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08-100196Grett E N V I R 0 N e Associates= MENTAL CONSULTANTS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Prepared by: Grette AssociatesLLc July 30, 2008 Prepared for: City of Federal Way Grette File No.: 205.006 Attention: Matthew Herrera Re: Eichholtz — Wetland Review Federal Way #: 08-100196-00-AD 1.0 Introduction Grette Associates has contracted with The City of Federal Way (City) to assist in a wetland review basic service, which includes verification of the wetland status, wetland evaluation and categorization for the Bill Eichholtz property. In addition, Grette Associates reviewed the following documents provided by the City; a City Wetland Inventory Field Form completed December 18, 1998 and the associated City Wetland Inventory Map. The property is located at 33049 38`h Avenue South, in Federal Way, Washington (Subject Property). The Subject Property is recorded as King County Tax Parcel 614360-0155. A site visit was conducted on February 14, 2008. 2.0 Review A Grette Associates biologist conducted a thorough review of the documents provided, including a 2005 aerial photographs obtained from the King County iMAP website. The review goals were to examine the site in an unbiased manner using the best available science in order to determine the extent of wetlands on and adjacent to the Subject Property. The review focused on verifying the accuracy of the documents obtained and compliance with the requirements of Federal Way City Code (FWCQ Chapter 22, Article XIV-Critical Areas. In addition, a site assessment was conducted on February 14, 2008. The site assessment included a verification of the City determined wetland boundary and ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of North Lake. The wetland categorization was also evaluated during the site assessment. 3.0 Subject Property Description The Subject Property is an approximately 0.56 acre parcel that is developed as residential property abutting the east shoreline of North Lake; a lake identified as a lake of the state comprising approximately 55 acres in size. The east property boundary abuts 38th Avenue South and North Lake abuts the west boundary. Single-family residences are found north and south of the Subject Property. A rock bulkhead extends along the Subject Property shoreline and continues off -site to the north and south. The land has a low to moderate downward slope from 38th Avenue South to the lake. Vegetation on the property is dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, FACU), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta, FACU), western red cedar (Thuja plicata, FAC), rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum, NOL), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, FAC+), sword fern (Polystichum munitum, FACU), English ivy (Hedeaa helix, NOL), and variegated mint (not identified). Two western red cedar trees are found WENATCHEE TACOMA 509-663-6300 253-573-9300 Fax 509-664-1882 Fax 253-573-9321 151 S. WORTHEN ST. STE. 101 • WENATCHEE, WA 98801 2111 NORTH 30TH STREET • TACOMA, WA 98403 on the Subject Property and along the upland edge of the bulkhead and were used to locate the City identified wetland boundary. A single-family wood dwelling is located on the Subject Property, approximately 50 feet landward from the bulkhead, with a detached shed and garage found upslope of the residence. The OHWM of the lake was determined using water lines observed on the bulkhead. 4.0 Findings Based on the initial review of Federal Way wetland maps, the subject property abuts North Lake and a lake fringe wetland approximately 25,000 square feet in area that extends northward along the shoreline, abutting the subject property on the west (Federal Way Zoning Map #69). This wetland was rated as a Category I wetland by Sheldon & Associates (1998) and is shown on the current zoning map as a narrow band adjacent to the lake. The narrow wetland associated with a lake is referred to in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington as a lake fringe wetland (Hruby 2004, revised) and forms a separation between the deep (open) water habitat and shoreline. The Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual describes deepwater aquatic habitat (open water) areas as those areas that are permanently inundated at a mean annual water depth >6.6 feet (2 meters) or <6.6 feet and do not support rooted emergent or woody plant species (Washington Department of Ecology 1997). Lake Fringe wetlands are those areas less than 6.6 feet and support rooted emergent and woody vegetation (iris, cattail, water lily, willow, etc.) and do not extend into open water areas of the lake. In addition, lake fringe wetlands can be characterized and rated separately when the band of emergent vegetation disappears or is narrow (<1 foot) for at least 33 feet (Hrubry 2004, revised). Because this review was conducted during the dormant time of year, most wetland plants were not readily visible; as such plants identified during the 1998 study or those that were observed during the February 14, 2008 review were used to rate the wetland; with aerial photo interpretation being used to determine the area of wetland for jurisdiction and rating purposes. A preliminary review of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat and Species database and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Natural Heritage Database was conducted; resulting in no indication of any endangered, threatened, or potentially extirpated plant, fish or animal species associated with the wetland. North