Chapter 4 Natural Environment

Chapter 4 describes existing conditions in the Rhodes Lake Road study area and potential impacts of the build alternatives to the natural environment.

Waterways, Floodplains, and Water Quality

1 Are there any streams and floodplains located in the study area?

The Rhodes Lake Road study area is located within the Lower Puyallup Watershed, which covers 117,000 acres and extends from Buckley, Washington west to Commencement Bay, and south from King County to Orting. The White and Carbon Rivers are the major tributaries of the Puyallup River. Each river originates on the slopes of Mount Rainier in the Upper Puyallup Watershed. Melt water from glaciers provides the majority of flow during the summer. The outlet for the Puyallup River is Commencement Bay, which is a saltwater estuary. The Puyallup River Valley is a floodplain. The valley floor varies between one and two miles wide in the study area. Streams, lakes, and floodplains located in the study area are shown in Exhibit 4-1 and stream lengths and types are identified in Exhibit 4-2. All of the streams provide habitat for critical fish species.

Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-3

Exhibit 4-2 Rivers and Streams in the Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Project Pierce Total Stream County Length DNR Stream Stream Pierce County Stream Name (miles) Type1 Type Buffer Width (ft)2 Puyallup River 54.0 S F1 200 Carbon River 31.5 S F1 200 Fennel Creek 7.95 F F1 150 Canyon Falls Creek 1.71 F F1 150 Ball Creek 1.35 F F1 150

1. A Type S stream is a stream that is designated as a Shoreline of the State as defined in WAC 222-16-030. A Type F stream is a stream that includes fish habitat as defined in WAC 222-16-030 (2). 2. A Type F1 stream is a stream that provides habitat for critical species. It encompasses both DNR Type S and F streams, as defined in the Pierce County Critical Areas Ordinance (PCC 18E.40.060).

2 What is the quality of water like in area streams? What is the 303(d) list? The Environmental Protection Agency In the study area, neither the Puyallup River nor its tributaries (EPA) requires the State Department of have reported water quality listings on the Ecology 303(d) list1. Ecology (Ecology) to prepare the However, the study area is located within the overall basin used 303(d) list to periodically assess the quality of water in the state by to develop the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the collecting data. Based on this data, downstream portions of the Puyallup River that are listed on Ecology prepares a list of all waters in which beneficial uses, such as salmon the 303(d) list. Scientists from the United States Geological habitat and recreational uses, have been Survey (USGS) found that water quality in the Puyallup River impaired due to poor water quality. at Alderton (between Sumner and Orting) met state standards Ecology then uses this list to develop 2 plans to improve water quality. The for all criteria except fecal coliform counts. 303(d) list is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act 3 How would the alternatives impact streams and (33 U.S.C.§ 1313(d)). water quality?

The total area of impervious roadway surfaces draining to existing waterbodies in the study area would increase by What is a BMP? 21.4 acres for Alternative B, 25.1 acres for Alternative D, and Best management practices (BMPs) are actions that reduce or prevent 14 acres for Alternative E. Pollutants typically associated with pollutants from entering stormwater. A impervious roadway surfaces may include suspended solids, BMP may use materials or structures to metals, oil and grease. Potential pollutant loading would be treat stormwater, reducing the possibility of degrading water quality. minimized by treating roadway runoff with Best Management Practices (BMPs) as required by Pierce County’s stormwater

1 Ecology 2004 2 LPWMC 1992 4-4 Natural Environment management manual before it is discharged to study area waterbodies. Exhibit 4-3 lists the basins where stormwater would be discharged for Alternatives B, D, and E.

Exhibit 4-3 Stormwater Discharge Locations Alternative Discharge Locations

Alternative B Puyallup River, Fennel Creek, Canyon Falls Creek, Rhodes Lake

Alternative D Puyallup River, Fennel Creek, Canyon Falls Creek, Rhodes Lake

Alternative E Carbon River, Orting Lake

By providing treatment BMPs, discharges to streams impacted by Alternative B, D, or E would comply with water quality Appendix F regulations, and overall water quality in study area streams Appendix F contains additional details about potential water quality would not be substantially degraded. impacts. Appendix F, Exhibit 9, shows where impacted basins are located, 4 How would the alternatives impact floodplains? and Attachment 2 contains detailed information showing how much of the Alternatives B and D would require filling a small amount of new impervious surface would drain the Puyallup River floodplain and Alternative E would not to each basin. require filling any floodplain areas. Alternative B involves constructing a new bridge over the Puyallup River near 116th Street E. The proposed bridge structure would completely span the river, so no in-water structures are required. However, the new bridge would place 1.6 acres of fill within the Puyallup River floodplain. Alternative D would require widening the existing 128th Street E. Bridge over the Puyallup River, filling 3.5 acres of floodplain along the Puyallup River.

For Alternatives B and D, floodplain losses would be offset (mitigated) by excavating an equivalent area and volume of floodplain at the same elevation as required by Pierce County Shoreline regulations. Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-5

Additionally, Alternatives B and D may affect a portion of properties owned by Pierce County. These lands may be used in the future by Pierce County’s Water Programs division to improve both flood control and overall habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. If either of these alternatives is selected, Pierce County will coordinate road design and construction to work in concert with the goals of Pierce County Water Programs. Fish, Aquatic Resources, and Threatened and Endangered Fish Species

5 What fish species live in the study area and what is their habitat like?

The Puyallup and Carbon Rivers support a diverse group of fish species in the study area, including several species of native salmon and trout. In addition to the Puyallup River, three tributaries – Fennel, Canyon Falls, and Ball Creeks – also have aquatic habitat that support fish. Much of the fish habitat within the lower Puyallup River basin has been altered or destroyed over the last 100 years, and local fish populations have declined. Native fish species that are likely to be found in the study area are listed in Exhibit 4-4. Salmonids in the Puyallup River watershed are a mix of native and introduced stocks. In the study area, all salmonids that migrate to saltwater get there via the Puyallup River.

