06-101587411k
CITY
Federalo.
Way
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
33325 8t' Avenue South PO Box 9718 Federal Way WA 98063-9718
(253)835-2607; Fax (253) 835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
PURPOSEOFCHECKLIST
RECEIVED
JUN 2 7 2006
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
BUILDING DEFT.
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), RCW Chapter 43.21 C, 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 NON -PROJECT PROPOSALS
Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be
answered "does not apply." In addition, complete the Supplemental Sheet for Non -
Project 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:
T-Mobile site SE4018, Kitts Corner
2. Name of applicant:
Madeline Chaney, AICP for T-Mobile West Corp.
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
208 Westlake Ave North, Seattle WA 98109
4. Date checklist prepared: 3/21/06 revised 6/21/06
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Federal Way Department of Community Development Services
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Construction would commence within 6 months to a year of approval of all
applicable permits.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity
related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
Due to changes in technology, it could be necessary to add or modify equipment
cabinets or antennas.
B. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared,
or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal.
Environmental compliance documents, as required by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) will be prepared prior to construction.
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.
Yes, a collocation proposal was recently approved for installation of ClearWire
Antennas.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your
proposal, if known.
Ministerial permit and building permit from City of Federal Way and environmental
compliance documents required by the FCC.
11. Give a 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.
The proposal would consist of expanding an existing personal wireless services
facility (PWSF) located at the southernmost extent of property located at 2101 S
324th Street. The project would consist of constructing a 20 foot extension on an
existing 100 foot monopole support structure (to a total height of 120 feet); the
addition of six (6) T-Mobile antennas at a height of 99 feet (antenna centerline);
and relocating existing Verizon Wireless antennas to the top of the modified
structure. T-Mobile's associated ground equipment, consisting of 2 radio cabinets,
one electrical cabinet, and provision for a future Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS) cabinet would be located on an 8' x 12'
concrete pad in an area north of the existing monopole. Connections between the
ground based equipment and the monopole would be extended via an ice bridge to
the tower. An electric meter would be placed to the west of the new equipment
cabinets, and a utility rack for the electric service disconnect and telephone
connections would be adjacent to the new equipment.
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.
2101 S 324th Street, Federal Way WA, 98003. (APN # 1621049037)
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. EARTH
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, olli , hilly, steep slopes,
mountainous, other.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
2-4 percent on the subject tract.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand,
gravel, peat, mulch)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils,
specify them and note any prime farmland.
According to the Soil Survey for King County Washington, the subject site is
typified by Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 0-6 percent slope (symbol-AgB). This
is .the most common soil type in King County, and consists principally of gravelly
till. It is granular, moderately drained and the upper layers contain numerous
pellets. It is not a productive agricultural soil, and is not classified as prime
farmland.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate
vicinity? If so, describe.
No surface indications of unstable soils.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or
grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
Only minor grading would be necessary for bringing the site to a flat condition for
the placement of a concrete slab and equipment cabinets. Excavation of
approximately 2 cubic yards would be required for placement of the new cabinets
and underground extension of utility connections between the meter racks and
BTS cabinets.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so,
generally describe.
Due to the flat and sheltered nature of the subject site, minor erosion could occur
under extreme rain or wind conditions.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces
after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Approximately 39 percent of the 4290 square foot wireless facility compound is
covered with impervious surfaces.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the
earth, if any.
Best management practices, including covering stockpiles and placement of
erosion control fencing will be employed.
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.
There would be a slight increase in air emissions from construction vehicles at
the site during construction.
b. Are there any offsite sources of emissions or odor that may affect your
proposal? If so, generally describe.
No. There are no off -site sources of emissions or odor that would affect this
proposal.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air,
if any.
None proposed.
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, and wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If
appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
There are no surface water bodies in the vicinity of the proposed
development.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within
200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and
attach available plans.
The project will not require any work over, in, or within 200 feet of any
water body.
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 would be placed in or removed from surface
water or wetlands for the proposed monopole construction.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions?
Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if
known.
The project will not require surface water withdrawals or diversions.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100year floodplain? If so, note location
on the site plan.
The subject site is not within a 100-year floodplain.
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.
The proposal does not involve any discharges of waste materials to
surface waters
b. Ground
1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to
groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate
quantities if known.
Ground water will not be withdrawn, nor will water be discharged to
ground water for the proposed construction.
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.).
Describe the general size of the system, the number of such
systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
The site would be uninhabited. Therefore, no waste materials would be
discharged from the site.
c. Water Runoff (including stormwater)
1) Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) and method of
collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where
will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so,
describe.
Stormwater would cross the site from north to south via sheet flow during
rain events.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so,
generally describe.
No. No waste is produced at the site.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff
water impacts, if any.
Stormwater would be retainied on site by the existing berming and
wooden curbs placed around the landscaped areas on the site. This will
allow these minor quantities to absorb rather than run off.
4. PLANTS
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site.
deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
evergreen tree: cedar, pine, other shrubs
grass pasture crop or grain
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other
water plant: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
One shrub would be removed for placement of T-Mobile's equipment pad.
The remaining mature landscape materials will be undisturbed.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None known.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to
preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any.
Mature perimeter landscaping which exceeds the requirements for Type III
landscaping currently exists within the fenced equipment area. Existing
pines and other conifers with heights of 20-25 feet, along with mixed shrubs,
surround the equipment area to a depth of 15-20 feet on the north, west, and
south sides of the 4290 square foot equipment compound. Taller conifers
adjoin the site on the east, along the 1-5 frontage.
5. ANIMALS
a. Circle any birds and animals that have been observed on or near the
site or are known to be on or near the site.
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
Only common bird species such as crows and finch type species
have been observed during site visits. However, one would
expect there to be some urban -compatible mammals such as
raccoons and opossum in the area as well, due to the suburban
wooded environment of the surrounding area.
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near
the site.
None known.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Not part of a migration route
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any.
Because the PWSF is uninhabited and vegetation on the site will be
undisturbed, any wildlife in this urban area would not be affected or would
be affected positively through the existing cover for small mammals and
birds.
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.
Under normal operating conditions, the radio transmitters and receivers
at the site use electricity from PSE. During periods when service is
interrupted on the local power grid, backup batteries provide power to
keep the site operational.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by
adjacent properties? If so, generally describe.
No. The project would not affect the potential use of solar energy by
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.
Not applicable.
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 site relies on fully sealed lead acid batteries within an electrical cabinet
for backup power.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None, since the proposed PWSF is uninhabited
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if
any.
According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for the batteries, there is no
danger of these materials escaping to the environment under the operating
conditions that will be present at this site. In addition, the power cabinet is
equipped with an integral thermistor to monitor and control charging voltage
to prevent overcharge.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area that may affect your project (for
example: traffic, equipment operation, other)?
None. The proposed site would not be affected by noise impacts.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated
with the project on a short term or long term basis (for example:
traffic, construction operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise
would come from the site.
A cooling fan on the proposed base transmitting system (BTS) equipment
would be the sole source of sound emanating from the site on a daily
basis, and is the equivalent of a refrigerator fan.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any.
None required.
8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
The northern part of the subject property is developed with a mobile home
park, a par 3 golf course, and associated amenities for the residents of
the Belmoor Mobile Home Park. The area adjoining the equipment
compound on the north is developed with a garage type structure, and the
area immediately surrounding the monopole and equipment compound is
used for storage of vehicles and other equipment associated with the
mobile home park. The right of way for Interstate 5 adjoins the subject
site on the east.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
It appears that the site has not been used for agriculture for at least 40
years.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
The subject PWSF site is developed with one aggregate -finish equipment
shelter, a concrete pad for Cingular's ground -based equipment, and a 7' x
7' equipment pad within the PWSF lease area. A large outbuilding adjoins
the site on the north, and further north, extending to S 324'h Street, the
area is developed with a mobile home park.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No structures would be demolished for this proposal.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
The site is zoned RM3600 in the City of Federal Way.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Multi family residential
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.