Lake contains fish and the outlet Wetland categories and associated buffers within Federal Way are determined using the following criteria (FWCC 22-1357): (1) Category I wetlands meet one of the following criteria: a. Contain the presence of species or documented habitat recognized by state or federal agencies as endangered, threatened or potentially extirpated plant, fish or animal species, or b. Contain the presence of plant associations of infrequent occurrence, irreplaceable ecological functions, or exceptional local significance including but not limited to estuarine systems, peat bogs and fens, mature forested wetlands, groundwater exchange areas, significant habitat or unique educational sites, or c. Have three or more wetland classes, one of which is open water. (2) Category 11 wetlands are greater than 2,500 square feet in area, do not exhibit the characteristics of Category 1 wetlands, and meet one of the following criteria: a. Are contiguous with water bodies or tributaries to water bodies which under normal circumstances contain or support a fish population, including streams where flow is intermittent, or WENATCHEE TACOMA 509-663-6300 253-573-9300 Fax 509-664-1882 Fax 253-573-9321 151 S. WORTHEN ST. STE. 101 • WENATCHEE, WA 98801 2111 NORTH 30TH STREET 9 TACOMA, WA 98403 b. Are greater than one acre in size in its entirety; or c. Are less than or equal to one acre in size in its entirety and have two or more wetland classes, with neither class dominated by non-native invasive species. (3) Category 111 wetlands are greater than 2,500 square feet in area and do not exhibit those characteristics of Category 1 or 11 wetlands. (b) Standard buffer widths for regulated wetlands are established as follows: (1) Category 1 wetlands shall have a standard buffer width of 200 feet. (2) Category 11 wetlands shall have a standard buffer width of 100 feet. (3) Category 111 wetlands shall have a standard buffer width of 50 feet for wetlands that are greater than 10,000 square feet in area, and shall have a standard buffer width of 25 feet for wetlands that are between 2,500 to 10, 000 square feet in area. This assessment used on -site and off -site methodologies to identify and estimate wetland areas. Through aerial photo interpretation and using the existing bulkhead and nearby trees as reference points, this assessment concludes that the OWHM of the lake is accurate and located along the edge of the bulkhead. Based on aerial photo interpretation, bathymetric mapping of the lake, review of previous wetland mappings (Federal Way Zoning Map #69), and on -site observations; emergent vegetation is found along the shoreline adjacent to the subject property and extends north and south of property, creating a lake fringe wetland. The estimated width of emergent vegetation is greater than one (1) foot and comprises more than 2,500 square feet. 5.0 Conclusion It is the conclusion of this review that because a lake fringe wetland found waterward of the subject property bulkhead comprises more than 2,500 square feet and the lake is known to contain fish populations, the lake fringe wetland qualifies as a regulated Category II wetland criteria as described in FWCC 22-1357 (Wetland Categories and Standard Buffers), specifically FWCC 22-135 7.(2). a (see Section 4). This lake fringe wetland would require a standard 100-foot wide buffer. The review of previous data and site assessment was conducted using the best available scientific information and methodologies and the best professional judgment of Grette Associates staff biologists. It should be recognized that delineation of wetland boundaries is an inexact science and different individuals and agencies may have differing opinions on exact boundaries. GRETTE ASSOCIATES, LLC y James H. Carsner, PWS Senior Biologist WENATCHEE 509-663-6300 Fax 509-664-1882 151 S. WORTHEN ST. STE. 101 • WENATCHEE, WA 98801 TACOMA 253-573-9300 Fax 253-573-9321 2111 NORTH 30TH STREET • TACOMA, WA 98403 FILE CITY OF �. Federal February 26, 2008 William Eichholtz 33049 38`i' Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98001 CITY HALL 33325 8th Avenue South y Mailing Address: PO Box 9718 Federal Way, WA 98063-9718 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com RE: File #08-100196-00-AD; EICHHOLTZ WETLAND VERIFICATION 33049 38'h Avenue South, Federal Way Dear Mr. Eichholtz: On January 14, 2008, the City of Federal Way received your request for wetland basic review service regarding the existence of a Category I wetland on the above -referenced property. The City's wetland inventory has designated a portion of your property a Category I wetland. Pursuant to Federal Way City Code (FWCC) 22-1356, any development activity within 200 feet of wetland areas require the applicant to submit a wetland report prepared by a qualified professional approved by the City. On February 14, 2008, James Carsner, Senior Biologist from Grette Associates, performed an on -site analysis and submitted a technical memorandum of the results. T FINDINGS Mr. Cartier's analysis did find the existence of a Category I wetland as defined by FWCC 22-1357(a)(1). The specific finding for Mr. Carver's conclusion is as follows: "this wetland area would be considered part of a significant habitat (Habitat Conservation Area) by being within an area listed as Waters of the State (WAC 173-20-360). This would qualify this wetland as a Category I." Mr. Carsner further stated that "[i]t is the conclusion of this review that the wetland is a Category I and the standard 200-foot-wide wetland buffer would extend landward of the bulkhead as