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Exhibit 4-4 Fish Species in the Study Area Species Federal or State Status Ecological Role

River lamprey FCo1, SC1 Salmonid predator. Lampetra ayresi

Bull trout FT1, SC Overlapping habitat with other salmonids, but Salvelinus confluentus relatively low numbers in the lower watershed. Major fish predator.

Cutthroat trout None for Puget Sound ESU1 Young compete with other salmonids for habitat Oncorhynchus clarki and prey. Adult cutthroat consume fish, including Chinook salmon.

Steelhead/resident rainbow trout Federal Proposed Threatened Overlapping habitat with other salmonids, Oncorhynchus mykiss consume similar prey. Some predation on young salmonids probable.

Chinook salmon FT, SC Wild and hatchery origin compete with other Oncorhynchus tshawytscha salmonids for habitat and prey.

Coho salmon FCo Wild and hatchery origin compete with other Oncorhynchus kisutch salmonids for habitat and prey.

Reticulate sculpin None Inhabits rubble and gravel-bottomed pools and Cottus perplexus riffles of headwaters, creeks and small rivers.

Mountain whitefish None Whitefish provide forage for larger salmonids, Prosopium williamsoni although they provide little competition with trout.

Shorthead sculpin None Some overlap in prey with young salmonids. Cottus confusus

Prickly sculpin None Benthic habitat from shorelines to deep water. Cottus asper Prey competition with young salmonids. Larger sculpins prey on small fish.

Largescale sucker None May compete for food with salmonids, but fry Catostomus macrocheilus also provide forage for salmonids.

Speckled dace None Prefers colder, shallow (< 3 feet deep) water. A Rhinichthys osculus bottom feeder.

Longnose dace None Associate with swift-running water (riffles). Prey Rhinichthys cataractae based in predominately aquatic insect larvae.

Source: WDFW 2003, Wydoski and Whitney 2003. 1 FCo = Federal Species of Concern, FT = Federally Threatened, SC = State Candidate Species, ESU = evolutionarily significant unit. 2 Introduced stock, uncertain whether there was originally a native stock inhabiting this watershed.

Exhibit 4-5 lists salmonid species found in the study area. The mainstems of the middle Puyallup River and lower Carbon Rivers support significant runs of anadromous and resident salmonids including Chinook, coho, pink, chum, and steelhead salmon. Other species found in these rivers include rainbow Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-7

trout, cutthroat trout, and bull trout. Fennel and Canyon Falls Creek also support several fish species. Some fish species are Critical Habitat found in Ball Creek; however, the stream has culverts that are Detailed discussion of ESA critical questionable for fish passage. habitat is provided in Appendix F.

Exhibit 4-5 Study Area Salmonid Distribution Fish Species Winter Bull Cut-Throat Chinook Coho Chum Pink Steelhead Trout Trout Stream Name

Puyallup River R R X S R X X Carbon River S S S R S X X Fennel Creek S R, S S S R,S X Canyon Falls Creek S R, S S S R X Ball Creek R, S R, S

KEY: X = Species Present, S = Spawning, R = Rearing Sources: Williams et al. 1975; WDFW 1998; Kerwin 1999; WDFW 2000; Puyallup Tribal Fisheries 2001; Entranco 2002; WDFW 2003; WDFW 2006; WDFW PHS Data

Puyallup River Habitat is limited on the Puyallup River in the study area by an extensive network of dikes that has been built to control flooding. These dikes reduce wildlife access to the water, decrease shading because vegetation on the levees is periodically thinned or removed, and typically lack vegetative diversity important to the success of fish and wildlife species. The river meanders within the confined area and contains medium to large gravel. River width varies from 100 to 200 feet. There is little overhead or overhanging vegetation due to the broad floodplain gravel bars.

Carbon River The Carbon River is a glacial fed tributary that contributes approximately 30 percent of the water flow to the Puyallup River3. Within the study area, the Carbon River forms a continuous series of long channel split sections. In this lower reach, the river gradient is gradual as it follows the base of the east valley hillside. Excellent pool-riffle conditions offer some

3 Williams et al. 1975. 4-8 Natural Environment of the most productive habitat available for natural salmonid production in the Puyallup River system4.

Fennel Creek Only the lower two miles of Fennel Creek are accessible to anadromous fish due to the presence of Victor Falls. Spawning fish occur up to these falls, including coho salmon, winter steelhead, pink salmon (in odd years), and one of the strongest runs of chum salmon in the Puyallup basin5. Approximately 0.2 mile upstream of the McCutcheon Bridge is a short, left bank, spring fed tributary with excellent spawning gravel which supports high densities of chum salmon each year6. Peak chum spawning occurs from late December to early January6. Chum salmon utilize the entire length of accessible stream for spawning and rearing7. Winter steelhead use Fennel Creek for spawning and rearing (River Mile 0.3 to Victor Falls)7. There is a question of whether resident cutthroat trout still inhabit the stream above Victor Falls. In 1995 cutthroat trout were electrofished8 up to River Mile (RM) 6, but more recent surveys have not detected this species, possibly due to a large fish kill from the release of an agricultural chemical that occurred 8 to 10 years ago9. However, 2005 data indicates cutthroat trout presence up to RM 4 (2 miles upstream of Victor Falls). Sculpins, three-spine sticklebacks, and western brook lamprey are known to occur above the falls9.

Canyon Falls Creek Canyon Falls Creek, up to McCutcheon Road, is used by chum salmon, small runs of coho, Chinook, and pink salmon (in odd years), and winter steelhead. Coho, chum, and steelhead generally spawn and rear from RM 0 to RM 0.8. A private trout

4 Kerwin 1999 5 Williams et at. 1975 and Puyallup Tribal Fisheries 2001 6 Puyallup Tribal Fisheries 2001 7 WDFW 2006 8 AES and RW Beck 1997 9 Entranco 2002 Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-9 hatchery operated by Trout Lodge is located above anadromous fish access but no fish are released into Canyon Falls Creek by the hatchery.

Ball Creek Coho salmon juveniles and spawning adults have been observed in Ball Creek, as well as resident cutthroat trout10. The stream is used by both species for spawning and rearing; however, the habitat quality is generally poor to fair. Stream usage for adult coho extends at least as far as the culvert under Military Road11. A few winter steelhead may also use Ball Creek, but this has not been well documented12. 6 Do any federally listed fish species or federal fish species of concern occur in the project area?

The Puyallup River supports one or more life stages of Chinook salmon and bull trout, which are currently listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Designated critical habitat for Puget Sound Chinook includes the mainstem of the Puyallup and the Carbon Rivers, as well as Fennel Creek (from RM 0 to 2.0) and Canyon Falls Creek (from RM 0 to 0.75). The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists bull trout as a federally threatened species. The White, Carbon, and Puyallup Rivers historically contained both resident and anadromous forms of bull trout and native char species13. The Carbon River is assumed to support a distinct, native stock of bull trout, though little information exists to characterize their status based on distribution and abundance14. Char are present in tributaries of the upper Carbon River, (e.g., Ranger, Chenius, and Ipsut creeks), in Mount Rainer National Park15. USFWS (2005) has designated bull trout critical habitat in the mainstem

10 Entranco 2002 11 Entranco 2002, WDFW 2006 12 Nelson 2003 13 Mongillo 1993; Salo and Jagielo 1983 14 WDFW 1998 15 WDFW 1998 4-10 Natural Environment

of the Puyallup and Carbon Rivers including the study area. However, USFWS has not designated critical habitat for bull trout in any Puyallup River tributaries within the study area, including the study area. On March 26, 2006, Puget Sound steelhead were proposed for Appendix F listing under ESA as a threatened species16. Final determination Appendix F contains additional of whether to list the species is expected in early 2007. The information about existing fish habitat Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia population of coho salmon is conditions. listed as a species of concern by NMFS. 7 Do any state-listed or other state priority fish species occur in the project area?

Priority fish species include all state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species and species of recreational, commercial, or tribal importance that are considered vulnerable. No unique state-listed sensitive, threatened, or endangered fish species occur within the study area. All fish species in the study area with state candidate status also hold a federal designation. Other priority fish that occur within the study area include chum and pink salmon; rainbow/steelhead trout; and coastal cutthroat trout17. 8 How would the alternatives impact fish and aquatic habitat (including threatened and endangered species?)

The build alternatives have the potential to impact salmonids within the Puyallup or Carbon River watersheds, including threatened Chinook salmon and bull trout, since a new or expanded bridge structure is required. Alternatives B and D propose a new or expanded bridge over the Puyallup River and Alternative E proposes to build a new bridge over the Carbon River.

16 NMFS 2005 17 WDFW 2006 Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-11

The new bridge proposed over the Puyallup River for Alternative B would completely span the river channel and not require in-water pier structures while Alternative D may slightly degrade fish habitat in the Puyallup River due to the extension of two existing pier walls in the river channel. Alternative E would require constructing two in-water pier structures to support a new bridge.

Alternatives B and D would add a small amount of overwater Alternative D would widen this bridge, and shading (0.48 acre for Alternative B and 0.17 acre for lengthen the existing pier walls (two of them are located in the Puyallup River Alternative D) over the Puyallup River. Alternative E would channel). add 0.35 acres of shading over the Carbon River. The small area of increased overwater shading for any of the three build alternatives would not be expected to reduce the biological productivity in either river or alter the types and distribution of other organisms present. No changes in fish migration patterns (upstream and downstream movement) would result. Other impacts to fish and aquatic species could occur due to increased impervious surfaces, loss of riparian vegetation, and the potential for erosion and sedimentation from steep slopes. Potential impacts and mitigation for increased impervious surfaces were discussed previously in Question 3. Possible impacts from lost riparian vegetation and erosion are discussed in Questions 9 and 16, respectively. 9 How could impacts to fish and aquatic habitat be mitigated?

Pierce County will adhere to all local Critical Areas Ordinance Appendix F and Shoreline Management Act regulations regarding buffers, Appendix F contains additional mitigation ratios, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation information about potential areas. Prior to construction, the project will undergo Section 7 construction mitigation measures. ESA consultation on any federally listed fish species potentially occurring in the project area. In addition, a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be required prior to the initiation of work below the ordinary high water mark. 4-12 Natural Environment

All in-water work would be restricted to authorized construction periods that exclude periods when juvenile salmon are likely to be present in substantial numbers. Construction would occur during designated work windows, as identified by regulatory agencies, to reduce in-water impacts during periods when returning adult salmon are present. During bridge construction, contractors would use BMPs to avoid unintentional discharge of sediment from the permanent bridge foundation excavation, and a containment system to contain falling debris during construction of the new bridge deck and/or demolition of the existing bridge deck. Contractors would restore temporarily cleared areas to preconstruction grades and replant the areas with appropriate native vegetation. The potential impacts of driving piles or support columns in the Puyallup River could be minimized by several methods. BMPs for sound pressure attenuation during pile driving (e.g., bubble curtains or using alternative placement techniques) could reduce the transmission of energy to the surrounding water, thus minimizing levels that could potentially injure fish. Vegetation and Wildlife

10 What type of vegetation is found in the study area and what wildlife species live there?

Past and present human activities, including timber harvest, residential development and farming practices, have determined the configuration and condition of vegetation cover types currently found in the area. The study area includes five main vegetation cover types: coniferous tree cover (upland only), deciduous tree cover (both upland and riparian), wetlands, agricultural field/grassland and urban matrix. The five main vegetation cover types in and around the study area provide habitat for a wide variety of native animal species, as discussed in the text below.