No. No part of the site has been classified as "environmentally sensitive".
i_ Approximately how many people would reside or work in the
completed project?
None. Wireless technicians would visit the site on an occasional basis,
approximately one or two times per month under normal operating
conditions.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project
displace?
None
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any.
Not applicable
I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with
existing and projected land uses and plans, if any.
The site would be constructed in conformance with Federal Way Code
regulations, and would be isolated from residences in the area. Visual
impacts will be minimized through the use of existing landscaping, which
helps to obscure the subject PWSF monopole support structure and
associated ground equipment at its base.
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.
Not applicable.
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?
The monopole extension, like the existing antenna support structure, will be
fabricated of steel. After it is extended, the overall height of the monopole
would be 120 feet.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or
obstructed?
Views from the north and west, from surrounding residential areas, would
be altered slightly by construction of the taller monopole. However, these
views do not include significant visual features or vistas, and are further
dominated by mature coniferous vegetation.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any.
The proposed PWSF extension will have little effect on the current
appearance of the support structure. which will reduce the impact of the
installation. Ground based equipment cabinets will be effectively
screened by the existing mature landscaping in the area and the existing
structure to the north of the PWSF compound area.
11. LIGHT AND GLARE
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of
day would it mainly occur?
The subject PWSF currently has FAA obstruction lighting at the top of the
pole. The FAA has reviewed the extension of the monopole, and
determined that obstruction marking and lighting are no longer necessary,
so the existing red obstruction light will be removed with construction of
the tower extension. A work light will be placed within the equipment area
that would be turned on only during night time site visits by maintenance
personnel. The light will be screened by the existing landscaping
materials and on a timer so that it will be turned off within an hour of the
technician's departure from the site.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or
interfere with views?
No, the work light will not constitute a safety hazard or interfere with
views. As noted above, the existing red obstruction light will be removed
from the tower.
c. What existing offsite sources of light or glare may affect your
proposal?
None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if
any.
The light will be screened by the existing fence and landscaping materials
and on a timer so that it will be turned off within an hour of the
technician's departure from the site.
12. RECREATION
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the
immediate vicinity?
The Belmoor Mobile Home Park is developed with a private par 3 golf
course for use of the mobile home park residents in the area north of the
subject site. Celebration Park and the BPA trail are the closest public
recreational uses in the area. They are approximately 3/ mile west of the
subject site, across the Pacific Highway.
b. Would the proposed use displace any existing recreational uses? If
so, describe.
No, the use would not displace any existing recreational uses.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation,
including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or
applicant, if any.
None required.
13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, nation,
state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the
site? If so, generally describe.
None known.
b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic,
archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or
next to the site.
Not applicable.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any.
Not applicable.
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.
Access to the site would be provided via an existing private drive
(Oakland Hills Blvd) which extends south from S 324'n Street through the
mobile home park. Access would remain unchanged.
b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the
approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
The nearest stop is approximately % mile north, at the Federal Way
Transit Center immediately north of the mobile home park on S 3241n
Street
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How
many would the project eliminate?
One parking space on the site. None would be eliminated.
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).
None required.
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail,
or air transportation? If so, generally describe.
No. It will not use other transportation modes.
How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the
completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would
occur.
Less than one trip per day. Once construction is complete, the site would
typically be visited by a site technician once or twice a month.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if
any.
None required.
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.
None required.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public
services, if any.
None required.
16. UTILITIES
a. Circle utilities curve at the sit : electricity, atural gas,
water, refuse servi telephone sanitary sew is 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 that might be needed.
Electricity and telephone currently exist at the site. Electric lines and
coaxial cable that provide the connection between the wireless antennas
and the land line phone system will be extended underground from the
proposed equipment area to the utility demarcation points on the west
side of the equipment compound.
C. SIGNATURE '
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
SIGNATURE:
R48a �
DATE SUBMITTED: