09-102538FILE
4CITY OF
S. Federal
July 8, 2009
CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Way Mailing Address: PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
(253) 835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Mr. Harold LaDuke
St. Luke's Community of Christ
515 South 312' Street
Federal Way, WA 98003-4033
RE: FILE #09-102538-00-AD; LWASWE SPECIES REMOVAL REQUEST
St. Lukes Community of Christ, 515 South 312th Street, Federal Way
Dear Mr. LaDuke:
This letter is in response to your July 1, 2009, request to mow invasive blackberry and scotch broom
vegetation located on church property adjacent to the existing fifty -foot buffer from the Category III
wetland. The mowing request is proposed in order to allow contractors access to the site and clarify the
job scope in advance of the City's formal decision on the wetland buffer reduction and mitigation
proposal. No other vegetation is proposed to be impacted by this action.
Background
Currently, the City is processing the process III application to reduce the Category III wetland buffer from
fifty feet to twenty-five feet and install wetland buffer mitigation.' An environmental determination under
the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is pending. The City's wetland consulting firm, Grette and
Associates, has confirmed that the wetland buffer reduction proposal meets the criteria of Federal Way
Revised Code (FWRC) 19.175.040(5) Buffer Reduction. However, land use approval has not yet been
issued.
19.120 FWRC
The mowing request is considered separate from the Process III application, and subject to the code
provisions of 19.120 FWRC, Clearing, grading, and tree and vegetation retention. Exemptions to the
clearing, grading, and tree retention provisions of FWRC 19.120.030 include the following:
(10) Clearing and grading actions that comply with all of the following criteria:
(a) The subject property contains a permanent building or an active use.
(b) The clearing or grading activity will not change the points where the stormwater or
groundwater enters or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or velocity of
stormwater or groundwater.
(c) The clearing or grading activity is outside any area that is within the jurisdiction of Chapter
19.145 FWRC.
(d) Grading, filling, and excavation totals less than 100 cubic yards. Quantities of excavation and
fill are calculated separately and then added together to determine total excavation and fill.
1 Wetland buffer reduction and mitigation per Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.175.040 and reviewed under file 09-
101031-00-UP.
Mr. LaDuke
July 8, 2009
Page 2
and
(e) No trees or vegetation will be removed if that vegetation was required to be retained by or
through any development permit issued under this chapter or any prior zoning code.
(12) Removal of overhanging vegetation and fire hazards, or removal of invasive species, hazard
trees, nuisance vegetation, or dead, dangerous, or diseased trees when authorized by the director or
his/her designee.
The request to mow Scotch Broom and Himalayan blackberries outside of the fifty -foot wetland buffer
complies with criteria (a) through (e) of FWRC 19.120.030(10) (above) as the subject property contains
an active church use; the mowing will not change the points where the stormwater or groundwater enters
or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or velocity of stormwater or groundwater; the
mowing is outside of critical area and current wetland buffer areas; there is no grading, filling, or
excavation associated with the mowing; and the vegetation impacted was not required to be retained.
The mowing request also complies with FWRC 19.120.030(12) as the mowing temporarily removes
Scotch Broom, a Class B noxious weed, and Himalayan blackberry, a class C noxious weed, as identified
on the King County Noxious Weed List. Under FWRC 19.05.090, the definition of invasive species
includes species on the noxious weed list maintained by the King County Noxious Weed Control Board.
The request to mow an area of Scotch Broom and Himalayan blackberry outside of the fifty -foot buffer of
the regulated wetland on the subject site is approved subject to the following conditions:
Conditions of Approval
1. Prior to commencement of any mowing or vegetation removal authorized by this letter, the City shall
inspect wetland buffer staking and mowing limit staking identified in the July 2, 2009, site plan
prepared by Harold LaDuke. Contact Deb Barker at 253-835-2642 to schedule this inspection.
2. After the mowing is complete, any soils left uncovered by the mowing activity shall receive
immediate erosion control consisting of seeding with an erosion control seed mix or a grass mix and
then covering the seeded area with straw to prevent erosion.
3. At the conclusion of the approved mowing activity, the City shall be notified so that a follow-up
inspection can be scheduled. Please contact Deb Barker to schedule this inspection.
Please feel free to contact me via phone or electronically at deb.barker@cityoffederalway.com if you
have any questions about this letter.