Coniferous Tree Cover The coniferous tree cover type is mainly found along Fennel and Canyon Falls Creek. Much of Fennel Creek below Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-13

Victor Falls has been devoid of direct human impact for some time and contains mature coniferous forested and riparian systems of high quality for wildlife species. Wildlife species characteristic of the coniferous tree cover type include ruby-crowned kinglets, Steller jays, red-breasted nuthatch, pileated woodpeckers, vagrant shrews, and shrew- moles. Pileated woodpeckers are a state-listed monitor species; maturing coniferous forest located in Fennel Creek and Canyon Falls Creek could provide potential habitat to this species. During winter, coniferous trees provide important cover for a variety of birds, such as black-capped chickadees, Steller’s jays, American robin, and song sparrows.

Deciduous Tree Cover The deciduous tree cover type is scattered throughout the study area and its riparian habitat and associated upland forest habitats are a structurally diverse mixture of plant communities. Canopy cover varies within the forested habitats, reaching its highest values in the conifer-forested areas. The riparian habitat along Fennel Creek, downstream from McCutcheon Road, is mostly fragmented and substantially reduced in size by development. These areas provide minimal cover for large mammal species and moderate cover for small mammals and birds. The smaller trees and shrubs, which have been enhanced by the clearing of large trees, provide some forage and nesting opportunities to riparian associated bird species. There are relatively undisturbed forested and scrub- shrub habitats near the mouth of Fennel Creek. The riparian zone is comprised of mature hardwood trees, some of which contain nesting cavities18. Some wildlife trails were observed along the creek and it is likely that this area is utilized as a travel corridor between upstream and downstream habitats. Canopy cover within these areas is moderate and a substantial growth of shrubs has developed, providing food and cover for wildlife species. Much of the surface soils contain a high

18 Foster Wheeler 1999 4-14 Natural Environment

degree of larger organic matter, advantageous for amphibian and invertebrate species19. Wildlife species associated with the deciduous tree cover type include a variety of songbirds and raptors, small mammals, and a few species of amphibians and reptiles. Deciduous trees and shrubs provide nesting habitat, cover, and forage for songbirds such as warbling vireos, orange-crowned warblers, song sparrows, spotted towhees, black-throated gray warblers, black-headed grosbeaks, and western tanagers. Large hardwood trees in the area could provide nesting sites for large bird species such as osprey, great blue heron, and bald eagle. Large cottonwoods present in this cover type are particularly important as perch and nest sites for raptors, such as red-tailed hawks and bald eagles, which are a federally listed threatened species. Amphibians and reptiles expected to occur in the deciduous tree cover type include common garter snakes and possibly ensatinas (salamanders).

Wetlands Several large forested wetland systems are present in the study area, varying considerably in the density of vegetation cover. Other wetlands in the study area are smaller, and include forested, shrub, emergent and aquatic bed habitats. Wildlife species characteristic of wetlands in and along the study area include great blue herons, mallards, Canada geese, belted kingfishers, red-winged blackbirds, willow flycatchers, Bewick’s wrens, Pacific treefrogs, and western terrestrial and common garter snakes. Some of the emergent wetlands provide habitat for Canada geese, striped skunks, long-tailed weasels, creeping voles, Townsend’s moles, vagrant shrews, Townsend’s voles, and northwestern garter snakes. Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers are expected to prey on garter snakes and small mammals in open areas. The open water components of some of the wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl such as mallards, gadwalls, and buffleheads.

19 Foster Wheeler 1999 Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-15

Agricultural Fields and Grasslands The agricultural fields and grasslands cover type occurs at the base of the hillside east of the Puyallup River, just north of Rhodes Lake Road, including several large regular waterfowl concentration areas in wetlands, farm ponds, and flooded pastures. Also, some cottonwood swamps with open water areas and flooded pastures have seasonal use by small concentrations of waterfowl, deer, and raptors. On the hillside itself are many other areas with large patches of natural vegetation that provide wildlife habitat. Much of the study area in the Puyallup River valley bottom is composed of agricultural cropland, raising grasses and hay, flowers, and row crops. In some cases this habitat co-occurs with wetlands. Areas that are often inundated by water provide habitat for waterfowl. Songbirds (warblers and song sparrows) may be present in areas adjacent to shrubs. Other species potentially present include swallows, killdeer, garter snakes, voles, and Pacific tree frogs. Red-tailed hawks likely use these areas for foraging.

Urban Matrix The urban matrix cover type contains a mix of buildings, asphalt, ornamental gardens, lawns, and shrubby/grassy areas with scattered trees. Naturally occurring trees are deciduous, such as big leaf maple, which are generally 20 to 40 feet tall. Dominant shrubs are Himalayan blackberry, Scot’s broom, and a variety of ornamental species. Unmaintained grassy areas are dominated by non-native pasture species. This cover type is concentrated in the area immediately north of Rhodes Lake, the area immediately east of Angeline Road, the area immediately south of SR 410, and several areas adjacent to SR 162. Wildlife species present in the urban areas are habitat generalists that are adapted to a wide variety of conditions. Characteristic species include European starlings, American robins, American crows, dark-eyed juncos, spotted towhees, house finches, house sparrows, black-capped chickadees, opossums, raccoons, deer mice, and Norway rats. 4-16 Natural Environment

11 Are there any Priority Vegetation and Wildlife Species found in the study area?

According to the Washington Natural Heritage Information System, one Washington state sensitive plant species has been identified in the project vicinity. Bog clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata) has been identified near the north side of Rhodes Lake. There are several priority wildlife species potentially present in the study area. These include the following: Appendix F Appendix F contains additional ▪ Western pond turtle – a federal species of concern and a information about impacts to wildlife state listed endangered species. and vegetation in the study area. ▪ Great blue heron – a state monitor species20. ▪ Pileated woodpecker – a state monitor species20. ▪ Red-tailed hawk – a species afforded special protection by Pierce County. 12 How would the alternatives impact vegetation and wildlife?

Removing vegetation on undeveloped land and converting it to a roadway and associated facilities (i.e., stormwater ponds or outfalls) would cause the permanent loss of wildlife habitat. The three build alternatives would require removing vegetation as shown in Exhibit 4-6.