required by FWCC 22-1332 — Setback areas." The intended site improvements, in which you met with the City's Development Review Committee (DRC) staff to discuss December 20, 2007, are now subject to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Those improvements were the short subdivision of one existing single-family residential lot into two single-family residential lots and exterior improvements to the existing single-family residence. The 2008 SEPA checklist with project fee is $903.50. This fee is in addition, but not limited to, the City's short subdivision, substantial shoreline development permit, and concurrency administrative fees. CLOSING Please find the enclosed information regarding SEPA environmental review. The preapplication conference that you attended December 20, 2007, is valid for one year. If you have any questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact me at 253-835-2638 or matt.herrera@cityoffederalway.com. Sincerely, Matthew Herrera Associate Planner enc: Grette Associates Technical Memorandum Bulletin #050 `Environmental Checklist' Doc. LD. 44312 / ! 4& 7 ri .Y r: is All 46 OL pppp klo VU RECEIVED BY DEVELOPMENT EPARfMEN CITY Or _ ••-•��r� Federal Way Date: FEB 0 6 2008 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY WETLANDS CONSULTANT AUTHORIZATION FORM January 16, 2008 City: City of Federal Way Department of Community Development Services PO Box 9718 Federal Way, WA 98063-9718 Consultant: Matthew Boyle Grette Associates 2111 North 30th Street Tacoma, WA 98403 Project: Eichholtz Short Plat — Wetland Status Verification and Delineation File No.: 08-100196-00-AD Project Proponent: Bill Eichholtz 33049 38th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98001 Parcel #614360-0155 253-224-6851 Project Planner: Matthew Herrera, Associate Planner (253-835-2638) Documents Provided: o Wetland Review Basic Service Request o Map indicating Category I wetland according to Federal Way wetland inventory. o Wetland Inventory Field Form Task Scope: Background: According to the Federal Way Critical Areas Map, the above - referenced site contains a Category I wetland in addition to being located on the shore of North Lake. Federal Way City Code (FWCC) 22-1357 limits improvement activity within a 200-foot buffer of Category I wetlands. The proponent would like to make improvements to the existing house and subdivide the parcel. Proponent maintains no wetland exists on or within 200 feet of property. Grette Associates is requested to perform the following tasks. 1. Verify the existence of Category I wetland as defined in FWCC 22- 1357, Article XIV, "Critical Areas," Division 7, "Regulated Wetlands" within 200 feet of subject property. 2. If wetland does exist, provide d€I-i v.- apart, and identify) r: wetland category. a' E �„ J ed J. Task Cost: Not to exceed S 1050.00 without a prior written amendment to this Task Authorization. This amount is based on the City's flat fee for `Wetland and Stream Review Basic Service.' The proponent would like to make improvements to the existing house and subdivide the parcel. Acceptance: City of Federal Way (Planner) — r (Consultant) (Project Proponent) Date Date Date Doc. [ D. 43765 CITY OF �. Federal Way January 17, 2008 Matthew Boyle Grette Associates 2111 North 30'h Street Tacoma., WA 98403 FILE CITY HALL 33325 8th Avenue South Mailing Address: PO Box 9718 Federal Way, WA 98063-9718 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com RE: File #08-100196-00-AD; AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED Eichholtz Wetland Status Verification and Delineation, 33049 381' Ave. S., Federal Way Dear Mr. Boyle: The purpose of this letter is to authorize the services of Grette Associates in verification of the wetland status, categorization and delineation for the Eichholtz property, tax parcel 614360-0155. Authorization to Proceed On January 14, 2008, Bill Eichholtz formally requested a wetland review basic service. A copy of the Mr. Eichholtz request is enclosed with the Wetlands Consultant Authorization Form. At this time, funds in the amount of $1,050.00 have been received by the City. Please sign and return a copy of the enclosed wetland consultant task authorization. A final copy signed by the applicant will be forwarded to your attention. Please consider this letter as an authorization to proceed with your review of Mr. Eichholtz property as detailed in the City's January 16, 2008 Authorization Form. I can be reached at 253-835-2638 if you have any questions about this project request. Sincerely, 0 k Matthew Herrera Associate Planner enc: Wetland Consultant Authorization Form signed by City Wetland and Stream Review Basic Service Form Vicinity Map City of Federal Way Wetland Inventory Form — Wetland #16-21-04-189 Doc. LA 43772 N City of Federal Way Wetland Inventory Field Form Wetland Number 1/4 SecYTwn/Rng Location (address/cross-streets) Ala r F y�� „a[�clS� �w �y S Team Members— /YZ /11 Date Field Check:: Base Map #: _ 7� bq 4 S-S � Windshield Acces ite Acc s/ Site Not Accessed FIELD DATA Cnwarriin Class Dominant SDD % total W L pro 141 . d b 6d/'s eA 13 MI N611 r u44e�h#,, vw 0C� Notable Wildlife Features Cn i,-),q�1- zz Snags:#'s 6" 1�2" 2-.24" Heights: L� Inlet present N; width ` flow N / Outlet present:&N; width 3 �-4"'.404 N None Observed None Observed Sourcesp/N) strea culvert: (diam) sheet flow floodplain seeps Human Disturbances: pv5i jcn a I �G s o // 5 how �l � l a w y/u P o-F' c.�q-�� G►� S�'��a� �Ya� O�C�S. Buffer Conditions: AG/60 ,n,'--e-j 4'C5.4 OFFICE DATA 964. 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