Sincerely,
Deb Barker
Senior Planner
enc: Approved Map for mowing
c: Mike Layes, Grette Associates, 2102 North 30"' Street, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98403
09-102538 Doc. 1.D 50679
Isaac Conlen
From: Isaac Conlen
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 8:52 AM
To: 'Todd Zern'
Subject: RE: Follow -Up About St. Luke's Wetlands Maintenance Bond
Morning Todd,
I finally had a chance to consider your request. First off, the latest report is accepted. i did notice from the photos that
there appears to be some left over silt festcing in the buffer area. This should be removed unless it's still needed to
control erosion, which seems unlikely at this point.
On your request — you and your team have operated in good faith maintaining this area and we appreciate that. While
the mitigation area appears to be in good condition we are only half way through the monitoring period. I don't think
it's appropriate to end monitoring at this point. Also, it's problematic for me from a precedent setting perspective to
authorize release of the maintenance bond prior to completion of its term
Given the good condition of the mitigation area, I would agree that the frequency of reporting can be
reduced. Therefore I will authorize a reduction from twice a year reporting to once a year. Next year in 2014 please
provide a report in the spring. For the final year, 2015, provide a report at the end of the monitoring period (which I
think is in the fall). This eliminates three of the otherwise required reports.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Isaac
From: Todd Zern mailto:tzern Stlukes-Church.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 1:30 PM
To: Isaac Conlen
Subject: Follow -Up About St. Luke's Wetlands Maintenance Bond
Isaac,
In our last communication a couple months ago, you mentioned that we could revisit the conversation in mid -
July about the possibility of releasing our maintenance bond for our wetland mitigation project because of the
mature growth. Have you given any thought to this?
Thanks, Isaac. I appreciate your time and efforts.
Todd
todd tern
deacon / director of operations
st luke's lutheran church
515 south 312th street I federal way, wa 98003
O 253.941.3000, x 110 1 F 253.941.8994
tzern .stlukes-church.com
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
E7641 Covngton Way SE#2 Phone: 25-M59-Ml 5
Covington VVA 98042 Fax:253S52-4732
June 11, 2013
Todd Zern
St. Lukes Lutheran Church
515 South 3121h Street
Federal Way, Washington 98003
Re: St. Lukes Wetland Buffer Monitoring Year 2 and l" half Year 3
SWC Job4A8-226
Dear Todd,
This report describes the results of Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. Year 2 and first half
of Year 3 monitoring of the St Lukes Lutheran Church property wetland buffer mitigation
site. The property is located at 515 South 312th Street in the City of Federal Way,
Washington.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Although the success and final outcome of wetland mitigation, restoration and
enhancement projects is never guaranteed, certain procedures can be utilized to increase
the probability of success. One of the most important procedures for success following
proper design and installation is the establishment of a monitoring plan to track changes
and developments within the system. Monitoring provides the opportunity to evaluate
the success of planted material within the system and observe early establishment of
pioneer and volunteer species. By observing the success of planted and volunteer species
during the first five years of the project, it may be possible to speculate on the
successional pathway taken, and general success of the project.
The project reduced portions of the 50-footdegraded buffer to 25-feet. As mitigation for
reduction of 16,645sf (square feet), the project enhanced at least 16,645 of degraded critical
area buffer. Buffer enhancement included invasive species removal and replanting with native
trees and shrubs. In addition, several habitat features were installed to provide habitat opportunity
to human tolerant wildlife species. The project also included impacts to 1,205sf of buffer for
construction of a 3-foot wide walking trail, which was mitigated with enhancement at a I :I ratio.
Sewall Wetland Consulting. Inc. inspected the mitigation installation, and found all plants
to be installed before March 15, 2010. A final installation inspection site visit was conducted on
May 5, 2010 to verify the location of critical area signs and fencing. The mitigation installation
St. 1.ukeslgA8-226
Sewall PJ`etlan( Consulting, Inc.