Exhibit 4-6 Vegetation Removed in Acres Vegetation Type Alternative B Alternative D Alternative E

Riparian (Stream Buffer) 0.31 1.98 0.36

Forested Areas 15.6 38.8 34.2

Alternative B would remove 0.31 acre of riparian vegetation in What is riparian vegetation? the stream buffer along the Puyallup River for the new bridge Riparian vegetation is vegetation that approaches. This area contains few mature trees and is not grows in or along streams or other freshwater sources.

20 WDW 1991 Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-17 expected to impact large woody debris recruitment or temperature in the Puyallup River. Alternative D would remove 1.98 acres of riparian vegetation along the Puyallup River and Canyon Falls Creek for stream crossings. Alternative D is not expected to impact the Puyallup River; however it might have some impact on riparian functions such as changing the amount of large woody debris and stream shading along Canyon Falls Creek where large mature trees are located. Alternative E would remove 0.36 acres of riparian vegetation in the stream buffer for the new bridge across the Carbon River. Alternative B would remove 15.6 acres, Alternative D would remove 38.8 acres, and Alternative E would remove 34.2 acres of coniferous or deciduous tree vegetation. Since much of the study area is forest, a loss in forest habitat has the potential to result in a slight reduction of the number of animals that would be able to live in the project area. Overall population levels of common animals could be slightly reduced in the immediate project area. Although the nests or dens of some smaller animals (e.g., squirrels, raccoon, and birds) may be impacted by the vegetation clearing, it is expected that these impacts would be relatively minor since the right-of-way width would be less than 100 feet and equivalent habitat (including nesting and foraging habitat) is present directly adjacent to either side of Alternatives B, D or E. Building the new roadway could further fragment the existing forested lands and result in an increase in invasive plant species and disturbances such as noise, pollution, and light. These disturbances may decrease nesting and foraging opportunities for birds, small and large mammals. Fragmentation of habitat could also increase the rate of road kills as wildlife cross the roadway to use previously connected habitat. With the exception of the bald eagle nest near the mouth of Fennel Creek, no federal or state listed bird or mammal species are known to be present within or immediately adjacent to the proposed Alternatives B, D, or E. A bald eagle communal roost site was reported in 1988 and 1989 about 1.5 miles east of downtown Orting. 4-18 Natural Environment

Construction of Alternative B, D, or E would increase noise, dust, erosion and sedimentation, and visual disturbance that could impact vegetation and wildlife while the project is being built. 13 How could impacts to vegetation and wildlife be mitigated?

Impacts to vegetation and wildlife would be mitigated as required by regulatory requirements outlined in Pierce County’s shoreline code and critical areas ordinance. Prior to construction, the project will undergo Section 7 ESA consultation on any federally listed wildlife species potentially occurring within the project area. In addition, compensatory mitigation would be incorporated into project design where required to provide equivalent or improved buffer functions. Mitigation design has not been completed, but would incorporate both riparian and wetland buffer enhancement to replace the lost vegetation and habitat functions as well as in-stream fish habitat enhancement. Final mitigation site/s would be chosen from locations within the Puyallup or Carbon watersheds that could benefit from enhancement. Specific mitigation activities that would be included regardless of the specific site chosen for compensatory mitigation are listed below: ▪ Permanent clearing would be kept to the minimum required for operation of the roadway and bridge. ▪ A portion of the stormwater system included in the road design would infiltrate water from the road surface and trap sediments, nutrients, and toxics. This stormwater system would partially mitigate loss of infiltration and sediment/nutrient/toxic trapping functions currently provided by the wetland and stream buffers and the soils along the right-of-way. ▪ All of the proposed mitigation options (or any combination of options) would include replanting of native trees and Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-19

shrubs to offset the loss of vegetation in the wetland and riparian buffer. These trees and shrubs are intended (on maturity) to provide habitat for wildlife, to provide a source of large woody debris, organic material, and nutrients for study area waterbodies, to shade the streams and stabilize their banks, and to provide overhanging vegetation. ▪ Timing restrictions for bald eagles will be implemented during construction along any nest or wintering sites. All construction activities would take place within the permanently filled or cleared areas. To the extent possible, construction activities would be designed to minimize impacts to vegetation and wildlife. BMPs would be implemented to avoid or minimize construction impacts to vegetation and wildlife. Wetlands

14 Are there wetlands located in the study area?

The majority of the wetlands in the study area were identified by the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) and the Pierce County wetland database. The remaining wetlands were identified through reconnaissance-level field investigation and other resources. Project area wetlands are shown on Exhibit 4-1. Most of the wetlands within the western portion of the project area are associated with the Puyallup River, Fennel Creek, and Canyon Falls Creek. According to the Cowardin classification system, these wetlands would be considered “riverine” wetlands, or freshwater wetlands that are associated with rivers. Most of these wetlands are classified as palustrine forested wetland systems, which contain trees, shrubs, and emergent plant species. Forested wetlands in these areas are located along the fringe of the of the rivers banks and typically contain deciduous species such as black cottonwood and red alder. Shrub species within forested or shrub-dominated wetlands include willow, dogwood, salmonberry, twinberry, and spirea. Emergent plant species within these wetlands tend to include reed canary grass, giant horsetail, soft rush, creeping 4-20 Natural Environment

buttercup, and lady fern. Forested riverine wetlands provide bank stabilization, base flow support to the stream during dry summer months, organic matter (in the form of leaves and branches which supports aquatic invertebrates that are, in turn eaten by fish), and they help maintain water temperature. The wetlands associated with the major rivers and streams within the project area would likely be classified as riverine flow-through systems. Some portions of the same wetland systems may also be classified as slope wetlands as they extend up the slope along the eastern edge of the Puyallup River valley bottom. Other types of wetlands within the western portion of the study area include open water, shrub, emergent, and farmed wetlands. Wetlands that contain open water habitat are typically remnant ox-bows from river meanders or wetland mitigation areas. Shrub wetlands are typically comprised of willow species and emergent wetlands contain a predominance of reed canarygrass and soft rush. Farmed wetlands are those areas that are farmed but still have wetland hydrology. Wetland hydrology is controlled by regular maintenance activities such as ditching and draining but once these maintenance activities cease, these areas revert back to wetland condition. Several small shrub wetland pockets are located along the Canyon Falls Creek corridor. These small wetland areas are located in a heavily forested area and are generally less than 0.01 acre in size. With the exception of the wetlands associated with Rhodes Lake, wetlands within the eastern portion of the study area are isolated. There are approximately 10 isolated small-to- medium sized wetlands (less than 5 acres in size). Isolated wetlands are those that are not connected to another wetland or surface water feature. These wetlands contain forested, shrub, What is a palustrine wetland? emergent, or open water habitats. Palustrine wetlands are areas such as marshes, swamps, and floodplains Wetlands associated with Rhodes Lake include palustrine that lack flowing water. shrub, emergent, and open water habitats. This is a large Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-21

