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1997, 10-02 Draft EIS w/notationDraft Environmental Impact Statement MIRABEAU POINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE RECLASSIFICATION Lead Agency: SPOKANE COUNTY DIVISION OF BUILDING AND PLANNING Spokane, Washington Prepared by: RAMIA ASSOCIATES, INC. Spokane, Washington October 2, 1997 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT MIRABEAU POINT LEAD AGENCY: SPOKANE COUNTY DIVISION OF BUILDING AND PLANNING PREPARED IN COMPLIANCE WITH: - WASHINGTON STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OF 1971, CHAPTER 43.21C REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON - REVISED SEPA GUIDELINES, EFFECTIVE APRIL 4, 1984, CHAPTER 197-11, WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVE CODE - SPOKANE ENVIRONMENTAL ORDINANCE, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1984 PREPARED BY: RAMM ASSOCIATES, INC. 25 SOUTH ALTAMONT SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99202 OCTOBER 2, 1997 BUILDING AND PLANNING • JAMES L. MANSON, C.B.O., DIRECTOR To Whom It May Concern: ` it 7 r it., .'_t rim C O U N T Y A DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DENNIS M. SCOTT. P.E., DIRECTOR October 2, 1997 Attached is a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Mirabeau Point project. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared by Ramm Associates, Inc., in accordance with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (RCW 43.21 C) and WAC 197 -11. The Mirabeau Point proposal is a 236.2 acre mixed use master planned development, combining public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses, all in a `campus - like" setting. The proposed project includes a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 156.8 acres from the Rural land use designation to the Urban and Major Commercial designations, an amendment to the Spokane County Arterial Road Plan and a subsequent zone reclassification for 111.5 of those acres from Rural Residential -10 (RR -10) to Community Business (B -2) and Regional Business (B -3). The project site is located in the Spokane Valley, east of Pines Road and north of I -90, in portions of Section 3, 10 and 11, Township 25 N., Range 44 EWNI. The scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was narrowed to the probable significant adverse impacts and reasonable alternatives per WAC 197 -11 -408, at a scoping meeting on September 18, 1996. Pursuant to WAC 197 -11 -455, you are invited to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The 30 day comment period expires on November 3, 1997. Address written comments to John Pederson, Spokane County Division of Building & Planning, 1026 W. Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA. 99260. If you have any questions regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), please contact John Pederson at (509) 456 -3675. Copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) are available for review at the above address. 1026 WEST BROADWAY AVENUE • SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99260 PHONE: (509) 456 -3675 • FAX: (509) 456 -4703 TDD: (509) 324 -3166 FACT SHEET Title: Mirabeau Point Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Reclassification Project Location: The project site is located in the Spokane Valley, east of Pines Road and north of Interstate -90 (1 -90). It was previously the site of the Walk-in - the -Wild Zoo and is bordered on the northeast by the former Mirabeau County Park and other state owned property occupied by the Centennial Trail, which extends along the south bank of the Spokane River. Directly west of the property is a preserved natural open space area that was transferred to the Nature Conservancy by the project proponents (Inland Empire Paper Company). The new Spokane Valley Mall site is located to the southeast of the project site. The project site occupies portions of Sections 3, 10, and 11, Township 25 North, Range 44 East, W.M., Spokane County, Washington. Site Description: The project site consists of the entire Mirabeau Point Master Plan of approximately 236.2 acres. The topography of the site is primarily a gentle rolling plain, with the exception of approximately 50 acres located in the central portion of the site. This 50 acre area is characterized as a Ponderosa Pine woodland, with large rock out -crops rising more than 100 feet above the adjacent native grass plain. The physical setting is primarily undeveloped with the exception of the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo facilities and exhibits. The site contains approximately five soil types within the Garrison and Spokane soil series. Proposal Description: The proposed project includes an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan map for 156.8 acres of the site and a subsequent zone reclassification for 111.5 of those acres. A request for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and associated zone reclassifications was submitted to the Spokane County Division of Building and Planning in June of 1996. A revised application and a request to amend the Arterial Road Plan map was submitted in August 1997. These proposed actions are further described in the following Comprehensive Plan and Zoning sub - sections. The proposed 236.2 acre Mirabeau Point Master Plan consists of a mixed use master planned development that combines public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses in a "campus -like" setting. Comprehensive Plan The entire Mirabeau Point Master Plan site consists of approximately 236.2 acres. Of this total acreage, approximately 156.8 acres in the central portion of the site are currently designated as Rural on the County's Comprehensive Plan Map. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS i September 1997 95 -0248 Remaining portions of the site are designated as Urban (32.4 acres to the north) and Industrial (47.0 acres to the southeast). The proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment requests that the 156.8 acres currently designated as Rural be changed to Urban (45.3 acres) and Commercial (111.5 acres) categories Approximately 35.3 acres in the central portion of the project site will be permanently retained as a natural open space area; 10 to 11 acres to the north of this area have been identified for donation to the County for a public park. Although proposed to be re- designated to Urban in response to Growth Management Act criteria, these areas are not proposed for an urban level of development and could retain their current Rural designation. Other future land uses identified in the Mirabeau Point Master Plan (within the area currently designated as Rural) will require zone reclassifications. The proposed amendment to the existing Comprehensive Plan supports the proposed zoning and future land uses identified in the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. The proposed amendment to the Arterial Road Plan map includes designation of a new minor arterial extending north -south through the site and eliminating the future principal arterial at Evergreen Road north of Indiana Avenue and through the project site. Zoning Currently the entire Mirabeau Point Master Plan site is divided into two zones. Approximately 156.8 acres in the central portion of the site are classified as Rural Residential -10 (RR -10). Northwestern (32.4 acres) and southeastern (47.0 acres) areas classified as Industrial -2 (1 -2) make up the remaining approximately 79.4 acres of the site. The rezone application proposes to reclassify 111.5 acres of the current RR -10 zone to Business -2 (B -2) and Business -3 (B -3) zones. The remaining 45.3 acres currently zoned RR -10 in the central portion of the site are not proposed for rezoning and include the natural open space area and future County park discussed above. The areas currently zoned 1 -2 are also not included in the current rezone request. The following table summarizes the existing and proposed zoning classifications: Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B ii September 1997 ZONE APPROXI ACRES Existing 1 -2 79.4 RR -10 156.8 236.2 Proposed 1 -2 79.4 RR -10 45.3 B -2 17 B -3 94.5 236.2 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B ii September 1997 Ingress /Egress Vehicular access to Mirabeau Point is proposed to be provided by two primary parkways. The north -south parkway (Mirabeau Parkway) will be developed initially as a collector arterial, with connections at Indiana Avenue and Pines Road via Euclid Avenue. In the future this roadway could be upgraded to a minor arterial; it is requested to be designated as a future minor arterial on the County's Arterial Road Plan map. An east -west parkway will extend from the western site boundary to the east. These parkways will connect to interior private streets which in turn provide direct access to individual parcels and future lots. The two parkways will intersect near the center core area of the project site near the Community Center, which is proposed to be the project's central focal point. The parkway connecting to Indiana Avenue will require the construction of a signal and an improved, signalized railroad crossing at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, located on the site's southern -most boundary. Pedestrian access is emphasized and provided throughout the entire project site. Meandering sidewalks along the parkways will connect to paved interior trails or pathways which link together the proposed uses. These interior pathways will connect with strategically located trail heads along the Centennial Trail, which borders the entire northern property line of the project site. Connection to the Centennial Trail will provide pedestrians and other forms of non - motorized traffic significant access to and from the Mirabeau Point site. Stormwater Stormwater generated by site development will be managed and retained on -site via 208 swales, retention ponds, or other treatment /disposal methods developed in accordance with Spokane County Division of Engineering standards. Utilities Sewage disposal will be provided by connection to a Spokane County sewer main located in Indiana Avenue and extension to the north. Domestic water will be provided by two separate water purveyors. Water is currently provided to the southern half of the project site by Consolidated Irrigation District No. 19. Future water service will be provided to the northern half of the project site by Irvin Water District. Electrical and natural gas service will be provided on -site by Washington Water Power. Open Space Approximately 35.3 acres in the central portion of the site consisting of Ponderosa Pine woodlands will be permanently retained as natural open space. This area will contain a soft trail system that provides connections to the interior paved Mirabeau Point Draft EIS iii September 1997 95 -024B pathways or trails. Approximately 10 to 11 acres directly north of the natural open space area have been identified for donation to the County for a public park. Substantial areas of open space, greenbelts, park spaces, and landscape buffers are proposed throughout the project site to create an open, campus -like feeling. Development of the entire Mirabeau Point project site will be controlled by the Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines, deed restrictions, and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &R's) to maintain the desired theme and character envisioned for the site. These documents will outline controls and specify details regarding the type of architecture, landscaping, site development, and open space elements to be provided within the site. Alternatives: Proponent: Proposed Action Development Under Existing Zoning No- Action Alternative Inland Empire Paper Company c/o Wayne Andresen 3320 North Argonne Road Spokane, WA. 99212 YMCA c/o Steve Jurich 507 North Howard Spokane, WA 99201 Tentative Implementation Date: Commencing Spring 1998 Lead Agency: Responsible Official: Contact Person: Spokane County Division of Building and Planning 1026 West Broadway Avenue Spokane, Washington 99260 509/456 -2205 James L. Manson, Director John Pederson, Senior Planner Required Permits and Licenses: • Comprehensive Plan amendment /Spokane County Board of County Commissioners • Arterial Road Plan amendment /Spokane County Board of County Commissioners Mirabeau Point Draft EIS iv September 1997 95 -024B • Zone reclassification approval /Spokane County Hearing Examiner • New street and drainage approval /Spokane County Division of Engineering • Water district approvals /Irvin Water District and Consolidated Irrigation District • Sewer and water utility system approval /Spokane County Division of Utilities • Building permits /Spokane County Division of Building Authors and Major Contributors to the Draft EIS: Draft EIS Document: Ramm Associates, Inc. Supporting Studies and Information: Inland Pacific Engineering, Inc. DEIS Date of Issuance: October 2, 1997 Comment Due Date: November 3, 1997 Time and P /ace of Public Hearings or Meetings: To be established Type and Timing of Subsequent Environmental Review Committed to by Lead Agency or Other Agencies: None anticipated Location of Prior EIS or Information on this Proposal: Spokane County Division of Building and Planning and Ramm Associates, Inc. South 25 Altamont Spokane, Washington 99202 509/534 -8086 Copies of the DEIS may be obtained from the Spokane County Division of Building and Planning. The DEIS is also available for review at the Spokane Public Library. Cost to the Public Per DEIS: Cost of reproduction Mirabeau Point Draft EIS v September 1.997 95 -024B TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. Cover Letter from Lead Agency Fact Sheet i Table of Contents vi List of Figures viii List of Tables ix List of Elements of the Environment (WAC 197-11-444) x Project Summary S-1 Proposed Action and Alternatives 1. Proposed Action 1 II. Reasonable Alternatives 13 1.0 Development Under Existing Zoning 13 2.0 No- Action Alternative 15 Affected Environment, Significant Impacts, and Mitigating Measures I. Natural Environment 1.0 Earth 1.1 Unique Physical Features /Critical Areas 17 1.2 Soils 22 2.0 Air 2.1 Air Quality 27 3.0 Water Movement /Quality /Quantity 3.1 Surface /Storm Water 31 3.2 Floodplains and Wetlands 37 3.3 Groundwater 38 4.0 Plants and Animals 4.1 Priority Habitats and Species 43 II. Built Environment 1.0 Land Use 1.1 Relationship to Existing Land Use Plans 49 1.2 Relationship to County Shoreline Program 68 1.3 Relationship to the Growth Management Act 70 1.4 Relationship to Existing /Future Land Uses 72 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS vi September 1997 95 -0248 TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.) Page No. 2.0 Recreation 2.1 Relationship to Centennial Trail, Recreational Uses, and Public Parks 78 3.0 Historic and Cultural Preservation 3.1 Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources 84 4.0 Transportation 4.1 Transportation Systems /Vehicular Traffic 88 4.2 Arterial Road Plan 106 4.3 Railroad Traffic /Crossing 110 4.4 Relationship to Adjacent Development and Cumulative Impacts 110 4.5 Relationship to Proposed Infrastructure Improvements 112 5.0 Public Services and Utilities 5.1 Public Water Supplies 114 5.2 Public Sewer Facilities 118 References R -1 Distribution List D -1 Appendices: Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Stormwater Drainage Analysis (Bound Separately) Traffic Impact Analysis (Bound Separately) Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan Mirabeau Point Draft EIS vii September 1997 95 -0248 Figure No. Title 1 Vicinity Map 2 Area Map LIST OF FIGURES Page No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 18 20 24 40 51 53 75 89 108 115 3 Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment 4 Proposed Zoning Map 5 Concept Master Plan 6 Proposed Phasing Plan 7 Critical Areas 8 Unique Physical Site Features 9 Soils Map 10 Water Table Contours 11 Comprehensive Plan Designations 12 Zoning Classifications 13 Existing and Future Area Land Uses 14 Intersection /Road Map 15 Arterial Road Plan Map 16 Water District Service Boundaries Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B September 1997 LIST OF TABLES Table No. Title 1 Proposed Areas, Uses, and Requirements 2 Rural Residential -10 (RR -10) Zone Uses 3 Soil Characteristics 4 Storm Water Run -off - Pre - Developed Conditions 5 Storm Water Run -off - Developed Conditions 6 Existing Levels of Service - Without Evergreen Interchange 7 Phase 1 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes 8 Phase 2 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes 9 Phase 3 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes 10 1999 Traffic (Phase 1) for No- Action Alternative 11 1999 Traffic (Phase 1) for the Proposed Action Alternative 12 2004 Traffic (Phase 2) for No- Action Alternative 13 2004 Traffic (Phase 2) for the Proposed Action Alternative 14 2006 Traffic (Phase 3) for No- Action Alternative 15 2006 Traffic (Phase 3) for the Proposed Action Alternative Page No. 9 14 23 33 34 94 95 97 97 99 100 101 102 103 104 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS ix September 1997 95 -024B LIST OF ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT. WAC 197 -11 -444 Note: Elements marked with an * were identified during the SEPA scoping process for inclusion in this Draft EIS. (1) Natural Environment * (a) Earth (i) Geology * (ii) Soils (iii) Topography (iv) Unique Physical Features (v) Erosion /enlargement of land area (accretion) * (b) Air * (i) Air Quality (ii) Odor (iii) Climate * (c) Water * (i) Surface water movement /quantity /quality (ii) Run - off /absorption * (iii) Floods * (iv) Ground water movement /quantity /quality * (v) Public water supplies * (d) Plants and animals * (i) Habitat for and numbers or diversity of species of plants, fish or other wildlife (ii) Unique species (iii) Fish or wildlife migration routes (e) Energy and natural resources (i) Amount required /rate of use /efficiency (ii) Source /availability (iii) Nonrenewable resources (iv) Conservation and renewable resources (v) Scenic resources (2) Built Environment (a) Environmental health (1) Noise (ii) Risk of explosion (iii) Releases or potential releases to the environment affecting public health, such as toxic or hazardous materials Mirabeau Point Draft EIS x September 1997 95 -024B * (b) Land and shoreline use * (i) Relationship to existing land use plans and to estimated population (ii) Housing (iii) Light and glare (iv) Aesthetics * (v) Recreation * (vi) Historic and cultural preservation (vii) Agricultural crops * (c) Transportation * (i) Transportation systems * (ii) Vehicular traffic * (iii) Waterborne, rail and air traffic (iv) Parking (v) Movement /circulation of people or goods * (vi) Traffic hazards * (d) Public services and utilities (i) Fire (ii) Police (iii) Schools * (iv) Parks or other recreational facilities (v) Maintenance (vi) Communications * (vii) Water /stormwater * (viii) Sewer /solid waste (ix) Other governmental services or utilities (3) To simplify the EIS format, reduce paperwork and duplication, improve readability, and focus on the significant issues, some or all of the elements of the environment in WAC 197-11-444 may be combined. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS xi September 1997 95 -024B PROJECT SUMMARY OBJECTIVES The applicant proposes to amend the County's Comprehensive Plan for 156.8 acres of the project site and amend the Arterial Road Plan map. The proposed rezone of 111.5 acres of this area would allow development of the future land uses identified in the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. The entire master planned area consists of 236.2 acres. The area proposed for a comprehensive plan amendment and zone reclassification is currently in the Rural Comprehensive Plan category. This area was historically designated Rural to accommodate the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo and to provide a buffer adjacent to the Zoo. The Zoo is now closed and the property owners (Inland Empire Paper Company) are planning to transfer a portion of the site (71 acres) to the Mirabeau Point Non - Profit Organization, who would develop the site's central core area. Approximately 10.8 acres within the project site were donated to the YMCA in December 1996. Other portions of the site will be transferred for private or public /private development within the context of the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. The proposal's objectives are summarized as follows: • Develop a mixed use complex that is compatible with surrounding land uses and the County's future plans and policies. • Provide open space areas for environmental protection and public recreational opportunities. • Mitigate significant off -site impacts caused by project development and increased activity on site. • Provide paved roads, pathways, and through connections as required to facilitate vehicle and pedestrian mobility. • Promote and facilitate the provision of public transit facilities within the Mirabeau Point site. • Provide an aesthetically pleasing environment in an effort to enhance the natural beauty of the site and its relationship to the Spokane River and Centennial Trail. • Provide restrictive covenants and conditions as well as comprehensive design guidelines that will assure quality control of architectural considerations and landscaping and maintenance practices. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -1 September 1997 PROPOSED ACTION The entire Mirabeau Point Master Planned area consists of approximately 236.2 acres of mostly undeveloped land located in the Spokane Valley. The proposed action includes changing the current Comprehensive Plan designation from Rural to Urban and Major Commercial for approximately 156.8 acres of the site and amending the Arterial Road Plan map. The Arterial Road Plan map amendment includes designating a minor arterial extending north -south through the site and eliminating the principal arterial within the site at Evergreen Road north of Indiana Avenue. Approximately 111.5 acres are also proposed to be rezoned. The first rezone area encompasses 17 acres currently zoned RR -10 and is proposed to be rezoned to B -2. This area is located south of Euclid Avenue and north of the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo exhibit areas. The second rezone area consists of 94.5 acres proposed to be rezoned to B -3 and is located north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and south of the former Zoo exhibit areas. This area is defined on the east by the line between Section 10 and Section 11, on the west and south by the site boundary, and on the north by Consolidated Irrigation District's current service area boundary. The central portion of the site (approximately 45.3 acres) is not proposed for a zone reclassification. Approximately 35.3 acres of this area will be permanently retained as natural open space and include an interpretive trail system. The remaining 10 to 11 acres will be donated to Spokane County for a public park. Both the northwestern and southeastern corners of the site would retain their existing 1 -2 zoning. The Mirabeau Point project consists of a mixed use master planned development, combining public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses in a "campus -like" setting. Future site uses may include a community complex housing a performing arts center, educational classrooms, a planetarium, a senior center, and perhaps the Centennial Trail headquarters; a 35.3 -acre natural open space area with interpretive trails and a 10- to 11-acre County park; a YMCA facility with an indoor aquatics center, teen center, and gymnasium, and an ice arena. Other potential uses include a hotel, RV park, business office park, various retail and commercial uses, recreational uses, and a residential area. Full build -out is anticipated to occur in three phases over a 10- to 15 -year period. Phase 1 includes development of the central core area including the community complex, YMCA, ice arena, and other retail and recreational uses. Development of new YMCA facilities could occur under the existing RR -10 zoning, regardless of project approval. Phase 2 includes development of the eastern portion of the site with a business office park and future recreation /business type uses. Phase 3 includes development of the northern portion of the site with a mix of commercial and residential uses including a potential RV park and a 10- to 11 -acre County park. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -2 September 1997 Open space corridors will be developed throughout the site in accordance with the Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines and future Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs). Expansion of the existing trails into a soft trail system would tie the natural open space area and future County park into the Centennial Trail and former Mirabeau County park area along the Spokane River, which is noted for both its geologic and historical /archeological significance. The project includes a network of public and private roads throughout the site. The County is currently committed to fund construction of Mirabeau Parkway, a new north -south roadway constructed to collector arterial standards that will connect Euclid and Indiana Avenues. Development of this roadway by the County also includes utility installation, construction of a new fully signalized railroad crossing along the southern site boundary, and installation of a traffic signal at the Indiana Avenue /Mirabeau Parkway intersection. Additional funds have also been provided by the State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) to assist with construction costs. Pedestrian circulation is a prominent feature of the proposed project and public transit stops are included at several locations. Sidewalks are proposed to meander through landscaped areas, as well as separated from and alongside roadways. The Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines and subsequent CC &Rs will stipulate appearance and usage of buildings, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic and compatibility concerns. AL TERNA TI VES Two alternatives to the proposed action are also given consideration. They include: 1) Development Under Existing Zoning, and 2) No- Action Alternative. The following is a general discussion of impacts regarding -these two alternatives. 1.0 Development Under Existing Zoning This alternative would limit future potential uses of the site to those allowed in the existing RR -10 zone for 156.8 acres of the site. The existing 79.4 acres zoned 1 -2 could still develop for future light industrial, business, office, and recreational type uses as proposed. Most of the currently permitted and conditional uses would present less demand for public services than the uses proposed in the B -2 and B -3 zones. However, certain permitted uses such as schools and community halls /recreation facilities and conditional uses such as hospitals would still demand an urban level of public services. Under the existing RR -10 zone the site could support development of 15 residential units at an overall density of 10 acres per dwelling unit. Lots could be developed as 10 acre parcels or clustered in one acre parcels in a Planned Unit Development with 140 acres in open space. A manufactured home park could Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -3 September 1997 also be developed through an administrative site plan approval at a density of one unit per 10 acres. The limitation on residential density would make sewering of the entire site cost prohibitive. Low density residential use would also not likely justify the provision of necessary public water system improvements within the northern portion of the site. If the site were to develop for mostly low density residential use, on -site recreational opportunities would be much more limited and no additional park areas or natural areas would be provided except in a private Planned Unit Development setting. The benefit to the larger public envisioned by the proposed public /private areas would not be achieved. 2.0 No- Action Alternative This alternative would preclude full development of the project site as proposed. In the short term, existing conditions would remain unchanged, including temporary use of the Wheelabrator building as an ice arena. Development of the YMCA would proceed since it's a permitted use within the existing zone. There would be no impact on public services and no increase in off -site traffic, except those associated with the YMCA. Stormwater run -off generation would remain almost unchanged. The potential encroachment on existing wildlife and vegetative communities would be reduced. The proposed recreational and educational opportunities due to preservation of the site's unique physical features and extension of the soft trail system would not be provided. The County would not likely acquire the 10- to 11- acre public park site. Development of the areas currently zoned 1 -2 including installation of adequate utilities and transportation could occur consistent with Spokane County regulations. Development of adjacent areas would likely require extension of utilities and roadways through the site. Since the project site is located within the Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundary, updating the County Comprehensive Land Use Plan during implementation of the Growth Management Act will likely result in redesignation of the existing Rural Comprehensive Plan designation and RR -10 zoning to urban classifications. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 1.0 Earth There are several unique physical features within the project site, primarily resulting from geological workings of the Great Flood, glacial receding action from the Ice Ages, ancient volcanism, seismology, erosion, and weathering of exposed bedrock. Exposed or shallow bedrock is located in the northern half of the site as Mfrabeau Point Draft EIS S-4 September 1997 95 -024B evidenced by the numerous rock out - croppings. There is evidence of "kettle holes" on the shores of the river and a "pendant bar" immediately downriver which indicate the presence of rock outcrops during the Great Missoula Flood. The bedrock is igneous intrusive, granitic in nature, and has undergone metamorphic changes, which indicates that it predates Mt. Spokane. The Mirabeau Point rock outcrops were formed 45 to 50 million years ago and are the only bedrock outcroppings separated from the valley walls. The proposed natural open space area and future County park encompass the majority of the geologically significant areas identified within the site. The interpretive trail system will provide educational opportunities regarding the unique physical features of the site and adjacent areas, while protecting them within a permanently retained open space area. Design of the north -south collector arterial through the natural open space area will follow the existing road alignment as much as possible to avoid /reduce impacts on the adjacent rock out - crops. The site contains five separate soil types or mapping units. The majority of the site consists of the Garrison soil series, while the central portions consist of the Spokane soil series. Garrison soils are somewhat excessively drained, gravelly, or stony. Spokane series soils are well- drained and have a sandy substratum underlain by bedrock. Development constraints exist in the central portion of the site due to the significant rock outcrops. Garrison gravely loam soils (GgA) are consistent with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) criteria for prime farmland only if they are irrigated. The site is not irrigated and the remaining soils are not included on the NRCS list of prime farmland soils. The potential for erosion will increase as vegetation is removed and soil is disrupted during construction and grading activities. An erosion and sediment control plan will be required prior to the start of construction activities and will include methods to control on -site drainage and dust emissions. 2.0 Air The project site is located within the non - attainment areas for both carbon monoxide (CO) and suspended particulates (PM10). CO primarily results from burning of fuels in motor vehicle engines and tends to be concentrated where traffic is congested and air is stagnant. Other sources of CO include wood stoves and some industrial operations. The intersection of Pines Road and Mission Avenue, located approximately one -half mile to the southwest, has been identified as one of the 10 worst for air quality in the Spokane area. The CO level at this intersection was modeled by the Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) in June 1995. This air quality analysis revealed CO levels of 8.68 ppm, with future levels estimated at 8.96 ppm. Both of these levels are within regulatory threshold limits. PM 10 levels in the Spokane Valley typically range from 50 to 99 micrograms per cubic meter, but are periodically significantly elevated depending upon weather Mirabeau Point Draft EIS S -5 September 1997 95 -024B conditions and area activities (i.e. field /grass burning). PM10 is fine particles (mainly dust and smoke) Tess than 10 microns in size. Major sources of particulates include suspended dust from paved and unpaved roads, woods stoves, and outdoor burning. Other sources include dust storms, winter road sanding, industrial point sources, open grass /field burning, agricultural activities (tilling), and construction (grading /earth moving). Short -term air quality impacts will be mitigated using appropriate control measures including spraying of exposed soils to suppress dust and washing the wheels of trucks and equipment. All proposed roads and parking Tots will be paved and will not be a contributing factor to an increase in suspended particulates. The types of uses proposed are not typically a major contributor of CO or PM 10, except for the traffic they generate. However, urban development generally results in increased CO and PM 10 emissions. Mitigation of Tong -term impacts are incorporated into the proposed layout which encourages the use of alternate forms of transportation. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus stops, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian corridors are included and the project ties into the adjacent Centennial Trail. The SRTC has indicated that a future air quality conformity determination may have to be made on certain transportation improvements related to the project. 3.0 Water The Spokane River flows from the southeast to the northwest along the northeastern site boundary and averages approximately 200 to 400 feet in width adjacent to the site. The state owned Centennial Trail is located between the northeastern site boundary and the river. The project site is located outside of the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area. The difference in elevation between the river's water level and the project site at the northwestern property corner is approximately 45 feet. The river flows over the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and the water quality of each water body is closely related. The river and the aquifer freely exchange water through recharge and discharge at several different locations along the river's course. The aquifer forms the principal water supply for the City of Spokane and neighboring areas of Spokane County. The addition of impervious surfaces to the site through construction of buildings, parking Tots, and roads will result in the inability of water to be absorbed in the previously undeveloped areas and will alter the existing run -off characteristics. Urban pollutants will be picked up and travel with the excess run -off. Development of the project site will increase run -off volumes from pre - developed to developed conditions. Run -off from a 50 -year storm under developed conditions must be detained and released at the 50 -year storm rate for pre - developed conditions. Storm water run- off from localized on -site basins will be disposed of using "208" grass percolation areas, drywells, and other retention /disposal methods in accordance with Spokane Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -6 September 1997 County regulations. Most of the on -site soils appear compatible with the use of drywells and grassy swales. Storm water from roofs is proposed to be disposed of directly into drywells. Other areas such as sidewalks and recreational and landscaped areas will be designed with drainage facilities that will accommodate 10 -year storms. The final basin limits will be determined by the road layout and grades during final site design. The drainage swales will be inspected to insure that 50 -year storm volumes will pass through them without damage to on -site buildings. There will be no direct discharge to the Spokane River above the current pre - developed quantity. A storm water management plan outlining sediment basins and detention ponds will include identification of methods and maintenance for storm water drainage control. A conceptual stormwater management plan is provided in Appendix A. Review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) for this area indicates that the project site is located outside both the 100 -year and 500 -year floodplains. Review of the County wetlands map did not indicate the presence of any wetlands within or directly adjacent to the project site. The Spokane River is identified as a Type 1 stream which requires a minimum 250 -foot riparian buffer from the ordinary high water mark. The required 250 -foot buffer area is located completely outside the project boundary. The project site is located above the northern margin of the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer which is designated as a "sole source" aquifer by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer underlies an area of approximately 400 square miles and varies in saturated thickness from a few feet to 500 feet or more. The central portion of the project site is dominated by steep rock outcrops which represent an "island" in the flow of the aquifer. Water table contours for the Spokane aquifer indicate that the aquifer is located at approximately 1935 feet in elevation beneath the site at its easternmost corner (the same elevation as the river) and the ground elevation is at approximately 1974 feet in elevation. Preliminary studies indicate that portions of the project site may be within the five -year capture zones (future wellhead protection areas) for the City's Rutter Avenue and Well Electric well sites located approximately four miles west of the site near Upriver Dam. Future groundwater protection strategies for these areas are unknown and may consist of current aquifer protection programs. A public water supply system is planned to serve the site with water drawn directly from the aquifer for domestic uses and irrigation of landscaped areas. The proposed project will not reduce the quantity of storm water run -off that currently percolates through the soil layers and recharges groundwater supplies, however specific recharge points will be created in lieu of the general recharge that occurs from an undeveloped site. Most of the additional water imported to the site will be discharged into the sanitary sewer system or lost to evapotranspiration and is not expected to significantly impact groundwater recharge volumes. Restrictive Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -7 September 1997 covenants and zone reclassifications will prohibit activities that may present an increased risk to area groundwater quality. Public sewer will be provided to all proposed uses within the project site. Future land uses will comply with Aquifer Sensitive Area (ASA) Overlay Zone criteria for storage of critical materials. 4.0 Plants and Animals The County Critical Areas maps identify Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas (Urban Natural Open Space) within the project site. The Spokane River is identified as a Type I stream which requires a 250 -foot riparian buffer. The project site is located outside of the required 250 -foot riparian buffer area. The State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) database revealed the presence of three types of high quality terrestrial ecosystems adjacent to the project site within the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve. These ecosystems may also occur within the predominately Ponderosa Pine woodland area of the project site. According to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), several wildlife species are present within the general vicinity of the project site. A Priority Habitat and Species Area encompasses approximately 40 percent (95 acres) of the project site. This delineated area appears to follow the existing treeline of the Ponderosa Pine woodland area which divides the site in half north to south. The identified species within the vicinity of the project site include wintering and nesting osprey, wintering bald eagles, wintering waterfowl concentrations, and nesting red - tailed hawk. A Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan (see Appendix C) was completed to identify valuable habitat and species and provide guidelines and direction for their sound biological management. Four distinct vegetative communities were defined; Forb /Grass Prairie, Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community, Northern Euclid Shrub Grass Prairie, and Riparian Edge, which is located off -site to the north and east along the Spokane River. The Ponderosa Pine Woodland area supports a number of animal and bird species. A small portion of the Northern Euclid Prairie also supports important bird numbers and species diversity. The Riparian Edge supports significant fish and wildlife densities and provides important breeding habitat for birds and mammals. The Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan concludes that the site is not notably rich in mammal species or abundance. Observed or likely mammals include squirrels, rabbits, coyote, raccoon, porcupine, skunk, chipmunk, mice, shrew, gopher, rats, and voles. The site contains four distinct habitats associated with bird populations; Rocky Woodland, Prairie Transition, North Euclid Shrub and Prairie, and Southern Prairie. The Riparian Transition habitat is located off -site and corresponds to the Riparian Edge vegetative community discussed above. Other than the Riparian Transition area located off -site, most of the significant bird habitat is located within the Prairie Transition areas. These are scattered Mirabeau Point Draft EIS S-8 September 1997 95 -024B woodland areas typically 40 to 120 feet in width that merge with open forb /grassland on the north and south margins of the Rocky Woodland. The bird population in the Prairie Transition areas are at least four times higher than within the Rocky Woodland. The North Euclid Shrub and Prairie also provides some cover for quail and pheasants. None of the priority species (osprey, great blue heron, and bald eagle) were observed during field investigations. Osprey and great blue heron were observed using the adjacent riparian edge associated with the Spokane River. Areas proposed for development are located on relatively flat slopes within the Southern Prairie and North Euclid Prairie areas, which have limited wildlife numbers and species diversity. The removal of all existing vegetation within these areas will eliminate some functioning habitat areas used by wildlife and will be an unavoidable impact for some species that are unable to successfully relocate. Development of the vast majority of the Forb /Grass Prairie will not cause significant damage to important ecological functions. „Development within the Prairie Transition areas would result in significant impacts to resident bird populations. Development of the site as proposed is not expected to have any significant impact on the Riparian Edge/Transition areas. The proposed project permanently retains 35.3 acres as a natural open space area that will be left undeveloped to accommodate existing wildlife and preserve the higher quality habitat areas (Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community). Expansion of the soft trail system for human foot traffic only will have limited impact on the existing habitat and will provide opportunities to educate trail users. No buildings or paved areas will be constructed within the interior of the natural open space area. Standing dead snags will be preserved. Buffer zones vary between 50 and 100 feet in width along the Prairie Transition areas. Intensified use of the site may result in the loss of some wildlife species if they cannot adapt to the changed environment, even though the proposed natural open space area will accommodate a large portion of the existing wildlife. BUILT ENVIRONMENT 1.0 Land Use The Comprehensive Plan designations for the project site are Rural, Urban, and /ndustria/ and the site lies within the Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) and Priority Sewer Service Area (PSSA) boundaries. Most of the site is designated Rural; the area north of Euclid is designated Urban and the eastern portion of the site is designated Industrial. Land use within the Rural category is intended to be primarily very large -lot (10 acres per residence) with agricultural uses or open space. The immediate surrounding properties are designated Rural to the west, Urban further west to Pines Road, /ndustria/ to the north, east, and south of the eastern portion of the site, Commercial to the south, and Urban south of 1 -90. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -9 September 1997 The existing zoning classifications within the site are Rural Residential -10 (RR -10) and Light Industrial -2 (1 -2). The 1 -2 areas correspond to the areas designated as Urban and Industrial in the northern and southeastern portions of the site. The existing 1 -2 zoning in the northern area is not consistent with its current Urban Comprehensive Plan designation. Adjacent properties are zoned RR -10, UR -3.5, and 1 -2 to the west and either 1 -2 or 1 -3 to the north, south, and east. The proposed project includes a Comprehensive Plan map amendment from the existing Rural designation to Major Commercial and Urban designations. The subsequent zone reclassifications to Community Business (B -2) and Regional Business (B -3) also proposed would implement the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan map designations. The proposed phasing of the project over a 10- to 15 -year period as well as design considerations including open space corridors, prominent pedestrian circulation, and several public transit stops will mitigate impacts related to land use. The Design Guidelines implemented by the future CC &Rs will provide an extra measure to address compatibility concerns and issues such as building appearances, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic considerations. B -2 zoning is proposed for the northern portion of the site, which is intended to consist primarily of community shopping facilities with varied retail, service, and office establishments grouped at one location serving a trade area encompassing several neighborhoods. Since the proposed commercial uses in this 17 -acre area will be located near a residential area, they may conform to the B -2 zoning intent of accommodating "community shopping facilities." The size of the area proposed for rezoning to B -2 is less than the 20 -acre maximum suggested by the County Zoning Code. The full range of uses allowed in the B -2 zone will be limited. The majority of the zoning reclassification request (94.5 acres) is to B -3, which would provide for a wide range of retail and service businesses located nearest to future 1 -90 access in the southwestern portion of the site. The majority of the shoreline area adjacent to the Spokane River in the vicinity of the site is designated as Pastoral by the County Shoreline Program, with a smaller area designated as Conservancy. The project appears to be located outside the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area and stormwater run -off or other types of potential releases are not expected to impact this area. In areas where the site appears closer than 200 feet, the distance will be field verified prior to final design. If located outside the 200 -foot regulatory area, the project will not be required to obtain a Substantial Development Permit. All proposed development activity will be located outside of the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area. Spokane County adopted Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundaries in February 1997 as part of Growth Management Act (GMA) implementation. Properties included within the IUGA are generally classified as urban, which Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -10 September 1997 indicates their ability to be developed at urban densities with an urban level of services. Properties outside the IUGA are generally classified as rural, which limits future development to rural densities, services, and uses. The project site is located within the adopted IUGA boundary, indicating that urban land designations are appropriate for the area. The project site consists of undeveloped open spaces and some structural remnants of the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. An existing metal building is currently supporting ice skating activities on a temporary basis in accordance with a Temporary Use Permit. Adjacent property to the north and northeast consists of the State -owned Centennial Trail which fronts the southern shoreline of the Spokane River. Across the river is the Kaiser Trentwood aluminum rolling mill operation. The new Spokane Valley Mall is located southeast of the site and south of the railroad tracks and Indiana Avenue. The Evergreen Road interchange is planned to provide a connection to Indiana Avenue directly west of the Mall site. Existing and planned industrial uses and a few residential units are located south of Indiana Avenue. Properties to the west are currently vacant, with plans for future multi - family, retirement, nursing home, RV park, and mini - warehouse facilities to the southwest. The Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve is located directly to the west, along with a few residences on large parcels. Development of the proposed project would result in a more intensive use than the existing on -site uses and those located directly to the west. With this exception, the site is surrounded by existing and planned land uses that are much more intensive than currently exists on -site. 2.0 Recreation According to the 1989 County Parks and Recreation Plan, the project site is located within the West Valley Suburban Area, which is the most densely populated in the unincorporated Spokane area. The Centennial Trail is located adjacent to the site's northeastern boundary and extends 12 miles east to Post Falls, Idaho and west to Nine Mile Falls Dam. The trail accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, and the handicapped on right -of -way that is mostly separated from motor traffic. The former Mirabeau County Park located adjacent to the northeast is used as a rest stop along the Centennial Trail. Other recreational facilities closest to the site include Plantes Ferry and Valley Mission County Parks. The existing deficit in community park land in the West Valley Suburban Area is projected to increase to 160 acres by the year 2000 if additional land is not developed. The County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair currently does not have adequate financial resources available for park land acquisition. The proposed project includes development of a substantial number of recreational opportunities in the Spokane Valley and may satisfy some of the existing demand. Private development of recreational opportunities as proposed is a viable way of providing recreational opportunities for the general public. The project proponent Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S-11 September 1997 has committed to transferring ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres of the project site to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair for a public park, who envision a neighborhood style of park with gently rolling turf and large shade trees. The proposed location and types of uses identified for development of this park have been preliminarily accepted by the County. 