,hin 11, 2013
Page 2 of 5
was installed per the approved mitigation plan prepared by Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.,
entitled "St. Luke's Lutheran Church Mitigation Plan" dated March 2009 and revised June 5,
2009. The City did not completely sign -off the installation until October 26, 2010.
Monitoring for the St. Lukes Lutheran Church site is to be conducted 10 times over a 5-year
period as follows. During the site visits the overall condition of the wetland mitigation area will
be evaluated. Although the Year 1 site visit and field monitoring were completed in the fall of
2011, a report was not issued. A second site visit was conducted in May of 2012 which would be
the first half of the Year 2 monitoring. A report was issued on July 3, 2102 cooing Year 1 and the
first half of Year 2. This report describes the site following Year 2 and the first half of Year 3.
The monitoring was completed in May of 2013. The visit were conducted to inspect the
conditions of the mitigation areas and to determine the survival of planted species.
The vegetation monitoring consisted of inspection of the planted material to determine the health
and vigor of the installation. All the planted material in the wetland and buffer areas was
inspected during the monitoring visit to determine the level of survival of the installations. As
specified in the monitoring portion of the mitigation plan the vegetation survival rate, herbaceous
ground cover (general) were investigated and recorded.
Year 1- Spring 2011 and Fall 2011
Year 2- Spring 2012 and Fall 2012
Year 3- Spring 2013 and Fall 2013
Year 4- Spring 2014 and Fall 2014
Year 5-Spring 2015 and Fall 2015
2.0 SAMPLING METHODOLOGY
The monitoring was completed during 2011 and 2012. The visits were conducted to
inspect the conditions of the mitigation areas and to determine the survival of the
plantings..
The vegetation monitoring consisted of inspection of the planted material to determine
the health and vigor of the installation. All the planted material in the wetland and buffer
areas was inspected during the monitoring visit to determine the level of survival of the
installations. As specified in the monitoring portion of the mitigation plan the vegetation
survival rate, herbaceous ground cover (general) were investigated and recorded.
3.0 OBSERVATIONS AND SITE CONDITIONS
3.1 Vegetation Survival Statistics
Table 1 indicates the plant survivorship data for the St. Lukes mitigation site after 2.5
years of monitoring. The Standards of Success require an 80% survival rate by the end of
the 5"' year.
oil
S1. Lukes14A8-226
Sewall YVelland Consulting, /nc.
June 11, 2013
Page 3 of 5
Table 1 Planting Survival Rates after2.5yrs or monitoring
Plant Name
# Planted
# Alive 2012
# Alive 2013
Percent
Big Leaf Maple
33
30
30
91 _
Sitka Spruce
15
14
14
93
Dou las it
26
19
19
/-5—
Western Red
Cedar
30
25
25
83
_
Vine Maple
48
31
31
65
Hazelnut
49
35
35
71 _
Indian Plum
66
61
61
92
Nootka Rose
216
201
201
93
Salmonberry
100
94
94
94
Red Elderberry
47
1
1
2
Red Flowering
Currant
149
144
144
97
Ocean ra
36
17
17
47
TOTAL
815
672
672
82%
As can be seen, survival statistics are identical to 2012, with an overall survival rate of
82%, meeting the 80% criteria. Maintenance and care for the mitigation area is very
good and weedy species are regularly removed, plantings are irrigated and in general well
looked after.
Overall coverage of invasive species was well below the 10% threshold set forth in the
standards of success.
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSION
The site is meeting all of the monitoring requirements for Year 2 & 3. The next
monitoring of the site will be in the Fall of 2013 to conclude the Year 3 monitoring with a
report to follow.
If you have any questions or need any additional information please contact me at (253)
859-0515 or by email at esewall@sewallwc.com.
Sincerely,
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
Ed Sewall
Senior Wetland Ecologist PWS #212
A bikes—.48-226
Sewall Weiland Consulting, Ine.
June /1, 2013
Page 4 of 5
Above: South end of buffer enhancement area
Below: Looking north alon,z west side of mitigation site..
A Lukes--'.48-226
Sewed/ Welland Consulting, Inc.
June ll, 20/3
Page 5 of 5
Above: Looking south from middle of mitigation site.
Deb Barker
From: Deb Barker
Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 4:33 PM
To: 'JRGordon@aol.com'
Cc: DRAMSAY@AHBL.com; Ann Dower
Subject: Flooding Report
Hello Jay - How are things going with the wetland buffer project?