complex wetland system that provides a great deal of water quality/quantity, wildlife habitat and sediment retention. The Army Corps of Engineers regulates some roadside ditches, called “jurisdictional ditches”. These are existing wetland or upland ditches but are connected to other wetlands, streams, or other Waters of the United States. Jurisdictional ditches may be present adjacent to existing roadways including Rhodes Lake Road, McCutcheon Road E., 128th Street E., 160th Street E., and Bridge Street SE near the Carbon River. 15 How would the alternatives impact wetlands?

Alternative B would not result in any long-term impacts to wetlands or wetland buffer areas. Alternative D would clear vegetation and fill a small amount of shrub and forested wetland and buffer patches (0.11 acre) along Canyon Falls Creek as shown in Exhibit 4-1. This wetland area provides some habitat for wildlife, but serves to provide some base flow support to Canyon Falls Creek during spring and summer months. Removing a portion of this wetland could contribute to a reduction in base flow support and organic matter input to Canyon Falls Creek. Alternative E would fill and excavated 0.55 acres of shrub and forested wetland and buffer areas as a result of widening 160th Street E as show in Exhibit 4-1. This would have a minimal impact on local wildlife species. However, widening the roadway may result in hydrologic impacts to the wetlands if it shifts the direction where surface water flows. Constructing any of the build alternatives could result in temporary construction related impacts to wetlands and buffers including erosion, sedimentation, and vegetation loss. Prior to starting clearing activities the construction limits would be established. All temporarily cleared or disturbed wetland or buffer areas would be replanted with appropriate native vegetation. The primary anticipated construction-related impacts on wetlands and buffers would result from vegetation removal, soil disturbance, and compaction from construction vehicles. 4-22 Natural Environment

16 How could impacts to wetlands be mitigated?

Typical mitigation measures for wetlands that would be required during design include shifting the location of the Where can I find more information about wetland mitigation? roadway to avoid wetlands or high quality buffer areas. Other Appendix F contains additional design considerations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for information about wetland mitigation wetland or buffer impacts include: requirements. ▪ Designing retaining walls where feasible to avoid or minimize additional fill in wetlands. ▪ Reducing the road width. ▪ Spanning wetland areas by bridges. ▪ Elevating bridge structures high enough to avoid long-term shading impacts to vegetation. Construction mitigation measures include using BMPs such as staking the wetland and buffer areas prior to beginning any clearing activity, and installing a sediment fence and orange barrier fence at the edge of the construction limit to avoid damage to wetlands or buffers located adjacent to the construction areas. The temporary erosion and sedimentation control plan should be revised throughout the duration of the project and updated as necessary in order to protect all natural resources in the project area. Restoration of wetland and buffer areas with native vegetation and monitoring the success of the planting would also be a required mitigation activity. If the project eliminates (i.e., by filling or excavating) a wetland then it is required to mitigate, or replace the wetland at a certain replacement ratio. The replacement ratio is the amount of new wetland area required to be constructed for each acre of wetland lost. The replacement ratios are shown in Exhibit 4-7 for the various categories of wetlands.

Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-23

Exhibit 4-7 Pierce County Wetland Replacement Ratio and Potential Mitigation Requirements Replacement Ratio (area of new Wetland Category wetland: lost wetland)

Category I 6:1

Category II 3:1

Category III 2:1 Category IV 1:5:1

Alternative B would not permanently impact any wetlands or buffers. Using the above replacement rations, the mitigation requirements could be up to 0.66 acre for Alternative D and up to 3.3 acres for Alternative E. These figures are assuming that the filled wetlands are Category I; generally those wetlands associated with the Puyallup River, Fennel Creek, and Canyon Falls Creek. Note that the impact areas shown above are a combination of both wetland and buffer areas; therefore, the amount of required wetland mitigation would be less than 0.66 or 3.3 acres of wetland mitigation. Potential mitigation sites in the western portion of the study area could be located within farmed wetland or historic ox bows near the Puyallup River. Appropriate wetland mitigation areas within the eastern portion of the project area could be associated with existing wetland areas or wetland or buffer areas that have been disturbed from past land use activities. Federal, state, and local agencies may approve combining mitigation at one site. It is desirable to develop a mitigation site or sites in areas that would develop wetland hydrology without significant grading operations or alterations. Any unforeseen temporary or incidental impact areas in a wetland would be restored to pre-construction condition (e.g., fill removed using hand tools) and replanted with appropriate native wetland species. All trees fallen within wetlands or wetland buffers would be left in place (where practicable) to provide large woody debris and to serve as habitat features. BMPs would also be used to limit construction impacts. 4-24 Natural Environment Geology, Soils, Erosion, and Groundwater

17 What soils are found in the study area?

Glacial activities over the last 2 million years have played a large role in shaping the land and soil found in the Rhodes Lake Road study area. The soil in the eastern portion of the corridor on the Orting Plateau is mainly glacial drift and till deposited during the Vashon Stade of the Fraser Glaciation between 16,000 to 13,000 years ago. These soils are very compact and contain gravel and cobbles mixed in with silt and sand. The soils on the top of the Vashon deposits have changed over time, shaped by the topography, climate, and vegetation, but generally still have many of the characteristics of the Appendix G underlying glacial deposits. As the study area moves from the Appendix G contains additional information about geologic units Orting Plateau toward the Puyallup River Valley, the glacial mapped in the study area. drift along the east valley wall becomes stratified – arranged into layers. In the Puyallup River Valley, much of the soil was deposited by the Electron Mudflow or an alluvial deposit. The Electron Mudflow originated on Mount Rainier and was triggered when a section of the mountain collapsed about 550 years ago21. Alluvial soil in the project area is made up of gravel, sand, silt, and clay that has been deposited by the Puyallup River or its tributaries. These deposits made the soil in the Puyallup River Valley good for agriculture. Other geologic units are present in the study area, particularly along tributaries such as Fennel Creek. 18 Are there any geologic hazards located in the study area?

