SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) of Proposed Action

The Port of Seattle has completed an environmental analysis, including review of pertinent and available environmental information and preparation of an Environmental Checklist for the following proposal:

Description of the Proposed Action: The proposed shoreline rehabilitation project includes re-grading port-owned Duwamish Waterway margin and adjacent City-owned South Riverside Drive right-of-way to restore inter-tidal and shoreline conditions and improve publicly accessible shoreline.

The proposed project includes approximately 180 linear feet of port-owned shoreline and upland on the west margin of Duwamish Waterway and the water-ward portion of South Riverside Drive, City of Seattle right-of-way, adjacent to port shoreline ownership. The existing abrupt and eroding filled shoreline area includes industrial rubble, debris, and a derelict wooden barge. Existing upland area includes unimproved Port shoreline property and City right-of-way formerly used for vehicle parking and uncovered construction materials storage.

The proposed shoreline rehabilitation project includes two elements: (1) inter-tidal area clean-up, including removal of an existing derelict wooden barge and removal of industrial debris and rubble and (2) re-grading an existing eroding, rubble filled bank line, removing previously placed fill material to rehabilitate inter-tidal area, followed by installation of large woody debris, native marsh, riparian, and upland vegetation.

Location of Proposed Action: The proposed shoreline rehabilitation site, including combined Port of Seattle, Duwamish Waterway property and South Riverside Drive, City of Seattle, right-of-way area, has no street address. The project site is located on the west shoreline of the Duwamish Waterway, near River Mile 3.2, approximately 450 linear feet east of the South Riverside Drive/South Holden Street/Seventh Avenue South intersection and approximately 170 feet north of the South Portland Street/Eight Avenue South intersection.

Lead Agency: Port of Seattle (SEPA No. 12-03)

Determination: The Port of Seattle has completed an environmental evaluation of the proposed shoreline rehabilitation project including review of pertinent and available environmental information, following the provisions of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) under Chapter 43.21C, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 197-11, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and Port Commission Resolution 3650, Port of Seattle SEPA Policies and Procedures. On April 12, 2012, as lead agency, the Port determined the proposal would not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). Any action to set aside, enjoin, review, or otherwise challenge such action on the grounds of noncompliance with the provisions of Chapter 43.21C RCW (State Environmental Policy Act) shall be commenced within 21 days from the date of last newspaper publication of the notice or be barred. Port Commission Resolution 3650 contains the procedures for appealing a SEPA decision of the Port of Seattle.

Supporting Information: Information used to reach this determination, and applicable State laws and Port of Seattle policies, regulations, and procedures are available for public review at the Port of Seattle Engineering Services Department, Second Floor Bid Counter, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle. Any questions relating to this determination or to the proposed actions should be referred to George Blomberg, Port of Seattle, Environmental Review and Permitting, P.O. Box 1209, Seattle, WA 98111. Tel: 206-728-3194. The document is also available for review online at http://www.portseattle.org/Environmental/Environmental-Documents/SEPA-NEPA/Pages/default.aspx

Public and Agency Comment: No action will be taken on this proposal until after the 14-day public comment period expires at 4:00 PM on August 10, 2012, after which the Port will (1) formally adopt this Determination of Non-Significance; (2) clarify or review the proposal; or (3) complete additional environmental analyses, as appropriate. The Port will accept public and agency comments until 4:00 PM on August 10, 2012. Please refer any questions relating to this determination or to the proposed actions to George Blomberg, Port of Seattle, Seaport Environmental and Planning Programs, P. O. Box 1209, Seattle, WA 98111. Telephone: 206-787-3194 or the Port of Seattle electronic mail Internet address at SEPA.p@portseattle.org. Include your mailing address when submitting comments to the electronic Internet address.

Appeals: This SEPA DNS determination may be appealed by filing a writ of review in King County Superior Court within twenty-one (21) days of the date the Port formally adopts this determination pursuant to Port of Seattle Resolution No. 3650 and RCW 43.21C.080