This e-mail in an FYI to let you know that the Surface Water Management division of the City's Public Works
Department has had a report regarding "an on -going flooding issue related to a 24" intake pipe that apparently
collects runoff from the St. Lukes wetland." I'm letting you know about this issue, since depending on the pipe
location, it may be more of a civil matter. Our PW inspectors will be out to check the status of the erosion
control, and the status of the pipe.
We'll be in contact with you as we learn more about the location of the pipe.
Regards
Deb Barker, FW@20 Co -Chair
Senior Planner, City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2609 (f)
1- .t_i�xrkerC�c:it: • =f.,tl�;r�s.lFya =..r.�z
............ ....... ........ ,........................ ...................................... ,....
From: JRGordon@aol.com [mailto:JRGordon@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:50 AM
To: Deb Barker
Cc: DRAMSAY@AHBL.com
Subject: Re: Trash pickup at St. Luke's
Hi Deb -
yes I will ask that we get one or the other done - I was by and saw that big tire and understand.
Thanks
Jay
In a message dated 11/19/2009 10:58:51 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, writes:
Jay - A few weeks ago we communicated about the trash left over on 4th South at St.
Luke's after the invasive species removal. ON a recent site visit, I observed a huge tire
alongside the road. Now the neighbor is complaining that more debris has accumulated
(bottles, etc) besides the tire.
Is there any way to get this c.-aned up this weekend? Alternativt�y, get the debris out of
site and into dumpsters, etc.
Please let me know what to respond to the neighbor.
Thanks in advance.
Deb Barker, Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2609 (f)
Deb Barker
From:
Ann Dower
Sent:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:11 PM
To:
Deb Barker
Subject:
FW: RE: Flooding at 412 S. 316th Place
Attachments:
20090107 412 s316th place.jpg; Deed Parcel 794170-0080.pdf; 20020729 Turner Lter.pdf
Hi Deb
Does h-is sound l-:ke your wetland proje ? i don't think (have plans. DoYou?
Thanks
Sinn
From: Jeff Wolf
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 5:29 PM
To: Ann Dower
Cc: Mike Martin; 'Terry2052@MSN.com'; Ryan Thomas; William Appleton
Subject: RE: Flooding at 412 S. 316th Place
Ann,
I received a call from Mr. Turner at the address below regarding an ongoing flooding issue in his backyard related to a 24"
intake pipe that collects runoff from a wetland within the St. Lukes Church wooded area that was recently cleared. See
the attached aerial map for the site layout, the house parcel deed referencing the easement, and a letter to Mr. Turner that
stated that the easement maintenance responsibility was a private matter.
Terry Turner
412S316thPI
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-880-8515
I looked at the site and it appears that the problem is a combination of a congested intake pipe area and increased runoff
and sedimentation related to the adjacent development.
Please request for Mike to review the site to verify that the developer is providing reasonable sedimentation control
measures such as ground cover and silt fences and check the site plan to see whether the 24" pipe inlet is shown on the
plans, and if so, let me and Mr. Turner know whether it is located on his property or the church property.
If the pipe intake is on church property, or if the church is willing, please request for them to contact Mr. Turner to arrange
for cleaning of the intake area to improve flows.
Thanks,
Jeff Wolf, P.E.
Surface Water Management Engineer
City of Federal Way, Public Works Dept.
P.O. Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
Site Address: 33325 8th Ave. South, 98003
253-835-2753 Office; 253-261-3983 Cell; 253-835-2709 Fax
Email: Je_F1_ :!'�,.:tofec:>rgis_<;Y:!orr
Web: CF�?dara;l�c , rnrr•
cc- Mr. Turner (via email)
Deb Barker
From:
JRGordon@aol.com
Sent:
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 7:25 AM
To:
Deb Barker
Subject:
Re: Flooding Report
Thanks Deb - keep me posted, this is interesting -
Jay
In a message dated 2/21/2010 4:35:22 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, Deb, �.€c��t ci ¢ r: Daly y;c l { writes:
Hello Jay - How are things going with the wetland buffer project?
This e-mail in an FYI to let you know that the Surface Water Management division of the City's Public
Works Department has had a report regarding "an on -going flooding issue related to a 24" intake pipe
that apparently collects runoff from the St. Lukes wetland." I'm letting you know about this issue, since
depending on the pipe location, it may be more of a civil matter. Our PW inspectors will be out to check
the status of the erosion control, and the status of the pipe.