Erosion and Landslide Hazard Areas Steep and unstable slopes present erosion and landslide hazards in several locations in the Rhodes Lake Road study area. For the routes proposed for Alternatives B and D, steep slopes are located between the mouths of Fennel Creek and Canyon Falls Creek. For Alternative E, the steep slopes are located along the

21 http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Rainier/Lahars/Historical/description/electron.html Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-25 east side of the Carbon River. Land that has a slope of 15 percent or more is considered a steep slope.

Volcanic Hazard Areas Exhibit 4-8 Major Faults in the Puget The Rhodes Lake Road study area is located in a volcanic Sound hazard zone. Mount Rainier is situated about 30 miles directly southeast of the study area. An eruption could trigger mud and debris flows (lahars) that would inundate the Puyallup River Valley floor. This has happened before as recorded by the Electron and Osceola Mudflow deposits found in the area. Evacuation plans in the study area have been developed by Pierce County and the City of Orting in case of a volcanic event. The Rhodes Lake Road Corridor might be considered in future emergency planning efforts as a route to higher ground in the event of a mudflow.

Seismic Hazard Areas The Rhodes Lake Road study area is also located in a seismic hazard area. There are several major fault lines in the Puget Sound region as shown in Exhibit 4-8. Faults are cracks Data Source – Gower et al. 1985. in the earth’s crust where movement has occurred and could http://www.pnsn.org/INFO_GENERAL/puget occur again in the future. Large earthquakes can also occur -faults.html deep beneath the Pacific Ocean off the Washington coast in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This zone is where the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate is sliding under the continental crust or North American plate. The shaking experienced during an earthquake could cause steep slopes in the study area to fail or soil to liquefy. Once a preferred alternative has been selected, additional investigations would be needed to identify the slopes that could fail in an earthquake. However, the overall risk of an earthquake causing steep slopes to fail is likely low to moderate. The Puyallup River Valley floor, the lower reach of Appendix G Fennel Creek, and the soil around Rhodes Lake have a high Appendix G contains additional potential to liquefy in an earthquake. The overall risk of information about geologic hazards and potential soil erosion. liquefaction in the rest of the project area is low. 4-26 Natural Environment

19 How would the project impact the potential for soil erosion and sedimentation?

For Alternative B, 10.4 acres of steep slopes between the mouths of Fennel Creek and Canyon Falls Creek will be disturbed during construction. For Alternative D, 23.4 acres of steep slopes between the mouths of Fennel Creek and Canyon Falls Creek would be disturbed. Approximately 23.3 acres of steep slopes would be disturbed for the proposed Alternative E route as it rises sharply on the east side of the Carbon River. The placement of a roadway prism along steep areas increases the risk of slope failures, slides, and mass wasting. However, all of the alternatives would be engineered with properly angled cut and fill slopes and other design features (e.g., retaining walls) to minimize or eliminate the risk of slope failure. Sediment delivery to study area streams from construction or long-term operations of Alternative B, D, or E would not occur on a scale large enough to adversely impact aquatic life. 20 How can we mitigate against soil erosion and sedimentation?

BMPs would be implemented during construction to keep the potential for erosion low. BMPs could include restricting activities that require moving soil to drier seasons, limiting the amount of area that can be cleared, using silt fencing, and revegetating or covering cleared areas as soon as possible. Any cuts made or steep slopes encountered would be identified during the design of the preferred alternative and would be stabilized during construction. Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-27

21 What are the groundwater conditions in the study area?

Groundwater conditions in the study area can be generally defined by three aquifers (water bearing zones) separated by two aquitards (low permeable units which water does not easily pass through). Groundwater on the Orting Plateau migrates primarily toward the north, and this groundwater forms the springs that feed Canyon Falls Creek. Along a short segment of both alternatives D and E, an aquifer is near the surface within the sand and gravel deposits that overlay the low permeable glacial till. 22 Would the project change groundwater conditions? The project would create new impervious surface area where the roadway is built. This could change groundwater infiltration slightly. However, the project is not expected to create any noticeable changes to groundwater recharge. Groundwater would likely be encountered cuts required for Alternative E and possibly Alternative D, depending on where cuts are made near Canyon Falls Creek. Additional groundwater investigation would be performed for any of the build alternatives to ensure that their earthwork activities would not intercept major groundwater zones. Exhibit 4-9 Hazardous Materials Sites

E MEADE-MCCUMBER R D W E E E S U S R N

E T E

Sumner U 4 T V 1 D N A A

0 R E P E E H V 0 S P 4 1 T A Bonney Lake S R R 8 S 1 E H H BONNEY LAKE BLV D 2 R I Y V T W E R M S 6 H I D Y

T E 6 7 4 R D E 1 E E U D E

N R E I E

E I R U R A V P

N L S A L E E N N V 8 0 T H E 7 8 T H S T E T C O A S R D CHURCH LAKE R D U E K H C

A T L 4 O 1 L H

C 2 PIONEER WAY E R U C H KELLY LAKE RD E L E Y K H

C W W N E R - B U

M Y U E

S

D R

R S

E U M E E N N W Y I H Puyallup D E Y I L E R - K L

S B E U C

R E G

E U N N V A

I E V R 9 6 T H S T . E A E S R 4 1 H D 0 E 9 6 T H S T E T R 4 R 8 E 1 N E N I

O L E 2 E S R 4 E 1 0 E 6

G E H 1 U N C A N R

T E S

U

V C C

A C C

M M H T 4 1 2

S O U T H E P R

D R A R R I H 1 1 2 T H S T . E R O I E N D R MILITARY RD E O E D E S L A H K E T C R U

C

C C Richard B Large M T E T H S Trucking Inc. Rhodes Lake Road Drum 1 2 0 T H S T . E 1 2 0