3.0 Historic and Cultural Preservation The former Mirabeau County Park area adjacent to the project site is a significant survey site containing both historic and prehistoric evidence of past land uses and activities. Prehistoric artifacts could potentially be located within the project site near the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo entrance road. The area was used by prehistoric hunters - gatherers as a campsite approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The Mirabeau Park survey site is unique among known sites due to the variety of artifacts and features suggesting previous uses. These artifacts suggest it represents the remains of a base camp and possibly seasonal village occupations. The features and artifacts may contribute important information concerning past land use systems during the last 3,000 to 4,000 years. The area was first settled by non - Indians in about the mid- 1800s. Development of the north -south arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) could potentially disturb the prehistoric artifacts located on -site. An increase in public awareness of the historical significance of the area could lead to unauthorized digging or removal of artifacts. The exact location of the on -site artifacts will be identified prior to final design plans so that the route of the north -south arterial can potentially avoid impacting the artifacts. The artifacts and the immediately surrounding area may be located within the natural open space area or within the portion of the site identified for donation to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. Periodic monitoring during maintenance activities and not providing specific Iocational information concerning the artifacts could discourage their disruption. 4.0 Transportation The Mirabeau Point Traffic Impact Analysis (see Appendix B) analyzed existing and projected levels of service (LOS) at existing and future area intersections. The PM peak hour cumulative traffic impacts were the most significant and controlled the mitigation needed as a result of traffic generated by the proposed project and the surrounding area. All study intersections are currently functioning at LOS D or better during the PM peak hour. The minimum LOS for signalized and unsignalized intersections within Spokane County has been defined as LOS D and LOS E, respectively. Additional traffic occurring over the next ten years from sources other than the proposed Mirabeau Point project was added to the transportation system. This Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -0248 S -12 September 1997 additional traffic is from both proposed and approved projects, as well as expected development in the Pines /Sullivan area within the projected build -out of Mirabeau Point. In addition, a 3% per year growth rate was used to account for the natural growth in traffic from non -site specific sources. The Proposed Action alternative consists of development occurring in three phases over the next ten years. Primary ingress and egress will be via Mirabeau Parkway, a new arterial road connecting Indiana Avenue to the south and Euclid Avenue to the north. The No- Action alternative precludes full development of the project site. The County would likely still construct Mirabeau Parkway, but the remaining roadway network would remain unchanged except for minor improvements by others along Pines Road. The intersections at Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound I- 90 ramps are projected to operate at unacceptable levels of service when the Spokane Valley Mall and the new Walmart are both open in late summer of 1997. These intersections will continue to function at unacceptable levels with or without construction of the Evergreen Interchange and with or without the Proposed Action. Only a small number of trips from the proposed project would use Sullivan Road. The impacts from the Proposed Action and No- Action alternatives were analyzed for the years 1999, 2004, and 2006, which correspond to the three proposed development phases. The 1999 traffic impacts (Phase 1) were also analyzed with and without the future Evergreen Interchange. Without the Evergreen Interchange, in 1999 all but the two intersections discussed above and the Pines Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramp intersection will continue to function at acceptable levels of service under the No- Action alternative. With the Proposed Action, one additional intersection on Pines Road and one additional intersection on Sullivan Road will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E). If the Evergreen Interchange is constructed, all of the study intersections will function at acceptable levels of service, except for the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp intersections. Construction of Mirabeau Parkway by the County includes installation of a signal at the Mirabeau Parkway /Indiana Avenue intersection. It was assumed that the Evergreen Interchange will be constructed by 2004 in order to accommodate increased traffic from future construction phases associated with the Spokane Valley Mall, other proposed projects within the area, and development of the proposed project. Construction of the Evergreen Interchange has been identified as the primary improvement that needs to occur within the project area and is currently under design by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Several of the intersections show delay times and levels of service in 1999 for the No- Action alternative that are either bordering on or at unacceptable levels. With the Evergreen Interchange, traffic Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -13 September 1997 will improve to acceptable levels on Pines and Sullivan Roads, except for the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections. Construction of the interchange is necessary for any further development to proceed in the area and to reduce existing impacts on Pines and Sullivan Roads. Stage 1 of the interchange project (from Sharp to Indiana Avenue, with a connection to Mission Avenue) is currently estimated to cost approximately $21 million dollars. WSDOT, the State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), and private developers have committed to donate right -of -way or fund portions of this amount. The Mirabeau Point project should be responsible for contributing an appropriate fair share towards funding construction of the Evergreen Interchange. Other participants identified for contribution to the interchange construction project include WSDOT, RA Hanson, the Spokane Valley Mall owners, and Lawson /Gunning, who are proposing development adjacent to the southwestern site boundary. Final arrangements for funding construction of the interchange will need to be agreed to by both public agencies and private contributors. Under both the Proposed Action and No- Action alternatives for Phase 2, several intersections will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E or F). The following improvements will be required at Phase 2 with the Proposed Action: • Signal revisions at Pines Road /Mission Avenue will improve the level of service from LOS E to LOS D. • Signal revisions and construction of a northbound right turn lane at the Pines Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramp will improve the level of service from LOS F to LOS D. • Construction of an additional northbound lane at the Pines Road/Trent Avenue intersection will improve the level of service from LOS F to LOS D. • Installation of a signal with left turn widening on Pines Road at the Pines Road /Euclid Avenue intersection will improve the level of service from LOS F to LOS B. • Addition of a second westbound left turn lane at the Evergreen Road /Indiana Avenue intersection will improve the level of service from LOS F to LOS C. With the No- Action alternative for Phase 3, the intersections at Pines Road /Mission Avenue, Pines Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramps, Pines Road /Euclid Avenue, Pines Road/Trent Avenue, and Sullivan Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramps will also drop to LOS E or LOS F. With the Proposed Action alternative, the improvements required for Phase 2, and construction of the Evergreen Interchange, the levels of service will remain at acceptable levels except for the eastbound and westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections on Sullivan Road and the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -14 September 1997 intersection. The Sullivan Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramps intersection will be at LOS E with or without the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 3. No improvements will be needed for Phase 3 of the Proposed Action. Principal arterials in the vicinity of the site include Pines Road to the west, Sullivan Road to the east, and Evergreen Road to the south. Minor arterials include Mission Avenue and Indiana Avenue /Montgomery Drive to the south. The proposed Mirabeau Parkway will initially be constructed to collector arterial standards and could be upgraded to a minor arterial in the future. There are no other collector arterials in the site vicinity. Construction of the Evergreen Interchange will include the extension of Evergreen Road north from Sharp Avenue to Indiana Avenue. The existing railroad crossing at Shannon Road has been identified for closure and a new crossing will be constructed approximately 1,075 feet to the east. Mirabeau Parkway will utilize this new crossing to connect to Indiana Avenue. Adjacent development projects will add a significant number of PM peak hour trips to the transportation system and include a variety of land uses. Both Pines and Sullivan Roads will be used to access Indiana Avenue and the Spokane Valley Mall. Development west of the project site will primarily use Pines Road for access. Sullivan Road will primarily be used for existing and future development to the east. The Spokane Valley Mall has been responsible for reconstruction of Indiana Avenue between Pines and Sullivan Roads. All three phases of the proposed project will increase the number of trips on Indiana Avenue. The Lawson /Gunning project immediately to the west will use Mirabeau Parkway to access Indiana Avenue. By 1999, the Indiana Avenue and westbound ramp intersections along Sullivan Road will operate at unacceptable levels of service without the proposed project. 5.0 Public Services and Utilities Water service in the vicinity of the project is provided by both Consolidated Irrigation District and Irvin Water District. The southern approximately two - thirds of the site is located within Consolidated's current service area boundary. The northern approximately one -third is located within Irvin's future service area, but is outside their current service area. Irvin's future service area boundary coincides with Consolidated's current service area boundary within the project site. Both water districts draw water directly from the Spokane aquifer. Consolidated Irrigation has existing 10- and 6 -inch water mains within the project site and an existing 16 -inch main extends east -west along the railroad tracks at the southern site boundary. Consolidated's existing wells, storage tanks, and reservoir have adequate capacity to serve potential growth in the area, including the proposed project. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -15 September 1997 Irvin Water District is currently operating at peak capacity and is in the process of acquiring a new well. Addition of the new well is expected to fulfill the District's long term production needs and provide adequate capacity for development within their future service area, which includes the northern portion of the project site. The District has incorporated the applicable portions of the proposed project into their future plans to provide adequate storage capacity and fire flows during periods of peak demand. Provision of water service to the northern portion of the project site will require annexation into Irvin's current service area and may require system improvements including a second reservoir or a pumping station within or adjacent to the site. Annexation into Irvin's current service area may require approval by the Boundary Review Board (BRB) if this area is not included in the District's comprehensive water system plan. The project could provide a proportionate share of the costs for the system improvements which are directly related to on -site development. There are current limitations to sewer system and waste water treatment plant capacity that will need to be addressed to accommodate Tong -term growth within Spokane County. Without system improvements or the implementation of alternative effluent disposal methods, the County may reach its 10 million gallon per day contracted treatment plant capacity by the year 2007. Existing sewer facilities in the area include the 24 -inch North Valley Interceptor located south of the railroad tracks along the southern site boundary and an 18 -inch sewer main in Pines Road. The North Valley Interceptor (NVI) has been sized to accommodate full build -out of its service area, including the project site. The sewer main in Pines Road was constructed through developer extension and is designed to serve existing and future development along the Pines Road corridor. County Utilities has indicated that a portion of the site could be served by the Pines Road sewer subject to payment of latecomer's fees. The project site is not located within either a six- or 15 -year sewer basin, as identified by the 1996 Spokane County Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan Interim Update. Phases 1 and 2 of the project site would gravity flow to the south and tie into the NVI at two separate locations. The eastern portion of Phase 1 may need to pump to the west to access the gravity sewer mains. The southwestern corner of Phase 2 could gravity flow to mains within Phase 1, or could be pumped to the eastern connection to the NVI. Phase 3 would require construction of a pump station which would pump sewage either to the west to access the main in Pines Road or to the south and tie into either Phase 1 or Phase 2 sewer mains. Both the NVI and the Pines Road sewer have adequate capacity to serve development within the project site. The project proponent would be responsible for designing and funding construction of all necessary sewer system elements. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B S -16 September 1997 PROPOSED ACT /ON AND A L TERNA TI VES 1. PROPOSED ACTION The proposed action includes an amendment to the Spokane County Comprehensive Plan map, Arterial Road Plan map, and subsequent zone reclassifications for portions of the Mirabeau Point Master Plan site. The 236.2 acre Mirabeau Point project site is located in the Spokane Valley east of Pines Road and north of Interstate -90 (see Figures 1 and 2). The 156.8 acre area proposed for a comprehensive plan amendment is currently in the Rural land use designation and is zoned Rural Residential -10 (RR -10). The proposed comprehensive plan amendment would replace the existing Rural designation with Commercial (111.5 acres) and Urban (45.3 acres) designations (see Figure 3). The proposed amendment to the Arterial Road Plan map includes designation of a new minor arterial extending north -south through the site and eliminating the future principal arterial at Evergreen Road north of Indiana Avenue and through the project site. The proposed zone reclassifications include 17 acres to be rezoned to B -2 and 94.5 acres to be rezoned to B -3 (see Figure 4). The central area (45.3 acres) of the site is not proposed for a zone reclassification. Approximately 35.3 acres of this area will be permanently retained as natural open space and contain an interpretive trail system. The remaining 10 to 11 acres located directly north of the proposed 35.3 -acre natural area have been identified for donation to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. The Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo historically occupied this central area of the Mirabeau Point site. The Zoo is now closed, affording the opportunity for new land uses to be developed on the project site. Plans for Mirabeau Point are best described as a mixed use master planned development, combining public and private recreational, educational, enter- tainment, residential, and compatible business uses in a "campus -like" setting (see Figure 5). Future site uses may include a community complex housing a performing arts center, educational classrooms, a planetarium, a senior center, and perhaps the Centennial Trail headquarters; a 35.3 -acre natural open space area with an interpretive trail system and a 10- to 1 1 -acre County park; a YMCA facility with an indoor aquatics center, teen center, and gymnasium; and an ice arena which will include two separate ice rinks (sheets) for use by junior hockey leagues and others. Other potential uses identified for Mirabeau Point include a hotel, RV park, business office park, various retail and commercial uses, recreational uses, and a residential area. Full build -out of the Mirabeau Point site is anticipated to occur over a 10- to 15- year period, depending on market conditions. Site improvements will occur in three phases as shown on the Phasing Plan Map (see Figure 6). Phase 1 includes construction of a collector arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) connecting Euclid and Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 1 September 1997 95 -024B Ile Mhz"!11 41.11 , lin eh, girpapiolat4gam riumm al •••11 3.•• me - JhtI AM EIMMIER pump p • EIMICIallo RAMM ASSOCIATES INC South 25 Alt:unont Spokane. Washington 99202 VICINITY MAP MIRABEAU POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SCALE: DATE: None August '96 PROJECT NO: 95-024B FIGURE NO: 1 r' L'! /Antoine Plante : /1' Ferry Site Park : Myrtle Point 1960 1l 11 x \ • I Mile ''85 N • r ^• M••• Well /99/ • .•▪ • . • ti• „1•• • •II% • • • • • •••t1•.. ': ° ° • • . • • • n• • L • ..... • l• U • 00 • • , •.• I: = i� • .:11.•J� n • i•••i �i •1• 1• •••�••j;� n • • • • Sta • ROAD 9/0 yel Pit • .14 win Iv on . t • • • • -•� : :\ • • • • / • • • •▪ •••...•.tl..•.••• • Well r /989 •••••••• ••1••••I •.._••••• • Trent Sch [3M W W CC 0 W W • BM 202. Trentwood 2 `)U /O Water Tank Ti • /994 • •1 9 i - • . — . • Trailer • Park II• WT 2/02,, • • ° • IIIII " 11111 I � I lkij iQ w RILE NIG T o ft •� 4 LAN n n 202/ 11 BOONE MISSION CID W 2042 AVE • WT /- 2040 Spoka a VaII Ho�pr� 1 • o • • II - ll -�� - - 90 t ..- 1111-- - - -- AVE Rlake L • `rh n • n• /V •• • 2058 _ l P RAMM A S S O C I A T E S I N C South 25 Alt:unont Spokane, Washington 99202 AREA MAP SCALE: None DATE: August '96 MIRABEA U POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 95 -024B FIGURE NO: 2 I� 4 +3 TY S 10 PRD.IFC1 BOUNDART (TT PICA_ ) LEGEND Proposed Commercial ="*"•,, Proposed Urban now DR IT .ar.,.un f.wR■.�� f. ti. i.�.�'iaY� i t raf a Prop " o c1 PINES ROAD > dr 004,TEC CP PNptL RCf PINECROFT NATURAL AREA (APPROX. TSE ACRES) ClICSS4,44g TO CE� PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT C HaeTER FLLH <c\ APPIIUR 71 Af71Cf CONOCO a M figINK PAPE. CCs.►AMI Locat.d o, portion. of S.cCona ]. I0. I1, tD•' ;p 2S N Rang. 44 (gilt 111 Y. Spokane County, Washington Ar ;ro.. Sit. A fa - 23d Asap. Graphic S cele 0 200 400 SOO e0O 1000 TbTZ'!< fir. 9. RAMM A 5 S O C A T E S I N C SOUTH 25 ul A.ONT 5Ac4.4a1E..rAS.NGTON 94202 TE. /:09 S34 -8086 F41/5C9 S34 -6154 W.0 PLA.,0,4 • t ,.CSCAPE ARCNfTECTURC CC.EI.OPIAKT SCRICE5 LEGEND 1 1 L C0416/u441Y C0uPt.EX (EDuCATIOe4AL CENTER FOR Couuupon, COLLEGES AND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS. SENIOR CENTER PERFORu1NG ARTS CENTER. CENTENNIAL TR.uL H A00JARTERS) T1 CA (A LIATICS CENT( R, TEEN CENTER FLAT AREAS. 8AL1 FIELDS) 0 ICE ARENA OPEN SPACE NATURAL AREA (DONATED UY 'EP) DIANE SS PARK (OFFICES) HOTEL WIWI( RCCRCATTON ANO BuSJNESS r 1 1 1 L ! ! l FUTURE CC3•+uCRCLaL ruuTURE RV PARK FUTURE RESIDE WK. ElCENT (U & TRAIL OPEN SPACE f 4C4414 VA" 41 b i • -.1141No gar, } PR0.1( CT BOuNOAxT tNP u.) REuOvE EK/S1 R -R GROSSING NeNAeo •h;i ICE ' ,• _'r. 11 7 � .IiI I�rIrI �, G, ,�1 �: • ii.;iji& srr. ;Alart� t 1i1 '� • M - jaw • INDiAHA AVE X41 b.• ela UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD RTGMf W WAY - - DIANA AVENUE RIGHT OF WA( FLIP uR E PCHALIZ R.R CROSSING SPOKANE VALLEY IALL S 10 PINES ROAD PROJECT eOuNDARY (rrP,UL) LEGEND Existing 1-2 Existing RR-10 Proposed B -2 Existing RR-I0 to Remain RR-10 Existing RR-10 Proposed B-3 Existing 1-2 l!O Remain 1-2 pI!J iut!LVIE)li 1 Trri[AL noFnci of 00,00 00 cr POWC ITT PIMECROIT NATURAL AREA (APPROI. 6E ACRES) LEGEND 1 1 C0uI4UNFTY CCuPtI (EDuCATIDNAL CENTER FOR Co.-wk./NT!' COLLEGES AND vAIJJY sCHoCL GlSTRicTS. SENIOR CENTER, PERFCRN1NG ARTS CENTER. CENTENNIAL TRAIL HCADQUARTERS) YuCA (AoLIATICS CENTER, TEEN CENTER. PLAT AREAS. BALL FIELDS) OICE ARENA OPEN SPACE NATURAL AREA (DONATED V KR) BuSNZSS PARx (OFFICES) 1 1 71 HOTEL 1 1 1 1 1 1 ruTuRE RECREATION A?NO BusINESS FUTURE COuwERCLN, FUTURE Rv PARA F1JTURE RESIO0NT1AL CENTENNIAL TRA,L OPLH SPACE C RELKNE Ex1STrIC P.M CROSSING C.QSS.rALI[ TO C[Nrt� 41. tiAl T rc►a .Cuss PROPOSED ZONING MAP COHCEPVM-, PLZ:\kr As141Q7. 71 AG.CS TI•.ATED ffr 14,AND UPON( r.rixl CAN x Locata4 oo po.i.on■ of S•cl;on. 3. 10. 11, Ta.n.n p 25 M., Rang. 44 Ea., xF If. Spokane County, Washington App,.. 54. Aro. - 236 AV.. Graphic Scale 0 200 400 600 0 00 1000 IMM A S S O C I A T E S 114C SOUTH 25 ALT/A.4W SPG4AAE, *ASHiNNGTON 99202 TEL /509 534 -Ii0U6 FAX /SCI 514-801 LANG PL►.'.APNO LAHOSCA E ARCHITECTURE CEVELOPREWNT SERY,CES ivo PROJECT BOt (TYPICAL r3 ., Existit MAAt *CCM . .—... 1+ c� aI* . °� -, f 4 � . ICE ' , b't'::: 1 J�RE .11 .M� .1;1.1,1,111 7w�F 1:+ • .., *15,--C7.17-- likort. ■ -3?.111, miskriaiiiarMiginifirwiaiwArim ..., ism - - - tiiDWIA AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY fA Sri�r� *a' R w UNION PACIF,C RAILROAD RIGHT or 'xAY SPOKANE VALLEY TALL IN DMA AVE. EH1 T 1ra+wt.tT FUTURE SIGNAL,2ED R.R CROSSING 4 3 S 10 PINES ROAD PROJECT BOuNDARr (rrP)cAL) FUTURE RESIDE►RUL *+ FLrTuiz Iv PARK FUTURE C01ruCRCIAL t11°, elf Of Ls. = CP PR)Prinv PINECROfT NATURAL AREA (APPROX. 86 ACRES) LEGEND I [ 1 f 1 1 C0%luuIYTr COuPLEx (EDUCATIONAL CENTER FOR COwuuuF[Y COLLEGES AND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SENIOR CENTER, PERF0Rs1IHG ARTS CENTER, CENTENNIAL TRAIT NEADOUARTERS) YuCA (AQUATICS CENTER, TEEN CENTER. PLAY AREAS, BALL FIELDS) ICE ARENA OPEN SPACE NATURAL ARCA (OONATtD BY ILP) BUSINESS PARK (OFFICES) HOTEL nrTURE RECREATION AND BUSIxESS FUTURE COAJAIERCIAL FUTURE RV PARX FUTURE RESIDENTIAL CENTEaw1AL TRAIL @PEN SPAL( REuOYE EXISTING R.R CROSSING 0,401S4M4.4 TO t71411.4.404 0.4 ACCIS3 COKIC'Ut-tiLEJL N&STIEN EL\ A♦'PIIOI _ T 1 AC71CJ1 170.71:113 PY Balm porn cC.rA. r Local.3 a++ PortronI of S.cm..* 3. 10, 11, To.n+n;p 25 N., Range 44 Nei W. Y. Spokane County, Washington 4,74do+. $41.4 Arw - 236 Acme Graphic Scale 0 200 400 400 900 1000 Wki'd M A S O C I A T S I N C SOUTH 75 A4.1AI10N1 S ?C[A1+E, ei 5n1NGTO.1 99202 TEL /509 534 -6086 ru /SC9 534 -5101 LAh0 PLANNING LANDSCAPE ARCHF1tCTURE CEVELOPUtI(T S(R ICES PROJECT BOUNDARY (TyPL) UNION PACIFIC RAJLROAO RFGFWT —. iQIAT211 AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY AT SPOKANE VALLEY LALE INDIANA AVE. FUTURE SICNA&1Z D R.R CROSSNG 413 10 PINES ROAD 1 1 1 1 PROJECT BOUNOART (TYPICAL) • 1 1 FUTURE RESIDENTIAL P/jase3 Epplog.yoz1.1 _ MCAT. BOWER Dr T1Dk►TEO IP norm PINECROFT NATURAL AREA (APPRO%. Si ACRES) LEGEND 1 1 CouLUNITY COuPLFx (EDUCATIONAL CENTER FOR cou.n.r.trrr COLLEGES AND VALLET SCHOCL D15TFIICTS. SENIOR CENTER. PERFCRauNG ARTS CENTER. CENTENNLAL TRAIL NEADquARTER5) YuCA (AQUATICS CENTER. TEEM CENTER. PLAY AREAS. BALL FIELDS) 10E ARE NA OPEN SPACE NATURAL AREA (WHAM) BY IEP) BuSLNESS PARx (OFFICES) HOTEL i viuRE RECREATION ARO BuS.NESS FU1URE COuufRCu1 'IMRE RV PAR% ruTuR1 RESIDENTIAL CEN1(N00IAL TRAIL OPEN SPACE r tarM[� 01A1A: TO CtNTt•MFl Nut TA,A.K+D ItC.CSS PROPOSED PHASING PLAN C©©cjiIULL LLE pUnM APFA I✓S 71 ACM C .= M -- R4LA447 EI+r►R PAPER C(i+P■ RENOW ExLSTINC R. CROSS*NC 'Lo 31�d on parContt oI S. Long 3. 1D. 11. To.n'nip 2t N., Ro'9i 44 rout • Y. Spokane County, Washington Appro+. - 236 Acrr+■ Graphic Scala 0 200 400 1108 000 1000 lilt C:f.4411 M+..a Mr I.r.!✓•ITeri• RAMM A S S C S C I A T E 5 I N C SCUM 25 ALumor.7 s?ct&,C. MASK NGT31I 19202 TEL/S09 531 -60131 rA7 /5C9 533 -5131 LAN PLA N.N: LAN5SCAPE ARCHITECTURE CE'•tLOpuENT SERVICES q0 LEGEND Phase i....., Phase 2=''*■, Phase 3="44,... ruTURE RECREATION /BUSINESS 11 INDIANA AVE Ewrw4 wofisd FUTURE SICMAJJ2CD R.1I CROSSING RTC1rT Or '.IAT �fD AMAX MGM' OF TRAY Indiana Avenues. The Union Pacific Railroad crossing improvements and extension of County sewer north from Indiana Avenue into the site is also required during development of Phase 1. Consolidated Irrigation District No. 19 would serve both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 development areas. Phase 1 includes development of the central core area of the site (89.1 acres) where the community complex, YMCA, ice arena, and other retail and recreational uses will be located. An existing metal storage building (Wheelabrator building) is currently supporting ice skating activities as a temporary use prior to development of the proposed ice arena. Approximately 10.8 acres within the project site were donated to the YMCA in December 1996. Development of new YMCA facilities could occur under the existing RR -10 zoning, regardless of project approval. It is anticipated that Phase 1 will take approximately five years to build out under current market conditions. Table 1 identifies potential future uses, area requirements, and parking and zoning needs for each development phase. Phase 2 includes development of the eastern portion of the site (87.7 acres) which is planned to include a business office park and future recreation /business type uses that are compatible with the mix of public /private uses identified for Phasel. There are currently no commitments for the Phase 2 area, but it is anticipated that future development will occur approximately five years after completion of Phase 1. Phase 3 includes development of the northern portion of the site (59.4 acres) along both sides of Euclid Avenue. A mix of commercial and residential uses is planned including a potential RV park to accommodate the traveling public and a 10- to 11 -acre County park. The existing 1-2 zone located north of Euclid Avenue is designated Urban by the County's Comprehensive Plan map and it is anticipated to crossover to a future residential zone after the County completes Growth Management Act planning requirements (see Section 1.3). Phase 3 will require water system improvements and extension of water mains by Irvin Water District No. 6. Development of the Phase 3 area will likely occur within the next 10 to 15 years. The Mirabeau Point Master Plan has been designed in an effort to keep environmental impacts to a minimum. Environmental design considerations include the retention of unique physical features in the central natural area of the site. An approximately 35.3 acre area would be permanently retained as natural open space using deed restrictions and would include a soft trail system and nature interpretive signs. The soft trail system would tie into the future County park, the YMCA site, the Centennial Trail, and the former Mirabeau County Park area along the Spokane River adjacent to the Mirabeau Point site. Directly adjacent to the west of the natural area is the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve owned by the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This area consists of approximately 88 acres which the project proponent (Inland Empire Paper Company) transferred to the Nature Conservancy in 1993. In order to protect sensitive plant species (see Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 8 September 1997 95 -0248 Table 1 Proposed Areas, Uses, and Requirements TYPE OF USE AREAS PROPOSED PROPOSED ZONE PARKING REQUIRED SZ` 1 89.1 Acrsr Community Complex 16 Acres 45,000 SF BIg. (1,500 seats) 18,300 SF Blg. (600 seats) 6,800 SF BIg. 9,000 SF Blg. B -3 1 sp /250 SF = 180 1 sp /4seats = 375 1 sp /4 seats in classroom =150 1 sp /250 SF =36 Total =741 Performing Arts Educational Planetarium Senior Center Natural Open Space Area with Interpretive Trails 35.3 Acres Existing RR -10 N/A YMCA 10.8 Acres 35,000 SF Blg. 2 pools inside & outdoor play areas B -3 1 sp /250 SF = 140 1 sp /75 SF =40 Total =1 80 Aquatics, Teen Center, Gym Facilities Ice Arena (2 sheets) 8 Acres 80,000 SF B -3 lsp/250 SF =320 Other Retail & Commercial 19 Acres 70,000 SF "' B -3 1 sp /200 SF =350 PHASE 2 - 87.7 Acres Business Office Park 47 Acres 250,000 SF Existing 1 -2 1sp /350 SF =714 Hotel 9 Acres 150 rooms B -3 1 sp /room =150 Other Retail & Commercial 31.7 Acres 73,000 SF "' B -3 If 1 sp /200 SF =365 PHASE 3 - 59.4 Acres Future County Park 10 -11 Acres Existing RR -10 22(2) RV Park 8 Acres 80 spaces B -2 (CUP)13) 1 sp /vehicle = 80 Other Retail & Commercial 9 Acres 50,000 SF "' B -2 1 sp /200 SF =250 Residential Area 32.4 Acres 230 units? Existing 1 -2 (future UR -7 zone ?) 1 sp /unit = 230 0) "'Estimated building square footages for Other Retail & Commercial uses are the same as those used to estimate vehicle trip generation studied in the Traffic Impact Analysis. Adequate space is available to provide parking areas as required by the County Zoning Ordinance (2) Per Spokane County Division of Parks, Recreation & Fair {3} ° -. =gyres application and approval of a Cnnditinrvii:i ica thariviit Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 9 September 1997 Section 4. 1), the DNR has requested that the proposed trail system not physically connect to the project site's western boundary. The project proponents have committed to transferring ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres directly north of the natural area to the Spokane County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. The proposed location and types of uses identified for development of this park have been preliminarily accepted by the County. Spokane County also maintains a rest stop area adjacent to the Centennial Trail at the former Mirabeau County Park along the Spokane River. This area is noted for both geologic and historical /archeological significance. Large granitic bedrock outcrops rise above the valley floor and historically provided many sheltered areas along the west bank of the Spokane River. Investigations in 1991 along the Centennial Trail by the Center for Northwest Anthropology, Washington State University indicate that the Mirabeau Park area contains evidence of the remains of a base camp and possibly a seasonal village that was occupied approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Open space corridors and common areas will be developed within the site in accordance with the Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines and future Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC &Rs). The open space corridors and common areas will provide a transition between land uses and also provide access to the Centennial Trail and on -site recreational areas. In some areas of the site, open spaces will serve a dual purpose for storm water drainage control and passive recreational purposes. As each area of the site is proposed for development, a storm water management plan outlining sediment basins and retention ponds will be completed that will include details regarding methods and maintenance for storm water drainage control. Erosion control and grading plans will be required prior to site construction to address techniques for drainage control during construction. The State owned Centennial Trail property is located between the project site and the Spokane River. The site is outside of the 200 -foot shoreline and 250 -foot riparian buffer areas associated with the Spokane River. In areas where the site appears close to the 250 -foot riparian buffer setback, the distance will be field verified and development activity will be setback more than 250 feet from the Spokane River. Development of the project site will impact the existing external transportation system within its vicinity due to the establishment of new activities that will attract people to the site. The primary transportation- related impacts are expected to occur on Pines Road, Indiana Avenue, and at both the Pines Road and Sullivan Road interchanges. New public and private roads will be developed within the site in accordance with the Spokane County Division of Engineering Standards for Roads and Sewers. A new interchange on Interstate -90 (1 -90) at Evergreen Road Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 10 September 1997 95 -024B directly south of the site is currently under design by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The Mirabeau Point Master Plan illustrates a network of roads that will serve the major development areas of the site. A new public north -south collector arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) will provide a connection between Euclid and Indiana Avenues. Prior to completion of this connection, a new fully signalized railroad crossing will be required just north of the Indiana Avenue intersection. Detailed plans and construction coordination for this new railroad crossing will require approval by the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), Union Pacific Railroad, and Spokane County. The location of the proposed new railroad crossing has been approved by the WUTC, as well as permanent closure of the existing Shannon (McDonald) Road railroad crossing located at the southwest corner of the site. The County is currently committed to fund construction of Mirabeau Parkway. On May 29, 1997 the County also received approval for approximately $1 million dollars in additional funds from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) to assist with construction costs. The County is currently in the process of designing Mirabeau Parkway as a five lane section north from Indiana Avenue for approximately 1,300 feet, and a three lane section further north for approximately 3,200 feet to Euclid Avenue. Development of this roadway by the County also includes utility installation, construction of the railroad crossing, and installation of a signal at the intersection of Mirabeau Parkway and Indiana Avenue. Other roads to be constructed on -site consist of local access public roads and private roads as illustrated on the Master Plan. As each area of the site is proposed for development, a detailed site plan that conforms with the overall Master Plan will require administrative approval by Spokane County prior to acquisition of a building permit. Sidewalks will be developed throughout the site adjacent to the landscaped swale areas which would separate the sidewalks and roadways. In some areas of the site sidewalks are proposed to meander through open space landscaped areas, which provide buffers between different on -site uses and adjacent roads. Pedestrian circulation will be prominent throughout the site with convenient access to the Centennial Trail. Public transit stops will be provided at several locations within the site. The Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines developed for the entire project site will address issues regarding building appearances, natural and common open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic and compatibility concerns. Each individual project proposed within the Mirabeau Point site will undergo scrutiny by the Mirabeau Point Architectural Review Committee to ensure consistency with the Master Plan, design standards, zoning code, and conditions of approval outlined by the County Hearing Examiner. The design Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 11 September 1997 standards will be enforced using established Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs) and Reservations of Easements recorded against real property located within the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. The Design Guidelines will provide an extra measure beyond the County Zoning Code to address both aesthetic and compatibility issues for future site development. Requirements of the design standards will include the following: • Underground utilities • Continuity of fencing types and heights • Consistent lighting types and heights • Consistent signage with uniform design, size, height, color, and materials • Limitation on building colors • Screening of loading, storage, and refuse collection area • Partial screening of parking areas from adjacent streets • Truck loading /dock areas at back of buildings • Bus stops and shelters • Reserved spaces for carpool and STA vanpool parking • Bicycle racks • Landscaped parking areas and around building perimeters • Maintenance and repair of buildings and landscaped areas • Landscaping requirements - 20% minimum for each building site, landscaped strips between roadways and sidewalks /pathways, landscaped median islands at arterial entryway, additional landscaping on private yards adjacent to common areas. • Common areas typically to include 8 -foot wide paved curved pedestrian pathway and may include picnic tables, benches, playground structures, etc. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 12 September 1.997 95 -024B 11. REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES Two alternatives to the proposed action to amend the Comprehensive Plan and reclassify zones, allowing development of the project site as proposed, are also given consideration. They include: 1) Development Under Existing Zoning, and 2) No- Action Alternative. The following is a general discussion of the impacts regarding these two alternatives. 1.0 DEVELOPMENT UNDER EXISTING ZONING If the project site was developed under its existing zoning, the proposed comprehensive plan amendment and subsequent zone reclassifications to B -2 and B -3 would not occur. Approximately 156.8 acres proposed to be designated as Urban and Commercial would retain their existing Rural Comprehensive Plan designation. The 111.5 acre area proposed for rezoning would remain within the existing RR -10 zone. This alternative would limit future potential uses to those allowed in the RR -10 zone for 156.8 acres of the site. The existing 79.4 acres zoned 1 -2 could still develop for future light industrial, business, office, and recreational type uses as proposed by the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. Development under existing zoning would allow the types of uses identified in Table 2 in the RR -10 zone. Development of the YMCA would proceed since this type of community facility is a permitted use within the existing RR -10 zone. The list of land uses permitted outright and by conditional use permit in the RR -10 zone (see Table 2) indicates a wide range of uses, including animal keeping. Most of the permitted uses may result in Tess demand for public services than the uses allowed in the proposed B -2 and B -3 zones. However, certain permitted uses, such as schools and community halls /recreation facilities and uses allowed by conditional use permit such as hospitals, would still demand an urban level of public services. Some of the uses allowed by conditional use permit such as a landfill, composting facility, incinerator, and racetrack may not be desirable or suitable for the site. Under the current RR -10 zone the site could be developed for residential use at an overall density of 10 acres per dwelling unit. This would allow development of 15 units on the 156.8 acres currently zoned RR -10. Residential lots could be developed as either 10 acre parcels, or clustered in one acre parcels in a Planned Unit Development with approximately 140 acres in open space. A residential manufactured home park could also be developed in the existing RR -10 zone, at a density of one unit per 10 acres. The site could develop in 10 acre parcels under the County's Large Lot Subdivision Ordinance. A manufactured home park could be developed through administrative site plan approval. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 13 September 1997 95 -024B Table 2 Rural Residential -10 (RR -10) Zone Uses Permitted Uses Conditional Use Permit Residential (1 house per 10 acres) Clustered housing in a PUD Dormitory Duplex Fraternity, sorority Manufactured home Manufactured home park Private repeater facility Tower, private Church and parsonage Community hall, club or lodge Community recreation facility (am) Community transit center Day care center Fire station Golf course Library Nursery school Park and ride facility Park, public Post office Public utility local district facility Public utility transmission facility Sanitarium Schools - public and private Sewage sludge land application Solid waste recycling /transfer site Tower Agricultural processing plant, warehouse Agricultural product stand Airstrip, personal Animal raising and /or keeping Beekeeping, commercial /hobby Cultivation of land, commercial Farm machinery sales, repair Feed mill Fish hatchery Floriculture flower growing Gardening Gasohol plant Grain elevator Grazing Greenhouse, commercial Horse boarding and training Horticulture, Nursery, wholesale Orchard Pigeon, performing /show Riding stable Sawmill and lumber mill Tree farming Truck gardening Vineyard Conditional accessory unit Dependent. Relative mobile home Home industry Archery, rifle, gun, pistol range /club Cemetery Commercial composting /storage /processing Hospital Incinerator Landfill Non motorized trail system Racetracks (horses, dogs, autos, go- carts, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles) Solid waste recycling /transfer site, private Airstrip, private Animal clinic, veterinary large /small Kennel public or private Winery Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -0248 14 September 1997 The limitation on residential density would make sewering the entire site prohibitive. The southern portion of the site would be served by Consolidated Irrigation District, however development of the northern area for such a low density residential use would not likely justify the provision of necessary improvements for public water within the future service area of Irvin Water District. Transportation impacts would be minimal with approximately 150 additional vehicle trips per day generated from 15 dwelling units. If the site were to develop for mostly low density residential use, on -site recreational opportunities would be much more limited than proposed. No additional park areas or natural areas would be provided except in a private Planned Unit Development setting. The benefit to the larger public envisioned by the Mirabeau Point public /private areas would not be achieved. Uses other than residential allowed in the RR -1O zone that would provide public benefit include a community hall or recreation facility, golf course, public park, park and ride, library, post office, school, and fire station. These types of uses are more in line with the community uses proposed for the Mirabeau Point project site. However, the mix of uses envisioned under the Mirabeau Point proposal requires more flexibility than provided by the current RR-10 zone. 2.0 NO- ACTION ALTERNATIVE The No- Action Alternative would preclude full development of the project site as proposed. In the short term existing conditions would essentially remain unchanged, including temporary use of the Wheelabrator building as an ice arena. Development of the YMCA would proceed since it is a permitted use within the existing RR-10 zone. Other areas of the site may remain undeveloped or may support limited livestock grazing or low volume agricultural production within the farmable areas. There would not be any impact to public services if the property did not develop, except those associated with development of the YMCA. Roadway and utility extensions onto and throughout the site would be limited unless required for development of adjacent areas. There would be no increase in off -site traffic generated by development of the YMCA, since it is assumed to generate the same amount of vehicle trips as the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. There would be fewer fire hydrants resulting in less water available throughout the site for fire fighting purposes. There would be less additional impervious surfaces added to the site, and storm water run -off generation would remain almost unchanged. The lack of activity on the site would reduce the potential for encroachment on existing wildlife and vegetative communities. The proposed recreational and educational opportunities due to preservation of the unique physical features of the site and extension of the soft trail system would not be provided. Although still a possibility, the County would not likely acquire the proposed 10- to 1 1 -acre public park site. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 15 September 1997 95 -024B Development of areas currently zoned 1 -2 within the site including installation of adequate utility and transportation facilities could occur consistent with Spokane County regulations. Development of adjacent areas north and east of the project site, as well as the area directly west, would likely require some extension of utilities and roadways through the site. The project site is located within the Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundary, which suggests that urban land use designations and levels of service are appropriate for the area. Updating the County Comprehensive Land Use Plan during implementation of the Growth Management Act will likely result in redesignation of the Rural Comprehensive Plan designation and existing RR -10 zoning to urban classifications. There is limited public benefit provided by delaying or precluding the proposed action that would allow development of the project site as proposed. Urban services are available on and adjacent to the site. A logical extension of infrastructure can be provided that would serve this site and adjacent areas. In the short term, delaying or precluding the proposed action could result in lower traffic volumes on area roadways which already have unacceptable levels of service. However, significant contributions would not be made to fund construction of the Evergreen interchange whose development is required now to improve existing levels of service. In the long term, future urban land use classifications will allow on -site development of urban land uses. This will result in increased traffic volumes on area roadways even without implementation of the proposed project. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 16 September 1997 95 -0248 AFFECTED EN VIRONMEN T, SIGNIFICA NT IMPA C TS, AND MITIGA TING MEASURES I. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 1.0 EARTH 1.1 Unique Physical Features /Critical Areas a. Affected Environment The Mirabeau Point project site has several unique physical features which are identified on the Spokane County Critical Areas Ordinance maps. This section presents an overview of the Critical Areas Ordinance as it relates to the site and outlines the unique physical features within the site. The Spokane County Critical Areas Ordinance was adopted July 9, 1996 and became effective August 1, 1996. The Ordinance was appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board and subsequent revisions to the Ordinance were adopted to ensure its compliance with the Growth Management Act. County policies supporting the Critical Areas Ordinance were adopted as part of the 1994 Spokane County Comprehensive Plan (Section 13). The Critical Areas Ordinance establishes protections for three critical areas of the County's natural environment; Wetlands, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas, and Geologically Hazardous Areas. Other critical areas such as frequently flooded areas and aquifer sensitive areas are addressed under existing County ordinances. Discussion regarding potential impacts and mitigating measures related to wetlands is included in Section 3.2 Floodp/ains and Wetlands. The Critical Area maps identify Fish and Wildlife Habitat areas within the Mirabeau Point project site. The north half of Section 10 and the southwestern quarter of Section 3 are designated as "Urban Natural Open Space" (see Figure 7). Discussion regarding potential impacts and mitigating measures related to Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas is provided in Section 4.0 Plants and Animals. Hazardous Geological Areas are defined in the Critical Areas Ordinance as areas that are highly susceptible to erosion and landslides. The Critical Areas maps generally outline areas having erodible soils based on slope and soil associations from the General Soil Map in the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey of Spokane County. Review of these maps indicate that there are no geologically hazardous areas within the Mirabeau Point site. These mapping units are generalized, however, and provisions in the Critical Areas Ordinance require all specific sites to conform with the intent of this portion of the ordinance. The soil types and slopes present at Mirabeau Point are further discussed and detailed in Section 1.2 Soils. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 17 September 1997 95 -024B MAY YNYIOHI 5 a ;:4' 05:41: Zt.ff 4".4 ,7itti "111. V4.-4 7ti::••■ tit•I ) WIN ?......eti* -'-7/,+):":24.4441)1;•• :4,4,44:11I4V+4'4- _10— La LULA L E-u 43S0dOkld 011J41 DHIiSIX3 ( 1 f ••••••-.. E f f YAM %%T* f A4EINIf NT RAMM ASSOCIATES INC South 25 Altamont Spokane, \Vashington 99202 170;•Zie :1):052:7:i r:SINP:51: 16X1.17:6! sixp:oxi cixtilx9i ,:oxiRIS. cr<07..UP IP • High Quality Terrestrial Ecosystem Washington State Department of Natural Resources database Priority Habitat & Species Washington Department of Fi:;h and Wildlife database 56'32!y' 7VOLLI?l3 MIRABEAU POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SCALE: Graphic CRITICAL AREAS DATE: September 96 PROJECT NO: 95-024B FIGURE NO: There are several unique physical features within the Mirabeau Point project site. These features primarily involve the historical geological workings of the Great Flood, glacial receding action from the Ice Ages, ancient volcanism, seismology, erosion, and weathering of exposed bedrock. Most of the geology of the site has been identified as Younger glacial deposits (Qgy) by the United States Geological Survey (USGS Reconnaissance Geologic Map of the West Half of the Spokane Quadrangle, Washington & Idaho). According to the USGS, this consists of glaciofluvial deposits of sand and gravel within valleys of the Spokane River. Portions of the lower terrace areas were likely re- worked by streams. Older glacial deposits such as sand and silt are also included, which can be seen along the Spokane River below the terrace gravels. The common geology of the Spokane Valley consists of these sands and gravels. The northern half of the site from the Spokane River to Pines Road contains the majority of the unique physical features of the site (see Figure 8), which are primarily associated with the exposed or shallow bedrock. The former Mirabeau County Park area on the Spokane River and other property adjacent to the site clearly shows the exposed bedrock, as do the numerous rock outcroppings on the project site. The presence of bedrock affected the natural course of the Spokane River which cuts through solid bedrock in this area of the river (Weis, USGS Ret.). There is evidence of several "kettle holes" on the shores of the river where river boulders caught in eddy currents ground holes into the bedrock during the period of the Great Missoula Flood (Dr. Kiver, EWU). Immediately down river from the kettle holes beyond the bedrock outcrops is evidence of a quarter mile long gravel "pendant" bar. This "pendant bar" is further evidence of the presence of rock outcrops during the time of the Great Missoula Flood (Weis, USGS Ret.). The bedrock in this area is igneous intrusive, granitic in nature, and has undergone metamorphic changes. The outcrops are classified as "Gneis domes" by the USGS. This type of bedrock is very similar to the type found at Mount Spokane (the predominant mountain peak in the area located approximately 20 miles north of the site), which is also a Gneis dome. However, Mt. Spokane has not experienced metamorphic geological changes. This would indicate that the Mirabeau Point rock outcrops substantially pre -date Mt. Spokane. Further evidence of the relative age of these rock outcrops (south of the water tank site west of Pines Road) is the presence of glacial polishing on their west sides. This would indicate the presence of these outcrops as the glaciers of the Ice Ages receded. It is estimated that the Mirabeau Point rock outcrops were formed between 45 -50 million years ago. Other geologically significant features of the Mirabeau Point rock outcrops include the fact that they are the highest point on the entire Spokane Valley floor, and that they are the only bedrock outcroppings separated from the valley walls. The outcrops are also a prime regional example of differential rock weathering (Weis, USGS Ret.). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 19 September 1997 95 -024B 3— — EUgJD -AVENU 10 1 EXISTING -x EXIST /NG RA-1O PAOfb9SEO B-2 Imemr LEGEND: IA�.d a 0 0 a 0 0 0 0r� `t Mirabeau State Park Cant.nnlal Trail Spokane River Pln.croft Piaturr Preserve Evidence of `kettle Holes' Rock put -Crops & Extrmlcly Rocky Soils Existing Ponderosa Pins Woodland Areas Evldanw of Glacial Polishing High's* E4.vatlon(11 on Spokane Wiley Flcor Existing Irvin Water Dist. Reservoir more/Pram M. Exlsdng Walk•kn- the -wUd Zoo B1d04s4 Existing Zoo Ames' Road Existing •Whaeiabretor' 8idg, 'Pendant' Gravel Bar Existing min -mad. Duck Pond Ire a. ren.••q VICINITY MAP UNIQUE PHYSICAL SITE FEATURES Graphic Scala J 0 300 400 Soo 100 1000 acerscuata. IIr.a*rico aUnocT rwr»oe a0rer.Alr'r low*. ,, w $_ WATTR - ;D' Ds ram EXISTING RR-10 PROPOSED &3 '1 5 I;HAHNOM 1t Nr xr _J.a. INDIANA AVE. UNION PAtV1C RA&MiAA RIGHT Of WAY NiOIANA AYILiIU! RIGHT OP WAY tit OMNI III 4 la+>ul W OKAN! VALLEY NAIL h 0 L. b. Significant Impacts The proposed action includes development of the site for multiple recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and business /commercial uses. Some of the envisioned uses include a YMCA, community center, County park, hotel, business park, and ice arena. Development would also include construction of the site infrastructure (roads, sewer and water systems, and other underground utilities). Potential impacts on the unique physical features and critical areas of the site would be limited to those areas within the site where they are present; the north half of Section 10 and the southwest quarter of Section 3. The majority of site development is proposed for those areas of the site that do not contain unique physical features, rock out - crops, or critical areas, therefore no significant impacts on these areas are identified. The proposed project includes development of a north -south collector arterial, connecting Indiana Avenue with Euclid Avenue. This arterial is proposed to mostly follow the alignment of the existing roadway in the northern portion of the site which provided access to the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo facilities. Site improvements to allow development of this arterial may encroach upon the identified geologic formations and critical areas. c. Mitigating Measures Mitigating measures for potential impacts on unique physical features and critical areas are incorporated into the proposed site design. The proposed Mirabeau Point Master Plan provides a natural open space area that extends from its eastern boundary adjacent to the former Mirabeau County Park, the Centennial Trail, and the Spokane River through the center of the site (see Concept Master Plan Map provided as Figure 5). The proposed site design also includes expansion of the existing soft trails into an interpretive trail system throughout the natural open space area. This will provide opportunities to educate trail users regarding the unique physical features of the site and adjacent areas, while protecting these areas within permanently retained open space. The unique physical features of the site are predominantly geologic formations that occur mostly within the natural open space area discussed above. This area and the future County park proposed as part of the Mirabeau Point Master Plan encompass the majority of the geologically significant features identified within the site. Design of the north -south collector arterial through the natural open space area will follow the existing road alignment as much as possible to avoid /reduce impacts on the adjacent rock out - crops. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 21 September 1997 95 -024B 1.2 Soils a. Affected Environment Soil types described below are from the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS - formerly Soil Conservation Service) Soil Survey of Spokane County. The NRCS provides names and descriptions of soil types and assigns a symbol or mapping unit for ease of recognition and for mapping locations. Specific descriptions of NRCS mapping units at the site are presented below and in Table 3. According to the NRCS Soil Survev of Spokane County, the site contains five separate soil types or mapping units. The majority of the site consists of the Garrison soil series, while most of the central portions of the site consist of the Spokane series soils. Garrison soils consist of somewhat excessively drained, gravely, or stony soils which were formed under grass in glacial outwash mixed in the upper portions with volcanic ash. Typically Spokane soils are well- drained and have a sandy substratum underlain by bedrock at a depth of twenty to sixty inches. Spokane soils were formed in weathered granite or thin deposits of glacial till overlying granite, under conifers and grasses. Typically these soils occupy nearly level to very steep mountain foot slopes. More specifically, the northern and southernmost portions of the site consist of Garrison gravely loam (GgA), 0 to 5 percent slopes (see Figure 9). This soil type is somewhat excessively drained with finer textured layers of yellowish brown sand. It is characterized by moderately rapid permeability, slow surface run -off, slight hazard of erosion, low water holding capacity and high shear strength. This soil type is also pervious when compacted and has slight compressibility and moderate stability. Irrigated GgA soils have been identified as areas of prime farmland according to the NRCS. Nationally, approximately eighty percent (80 %) of GgA soil acreage is cultivated, while the remaining twenty percent (20 %) is generally used for grazing, farmsteads, and suburban lots. Irrigated GgA areas are used for a variety of crops including orchard fruits and berries, cabbage, corn, cantaloupe, grass for seed, and pasture. Garrison gravely loam (GgB), 5 to 20 percent slopes soil is located in a small portion of the south central area of the site. This soil has a thinner surface layer than GgA soil. Run -off is classified as medium and erosion hazard is moderate. Garrison very stony loam (GnB), 0 to 20 percent slopes soil follows the river bank contours along the Spokane River. This soil is similar in characteristics to GgA soil except that the surface layer is very gravely. Approximately two percent (2 %) of this mapping unit consists of granite outcrops. This soil type has very rapid permeability, moderate resistance to erosion, and low water - holding capacity. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 22 September 1997 95 -024B Table 3 Soil Characteristics ..... .. .. .. ... ..... .. ........ . :.1: .:r� ::'MA ilG .' • ;:•;.({MT _ PERCENT . SLOPE '.... EROSION POTENTIAL PERMEABILITY -.- :. :, .:' RUN -OFF;; - ..... i EI i HOLDING CAPACITY .. . -. ... '... ' .::•. .:: �ii NN��►► '. $ NOT/ .. fL': :::. lam{ :.............. .. ✓...11.•:!1:1 L1• ✓:: ��jy: • CAPA .•.: r: •: f: .Y 1•::'t: 1Y ::::::J: •J:: :. {.1f.{::fJ! % :•! •..1J •JAti{•f• % {fjyy }Y.� {.�.�.Y.l y }y {{ ...;• {ff L....rf {. >, : {. {: •: • {f.:::J `T` FJi `'3 :.• :�:�:ti•:::'::::'::• } :ti::::::':: i:'::•:::• •::•::::: ' :: ...•:'1 • ■il�L :> . `A `Y.::: GgA 0 to 5 Slight Moderately Rapid Slow Moderate to Low High High Moderate Ills-2 GgB 5 to 20 Moderate Moderately Rapid Medium Moderate to Low High High Moderate Ive -5 GnB 0 to 20 Moderate Moderately Rapid Medium Low High High Moderate Vls -2 StC 0 to 30 Moderate to Severe Moderately Rapid Medium to Rapid Low Low High Low Vlls -2 SuE 30 to 70 Moderate to Severe Moderately Rapid Rapid to Very Rapid Low Low High Low Vlls -2 Ro - -- - -- None 1 Rapid None - -- - -- - -- VIIIs -1 Source: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation * NRCS symbol indicating separate, distinct soil types. Service, Soil Survey of Spokane County, Washington; 1968 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 23 September 1997 95 -024B - -r a•✓;. • �• • d GgA LEGEND: SPOKANE GgA GgA Garrison gravelly loam 0 -5% slopes GgB Garrison gravelly loam 5-20% slopes GnB Garrison very stony loam 0 -20% slopes StC Spokane very rocky complex 0 -30% slopes SuE Spokane extremely rocky complex 30 -70% slopes Ro Rock outcrops :Ga8• �1 1 I I jl n 4 Snoka. county -Soil Manual � SOILS MAP SCALE: None DATE: I August '96 RAMM A S S O C I A I E S I N C South 25 Ali:unontt Spokane, Washington 99202 MIRABEAU POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 95 -024B FIGURE NO: 9 Within the Spokane soil series, a small portion of Spokane very rocky complex (StC), 0 to 30 percent slopes is found in the north central area of the site. This soil is moderately shallow and is similar to the Spokane loam soils except that the depth to bedrock is between 20 and 30 inches. Rock outcrops are included in this very rocky complex. Spokane extremely rocky complex (SuE), 30 to 70 percent slopes is located along the south central area of the site. SuE soils are moderately resistant to erosion, have moderate to rapid permeability, and are difficult to establish vegetation in. Development constraints exist in the central portion of the site due to several significant rock outcrops. These are identified as Ro on the NRCS soils maps and are located within relatively steep topography. Rock outcrops are also located sporadically along the northeastern site boundary which contours the Spokane River. The NRCS is the government agency with primary responsibility for defining and evaluating prime farmlands. It is NRCS policy to make and keep current an inventory of the prime farmlands throughout the nation. The inventory compiled by the NRCS does not constitute a legal designation of any land area to a specific land use; such designations are the responsibility of appropriate state and local officials. The southern approximately one -third of the site is identified as Garrison gravely loam (GgA) with slopes of 0 to 5 percent. This soil mapping unit is consistent with the NRCS criteria for prime farmland, however GgA soils are only considered prime farmland if they are irrigated. The site is not irrigated and there is little evidence to suggest any farming activities have occurred in recent history. The remaining soils located on -site are not designated as prime farmland by the NRCS. b. Significant Impacts The proposed action includes development of the site for multiple recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and business /commercial uses. Some of the envisioned uses include a YMCA, community center, County park, hotel, business park, and ice arena. Development would also include construction of the site infrastructure (roads, sewer and water systems, and other underground utilities). The characteristics of the soils in the area factor into the carrying capacity of the site to determine its suitability for construction. Both short -term and Tong -term impacts to site soils will occur as a result of development. Short -term impacts will be related to construction. Long -term impacts will be re- contouring the site surface during earthwork and construction operations by excavating site soils from some areas and filling in other areas to achieve proposed grades. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 25 September 1997 95 -024B No significant impacts are identified for development on GgA, GgB, and GnB soils, other than the increased potential for erosion from intensifying the amount of surface water run -off (see Section 3. 1 for further discussion regarding storm water run -off). StC, SuE, and Ro soils are located primarily within the central area with existing RR -10 zoning. This area will either be permanently retained as natural open space or consist of a future County park. The only significant impact identified for these soils is the potential for localized increased erosion from increased surface water run -off due to development of impervious pathways and the proposed collector arterial. The potential for erosion on the project site will also increase as vegetation is removed and soil is disturbed during construction and grading activities. Earthwork operations during dry weather may increase the potential for wind erosion. c. Mitigating Measures Soil and surface disruption can be minimized by sensitive environmental site design and planning. This is especially true for construction adjacent to the steeper slopes of the site. The project site has been designed so that the majority of construction activities are located on essentially flat areas. Appropriate setbacks and retention of natural vegetation will be maintained where possible on the steeper sloped areas. An erosion control and sedimentation plan will be required by the County Engineers prior to the start of construction activities. Site drainage will be controlled during construction to prevent soil erosion in areas stripped of natural vegetation. The erosion control and sedimentation plan could stipulate the use of straw bales, silt fencing, temporary sumps, and berms around construction zones to protect features that may be at risk due to construction activities. Dust control measures will be implemented during construction as required by State and local regulations. Dust control measures could include phasing site preparation to limit the amount of exposed sub -grade at a given time and establishing requirements for the contractor to keep the exposed sub -grade moist by spraying during dry weather. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 26 September 1997 95 -024B 2.0 AIR 2.1 Air Quality a. Affected Environment Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) have established air quality standards. The Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority (SCAPCA) is the local administrative authority responsible for enforcement of air quality standards. The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) is the designated "metropolitan planning organization" for the Spokane area and is responsible for coordinating the urban transportation planning process. All federally funded transportation projects or improvements to arterials must conform to the requirements of the 1991 Clean Air Washington Act. Based on extensive monitoring by regulatory agencies, it has been determined that Spokane County contains non - attainment areas for the following two air pollutants: (1) Carbon monoxide (CO), and (2) Suspended particulates; total suspended particulates (TSP) and inhalable particulates (PM10) CO primarily results from burning of fuels in motor vehicle engines. CO tends to be concentrated at busy street intersections or anywhere traffic is congested and air is stagnant. It is primarily a problem in the winter when CO emissions from vehicles are greatly increased. CO is also produced by some industrial operations and wood stoves, although these sources are Tess of a problem because they are geographically dispersed. Total suspended particulates (TSP) consist of any finely divided solid or liquid particles which remain suspended in the atmosphere. PM10 is fine particles (mainly dust and smoke) that are less than 10 microns in diameter. Major sources of particulates include suspended dust from unpaved and paved roads, wood stoves, and outdoor burning. Dust storms and dust from winter road sanding have been known to result in violations of air quality standards. Other sources include industrial point sources, open grass /field burning, agricultural activities, (tilling), and construction (grading /earth moving). Weather is one of several factors that contribute to the overall air quality of the greater Spokane Valley. The valley is subject to frequent early morning temperature inversions causing increased CO concentrations in the central business district. Low rainfall years result in higher total suspended particulate TSP concentrations than years with normal rainfall. Night time cooling on Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 27 September 1997 95 -024B surrounding valley walls and mountains create downslope winds which also flush pollutants through the Spokane Valley basin (Edger, SCAPCA). The Mirabeau Point project site is located within the non - attainment areas for both CO and suspended particulates PM10. The violation threshold for CO is nine parts per million for an eight hour period. The intersection of Pines Road and Mission Avenue has been identified by SRTC as being one of the ten worst intersections for air quality in the Spokane area. The CO level at this intersection, located approximately one -half mile southwest of the project site, was modelled by the SRTC in June of 1995. This air quality analysis revealed CO levels of 8.68 ppm at the time the study was completed, with future CO levels estimated at 8.96 ppm. Both of these levels are within regulatory threshold limits. According to the State Department of Ecology, the number of times the Spokane area has exceeded the federal CO standards has dropped sharply over the last 20 years, from 402 times in 1976 to one time in 1996. Over the last several years the Spokane area has experienced one (1) exceedance in 1996, four (4) in 1995, zero (0) in 1994, six (6) in 1993, eight (8) in 1992, 22 in 1991, and 20 in 1990 (Communicating Air Quality: Washington's 1995 -1996 Air Quality Annual Report). The EPA violation threshold for PM10 is 150 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24 -hour period. PM10 levels in the Spokane Valley typically range from 50 to 99 micrograms per cubic meter, but are periodically significantly elevated depending upon weather conditions and area activities (i.e. field /grass burning). According to the State Department of Ecology, the number of times the Spokane area has exceeded the federal PM10 standards has also dropped sharply over recent years. Only one (1) observation over the federal standards occurred in 1996, zero (0) in 1994 and 1995, 14 in 1993, five (5) in 1992, three (3) in 1991, and 11 in 1990 (Communicating Air Quality: Washington's 1995 -1996 Air Quality Annual Report). b Significant Impacts The Mirabeau Point Master Plan includes an approximately 47 acre area of existing 1 -2 zoning at the southeastern corner of the project site that is proposed to retain its current zoning. The proposed light industrial uses for this area include a business office park and may include research and development types of uses. These types of uses are not typically a major contributor of CO or PM10, except for the employment traffic they generate (see below). A second area of existing I- 2 zoning is located north of Euclid Avenue at the northernmost corner of the project site. This approximately 32.4 acre area is also not included in the current Comprehensive Plan amendment /rezone request and is designated Urban by the Spokane County Comprehensive Plan map. Future rezone action by Spokane County to support residential uses is anticipated for this area in order to comply with the Comprehensive Plan (see Sections 1.1 and 1.3 under Land Use). This area is proposed for future development of residential uses within the Mirabeau Point project. Residential uses have the potential to contribute to increased PM10 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 28 September 1997 95 -024B levels if the use of uncertified wood stoves is permitted. Urban development generally results in additional vehicular traffic and other activity which tends to increase CO and PM10 emissions to the air. Development of the project site as proposed will result in increased vehicle trips on -site and within the project vicinity trips due to the added commercial and industrial employment centers, future residences, and consumer - related retail and recreational opportunities. Increased vehicle trips may result in an increased generation of CO and PM 10. Air quality benefits are continuously derived from the natural turnover within the automobile fleet on the road. As older vehicles are retired out of the vehicle fleet and newer cleaner burning vehicles enter it, the overall CO generated by the vehicle fleet will decrease. Over the next 15 years the average output of CO per car is expected to be Tess than half of what today's average car produces. Even with increased traffic over time, decreasing CO generation within the vehicle fleet would tend to indicate that air quality will not be significantly degraded by the additional vehicle trips generated by the proposed project. Three additional factors associated with site development as proposed will also have a positive Tong -term influence on reducing dust and particulates in the vicinity of the project site. These include: 1) roads and parking areas will be paved, 2) large areas of open space will be retained consisting of native vegetation (Ponderosa Pines and grasses) which are typically not a source of dust, and 3) substantial areas of ornamental landscaping will be provided. Short -term air quality impacts could occur during the construction phase of the project. Grading and excavation may contribute to emissions of suspended particulates. The use of heavy equipment and trucks, as well as other construction equipment, is also likely to contribute to emissions of suspended particulates. Another potential source of dust associated with construction is tracking (i.e., trucks and equipment tracking soil onto the public roadway system). Comments received from the SRTC during preparation of the Mirabeau Point Draft EIS indicated that "serious transportation issues are emerging in this area of the Spokane Valley" (Miles, SRTC). In an August 20, 1997 letter to the County Division of Building and Planning, the SRTC indicates that the projected trip generation for the proposed project makes it a significant contributor to traffic volumes at intersections with inferior operating conditions (level of service D, E, or F). "Consequently, an air quality conformity determination may have to be made on certain transportation improvements related to the Mirabeau Point proposal" (Bennett, SRTC). c. Mitigating Measures Short -term impacts will be mitigated using appropriate control measures per Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 29 September 1997 95 -024B SCAPCA regulations, including spraying of exposed soils to suppress dust and washing the wheels of trucks and equipment. All proposed roads and parking Tots within the project site will be paved and will not be a contributing factor to an increase in suspended particulates. The types of uses proposed for development within the site should not be a contributing factor to increased CO levels. Mitigation of Tong -term impacts are incorporated into the Mirabeau Point Master Plan and the associated Design Guidelines. The "campus style" layout of the master planned site encourages the use of alternative forms of transportation, both to and from the project site and within the site itself. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus stops are planned to be located within the site at convenient locations along the primary parkway. Spaces will be conveniently reserved for carpool and STA vanpool parking. Bicycle lanes are planned to provide safe and easy access to all facilities on -site along the parkways. Bicycle parking /racks will be provided at strategic locations to encourage bicycle usage. Pedestrian corridors will extend throughout the project site, with paved connections to all destinations. These pedestrian corridors will tie into the existing Centennial Trail and the soft un -paved trails within the natural open space area. As indicated by the SRTC, future air quality analysis will likely be necessary. Air quality conformity reviews will be conducted for affected arterial intersections when final designs of required transportation - related improvements are completed. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 30 September 1997 95 -024B 3.0 WATER MOVEMENT /QUALITY /QUANTITY 3.1 Surface /Storm Water a. Affected Environment The state owned Centennial Trail forms the northeastern boundary of the Mirabeau Point project site. The Centennial Trail follows the natural course of the Spokane River along its southern shoreline. The Spokane River flows from the southeast to the northwest and averages approximately 200 to 400 feet in width adjacent to the project site. Review of the Spokane County Shorelines map indicates that the northeastern boundary of the project site appears to be located outside of the 200 - foot shoreline regulatory area measured from the ordinary high water mark of the Spokane River. For further information concerning shorelines, see Section 1.2 Relationship to County Shoreline Program. The average river gradient between Coeur d' Alene and Spokane is nine feet per mile. The Spokane River flows at an approximate elevation of 1935 feet above sea level (asl) adjacent to the project's southeastern property corner. The elevation of the site at this location is approximately 1965 feet asl, which is approximately 30 feet higher than the river's water level. The difference in elevation between the river's water level and the Mirabeau Point site at the northwestern property corner is approximately 45 feet. The water level at this location is at approximately 1920 feet asl and the adjacent site is at approximately 1965 feet asl. The river drops nearly fifteen feet in elevation along the length of the project boundary. The Spokane River flows westerly from Post Falls, Idaho at the west end of Lake Coeur d' Alene at an annual yearly discharge rate of 6,139 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river continues westerly through the Spokane Valley and the annual average discharge rate through downtown Spokane is 6,708 cfs. The river turns northerly just west of downtown Spokane and continues in a northwesterly direction before it joins the Columbia River north of Davenport, Washington. The highest monthly mean discharge of the river is 17,940 cfs in May, and the lowest monthly mean of 1,751 cfs was recorded in September (USGS, Water Resources Division; 103 years of compiled river data). The Spokane River flows over the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and the water quality of each water body is closely related (see Section 3.3 Groundwater for additional information). The Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer extends from Idaho to Washington over an area of approximately 400 square miles and forms the principal water supply for the City of Spokane and neighboring areas of Spokane County (see Section 5. 1 Public Water Supplies). The Spokane River is not used directly to supply water for domestic water uses. All domestic water supplies are obtained by pumping water from the aquifer. However, the river and the aquifer Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 31 September 1997 95 -024B freely exchange water through recharge and discharge at several different locations along the river's course. Seasonal fluctuations in the river's water elevation and the relatively shallow depth of the aquifer near the project site suggests that the river and the aquifer are continuously recharging or discharging to some degree (Miller, Spokane County Division of Engineering; Phelps, CH2M Hill, Inc.). The only other surface water associated with the project site is a small man -made concrete pond near the center of the site that was originally associated with the former Zoo exhibit area. This artificial pond will be removed during site development. The rate at which surface storm water either infiltrates into the soil profile or moves across slope is directly dependent on topography, land use cover, and soil texture. The vast majority of the project site is currently undeveloped, except for the existing access road and several structures associated with the former Zoo facilities. An existing metal building (Wheelabrator building) currently supports ice skating activities on a temporary basis. The project site does not contain any major drainage courses and existing storm water run -off within the site is presently disposed of by natural means. Snow melt and storm water is generally absorbed by the soils found within the area when the ground is not frozen. On -site soils consist primarily of gravely and very stony loams toward the northwest and southeast, with a concentrated area of very rocky and extremely rocky complexes and rock outcrops near the center of the site. A detailed discussion concerning on -site soils is provided in Section 1.2 Soils. A preliminary storm water analysis was completed (see Appendix A) which identifies the existing storm water flow volumes and those following construction of the site as proposed. The existing and proposed storm water run -off within the project site was analyzed using approved recommendations from the Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management (see Appendix A). To facilitate the preliminary analysis, the proposed project was divided into nine pre - developed basins (A through I) illustrated in Appendix A. The Rational Method, which is recommended for basins Tess than ten acres in size, was used to determine the peak discharges and run -off volumes for on -site basins smaller than ten acres. For all off -site basins and on -site basins larger than ten acres, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) method (TR -55) was used to determine peak discharge and run -off volumes. Based upon the analysis provided, the total run -off from the existing project site is shown in Table 4. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 32 September 1997 95 -0248 Table 4 Storm Water Run -off Pre - Developed Conditions �yyy,� �.....j., �- ! �J1I �'RI!��.'.•. A•.•�.�.• � }i :Y.::- :.l.�t. .�. - i1. `! �]f':..::'�•.:. :..�.�: ..::: ::::.:......................... : :::::. : ::::.. {F�i'1•!Y K.1I... ��{.�. �.•. {:• :..... :. ..`} - A 0.9 cfs "' 2.2 cfs 4.2 cfs B 0.8 cfs 1.1 cfs 1.3 cfs C 1.5 cfs 2.1 cfs 2.4 cfs D 1.1 cfs 2.5 cfs 5.0 cfs E 2.8 cfs 6.1 cfs 10.4 cfs F 1.8 cfs 4.5 cfs 8.6 cfs .. G 0.4 cfs 0.5 cfs 0.6 cfs H 0.9 cfs 2.2 cfs 4.2 cfs I 1.6 cfs 4.0 cfs 7.8 cfs (1) cfs - cubic feet per second b. Significant Impacts The addition of impervious surfaces to the site through the construction of buildings, parking Tots, and roads will result in the inability of water to be absorbed in the previously undeveloped areas. The impervious surfaces will create an environment with a larger than existing volume of run -off that will need to be diverted and managed on -site in a storm water system. Any accumulated run -off, if directed over a steeper sloped area, could accelerate and increase its potential to carry sediments and other particles. Development of the project site will also alter the existing run -off characteristics. The addition of a built environment has the potential to intensify the amount of run -off and urban pollutants that will be picked up and travel with the excess run- off. Run -off from developed areas picks up various contaminants as it passes over paved surfaces, rooftops, and landscaped areas. Contaminant sources and types may include: • Vehicles - lubricants, hydraulic fluids, coolants, rubber from tires, dirt carried on undercarriages and fenders, wearing vehicle components, fuel residue, particulate exhaust emissions, brake and clutch lining materials • Paving surface material - asphalt and its decomposition products, Portland cement, aggregates, road marking paint, expansion joint compounds, and crack fillers • Atmospheric fallout - deposited airborne materials • Run -off from adjacent area - silt, leaves, grass clippings, soil stabilizers, growth control compounds • Litter - tobacco and other miscellaneous items • Spills - oil, gasoline, chemical, etc. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 33 September 1997 95 -024B • Ice control compounds - salt and additives • Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Development of the project site will increase run -off volumes from pre - developed to developed conditions. The increase in run -off from the impervious areas will require run -off control facilities within those areas that remain in a relatively pervious state. This will insure that any increase in on -site flows will not impact off -site properties or the Spokane River. Site development as proposed will also increase run -off rates. In order to calculate the different run -off factors for the existing and proposed site features, the NRCS TR -55 calculations assign a run -off curve number (or CN number) to each soil type or constructed element. For the area covered by the proposed development, the pre - development CN value used for analysis ranged from 61, which represents a land cover of grass and weeds, to 85 which represents gravel. For developed conditions, the CN value ranged from 61, which represents open space /recreation, to 92 for commercial and business areas. For the Rational Method, used for basins Tess than 10 acres in size, the "C" value used for analysis of existing conditions (grass and weeds) was 0.25 and for developed conditions was 0.80. For both pre - developed and developed conditions the soil group used was Type B, the primary hydrologic soil classification within the areas proposed for development. Based upon the analysis provided, the potential total run -off from the developed project site is shown on Table 5. Table 5 Storm Water Run -off Developed Conditions The off -site flow from the project site is limited by Spokane County regulations and conditions as outlined in the Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management. For example, run -off from a 50 -year storm under developed conditions must be detained and released at the 50 -year storm rate for pre - developed conditions. Therefore for Basin A, the constructed detention facilities Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 34 95 -024B September 1997 A 9 cfs "' 15 cfs 21 cfs B 9 cfs 13 cfs 14 cfs C 15 cfs 22 cfs 24 cfs D 10 cfs 14 cfs 20 cfs E 10 cfs 16 cfs 22 cfs F 8 cfs 14 cfs 20 cfs G 5cfs 7cfs 8cfs H 18 cfs 28 cfs 36 cfs I 50 cfs 70 cfs 90 cfs (1) cfs - cubic feet per second The off -site flow from the project site is limited by Spokane County regulations and conditions as outlined in the Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management. For example, run -off from a 50 -year storm under developed conditions must be detained and released at the 50 -year storm rate for pre - developed conditions. Therefore for Basin A, the constructed detention facilities Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 34 95 -024B September 1997 must store the 50 -year storm with a maximum flow of 15 cfs, while only releasing at the 50 -year pre - developed rate of 2.2 cfs. This same requirement holds true for all nine basins. c. Mitigating Measures To mitigate potential impacts storm water run -off will be managed on -site according to the County's "208" drainage requirements. Storm water run -off from localized on -site basins will be disposed of using "208" grass percolation areas, drywells, and other retention /disposal methods in accordance with the Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management. Spokane County's 208 Stormwater Management Program is designed to mitigate groundwater degradation in Spokane County's Aquifer Sensitive Area by using grass percolation swales for the first one -half inch of run -off. The Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management states that approximately 90 percent of the contaminants from any run -off event are carried by the first one -half inch of run -off. According to the Spokane County Guidelines for Stormwater Management, the expected contaminant removal using grassed percolation areas is as follows: Total Suspended Solids 95% Total Dissolved Solids 50% Nutrients: Nitrate 20 -50% Total Nitrogen 80% Phosphorus 90% Metals 80% + Organic Chemicals 60% + Bacteria 99% Based on the detailed soil information provided in Section 1.2 Soi /s and hydrologic soil groups (HSG) classified in the County's Guidelines for Stormwater Management, most of the on -site soils appear compatible with the use of drywells and grassy swales. Soil compatibility with the use of drywells and grassy swales is based on factors such as run -off potential, infiltration rates from the surface into the soil, and transmission rates through the soil. As a general statement, soils that don't allow water to quickly move into and through them are not compatible with the desired functions of drywells and infiltration /drainage swales. The four HSGs defined by County regulations range from A; having low run -off potential, high infiltration rates, and a high rate of transmission, to D; having high run -off potential, very low infiltration rates, and a very low rate of water transmission. The on -site soils are primarily classified as Group B soils which are associated with the Garrison soil series (see Section 1.2 Soils for more information). The remainder of the on -site soils are classified as Group C soils, which are associated Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 35 September 1997 95 -024B with the Spokane series soils. The Spokane series soils are primarily located near the center of the project site in the area which was formally the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. No development is proposed for this area other than a soft trail system, therefore no change in storm water flow is anticipated. For each developed area, storm water from roads and parking areas will be directed into "208" swales for treatment prior to infiltrating into the soil as described by the Guidelines for Stormwater Management. Storm water from roofs is proposed to be disposed of directly into drywells, assuming roofs will be non - asphalt and will not support any electrical or mechanical equipment. Other areas such as sidewalks and recreational and landscaped areas will be designed with drainage facilities that will accommodate 10 -year storms. The final basin limits will be determined by the road layout and grades during final site design. Either the Rational Method or the NRCS method will be used to size the drainage facilities depending upon the size of the basin. Size of "208" swales, drywells, and other drainage facilities such as curb drops will be determined during final site design. The drainage swales will be inspected to insure that 50 -year storm volumes will pass through them without damage to on -site buildings. There will be no direct discharge to the Spokane River above the current pre - developed quantity. The project site is expected to be developed in five to ten acre parcels. A typical five acre parcel within the project site (assuming 25 percent in lawn or open space, 25 percent building footprint, and 50 percent road and parking areas) would require a basin or combination of basins totaling approximately 6,800 cubic feet and three drywells (see Appendix A). Soil and surface disruption can be minimized by sensitive environmental site design and planning. In addition, an erosion control and grading plan will be required by the County Engineers prior to beginning construction. This plan will be prepared by a licensed engineer and implemented prior to site construction and may include techniques such as straw bales and netting to protect slopes and associated drainageways. A storm water management plan outlining sediment basins and detention ponds will include identification of methods and maintenance for storm water drainage control. Depending upon final design plans, mitigation measures may also include silt fences, sedimentation basins, and filter fabric entrapments on proposed drainage structures. The required measures will be dependent upon the time of year, weather conditions, and specific locational factors for the particular phase or portion of the site under construction. Once the construction phase is completed within a particular area, the soils will be recontoured and vegetation planted to stabilize the surface soil. This would be crucial on cut and fill slopes where soils would be exposed to erosion and run -off. Since potential impacts can only be fully identified based on final design, specific mitigation will be addressed as part of the storm water management plan that must be prepared and approved by the County Engineers. Spokane County Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 36 September 1997 95 -024B Engineers also have authority for approval of final drainage plans, which must be completed along with road and utility plans as part of the final approval process. 3.2 Floodplains and Wetlands a. Affected Environment The State owned Centennial Trail and the former Mirabeau County Park area is located between the project site and the Spokane River. Review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) for this area indicates that the project site is located outside both the 100 -year and 500 - year floodplains. The entire project site is further described on the FEMA maps as "an area of minimal flooding." Review of the County wetlands map did not indicate the presence of any wetlands on or adjacent to the Mirabeau Point project site. The Spokane River is identified as a Shoreline of Statewide Significance and County Critical Areas maps identify it as a Type 1 stream. The Type 1 rating requires a minimum 250 -foot riparian buffer from the river's ordinary high water mark. The Spokane River and the Mirabeau Point project site are separated by the Centennial Trail and the former Mirabeau County Park area owned by the state. The required 250 -foot riparian buffer area is located completely outside the property line of the project site. b. Significant Impacts No significant impacts related to floodplains and wetlands are identified for the proposed Mirabeau Point project site. Potential impacts related to surface water run -off and storm water disposal are discussed in Section 3.1 Surface /Storm Water. c. Mitigating Measures Since the 250 -foot riparian buffer area associated with the Spokane River is located outside of the project site, no mitigation is required. In areas where the site boundary appears close to the 250 -foot riparian buffer area, the distance will be field verified prior to final design. If any portion of the project site is located within the riparian buffer area, the proposed development activity will be moved farther away from the Spokane River to avoid impacting the riparian buffer area. No mitigation measures regarding floodplains are required due to the above findings. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 37 September 1997 95 -024B 3.3 Groundwater a. Affected Environment The project site is located above the northern margin of the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie aquifer, which is one of the most productive aquifers in the United States (USGS Water - Supply Paper 2265, 1988). As the only significant source of a good - quality water supply in the Spokane Valley, it has been designated as a "sole source aquifer" by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer underlies an area of approximately 400 square miles and varies in saturated thickness from a few feet to 500 feet or more. This unconfined aquifer consists of sand, gravel, cobbles, and boulders deposited during several catastrophic glacial outburst floods during the Pleistocene era known as the Great Spokane or Missoula Floods. The aquifer is recharged (gains water) by: 1) groundwater underflow from the Rathdrum Prairie aquifer to the east and from tributary valleys on the north and south, 2) surface water seepage from small drainage areas along the Spokane Valley margins, and 3) percolation from precipitation, the Spokane River, septic tank drainfields, and irrigation waters. The high rate of groundwater movement though the highly permeable aquifer materials has resulted in groundwater quality being little affected by overlying land use activities (USGS Water - Supply Paper 2265). Several streams drain areas of uplands adjacent to the Spokane Valley, including the outlet streams of Liberty, Newman, and Hauser Lakes. However, their flows cease along the valley margins where the waters sink into the highly permeable valley floor materials. The aquifer discharges (loses water) by leakage to the Spokane River, pumpage at wells, and through evapotranspiration. A generalized description of the geology of the Spokane Valley region indicates a layer of alluvium consisting of mostly coarse sand and gravel of outwash plains, with some silt and clay (USGS Water - Supply Paper 2265). As discussed in Section 1. 1 Unique Physical Features /Critical Areas, most of the geology of the site has been identified as Younger glacial deposits (Qgy) and gneiss domes by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Younger glacial deposits consists of glaciofluvial deposits of sand and gravel within valleys of the Spokane River and includes older glacial deposits such as sand and silt. These sands and gravels make up the common geology of the Spokane Valley floor. The bedrock outcrops are classified as "Gneiss domes" and are igneous intrusive, granitic in nature, and have undergone metamorphic changes. More specifically, the majority of the project site is underlain by Garrison series soils (see Section 1.2 Soils), which consist of somewhat excessively drained, gravely, or stony soils which were formed under grass in glacial outwash areas mixed in the upper portions with volcanic ashes. The central portion of the project site is dominated by steep rock outcrops which consist primarily of solid bedrock Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 38 September 1997 95 -024B and shallow rocky soils. These rock outcrops represents an 'island' in the flow of the aquifer (Dr. Kiver, EWU). The aquifer materials consist of sand and gravel deposited in geologically recent times. In much of the area these materials are both loose and course - grained. As a consequence, the aquifer has hydraulic properties that are uncharacteristically high in comparison to other aquifers elsewhere in the United States. This large transmissive capacity is evidenced by the many wells in the area that easily yield in excess of 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm). The City of Spokane operates wells that can yield over 30,000 gpm, with a drawdown of only a few feet (USGS Water Supply Paper - 2265). Water table contours for the Spokane aquifer indicate that the aquifer is located at approximately 1935 feet in elevation beneath the project site at its easternmost corner (see Figure 10). As discussed above in Section 3. 