We'll be in contact with you as we learn more about the location of the pipe.
Regards
Deb Barker, FW@20 Co -Chair
Senior Planner, City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2609 (f)
Kr,�.ir:'S'iL�,-.
From: JRGordon@aol.com [mailto:JRGordon@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:50 AM
To: Deb Barker
Cc: DRAMSAY@AHBL.com
Subject: Re: Trash pickup at St. Luke's
Hi Deb -
yes I will ask that we get one or the other done - I was by and saw that big tire and understand.
Thanks
Jay
In a message dated 11/19/2009 10:58:51 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,writes:
Jay - A few weeks ago we communicated about the trash left over on 4th South at
St. Luke's after the invasive species removal. ON a recent site visit, I observed a
huge tire alongside the road. Now the neighbor is complaining that more debris
has accumulated (bottles, etc) besides the tire.
Is there any way to get this cleaned up this weekend? Alternatively, get the debris
out of site and into dumpsters, etc.
s
Please let me know what to respond to the neighbor
i
Thanks in advance.
r
Deb Barker, Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2609 (f
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2018 Portland Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98421
Phone 253-383-5014
Fax 253-627-0317
Pete@agrivestment.com
September 30, 2009
All Seed Hydromulch
Re: City of Federal Way
This Letter certifies that our grass seed supplied to All Seed Hydromulch for the above
referenced project meets or exceeds the following quality standards and associated
requirements.
Seed Mix
Percent Variety
100 Red Clover
Application Rate: 15 lbs/Acre
No Noxious Weeds Present
We further certify that this seed will meet all requirements for the Federal Seed Act (7
U.S. C. 1551-1610) and complies with federal and state standards for purity, germination,
and weed content. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.
Sincerely,
Pete Sarrensen
AGRIVESTMENT Ltd
Deb Barker
From: Aaron Will [awill@sewallwc.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 2:25 PM
To: Deb Barker
Attachments: A8-226 Blackberry removal exhibit.pdf; A8-226 St. Luke Blackberry removal.bmp;
GoogleEarth_lmage.jpg
Per the hydro -seeder,
Hydroseed Mix — WADOT Erosion Control Mix —
Dutch White Clover - 12lbs/acre, 15 lbs mulch, 40-50 lbs grass
I've been trying to get a clear map of the blackberry removal area. However, every time I print from
AutoCAD including pdfs the aerial photo becomes distorted. So attached is a screen capture of the
AutoCAD calculated area in addition to an overlay that has better imaging quality. Sorry for the crummy
graphic, let me know if you have anything else come up.
Aaron
J. Aaron Will
Wetland Scientist
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
27641 Covington Way SE #2 Covington, WA 98042
(P) 253.859.0515
(F) 253.852.4732
Deb Barker
From: JRGordon@aol.com
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 2:52 PM
To: Deb Barker
Subject: Re: St. Luke's - Invasive vegetation removal
Deb,
The plan is to NOT remove any dirt. Only the invasive vegetation. We are using a technique whereby the tines pull the
root balls, leaving the dirt behind (this makes sense as we have to pay by the lb to get rid of the stuff). In any case, we
plan to remove the blackberries, the scotch broom and leave the trees and shrubs.
To address any run off issues, we plan to place a silt fence on the 4th street side of the property where the vegetation will
be pulled. We plan also, to place the silt fence against the wetland buffer to insure nothing flows into that. We plan also to
hydro seed clover so that we have immediate ground cover which will inhibit the return of the blackberries and other
invasive plants.
So, with that in mind, as far as I can see, we are not subject to city vegetation removal issues.
