3.3 W6
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1,H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland(can be added to another figure) R 2.4
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 another figure) R 4.1 N/A
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2,R 2.3,R 5.2
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 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
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 H 2.1,H 2.2,H 2.3 N/A
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
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
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 S 4.1 N/A
(can be added to figure above)
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 H 2.1,H 2.2, H 2.3
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
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 TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found(from web) S 3.3
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
I
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 - go to 2 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
lfyour 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 to 3 YES-The wetland class is Flats
Ifyour 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 any time 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).
NO-go to 4 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- go to 5 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 3
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
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 some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior
of the wetland.
NO-go to 7 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-go to 8 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 HGM class to
being rated use in rating
Slope+ Riverine Riverine
Slope+ Depressional Depressional
Slope+ Lake Fringe Lake Fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream Depressional
within boundary of depression
Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other Treat as
class of freshwater wetland ESTUARINE
lfyou 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
•
WOO ,LL 013: 1I st firnctiOns to ImprOW Water 00
D 1.0.Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1.Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
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>1/10 of area points=1
Wetland has persistent,ungrazed plants<1/10 of area points=0
D 1.4.Characteristics of seasonal pondins 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>'''Atotal area of wetland points=2
Area seasonally ponded is<%total area of wetland points=0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 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 2.1-0 2.3? 0
Source Yes=1 No=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
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable 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
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 YES 1
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes=2 No=0
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 5
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
•
Wetland name or number Z
T. ; rr:i477
a , ..° • s to roduad1004 end dam 1egtadati0n
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:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet) points=4
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 unconstricted,or slightly constricted,surface outlet that is permanently flowing points=0
D 4.2. Depth 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=S
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
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 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=S
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?
0 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
>1 residence/ac,urban,commercial,agriculture,etc.)? Yes=1 No=0
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 landscape that has flooding problems.Choose the description that best matches conditions around
the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the hiahest 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=0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above 1
Rating of Value If score is:_2-4=H =M _0=L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland Rating System for Western WA:2014 Update 6
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
i
Wetland name or number Z
ax .. zr. x 9 r z,,,, 4- i * $ d " x-l' t,,- , '. ' —, -.
b
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 maybe combined for each class to meet the threshold
of X 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 structures: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 S 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'A 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 ft2.
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.
CD 0 * 45°
0
None=0 points Low=1 point Moderate=2 points
All three diagrams
4
in this row h �,x .f..
.
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.
x 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 denning (>30 degree 3
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'/.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 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Rating of Site Potential If score is:_15-18=H Z_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)/21 5= 5 %
If total accessible habitat is:
>1/3(33.3%)of 1 km Polygon points=3 0
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 habitat1Q+[(%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 points=2
Undisturbed habitat 10-50%and>3 patches points=1
Undisturbed habitat<10%of 1 km Polygon points=0
H 2.3.Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
>50%of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points=(-2) (-2)
<_50%of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points=0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above 0
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is:_4-6=H _1-3=M x <1=L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
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 X 0=L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form-Effective January 1,2015
Wetland name or number Z
WDFW Priority Habitats
Priority 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.http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/)
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 forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
— Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade 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
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 naturally occurring cavity,recess,void,or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils,rock,
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
Becky Chapin
From: Tom <tom@habitattechnologies.net>
Sent: Monday,June 18, 2018 4:50 PM RECEIVED
To: Becky Chapin; Doc Hansen
Cc: Paul Rasmussen AUG 08 2018
Subject: RE:Celebration Park
Attachments: letter#1 - signed.pdf CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Please see attached update letter prepared for the project team. As noted by onsite
assessment it appears that a very beneficial alternative could be achieved through the
clean-up of Parcel 1721049034 and the adjacent park property. Following the clean-
up — which would be considerable - it would also be beneficial to remove invasive
shrubs and the undertake the planting of native species adjacent to the narrow wetland
within the adjacent park property.
