Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Environmental Impact Assessment: Boulevard Park Pedestrian Overpass Removal, Alexandra Frederick, Sean Hecker, Taylor Pearson, Erin Rush, Louisa Talmage

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The proposed action for the Boulevard Park Pedestrian Overpass is to remove the wooden structure and reroute the utilities underground. The utilities would be routed underneath the train tracks at the park entrance, connecting to Woods Coffee and up Bayview Drive. Irrigation and sewer will still be routed into the park but electricity, telecommunications and water will be routed out of the park. The utility conduits will be in separate trenches under the tracks. The park restrooms at the north end of the park will be abandoned to reduce utilities demands (especially water, electricity and sewer). Restrooms are still available …

Skagit County Centennial Trail Extension Environmental Impact Statement, Avery Barbera, Kelley Crider, Vance Frenzel, Sam Kaiser, Jennifer Shore

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

Skagit County Parks and Recreation Department has acquired 255 acres of land with the help of Skagit Land Trust and private donors for the purpose of extending the Centennial Trail system, which is currently located throughout Snohomish County. The purpose of the acquisition of these land parcels is to 1) install a new water transmission pipeline from Judy Reservoir (a project done by Skagit Public Utility District) and 2) install a 2.5 mile walking trail on top of the pipeline extending from Clear Lake to Big Rock. This document serves as an analysis of the environmental impacts of the trail …

Environmental Impact Assessment: Cordata Community Park Bellingham, Wa, Christian Berres, Andy Basabe, Katherine Weir, Andrew Graminski

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The City of Bellingham (COB) is in phase I of the Cordata Community Park project. The community park will the newest park located within city limits. Phase I development will include amenities such as age separated playgrounds, picnic areas including a large picnic shelter, parkour, bike pump track, restrooms, parking and trails. Wetland mitigation efforts will be implemented for this project. Landscape planting, extension of utilities, security lighting, and irrigation will be included.

Environmental Impact Assessment Whatcom Waterway Aeration Stabilization Basin, Candice Trusty, Katie Kissinger, Micah Litowitz, Natasha Motley, Shelby Owens

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Port of Bellingham (POB) has a court order with the Washington State Department of Ecology to address several cleanup sites within the Bellingham Waterfront District. The Aeration Stabilization Basin (ASB) is included in the Whatcom Waterway cleanup site due to contaminated sediments within the basin. The POB has plans to remediate the sediments and transform the entire ASB into a marina, but since that original proposal, demand for more boat slips has decreased. The POB is exploring alternative uses for the ASB site and what the environmental impacts of those uses would be.

Environmental Impact Statement For West Horton Road Extension Phase 1, Sarah Anderson, Lucas Dubois, Madeleine Jones, David Simpson, Corey Stever

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

West Horton Road currently dead-ends into a roundabout. The proposed action is to build an extension of road to connect the west terminus of West Horton Road to Aldrich Road to its west. The road extension would feature one traffic lane in each direction, one bike lane in each direction, and sidewalks on both sides.

Environmental Impact Assessment Of: Squalicum Creek Restoration Project, Darren Chromey, Ticika Dominick, Ben Knoot, Irene Munger, Isabelle Ranson

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Squalicum Creek Restoration project seeks to increase the health and vitality of a critical salmon habitat. This can be achieved with the removal of a 350 foot concrete channel currently lining the streambed in this section of the creek. Additionally, the project includes either the complete deconstruction of the BNSF railway crossing the creek, or significant modification of this structure, which currently creates a major obstacle impeding successful native salmon runs.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Waypoint Park, Ana Rae Miller, Caleb Brown, Christopher Pieroni, Kamalani Brun, Madeline Hart

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The COB plans to develop a park along the Whatcom Waterway called Waypoint Park. The park will include the creation of a beach area, native vegetation, open lawn spaces, pedestrian walkways, a play structure and an Acid Ball art piece from the former Georgia Pacific pulp and tissue mill. Waypoint Park will serve to improve shoreline ecological functions, provide public access and recreation opportunities along the waterfront and connect the waterfront to the central business district (CBD) of downtown Bellingham. The park is part of the Waterfront District Subarea Plan (SAP) approved by the Bellingham City Council in December 2013.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Georgia-Pacific Wharf Renovation, Bellingham, Wa, Skye French, Parker Giebelhaus, Joshua Grandbouche, Alex Liebman, Kevin Webber