Thanks
Jay Gordon
St. Luke's
Deb Barker
From: Deb Barker
Sent: Monday, September21, 2009 1:43 PM
To: 'jrgordon@aol.com'
Cc: Ann Dower; 'gmoss@JRABBOTT.com'; Cindy Keirsey
Subject: St. Luke's - Invasive vegetation removal
Attachments: St. Lukes mowing approval 07-09.pdf; 129 Resubmittal Information.doc; st. lukes july 09
invasive removal approval.DOC
Hello Jay — It was good to talk with you today about your decision to eliminate a large area of invasive
vegetation from the St. Luke's property. In the attached July 8, 2009 "AD" decision, the City approved
removal of a swath of invasive vegetation outside of the wetland buffer per the attached "mowing
approval" map. The area involved in the July request was small enough to be exempt from land use and
environmental review processes (Process III and SEPA), and handled as an administrative request. I am
also aware that in April, the City's Code Enforcement staff sent a letter to the Church requesting that
blackberries be trimmed and illegally dumped trash removed from the property'(09-101534-VO)
However, without more information, I'm not sure that the current request to remove invasive materials
(including blackberries) between the wetland buffer and 41h Avenue South would still be exempt from
thresholds of SEPA or Process III as it is a significantly larger area -of work. As we discussed, SEPA
review is triggered when more than 500 cubic yards of clearing, grading or excavation is proposed, while
Process III review is triggered when the grading, filling, and excavation totals exceeds 100 cubic yards.
At this point, the Process III decision for the wetland buffer reduction is pending. We can include
proposed 'large scale' invasive species removal in that decision providing we have specific information
about request. Also, if the proposed invasive species removal does exceed 500 cubic yards, SEPA will be
required. If that is the case, the previously issued SEPA decision could be amended to include that
clearing/grading work. However, in both cases, specific information is needed for review. Also, amending
the SEPA decision would typically occur BEFORE the Process III decision is issued.
I understand that you would like to begin as soon as possible. In order to proceed, the city needs
information about the following:
• Define the reason for the larger clearing actions;
• Specific quantities of proposed clearing, grading and/or excavation;
• The specific location of the clearing and/or grading activity with preferably a topographic map;
• Specific method of vegetation removal (ie: goats, heavy equipment, "picker", etc);
• Verification that the clearing or grading activity will not change the points where the stormwater
or groundwater enters or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or velocity of
stormwater or groundwater; and
• Short term and very long term erosion control methods that meet the 2009 King County Surface
Water Design Manual (KCSWDM).
I've included examples of exemptions to the clearing, grading, and tree retention provisions of the Federal
Way code (FWRC 19.120.030) used in the July decision:
(10) Clearing and grading actions that comply with all of the following criteria (...are exempt):
(a) The subject property contains a permanent building or an active use.
(b) The clearing or grading activity will not change the points where the stormwater or groundwater
enters or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or velocity of stormwater or
groundwater.
(c) The clearing or grading activity is outside any area that is within the jurisdiction of Chapter
19.1. 5 FWRC.
(d) Grading, filling, and excavation totals less than 100 cubic yarn,.. Quantities of excavation and
fill are calculated separately and then added together to determine total excavation and fill.
(e) No trees or vegetation will be removed if that vegetation was required to be retained by or
through any development permit issued under this chapter or any prior zoning code.
and
(12) Removal of overhanging vegetation and fire hazards, or removal of invasive species, hazard trees,
nuisance vegetation, or dead, dangerous, or diseased trees when authorized by the director or hislher
designee.
The proposed work may be similar to the work approved in July, just on larger scale. In any case, written
information is needed for the City to proceed with review of the request. Please do not hesitate to contact
me if you have any questions about this e-mail.
Regards -
Deb Barker, Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2,6,r009 (f)
Deb Barker
From: Janet Shull
Sent: Friday, September 18, 200911:57 PM
To: Grace Skidmore
Cc: Deb Barker
Subject: Linda Schmidt inquiry
Hello,
I returned Ms Schmidt's call but got voice mail. Began to leave message as to activity taking place and informed her it
was Deb's project.
Got cut off before could finish, but what I was going to tell her, just so you know in case she calls back, is that it appears
the proposed activity is to reduce an existing wetland buffer and provide buffer enhancement to remaining buffer area
as mitigation. The apparent reason for the buffer reduction is that the church would like to expand in future. (that last
sentence didn't make it onto voice mail)
Deb, this woman called today and really didn't want to wait till Monday to talk to you because she is selling her house
and has some folks coming to look at it this weekend. She wanted to be able to explain what was going on next door.
for reference:
Linda Schmidt
253-839-7227
314214th Ave S
jan¢t shall, ¢11CP
Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2644
Deb Barker
From:
Deb Barker
Sent:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 4:06 PM
To:
'JRGordon@aol.com'
Cc:
Ann Dower
Subject:
RE: St. Luke's - Invasive vegetation removal
Jay — Thank you for the information about the blackberry removal. You said that the system is a tool that pulls
blackberries out of the ground, and so no dirt is removed. We're not really familiar with anything like this tool;
does it have a name or is there a photo or web site? Our Public Works staff would definitely like more
information about this removal method/tool.
