SEPA RULES
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: Wanapum Dam Lower Boat Launch Improvement Project.
RCW 197-11-970
MITIGATED
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: Wanapum Dam Lower Boat Launch Improvement Project.
The proposed project includes improvements to the existing boat launch and float, and provides wave attenuation features. The proposed improvements will provide a safer launching condition, provide a launch float for boat launching and retrieval with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, and allow for use of the facility at all historical reservoir elevations (at least 99.5% of the historical measured low water elevations). Site users will also be provided with river view opportunities, picnic tables, and a vault restroom. The proposal includes demolition of existing structures, including the asphalt parking area, boat ramp blanks, Jersey barriers, and concrete bulkheads. Proposed improvements include installation of ADA parking stalls, asphalt parking lot, new launch ramp, new launch floats, wave protection jetty, cast-in-place concrete abutment, single concrete vault toilet, trails, stormwater handling improvements, boulder barriers, and various signage and trash receptacles.
The proposal also includes compensatory mitigation using a combination of existing in- and overwater structure removal, including of components of the existing boat launch (concrete bulkheads, concrete jersey barriers), previously completed in- and overwater structure removal, and native vegetation planting for project impacts associated with the boat launch. In addition, Grant PUD is proposing to provide expanded buffers to mitigate for buffer impacts from the proposal per Grant County requirements. The proposed mitigation is expected to result in a long-term beneficial effect to habitat conditions along portions of the Columbia River, and is proposed to offset any potential significant adverse impact to the environment.
PROPONENT: Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County
LOCATION OF PROPOSAL, INCLUDING STREET ADDRESS, IF ANY:
The proposed project is located on the left bank (east side) of the Columbia River, immediately downstream from Wanapum Dam, Beverly, Grant County, Washington (Section 17, Township 16 North, Range 23 East). The proposed mitigation sites are located onsite, at Grant PUD’s Cove site, and at Grant PUD’s Airstrip site.
LEAD AGENCY: Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County
The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030 (2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request.
o There is no comment period for this DNS.
o This DNS is issued after using the optional DNS process in WAC 197-11-355. There is no further comment period on the DNS.
6 This DNS is issued under WAC 197–11–340(2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date below. Comments must be submitted by April 28, 2014 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Responsible official: Ross Hendrick
Position/title: License Compliance and Implementation Services Manager
Phone: 509-793-1468
Address: P.O. Box 878
30 C St. SW
Ephrata, WA 98823
Date: 4/14/14 Signature: /s/Ross Hendrick_________________
6 There is no agency appeal.
#04044/3703824
Pub.: April 16 & 23, 2014