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Port’s proposal is to remove the existing wharf and replace it with a “seawalk” focused on community engagement, interaction with nature, visitor moorage, and local history. The seawalk will be an extension from the upcoming Waypoint Park and part of the larger Waterfront District subarea plan developed by the Port and City of Bellingham (2013). After replacing the insecure pilings and outdated wharf material, the new wharf would be available for recreational use, natural history interpretive education, shoreline habitat improvement, and community engagement such as art and First Nations’ collaboration. The estimated dimensions of the current wharf are 16 …

Opalco Community Solar Project, Claire Anderson, Rhea CañAs, Jendayi Edmeade, Elijah Merrell, Alyssa Rehwald

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) reached out to its members about their interest in a community solar project. After deciding that there was enough interest, the utility asked solar installers to submit proposals for a ground-mounted solar array. Community solar provides an opportunity for more people to be involved in generating clean energy. OPALCO members can buy a portion of the whole array, and through virtual net metering, receive credits for the energy generated by their portion. While winters in the Pacific Northwest can be cloudy, energy generated during sunny summer days will be stored in a vanadium …

Environmental Impact Assessment Of: Sunset Fish Passage And Energy Project, Emily Swortz, Caitlyn Jobanek, Miles Mayer, Isaiah Wynter, Evan Oster

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1 filled for a preliminary permit with the United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to study the feasibility of a hydroelectric project on the South Fork of the Skykomish River on September 28th, 2011. This small scale hydroelectric project is referred to as the Sunset Fish Passage and Energy Project. By 2015 the FERC had approved the preliminary permit, as well as granted a two-year extension to the Snohomish PUD to continue investigations. In addition to the proposed hydro project, this document suggests an expansion of a pre-existing wind …

Environmental Impact Assessment: Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Addition, Patrick Eckroth, Rose Howe, Neha Malhan, Brandon Nichols, Alise Rector

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The goal of this project is to identify how adding a 45-acre cutout to the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve will impact the local environment. The impacts of two other potential proposals - an alternative and a no action proposal - are also examined. This report will describe all major environmental impacts associated with each of the three different actions. The recommended or preferred action will be determined by analyzing the cumulative impacts from each action. Ultimately, this document can serve as a tool for policymakers as well as students, researchers, and the public.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Proposed Eastern Brook Trout Removal From Hozomeen Lake, Bennet March, Troy Riling-Anderson, Logan Bates-Mundell, Aaron Burkhart, Jennifer Mcdonald

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The North Cascades National Park has proposed the removal of eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from Hozomeen Lake and Hozomeen Creek through the use of the piscicide rotenone to prevent the spread of eastern brook trout into the habitat of the ESA listed bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Two treatments of rotenone will be applied over two successive years, followed by monitoring through 2024.

Freestad Lake Estuary Restoration: Environmental Impact Assessment, Alex Westcott, Amanda Smith, Angela Ralston, Keelin Balzaretti, Kimberly Kreis

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this environmental impact assessment is to assess and evaluate a restoration along the northeast side of Samish Island in Skagit Valley, WA. Freestad Lake, a human-made saltwater lagoon, is to be restored to a pocket estuary. Our environmental assessment team discusses the resulting effects on natural and built elements of the environment, with special focus on Earth, Water, and Plants & Animals. As it is in the interest of the land owner and all involved parties to reestablish pocket estuary functions, our team aimed to evaluate the effects of the proposed project on the environment and conclude …

Environmental Impact Assessment: Maddox Creek Culvert Removal And Habitat Restoration Project, Madison Dontigny, Thomas Hart, Alexa Jones, Josh Ludden, Maura Mckole

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The EIA was completed as a class project for the ESCI 493 class of Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University in regards to a culvert removal proposal to help restore inaccessible salmonid habitat. A group of students performed an analysis of the environmental impacts that will arise from removing the culvert to open up fish passage making spawning and rearing habitat available for coho salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout. The proposed project is to remove an eroding 6-foot diameter by 210-foot long culvert pipe that is acting as a fish passage barrier to traditional spawning and …

Geri Fields Turf Improvement Project Environmental Impact Statement Bellingham, Wa, Willie Bethel, Courtney Langer, Kristi Mellum, Greg Richardson, Ryan Watson

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is to investigate the potential environmental impacts of upgrading the baseball fields at the Frank Geri Ball Fields (FGBF) complex from natural grass to synthetic turf. This would increase the year-round availability of the fields for recreational purposes. This assessment includes analysis of the proposed action in question, as well as an alternative action and a no action plan as mandated by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