Jay, even with this tool, the overall scope of the area to be cleared of invasives is much larger than the area
approved in July. We do need more information so that we can update that July approval. Please provide a site
plan that has this information on it:
(a) The specific location of the invasive vegetation removal, showing 41h Avenue South, the wetland
and the current 50-foot wetland. (It's OK to use an aerial map or update the map that Harold
submitted in July). Estimate the quantity of blackberry and Scotch Broom to be removed. Do you
know how long the removal will take?
(b) Identify the specific method of invasive vegetation removal with the name of the tool and vendor
contact information. Confirm that vegetation debris will be removed from the site and not
stockpiled.
(c) Provide verification that the clearing or grading activity will not change the points where the
stormwater or groundwater enters or exits the subject property, and will not change the quality or
velocity of stormwater or groundwater. This is important to confirm because any tool that rips out
roots ultimately disturbs soils that can erode.
(d) List short term and long term erosion control methods that meet the 2009 King County Surface
Water Design Manual (KCSWDM). You have indicated use of clover, so we'll need that specific
hydro -seed mix, the quantity of seed needed as well as application conditions. Are you really sure
that the clover will inhibit the blackberries? Please consult with your engineer to identify long
term stabilization methods and provide those in writing as well.
I realize that this seems like a lot of information for this task, but we are mindful of the size and complexity of
the operation. FWRC 19.120.o6o(2)(c) does require plans for "interim aesthetic treatment" for those cleared or
graded and disturbed sites if they are not completed within 12 months of the initial activity, and the
information in needed to addresses this requirement. Efficient removal of blackberries usually disturbs the
soils, and site stabilization that remains effective until future site development is key.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards
Deb Barker, Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South, PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
253-835-2642 (p)
253-835-2609 (f)
From: JRGordon@aol.com [mailto:JRGordon@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 2:52 PM
To: Deb Barker
Subject: Re: St. Luke's - Invasive vegetation removal
Deb;
The plan is to NOT remove any dirt. Only the invasive vegetation. We are using a technique whereby the tines pull the
root balls, leaving the dirt behind (this makes sense as we have to pay by the lb to get rid of the stuff). In any case, we
plan to remove the blackberries, the scotch broom and leave the trees and shrubs.
To address any run off issues, we plan to place a silt fence on the 4th street side of the property where the vegetation will
be pulled. We plan also, to place the silt fence against the wetland buffer to insure nothing flows into that. We plan also to
hydro seed clover so that we have immediate ground cover which will inhibit the return of the blackberries and other
invasive plants.
So, with that in mind, as far as I can see, we are not subject to city vegetation removal issues.
Thanks
Jay Gordon
St. Luke's
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APPROVED
PLANNING
City of Federal Way
Dept. of Community Development
Permit 0-
By,
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TO: Deb Barker
City of Federal Way Planning
FROM: Harold La Duke
St Luke's Wetlands Coordinator
SUBJ: St Luke's Wetland Pictures
Date: 7.1.09 after Pix taken
These were taken following our short
conversation in the this morning at which
time you suggested some pictures and a
statement what my verbal question that
concerned mowing down a portion of Lots
9183, 9157, 9153 and 9127.
We are getting to a point I met with the
mitigation contractor for clarification of the
job scope.
The invasive berries and scotch broom have
grown too high to see more than a few feet in
many places. We would be able to assess the
job easier if we mow down the invasive
material starting at a point starting about 55
feet from the wetland staking with a swath
about twenty to 40 feet wide.
Normally I had understood there would be no
reason to ask but with the Wetland Mitigation
request working, did not want to take a
chance of doing something not discussed and
cleared before doing it.
Your early response will be much appreciated.
THANK YOU
Cc: Jay Gordon and Pastor Chris
P 1 NE corner of Gas Marker at Retention
P 2 Standing in SW Parking Lot facing WSW
P3 Near lot line of 9157 and 9153 facing
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P4 Near center of n end of Lot 9153 facing S ..h
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