E

E

U

Alternative B N

E

V

A

H

T R 1 2 8 8 T H S T E D

9

1 E G G R McMillin Store D

I I

D

R R G G

E E I E W W R I

O O A

O O R P

D

Alternative D

S Kenneth D Scholz R

1

6

2

E 1 4 4 T H S T . E

E Y W

R E E N O I P 2 - 1 6 R Alternative E S

Orting Road Drums S R 1 6 2 E W A S C H O I R N R G Drug Laboratory I T N O N A G Orting Feed and Supply O T H S I A L R

A M

C A N Orting W

S R

1 6 2

E

Data Sources Ecology Databases, Pierce County Assessor’s Database Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-29

Hazardous Materials

23 Are there any potentially contaminated sites in the study area? Seven potentially contaminated sites were identified in the study area as shown in Exhibit 4-9. Alternative B would both cross near the Rhodes Lake Road Drum site where a single dumped drum was removed by Ecology in 1992. Alternative B would also be located near the Richard B Large Trucking site, which is on Ecology’s underground storage tank (UST) list22. Near the west end of Alternative D, the McMillin Store site is on the UST list as well as on the leaking underground storage tank (LUST) list. The McMillin Store LUST site is listed as being in the process of being closed. A drug lab, Orting Feed and Supply, and Orting Road Drums were reported near the alignment for Alternative E. According to Ecology records, the drug lab and Orting Road Drums are inactive hazardous waste generator sites and Orting Feed and Supply is listed as an inactive UST site. 24 Would the project impact any hazardous materials sites? When the preferred alternative is identified, additional investigation of the sites identified above along the alignment should be completed to determine the risk of encountering hazardous materials during construction.

22 Ecology, Washington State Department of, 2006. http://eee.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/SiteLists.htm. Accessed May 4, 2006. Exhibit 4-10 Air Quality Maintenance Areas

E MEADE-MCCUMBER R D W E E E S U S R N

E T E

Sumner U 4 T V 1 D N A A

0 R E P E E H V 0 S P 4 1 T A Bonney Lake S R R 8 S 1 E H H BONNEY LAKE BLV D 2 R I Y V T W E R M S 6 H I D Y

T E 6 7 4 R D E 1 E E U D E

N R E I E

E I R U R A V P

N L S A L E E N N V 8 0 T H E 7 8 T H S T E T C O A S R D CHURCH LAKE R D U E K H C

A T L 4 O 1 L H

C 2 PIONEER WAY E R U C H KELLY LAKE RD E L E Y K H

C W W N E R - B U

M Y U E

S

D R

R S

E U M E E N N W Y I H Puyallup D E Y I L E R - K L

S B E U C

R E G

E U N N V A

I E V R 9 6 T H S T . E A E S R 4 1 H D 0 E 9 6 T H S T E T R 4 R 8 E 1 N E N I

O L E 2 E S R 4 E 1 0 E 6

G E H 1 U N C A N R

T E S

U

V C C

A C C

M M H T 4 1 2

S O U T H E P R

D R A R R I H 1 1 2 T H S T . E R O I E N D R MILITARY RD E O E D E S L A H K E T C R U

C C C

M M T E T H S 1 2 0 T H S T . E 1 2 0

E

E

U

Alternative B N

E

V

A

H

T R 1 2 8 8 T H S T E D

9

1 E

G G R D

I I

D

R R G G

E E I E W W R I

O O A

O O R P

D

Alternative D

S

R

1

6

2

E 1 4 4 T H S T . E

E Y W

R E E N O I P 2 - 1 6 R Alternative E S

S R 1 6 2 E W A S C H O I R N R G I T N O N A G O T H S I A L R

A M

C A N Orting W

S R

1 6 2

E

Data Source Carbon Monoxide and Ozone Maintenance Area Base Data, Air Quality, PSRC Rhodes Lake Road Corridor Study Draft Programmatic EIS 4-31 Air Quality

25 What is air quality like in the study area? Who regulates air quality? The Rhodes Lake Road study area is in attainment for all Air quality is regulated by the U.S. pollutants of concern, which means that air pollutant Environmental Protection Agency concentrations are at or below acceptable levels established for (EPA), the Washington State carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter less than Department of Ecology, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. National 10 micrometers in size and less than 2.5 micrometers in size Ambient Air Quality Standards (PM10, PM2.5), ozone, sulfur dioxide, lead, and nitrogen (NAAQS) developed by EPA under dioxide. A small portion of the study area is located in the the Clean Air Act establish pollutant concentration levels that should not be 23 Puget Sound CO maintenance area as shown in Exhibit 4-10 . exceeded. A CO maintenance area is a region where the CO air quality standard was previously not being met but has since attained compliance. 26 Would the alternatives impact air quality in the study area?

Future air pollution levels in the study area are expected to be lower than levels established in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the Baseline Alternative and Alternatives B, D, and E. The volume of traffic in the study area would be the same for the Baseline Alternative or the three build alternatives. However, Alternatives B, D, and E would improve the distribution of traffic compared to the Baseline Alternative. For the project-level EIS, Pierce County would examine CO concentrations at intersections located within the CO maintenance area to determine compliance and conformity with regional requirements established through the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program. During construction of the build alternatives, dust and emissions from construction equipment could impact areas near construction areas. Best management practices (BMPs) such as watering down dusty areas would be implemented as needed to minimize the potential for impacts to nearby areas.

23 Environmental Protection Agency 2006