The proposed action is to upgrade all four fields at the FGBF complex from their natural grass surface to a synthetic turf playing surface, …

Environmental Impact Assessment Fever Creek Bridge Replacement, Analissa Merrill, Gus Landefeld, Kyle Easton, Shiloh Britt, Novella Randall

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of replacing the Fever Creek pedestrian bridge is to provide a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible bridge running east to west between Superior Street and Michigan Street. Currently there is no pedestrian bridge connecting the trail that comes from the E Illinois Street Right of Way (ROW) and crosses Fever Creek. The former bridge was removed primarily due to public safety concerns, as it saw heavy use by elementary school children who would walk from their homes in the Roosevelt and Alabama Hill neighborhoods. This document will examine the impacts of reconstructing the bridge and consider two different …

Whatcom Transportation Authority: Wwu Shuttle Bus Analysis, Shelby Kremenich, Jocelyn Murphy, Rachel Ohnemus, Lucas Robinson

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this environmental impact assessment is to evaluate the current conditions of WTA bus routes that service the Western Washington University campus. This assessment also weighs the impacts of alternatives to determine possible ways to address issues with the current conditions, and analyzes the affected environments concerning the existing conditions and alternatives, which include, but are not limited to air, water runoff, energy and natural resources, transportation, public services and utilities, and environmental health. The objectives of this project are to:

• Relieve congestion of WWU routes during peak hours,

• Reduce environmental impacts by finding greener alternatives …

Hypothetical Proposed Hale Passage Salmon Aquaculture Site: Environmental Impact Assessment, Jordan Wrigley, Danny Ashley, Kathryn Lewis, Michaela Paeth, Mikaela Richardson, Shauna Brennan

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Hale Passage Salmon Aquaculture Site is a hypothetical Atlantic salmon aquaculture site located within the coastal waters of the Salish Sea in Whatcom County, Washington. The proposed operation would include two 20x40 meter net pens sited within Hale Passage between Lummi Island and Lummi Nation, eastsoutheast of the ferry route.

Environmental Impact Assessment For Hermann Brothers Logging & Construction, Inc Wood-Based Solids Depot, Danika Kraft, Jacob Jones, Sam West, Noah Braley

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this document is to explore the potential environmental impacts of adding a wood milling facility to an industrial lumber yard. The goal of the facility is to produce a finely milled wood flour that can be used in processes such as the production of wood pellets for fuel or chemical processes such as enzymatic hydrolysis, a process that turns wood sugars into a liquid fuel. The target for this projects is the Hermann Brothers log yard located southwest of the City of Port Angeles, at 404 Eclipse W Dr, Port Angeles, WA 98363. Hermann Brothers is a …

Port Townsend Liquids Depot: Environmental Impact Assessment Of A Biofuels Facility On The Port Townsend Paper Corporation Site, Andrea Brudnicki, Ashley Cabe, Sean Petersmark, Bret Stevens

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been compiled in accordance to the Washington State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). Its purpose is to analyze and determine the environmental, social, and economic impacts of co-locating a liquid depot facility at the pre-existing Port Townsend Paper Corporation. The Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) has proposed the project, which is siting a liquids depot on land owned by the PTPC. This EIA will analyze all potential significant impacts produced by the proposal and consider all elements as outlined by SEPA.

Restoring Generating Capacity Of Diablo Hydroelectric Project By Dredging The Confluence Of Stetattle Creek And Gorge Reservoir, Diablo, Wa, Hailey Beres, Kandyce Napoleon, Jordan Johnson, Bjorn Ostenson

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Proposed Action is to dredge 19,500 cubic yards of substrate from the alluvial fan of Stetattle Creek as it enters Gorge Reservoir. The Alternative Action is to widen the alluvial fan of Stetattle Creek. This action would require the removal of a portion of the town of Diablo. The No Action Alternative maintains the conditions currently observed, in both the natural and built environment.

Proposed Reintroduction Of Fishers In The North Cascades National Park Environmental Impact Assessment, Cameron Coronado, Monica Tonty, Wiley Chubb, Chris Foss, Spencer Ward

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The proposed action is the reintroduction of fishers in the North Cascades. Approximately 160 fishers will be translocated from British Columbia to the North Cascades over a four to six year period. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the National Park Service (NPS), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have proposed this action.

Squalicum Creek Re-Route, Lisa Sulenes, Dylan Peterson, Katherine Hales, Cecily Kowitz, Skylar Sumner

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

Squalicum Creek is one of the largest independent drainages in Whatcom County, draining most of Northern Bellingham. The creek originates in the Cascade foothills and empties into Bellingham Bay. Squalicum Creek has the highest potential for high water quality and productive fish habitat within the Bellingham city limits. The location of the creek is shown in Figure 1 with the reach addressed in this document highlighted as the Project Area. Current conditions within the project area impede fish passage and provide few spawning areas. In addition, Bug Lake and Sunset Pond currently create the highest thermal loading in Squalicum Creek. …

Holiday Inn At The Bellingham International Airport: Environmental Impact Assessment, Sara Scott, Tara Newman, Kelsey England, Ilsa Barrett, Matt Fuget

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The Bellingham International Airport located in Bellingham, Washington in Whatcom County, has a history dating back to 1941 and is currently owned by the Port of Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham is currently looking to expand its property and is opening up to commercial users in order to create jobs and economic growth within the community. They have a current project underway with the Hotel Services Group, LLC to implement the construction of a hotel. The main objective is to construct a Holiday Inn Brand hotel next to the Bellingham International Airport in order to provide convenient lodging for travelers. …

Squalicum Creek Park - Phase Iii, Seth Norell Bader, Pamela Griswold, Nora Jagielo, Sabrina Romano, Alexander Yanez Sherman

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The principle objective of the Squalicum Creek Park project is to increase recreational opportunities in Bellingham. Specifically, more baseball fields are needed to meet the needs of the growing population.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Whatcom County Ordinance Ab2012-300b: Exhibit B, Kali Levy, Hunter Hassig, Kevin Radach, Galen Van Horn, Bergen Vocke

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of the proposed action is to make it easier for cattle and hog farmers to bring their animals to slaughter on-site, and in greater Whatcom County. The action also seeks to ease the processing of cattle and hog carcasses into cured, smoked, canned or other value added prepared meat products. Further, the action strives to preserve the agricultural character and viability of rural Whatcom County.

Potter Road Bridge Replacement, Jamie Halpin, Randal Bernhardt, Tyler Pedersen, Derek Vilar, Jessica Straight

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to analyze and determine what effect the replacement of Potter Road Bridge will have on the environment. Potter Road Bridge is located in Whatcom County, Washington, and it crosses over the South Fork Nooksack River near the town of Van Zandt (Figures 1,2). Building on the Environmental Checklist that was prepared by Whatcom County, this EIA identifies significant impacts on both the natural and built environment. It also looks at a no-action alternative, as well as an alternative in which the bridge would be eliminated and Smith Road would be extended …

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Geothermal Power Plant Environmental Impact Assessment, Evan Derickson, Ethan Holzer, Brandon Johansen, Audra Mccafferty, Eric Messerschmidt, Kyle Olsen

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

Geothermal reserves represent a source of energy production with a remarkably low impact on the environment. Geothermal power plants do not rely on fossil fuels, so they avoid the associated emissions associated with combustion reactions and fuel transport. Because water can be pumped through the system continuously, geothermal power is more reliable than other forms of clean energy such as wind and solar power. The relatively low temperature of the geothermal resources at Mt. Baker makes the lease site suited for the construction of a binary geothermal power plant, which is the newest and most technologically-advanced system for geothermal power …

Bp Rail Logistics Project Environmental Impact Assessment, Bellingham, Wa, Spencer Andrich, Robert Bryson, Bill Sampson, Andrew Inocencio, Suzan Nasona

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

The purpose of this environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to identify any environmental elements potentially impacted by the BP Cherry Point Refinery Rail Logistics Project, Both on the project site and the land (developed and undeveloped) and water bodies adjacent to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway within the western portion of Whatcom County extending from Larrabee State Park to the BP refinery at Cherry Point. The elements of the environment that will be examined will be divided into two categories: environmental and built. The environmental elements include earth, water, air, plants, animals, and energy and natural resources. The …

Cherry Point Exporting Of Coal On Large Ships, Environmental Impact Assessment, Bellingham, Wa, Judith Debay, Brennan Nowak, Chelsea Robinson, Genevieve Shank, Sabina Sherrill

College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is based on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements for any action that has a significant, adverse impact on the environment. These requirements are set forth in Chapter 197-11 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The proposed action is to move up to 54 million metric tons per year of dry bulk commodities including coal requiring approximately 487 vessels (Panamax and Capesize class) per year, each at a length of 800 to 900 feet (GPT FAQ, 2011). At half-capacity one more vessel every other day would follow this shipping route and at full operational …