The project team would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and other City staff
to discuss and outline actions that could be taken as a part of the overall site
development actions associated with Parcel 1721049034.
Thank you for your time on this proposal.
From: Becky Chapin<Becky.Chapin@cityoffederalway.com>
Sent:Tuesday,June 5, 2018 8:32 AM
To:Tom<torn@habitattechnologies.net>
Subject: RE: Celebration Park
Hi Tom,
Following up with our phone conversation for last week.The question came up as to whether you can use the wetland
delineation/buffer that was established in the June 16, 1997,wetland report prepared for Celebration Park. FWRC 19.145.410, states
"Wetland delineations are valid for five years; after such date the city shall determine whether a revision or additional assessment is
necessary."
After discussion with Doc Hansen, Planning Manager,we will need something in writing as to why the previous wetland buffer should
be utilized. Based on your expertise, have there been any changes to the wetland since this report was prepared?The city will need
justification that using the previous wetland delineation/buffer will not create more impacts to the wetland/wetland buffer. Based on the
memo you provide,the city will evaluate whether the project can utilize the 1997 buffers or if an updated report will be required.
If you have any questions you can contact Doc(253)835-2643,or myself.
Thanks,
Becky Chapin
Associate Planner
I"ederal Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
1
Phone: 253-835-2641 ( Fax: 253-835-2609
www.citvoffederalway.com
From: Becky Chapin
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 1:10 PM
To: 'tom@habitattechnologies.net'
Subject: RE: Celebration Park
Tom,
Attached please find the critical areas report for Celebration Park. I will keeps the boxes here for a bit so if there is anything else you
need please let me know.
Thanks,
Becky Chapin
Associate Planner
ACOT,OP
, Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
Phone: 253-835-2641 Fax: 253-835-2609
www.citvoffederalway.com
From: Becky Chapin
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2018 3:21 PM
To: 'tom@habitattechnologies.net'
Subject: RE: Celebration Park
Hi Tom,
I was forwarded your email for reply.
When Celebration Park was constructed in 1997/98 there was a wetland mitigation plan for the project. I will need to request those
documents from archive to see if there is any note regarding this particular wetland. Let me do some research and I'll get back to you
with what I find out. It may take a week or so to get the needed documents. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Becky Chapin
Associate Planner
Acow a.
,,„ Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way,WA 98003-6325
Phone: 253-835-2641 I Fax: 253-835-2609
www.citvoffederalway.com
From: Tom [mailto:tornOhabitattechnologies,net]
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2018 11:15 AM
2
To: Doc Hansen
Subject: Celebration Park
As we discussed, the 2-acre site we are working on does not have any wetlands, streams, or
critical areas. Aside from the very dense assortment of garbage the only potential wet area
we noted was offsite to the west within the Celebration Park Area. This wet area appeared to
have formed as a result of a ditch along the eastern side of the Park access roadway. It would
be very helpful if somewhere in the documents for Celebration Park there was some notation
about this potential wet area. The Park has undertaken planting within this area and the
boundary between the Park and the site we are working on has a cyclone fence.
Thank for any help with this offsite area.
Thomas D. Deming PWS
Habitat Technologies
253-845-5119
3
HABITAT TECHNOLOGIES
June 6, 2018
Mr. Paul Rasmussen
@ Cascadia Senior Living
406 North 40th Avenue, Suite 100
Yakima, Washington 98908
e-mail paulr@cascadiaseniorliving.com
RE: Wetland and Drainage Corridor Delineation Assessment
Parcel 1721049034, City of Federal Way
Dear Mr. Rasmussen,
Pursuant to our discussions Habitat Technologies has completed a formal assessment
of potential critical areas within Parcel 1721049034 (project site) located within the
City of Federal Way, King County, Washington. The assessment followed the
established criteria and methods as defined within the Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual (1987 Manual), the Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
(2010 Supplement); and the City of Federal Way Critical Areas Ordinance.
The project site was approximately 2.0-acres in size and located within a well urbanized
part of the City of Federal Way. As defined by historical aerial photos and existing field
characteristics the project site had been subject to a variety of prior clearing and grading
actions and had become more recently dominated by a mixed deciduous forest —
primarily black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), big leaf maple (Acer microcarpus),
and red alder (Alnus rubra) - and a scattered understory of blackberries (Rubus spp.).
As defined at representative sample plots the soil was mixed, exhibited a dark yellowish
brown (10YR 3/4 to 10YR 4/4) coloration, and exhibited a gravelly loam texture. A
formal assessment report shall be completed if needed to include field data worksheets
and background graphics.
FINDINGS
Onsite: Onsite assessment completed during May 2018 did not identify any portion of
the project site to exhibit field characteristics typically associated with "wetlands,"
"surface water drainages," or "critical fish and wildlife habitats." This assessment did
identify that the project site was dominated by a wide variety and extreme quantities of
domestic garbage. The project site was also used by an abundant number of"campers"
and included very profuse areas of human waste.
wetlands,streams,fisheries,wildlife—mitigation and permitting solutions
P.O. Box 1088, Puyallup,Washington 98371
253-845-5119 contact@habitattech@gwestoffice.net
.
Offsite: This assessment identified the areas immediately offsite to the north, east, and
south to exhibit similar characteristics as noted onsite. The area offsite to the west was
part of the City of Federal Way Celebration Park Facility. The area between the
western boundary of the project site and the primary southern entry roadway to the park
sloped to the west and was dominated by a deciduous forest plant community. A
portion of this offsite area exhibited a topographic swale with seasonal surface water
ponding. This topographic swale appeared best defined as meeting the criteria for
designation as a City of Federal Way wetland.
PRIOR ASSESSMENTS
As a part of the City of Federal Way Celebration Park a wetland and other critical areas
assessment was completed in 1997 (see Report on the Environmental Conditions and
Mitigation Recommendations for Sports Field Complex at Celebration Park, City of
Federal Way, King County, Washington prepared by Bruce Dees & Associates dated
June 16, 1997. This assessment identified a number of wetland areas within the park
property and one wetland in particular (Wetland Z) immediately west of Parcel
1721049034.
Wetland Z was located within the park property and was within a shallow topographic
swale to the west of the western boundary of the project site. This wetland was
dominated by a mixed deciduous forest overstory and a variety of shrubs. Wetland Z
was 0.31-acres in size. The standard City of Federal Way buffer for Wetland Z
encroached a short distance onto the western boundary of the project site.
As a part of the development of the park facilities Wetland Z was enlarged and
enhanced as compensation for unavoidable park development impacts to other wetland
areas. The mitigation actions increased the size of Wetland Z toward the east — closer
to the western boundary of the project site. The mitigation areas also established and
enhanced the buffer area between the enlarged Wetland Z and the western boundary of
the project site. As viewed in May 2018 this enhanced buffer area was dominated by a
variety of planted native species, included a variety of volunteer desirable species, and
was establishing a viable buffer plant community.
DISCUSSION
As viewed onsite and as documented as a part of the development of the Celebration
Park Facility, the prior assessments and compensatory mitigation actions have created
a viable wetland and buffer plant community associated with previously defined Wetland
Z located to the west of the project site. These prior actions also appeared to have
established the outer buffer boundary for this wetland along the western boundary of the
project site through enlargement of Wetland Z and the planting of a variety of native
wetland and buffer plants.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is the recommendation of Habitat Technologies that the project team meet with the
City of Federal Way staff to discuss the present conditions of the project site, the
benefits to the community of the removal of existing onsite garbage, and the benefits to
the community and the park of removing the existing trespass actions. In addition,
since the prior park development actions appeared to have established a protective
buffer for Wetland Z to the west of the western boundary of the project site it may be
possible to coordinate any potential site development related landscaping requirements
with the use of native plants along the western boundary of the project site.
Sincerely,
7hontaj Delving
Thomas D. Deming, PWS
Habitat Technologies
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