1 Surface /Storm Water, the river elevation at this point is also at approximately 1935 feet in elevation, with ground elevation at approximately 1974 feet. At the northernmost corner of the project site the aquifer is at approximately 1915 feet in elevation, the river is at an elevation of approximately 1920 feet, and ground elevation is at approximately 1965 feet. The saturated thickness of the aquifer is approximately one to 50 feet over the vast majority of the site (USGS Water - Supply Paper 2265). Preservation of the groundwater quality in the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer has received substantial effort and remains an ongoing concern for the area. The Spokane Aquifer Protection Program began in 1977 and included one year of regional groundwater monitoring. Following the monitoring, it was concluded that wastes released at ground level could reach the aquifer and be detected in groundwater withdrawn from wells. The data gathered also helped in the preparation of the first groundwater protection plan for the aquifer. This plan, informally known as the "208" Study, contains approximately 200 recommendations to protect groundwater quality. A number of these recommendations have been implemented, many of which focus on regulating the use and handling of chemicals, storm water, and wastewater. The Spokane County Zoning Code includes an Aquifer Sensitive Area (ASA) Overlay Zone which outlines specific development regulations pertaining to properties located within the designated ASA boundary. The project site is located within the ASA boundary. Section 1428 of the 1986 Amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act mandates that every state develop a wellhead protection program. In July of 1994, the State of Washington published additional rules pertaining to wellhead protection (WAC 246 -290). The State of Washington has designated the State Department of Health as the lead agency in implementing the Wellhead Protection Program. There are generally four components for implementation of this Program Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 39 September 1997 95 -024B 1•45' T. 26 N. T. 25 N. 117'30' R. 42 E. R. 43 E. 117.15' R.44 E. R. 45 E. R 46 W. R. 6 W. 117'00' R 5W Dartford 7800 „ Orchard Peone Prairie Prairie Pleasant Prair 0 Tco fir: Spokane Airport 1 l /v �] —�= t ,e East Spokane Manitou Prairie I rkw o Tren ood • roject Butt, Hauser Lake 0 Rathdrum Prairie Post Falls 1 .Millwood River ' • ishr(hen ,O rtu i Liberty Lake 1\ •3� 0 phi • 1'`1� •r. V. ,7'f. r 1 2 3 4 5 MILES 1 r 1 _. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 KILOMETERS • 1 1 Water -table contours and the direction of ground -water flow in the Spokane aquifer, May 1978. (From Bolke and Vaccaro, 1981.) 57 N. T. 51 N T. 50 N T. 49 N. • 412 1 WATER TABLE CONTOURS SCALE: Graphic DATE: August '96 M A S S O C I A T E S I N C South 25 Altvnont Spokane, 1Va�hinglon 99202 MIRABEA U POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 95 -024B FIGURE NO: 10 as required by the state. These include: • A susceptibility assessment (for each source); • Delineation of wellhead protection areas (for each well or wellfield); • A contaminant source inventory (for each wellhead protection area); • A contingency plan (for each water system). Water purveyors are required to document the wellhead protection program within their water system plan. Wellhead information would be updated on a six year cycle along with the water system plan. The source inventory is required to be updated every two years. The City of Spokane and the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board (consisting of 17 water districts throughout the area excluding the City of Spokane) are currently completing the required studies to implement wellhead protection strategies for their water supply wells. The City's current studies include identification of capture zones (wellhead protection areas) where future management practices will be implemented. Future study efforts will also include contaminant source inventories and preparation of contingency plans and other groundwater protection strategies for each water system. Preliminary studies indicate that portions of the site may potentially be within the 5 -year capture zones for the City's Rutter Avenue and Well Electric wells (Phelps, CH2M Hill). These wells are located in the vicinity of Upriver Dam, approximately four miles west of the project site. There are no wells within the project site. An abandoned well is located on State - owned property adjacent to the northeastern site boundary. b. Significant Impacts A public water supply system is planned to serve the site with water drawn directly from the Spokane - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer for domestic uses and irrigation of landscaped areas. Water will be provided to the southern approximately two - thirds of the project site by Consolidated Irrigation District. Irvin Water District will provide water to the northern approximately one -third of the project site in later development phases (Phase 3). Consolidated Irrigation acquires water from four well sites located south of the Spokane River. Irvin Water District acquires water from three wells located west of the project site. Please refer to Section 5.1 Public Water Supplies for a more detailed description of the water services that will be provided to the project site. As discussed in Section 3.1 Surface /Storm Water, storm water run -off will be retained on -site and managed in accordance with County regulations. These regulations stipulate that excess storm water due to an increase in impervious surfaces cannot exceed current volumes leaving the site. The proposed project Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 41 September 1997 95 -024B will not reduce the quantity of storm water run -off that currently percolates through the soil layers and recharges groundwater supplies. However development of impervious surfaces and storm water drainage facilities on -site will create specific recharge points in lieu of the general recharge that occurs from an undeveloped site. Following development of the project site, storm water run -off will contain various contaminants typical of developed areas (see Section 3. 1). In addition infiltrating water from irrigation often contains fertilizers and pest /weed control chemical products. Most of the additional water imported to the site will be discharged into the sanitary sewer system or lost to evapotranspiration and is not expected to significantly impact groundwater recharge volumes. Future groundwater protection strategies developed to implement the Wellhead Protection Program are unknown at this time and may or may not impact the proposed project. A coordinated County -wide program could be more than a year away. In addition it may be determined that current aquifer protections are adequate, with no additional strategies recommended. Any perceived impacts related to implementation of the Wellhead Protection Program would be purely speculative at this writing. c. Mitigating Measures Storm water run -off will be disposed of using "208" grass percolation areas and drywells in accordance with the Spokane County Guidelines for Storm Water Management. A well coordinated management plan for storm water run -off will help prevent the possibility of groundwater degradation from contaminants in run- off. The project will include restrictive covenants that, along with the nature of the proposed uses and zoning reclassifications, will prohibit activities that may present an increased risk to area groundwater quality (i.e. industrial uses). Public sewer will be provided to all proposed uses within the project site. Future land uses within the project site will comply with the ASA Overlay Zone criteria for storage of critical materials. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 42 September 1997 95 -024B 4.0 PLANTS AND ANIMALS 4.1 Priority Habitats and Species a. Affected Environment The Spokane County Critical Areas Ordinance establishes protections for three areas of the County's natural environment; Wetlands, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas, and Geologically Hazardous Areas. Further discussion regarding wetlands is provided in Section 3.2 Floodplains and Wetlands. Geologically hazardous areas are discussed in Section 1.1 Unique Physical Features /Critical Areas. The Critical Areas Ordinance was adopted July 9, 1996 and became effective August 1, 1996. The Ordinance was appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board and subsequent revisions to the Ordinance were adopted to ensure its compliance with the Growth Management Act. County policies supporting the Critical Areas Ordinance were adopted as part of the 1994 Spokane County Comprehensive Plan (Section 13). The County Critical Areas Ordinance and associated maps are based on data supplied by Washington state agencies including the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Both the State DFW and DNR maintain centralized database systems which document locations of important plants and wildlife. The data provided by these two agencies does not constitute an "official" agency response to a proposed project, nor does it provide a precise indication of potential impacts. The priority habitat and species identified within Spokane County are adopted from the Washington State Priority Habitat and Species Program (PHS). The County Critical Areas maps identify Fish and Wildlife Habitat areas within the project site. The north half of Section 10 and the southwest quarter of Section 3 are designated as "Urban Natural Open Space" (see Figure 7). The Spokane River is identified on the Critical Areas maps as a Type I stream which requires a 250 - foot riparian buffer. The PHS has identified parts of the project site as priority habitat area for osprey, blue heron, and the bald eagle. The osprey and the great blue heron are listed as State monitored species and the bald eagle is listed as a State threatened species. A Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan was completed for the project site by Geographical Services and is attached as Appendix C. This Plan was completed to identify valuable on -site habitat and species and to provide guidelines and direction for their sound biological management. The on -site evaluation was conducted in both the early morning hours and late afternoon on three separate occasions in late August 1997. Informal transects were established that allowed overlapping observations of the entire area. Specific points were selected for repeated observations within the different habitat types. The Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan focuses on the identified priority species within the project Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 43 September 1997 95 -024B vicinity. Plants The State DNR was contacted for information regarding the presence of high quality wetland ecosystems and high quality terrestrial ecosystems in the vicinity of the project site. Their database search revealed the presence of three types of high quality terrestrial ecosystem occurring within adjacent property owned by the DNR. This property is known as the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve and is located immediately west of the Mirabeau Point project site. The three identified plant communities are as follows: 1) Ponderosa Pine /Snowberry Association, 2) Ponderosa Pine /Bluebunch Wheatgrass Association, and 3) Ponderosa Pine /Ninebark Association. It is likely that portions of these high quality ecosystems may also occur within the Mirabeau Point project site (Swoop Moody, DNR). The Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan identified four distinct vegetative communities within the project area; • Forb /Grass Prairie • Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community, • Northern Euclid Shrub Grass Prairie, and • Riparian Edge. The Forb /Grass Prairie covers approximately 100 acres in the southern portion of the site and is dominated by non - native forb and grass species in a thriving stand dominated by grasses. The area is not in pristine condition and there is little evidence of animal presence due to the harshly xeric (dry) conditions. There are few resident species and this area supports very little breeding habitat for birds or mammals. The Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community covers approximately 50 acres in the central portion of the site. The site supports a ponderosa pine woodland community with a simple understory of shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. The vegetation is fairly diverse and this relatively complex community is occupied by trees, shrubs, and herbs that support many animal and bird species. The Northern Euclid Shrub Grass Prairie covers approximately 55 acres in the northernmost portion of the site. This grass prairie is clearly dominated by non- native species in a thriving stand of grasses and black locust saplings. For most of this area there is only moderate song -bird activity in the early morning hours, as well as feeding and dusting areas for quail and pheasant. There is no evidence of high wildlife density and it does not support breeding habitat for a significant number of birds or mammals. However, a small portion of this area located immediately north of the ponderosa pine woodland does support important bird numbers and species diversity. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 44 September 1997 95 -0248 The Riparian Edge occupies an off -site area along the Spokane River and contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. There is significant evidence of high fish and wildlife density and the area supports significant breeding habitat for birds and mammals. Animals According to data provided by the DFW and the Spokane County Critical Areas maps, several wildlife species are present within the general vicinity of the project site, including wintering and nesting osprey, wintering bald eagles, wintering waterfowl concentrations, nesting red - tailed hawk, and priority fish species within the Spokane River. The DFW and County Critical Areas maps indicate that the Priority Habitat and Species Area designation applies to approximately 40 percent (approximately 95 acres) of the Mirabeau Point project site. Approximately 50 percent of the northern half of Section 10 is within a Priority Habitats and Species Area (see Figure 7). This designation also exists for the southwestern approximately 30 percent of Section 3 and follows the Spokane River corridor through Section 11 of the project site. The delineated Priority Habitats and Species Area is related to the site's natural topography and vegetation and essentially divides the site in half north to south. This delineation appears to follow the existing treeline of the Ponderosa Pine woodland area, located in what was formerly the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo exhibit and trail areas. The maps also show a priority species point located in Section 10 on the east shore of the Spokane River, outside of the project site. This species point indicates the presence of an osprey nest site. Osprey are designated as a monitor species by the State and are also currently listed as a priority species by the County Critical Areas Ordinance. The Washington State Priority Habitat and Species Program further identifies regular individual occurrences of wintering bald eagles in the previously identified areas of the site. The bald eagle is currently on the State and Federal Threatened Species List and is classified as a priority species by the County Critical Areas Ordinance. The bald eagle is currently protected under the Bald Eagle Protection Rules (RCW 77.12.655 and WAC 23.12.292). The Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan identifies both mammal and bird species observed and likely to be present within the site vicinity. The observable mammal presence is not notably rich either in species or abundance. Observed or likely mammals include squirrels, rabbits, coyote, raccoon, porcupine, skunk, chipmunk (observed) and mice, shrew, gopher, rats, and voles (likely). The project site contains four distinct habitats associated with avian (bird) populations. A fifth area is located off -site but immediately adjacent to the project site. These areas are identified as: Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 45 September 1997 95 -024B • Rocky Woodland - Rocky higher topography located in the central portion of the site dominated by ponderosa pine, ninebark, snowberry, and pinegrass. There are many large snags suitable for cavity- nesting birds, with limited bird abundance and species diversity. • Prairie Transition - Area of scattered pine woodland that merges with open forb /grassland on the north and south margins of the Rocky Woodland. The transition zones are typically 40 to 120 feet in width and provide important edge habitat for birds. Several large snags near the prairie edge serve as excellent habitat for cavity nesting birds. The population density was at least four times higher than within the Rocky Woodland. • North Euclid Shrub and Prairie - Flat area of generally open prairie north of Euclid Avenue. Numerous young locust saplings provide some cover for quail and pheasants within this dry environment. • Southern Prairie - Large area of open prairie south of the Rocky Woodland dominated by bunchgrass, knapweed, and other noxious weeds. The bird abundance and diversity are limited due to the lack of high quality vegetative cover and lack of tree and shrub presence. • Riparian Transition - Lush riparian corridor located along the western bank of the Spokane River. Vegetation is characterized by tall dense shrub thickets, scattered cottonwoods, and scattered shrubs and bunchgrass up- slope. This area sustains very high bird populations and species diversity and appears to have experienced relatively minimal disturbance from recreational activities on the Centennial Trail. The Centennial Trail tends to mark the general upland limit of the dense bird populations. The area between the project site and the Spokane River shoreline mostly contains the complete ecological transition from riparian to xeric (upland) conditions. None of the three priority species (osprey, great blue heron, and bald eagle) potentially identified as using the project site to some degree were observed during field investigations. Osprey and great blue heron were observed using the adjacent riparian edge associated with the Spokane River. Specific bird species observed within each habitat area are listed in Appendix C. b. Significant Impacts The proposed action includes development of the site for multiple recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and business /commercial uses, along with development of the site infrastructure (roads, sewer and water systems, and other underground utilities. The project site is located outside of the 250 -foot riparian buffer area required by the Critical Areas Ordinance for a Type I stream. Development of the project site is not expected to have any significant impact on the Riparian Edge. The areas of the project site proposed for development are located where there are Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 46 September 1997 95 -024B relatively flat slopes which were at one time cultivated in crops and now consist of weeds, grasses, and scattered small shrubs. Development of these areas will require the removal of all existing vegetation which will eliminate some functioning habitat areas used by wildlife. Some resident birds will likely move to other suitable habitat areas in the vicinity and there will be a local net Toss of resident bird population. The loss of wildlife habitat resulting from construction and development of the site will be an unavoidable impact for some of the existing wildlife that is unable to successfully relocate. Development of the vast majority of the Forb /Grass Prairie will not cause significant damage to important ecological functions. However development of the forb /grass prairie located immediately north and south of the Rocky Woodland would likely result in significant impacts to resident bird populations due to the high species diversity and number of birds in these areas. The proposed project has allowed for approximately 35.3 acres of natural open space to be left undeveloped to accommodate existing wildlife and preserve the higher quality habitat areas (Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community). Expansion of the existing soft trails throughout the proposed natural open space area will have limited impact on the existing habitat within this area. Approximately 11 acres directly to the north of the proposed natural open space area have been identified for donation to the County Parks Department. As the site develops over time, wildlife will be forced to move to the open space area or take alternate paths in areas where existing paths and habitat will be removed. Wildlife will be exposed to a greater number of people, their associated activities, and resultant noises due to the intensified use of the project site. Some species may be lost if they are extremely sensitive and cannot adapt to the changed environment, even though habitat (natural open space) is provided. However, the open space provided by the proposed project will accommodate a large portion of the existing wildlife. The proposed project will have minimal significant impacts on local populations of osprey, great blue heron, or bald eagles. c. Mitigating Measures Mitigating measures for potential impacts on priority habitats and species and critical areas are incorporated into the proposed site design. The proposed Mirabeau Point Master Plan provides a natural open space area extending from its northeastern boundary adjacent to the former Mirabeau County Park area, the Centennial Trail, and the Spokane River through the center of the site (see Concept Master Plan Map provided as Figure 5). This area encompasses the Ponderosa Pine Woodland area and connects to the adjacent Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve west of the site. No buildings will be constructed or pavement installed within the interior of this area. Standing dead snags will be preserved and the area managed for fire and weed control. Expansion of the existing soft trails into an interpretive trail system throughout the natural open space area will provide opportunities to educate trail users regarding plant and animal species Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 47 September 1997 95 -024B within the site and adjacent areas, while protecting these areas within designated open space. Use of the soft trail system within the natural open space area will be restricted to human foot traffic only. In order to reduce potential impacts on the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve, no trail connection is proposed along the western site boundary and the existing fence line will be maintained to restrict access to this adjacent area. Mitigating measures also include establishing s 50 -foot wide area dominated by wildlife habitat functions adjacent to the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve south of Euclid Avenue. A buffer zone of natural vegetation established along the north and southern margins of the Ponderosa Pine Woodland area would preserve and enhance the most valuable bird habitat areas within the project site. The buffer zones along these margins are recommended to be typically 100 feet wide, but may vary between 50 and 100 feet in width to blend the opportunities of topography and vegetation with the proposed development elements. Planting of additional shrubs within the buffer zones would greatly enhance cover and feeding opportunities for song and game birds. Recommended management practices within the buffer zones include not landscaping or mowing beyond what is required for noxious weed and fire control. An existing roadway bisects the open space corridor from south to north along the property's eastern boundary, before turning westerly and tying into Euclid Avenue. Currently there is fencing along the existing roadway which prohibits any but the smallest mammals from crossing to the Spokane River. Proposed improvements to this existing roadway include removing the fence, which would enhance the natural connection between the river and the woodland area. Approximately 11 total acres on both sides of the roadway have been identified for donation to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. In areas where the site boundary appears close to the 250 -foot riparian buffer area, the distance will be field verified prior to final design. If any portion of the project site is located within the buffer area, the proposed development activity in that area will be moved away from the Spokane River to comply with the Critical Areas Ordinance. The 35.3 natural open space area will be permanently retained using deed restrictions and /or conservation easements. Management of the natural open space area will be defined within the Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines. These Guidelines will be enforced using established Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs) and Reservations of Easements recorded against real property located within the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 48 September 1997 95 -024B II. BUILT EN VIRONMENT 1.0 LAND USE 1.1 Relationship to Existing Land Use Plans a. Affected Environment Comprehensive Plan The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to serve as a guide for future growth as a means of maintaining or improving the general welfare of Spokane County and its citizens. The Comprehensive Plan is currently being updated to meet the requirements of the State Growth Management Act ( GMA). This process of updating the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to be completed in 1998 (see Section 1.3 Relationship to Growth Management Act for further information). The current Spokane County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in December of 1980 by the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners and became effective on January 1, 1981. Subsequent to its adoption in 1 980, the Comprehensive Plan has been amended several times, with the latest printing of the Comprehensive Plan text being issued in 1997. The Comprehensive Plan text, along with the accompanying Comprehensive Plan Map, describes and delineates generalized land use categories (i.e., Urban, Suburban, Suburban + , Semi- Rural, Semi -Rural +, Rural, Agricultural, Major Commercial, and Industrial). In addition, in order to protect water quality (in particular the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer) from adverse impacts, the Comprehensive Plan map delineates Aquifer Sensitive Area (ASA), Priority Sewer Service Area (PSSA), General Sewer Service Area (GSSA), and Wastewater Management Area (WWMA) boundaries. The ASA is the area from which storm water run -off directly recharges an aquifer, including the surface over the aquifer itself and the hillside areas immediately adjacent to the aquifer, as currently defined in the Spokane Water Quality Management Plan. The PSSA boundary includes those areas that are currently served or planned for sewer services. The current PSSA boundary will be revised in the future to reflect the final Urban Growth Area (UGA) boundaries that will be adopted by Spokane County as part of the Growth Management Act requirements. The County adopted an interim Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) in 1996 that identifies priority sewer areas for public sewer projects. The intent of the interim CWMP is to minimize potential wastewater impacts on the Spokane- Rathdrum Aquifer and the Spokane River. The Comprehensive Plan previously established the GSSA as the area having the potential for regional Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 49 September 1997 95 -024B wastewater collection and treatment service within the 20 -year study program. The GSSA designation was eliminated by the County Division of Building and Planning in May 1997. The WWMA boundary defines the area that is required to adhere to the water quality standards listed in the interim CWMP. The Comprehensive Plan also establishes an Urban Impact Area (UIA). The UTA boundary is intended to define and separate urban and rural activities within Spokane County, and provide for more intense utility facilities and services within the UTA boundary. The UTA boundary is generally located within the ASA and more specifically follows the PSSA boundary. Spokane County adopted Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundaries and associated interim development regulations in February 1997. The IUGA and interim development regulations have replaced the UTA as the boundary separating urban and rural uses. The project site is located within all of the boundaries discussed above. Final Urban Growth Area (FUGA) boundaries and development regulations will replace the IUGA after their adoption under the Growth Management Act process (see Section 1.3 Relationship to the Growth Management Act). The Arterial Road Plan is another primary component of the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Arterial Road Plan provides specific policy regarding transportation routes needed to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Discussion regarding the Arterial Road Plan is provided in Section 4.2. The existing Comprehensive Plan designations for the Mirabeau Point project site are Rural, Urban, and Industrial (see Figure 11). Most of the site (156.8 acres) is designated Rural. The area north of Euclid Avenue is designated Urban and the eastern portion in Section 11 is designated Industrial. The Rural category is intended to provide the opportunity for development of agricultural, timber or open environments in a "country -like" setting. The land use within this category is intended to be primarily very large lot (10 acres per residence) with agricultural uses or open space. The Rural designation was applied to the site to accommodate the needs of the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo and to buffer this land use from surrounding urban development. The Urban category is intended to provide the opportunity for development of a "city like" environment which includes various land uses, intensive residential development, and public facilities and services (water, sanitary sewer, police and fire protection, and other features The Industrial category is intended to "provide the opportunity for industrial development and reserve land for industrial purposes." The needs for services will be similar to those of the Urban category. The immediate surrounding properties are designated Rural to the west (includes the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve), Urban further west to Pines Road, Industrial Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 50 September 1997 95 -024B RMM A S O C I T L S I N C South 25 Ali :unont Spokane. Washington 99202 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATIONS SCALE: None DATE: August '96 J MI,RABEA U POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 95 -024B FIGURE NO: 11 to the north, east, and south of the eastern portion of the site, Commercial to the south, and Urban south of Interstate -90 (see Figure 11). Essentially the central portion of the Mirabeau Point project site and the property immediately west is an island of Rural category surrounded by Urban, Commercial, and Industrial categories. Zoning The existing zone classifications for the Mirabeau Point project site are Rural Residential -10 (RR -10) and Light Industrial -2 (1 -2) (see Figure 12). The areas classified as 1 -2 correspond to the areas designated by the Comprehensive Plan as Urban and Industrial. The RR -10 zone is designed to implement the Rural category of the Comprehensive Plan in those areas where agriculture is not necessarily the highest and best use of the land. The intent of the zone is also to serve those areas undergoing transition from agricultural pursuits to a life style less consistent with intensive agricultural activity. The minimum parcel size in the RR -10 zone is ten (10) acres and although it is considered the large lot residential zone, parcels may be substantially greater in size. The RR -10 zone allows clustering of Tots or structures to achieve a greater efficiency of public utilities, agricultural pursuits, or to create reserve parcels available for usage at a later time. These areas are generally served by limited public services and utilities, such as existing gravel roads, volunteer fire departments, on -site sewage disposal, and individual wells. The general trend in the RR -10 area is toward a rural residential life style associated Tess and less with primary agricultural pursuits. The 1 -2 zone is designed to meet the needs for industrial land identified in the Industrial category of the Comprehensive Plan. Industrial uses include processing, fabrication, light assembly, freight handling and similar operations. The 1 -2 zone allows these uses by making them compatible with surrounding uses. A 1996 amendment to the 1 -2 zone permits most of the land uses allowed in the Regional Business (B -3) zone to occur in the 1 -2 zone, thus providing for a mix of industrial and commercial uses within the same area. Generally, these areas include paved roads and sidewalks, public sewer and water, a full line of public services including manned fire protection, and public transit accessibility. Adjacent properties to the west are zoned RR -10 (includes the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve), Urban Residential -3.5 (UR -3.5), and 1 -2. Further west to Pines Road properties are zoned Urban Residential -22 (UR -22) and B -3. Adjacent properties to the north, east, and south are all zoned either 1 -2 or 1 -3 (see Figure 12). Similarly to the Comprehensive Plan designations in the area, the central portion of the project site and the property immediately west is an island of RR -10 zoning surrounded mostly by industrial and high density residential zoning classifications. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 52 September 1997 95 -024B ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS rte• i•prrr+ bl •a. i 1 1 -2 18 - ;. "61ktiksfkit. A VItigt .1 •t • V1 Af • 18 5 6 is so 1k • a •� 7B ft O %// 16 -56 sit PARCEL 1154L•9040 AEI PARCEL# REPLA r 20 -56 r11UR -22 84C- 96 -84C c� RR-10 4 -24 -42 I6 =56 ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS LOTr.3.7SAc. !� 6:44t0.0. Q +1_ ?LTA B 1N * tontt 1-3 I 16- 56 L 0T139. ]3Ac t O 1 u �� ' 1 6 60.-71 .,0 1t t3 • 0 1 -2 aM a f r1• 225-57 • r ~ A •eis, ' .ice 1 '`~► ;'ii3 za 18-7 .0 • ® I.2 • sy l- rr's+ 2 ® D 46-4 -57 B-3 1• . "1 24 -42 F"4-- L oT 9 /07 H/101 6:1 @ J,T w 1r.r� X. 'rte �� .. n • ..� - - F. PC 'rr • i y 111:34'`` L p! 1 f Si 44.14% a �! L16.71 �..m' 1,4..E r.�.r x +• 113 -56� 1 b. Significant Impacts Comprehensive Plan The existing RR -10 and 1 -2 zoning within the majority of the site is consistent with the Rural and Industrial categories of the County's Comprehensive Plan. The existing 1 -2 zoning in the northern area is not consistent with its current Urban land use designation. The proposed project includes a Comprehensive Plan amendment from the existing Rural designation to Major Commercial and Urban designations (see Figure 3). The subsequent zone reclassifications to B -2 and B -3 also proposed would implement the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan map designation. The existing Rural designation of the site is essentially a historic carryover which served to retain the site's rural character while the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo was in operation. Since the Zoo is now closed, this Rural designation is no longer necessary. In addition the site is almost entirely surrounded by urban land use designations (see Figure 11). The site's location within the IUGA boundary indicates that urban level Comprehensive Plan categories are appropriate for the area. Therefore the following analysis focuses on a comparison of the proposed Concept Master Plan with the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The intent of the Major Commercia/ category of the County's Comprehensive Plan is to provide the opportunity for development of commercial uses, specifically community and regional shopping centers and commercial uses, directly related to major thoroughfares. A detailed definition of the Major Commercia/ category as found in the County's Comprehensive Plan follows: DETAILED DEFINITION OF MAJOR COMMERCIAL A. Density Characteristics: Residential use in Major Commercial areas is not intended to be high priority in this category and may be limited to pre- existing uses. Certain residential uses, particularly multifamily developments, may be compatible through the use of proper screening and performance standards. B. Characteristic Features: The Major Commercial Category will be composed of three different types of commercial development: shopping centers, highway and arterial commercial strips, and freeway commercial. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 54 September 1997 95 -024B The shopping centers are further broken down into three subcategories (neighborhood, community and regional) which relate to size of site, trade area to be served and type of tenants within the shopping center. The tenants range from supermarkets, drug stores and Laundromats to full -time department stores, highly specialized shops and professional offices. The consumer goods offered in strip development frequently differ from those found in shopping centers. Typical businesses found along a strip often include new and used car sales, fast -food establishments, bars and fruit /produce stands. Freeway Commercial areas are usually made up of more specialized commercial uses. Freeway interchange areas are usually oriented to single stops along the freeway for food, gas and lodging. Major Commercial areas feature high- intensity uses. The heavy automobile traffic and the related congestion may create pollution problems, especially along the commercial strip developments. The shopping center is a commercial development which is generally designed, developed, operated and controlled by a single ownership, with off - street parking facilities placed on the site to serve all of the establishments in the center. The centers may range in size from 4 acres with 30,000 square feet of leasable floor space to over 50 acres with 1,000,000 square feet of leasable floor space. Highway and arterial strip commercial areas will usually be made up of businesses on individual parcels clustered along a heavily traveled street or highway, each providing off - street parking. Shopping is not done by walking from one store to another, but rather is of a single - purpose nature. Freeway commercial uses are generally found at freeway interchanged where ease of access to and from the freeway is possible. Normally, these locations will be moderately landscaped and provide adequate off - street parking for customers. Most commercial development will be on relatively flat land and buildings will be of a low profile. Paved parking, streets and man -made structures will dominate the site, with few natural features to be found. C. Public Services and Facilities: Major Commercial areas require a full line of services and utilities. These include service by, or commitment to, sanitary and storm sewers, public Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 55 September 1997 95 -024B water systems and underground utilities such as telephone, gas and electricity. Also available will be paved and lighted streets, parking Tots, street maintenance, garbage collection and police and fire protection. D. Noncompatible Uses: In most cases intensive farming activities, mining and heavy industrial uses would be incompatible with Major Commercial uses. Likewise, most single - family residential areas and schools would not be compatible or appropriate within the Major Commercial Category unless proper screening and performance standards are established. The Spokane County Comprehensive Plan contains numerous goals and objectives intended to guide Spokane County in its decision- making regarding land development in Major Commercial areas. The Plan's goals and objectives, along with a discussion of the relationship of the proposal to the goals and objectives of the Major Commercial designation, are addressed below. GOAL 6.1 PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL LAND IN A MANNER WHICH IS COMPLEMENTARY AND COMPATIBLE WITH ADJACENT LAND USES AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. Objective 6.1a - Commercial developments should be buffered to protect adjacent areas. The proposed project will be constructed in three phases over a 10- to 15- year period, depending upon market conditions (see Figure 6). The first phase will contain the following commercial uses: a YMCA facility with an indoor aquatics center, teen center, and gymnasium; an ice arena which would include two separate ice rinks (sheets); and other various retail and commercial uses. A community complex is also planned which will house a performing arts center, educational classrooms, a planetarium, a senior center, and, perhaps the Centennial Trail headquarters. Approximately 35.3 acres within Phase 1 will be retained as a natural open space area and will include expansion of the existing soft trails into an interpretive trail system (see Table 1). Phase 1 contains buffer areas and spatial separation of the proposed and adjacent uses (see Figure 5). Directly adjacent and west of the natural open space area is the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve, located on land previously owned by Inland Empire Paper Company and transferred to the Nature Conservancy. This land is now owned by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The project proponents have also committed to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 56 September 1997 95 -024B transferring ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres to the County Parks Department for future development of a public park within the project site. The Centennial Trail is located on property owned by the State Parks and Recreation Commission and is located between the Spokane River and the site along the entire northeastern site boundary. The project site is located outside of the 200 -foot shoreline and 250 -foot riparian buffers required for the Spokane River. Where it appears that the project may infringe upon that buffer area, the area will be field verified and development activity will be setback in excess of 250 feet from the Spokane River. Phase 1 will include public access to the Centennial Trail trailhead. Open space corridors and pedestrian pathways are an integral part of the proposed Master Plan project, in that they will provide a transition between the various commercial and recreational uses within the project site. Sidewalks will be developed throughout the site adjacent to the landscaped swale areas which will separate the sidewalks from the internal roadway system. In some areas of the site, sidewalks will meander through open space landscaped areas, which will provide buffers between different on -site uses, adjacent uses, and roadways. Pedestrian circulation will be prominent throughout the site with convenient access to the Centennial Trail. The proposal requests Commercial Comprehensive Plan designations on two separate areas of the site. The southern proposed commercial area is generally compatible with adjacent land uses and land use trends in the immediate area. This area is proximate to the Interstate 90 and Pines Road interchange and has access to Indiana Avenue, a minor arterial. The northerly proposed commercial area is generally not compatible with the adjacent land uses and could establish a precedent leading to commercial strip type development along Euclid Avenue. The land surrounding this area is currently undeveloped to the north and preserved as a natural area to the south. Commercial uses will be limited in the northerly commercial area to only certain uses in the B -2 zone which would be compatible with the Urban Comprehensive Plan category and the existing and planned uses for the area. The Commercial Comprehensive Plan category is required to implement the Master Plan's mixed uses including the proposed recreational and support commercial uses such as an RV park and entertainment /recreational facilities which are only allowed in the B -2 and B- 3 zones. Please refer to the discussion under Zoning below. Objective 6.1 .b - Provide for aesthetics of development along County Arterials and State Highways or Freeways. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 57 September 1997 95 -024B As discussed above, open space landscaped areas will provide buffers between on -site uses and adjacent roadways. The Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines will address issues regarding building appearances, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic and compatibility concerns. Each individual project proposed for the project site will undergo review by the Mirabeau Point Architectural Review Committee to ensure consistency with the Design Guidelines. The Design Guidelines will be enforced using established Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs) . Objective 6.1.c - Require developers to provide sufficient land for off - street parking at commercial sites. All potential uses will be able to provide the required number of off - street parking spaces (see Table 1 and Figure 5). Objective 6.1.d - Encourage adequate circulation patterns and commercial areas and provide planned access to public transit. A network of roads is illustrated on the proposed Concept Master Plan that would serve the major development areas of the site (see Figure 5). A new public north -south roadway (Mirabeau Parkway) will be developed as a collector arterial and provide a connection between Euclid and Indiana Avenues. Other roads to be constructed on -site consist of local access public and private roads as indicated on the Master Plan. The proposed development for each area of the site will require a detailed site plan which will be consistent with the overall Master Plan and will require Spokane County approval prior to acquisition of a building permit. New public and private roads will be developed within the site in accordance with the Spokane County Division of Engineering Standards for Public and Private Roads. Pedestrian circulation will be facilitated by sidewalks throughout the site and several locations for public transit stops will be provided within the site. These locations will be coordinated with existing and planned public transit facilities and routes in the area. An amendment to the County Arterial Road Plan map is proposed to include designation of Mirabeau Parkway and Euclid Avenue as minor arterials from Indiana Avenue north and west to Pines Road. Objective 6.1.e. Encourage tourist facilities in areas where there is ease of access to major tourist routes. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 58 September 1997 95 -0248 The site is located just north of Interstate -90 between the Pines Road and Sullivan Road interchanges (see Figure 2). Both these interchanges would serve as access points from 1 -90 to the site. Additional access will be provided to the site from 1 -90 following completion of the proposed Evergreen Road interchange directly south of the project site. North and south of the site Sullivan Road is identified on the County Arterial Road Map as a Principal Arterial. North of the site Pines Road is also a Principal Arterial. South of the site, Pines Road is identified as State Route 27. A new public north -south arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) is planned to provide connection between Euclid and Indiana Avenues. A new signal will be constructed at the Mirabeau Parkway /Indiana Avenue intersection and a fully signalized railroad crossing will be constructed just north of this intersection. Objective 6.1.f - Encourage multiple -use centers. The proposed plans for this project are best described as a multiple use master planned development. The uses include a combination of public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses in a "campus -like" setting (see Figure 5). The compatibility of similar uses will be achieved through such cooperative design techniques such as clustering of similar uses, shared parking facilities, and landscaped buffers. Objective 6.1.g - Encourage the clustering of commercial uses that are oriented toward the urban or regional market. The site is centrally located in the Spokane Valley and is immediately northwest of the new Spokane Valley Mall. Those proposed commercial uses that have an orientation to urban and regional markets are clustered in the southeast portion of the site. This location focuses their physical orientation within the site toward Indiana Avenue and the freeway interchanges (see Figure 5). Objective 6.1.h - Light industry should be allowed to locate in well- designed cluster areas with commercial activities when they are compatible. The existing 1 -2 zoning on the site would permit the location of certain "light industry," such as research and development and light assembly. Commercial uses are also allowed in the 1 -2 zone. The Master Plan envisions a light industrial office park in the southeast area of the site. Compatibility concerns will be addressed by the Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines which will address issues regarding building appearances, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 59 September 1997 95 -024B aesthetic concerns. The Design Guidelines, enforced by Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC &Rs), will provide an extra measure beyond the County Zoning Code to address both aesthetic and compatibility issues for future site development. Objective 6.1.i - Encourage business districts in scale with the needs of the population throughout the County. The Mirabeau Point master plan anticipates development of potential uses in a phased improvement schedule resulting in a mixed use regional center. Existing population numbers currently indicate the need for a community center, ice arena, and YMCA facility. Full build -out of the site is anticipated to occur over a 10- to 15 -year period, depending upon market conditions (see Figure 6). While the need for community recreational facilities is well documented, the need for a substantial increase in unspecified commercial property is not readily apparent. Recent development of the Spokane Valley Mall as well as significant increases in commercial development along Sullivan Road have occurred. Also, there are significant areas of approved, but undeveloped commercial properties in Spokane County which begs the question "Why is more commercial needed ?" Many of the planned and anticipated future uses for Mirabeau Point require a Commercial land use designation and commercial zoning. The broader commercial areas are requested to allow flexibility in locating specific uses within the mixed use Master Plan. Some specific uses requiring a commercial designation include: entertainment and recreational facilities (bingo hall, dance hall, skating rink), recreational vehicle parks, rental shops, colleges and trade schools, specialized schools, resorts, libraries, museums, exercise facilities and spas, indoor archery and or firearms range, art gallery /studio, and bowling alleys. Many of these uses may locate at the Mirabeau Point site since it would be a central recreational and entertainment focal point for the Spokane Valley. These types of uses typically generate additional commercial support uses which may include retail and restaurant type uses. The commercial uses which will be allowed in the northerly commercial area along Euclid Avenue will be limited to specific uses allowed in the 6 -2 zone which are considered compatible with the adjacent existing and planned uses. Objective 6.1.j - Consider small -scale convenience stores and commercial enterprises adjacent to residential neighborhoods. The Urban land use designation north of Euclid is identified for future residential use in the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. Other adjacent residential Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 60 September 1997 95 -024B areas are located further west near Pines Road. The mixed use development planned for Mirabeau Point would put some limited commercial uses in the northern area along Euclid Avenue in close proximity to future residential uses. The southern area and the Spokane Valley Mali would provide commercial uses serving a more regional population base. The proposed Comprehensive Plan map amendment also includes a change to the Urban designation for the central portion of the site (45.3 acres). Since the project site is located within the IUGA boundary (see Section 1.3 Relationship to Growth Management Act for further information), this request was included to provide consistency with the surrounding urban level land use designations. However, most of this area (35.3 acres) would be permanently retained as a natural open space area. An additional 10 to 11 acres have been identified for donation to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair (see Figure 3). Neither of these areas are proposed for an urban level of development and the design guidelines and CC &Rs will stipulate their use and maintenance. Deed restrictions will be placed on the natural open space area to ensure its permanent status as open space. The intent of the Urban category of the County's Comprehensive Plan is to provide the opportunity for development of a "citylike" environment. This includes various land uses, intensive residential development, and public facilities and services, such as water, sanitary and storm sewer lines, police and fire protection, and other features. Portions of the detailed definition of the Urban category as found in the County's Comprehensive Plan follows as it relates to this proposal: DETAILED DEFINITION OF URBAN B. Characteristic Features: Since Urban areas will be the most intensely developed of all the categories, it is primarily a residential category of single - family, two - family, multifamily, and condominium buildings along with neighborhood commercial, light industrial, and public and recreational facilities. Agricultural activities will be very limited and considered a secondary use. The aesthetic setting will be predominately man -made structures with occasional natural or planned open spaces. Most areas in an Urban setting may not have a view of natural areas, and open spaces will most likely consist of park and /or school grounds. Low -to- moderate levels of noise and air pollution will most likely exist in Urban areas due to the intensity of activities and the high volume of traffic generated. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 61 September 1997 95 -024B The more intensive land uses such as Tight industrial and neighborhood commercial will be located near the heavily traveled streets, while the least intensive single - family residential uses will be isolated from the noise and heavy traffic. Multifamily structures will usually be a transitional use located between single - family residential and the more intensive areas. D. Noncompatible Uses: Due to the variety and mix of land uses and activities found in the Urban Category, there are few land use activities that would be inappropriate. Many uses may require screening or other performance standards to make them compatible with one another. Mining, major commercial users, heavy industrial uses, and intensive farming would not be compatible within Urban areas. GOAL 1.2 ENCOURAGE A VARIETY OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACES THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL PEOPLE IN OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS. Objectives 1.2.a. - Support increased cluster development providing for open spaces within the development. The proposed project will cluster commercial and retail uses in the southeastern portion of the site. The ice arena is located in the southwest corner of the site. Those portions of the site located between the ice arena and the future business park in the southeast are reserved for future recreation /business uses (see Figure 3). Proposed community uses are again clustered northward towards the central portion of the site. Those uses include a YMCA facility with an indoor aquatics center, teen center, and gymnasium and a community complex housing a performing arts center, educational classrooms, a planetarium, a senior center, and perhaps the Centennial Trail headquarters. The potential for a hotel in this area of the site also exists. Approximately 45.3 acres in the central portion of the site are proposed for Urban Comprehensive Plan designation. Approximately 35.3 acres of this area will be permanently retained as natural open space (see Figure 3). The remaining 10 to 11 acres have been identified for donation to the County Parks Department for future development of a public park. Environmental design considerations include the retention of unique physical features and potentially valuable plant communities within the central open space and public park areas. The natural open space area would include a soft trail system and interpretive signs. The trail system would tie into the Centennial Trail and former Mirabeau County Park area along the Spokane River adjacent to the Mirabeau Point site. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 62 September 1997 95 -024B Objective 1.2.c. - Identify historic sites and preserve the most significant, by appropriate legislation, as parks and open space. The former Mirabeau County Park area is noted for both geologic and historic /archeological significance. Large granite bedrock outcrops rise above the valley floor and historically provided many sheltered areas along the west bank of the Spokane River. Investigations in 1991 along the Centennial Trail by the Center for Northwest Anthropology, Washington State University indicate that the Mirabeau Park area contains evidence of historic /archeological significance. The portion of the project site immediately adjacent to the west of the Mirabeau Park area will be permanently retained as natural open space in order to preserve the identified areas of historic and cultural significance (see Section 3.0). The natural open space area will contain a soft trail system and interpretive signs and will tie into the future County Park, the Centennial Trail, and the former Mirabeau County Park area along the Spokane River. GOAL 1.3 ENCOURAGE CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF NATURAL FEATURES AND VISTAS WITHIN THE COUNTY. Objective 1.3.a - Guide development by environmental concerns and natural limitation rather than thwart development solely by desire to protect environment. Objective 1.3.b - Future developments should be encouraged in a manner to least disturb the natural elements in the environment. The natural limitations and features of the site have been considered in the design of the proposal (see Figure 5). Approximately 35.3 acres of the site will be permanently retained as a natural open space area (see Objective 1.2.c above). Objective 1.3.c - Residential platting should be developed with public sewers where it can be established that alternatives would be a threat to the water source. Phase 3 includes development of the northern portion of the site along both sides of Euclid Avenue, north of the proposed natural open space area. The 1 -2 zone located north of Euclid Avenue is designated Urban in the County's Comprehensive Plan and it is anticipated to crossover to a future residential zone after the County completes the GMA planning requirements (see Section 1.3) . Future residential uses developed north of Euclid Avenue, as well as commercial uses south of Euclid Avenue will be served by the County sewer system. Development of Phase 3 would also require water system improvements and extension of water mains by Irvin Water District Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 63 September 1997 95 -024B No. 6. Development of the Phase 3 area would likely occur within the next 10 to 15 years. Objective 1.3.d - Future activities affecting the shoreline areas in the County should be guided by the Shoreline Master Program. The Washington State owned Centennial Trail property is located between the project site and the Spokane River. The site is located outside the 200 - foot shoreline regulatory area associated with the Spokane River. In areas where the site appears close to the required 200 -foot shoreline area, the distance will be field verified and development activity will be setback from the Spokane River in order to comply with the Spokane County Shoreline Program. GOAL 1.4. MARSHES AND FLOODPLAINS, STEEP SLOPES, AND OTHER HAZARD AREAS OR LOW- PRODUCING LANDS SHOULD BE GUIDED AS APPROPRIATE INTO RANGELAND, FOREST, WILDLIFE HABITAT, OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, AND OTHER USES. Objective 1.4 a - Identify and manage flood plains and other hazard areas to prevent loss of life and property. Objective 1.4.b - Identify fragile wildlife areas and vanishing species needing protection and develop methods for such protection. Unique environmental areas should be conserved and made available for educational purposes. The unique environmental and physical features of the site will be permanently retained within the approximately 35.3 -acre natural area open space area which will include a soft trail system and interpretive signs. Several public access points to the trail system are included as part of the proposed project (see Figure 5). Objective 1.4.c - Spokane County should continue acquisition of parks and recreation areas as well as areas of scenic or natural beauty to relieve recreational pressures on agricultural lands. Inland Empire Paper Company transferred approximately 88 acres to the Nature Conservancy that are located directly adjacent to the west of the proposed natural open space area within the project site. The adjacent area is now called the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve and is owned by the State Department of Natural Resources. The project proponents have committed to transfer ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. This property is located directly adjacent to the central 35.3 -acre Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 64 September 1997 95 -0248 natural open space area. Spokane County currently maintains a rest stop area adjacent to the Centennial Trail at the former Mirabeau County Park along the Spokane River. GOAL 1.6 AN ORDERLY PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED AREAS. Objective 1.6 a - Utility services such as water, sewer, power, and natural gas should be orderly and properly coordinated with Land Use Planning. Site improvements would be constructed over a 10- to 15 -year period, depending on market conditions. Site improvements would occur in three phases as shown on the Phasing Plan Map (see Figure 6). The proposed development will conform to all the plans, policies, and regulations of County water, sewer, storm sewer, utility, special service districts, and transportation plans and policies. All utilities will be extended in an orderly and coordinated manner for each development phase. Transportation impacts can be mitigated by phased orderly development and the road improvements discussed in Section 4.0 Transportation. The proposed project includes an Arterial Road Plan amendment which would (1) remove Evergreen Road as a principal arterial north of Indiana and through the project site, and (2) designate Mirabeau Parkway and Euclid Avenue as minor arterials from Indiana Avenue north to Pines Road (see Figure 15). The physical features within and adjacent to the project site (significant rock out - croppings and the Spokane River), as well as adjacent land uses (Kaiser Trentwood and railroad crossings) severely limit the feasibility of north -south arterial routes between Pines and Sullivan Roads. The future development of Evergreen Road is not feasible at the location shown on the Arterial Road Plan map due to significant grade constraints, required railroad and bridge crossings over the Spokane River, and right of way acquisition through the Kaiser Trentwood facility (see Section 4.2 Arterial Road Plan for further information). Development of Mirabeau Parkway as proposed would provide a less direct north - south route via a new minor arterial linking Indiana Avenue and Pines Road. This would replace linking Indiana Avenue and Trent Road with extension of Evergreen Road as a principal arterial. Properties north of the project site (including Kaiser Trentwood) would continue to access 1 -90 via Pines or Sullivan Roads east and west of the project site. Access via a minor arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) would be provided to properties within and adjacent to the project site and off -site traffic would be distributed between a principal arterial (Pines Road) and a minor arterial (Indiana Avenue). Further analysis regarding circulation and traffic impacts is provided in Section 4.1 Transportation Systems /Vehicular Traffic. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 65 September 1997 95 -024B Zoning The proposed zoning reclassifications to Community Business (B -2) and Regional Business (B -3) would implement the requested Comprehensive Plan amendment and allow development of the uses proposed. The intent of the B -2 zone is to provide for the establishment of commercial centers with a wide range of retail and service uses which will meet the needs of a community and to implement the Major Commercial category of the Comprehensive Plan. The B -2 zone is intended to consist primarily of community shopping facilities with varied retail, service and office establishments grouped at one location serving a trade area encompassing several neighborhoods, usually within a distance of approximately one to one and one -half (1-1/2) miles of the zone. Community shopping facilities are intended to be provided, where possible, in one business island centrally located in the trade area or in business clusters. General characteristics of these areas include paved roads and sidewalks, public sewer and water, and a full line of public services including manned fire protection and public transit availability. Any B -2 zoned area should not be larger than twenty (20) acres in size with frontage on a minor arterial or higher classification roadway not exceeding fourteen hundred (1,400) feet. This project proposes a zone change to B -2 for the northeast portion of the site (17 acres), which is Tess than the suggested 20 acre maximum discussed above. The commercial uses envisioned for this area include an RV park on approximately 8 acres and limited retail and commercial uses on approximately 9 acres (see Figure 5). Because the proposed commercial uses would be located in proximity to a future residential area to the north, they may conform to the B -2 zoning intent of accommodating "community shopping facilities" serving a trade area encompassing several neighborhoods. However, the primary intent is for recreation, entertainment, educational and support commercial uses in the B -2 area. The full range of uses allowed in the B -2 zone will be limited to provide compatibility with adjacent existing and planned uses (see Mitigating Measures below). The types of uses allowed in the B -2 zone would place more demand on public services than the uses permitted outright and by conditional use permit in the current zoning classification of RR -10 (see Table 2). However, certain RR -10 permitted uses, such as schools and community halls /recreation facilities and uses allowed by conditional use permit such as hospitals, would still demand an urban level of public services (i.e. public sewer and water). The majority of the zoning reclassification requested by the proponent (94.5 acres) is to Regional Business (B -3). The purpose of the B -3 zone is to provide for a wide range of retail and service businesses and to implement the Major Commercial category of the Comprehensive Plan. Typical B -3 uses often draw customers from the county at large and outlying areas and the zone is intended to encourage Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 66 September 1997 95 -024B regional- serving commercial areas and commercial development along principal arterials or highways. The proposed B -3 zoned area would not front on a principal arterial, but would be provided direct access from a new collector arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) that is proposed to be designated as a minor arterial through amendment of the Arterial Road Plan. General characteristics of the 6 -3 zone include paved roads, sidewalks, public sewer and water, and a full line of public services including manned fire protection and public transit accessibility. Except for along the western site boundary, the B -2 and B -3 zoning classifications proposed would be more consistent with the surrounding higher intensity 1 -2, 1 -3, and UR -22 zones than the existing lower intensity RR -10 zone. The 1 -2 zone located north of Euclid Avenue is designated Urban in the County's Comprehensive Plan. This zone is inconsistent with the current Urban designation and it is anticipated to crossover to a future residential zone after the County completes the GMA planning requirements (see Section 1.3). This area is identified for future residential use in Phase 3 of the project which is not likely to occur for 10 to 15 years, therefore no rezone is proposed at this time. c. Mitigating Measures The proposed project complies with most of the goals and policies of the Major Commercial and the Urban categories of the Comprehensive Plan and the requirements of the B -2 and B -3 zones. The provision of a new arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) will provide north -south access between Pines and Sullivan Roads which may partially compensate for removal of any future Evergreen Road arterial north of Indiana Avenue and through the project site. To mitigate the potential of incompatible land use in the proposed B -2 zone, the full range of uses will not be allowed. In the B -2 zone the following types of uses are considered to be compatible for this area of the Mirabeau Point site: antique store; indoor archery, rifle, pistol, or gun range; art gallery /studio; bicycle sales and service; bowling alley; ceramics shop; church; colleges (public and private); community hall; club or lodge; community transit center; day care center; emergency clinic; entertainment /recreation facilities (bingo hall, dance hall, skating rink, etc.); exercise facility /spa; fire station; florist shop; general personal service; gift shop; hobby shop; library; medical office; museum; nursery /greenhouse (retail /wholesale); office (business and /or professional); public or private park; post office; recreational vehicle park (with a conditional use permit); rental shop; restaurant (drive -in, nonalcoholic); specialized training /learning schools or studios (dance, gymnastics, martial arts, etc.); and trade schools. The natural open space area preserves and enhances the unique natural areas within the site and also complements the future County park, adjacent Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve, and the Centennial Trail. Phasing the project over a period Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 67 September 1997 95 -024B of 10 to 15 years will allow for the appropriate coordination of utilities and other public services. 1.2 Relationship to County Shoreline Program a. Affected Environment The Washington State Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) requires each county to implement their own provisions for the comprehensive management of uses affecting qualifying shorelines. In the case of the Spokane River, this includes public waters and the area 200 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark, or the 100 -year floodplain, whichever is greater (WAC 173 -22). In Spokane County the Shoreline Program was recognized by the State as effective on January 15, 1975. The program designates shoreline management areas in five categories (Natural, Pastoral, Conservancy, Rural, and Urban) which provide the framework for implementing shoreline policies and regulatory measures. The majority of the shoreline area adjacent to the Spokane River in the vicinity of the project site is designated as Pastoral, with a smaller portion designated as Conservancy. The area designated as Conservancy corresponds to the former Mirabeau County Park property located adjacent to the northeastern site boundary. The Pastoral Area designation is described as follows in the Spokane County Shoreline Program: The Pastoral area is intended to protect and maintain those shorelines which have historically been subject to limited human interference and have preserved their natural quality as wildlife habitat and places of scenic beauty. These areas are appropriate for passive agricultural and recreational uses. Areas most appropriate are 1) open spaces used for livestock grazing and harvesting of non - cultivated crops, 2) shorelines which have physical limitations which would preclude permanent structures, such as floodplains, meandering streamways, cliffs, and steep slope areas subject to landslides, and 3) wildlife habitats and areas of beauty whose ecological systems will only tolerate limited human interference. Because the areas are not suited for permanent structures, they are valued wildlife areas which provide for grazing and "wild hay" for dispersed -use outdoor recreation. Management of the area should be designed to prevent the Toss or reduction of the wetland area and to restrict development from hazardous areas. The Conservancy Area designation is described as follows in the Spokane County Shoreline Program: Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 68 September 1997 95 -024B The Conservancy Area is designated in Spokane County for the purpose of maintaining the existing character of shoreline resources while providing for non - intensive uses. Those uses that are preferred in the Conservancy Area are those which may utilize the natural resources on a sustained yield basis. These uses include passive agricultural activity, timber harvesting on a sustained yield basis, and diffuse outdoor recreation. The Conservancy Area is designated to protect agricultural land from encroachment by urban uses while providing for recreation wherever recreation will not interfere with agricultural practices. Non - permanent kinds of structures and uses which will not reduce the quantity or quality of the physical and biological resources of the area are to be given priority in the Conservancy Area. The Conservancy Area is intended to prohibit intensive use of areas having physical hazards, severe biophysical limitations which would not be appropriate for rural or urban uses, areas prone to flooding, and areas which cannot provide adequate water supply or sewage disposal for intensive activities. b. Significant Impacts The proposed project will comply with all the policies and regulations of the Spokane County Shoreline Program. Policies and regulations for shoreline use are outlined in the County's Shoreline Program for the following activities: agriculture, aquaculture, forest management practices, commercial development, marinas, mining, signs and outdoor advertising, residential development, utilities, water - related industry, solid waste disposal, roads, railroads and bridges, archaeological areas and historical sites, recreation, landfill, dredging, bulkheads, piers and docks, and shoreline protection structures. These policies and regulations apply to all water areas, submerged land, associated marshes, bogs, swamps, floodways, river deltas and floodplains, and all lands within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of the designated shorelines of statewide significance and shorelines of the state, including the Spokane River. The State owned Centennial Trail and the former Mirabeau County Park area is located between the project site and the Spokane River. Review of the Spokane County Shorelines maps indicates that the northeastern boundary of the project site is located outside of the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area. If the project site is located outside of the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area, and stormwater run- off or other types of potential off -site releases are not expected to impact this shoreline area, the proposed project will not be required to obtain a Substantial Development Permit. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 69 September 1997 95 -024B c. Mitigating Measures In areas where the site boundary appears close to the 200 -foot shoreline regulatory area, the distance will be field verified prior to final design. If any portion of the project site is located within the shoreline area, the proposed development activity in that area will be moved away from the Spokane River shoreline regulatory area to avoid impacting the shorelines. 1.3 Relationship to the Growth Management Act a. Affected Environment Due to its population growth rate over the last ten years, Spokane County was required to implement the Growth Management Act (GMA) on July 1, 1993. The first GMA task to be completed by the County was the development of County- wide Planning Policies (CWPPs). The County -wide Planning Policies and Environmental Analysis for Spokane County was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on December 22, 1994. These policies provide broad statements which establish an overall framework for development of the County's and cities GMA comprehensive plans and subsequent development regulations. The GMA contains specific time frames by which local governments must complete certain elements of this state -wide land use law. For Spokane County, that meant that after the adoption of the CWPPs, critical areas (wetlands, frequently flooded areas, aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous, and fish and wildlife habitats) were delineated and ordinances developed and adopted. Natural resource lands (agricultural, forest, mining, and land of long -term commercial significance) designations went through a similar process. This GMA requirement applies to all counties within the state regardless of whether they are planning under GMA. The adoption of Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundaries was completed by Spokane County in February 1997. The development of IUGA boundaries required the re- evaluation of all existing policies and plans related to urban growth. For Spokane County, this included the re- evaluation of the existing 1990 Comprehensive Plan and existing Urban Impact Area (UIA) boundaries and policies. Along with the County -wide Planning Policies, IUGA boundaries are based on a twenty (20) year population allocation for all of Spokane County, employment forecasts, the provision of urban utilities and services, land use capacity, and land availability. Interim development regulations associated with the IUGA were also adopted in February 1997, which implement urban and rural land use designations throughout the County. The interim regulations establish a framework for regional cooperation Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 70 September 1997 95 -024B and for joint planning and interlocal agreements between the County, the cities, and special districts. At the conclusion of 1997, all jurisdictions within the County are scheduled to complete their GMA comprehensive plans, accompanied by the appropriate environmental documents. Late in 1997 the IUGAs will be revised, if necessary, to create final UGA boundaries. Final development regulations consistent with the comprehensive plans are required to be implemented within one year after the jurisdiction's GMA comprehensive plan is adopted. Final UGAs and GMA comprehensive plans are intended to be reviewed periodically and adjusted as appropriate. The project site is located within the adopted IUGA boundary. Properties included within the IUGA are generally classified as urban. Under the GMA, an urban designation denotes the ability to develop land at urban densities with urban services. Properties outside the IUGA are generally classified as rural, which limits their future development to rural densities, services, and uses. The transition period during the GMA planning and implementation process will likely result in an uncertain environment for development and Land transactions until all the required boundaries, comprehensive plans, and regulations are in place. While this process is underway, existing regulations and ordinances must be used by the decision - makers when reviewing development proposals. b. Significant Impacts Because of the closure of the Walk -In- The -Wild Zoo, the site is now available for development of future uses. It is proposed as a mixed use master planned development combining public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses in a "campus - like" setting. The proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment from Rural to Urban and Major Commercial categories would allow development consistent with the urban level of use identified as appropriate for the area following adoption of the IUGA. This proposed project would serve the additional purpose of bringing urban service unity to the area. This aspect is especially important because the site is surrounded by existing urban development with potential for future urban uses. In addition, urban services are available on and adjacent to the site. A logical extension of infrastructure can be provided that would serve this site and adjacent urban areas. A major goal of the GMA is protection of the natural environment. The proposed master plan provides a mix of uses while protecting the unique environmental elements of the site through permanent retention of approximately 35.3 acres in the central portion of the site as a natural open space area. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 71 September 1997 95 -024B c. Mitigating Measures A phasing schedule, which anticipates full build -out of the project site over a 10- to 15 -year period will accommodate the gradual introduction of new uses to the site. In addition, the schedule depends on market conditions which should allow for a timely adaptation of the site environs to development, as well as time for improved levels of service. Consistent with the GMA, the site can be readily provided with public services and utilities. Public sewer, water, natural gas, electricity, and transportation service and improvements will be provided to the site. As each area is proposed for development, engineering plans for storm water management, roads, water, and sewage disposal will be required prior to final approval. The engineering plans will outline existing and proposed sewer collection lines, water mains, drainage swales, and road profiles. Sewer collection lines will ultimately connect to the County North Valley interceptor, which transports sewage to the regional wastewater treatment facility. The Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines will address design issues regarding building appearances, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic and compatibility concerns. Each individual project proposed for the project site will undergo review by the Mirabeau Point Architectural Review Committee to ensure consistency with the Design Guidelines. The Design Guidelines will be enforced using established Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs). Open space corridors, the future County park, and the permanent retention and preservation of a 35.3 -acre natural open space area provide mitigation which meets the spirit and intent of the GMA. 1.4 Relationship to Existing /Future Land Uses a. Affected Environment Existing Land Uses The proposed Mirabeau Point site consists of undeveloped open spaces and some remnants of the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. Zoo exhibit areas, signs, the entrance building, a large metal building (Wheelabrator building), parking, and fencing occupy the central portion of the site. Some of these improvements such as the metal building and parking area are located on the area proposed for rezoning to the B -3 zone. The Wheelabrator building is currently supporting ice skating activities on a temporary basis in accordance with a Temporary Use Permit issued Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 72 September 1997 95 -024B by the County Division of Building and Planning. Most of the former Zoo exhibit areas are within the area proposed to be retained as natural open space The project site is further described from north to south relative to its existing features and proposed land use designations. Euclid Avenue follows the section line dividing Section 3 (to the north) from Section 10 (to the south). The portion of the Mirabeau Point site lying north of Euclid Avenue (and wholly within Section 3) is currently zoned 1 -2 and is not a part of the current Comprehensive Plan amendment /rezone request. Approximately 17 acres south of and adjacent to Euclid Avenue in the northernmost portion of Section 10 is currently zoned RR -10 and is proposed to be rezoned to B -2. This area of Section 10 follows the relatively flat grades adjacent to Euclid Avenue, forming the "panhandle" of the Mirabeau Point site and has scattered groupings of Ponderosa Pines and several exposed rock outcrops. Approximately 10 to 11 acres to the south of this area have been identified for donation to the County for a public park. Immediately south of the future County park site is an additional 35.3 acres that are also currently zoned RR -10. This area is best characterized by the obvious presence of major rock outcrops and Ponderosa Pine woodland areas. Although the 35.3 -acre area and the future County park are proposed to be re- designated to Urban from the current Rural Comprehensive Plan designation, these areas would remain zoned RR -10. The 35.3 -acre area is proposed to be permanently retained as a natural open space area. An approximately 94.5 acre area within Section 10 immediately south and adjacent is also currently zoned RR -10 and is proposed to be rezoned to B -3. This portion of the site is predominately flat grasslands and contains very few trees or rock outcrops. The remainder of the Mirabeau Point site (approximately 47 acres) lies to the immediate east in Section 11. It is currently zoned 1 -2 and is not a part of current Comprehensive Plan amendment /rezone request. Adjacent Land Uses and Surrounding Development Adjacent property to the north and northeast consists of the State owned Centennial Trail property which fronts the shoreline of the Spokane River. Across the river is the Kaiser Trentwood aluminum rolling mill operation. The new Spokane Valley Mall is located southeast of the site, south of the railroad tracks and Indiana Avenue. This regional mall offers over 700,000 square feet of retail space. The Evergreen Road interchange is planned to provide a connection to Indiana Avenue directly west of the Mall site (please refer to Section 4.0 Transportation for more discussion regarding the planned area road improvements). Existing and planned industrial uses occupy land south of Indiana Avenue and north of Interstate -90 (1 -90), with the exception of a few residential units that still remain in this industrial zone. Land west of the site is currently vacant. Plans for the land southwest of the site include a rezone from the existing RR -10 zone to allow for future development of Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 73 September 1997 95 -024B multi- family residences and a retirement community, nursing home facility, mini - warehouse, RV park, and small animal clinic. The Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve is an 88 acre site located directly west of the Mirabeau Point site. North of the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve and south of Euclid Avenue a few residences are located on large acreage parcels. Further to the west near Pines Road land use consists of a mix of high density residential, office, and commercial uses. Residential neighborhoods and the Pines Road Elementary School occupy land west of Pines Road near Euclid Avenue. Figure 13 shows a general characterization of existing and proposed nearby land uses. Historically this site has remained rural in character due to the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo which required a rural land use designation. With the exception of the properties immediately west, the site is surrounded by more intensive urban land uses including commercial and industrial uses. b. Significant Impacts Approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezones would result in a level of development on site which would be more intensive than the current use of the site and the existing uses located directly to the west of the site. The proposed rezones would allow a variety of recreational and commercial land uses to occur on site that would not be allowed in the existing RR -10 zone. Future uses proposed for the existing 1 -2 zone in the eastern area of the Mirabeau Point site are consistent with those allowed in that zone and with the surrounding development. Residential uses proposed for the northern area zoned 1 -2 are consistent with the anticipated crossover to a future residential zone (see Section 1. 1) Development of the Spokane Valley Mall and the phased build out of Mirabeau Point will change the character of the immediate area. These two major developments will generate cumulative impacts due to their relatively close proximity to each other and will provide a central focal point for the Spokane Valley. Cumulative impacts on land use in the immediate area may include spin -off development on vacant properties nearby. Some of the existing residences on acreage parcels adjacent to Euclid Avenue will likely experience pressure for development as a result of the development of the Mirabeau Point project and the Spokane Valley Mall. Full build -out of the Mirabeau Point site is anticipated to occur over a 10- to 15- year period, depending on market conditions. Site improvements would occur in three phases as shown on the Phasing Plan Map (see Figure 6). Phase 1 includes development of the central core area of the site where the community complex, YMCA, ice arena, and other retail and recreational uses are located. It is anticipated that Phase 1 would take approximately five years to build out under current market conditions. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 74 September 1997 95 -024B Vacant 4 13 - - EucuD AVV4U — - 9 10 Vacant Kaiser Aluminu n Plant 11 I Large Lot 4A Single Family x Residential i 1 Apartments 1 1 1 II II II II IApartments W U C2 I- ©©©fl1 n PliaM Future Multi- Family Residential II [1nmerciaI Commercial Pinecroft Nature Preserve Industrial Vacant —_ • 1 II • y� f11 /r jky Existing _ 1 -- r"Uffieelabrator' ' Building ! % unni - 217 LEAS KW its I lxai.d on Dorgan. of S.c1i.n. 3. 10. 11. To.nanip 25 lt. Ramp 44 Cie 61. b Spokane County. Woshingfo, Apprise. Sit. Arse - 236 Acr.. _ Graphic Scale 200 400 100 /0O 1000 Vacant INDIANA AVE. RAMM A S S O C I A T E S I N C SOUTH 25 AL1A FC611 SPOKUwc. *4.5wNCT046 69202 1 PL* Si E CLA D 524-6066 • LANDSCAPE CTURE n{VELOPUENT SERVICES ri Tel WON FACJIG NAIAOAD 111IAHT OF WAY Ylpi+UiA AVIICMNS NIGHT Of WAY Industrial 1/14( 10444) {14 • Strut) 1'.r won Vacant Valley Mall Commercial Vacant Phase 2 includes development of the eastern portion of the site which is currently zoned 1 -2. This area is planned to include a business office park and future recreation /business type uses that would be compatible with the mix of public /private uses identified for Phase 1. There are currently no commitments for the Phase 2 area, but it is anticipated that future development would occur approximately five years after completion of Phase 1. Phase 3 includes development of the northern portion of the site along both sides of Euclid Avenue, north of the proposed natural open space area. Phase 3 is planned for a mix of commercial and residential uses including a potential RV park to accommodate the traveling public. Table 1 identifies potential future uses, area requirements, and parking and zoning needs for each development phase. The Mirabeau Point Concept Master Plan (see Figure 5) has been designed in an effort to keep environmental impacts to a minimum. Environmental design considerations include the retention of unique physical features in a central open space natural area. This approximately 35.3 -acre area would include soft trails and interpretive signs. The soft trail system would tie into the future County park, Centennial Trail, and the former Mirabeau County Park area along the Spokane River adjacent to the Mirabeau Point site. The 35.3 -acre natural open space area would be compatible with and provide a transition between the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve to the west of the site and the former Mirabeau Park area to the east of the site. c. Mitigating Measures Open space corridors will be developed within the site to provide a transition between land uses and access to the Centennial Trail and on -site recreational areas. In some areas of the site, landscaped open space areas will serve a dual purpose for storm water drainage control and passive recreational purposes. The State owned Centennial Trail property is located between the project site and the Spokane River. The site appears to be outside of the 200 -foot shoreline buffer area associated with the Spokane River. In areas where the site appears close to the 200 -foot shoreline setback, the distance will be field verified and development activity will be setback more than 200 feet from the Spokane River. The project proponents have committed to transferring ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair for a future public park. Spokane County maintains a rest stop area adjacent to the Centennial Trail at the former Mirabeau County Park along the Spokane River. This area is noted for both geologic and historical /archeological significance. The central 35.3 - acre natural area will provide an open space transition between the Pinecroft Natural Area to the west and the former Mirabeau County Park area to the east. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 76 September 1997 95 -024B The Mirabeau Point Design Guidelines will address design issues regarding building appearances, open space areas, signage, storage and refuse areas, landscaping, and other aesthetic and compatibility concerns. Each individual project proposed for the project site will undergo review by the Mirabeau Point Architectural Review Committee to ensure consistency with the Design Guidelines. The Design Guidelines will be enforced using established Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &Rs) and will provide an extra measure beyond the County Zoning Code to address both aesthetic and compatibility issues for future site development. Requirements of the design standards will include the following: • Underground utilities • Continuity of fencing types and heights • Consistent lighting types and heights • Consistent signage with uniform design, size, height, color, and materials • Limitation on building colors • Screening of loading, storage, and refuse collection area • Partial screening of parking areas from adjacent streets • Truck loading /dock areas at back of buildings • Bus stops and shelters • Reserved spaces for carpool and STA vanpool parking • Bicycle racks • Landscaped parking areas and around building perimeters • Maintenance and repair of buildings and landscaped areas • Landscaping requirements - 20% minimum for each building site, landscaped strips between roadways and sidewalks /pathways, landscaped median islands at arterial entryway, additional landscaping on private yards adjacent to common areas. • Common areas typically to include 8 -foot wide paved curved pedestrian pathway and may include picnic tables, benches, playground structures, etc. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 77 September 1997 95 -024B 2.0 RECREATION 2.1 Relationship to Centennial Trail, Recreational Uses, and Public Parks a. Affected Environment The Spokane County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair oversees a total of 23 parks, three golf courses, and one off -road vehicle park. The majority of the County's parks are located within the urban portions of the Spokane Valley. According to the 1989 Spokane County Parks and Recreation Plan, the project site is located within the West Valley Suburban Area. This area extends basically from the Spokane city limits on the west to Sullivan and Forker Roads on the east and from Bigelow Gulch Road on the north to approximately 57th Avenue on the south. The west valley area is the most densely populated in the unincorporated Spokane area. "While it contains the greatest number of developed park acres, total acreage does not meet needs and major deficits are evident, both through the application of standards and awareness of the intensity of use" (1989 County Park Plan). There are three basic classifications of parks within the Spokane County park system; neighborhood, community, and regional parks. A neighborhood park is intended to serve residents within a one -mile radius where the majority of the users walk. Ideally they are located in the center of a neighborhood. Children between five an 12 years of age are the primary users. Desirable size is between three and ten acres, with two acres per 1,000 in population provided. A community park serves more than one neighborhood and users frequently drive or bicycle to them. A minimum of ten acres is desirable to serve residents within a two and one -half mile radius. The range of facilities provided is greater than for neighborhood parks and may include swimming pools, picnic shelters, tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, trails, restrooms, and parking lots. Desirable size is 20 to 50 acres, with 2.5 acres per 1,000 in population provided. Regional parks, within one hour's driving time, serve large geographical areas and are generally at least 100 acres in size. They are typically areas with outstanding natural features or qualities associated with such features. Activities typically include picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and trail use. The West Valley Suburban Area contains four neighborhood parks totaling Tess than 24 acres, including Terrace View which is the County's most -used neighborhood park. There are three developed community parks totaling 47 acres, including Valley Mission and Sullivan which are the most heavily -used parks in the system. County owned undeveloped park property totals 15.5 acres, which will Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 78 September 1997 95 -024B have a minimal effect on existing deficits once developed (1989 County Park Plan). Development of the Centennial Trail has been a joint City, County and State effort that commemorates Washington State's 100th birthday. The Trail extends along the Spokane River from the Idaho border through the Spokane Valley, the Spokane central business district, Riverside State Park, to Nine Mile Falls Dam. The section Tying west of the downtown area between Riverfront Park and the T.J. Meenach Bridge is not yet completed. The trail also extends 12 miles east from the stateline to Post Falls, Idaho, with some additional portions completed between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. If funding is made available, the Trail may someday extend through Coeur d'Alene to Wolf Lodge Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene on the east and to the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers on the west. The trail is located along the northeastern boundary of the project site, along the south shore of the Spokane River. The trail accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, and the handicapped on right -of -way that is mostly separated from motor traffic. The former Mirabeau County Park is located adjacent to the northeast boundary of the project site. This area was maintained by the County Parks Department for many years under a lease agreement with the project proponents. When the Centennial Trail was developed, the property was traded to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the agency that owns all the Centennial Trail property. Under an agreement with the state, the County Parks Department provides maintenance of the Centennial Trail. The former Mirabeau Park area is used as a rest stop along the Centennial Trail and contains restrooms and a picnic table. Other than the Centennial Trail, the recreation facilities closest to the project site are Plantes Ferry and Valley Mission County Parks. Plantes Ferry Park is located on the north side of the Spokane River, approximately one -half mile northwest of the project site. This 19 acre community type park has 2,200 feet of shoreline on the river and contains two shelters, 20 picnic tables, restrooms, drinking fountains, play equipment, and hiking trails with a foot bridge over a small ravine. The park property also supports the County Park maintenance center. The County is currently planning on developing an additional 70 acres to the east of the existing park in 1997 -1998 that in the first phase will include five soccer fields, two softball fields, and related facilities. The Centennial Trail crosses from the south to the north side of the Spokane River just west of Plantes Ferry Park and a section of Trail connects it to the park. The park is considered a significant historic site within the Spokane region (see Section 3.0 Historic and Cultural Preservation for more information). At various points in history it was the site of the principal river crossing for the Spokane Indian Tribe, the first permanent residence in the Valley, the first ferry service across the river, a key link in the historic MuIlan Trail, and where a peace treaty was negotiated with the Indians. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 79 September 1997 95 -024B Valley Mission is located between Mission Avenue and Interstate -90 (I -90), approximately one -half mile southwest of the project site. This 22 acre community park supports an outdoor pool and bathhouse, riding arena with a corral and stables, senior center, a softball field, two tennis courts, a basketball court, play equipment, picnic shelters, 35 picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Approximately three and one -half acres in the northwest corner are leased to a private concessionaire (Splashdown, Inc.), who operates a giant water slide. Spokane County owns approximately 228 acres within the 520 acre Dishman Hills Natural Area, located approximately two and three - quarter miles southwest of the project site. Other property within this conservation area is owned by the State Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and the Dishman Natural Area Association. Within the County -owned property, Camp Caro serves as the main trailhead to the Dishman Hills Natural Area, and is fully developed with a lodge, restrooms, picnic tables, barbecues, and a wooden play structure. Liberty Lake and MeadowWood golf courses are both located off Valley Way and Molter Road in Liberty Lake, approximately five and three - quarter miles southeast of the project site. These County -owned courses are both 18 holes with driving ranges, cart rentals, pro shops, and clubhouses with restaurants. Painted Hills golf course has nine holes with a driving range, clubhouse, and restaurant. This semi - public course is located approximately four and one - quarter miles south of the project site. Central Valley and East Valley High Schools are located approximately two miles southeast and northeast, respectively, of the project site. These schools support multi - purpose gymnasiums and soccer /baseball fields. Gymnasium and ball field use is also available at local elementary and junior high schools. The shared use of school gyms and fields through cooperative agreements could allow for expanded recreational programs for adults. Liberty Lake Regional Park is approximately 2,975 acres in size and is located approximately seven and one -half miles southeast of the project site. It extends two full miles from the southeast lake shore to Mica Peak's north slope and includes meadow and pine forest areas, a sand beach, and a marsh bordering the shore. Facilities include restrooms, drinking fountains, shelters, 70 picnic tables, barbecues, campsite areas, trailer hook -ups, a swimming beach, observation pier, and hiking and horse trails. Recommendations for the West Valley Suburban Area include acquiring and developing a 60 acre urban /regional park and sports complex in the Pasadena /Plants Ferry area. This recommendation will be implemented by the currently planned 70 acre expansion adjacent to Plantes Ferry Park. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 80 September 1997 95 -024B Recommendations for Valley Mission Park include renovating or replacing the Senior Center building. The former Mirabeau Park should be redeveloped as a natural area with waterfront access and improved picnic facilities. The existing deficit in community park land in the West Valley Suburban Area is projected to "increase to 160 acres by the year 2000 if additional land is not developed" (1989 County Park Plan). The County Park Plan discusses the potential for alleviating this situation with development of the Centennial Trail (substantially completed to date as discussed above) and, with sufficient funding, the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. As discussed in the Fact Sheet, the project site was formerly occupied by the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo through a lease agreement with the project proponents. The County Park Plan also discusses the "principal environmental and historic resources located along the shore of the Spokane River," and indicates that although much of this land is currently in public ownership, "there are areas that should be added when opportunities arise." The County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair indicates that it does not have adequate financial resources available for park land acquisition. In 1994 the County Commissioners adopted the Conservation Futures Program which provides local taxes to be collected to acquire public land to preserve in its natural state. Approximately $800,000 is collected per year based on a tax rate of six cents per $1,000 assessed valuation of real property. This program provides for the acquisition of public open space and cannot be used for park development. This program was due to sunset at the end of 1996, however the County Commissioners voted to extend it through 1997 and it is on the November 1997 ballot for a public vote. Privately owned recreational opportunities in the Spokane Valley area are all located southwest of the project site and include the following: • Roller Valley Skate Center located at 9415 East 4th Avenue, approximately two and one -half miles in distance; • Fore Seasons Sports Dome located 7115 East Cataldo Avenue, approximately three and one -half miles in distance; and • Virtual Golf, 6512 East Sprague Avenue, approximately four miles in distance. On May 4, 1995 a request for a rezone from Urban Residential -3.5 (UR -3.5) and Regional Business (B -3) to B -3 was approved by the County Division of Building and Planning to allow private development of a recreational complex near Liberty Lake. Plans for this facility include construction of four softball fields, one multi- purpose field, one indoor soccer field, and related restaurant /lounge /concession uses located north of 1 -90 on Hayford Road (Bjordahl, County Planning). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 81 September 1997 95 -024B B. Significant Impacts The proposed project includes development of a substantial number of recreational opportunities, as well as educational, residential, and compatible business uses. Preliminary commitments for future recreational and entertainment site uses include a YMCA facility with an indoor aquatics center and gymnasium, ice arena which would include two separate ice rinks (sheets), performing arts center, planetarium, and a system of interpretive trails throughout a natural open space area. A senior citizens center is also proposed to be located within the community complex, along with performing arts and educational uses. Approximately 10 to 11 acres have been identified for donation to the County Parks Department directly north of and adjacent to the 35.3 -acre natural area. The County Parks Department envisions a neighborhood style of park in this area consisting of gently rolling turf and large shade trees (Birkenthal, County Parks). The central portion of the future park would remain relatively level and treeless, providing an open area for informal field games such as soccer or softball. Approximately 20 to 40 parking spaces and restrooms are envisioned to adequately serve this type of use. Part of the property proposed for donation is located east of the proposed north -south collector arterial and adjacent to the former Mirabeau County Park area. It is possible that identified historic and prehistoric artifacts are located within this area which would benefit from management as public property (see Section 3.1 Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources for additional information). The proposed location and types of uses identified for development of this park have been preliminarily accepted by the County. Implementation of the proposed project would significantly increase available recreational opportunities in the Spokane Valley. The proposed trail system and walkways extending throughout the project site would connect with the Centennial Trail at several locations, expanding the variety of activities accessible from the Trail. Use of the Centennial Trail could potentially increase in the vicinity of the project site because the site itself could be viewed as a destination that will generate non - motorized forms of transportation. Development of the project site as proposed would satisfy some of the existing demand for recreational opportunities in the Spokane Valley. The proposed project includes development of the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo site, which is discussed in the 1989 Park Plan as one way to alleviate the existing park land deficit. Since the County does not have adequate funding sources to purchase and develop property for public parks, private development of recreational projects as proposed is a viable way of providing recreational opportunities for the general public. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 82 September 1997 95 -024B c. Mitigating Measures Development of the project site would occur in three phases, which would allow a gradual introduction of the proposed recreational /entertainment uses over a 10- to 15 -year period. Site improvements including adequate parking facilities will be designed and constructed in accordance with applicable County regulations. Trailhead parking will be maintained within the site for users of the Centennial Trail. Final design of the site will emphasize improved traffic and pedestrian circulation. Informational signage along the Centennial Trail and throughout the site may be needed to encourage access via the Trail. As discussed in Section 1. Proposed Action, the project proponents have committed to transferring ownership of approximately 10 to 11 acres within the project site to Spokane County for a public park /conservancy area. This donation would correspond with the County's objective of acquiring more public land along the Spokane River "when opportunities arise" (1989 County Park Plan). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 83 September 1997 95 -0248 3.0 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION 3.1 Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources a. Affected Environment The data source for information on the potential historical, archaeological, and cultural resources on or near the project site was a study completed in 1991 prior to development of the Centennial Trail by the Center for Northwest Anthropology at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. The study entitled Archaeology of the Middle Spokane River Valley: Investigations Along the Spokane Centennial Trail is the first intensive and systematic study of prehistoric and historic activities in the Spokane River valley above the Little Spokane River. The following statements summarize the findings of the referenced study. Significant elements of the history of the Spokane area are located along the Spokane River valley. The former Mirabeau County Park area (Maribeau Park in the referenced study) is discussed as a significant survey site (45SP233) containing both prehistoric and historic evidence of past land uses and activities. During preparation of the above study, 11 excavations were completed within the Maribeau Park survey site. The following is an except from the study regarding the findings at the Maribeau Park survey site: "This site is located in Maribeau Park on bedrock outcrops along the west bank of the Spokane River at an elevation of 1920 -1940 ft. amsl [feet above mean sea level]. The distribution of cultural material indicates the site encompasses all or most of the park, measuring 150 x 350 m [meters], or 52,500 m2 [square meters]. The outcrops provide many sheltered areas with considerable amounts of soil deposition. A southeast facing rockshelter and probable knapping [chipping or breaking flints with a sharp blow] station were found during the survey. Numerous flakes and tool fragments were found in a sheltered cove area on the south edge of the site. Fire - cracked rock is scattered across the entire area, as are flaked cobble tools. Flaked stone artifacts collected included a basalt dart point and a ground slate arrow point, two biface fragments, three graver -like implements, two edge- modified flakes, and a bipolar core. The historic component at the site is represented by the remnants of a rock wall, parts of a foundation and rubble, two apple trees and a lilac bush, a rock -lined flower bed, and evidence of a road to the river. Historic trash was found in a tree tip -up and in the road cut. A one lane gate /bridge dated at 1928 associated with an abandoned railroad bed is present on the south side of the park. Much of the site area has been disturbed by road and railroad construction, park Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 84 September 1997 95 -024B facilities, a parking lot, a barrier ditch, and unauthorized vehicle traffic." It should be noted that the above survey site is located adjacent to the project site and is associated with the proposed Centennial Trail right -of -way. In addition the above description was pertinent to the survey site prior to development of the Centennial Trail and may not portray the existing conditions of the Maribeau Park survey site as it exists today. The study also indicates that prehistoric artifacts could potentially be located within the project site. The following is an excerpt from the study that describes another survey site (45SP234) associated with the area: "This site is located along a narrow stretch of right -of -way west of the road that enters Maribeau Park and Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo at an elevation of 1960 ft. amsl. The site contains evidence of two cairns [a mound of stone erected as a memorial or landmark] and thinly scattered fire - cracked rock. The first cairn, ca. [approximately] 2 x 0.9 m in size, consists of head -sized cobbles aligned in a north -south manner. The second cairn is located in the zoo near the fence line, and is ca. 2 m in diameter. It was constructed from smaller rocks. The site measures 10 x 20 m in size, or 200 m2. This site is located out -side the trail right -of -way along an existing paved road. Other than avoidance, no further recommendations were made." Archaeological investigations at the Maribeau Park survey sites indicate that the site was used by prehistoric hunter - gatherers as a campsite and was probably occupied intermittently during the last 3,000 to 4,000 years, and perhaps earlier. The hunter - gatherer systems of the American Indians were dependent upon wild foods and had operated in the Spokane Valley and surrounding areas for the last 11,300 years. Approximately 200 years ago, in the early to mid- 1800s, non - Indians arrived and changed the land use system to agricultural - industrial, with a dependence on domesticated food sources. The Maribeau Park survey site is unique among the known sites in this part of the Spokane Valley due to the presence of a well - preserved bone processing feature, at least one artifact -rich midden (refuse pile from a primitive habitation) area, cultural depressions (possibly including a storage pit and a housepit), and a variety of hunting related tools made from a wide array of raw materials. The artifacts and features suggests it represents the remains of a base camp and possibly seasonal village occupations. The presence of obsidian is indicative of long - distance trade. A probable burial area and surface depressions suggesting the presence of housepits or storage pits is compatible with the Plateau winter village pattern. The features and artifacts appear to have the potential of contributing important information concerning past land use systems during the last 3,000 to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 85 September 1997 95 -024B 4,000 years. Recommendations to mitigate potential impacts from development of the Centennial Trail included intentional burial as a form of in -place preservation for those cultural deposits located under and adjacent to the railroad berm. Because the site is visible and accessible to the public, periodic monitoring was also recommended to deter vandalism. The above referenced study also addresses the more recent history of the site area from about the mid- 1800s, when it was first settled by non - Indians. Discussion related to Antoine Plante's ferry crossing located approximately one -half mile northwest of the project site is provided in Section 2.0 Recreation regarding Plantes Ferry Park. With the exception of Plante's ferry crossing and the town of Spokane Bridge (near the Washington -Idaho border), the next oldest settlement in the Spokane Valley appears to be Trent, located "just upstream from the ferry crossing." Construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad through the Spokane Valley began in 1879 or 1880. The town of Trent reached its peak after the Northern Pacific railroad built a bridge across the river at Trent (possibly adjacent to the project site). The town of Trent likely included a post office, store, school, and a few homesteads, and at various times included a cement plant, saw mill, flour mill, Methodist church, distillery, and a blacksmith shop. Early settlers came into the Spokane Valley when the Northern Pacific railroad sold adjacent strips of land to finance construction of the railroad. Schnebleys' Bridge crossed where the International Spokane Railroad Bridge now crosses the Spokane River, at the southeast corner of the project site. b. Significant Impacts Development of the project site as proposed could potentially impact the prehistoric artifacts described above in survey site 45SP234. According to the general locational description of this survey site, it is possibly located within the project site in close proximity to the proposed north -south arterial (Mirabeau Parkway). On -site construction of this roadway could potentially disturb the survey site to the point that it becomes no longer valuable as an indicator of past land use activities in the project area. The survey site within the adjacent Mirabeau Park area would not be impacted by development of the proposed project. The proposed project would include an interpretive trail system throughout the natural open space area with trail markers, view points, signs, and other public documentation pertaining to site specific historic and prehistoric locations. This will increase public awareness of the historical significance of the area, which sometimes leads to unauthorized digging or removal of artifacts. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 86 September 1997 95 -024B c. Mitigating Measures In order to protect and preserve the historic and prehistoric artifacts that may be located on -site, the exact location of survey site 45SP234 needs to be identified prior to initiation of final design plans. The route of the proposed north -south arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) could be designed to avoid the identified survey site. If this survey site is located within the project site, the survey site and the area immediately around it could be designated as natural open space area. It is possible that the survey site is located within the 10 to 11 acres identified for donation to the County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair (see Section 2.0 Recreation for further information) which would protect it from disturbance. Periodic monitoring during maintenance activities along the Centennial Trail was recommended in the above referenced study as a means of discouraging disruption of the survey sites. This method could also mitigate potential impacts on historic and prehistoric artifacts located within the project site. In addition, interpretive trail markers and signs could provide only general information on the area's history and refrain from indicating the exact locations of the historical artifacts. Should a previously unidentified historic or prehistoric artifact be discovered during development of the project site, on -site construction will halt until a professional evaluation of the historic site or artifact can be completed. The local Historic Preservation Office would be contacted immediately and would assist in obtaining the necessary construction permits. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 87 September 1997 95 -024B 4.0 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Transportation Systems /Vehicular Traffic a. Affected Environment The approximately 236.2 acre project site is located east of Pines Road and north of Indiana Avenue and encompasses the former Walk in the Wild Zoo. The site is bordered on the east by the Spokane River and the Centennial Trail, on the south by Union Pacific Railroad, and on the west by mostly vacant land. Street connections within the proposed development would be provided by a new arterial road (Mirabeau Parkway) which would connect Indiana Avenue on the south with Euclid Avenue on the north. A new railroad crossing would replace the existing Shannon Road crossing which would be removed. Shannon Road would connect to Mirabeau Parkway with an alignment through the site immediately south of the proposed YMCA. Roadways serving the site include the following (see Figure 14): Interstate 90 (1 -90) is an east /west two -way, four lane, median separated limited access interstate freeway within the Spokane County, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Federal Highway Administration transportation systems. This interstate facility is a principal arterial highway on the WSDOT highway plan. Access for this facility is considered full, or controlled, and is only allowed at controlled access points such as interchanges. As is typical with interstate freeways, all cross traffic is grade separated and the signed speed limit on 1 -90 within this area is 60 mph. This facility is responsible for carrying many of the inter -area commute trips, such as those between the Spokane Valley, Post Falls, and Rathdrum commute trips and downtown Spokane. This facility also carries the majority of the inter -state freight and commercial vehicles with destinations east and west of Spokane and a large portion of the interstate personal vehicle trips such as for moving or vacationing. Pines Road (SR 27) within the project area is a five -lane principal arterial on both the Spokane County and the WSDOT arterial systems. As a north -south principal arterial, this facility is responsible for intra- and inter -urban area trips. The inter- urban area trips are primarily those trips between communities Tying north and south of the greater Spokane area, or are commuting trips for those individuals living in the Tess urban areas of Spokane County. The intra -urban area trips are those within the immediate area; Pines Road serves to facilitate these through trips to the Sprague Avenue, Interstate -90, and Trent Avenue corridors. Pines Road within the urban area boundaries allows for the movement between arterials such as Sprague Avenue; or collectors such as Fourth Avenue, and to access the 1 -90 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 88 September 1997 95 -024B EUCLID AVENUE to MANSFIELD AVENUE �c INDIANA AVENU 0 SHANNON AVENUE NOT TO SCALE _a A 0 O MISSION AVENUE t/] z �� � til4iiiik Intersection/Road Map C SCALE: None DATE: August '96 MIRA.BFAU POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 9s -024B RAMM ASSOC,,,, 1.0 South 25 hinge n Spokane, Washington 90202 FIGURE NO: 14 corridor for commuting as well as commercial purposes. The general cross - section of this facility in the site vicinity is five lanes, with two -way left turns and dedicated left turn lanes at the intersections. The posted speed limit on Pines Road is 35 miles per hour (mph) in the project vicinity. Sullivan Road is a two -way, north /south principal arterial on the Spokane County Arterial Road Plan with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. It serves those adjacent land uses between it's northern terminus at Wellesley Avenue, and it's southern end at approximately 40th Avenue. It is a major commuter link for residential traffic south of 1 -90 wanting to access either Sprague Avenue or 1 -90. It changes character several times throughout it's length and serves residential uses south of 2nd Avenue, commercial uses between 2nd Avenue and 1 -90, industrial uses north of 1 -90, and some residential uses at it's northern end. North of 1 -90, Sullivan Road has two northbound and two southbound lanes with a two -way left turn lane. At the 1 -90 interchange, there are two left turn lanes for both northbound to westbound traffic and southbound to eastbound traffic, along with two through lanes for northbound and southbound traffic. South of 1 -90, Sullivan has three through lanes for both northbound and southbound traffic and a two -way left turn lane. Evergreen Road is a principal arterial according to the County Arterial Road Plan. It is a two -lane, two -way north -south arterial running between 32nd Avenue to the south and Mission Avenue to the north. The speed limit is posted at 35 mph. At both Sprague and Broadway Avenues, Evergreen Road widens out. At Broadway Avenue the cross - section changes to accommodate two lanes in each direction. At Sprague Avenue the widening accommodates a dedicated left turn lane for both north and south bound traffic. South of this left turn lane is a short section of two -way left turn lane to accommodate the new Target and Safeway stores, followed by a continuation of the two lane, two -way section it has along most of it's length. An interchange with 1 -90 is proposed for this road by extending Evergreen over 1 -90 to a future Indiana /Evergreen intersection. Evergreen would be widened to accommodate the additional traffic due to the new interchange. Trent Avenue (SR 290) is an east -west four lane principal arterial on both the Spokane County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) systems. It connects parts of the State of Idaho north of Post Falls with SR 2 and SR 395 within the City of Spokane. Trent Avenue has a combination of four and five lane sections in this area. Mission Avenue is a minor east -west arterial according to the Spokane County Arterial Road Plan. It's ultimate cross section is a four -lane section with two lanes in each direction. Turn lanes will be added as needed at critical intersections such as the right turn lane for westbound traffic at Pines Road. For most of it's length, Mission Avenue is a two -lane, east -west arterial. The speed limit along it's length is 35 mph. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 90 September 1997 95 -024B Indiana Avenue /Montgomery is a minor east -west arterial between Argonne Road and Pines Road according to the Spokane County Arterial Road Plan. Currently it is a two -way, two lane road west of Pines Road. Indiana Avenue is a four lane arterial roadway between Pines and Sullivan Roads. A five -lane section will ultimately be constructed between Pines Road and Sullivan Road with curbs and sidewalks. Mansfield Avenue /Houk Street are two lane, two -way local access roads which link existing multi - family residences adjacent to and east of Pines Road with Pines Road. Mansfield Avenue is a east /west road intersecting Pines Road and Houk Street is a north /south connection to Mansfield Avenue at it's eastern terminus. The general cross - section of these facilities includes a 40 -foot roadway with two travel lanes and parking on both sides. The posted speed limit within this area is 25 mph. Shannon Avenue /McDonald Road are two lane, two -way, unpaved roadways. These roadways connect with Houk Street on the west end, turn into McDonald Road as it heads south, cross the railroad tracks and terminate at Indiana Avenue. Shannon Avenue runs east /west parallel to the existing Union Pacific Railroad line. The railroad crossing is an unsignalized, unimproved, non -gated crossing. This intersection /crossing has been identified for closure by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). A new railroad crossing with connection to Indiana Avenue would be located approximately 1,075 feet east of the existing railroad crossing. Due to some driver frustration at the Mansfield /Pines intersection, some vehicles were observed using this roadway to access the Indiana /Pines intersection where it is signalized and therefore provides easier access to the arterials. Mirabeau Parkway is a future roadway that will be constructed in conjunction with the proposed Mirabeau Point project. This roadway will be constructed as a five lane section from Indiana Avenue to the north for approximately 1,300 feet, and will consist of two northbound and two southbound lanes, a two way left turn lane, and left turn lanes at the intersections. A three lane section will continue north 3,200 feet from the end of the five lane section and connect to Euclid Avenue. Based upon the project scoping meetings with WSDOT and the County Division of Engineering which defined the affected environment, the following intersections in the site vicinity were identified for analysis. • Pines Road & Mission Avenue • Pines Road & Eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminal • Pines Road & Westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 91 September 1997 95 -024B • Pines Road & Indiana Avenue /Montgomery Drive • Pines Road & Mansfield Avenue • Pines Road & Euclid Avenue • Pines Road & Trent Avenue • Sullivan Road & Mission Avenue • Sullivan Road & the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminal • Sullivan Road & the westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal • Sullivan Road & Indiana Avenue The above listed intersections are described as follows: Pines Road & Mission Avenue is a four - legged, signal controlled intersection. Pines Road has two through lanes in each direction with dedicated left turn pockets. The east and west legs on Mission Avenue have a right turn only lane, a through lane, and a through -left shared lane. Improvements completed during the fall of 1997 will provide an additional southbound left turn lane and re- striping of the eastbound and westbound movements for protected left turns. Pines Road & the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection is four - legged with signal control. The eastbound on /off ramp is configured as a typical diamond interchange. The off -ramp has a left turn lane and a right turn lane. The on -ramp is a single lane on -ramp. Southbound Pines Road has a left turn lane with two through lanes. Northbound Pines Road has two through lanes. Improvements completed during the fall of 1997 will add an additional eastbound to southbound right turn lane. Pines Road & the westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection is four - legged with signal control. The westbound on /off ramp is configured as a typical diamond interchange. The off -ramp has a lane for left turn movements. Right turn movements are directed toward a slip ramp to Indiana Avenue and then northbound on Pines Road. The on -ramp is a single lane on -ramp with a slip ramp from Montgomery Drive. Northbound Pines Road has a left turn lane with two through lanes and a storage lane for right turning vehicles at the Pines Road /Indiana Avenue intersection. Southbound Pines Road has two through lanes. Pines Road & Indiana Avenue /Montgomery Drive is a four - legged, signal controlled intersection. Pines Road has two through lanes in each direction with dedicated left turn pockets. Indiana Avenue on the east leg of the intersection is striped for a left turn lane, a through lane, and a right turn lane. Montgomery Drive on the west leg of the intersection is striped for a single lane for left, through, and right turning movements. • v�?Q Pines Road and Mansfield Avenue is a four - legged, unsignalized intersection. Gsts Mansfield Avenue has single lanes for both the eastbound and westbound Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 92 September 1997 95 -024B approaches and provides local access for residential areas east and west of Pines Road. The intersection at Pines Road and Mansfield Avenue receives no site generated traffic from the proposed project for Phases 1 and 2 and only a minor amount of northbound and southbound through traffic during Phase 3. Both Mansfield Avenue and Shannon Road have low radius horizontal curves and the Shannon Avenue to Houk Street to Mansfield Avenue route is not a direct route to or from the project site. Those traveling to or from the Mirabeau Point site will not use Mansfield Avenue, but will use the Mirabeau Parkway to Indiana Avenue to Pines Road route to go south or the Mirabeau Parkway to Euclid Avenue to Pines Road to go north. Therefore this intersection was not included in the traffic analysis for this project. Pines Road & Euclid Avenue is a three - legged, stop controlled intersection. Pines Road has two through lanes in each direction with a southbound left turn pocket. Euclid Avenue forms the third leg of Pines Road to the east. Euclid Avenue has a single lane for left, through, and right turning movements. Pines Road & Trent Avenue is a four - legged, signal controlled intersection. Trent Avenue has two through lanes in each direction with dedicated left pockets. There is an eastbound right turn lane onto Pines Road. The north leg of the intersection has a single lane for left, through, and right turning movements. The south leg of the intersection has a shared left /through lane and a right turn only lane. Sullivan Road & Mission Avenue is a four - legged, signal controlled intersection. Sullivan Road has three through lanes in each direction with dedicated left turn pockets. The west leg on Mission Avenue has a left turn lane and a shared through -right turn lane. The east leg on Mission Avenue has a single lane for left, through, and right turning movements. Sullivan Road & the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection is four - legged with signal control. The eastbound on /off ramp is configured as a typical diamond interchange. The off -ramp has two left turn lanes and a free right turn lane onto an add lane. The on -ramp has two lanes. Southbound Sullivan Road has two left turn lanes with two through lanes north of the intersection with an add through lane south of the intersection. Northbound Sullivan Road has two through lanes with a right turn lane acting as a drop lane. Sullivan Road & the westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection is four - legged with signal control. The westbound on /off ramp is configured as a typical diamond interchange. The off -ramp has two left turn lanes. A slip ramp accommodates the westbound off -ramp traffic traveling north. The on -ramp has two lanes with a slip ramp from Indiana Avenue. Northbound Sullivan Road has two left turn lanes with two through lanes. Southbound Sullivan Road has two through lanes with a right Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 93 September 1997 95 -024B turn lane. Sullivan Road & Indiana Avenue was recently constructed in the summer of 1997 as part of the mitigation required for development of the Spokane Valley Mall. This intersection is a four - legged and signal controlled, however the east leg has only westbound traffic from the slip ramp and the approach to this leg is currently blocked. There are two northbound and southbound through lanes, a southbound right turn lane, dual northbound left turn lanes, dual eastbound left turn lanes, and dual eastbound right turn lanes. Traffic counts at the affected intersections were taken to examine the PM peak hour traffic conditions at the above intersections and are presented in Appendix B. Existing levels of service at these intersections are listed in Table 6. Based on the results shown in this table, all intersections are functioning at LOS D or better. Table 6 Existing Levels of Service - Without Evergreen Interchange Denotes an unsignalized intersection. For unsignalized intersections, delay and level of service shown indicates the worst movement through the intersection. This is generally the minor left. The intent of the traffic analysis is to consider impacts on potentially affected intersections. Also this study takes into account the increase in traffic from projects which have been proposed or approved, but not yet constructed, as well as the general growth within the area. As described in Sections 1.4, 4.4, and 4.5, the surrounding area has other projects which are in various stages of development. For this reason additional traffic from sources other than the Mirabeau Point project was added to the transportation system. Tables 4, 5 and 6 in Appendix B provide trip generation rates and volumes for the additional trips that must be added to the system to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 94 September 1997 95 -024B EXISTING PM TRAFFIC INTERSECTION DELAY LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. 28.6 sec. D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps , 31.1 sec. D Pines Rd. /WB Ramps 21.6 sec. C Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 19.2 sec. C Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave.* 16.0 sec. C Pines Rd./Trent Ave. 17.4 sec. C Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 8.8 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 11.8 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps 12.8 sec. B Denotes an unsignalized intersection. For unsignalized intersections, delay and level of service shown indicates the worst movement through the intersection. This is generally the minor left. The intent of the traffic analysis is to consider impacts on potentially affected intersections. Also this study takes into account the increase in traffic from projects which have been proposed or approved, but not yet constructed, as well as the general growth within the area. As described in Sections 1.4, 4.4, and 4.5, the surrounding area has other projects which are in various stages of development. For this reason additional traffic from sources other than the Mirabeau Point project was added to the transportation system. Tables 4, 5 and 6 in Appendix B provide trip generation rates and volumes for the additional trips that must be added to the system to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 94 September 1997 95 -024B model what the transportation system will be like for future conditions without the proposed Mirabeau Point project traffic. These projects encompass the expected development in the Pines /Sullivan area within the projected build -out of Mirabeau Point. In addition to the increase in traffic from these projects, a 3% per year traffic growth rate was used to account for the natural growth of traffic due to non -site specific sources. Using the Institute of Transportation Engineers' (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 5th Edition and other data gathered from similar facilities, the anticipated number of trips on adjacent streets generated by the proposed project was determined. The Trip Generation Manual (TGM) provides empirical data based upon actual field observations for trip generation characteristic of similar projects throughout the United States. Tables 7, 8, and 9 show the trip generation data for each of the three phases of the Mirabeau Point project. Even though trip generation data for the YMCA is included in the analysis for Phase 1, there would be no increase in off -site traffic generated by development of the YMCA since it is assumed to generate the same amount of vehicle trips as the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo. Table 7 Phase 1 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes Land Use Size PM Peak Ilour a Entering Exitin • Volume tit), ,.. ) 9 Volume ( #frl si Ice Arena 2 sheets 20.00 50% 20 50% 20 YMCA 35 KSF* 1.08 50% 80 50% 80 Performing Arts 45 KSF N/A 25% 5 75% 15 Educational 18.3 KSF N/A 20% 1 80% 5 Planetarium 6.8 KSF N/A 20% 1 80% 5 Senior Center 9 KSF N/A 0% 0 100% 1 Retail Center 50 KSF 4.93 57% 141 43% 106 Fitness Center 20 KSF 4.30 60% 52 40% 34 Totals 300 266 * KSF = Thousand square fee 1 --5 )I 7 \ Some of the land uses identified for development within Phase 1 were not found in the TGM or other specific information was used to estimate trip generation rates for the proposed project. The following is a list of the non - standardized land uses and the assumptions used to estimate trip generation: Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 September 1997 95 -024B Cir/%6' fr'S ■ Ice Arena - It is assumed that junior hockey teams will use this facility during PM peak hours. It is assumed that one changeover from one team practicing to another team practicing will occur during the PM peak hour per sheet of ice, and that 10 vehicles per team will make the trip to the facility. This results in two teams entering and two teams exiting for a total of 20 trips entering and 20 trips exiting. YMCA - The TGM lists land use 495 as applicable, however the YMCA supplied information on trips generated which was different than the value using the TGM. It is estimated that approximately 300 people will use the facility between 4 pm and 6 pm; approximately half will be children who will need rides. Approximately two- thirds of the people will come or go during the PM peak period for a total of 200 trips. This value is decreased by one -third assuming some parents will bring two children for 16 less. The value is further decreased assuming one quarter of the adults who come will also use the facility at the same time that their children do for 25 less. This results in a total of 159 trips generated. Performing Arts Center - The concerts and other events scheduled at this facility will occur after the PM peak hour period. Therefore it is assumed that PM peak hour trips will be generated by staff and rehearsing performers, for a total of 20 PM peak hour trips, five entering and 15 exiting. Educational Complex - The seminars and lectures scheduled at this facility will occur during off -peak hours. Only administrative /staff employees are assumed to generate PM peak hour trips for a total of 12 trips, three entering and nine exiting. Planetarium - The shows at this facility will occur during off -peak hours and on the weekends. Operation of the facility is assumed to be similar to the Denver Planetarium, which has seven full -time and four part -time employees. Volunteers leave the site before 4 pm and hours vary greatly between employees which spreads out the trips. A total of 6 PM peak hour trips were assumed, one entering and five exiting. Senior Center - The Valley Senior Center may relocate to this facility and it generally closes by 3:30 pm on week days. One exiting PM peak hour trip for one employee was assumed. - J• Sd `�,s J F ( /Jill k.)IJ kook Adto P ,..cs Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 96 September 1997 95 -024B Hotel "' Table 8 Phase 2 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes 150 rms Exitin • :Volume 96 Volume #_trios (# trips) 54% 49 46% 42 Business Park 250 KSF 1.48 22% 81 Office Park 100 KSF 1.51 15% 23 Specialty Retail 50 KSF 4.93 57% 141 Library 15 KSF 4.74 48% 34 Conven. Store 2 KSF 53.73 50% 54 Bank, Drive -In 3 KSF 43.63 48% 63 Fast Food Rest. _ 3 KSF 36.53 52% 57 Totals 502 Cumulative Totals 802 "1 Assumes 80% occupancy. • KSF = Thousand square feet 78% 85% 43% 52% 50% 52% 48% 289 128 37 54 68 Table 9 Phase 3 Trip Generation Rates and Volumes ld 53 777 1,043 Land Use Sze _ PM Peak Hour Rate (mss per 14 Entering Volume trips) Volume i# trips) Commercial Area 50 KSF 1.51 15% 11 85% 64 RV Park 80 units 0.46 52% 19 48% 18 Residential, Apartments 230 units 0.49 64% 72 36% 41 Totals 102 123 Cumulative Totals a 904 1,166 KSF = Thousand square feet The RV park planned for Phase 3 is not listed as a potential land use in the TGM. Trip generation information from other traffic studies completed and accepted for projects within Spokane County was used to estimate trip generation rates for this land use. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 97 September 1997 95 -024B b. Significant Impacts The transportation impacts for the two alternatives (Proposed Action and No- Action) with and without the Evergreen Interchange have been analyzed as part of the Traffic Impact Analysis for the Mirabeau Point project included as Appendix B. The Proposed Action alternative consists of development as listed above occurring in three phases over the next ten years. Primary ingress and egress for the Proposed Action alternative will be via Mirabeau Parkway, a new road connecting Indiana Avenue on the south and Euclid Avenue on the north. The second alternative analyzed is the No- Action alternative, which precludes full development of the project site. Existing conditions on -site would remain mostly unchanged except for development of the YMCA. The existing roadway network would remain mostly unchanged except for construction of Mirabeau Parkway by the County and minor improvements along Pines Road that WSDOT already has scheduled and funded (see Section 4.5 Relationship to Proposed Infrastructure Improvements) . The following is a summary of the full traffic impact analysis for the Mirabeau Point project provided in Appendix B. For clarification and review, it should be noted that all known existing developments, whether proposed or currently under construction, have been identified and their associated traffic has been added to existing traffic volumes (Please refer to tables and figures in Appendix 6). Therefore, surrounding development and traffic generation is assumed to happen concurrently with development of the Mirabeau Point project. If proposed adjacent and nearby projects do not develop, future levels of service would be appreciably better than presented herein and the impacts to the overall transportation system would be correspondingly lessened. However any existing level of service problems or congestion would remain unchanged, even with no further development within the area. Phase 1 - 1999 Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 1999 (Phase 1) with and without the Evergreen Interchange for the No- Action alternative are shown in Table 10. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 98 September 1997 95 -024B Table 10 1999 Traffic (Phase 1) for No- Action Alternative NTERSECTION 1999 TRAFFIC (PHASE 1) FOR NO- ACTION .:: RNA TIVE Without Ev: . reen PC 1 With Ever. seen I/C DELAY LOS DELAY LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. 27.9 sec. D 26.2 sec. D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps r 61.8 sec. F 26.1 sec. D Pines Rd./WB Ramps 20.4 sec. C 20.7 sec. C Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. : 14.8 sec. B 14.1 sec. B Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Unsignalized) 13.9 sec. C 11.2 sec. C Pines Rd./Trent Ave. 1 25.3 sec. C 34.0 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 1 14.0 sec. B 12.1 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps ' 34.9 sec. D 28.5 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps 57.0 sec. E 55.1 sec. E Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. * F v * F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps N/A N/A 13.9 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps N/A N/A 7.1 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. N/A N/A 21.2 sec. C Mirabeau Prky. /Indiana Ave. (Unsignalized) 8.2 sec. B 11.2 sec. C • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. With the traffic from the background projects and the natural growth in traffic, all of the intersections analyzed for the No- Action Alternative for Phase • but two will continue to function at acceptable levels of service, with construction of the Evergreen Interchange. The two intersections that are the exceptions, Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminals and Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue, will function at LOS F under this condition. Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 1999 (Phase 1) with and without construction of the Evergreen Interchange for the Proposed Action alternative are shown in Table 11. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 99 September 1997 95 -024B Table 11 1999 Traffic (Phase 1) For the Proposed Action Alternative • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. f AczE.O,.) P.4.4J !N p A,vs- With the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 1 without the Evergreen Interchange, the level of service for two of the intersections on Pines Road and one additional intersection on Sullivan Road will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E or F). With the Proposed Action alternative for 1999 with construction of the Evergreen Interchange, all intersections except for the two previously discussed intersections on Sullivan Road are at acceptable levels (LOS D). Without the Evergreen Interchange, the westbound 1 -90 ramps and the Indiana Avenue intersections on Sullivan Road will be at LOS E or F with or without the Proposed Action. For Phase I with the Evergreen Interchange with or without the Proposed Action alternative, all intersections but two will remain at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better). The exceptions are the westbound 1 -90 ramps and Indiana Avenue intersections on Sullivan Road which will be at LOS E or F with or without the Proposed Action with construction of the Evergreen Interchange. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 100 September 1997 1999 TRAFFIC (PHASE 1) FOR PROPOSED THE ACTION ALTERNATIVE INTERSECTION Without Evergreen #/C With Evergreen MC DELAY 44.5 sec. LOS E DELAY LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. 26.8 sec. D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps * F 28.1 sec. D Pines Rd./WB Ramps 26.1 sec. D 27.9 sec. D , Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 14.7 sec. B 16.3 sec. C Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Unsignalized) 10.4 sec. C 12.2 sec. C Pines Rd./Trent Ave. 28.2 sec. D 38.7 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 13.1 sec. B 12.1 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 43.5 sec. E 28.9 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps 64.6 sec. F - 55.7 sec. E Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. F Y F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps N/A N/A 14.9 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps N/A N/A 7.5 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. N/A N/A 26.3 sec. D Mirabeau Prky. /Indiana Ave. (Unsignalized) (Signalized) 28.5 sec. D 7.1 sec. B • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. f AczE.O,.) P.4.4J !N p A,vs- With the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 1 without the Evergreen Interchange, the level of service for two of the intersections on Pines Road and one additional intersection on Sullivan Road will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E or F). With the Proposed Action alternative for 1999 with construction of the Evergreen Interchange, all intersections except for the two previously discussed intersections on Sullivan Road are at acceptable levels (LOS D). Without the Evergreen Interchange, the westbound 1 -90 ramps and the Indiana Avenue intersections on Sullivan Road will be at LOS E or F with or without the Proposed Action. For Phase I with the Evergreen Interchange with or without the Proposed Action alternative, all intersections but two will remain at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better). The exceptions are the westbound 1 -90 ramps and Indiana Avenue intersections on Sullivan Road which will be at LOS E or F with or without the Proposed Action with construction of the Evergreen Interchange. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 100 September 1997 Phase 2 - 2004 Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 2004 (Phase 2) for the No- Action alternative are shown in Table 12. It is assumed that the Evergreen Interchange will be constructed by this point in time to accommodate increased traffic from future construction phases of the Spokane Valley Mall, other proposed projects within the area, and the proposed project. Table 12 2004 Traffic (Phase 2) for the No- Action Alternative INTERSECTION :20134 AF IC (PHASE 21 NOA CT/ON AL TERJVA TIVE DELAY LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. (With Signal Revisions) 38.2 sec. D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps 54.1 sec. E Pines Rd. /WB Ramps 22.1 sec. C Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 16.0 sec. C Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Unsignalized) 18.1 sec. C Pines Rd./Trent Ave. 70.7 sec. F Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 14.6 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 39.7 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps 74.3 sec. F Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. * F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps 14.1 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps 7.5 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. 21.2 sec. C Mirabeau Point /Indiana Ave. (Si.nalized) 6.5 sec. B • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. With the No- Action alternative for Phase 2 with the Evergreen Interchange, the level of service for the intersection at Pines Road and the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminals will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E). The level of service at the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections will be at LOS F. All other intersections for the No- Action alternative with the Evergreen Interchange will remain at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better) . Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 2004 (Phase 2) for the Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 101 September 1997 95 -024B Proposed Action alternative are shown in Table 13. Table 13 2004 Traffic (Phase 2) for the Proposed Action Alternative INTERSECTION 2004 TRAFFIC (PHASE 2) PROPOSED ACTION AL TERIVA TI VE DELAY LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. (With Signal Revisions) 50.9 sec. 34.6 sec. E D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps (With NB Rt. Turn Lane) 75.3 sec. 31.9 sec. F D Pines Rd. /WB Ramps 29.2 sec. D Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 30.8 sec. D Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Unsignalized) (Signalized) 48.5 sec. 13.7 sec. F B Pines Rd./Trent Ave. (With Added NB Lane) * 30.8 sec. F D Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 14.6 sec. B Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 40.1 sec. D Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps 75.0 sec. F Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. * F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps 24.6 sec. C Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps 20.3 sec. C Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. (With 2 "d WB Lt. Turn Lane) 66.0 sec. 18.4 sec. F C Mirabeau Prky. /Indiana Ave. (Signalized) 16.0 sec. C • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. With the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 2 with construction of the Evergreen Interchange, the level of service for the intersection at Pines Road and Mission Avenue will drop to LOS E. Signal revisions will be required to improve the level of service to LOS D. The level of service for the intersection at Pines Road and the eastbound 1 -90 ramps will also drop to LOS E. A northbound right turn lane and signal revisions will be required to improve the level of service to LOS D. The intersection at Pines Road and Euclid Avenue will need to be signalized. Another northbound through lane will be required at the Pines Road/Trent Avenue intersection. A second westbound left turn lane will be required at the Evergreen Road /Indiana Avenue intersection The level of service at the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 102 September 1997 95 -024B intersections will be at LOS F with or without the Proposed Action alternative. All other intersections with construction of the Evergreen Interchange, with or without the Proposed Action alternative, will remain at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better). Phase 3 - 2006 Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 2006 (Phase 3) for the No- Action alternative are shown in Table 14. It is again assumed that the Evergreen Interchange will be constructed by this point in time to accommodate traffic from future construction phases of the Spokane Valley Mall, other proposed projects within the area, and the proposed project. Table 14 2006 Traffic (Phase 3) for No- Action Alternative INTERSECTION TRAFFIC (PHASE 3) NO ACTION AL iERNA TI VE DELAY <:.....LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. 51.1 sec. E Pines Rd. /EB Ramps * F Pines Rd./WB Ramps 29.2 sec. D Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 16.5 sec. C Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Unsignalized) 25.2 sec. D Pines Rd./Trent Ave. * F Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 18.4 sec. C Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 46.6 sec. E Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps * F Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. * F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps (With Improvements) 14.2 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps 7.6 sec. B Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. 21.2 sec. C Mirabeau Point /Indiana (Signalized) 8.6 sec. B • Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. With the No- Action alternative for Phase 3 with the Evergreen Interchange, the level of service for the intersections at Pines Road and Mission Avenue, Pines Road and the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminals, Pines Road and Euclid Avenue, Pines Road and Trent Avenue, and Sullivan Road and the eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminals Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 103 September 1997 95 -024B will drop to unacceptable levels (LOS E or F). The level of service at the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections will be at LOS F. All other intersections under the No- Action alternative with construction of the Evergreen Interchange will remain at acceptable levels of service (LOS D or better). Anticipated levels of service for the study intersections in 2006 (Phase 3) for the Proposed Action alternative are shown in Table 15. Table 15 2006 Traffic (Phase 3) for the Proposed Action Alternative INTERSECTION 2006 TRAFFIC (PHASE 3) PRPOD ACTION AL TERNA TIVE MLA V LOS Pines Rd. /Mission Ave. (With Phase 2 Improvements) 75.6 sec. 39.4 sec. F D Pines Rd. /EB Ramps (With Phase 2 Improvements) * 40.2 sec. F D Pines Rd./WB Ramps 39.9 sec. D Pines Rd. /Indiana Ave. 30.2 sec. D Pines Rd. /Euclid Ave. (Signalized) 16.8 sec. C Pines Rd./Trent Ave. (With Phase 2 Improvements) * 39.8 sec. F D Sullivan Rd. /Mission Ave. 18.5 sec. C Sullivan Rd. /EB Ramps 47.0 sec. E Sullivan Rd. /WB Ramps * F Sullivan Rd. /Indiana Ave. * F Evergreen Rd. /EB Ramps 28.4 sec. D Evergreen Rd. /WB Ramps 24.9 sec. C Evergreen Rd. /Indiana Ave. (With Phase 2 Improvements) 68.9 sec. 19.1 sec. F C Mirabeau Point /Indiana Ave. (Signalized) 17.4 sec. C * Denotes that the maximum signalized V/C ratio was exceeded and was too great to calculate a delay time. With the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 3, the improvements shown in the above tables, and construction of the Evergreen Interchange, the levels of service will remain at acceptable levels except for the eastbound and westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections on Sullivan Road and the Indiana Avenue /Sullivan Road intersection. The level of service at the Sullivan Road /Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 104 September 1997 95 -024B Road /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections will be at LOS F with or without the Proposed Action alternative. The Sullivan Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection will be at LOS E with or without the Proposed Action alternative. A second westbound left turn lane at the Evergreen Road /Indiana Avenue intersection is required to bring the level of service to LOS C. c. Mitigating Measures The primary improvement that needs to occur within the project area is construction of the Evergreen Interchange. As can be seen from the previous levels of service tables, several of the intersections show delay times and levels of service for 1999 for the No- Action alternative that are either bordering on or at unacceptable levels. Under the Proposed Action alternative for Phase 1, many of the intersections in the project area drop to unacceptable levels. With the Evergreen Interchange (currently under design by WSDOT), traffic will improve to D acceptable levels on Pines Road and Sullivan Road, except for the Sullivan /Indiana q'° 5 and the Sullivan /westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersections. Sullivan Road will receive very few additional trips from the proposed project, therefore this project houid not be responsible for mitigation of traffic problems on Sullivan Road. Those wishing to travel on 1 -90 or to areas south of 1 -90 will use Evergreen Road or Pines Road. Sullivan Road will not be the most direct route, especially after construction of the Evergreen Interchange. Stage 1 of the interchange project includes construction of the interchange itself, roadway from Sharp Avenue to Indiana Avenue, and a connection to Mission Avenue. Funds are required for preliminary engineering, right -of -way acquisition, and construction costs and are currently estimated at $21 million dollars. The WSDOT, State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), and local developers north of 1 -90 have preliminarily agreed to fund portions of the interchange project or have donated the required right -of -way. Construction of the Evergreen Interchange has been made a condition for development of future phases of the Spokane Valley Mali. Construction of the interchange is necessary for any development to proceed and to reduce existing impacts on Pines and Sullivan Roads. The Mirabeau Point project and other proposed projects or project phases should share in the cost of providing this interchange. Participants identified for contribution to the interchange construction project include WSDOT, RA Hanson, the Spokane Valley Mall owners, Lawson /Gunning, and the proposed project. A formal signed agreement to fund construction of the Evergreen Interchange needs to be in place prior to development of Phase 1, except for construction of the YMCA. The WSDOT cannot move forward with the actual bid process until the required funds are received by the designated financial institution. Other improvements to the transportation system, in addition to participation in Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 105 September 1997 95 -024B funding construction of the Evergreen Interchange, will also need to be completed by the project proponents as follows: Phase 1: No additional improvements are required. Installation of a signal at the Mirabeau Parkway /Indiana Avenue intersection is included in the County's planned improvements associated with development of Mirabeau Parkway. Degradation of the level of service on Sullivan should not be the responsibility of the proposed project, as discussed above. Phase 2: The following improvements will be required at area intersections: • Signal revisions at Pines Road /Mission Avenue, • Signal revisions and construction of a northbound right turn lane at Pines Road /eastbound 1 -90 ramp, • Construction of an additional northbound lane at Pines Road/Trent Avenue, • Installation of a signal with left turn widening on Pines Road at the Pines Road /Euclid Avenue intersection, and • Construction of a second westbound left turn lane at Evergreen Road /Indiana Avenue. Phase 3: No additional improvements will be required. 4.2 Arterial Road Plan a. Affected Environment The Spokane County Arterial Road Plan provides specific policy regarding transportation routes needed to implement the Land Use Element of the County Comprehensive Plan. The Arterial Road Plan is one of the primary components of the Circulation Element of the County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and is intended to guide the provision of arterial roads over a 30 -year period. The location of roads has a significant impact on development patterns. Providing for existing and future arterials that will adequately conduct traffic without undue congestion, serving land uses defined by the County's Land Use Plan, and preserving the integrity of residential neighborhoods are the major purposes of the Arterial Road Plan. The Arterial Road Plan classifications address two basic areas of the County, the urbanizing and non - urbanizing areas. Urbanizing areas are those areas designated suburban, urban, major commercial, industrial, and related categories on the Land Use Plan map. Non - urbanizing areas are designated as agricultural, rural, semi - rural, and related categories. The project site is located within an urbanizing area because it is located within the Interim Urban Growth Area (IUGA) boundary (see Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 106 September 1997 95 -024B Section 1.3 Relationship to Growth Management Act for further information). The Arterial Road Plan classifies roads in the urbanizing area near the project site as principal arterial, minor arterial, collector arterial, and local access road. Arterial roads serve two primary functions: 1) to provide mobility, and 2) to provide access to land. Principal arterials provide the most mobility with lessor access, while local access roads provide the greatest access to land and the least vehicle mobility. The principal arterial classification is a four or more lane moderately fast facility designed to permit relatively unimpeded traffic flow between major traffic generators such as the central business district, major shopping centers, major employment districts, etc. These arterials are the framework road system for the urbanized portion of the County and are located on community and neighborhood boundaries. Principal arterials west of the project site include Pines Road (see Figure 15). East of the site Sullivan Road is a principal arterial. Evergreen Road is designated as a principal arterial extending north -south through the project site. Minor arterials are designed to provide less mobility than principal arterials and provide greater access to adjacent property frontage. They are moderate speed facilities that collect and distribute traffic between principal arterials and collector arterials and local access roads. Minor arterials function as two -lane facilities with on- street parking or as four -lane facilities with parking removed. They are located on community and neighborhood boundaries. Minor arterials near the project site include Mission Avenue south of 1 -90 and Indiana Avenue /Montgomery Drive along the southern site boundary. Collector arterials are relatively low speed, two -lane facilities designed to provide greater access to adjacent property, rather than providing mobility. They primarily serve individual neighborhoods, distributing traffic from neighborhood traffic generators such as elementary schools and neighborhood stores to minor and principal arterials. The proposed Mirabeau Parkway will be constructed to collector arterial standards, but is proposed for designation as a minor arterial. Local access roads provide access to adjacent property, with alignment and traffic control measures that encourage a slow, safe speed. They are designed and located to provide convenient access to residential lots and to discourage continuous or unobstructed flow of traffic through neighborhoods. Several local access roads are located in the vicinity of the project site. Although Evergreen Road is designated as a principal arterial on the Arterial Road Plan map, there is no established right -of -way for this arterial within or immediately adjacent to the project site. The Arterial Road Plan shows Evergreen Road connecting to east -west minor arterials to the north (Indiana Avenue) and south (Mission Avenue) of 1 -90 at the planned Evergreen Interchange. The development of Evergreen Road north of Indiana Avenue would require an at -grade Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 107 September 1997 95 -024B t 1 •• 1 • 1 • l •1 Il\ .` 11• v;),•:\ • ' I V ' )37 ti San pt f PU, • .:� ' I9$7 • 0 • Ia Myrtle Point . ,960 11 . CI t9 eyf 9.1---.G nycl/ tT ► 9 • • s / PIt ll�iln �► ' -s ,� e, a , • • • te P 1. °�����, �� •' 910 • tom Well ,■• J 1989 ;_ rir ,IVP Ifl 1, I, 949' • • : ..... F.a•t Valley Jr High $eh ■°O •O"\ Flys • • •••r • - Za 1• 11111 1 I� 11■ ,. -' Trcntwood 2 II • •el • •.• _ O • • '� •• ells • 111 it11111�1111t11111U OM 023 . :; : oro o■ rids 1 Water Tank • •• ••.... .•••— ••• • ••• •• =s „ Gray 1` 1 • _ ' _ Azr ;Sub Cation • IN ar :•: -: aa, .1111111QMIiyNSI.∎ • a 9 • • WT Ili .. -11 • . Trailer 1.••'•' I ''l" - Pa,k I 1. 00. Proposed Minor Arterial • 1 • 1 ' • I oc •• 1• Remove Principal Arterial Within Site 11 . 21 • • .#�'Valleyl: 'P NES r• r 1 , •• • SP 0 � I 1 1 IIYllll ° • Ill,[ ���j � 1 • Spokatle Vali 4 AAV H ofp'i1 • loo_.. •... AVE i, LEGEND: • um • 1 Principal Arterial 111111111111111111 111111111 State Highway Minor Arterial Collector Arterial 'WT 1 >11ate at■t: .� i i■■li • me 1111✓ �-� @ROADWAY •t••: ..... loco ell ST DPPORTUNIT .PRAAUE SOURCE: SPOKANE COUNTY ARTERIAL ROAD PLAN MAP • stet • • • A ■■v IL OA= 111 ATA., • • ;4.12),6 Nr-i . -.J4 _ RAM M A S S O C I A I k S I N C South 25 Alt:unont Spokane. Washington 99202 ARTERIAL ROAD PLAN MAP SCALE: None DATE: August '97 MIRABEA U POINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROJECT NO: 95 -024B FIGURE NO: 1S intersection at Indiana Avenue, an at -grade railroad crossing, a bridge across the Spokane River, and acquisition of right -of -way through the Kaiser Trentwood facility. Construction of Indiana Avenue was recently completed in July 1997. Due to the timing of the Indiana Avenue design and construction, along with grade and railroad crossing considerations, it was determined that a connection as shown on the Arterial Road Plan would not be feasible. An at -grade fully signalized railroad crossing was approved by the Washington Utilities and Trade Commission and Spokane County further to the west at the proposed intersection with Mirabeau Parkway as shown on the Mirabeau Point Master Plan. During construction of Indiana Avenue, filling and grading was completed to provide for the necessary grade connection with the proposed Mirabeau Parkway. b. Significant Impacts The proposed project includes an Arterial Road Plan amendment which would (1) remove Evergreen Road as a Principal Arterial north of Indiana and through the project site, and (2) designate Mirabeau Parkway and Euclid Avenue as minor arterials from Indiana Avenue north to Pines Road. Development of Mirabeau Parkway as proposed would provide a Tess direct north -south route via a new minor arterial linking Indiana Avenue and Pines Road. This would replace linking Indiana Avenue and Trent Road with extension of Evergreen Road as a principal arterial. The proposed minor arterial designation for Mirabeau Parkway and Euclid Avenue would link Indiana Avenue (a minor arterial) with Pines Road (a principal arterial). Access to Mirabeau Parkway would be provided to properties adjacent and within the project site and off -site traffic would be distributed between a principal arterial and a minor arterial. Further analysis regarding circulation and traffic impacts is provided in Section 4. 1 Transportation Systems /Vehicular Traffic. Air quality impacts are discussed in Section 2. 1 Air Quality. The County has received TIB funding for construction and is currently designing Mirabeau Parkway as a five lane collector arterial from Indiana Avenue north for approximately 1,300 feet, transitioning to a three lane roadway, and continuing north 3,200 feet to Euclid Avenue. c. Mitigating Measures The proposed project will participate in funding construction of the Evergreen Interchange, which will include extension of the existing Evergreen Road as a principal arterial north from Sharp Avenue to Indiana Avenue. This would implement a portion of the Arterial Road Plan map, which indicates development of a principal arterial at Evergreen Road extending north /south at its present alignment. The provision of a new arterial (Mirabeau Parkway) within the project site will provide north -south access between Pines and Sullivan Roads, which may Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 109 September 1997 95 -0248 partially compensate for removal of any future Evergreen Road arterial north of Indiana Avenue and through the project site. 4.3 Railroad Traffic /Crossing a. Affected Environment There is an existing railroad crossing near the southwest corner of the project site. Shannon Avenue is a east -west, unpaved, gravel roadway that parallels the railroad tracks. The roadway makes a right turn, crosses the tracks as McDonald Road and connects to Indiana Avenue. The crossing is unimproved, without gates or signalization. This intersection /crossing was previously identified for closure by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and Union Pacific Railroad. b. Significant Impacts Development of the proposed project will require access to the southern site boundary through development of a new railroad crossing that will connect Mirabeau Parkway to Indiana Avenue. The location of the proposed new railroad crossing (approximately 1,075 feet east of the existing crossing) has been approved by the WUTC, as well as permanent closure of the existing Shannon (McDonald) Road railroad crossing located at the southwest corner of the site. c. Mitigating Measures The County has received TIB funding to construct Mirabeau Parkway as a five lane collector arterial from Indiana Avenue north to Euclid Avenue. Development of Mirabeau Parkway by the County will include installation of a signal at the Mirabeau Parkway /Indiana Avenue intersection and construction of the signalized railroad crossing. Detailed plans and construction coordination for this new railroad crossing will require approval by the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), Union Pacific Railroad, and Spokane County. 4.4 Relationship to Adjacent Development and Cumulative Impacts a. Affected Environment The most significant adjacent development is the 1997 opening of the Spokane Valley Mall southeast of the project site. The Mall is expected to add a significant number of PM peak hour trips to the transportation system. Appendix B shows the trip distribution from the Mall, primarily from west and south of the project. Pines Road and Sullivan Road are used to access Indiana Avenue and the Spokane Valley Mall. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 1 10 September 1997 Development proposed by Bill Lawson and Ted Gunning located immediately west of the project site includes a variety of land uses including apartments, a retirement center, nursing home, mini - storage, and RV park spaces. According to the trip distribution for this project provided in Appendix B, the majority of trips generated from this project will use Pines Road. A small portion will go through the project site to travel east on Indiana Avenue. Other development proposed for areas north of 1 -90 include a hotel, the industrial park expansion, a business park, and an industrial park. Nearby developments located south of 1 -90 include apartments, office buildings, a strip mall, restaurant, and retirement units. These developments will primarily use Pines Road to access 1 -90 and for travel south in the Spokane Valley. A new Walmart opened in 1997 located south of 1 -90 and east of Sullivan Road. This project will add a significant number of trips to Sullivan Road. b. Significant Impacts The Spokane Valley Mall has been responsible for extending and reconstructing Indiana Avenue from Pines Road to Sullivan Road. Traffic to and from the Mall will experience a minor amount of additional trips from the Mirabeau Point project. For Phase 1 without the Evergreen Interchange, 189 additional trips (in both directions) will use Indiana Avenue to access Sullivan Road. With the Evergreen Interchange, only 12 additional trips (in both directions) are projected to use Indiana Avenue to access Sullivan Road (see Appendix B for additional information regarding trip distribution). All three phases of the Mirabeau Point project will increase the number of trips on Indiana between Mirabeau Parkway and Evergreen Road. The Lawson /Gunning project immediately to the west of the Mirabeau Point project will use Mirabeau Parkway to access Indiana Avenue. No traffic from the Mirabeau Point project is expected to travel through the Lawson \Gunning site (Shannon Avenue) to access Pines Road. Narrow roadway sections and low radius curves on existing developed roadways will discourage traffic from using this route. it will be quicker for the Mirabeau Point traffic to access Pines Road by going south on the proposed Mirabeau Parkway to Indiana Avenue and then west to Pines Road. There will be a traffic signal at the Mirabeau Parkway /Indiana Avenue intersection as well as a traffic signal at the Pines Road /Indiana Avenue intersection which will operate at acceptable levels of service. Those wishing to go to areas north using Pines Road will use Mirabeau Parkway to Euclid Avenue and turn right. A traffic signal will be installed at the Pines Road /Euclid Avenue intersection for Phase 3. pkcc.. L crlik jQ lC-) c. Mitigating Measures The primary improvement that needs to occur within the project area to address Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 111 September 1997 cumulative impacts is construction of the Evergreen Interchange, which has been made a condition for development of the later phases of the Spokane Valley Mall. Construction of the interchange is necessary for any further development to proceed in the vicinity of the project site and to reduce existing impacts on Pines and Sullivan Roads. The Mirabeau Point project and other proposed projects or project phases will need to share in the cost of providing this improvement, which is currently under design by WSDOT. Stage 1 of the interchange project includes construction of the interchange itself, roadway from Sharp Avenue to Indiana Avenue, and a connection to Mission Avenue. Funds are required for preliminary engineering, right -of -way acquisition, and construction costs. The WSDOT, State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), and local developers north of 1 -90 have preliminarily agreed to fund portions of the interchange project or have donated the required right -of -way. Traffic from all background projects identified by Spokane County and specifically the Spokane Valley Mall and Lawson /Gunning projects was included in the traffic analysis provided in Appendix B and discussed in Section 4. 1. With construction of the Evergreen Interchange and the improvements outlined in Section 4. 1, acceptable levels of service will be achieved during all phases of the Mirabeau Point project, except for the Sullivan Road intersections with Indiana Avenue and the ramp terminals. These intersections will be at unacceptable levels of service without development of the Mirabeau Point project. As discussed above in Section 4. 1, Sullivan Road will receive very few additional trips from the proposed project, therefore this project should not be responsible for mitigation of traffic problems on Sullivan Road. 4.5 Relationship to Proposed Infrastructure Improvements a. Affected Environment Section 4. 1.a describes the existing transportation facilities. While existing levels of service for the intersections listed in Section 4. 1 are within acceptable range, several on Pines Road are at the lowest acceptable range. With the anticipated increase in traffic from general non -site specific growth and the increase in traffic from currently approved projects, both Pines Road and Sullivan Road will operate at or near unacceptable levels of service. Without construction of the Evergreen Interchange, any further significant development is not likely to be allowed. Construction of the interchange is necessary for any further development to proceed in the vicinity of the project site and to reduce existing impacts on Pines and Sullivan Roads. The Evergreen Interchange is currently under design by the WSDOT. WSDOT has two improvement projects programmed on Pines Road to address safety and capacity of the roadway system in this area. The first project, scheduled for construction in 1997, will widen the eastbound 1 -90 off ramp to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 112 September 1997 accommodate two right turn lanes and widen Pines Road at the Mission Avenue intersection for a second southbound left turn lane. The second project, scheduled for construction in 1998, will widen Pines Road at the westbound 1 -90 ramp terminal intersection to accommodate a second northbound left turn lane for the traffic going westbound onto 1 -90. This project will also add a right turn lane for eastbound traffic at the Pines Road /Indiana /Montgomery Avenue intersection. These projects will raise the level of service at these intersections from LOS E to LOS D for 1999. b. Significant Impacts See discussion in Sections 4. 1 through 4.4. c. Mitigating Measures Mitigating measures identified for transportation - related impacts are discussed in Sections 4. 1 through 4.4. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 113 September 1997 5.0 PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES 5.1 Public Water Supplies a. Affected Environment Water service in the vicinity of the project site is currently provided by both Consolidated Irrigation District No.19 and Irvin Water District No.6. The southern approximately two- thirds of the project site is located within Consolidated Irrigation's current service area boundary (see Figure 16). The northern approximately one -third of the project site (proposed as Phase 3) is located within Irvin Water District's future service area boundary, but is outside their current service area boundary. Consolidated Irrigation's current service area boundary extends east -west across the project site, mostly at approximately 1,600 feet north of the southwest property corner. Irvin's future service boundary coincides with Consolidated's current service area boundary within the project site. Consolidated Irrigation District Consolidated Irrigation District has a total of 13 separate wells south of the Spokane River which draw water from the Spokane aquifer at four well sites. There are three or four wells at each well site, as well as a 50,000 - gallon storage tank and pump. The well sites are located between Sprague Avenue and Appleway on Greenacres Road; at the northwest corner of Sprague Avenue and Hodges Road; on Mission Avenue near Barker Road; and at the intersection of Mission Avenue and Evergreen Road. The permitted pumping capacity for all the wells totals 27,454 gallons per minute (gpm). The maximum peak use over the last several years was only 60 percent of the permitted pumping capacity, resulting in a more than adequate reserve capacity to serve additional users (Ashcraft, Consolidated Irrigation). Consolidated Irrigation operates what is called a "floating system," which means water can be directed either way within a single water main depending upon need and available storage capacity. Existing water mains located on -site and adjacent to the project site provide a "looped system." A 16 -inch water main extends east - west along the southern side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to the section line between Section 10 and Section 11 (Evergreen Road extended). West of this section line it becomes a 12 -inch main located in Indiana Avenue that turns north and crosses the railroad tracks at McDonald Road. A 6 -inch main extends to the east in Shannon Road. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 114 September 1997 on e firial 1.41•+=fdr 2 mamma .0460;: iri _ „ite 1l�I� � . ' wand_ - --- NUIPASI.M4soasint fosa WI MAW= las,,,,,41� �; aAI1111 = Etnn__iA1.0aunmgl�rw� III —II _L= IIII iSIKII: W■111 allticutlialisinilif :Z.iEUnuia>a _r.ir__tivinin lit Mallillanna a. G - 0ru hug trict -resin= tail uiut frown' I1Iiilfti nnn Ulna [IEEE RUN U �ima[ulua}�l11uUI.IJIWUl]EUIHW rr�r t ���: ;r.TSntt ll1lE� =1. Project Site 02 I1N111_H22P~ INNIMICTIMI Aram � i-ItIg ruluEiC wrob- �4�NIl� 11agtwEW! The existing on -site mains consist of the following: • A 10 -inch main extending from the south along the section line between Section 10 and Section 11; • A 6 -inch line extending from the south along the site's western boundary (the north -south center line of Section 10); • A 6 -inch line extending along the east -west center line of Section 10 that connects the above mains; • A 6 -inch line extending north from the east -west center line of Section 10, approximately 1,000 feet west of the section line between Section 10 and Section 11. This line then turns northwest and served the former Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo; • A 6 -inch line extending north approximately 330 feet from the east - west center line of Section 10, approximately 1,500 feet west of the section line between Section 10 and Section 11. This line terminates at a fire hydrant; • A 6 -inch line extending east approximately 2,000 feet from the section line between Section 10 and Section 11 along the southern property boundary. Consolidated Irrigation is a special purpose district that was not originally designed or intended for urban uses. Changes in service area boundaries, management, and operation are overseen by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Irvin Water District Irvin Water District serves the primarily residential area west of Pines Road and east of the city of Millwood. They currently have three operating wells located at the southwest corner of Pines Road and Trent Avenue (south of the railroad tracks); at the northwest corner of Bowdish Road and Frederick Avenue; and near the southeast corner of Montgomery Drive and Van Marter Road. Irvin is currently in the process of acquiring an existing well located northwest of Cement Lane (extended) and south of the Spokane River. The permitted pumping capacity for all four wells totals 4,300 gallons per minute (gpm). Without the new well as part of the system, the District is currently operating at peak capacity. The available water supply is slightly deficient to supply commercial fire flows during the summer months when water usage is at peak demand. The District is planning to construct water mains and utilize the Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 116 September 1997 new well in 1997. Addition of the new well is expected to fulfill the District's long term production needs (Armstrong, EMCON). Irvin Water District also operates a "floating system." There are no existing water mains located on -site or directly adjacent to the project site. The closest main is located in Pines Road approximately 1,200 feet west of the site, and consists of an 8 -inch main extending south from the existing well south of the railroad tracks. A one - million gallon reservoir is located just west of Pines Road and north of Ermina Avenue (extended). The District is currently updating their six year comprehensive water system plan and have incorporated the applicable portions of the proposed project into their future plans. Their updated plan may include construction of a new one - million gallon reservoir above elevation 2100 feet, increasing pumping capacity or adding another well to the system, or adding generators at each well to increase fire flows. Topographically, construction of a new reservoir would require it to be located either within the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve (immediately west of the project site) or within the project site itself. Approximately five acres of land would be required for development of a reservoir and required holding (overflow) facilities. A pumping station could be necessary near Euclid Avenue within the "pan- handle" of the Mirabeau Point project site. A "looped' water system is envisioned to serve the northern portion of the project site. A 12 -inch water main would extend north from the reservoir site (or from a future 12 -inch main in Marietta Avenue extended) to a future 10 -inch main in Euclid Avenue. The 10 -inch main would extend east -west in Euclid and tie into the existing 10 -inch main in Pines Road and a future 12 -inch main extending north - south along the eastern property boundary. A second 10 -inch main would parallel Euclid Avenue and bisect the project site north of Euclid Avenue. b. Significant Impacts Consolidated Irrigation District indicates that there would be no impacts on existing water users in the area following development of the proposed project. The existing wells and storage tanks and reservoir have adequate capacity to serve potential growth in the area, including the proposed project (Ashcraft, Consolidated Irrigation). Additional water line extensions and possible up- sizing of existing mains may be required depending upon specific uses. Consulting engineers for Irvin Water District indicate that following connection of the new well into the system in 1997, the District's wells will have adequate capacity to provide water service within their future service area boundary (Armstrong, EMCON), which includes the northern portion of the project site. Implementation of the proposed project will add to the existing need for improvements to the water supply system to provide adequate storage capacity Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 117 September 1997 and fire flows during periods of peak demand. The addition of transmission mains and water line extensions would be required throughout the northern portion of the project site. Provision of water service to the northern portion of the project site will require annexation into Irvin Water District's current service area boundary. This annexation would require approval by the District's Board of Directors. Annexation would also require approval by the Washington State Boundary Review Board only if water service within the annexation area is not included in the District's comprehensive water system plan. c. Mitigating Measures Other than extension of service lines and possible up- sizing of the existing water mains, no mitigating measures are required to provide an adequate water supply to the portion of the project site located within Consolidated Irrigation District's current service area. Build -out of the northern portion of the project site (proposed as Phase 3) may require Irvin Water District system improvements including development of a second reservoir and pump station within or adjacent to the site. The project could be required to reserve areas for development of both a reservoir and pumping station within the project site. If a second reservoir is not desirable or included in the District's water system plan, it may be necessary for the District to increase their pumping capacity or install generators at each well site. The proposed project could provide a proportionate share of the costs for these system improvements that are directly related to on -site development. Mitigation would also include implementation of the District's plans to provide a looped water system (discussed above under Affected Environment) within the northern portion of the project site. 5.2 Public Sewer Facilities a. Affected Environment Sewage in the Spokane Valley within the site vicinity is disposed of through a County collection system and treatment is provided at the City of Spokane Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP). Properties immediately adjacent to the project site south of the Spokane River are currently undeveloped or utilize on -site septic systems. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation, located north of the Spokane River, has its own wastewater treatment system that is permitted by the State Department of Health. Existing sewer facilities in the area include the 24 -inch North Valley Sewer Interceptor, which is located south of the railroad right -of -way along the southern Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -0248 118 September 1997 boundary of the project site, and an 18 -inch sewer main in Pines Road, approximately 1,200 feet west of the site. The North Valley Interceptor has been sized to accommodate full build -out of its service area, which extends to Trent Avenue on the north and Harvard Road on the east. The Spokane Industrial Park and other properties along Sullivan Road currently utilize the North Valley Interceptor for wastewater disposal. The 18 -inch sewer main located in Pines Road south of Euclid Avenue was privately constructed and has not yet been accepted by the County Division of Utilities (Stiltz, County Utilities). This sewer main is designed to serve existing and future development along the Pines Road corridor through payment of latecomer's fees. The City of Spokane sewerage system provides normal collection sewer service to its service area, and also provides conveyance and treatment service to portions of the unincorporated County, the City of Airway Heights, and Fairchild Air Force Base with the RWWTP. Spokane County provides conveyance service to the City of Spokane's system for the Town of Millwood, the Spokane Industrial Park, and on an interim basis the Liberty Lake Sewer District. The City's RWWTP is designed with a rated capacity of 44 million gallons per day. Spokane County and the City of Spokane established an interlocal agreement in December of 1980 wherein the City agreed to reserve and the County agreed to purchase up to 10 million gallons per day of capacity in the City's RWWTP via interceptors provided by the County. This gives the City and other jurisdictions 34 million gallons per day of capacity. The 1996 sewer flow for the City and communities served by it, excluding the County, is 29 million gallons per day. Currently the County is utilizing approximately 4 million gallons per day, including the Town of Millwood. Therefore the total flow in 1996 including Spokane County is 33 million gallons per day for all users. The City anticipates that there may be as much as 9.5 million gallons per day of groundwater infiltrating the sewer system through damaged piping. The City is working toward sealing the pipes with fiberglass "socks" that will substantially seal the breaks in the pipe. The County has estimated its six -year wastewater flow to be 6.9 million gallons per day, and its 20 -year flow to be 14.5 million gallons per day. The estimated 20 -year flow exceeds the County's 10 million gallon per day allotment of the RWWTP capacity. The Liberty Lake Sewer District operates a one million gallon per day treatment plant and has available land for expansion up to 13 million gallons per day. In 1993 the Liberty Lake Sewer District and the County entered into an agreement allowing flows in excess of 890,000 to two million gallons per day to be received from the District by the County's interceptor and treated at the RWWTP. The Liberty Lake Sewer District wastewater treatment facilities can be expanded to Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B 119 September 1997 provide additional capacity to support further growth. The State Department of Ecology (Ecology) regulates public wastewater utilities under the Federal Clean Water Act in Spokane County. Wastewater discharge into surface waters such as the Spokane River and others is being regulated to specific allowable Toad limits to maintain water quality. These Toad limits could effect the ability to provide wastewater treatment capacity for continued growth. Other options to disposal of effluent into surface water are currently being explored by the City and Spokane County. Current limitations to sewer system capacity will need to be addressed to accommodate Tong -term growth within Spokane County. Without system improvements or the implementation of alternative effluent disposal methods (i.e., not in the river), the County may encounter its 10 million gallon per day contracted treatment plant capacity by the year 2007. The City and County are looking at future options for sewer projects such as conservation regulations, treatment plant expansions at the RWWTP and the Liberty Lake Treatment Plant, and land application. Plant expansion may be required in the near future not only for additional capacity, but for additional treatment if Ecology implements its stricter requirements for and tolerances of various by- products in wastewater, such as phosphorus and ammonia. Other programs include a combined sewer overflow program and a wastewater reduction program, which could reduce flows by as much as 5 million gallons per day. The Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) was recently updated in 1996 and is closely associated with the Coordinated Water System Plan adopted by the County. The CWMP delineates the areas having the potential for wastewater collection and treatment during the foreseeable future at currently identified facilities. The two major goals of the CWMP are to: 1) limit the number of discharges and minimize corresponding waste loads to the Spokane River; and 2) eliminate septic tanks over the Spokane - Rathdrum aquifer. The 1996 update of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan is an interim update which addresses the current growth, regulatory, and financial issues. The CWMP recognizes that changes may be necessary after the County completes adoption of the Final Urban Growth Area (FUGA) boundaries under the Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements (see Section 1.2 for more information on the GMA). Inherent in the placement of FUGA boundaries is a determination that areas within the UGA should have urban levels of service including wastewater collection and treatment. The County's current Priority Sewer Service Area (PSSA) boundary closely corresponds with the County's Urban Impact Area (UIA) boundary. The project site is located within both the PSSA and UTA boundaries. Much of the County's sewer planning, basin analysis, pipe sizing, etc. has relied on the UIA/PSSA Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 120 September 1997 95 -024B boundary. However, this boundary is very large and could accommodate more growth than the current sewer system capacity could accommodate. The CWMP anticipates that the new PSSA will eventually conform to the FUGA boundaries once they are established. Based upon the County's ability to fund and manage a finite number of projects each year, the various sewer basins within the County have been ranked and prioritized into an annual schedule of sewer activities for both six- and 15 -year programs. The 1996 CWMP Interim Update focuses upon priority sewerage areas and specific capital improvement projects for the next six years. Specific service areas, capital improvements, customer estimates, and a menu of financing strategies have been developed for each of those six years, as well as estimates for subsequent years throughout a 20 -year horizon. While the CWMP Interim Update recommends sewer basin priorities for both six -year and 15 -year programs, "[t]his document provides recommendations for revising County sewer activities for the next 20 years to meet the needs of existing and future County citizens in a manner that enhances water quality protection and the environment." The CWMP Interim Update states that "sewer construction activities outside the prioritized basin areas should not be initiated by Spokane County," however it contains no policy statement prohibiting sewer extension by others. The County's public outreach process indicated support for priority use of capacity within the six -year priority basins since these areas are developed and pose the highest potential threat to the aquifer. The CWMP does not address developer extensions outside the priority sewer basins, but the County's public outreach process indicated support for flexibility beyond the six -year priority basins. The project site is not located within either a six- or 15 -year sewer basin, however there are two off -site six -year sewer basins in the vicinity of the project site. The Mirabeau basin is located west of Pines Road and south of Trent Avenue and the Mansfield basin is located east of Pines Road and north of 1 -90. Construction of service lines within the Mirabeau basin (not a part of the project site) is scheduled for 1998 and will utilize the existing 18 -inch sewer main in Pines Road (Stiltz, County Utilities). b. Significant Impacts The project site is proposed for sewering and would be served by existing sewer mains located adjacent to the project site. Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the proposed project (see Figure 6) would gravity flow to the south and tie into the existing 24- inch North Valley Interceptor south of the project site. The majority of Phase 1 could be provided gravity service with construction of a sewer main in Mirabeau Parkway extending north -south from Indiana Avenue at the future railroad crossing. The eastern portion of Phase 1 where the proposed community center is located may need to pump to the west to access the gravity sewer mains within Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 121 September 1997 95 -024B Phase 1. The majority of Phase 2 would gravity flow to a second north -south sewer main connecting to the North Valley Interceptor at approximately Evergreen Road (extended). The southwestern corner of Phase 2 could gravity flow to sewer mains constructed as part of Phase 1 or could be pumped to the second sewer main located at approximately Evergreen Road. Sewer service for Phase 3 of the proposed project would require construction of a pump station which would pump sewage either to the west or to the south. If pumped to the west, sewer main extensions would utilize the existing 18 -inch sewer main in Pines Road, subject to payment of latecomer's fees. If pumped to the south, sewer mains would extend along the proposed north -south collector arterial through the open space area and tie into either the sewer facilities serving Phase 1 or Phase 2. The Spokane County Division of Utilities estimates average sewage flows for commercial uses at 2,500 gallons per day (gpd) per acre and for residential uses at 260 gpd per equivalent residential unit (Stiltz, County Utilities). Sewage flows for motels is estimated at 200 gpd per room. Based on these parameters, the estimated sewage flow for the proposed project is 464,850 gpd. Estimated flows for each phase of the proposed project are as follows: • Phase 1 -132,500 gpd • Phase 2 - 226,750 gpd • Phase 3 -105,600 gpd Total 464,850 gpd According to the Division of Utilities staff, both the North Valley Interceptor and the 18 -inch sewer main in Pines Road have adequate capacity to serve the development proposed within the project site (Stiltz, County Utilities). Development of sewer mains and interceptors has already occurred within the general vicinity of the project site to serve planned or potential development projects. The proposed project would fill in an undeveloped area, whose potential for development was included in the design and sizing of the existing mains and interceptors. Provision of sewer service to the project site is not likely to induce additional development within the general vicinity (Stiltz, County Utilities). Most of the surrounding area is already proposed for development of commercial (shopping mall) and residential (apartment) uses (see Section 1.4 for additional information concerning existing and future land uses). c. Mitigating Measures The project proponent would be responsible for designing and funding construction of all necessary sewer system elements in accordance with County regulations including sewer main extensions, pump stations, and service lines. Construction of the north -south sewer main serving Phase 2 that would tie into the North Valley Interceptor at approximately Evergreen Road (extended) would require boring Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 122 September 1997 95 -0248 under the existing railroad tracks. Connecting Phase 3 of the proposed project to the 18 -inch Pines Road sewer main would require payment of latecomer's fees. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 123 September 1997 95 -024B REFERENCES REFERENCES Adkins, Lori. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Priority Habitats and Species Program. GIS Data Base Maps and personal communication (August 1996). Armstrong, Kristen, PE. EMCON, Inc. Personal communication (October 1996). Ashcraft, Robert. Consolidated Irrigation District No. 19. Personal communication (October 1996). Bennett, Bill. Spokane Regional Transportation Council. Letter to Spokane County Division of Building and Planning dated August 20, 1997. Birkenthal, Wyn. Spokane County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair. Personal communication (April through October 1996). Bjordahl, Stacy. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning. Personal communication (October 1996). Center for Northwest Anthropology. 1991 Archaeology of the Middle Spokane River Valley: Investigations Along the Spokane Centennial Trail, Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington Edger, Ron. Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority. Personal communication (September 1996). Folsom, Michael, Ph.D., Eastern Washington University. Personal communication (July 1996 though September1997). Geographical Services. September 1997. Mirabeau Point Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan. Gun Harsha, Nancy. Friends of the Centennial Trail. Personal communication (September 1996). Inland Pacific Engineering, Inc. December 1996. Stormwater Drainage Analysis. Inland Pacific Engineering, Inc. September 1997. Traffic Impact Analysis. Harper, Pat. Spokane County Division of Engineering. Personal communication (June through August 1997). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B R -1 September 1997 Jackman, Dave. Central Valley School District No. 356. Personal communication (April through October 1996) Kiver, Gene, Ph.D. Eastern Washington University. Personal communication (August 1996). Miles, Glenn. Spokane Regional Transportation Council. Letter to Spokane County Division of Building and Planning dated September 6, 1996. Miller, Fred. US Geological Survey. Personal communication (August 1996). Miller, Stan. Spokane County Division of Engineering, Water Quality Management Program. Personal communication (August 1996). Pederson, John. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning. Personal communication (March 1996 through September 1997). Phelps, Brad. CH2M Hill, Inc. Personal communication (September 1996 through January 1997). Spokane County Assessors Office staff. Personal communication (July 1996). Spokane County. March 1996. Draft Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan Interim Update (CWMP). Economic and Engineering Services, Inc., Olympia, Washington. Spokane County. Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Financial Strategy Update, Information distributed during the Stakeholder Committee process January 1995 - July 1995, Spokane County Division of Utilities and Economic and Engineering Services, Inc., Olympia, Washington. Spokane County. 1996. Critical Areas Ordinance for the Protection of Wetlands, Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas and Geologically Hazardous Areas. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning, Spokane, Washington. Spokane County. 1996. Critical Area GIS Data Base Maps. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning, Spokane, Washington. Spokane County. 1988. Generalized Comprehensive Plan of Spokane County. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning, Spokane, Washington. Spokane County Growth Management Program Issue Paper: May 1995. Environmental Analysis of Urban Growth Area Factors. Huckell /Weinman Associates, Inc. Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B R -2 September 1997 Spokane County Growth Management Steering Committee. July 1996. Water Quality and Water Quantity Report. Water Quality and Quantity Technical Committee. Spokane County. 1981. Guidelines for Stormwater Management. Spokane County Division of Engineering, Spokane, Washington. Spokane County. 1989. Spokane County Parks and Recreation Plan. County Division of Parks, Recreation and Fair, Spokane, Washington. Spokane County. 1995. Spokane County Standards for Roads and Sewers. County Division of Engineering, Spokane, Washington Spokane County. 1990. Zoning Code of Spokane County. Spokane County Division of Building and Planning, Spokane, Washington. Spokane Regional Transportation Council. June 28, 1995. Mission at Pines: An Evaluation of Current and Future Intersection Operations. Stiltz, Mark. Spokane County Division of Utilities. Personal communication (October 1996). Swoop Moody, Sandy. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Department of Natural Resources. GIS Data Base Maps and Personal communication (August 1996). US Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service). 1968. Soil Survey of Spokane County. US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 1988. Flood Insurance Rate Maps. US Geological Survey. Reconnaissance Geologic Map of the West Half of the Spokane Quadrangle. Washington and Idaho. (GQ -734). US Geological Survey. 1988. The Spokane Aquifer. Washington: Its Geologic Origin and Water- Bearing and Water Quality Characteristics. (Water Supply Paper 2265). US Geological Survey. Water Resources Division Spokane River Data. Personal communication (August 1996). Washington State Department of Ecology. October 1991. Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Eastern Washington. (Publication #91 -58). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS R -3 September 1997 95 -024B Washington State Department of Ecology. Communicating Air Quality: Washington's 1995 -1996 Air Quality Annual Report. (Publication #96 -217). Weis, Paul. US Geological Survey (Retired). Greenacres Quadrangle Map, Washington and Idaho (GQ -734). Personal communication (August 1996). Mirabeau Point Draft EIS R-4 September 1997 95 -024B DISTRIBUTION LIST Note: A Notice of Draft EIS Availability will be provided to agencies and individuals indicated with an asterisk. WA State Department of Ecology, Environmental Review Section (2- Copies) P.O. Box 47703, Olympia, WA 98504 -7703 WA State Department of Ecology, M. Vernice Santee P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504 -7600 WA State Department of Ecology, Dennis Beich 4601 North Monroe Street, Suite 202, Spokane, WA 99205 -1295 * WA State Department of Health, Tom Wells 1500 West 4th Avenue, Suite 305, Spokane, WA 99204 * WA State Department of Health, Water Supply and Waste Section Mail Stop LD -1 1, Olympia, WA 98504 WA State Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division, Natural Heritage Program 1 1 1 1 Washington St. SE, P.O. Box 47016, Olympia, WA 98504 -7016 WA State Department of Natural Resources, SEPA Center PO Box 47015, Olympia, WA 98504 -7015 WA State Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Regional Office PO Box 190, Colville, WA 99114 WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Carmen Andonaegui 8702 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99218 WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame Program North 600 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98504 WA State Archaeology and Historical Preservation, Robert Whitlam 111 West 21st Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504 * WA State Patrol, Captain Jim LaMunyon 6403 West Rowand Road, Spokane, WA 99204 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B D -1 September 1997 WA State Department of Transportation, Mark Rohwer 2714 North Mayfair Street, Spokane, WA 99207 -2090 US Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Steve Campbell - Rock Pointe Tower 11, 316 West Boone Avenue, Suite 451, Spokane, WA 99201 -2349 * US Fish and Wildlife Service 3704 Griffin Lane SE, Suite 102, Olympia, WA 98504 US Department of Housing and Urban Development Farm Credit Bank Building, 8th Floor East, 601 West 1st Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204 -0317 • Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority, S. Edward Hayes 1101 West College Avenue, Suite 403, Spokane, WA 99201 * Spokane County Conservation District, R. E. Baden 222 North Havana Street, Spokane, WA 99202-4724 Spokane County Health District, Steve Holderby 1 101 West College Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201 * Spokane County Sheriff's Department, John Goldman 1 100 West Mallon Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201 Spokane County Division of Building and Planning, James Manson 1026 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 Spokane County Division of Utilities, Bruce Rawls 1026 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 -0180 Spokane County Division of Engineering and Roads, Pat Harper 1026 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 Spokane County Division of Engineering, Bill Hemmings 1026 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 Spokane County Division of Engineering, Stan Miller Water Quality Management Program 1026 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 Spokane County Parks and Recreation, Wyn Birkenthal 404 North Havana Street, Spokane, WA 99202 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B D -2 September 1997 * Spokane County Prosecutor's Office, Chief Civil Deputy 1 100 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 Spokane County Public Library - Main Branch 12004 East Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 99206 Spokane County Fire District No. 1, Eric Olson 10319 East Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201 Spokane City Public Library, Main Branch 906 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201 * City of Spokane Construction Services Department 808 West Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201 -3333 * City of Spokane Planning Department 808 West Spokane Falls Blvd., Room 250, Spokane, WA 99201 -3333 Historic Preservation Officer, Property Development Services 808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Spokane, WA 99201 -3333 Spokane Regional Transportation Council, Glenn Miles 808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, 4th Floor, Spokane, WA 99201 -3333 Spokane Transit Authority, Christine Fueston 1230 West Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201 Boundary Review Board, Susan Winchell 721 North Jefferson Street, Spokane, WA 99260 Central Valley School District No. 356, Dave Jackman 19307 East Cataldo Avenue, Spokane, WA 99016 Consolidated Irrigation District, Bob Ashcraft North 120 Greenacres Road, Greenacres, WA 99016 Irvin Water District #6 11907 East Trent Avenue, Spokane, WA 99206 * Valley Garbage Service 11700 East 1st Avenue, Spokane, WA 99206 Ashco Insurance Co., Denny Ashlock 12314 East Broadway Spokane, WA 99216 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS 95 -024B D -3 September 1997 Friends of the Centennial Trail, Nancy Gunn Harsha PO Box 351, Spokane, WA 99210 -0351 Hanson Industries, Inc., Dave Carlson PO Box 7310, Spokane, WA 99207 Inland Empire Paper Co., Wayne Andresen 3320 North Argonne, Spokane, WA 99212 Inland Pacific Engineering, Inc., Todd Whipple 707 West 7th Avenue, Suite 200, Spokane, WA 99204 Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical, Susan Ashe 10220 North Nevada, Suite 260, Spokane, WA 99218 Price Development Co., Tom Mulkey 35 Century Park Way, Salt Lake City UT 84115 YMCA, Steve Jurich 507 North Howard, Spokane WA 99201 Mirabeau Point Draft EIS D-4 September 1997 95 -024B A PPENDICES Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C: Stormwater Drainage Analysis (Bound Separately) Traffic Impact Analysis (Bound Separately) Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan Appendix A Stormwater Drainage Analysis (Bound Separately) W I Appendix B Traffic Impact Analysis (Bound Separately) Appendix C Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan Mirabeau Point GEOGRAPHICAL SERVICES West 704 Clover Court Cheney WA 99004 (509) 235 -8984 Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan for Mirabeau Point a tract of about 236.2 acres located in portions of Sections 3, 10 and 11, Township 25 N., Range 44 E., W.M. Spokane County, Washington , for Inland Empire Paper Company Inland Empire Paper Company 3320 North Argonne Road Spokane WA 99212 voice (509) 924 -1911 and Ramm Associates, Inc. South 25 Altamont Spokane WA 99202 (509) 534 -8086 Evaluation by Geographical Services Louise A Wold, B.S. Michael M. Folsom, Ph.D. Robert R. Quinn, Ph.D. (509)328 -5743 (509) 235 -8984 (509) 2358597 West 704 Clover Court Cheney WA 99004 FAX (509) 235 -8956 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose 3 Introduction 3 Site Description 4 Avian Field Methodology 5 Avian Habitat Description 7 Avian Data 9 Priority Avian Species Habitat , 12 Mammals 14 Vegetation Field Methodology 15 Vegethtion Data.. 17 Summary 23 Recommendations 24 Maps Avian Observations 6 Avian Habitats 8 Vegetation Observations 16 Avian Buffer Zones 26 7 PURPOSE The following Habitat Evaluation and Management Plan was completed to provide guidelines and direction for the sound biological management of threatened and State Monitored species. Additionally, this management plan is to aid in the maintenance of viable avian populations, and to sustain the essential resources and habitat values of the Mirabeau Point site through the implementation of habitat management guidelines. The recommendations at the end of this study attempt to minimize the impacts to the habitat within the Mirabeau Point property. INTRODUCTION Under the mandates set by the Washington State Growth Management Act, Spokane County has adopted under Spokane County Code Chapter 11.20, the Critical Areas Ordinance for the Protection of Wetlands, Fish and Wildlife habitats and Geo- hazard Areas (Spokane County 1996). The purpose of this ordinance is to implement the overall critical area goals, objectives, and decision guidelines contained in the Spokane County Comprehensive Plan for wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats, and geo- hazard areas. It is the intent of these regulations to avoid, or in appropriate circumstances, to minimize, rectify, reduce or compensate for impacts arising from land development and other activities affecting these critical areas. Additionally, the ordinance is intended to preserve wildlife when possible through thoughtful planning and consideration of wildlife needs. The priority habitats and species within Spokane County are adopted from the Washington State Priority Habitats and Species Program (PHS). Focus Species The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is an important species recognized as highly vulnerable to habitat loss. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) considers the osprey to be uncommon, occurring in forested environments in which its habitat may be affected, lost, or changed. The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) has been categorized as a Category 2 species under the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species list. Category 2 species are considered vulnerable aggregations and include those species or groups of animals susceptible to significant population declines, within a specific area or statewide, by virtue of their inclination to aggregate. Additionally, the DFW has recognized both the osprey and the great blue heron 3 as State Monitored species, to prevent them from becoming endangered, threatened, or sensitive. State Monitor Species are listed in WDW Policy 4803 and are designated for the following reasons: 1) it was one time classified as endangered, threatened or sensitive; 2) it requires habitat that has limited availability during some portion of its life cycle; 3) it is an indicator of environmental quality; 4) its population status must be determined through further field investigations; 5) it has unresolved taxonomy which may bear upon its status classification 6) it may be competing with and impacting other species of concern; or 7) it has significant popular appeal. The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a threatened state listed species (WAC 232 -12 -011). Under PHS the bald eagle has been determined to be in danger of failing, declining, or vulnerability due to factors such as limited numbers, disease, predation, exploitation, or habitat loss or change. The bald eagle is state listed as threatened, a classification that occurs in forested environments. The PHS has determined State Threatened as those species, native to the state of Washington, that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout a significant portion of their ranges within the state unless there is cooperative management or the removal of threats. Threatened species are legally designated in WAC 232 -12 -011. Additionally, the bald eagle is protected under the Bald Eagle Protection rules (RCW 77 -12 -655 and WAC 23 -12 -292). The PHS program has documented parts of the Mirabeau Point site as a priority habitat area for osprey, blue heron and the bald eagle. Under the aforementioned designations, it must be determined if the proposed activity will have a significant adverse impact on these species. This Habitat Management Plan addressies these concerns. This Habitat Management Plan reflects the results of field investigation, literature review, and consultation with WDFW, Spokane County Planning Department, and Ramm Associates, Inc. SITE DESCRIPTION Located in the Spokane Valley, Mirabeau Point is situated east of Pines Road and North of Interstate -90 occupying portions of Sections 3, 10, and 11, Township 25 North, Range 44 East, W.M., Spokane County Washington (Figure 1). Mirabeau Point was previously the site of the Walk -in- the -Wild Zoo and is 4 bordered by the Centennial Trail along the south bank of the Spokane River and the former Mirabeau County Park to the northeast. A Nature Conservancy area is located directly west of the property, consisting of a natural open space area. The proposed Mirabeau Point project site consists of 236.2 acres. The topography of the is primarily plain, with the exception of a rocky area of rough topography occupying approximately 35.3 acres in the central portion of the site. This area contains large rock outcrops that rise abruptly above the adjacent grass plains. The majority of the site is undeveloped with the exception of Walk -in- the -Wild ruins consisting, of asphalt and wooden trails, cement foundations, some exhibit facilities and old cyclone fencing. Adjacent to the site on the east and north edge is the riparian shoreline of the Spokane River, an important habitat area. Even though this riparian community is outside of the project area it is included in the ,field examination that is the basis of this report, in order to determine whether or not part of the Mirabeau Point area should be set aside as a buffer zone. The Mirabeau Point Master Plan is to include a comprehensive plan amendment for 156.8 acres of the site and a subsequent zone reclassification for 111.5 of those acres (Mirabeau Point DEIS, 1997). It is the intent of the master plan development to combine public and private recreational, educational, entertainment, residential, and compatible business uses, in a "campus- like" setting. This multiple -use area and these open spaces are arranged to complement the natural site amenities. Design Guidelines and Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions (CC &Rs) will aid in enforcing the main features and character envisioned for the site. AVIAN FIELD METHODOLOGY Avian Site Visits An evaluation was conducted at Mirabeau Point on three different occasions by Robert R. Quinn, Ph.D. Visits were made in late August 1997, in both the early morning hours and late afternoon so as to include both the dawn and dusk periods of maximum bird activity. Birds were identified as to species and relative abundance at key habitat locations on the site. Avian activity was also segregated as to "fly -by's" and birds that were actually active on the site. Avian species were also compared to the list of Priority Species described by Washington Department of Wildlife in Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species, Rodrick and Milner, 1991. Two 5 Priority Species were identified on the Mirabeau Point site, a resident pair of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) and a single great blue heron (Ardea herodias). Both these species were observed only along the Spokane River and not on the upland prairie or woodland parts of the site. Mirabeau Point .w ^. ^.^.^ - -. w w w w w f`'f•'es •e•is • Avian Observation Transects: e. /,P•l�• w w w w w Avian Data Locations A g 11 1 FEET A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A River A A A A A A w w A A A w A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A a A A A 4 w w w w w w '•„•I.•l'•H'p•F w, w• w• w• w• w• A• ■ A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A AA A A A AA A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A I A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A / A A A A A A A A A AAA A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A AA A AA A AAA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A AAA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A AA A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A PONDEROSA PINE WOODLAND FORB /GRASS PRAIRIE OFF -SITE RIPARIAN EDG E NORTH EUCLID PRAIRIE 6 All of the site was examined and informal transects were established that allowed overlapping observations of the entire area. Along these transects specific points were selected for repeated observations in the five different bird habitat types found on the site (see map). It should be noted that maximum bird abundance and activity tends to occur at the edge of these habitat types and observation sites were located to maximize observation of these areas. Some bird species have large home ranges that extend across several habitat types (quail, pheasants, and finches) and other species have very specific habitat requirements (nuthatch, marsh wren, and great blue heron). AVIAN HABITAT DESCRIPTION According to PHS, three protected avian species, the osprey, great blue heron, and the bald eagle, might utilize the projected Mirabeau Point site and adjacent land to varying degrees. None of the three species of special focus were observed on the project site, and only two were actually observed using the adjacent riparian edge associated with the Spokane River; osprey and great blue heron. The Mirabeau Point site has four distinct habitats in terms of ecological environment and associated avian populations. The habitat areas are described as follows: 1. Rocky Woodland. This habitat is associated with the former Walk -in- the- Wild zoo. This is the area of rocky higher topography located in the central portion of the site and is dominated by ponderosa pine, ninebark, and snowberry. 2. Prairie Transition. This is an area of scattered pine woodland that merges with open forb/grassland on the north and south margins of the Rocky Woodland. The prairie transition zones are typically 40 to 120 feet wide, and provide important "edge" habitat for birds. 3. North Euclid Shrub and Prairie. This is a flat area of generally open prairie to the north of Euclid. There are numerous young locust saplings that have become established along a strip parallel to Euclid. These saplings are providing some cover, although the site is fundamentally a dry "prairie" environment. 4. South Prairie. This is a large area of open prairie located to the south of the former Walk -in- the -Wild zoo, and north of the railroad tracks. This area is dominated by bunch - grass, knapweed, and other noxious weeds. There is a modest presence of juvenile ponderosa pines located in the southeastern portion of the site. 7 •- h• fs• 11, A• A' A IVAii■■■■■■■■4646 A• A' •A• A• A• A' A• A. A• A• if, A• A.. V. A' A" 1.• A• A• A• f•• ••• e• • I.. 0, V. V. A• ot, ••• •• I" • if, f 1.• Mirabeau Point A AAA A. A A A. A. A A AA Habitat ./../ • Types //1 ,,, N. \ e N. • \ N. N., • \ • N. • N. • 8 o 1 feet •T% / AA AA A A AA A A.A A A A A. wwwwwwwwww A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A. A A A A. A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A . A A A. "AAAAA"AAAAAAAAA A A A AAA A A A A A A. A A A A A A A A A A A A A AAA A A A A. A A AA A AAA A A A AAA AA A A A.A.A.A A A. A A AAA A .A A A AA A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A AAAA A A A A. A A. AAAA S. S. A A AAA AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA AA A A A. A. A A A A A A A A A A AAA A. A AAA A A A AA A AA A AAAAA A. A A A. A A A. A A A A A A AAA A" AA...AAA AAA. A" N. • N. • N. • er//re. N. N. • N. Rocky Woodland North Prairie Transition North Euclid Shrub and Prairie South Prairie Off-Site Riparian Transition In addition to these four habitat types, a fifth habitat type lies immediately off -site adjacent to Mirabeau Point. Riparian Transition - Spokane River. There is a lush riparian corridor located along the western bank of the Spokane River. This area contains the Centennial Trail and is bordered on the west and south by Mirabeau Point, and on the east by the Spokane River. The vegetation is characterized by tall dense shrub thickets, scattered cottonwoods along the river's edge, and a transitional area up -slope to scattered shrubs and bunch grass. AVIAN DATA Rocky Woodland This habitat area is very rocky and has a series of steep ridges and draws that extend across it from north to south. Mature mixed -age ponderosa pines dominate the tree canopy in this area, and snowberry, ninebark, and pinegrass dominate the under -story. This habitat type continues to the west in a protected conservation area. There are many large snags suitable for cavity nesting birds. There is only limited bird abundance and species diversity in this area. This management plan recommends that these snags be retained. Two observation sites, B1 and B2, were utilized in this habitat area (see map). The following birds were observed in this habitat area. Blackbilled magpie (Pica pica) Blackcapped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) Robin (Turdus migratorius) Red crossbill (Loxia curvirosta) Red shafted flicker (Colaptes cafer) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) White- breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) Prairie Transition The Prairie Transition habitat area is located on the northern and southern edges of the Rocky Woodland where an open ponderosa pine stand merges through a narrow zone of deciduous shrubs into weedy oldfield grasslands. At 9 the base of the rocky slope there are scattered patches of shrubs and several large snags near the prairie edge. Early morning songbird populations were very high and the area was serving as a feeding and dusting region for quail and pheasants. Several of the snags on the site are excellent habitat for cavity nesting birds. The population density of this area was at least four times higher than within the Rocky Woodland habitat. Observations were made at site A2 for this habitat. The following birds were observed. Black billed magpie (Pica pica) California quail (Lophortyx calzfonicus) covey Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) Common crow (Corvus brachyrnhynhos) English sparrow (Passer domisticus) Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) fly by House finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Morning dove (Zenidura macroura) Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Red shafted 'flicker (Colaptes cafer) Robin (Turdus migratorius) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) White- breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) Yellow - bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) North Euclid Shrub and Prairie The North Euclid Shrub and Prairie habitat area lies north of Euclid Avenue and south of the Spokane River. This area is an abandoned agricultural field now dominated by successional bunch grass and disturbance weeds. The one exception is a portion of the site that runs parallel to Euclid that is extensively colonized by locust saplings. This shrub area provides some cover for pheasants and quail. Station E (see map) was used for avian evaluation and the following birds were observed on this site. California quail (Lophortyx californicus) Chipping sparrow ( Spizella passerina) Black billed magpie (Pica pica) House finch ( Carpodacus mexicanus) Morning dove (Zenaidura macroura) Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) fly by Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) 10 Southern Prairie The Southern Prairie habitat covers the largest area on the site. It extends from the southern edge of the former Walk -in- the -Wild zoo southward to the railroad tracks. This area is bordered on the west by a row of locust trees (off site) and the Spokane River and Centennial Trail on the east. The vegetation is dominated primarily of bunch grasses and disturbance weeds. There is a scattered presence of juvenile ponderosa pine in the southeastern corner of this site. The bird abundance and diversity are limited in this area due to the lack of high quality vegetation cover and the lack tree and shrub presence. Station D (see map) was utilized for bird observation although the entire prairie area was examined. The following birds were observed in this habitat area. Black billed magpie (Pica pica) Kestrel (Falco spurverius) pair Mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura) Red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) offsite in tree line Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) Yellow headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) - fly by Adjacent Riparian Transition- Spokane River The Spokane River has a distinct riparian vegetation association that borders both sides of the river. The vegetation on the river's edge is dominated by scattered cottonwoods and dense thickets of shrubs (chokecherry, hawthorn, and willow). The shrub presence extends up -slope where it is less dense because the microclimate becomes more arid. The availability of water, cover, and feed provide an abundant resources for many resident birds as well as for migratory bird populations. This habitat area sustains very high bird populations and species diversity. Additionally, this area appears to experience relatively minimal disturbance from recreational traffic on the Centennial Trail. The following birds were observed in the Riparian Transitional area. Station C (see map) represents the observation site, although the complete riparian edge was investigated. Black billed magpie (Pica pica) Black capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) California quail (Lophortvx californicus) Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) Common crow (Corms brachyrhynhos) Downy woodpecker (Dendrocopos pubescens (Picoides pubescens)) 11 Eastern kingbird (Tvrannus tyrannus) English sparrow (Passer domesticus) Gray vireo (Vireo gilrus) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Housefinch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) Long Billed Marsh Wren (Telmotadytes palustris) Mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura) Oregon junco (Junco oregonus) Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Red winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Red shafted flicker (Colaptus cafer) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Tree swallow (Iridoprocone bicolor) Violet green swallow (Tachcyneta thalassina) Wilson warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) Yellow headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) fly by., I The diversity and abundance of birds in this area is quite high. The birds are concentrated in the dense shrub thickets that thrive along the river's margin where food, shelter and water are readily available. The more arid nearby slopes provide important "edge" opportunities and help sustain the avian population. The paved surface of the Centennial Trail runs along the upper edge of this transitional set of habitat types, and tends to mark a general upland limit of the dense bird populations. The strip of land that lies between the Mirabeau Point project site and the shore of the Spokane River in most places contains the complete ecological transition from river -edge riparian to xeric (dry) upland. PRIORITY AVIAN SPECIES HABITAT Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Habitat Osprey feed almost exclusively on live fish captured from the Spokane River. Hunting ranges may extend to distances of 10 to 15 km (16 to 24 miles) from the nest. Ospreys usually construct large stick nest in live trees or dead snags with flat, broken tops. These trees are typically as tall or taller than surrounding structures. An osprey nest is located in Section 10 on the eastern shoreline of the Spokane River. Among all the birds of prey, the osprey is the most amenable to living near humans (Stokes, 1989). 12 Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Habitat Great blue herons occur near all types of fresh water wetlands and one individual was observed along the Spokane River adjacent to the Mirabeau Point project site. Herons are colonial breeders, generally nesting in tall deciduous or coniferous trees near the Spokane River wetlands. Although nesting occurs primarily in the largest possible trees, on occasion smaller trees, bushes, and artificial structures have been used. Great blue herons feed on aquatic and marine animals found in shallow water. However, during winter months herons have been known to prey upon mice and voles in nearby fields. Feeding territories often vary from year to year with respect to size or location. But, generally primary foraging distances range from a 2.5 to 3 mile radius from an active heronry to a maximum radius 18 miles (DFW 1991). Great blue herons tend to by shy animals, sensitive to human disturbance and are frequently the target of vandalism. Herons have abandoned heronries because of housing or industrial development, highway construction, logging activity, roatii traffic, and repeated human intrusions into colonies (DFW 1991). Herons that have been frequently exposed to human activities are more likely to be tolerant of disturbances than those animals that have not. Each heron colony behaves differently, and it is difficult to discern how each will respond to human activities. There is no evidence of a heron rookery lying within or adjacent to the Mirabeau Point project area. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Habitat Bald eagles are found along shores of many water entities including the Spokane River. In Washington, breeding territories are located in predominantly coniferous, uneven -aged stands with old - growth components. Territory size and configuration are influenced by a variety of habitat characteristics, including availability and location of perch trees for foraging, quality of foraging habitat, and distance of nests from waters supporting adequate food supplies. Breeding usually occurs within these old growth stands, however, eagles sometimes breed near waterways that do not freeze. Bald eagle nests are typically located within the top 20 feet of a tree (USFWS 1986). A variety of tree species, both alive and dead are used for perching. Sufficient, consistent, accessible, and uncontaminated food resources may be the most critical components of winter and breeding habitat for bald eagles. Eagles often depend on dead or weakened prey, therefore, their diet may vary locally and seasonally. Various types of carrion, including spawned salmon taken from gravel bars along wide, braided rivers stretches are important food items during fall and winter. Prey availability and temporal disturbances from human activities probably are most critical to bald 13 eagle productivity and survival. Availability of suitable nesting and roosting habitat will limit distribution. No bald eagles were observed during the site visit. Additionally, no evidence of nesting activities was observed. The lack of visual contact, however, does not indicate that the bald eagle has or does not at some point in time utilize the adjacent Spokane River habitat area. Development of the Mirabeau Point site will be limited to areas outside of bald eagle habitat. Mammals Field observations were made during the early morning hours on three separate occasions to determine the mammal species present on the Mirabeau Point site. Observations were made along informal transects that were arranged to allow sampling of the full range of the ecologidal traits of the site. Indicators of mammalian presence included burrows, scat, bones, hair, evidence of browsing, as well as actual observation of the animals themselves. Most mammals, unlike birds, are nocturnal and somewhat secretive in their habits. Therefore, it is often difficult to observe or identify them in the field. The exception is the squirrel family and larger game animals. Most small mammals —bats, moles, shrews, mice, and rats sleep during the daytime and come out only as evening falls. Occasionally, however, these small mammals appear during early morning hours or just before darkness, yet are difficult to identify except at very close range. Even then, some are difficult and cannot be determined by external characters alone. The mammals that were observed Columbian ground squirrel (Citellus columbianus) Cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.) Coyote (Canis latrans) Raccoon (Procyon lotor ) Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum ) Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) strong odor present Washington ground squirrel (Citellus washingtoni l Yellow pine chipmunk (Eutamias amoenus ) The observable mammal presence on the site is not notably rich, either in species or abundance. 14 Other mammals likely to be present on the Mirabeau Point property include but are not limited to the following: Common mouse Mus musculus Masked shrew Sorex cinereus Northern pocket gopher Thomomys talpoides Vole Microtus spp. Western harvest mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis Wood rat Neotoma cinerea In the adjacent area of riparian habitat along Spokane River there is abundant evident for the presence of Beaver Castor canadensis - riparian edge observed tree markings VEGETATION FIELD METHODOLOGY An on -site field investigation was used to catalog the vegetation on Mirabeau Point. Informal transects were established to facilitate complete observation of the area. The transects were walked to determine the various types of vegetation present, and representative sites were then chosen within each of three vegetation communities: Forb /Grass Prairie, Ponderosa Pine Woodland, and Riparian Edge that lies off site to the east and north. The vegetation presence and cover was measured at a representative location in each of the vegetation types. Because of the diversity of vegetation present within the ponderosa pine woodland, three areas were plotted 1, 2, and 3 (see map). For each community the vegetation was divided into categories according to type (tree, shrub, or herb). Trees typically have a single strong trunk covered with bark, are over 6 meters (20 feet) high, with a trunk more than 5 centimeters (2 inches) thick. Shrubs have tough, woody multiple stems with bark cover, are generally under 6 meters (20 feet) in height and are less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter. Herbs typically have soft stems that die each year, although some remain green during winter. Some herb species are perennials that bear roots or bulbs and live through the winter, producing new growth each spring. Others are annuals and grow repeatedly through seed dispersal, living for only one year. w w w w w w .• p• •• V.• p' n w, w, w, w, w• w, Mirabeau Point Vegetation Transects� Woodland Data Points Prairie Data Points Riparian Data Point •r•r•r•v• w w, w w w w w w w w, w w n w w, w, w, w, w w• ;'• ;•• e• w• • 1 A A A w w A A A A wAw A w A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AAA A A A A A o 0 po II I FEET River T A A A w w w w w w r w w w w A I w w w w w w A a A A A O A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AAA A A A A A A A A A A A I A A A A A A A A A A A A A AwA AwA A A A w / AwA A A A • AAA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A w w A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A w A w w w A w A A w A w w w w w A w w w A w w A A w w A A A A A A A A A A A A w A A A A A w A A A A A A A A A A A A A A w A A I w A w A A A w w A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A PONDEROSA PINE WOODLAND FORB / GRASS PRAIRIE OFF -SITE RIPARIAN EDGE NORTH EUCLID PRAIRIE Percent cover was recorded to quantify the density or dominance of vegetation present within each plant community. The percent cover assigned to each plant species only represents a subjective measurement for each species within a specific area for each plant community. Vegetation samples were 16 identified and keyed using Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock et al, 1990). VEGETATION DATA Forb /Grass Prairie This area covers approximately 100 acres in the southern portion of the property. Field investigation identified small copses of forbs and grasses. The plant species dominating this community are as follows: COVER % SPECIES Grasses 45 Bromus tectorum 20 Lomium multijlorum 14 Fescue idahoensis 12 Bromus secalinus <5 Setaria viridis <5 Agropyron cristatum <5 Agropyron repens Forbs 25 Centaurea maculosa 20 Centaurea diffusa 16 Sisvmbrium altissimum 15 Hypericum perforatum 10 Erodium cicutarium <5 Berteroa incana <5 Verbascum thapsus <5 Silene alba <5 Convolvulus arvensis <5 Echium vulgare COMMON NAME NATIVE cheatgrass ryegrass Idaho fescue tall cheat green foxtail crested wheatgrass quackgrass spotted knapweed white knapweed tumble mustard St. John's wort redstem filaree Berteroa common mullein white tampion morning glory viper's bugloss N N ly N N N N N N N N N N N Y N N Characteristics of Priority Forb /Grass Prairie This forb /grassland prairie is clearly dominated by non - native species in a thriving stand dominated by grasses. This is a large forb /grassland that is not in pristine condition. There is weak evidence for animal presence reflecting the harshly xeric nature of the site. Examination of aerial photographs of the site show that it was under agriculture in previous times. 17 PHS Criteria for Priority Forb /Grass Prairie • Comparatively high wildlife density. There is no evidence for high wildlife density on this portion of the site. • High wildlife species diversity. Field evidence indicates that there are few species resident on this prairie. • Important wildlife breeding habitat. This prairie appears to support very little breeding habitat for birds or mammals. • Limited availability. The prairie is not limited in availability. • High vulnerability to habitat alteration. This prairie is highly vulnerable to significant habitat degradation. • Presence of unique and dependent species. None were observed. This forb /grass prairie is clearly dominated by non - native species in a xeric stand of grassland. The weak evidence for animal presence reflects the harshly xeric nature of the site. This area has been utilized for dumping of old cars and junk metal. Development of this area as planned will not cause significant damage to important ecological functions. Ponderosa Pine Woodland /Bunchgrass Community This community covers approximately 50 acres along the central portion of the site. This area contains remnants of the former Walk -in- the -Wild zoo facility and exhibits including trails (asphalt and dirt), wood walkways, and old fencing. The site supports a ponderosa pine woodland community with a simple under - story shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. The vegetation on this part of the project area is relatively diverse, and therefore is documented at three different locations. Among the plant species present within this habitat type are the following: SITE 1 COVER % SPECIES Trees 45 Pinus ponderosa Shrubs 35 Physocarpus malvaceus 30 Ribes aureum 16 Rosa nutkana Rosa woodsii 15 Sanzbucus cerulea 10 Prunus virginiana 5 Berberis repens Herbs 10 Calamagrostis rubescens 18 COMMON NAME ponderosa pine ninebark golden current wild rose Wood's rose blue elderberry chokecherry oregongrape pinegrass NATIVE Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y SITE 2 COVER % SPECIES COMMON NAME NATIVE 65 65 35 15 10 10 9 8 <5 <5 75 60 25 25 20 20 10 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 SITE 3 Trees Pinus ponderosa Shrubs Svnzphoricarpos albus Spiraea betulifolia Sambucus cerulea Amelanchier alnifolia Prunus virginiana Berberis repens Rosa nutkana and Rosa woodsii Crategeous douglasii Juniperus spp. Herbs Calainagrostis rubescens Agropyron spicatum Hypericunz perforatum Centaurea nzaculosa Marrubium vulgare Verbena bracteata Amaranthus retroflexis Conyza canadensis Verbascum thaspus Verbascum blartaria Setaria viridis Panicum capillare Solanum dulcamara Epilobium angustifolium Chenopodium album Rumex crispus Cirsium vulgare COVER % SPECIES Trees 65 Pinus ponderosa Shrubs 65 Symphoricarpos albus 45 Spiraea betulifolia 11 Berberis repens Herbs 60 Calamagrostis rubescens 55 Agropyron spicatum 20 Centaurea maculosa 7 Marrubium vulgare 19 ponderosa pine snowberry birched -leaf spirca blue elderberry serviceberry chokecherry oregongrape ‘vild rose Wood's rose hawthorn juniper pinegrass bluebunch wheatgrass St. John's wort spotted knapweed white horehound prostrate vervain redroot pigweed horseweed common mullein moth mullein green foxtail witchgrass bittersweet nightshade fireweed lamb's quarter curley dock bull thistle COMMON NAME ponderosa pine snowberry birched -leaf spirea oregongrape pinegrass bluebunch wheatgrass spotted knapweed white horehound Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y N N N N Y N Y N N N NATIVE Y Y Y Y Y Y N N <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 Conv a canadensis Linaria doJnzatica Solanum nigrum Balsa»iorhi; a sagittata Potentilla glandulosa Lupinus sericeus Hvpericum perforatum horscwecd dalmatian toadflax black nightshade arrow - leaved balsamroot yellow cinquefoil large blue lupine St. John's wort Characteristics of a Ponderosa Pine Woodland N N Y Y Y N This area of open - canopy ponderosa pine woodland is a relatively complex community occupied by a trees, shrubs and herbs that support many animal and bird species. Criteria for Ponderosa Pine Woodland • Comparatively high wildlife density. There is field evidence for important wildlife density within this woodland and particularly along its margins. • High wildlife species diversity. Field evidence indicates that there are many species resident within this woodland • Important wildlife breeding habitat. This woodland appears to contain breeding habitat for a number of animals. • Limited availability. The woodland is limited in availability. • High vulnerability to habitat alteration. This woodland is highly vulnerable to significant habitat degradation. • Presence of unique and dependent species. Several species of birds were observed within this woodland including an owl. Northern Euclid Shrub Grass Prairie This area covers approximately 55 acres in the northern most portion of the property. Field investigation identified numerous locust saplings and grasses. The plant species dominating this community are as follows: COVER % SPECIES COMMON NAME NATIVE Grasses 45 Bromus tectorum 20 Lomium multiflorum 14 Fescue idahoensis 12 Bromus secalinus <5 Agrop7ron cristatum <5 Agropyron repens 20 cheatgrass ryegrass Idaho fescue tall cheat crested wheatgrass quackgrass N N Y N N N Shrubs 80 Robinia pseudo- acacia Forbs 25 Centaurea inaculosa 20 Centaurea diffusa 16 Sisvmbrium altissimum 15 Hvpericum perforatum 10 Erodium cicutarium black locust spotted knap vccd white knapwecd tumble mustard St. John's wort redstem filarce N N N N N Characteristics of Priority Grass Prairie This grass prairie is clearly dominated by non - native species in a thriving stand of grasses and black locust saplings. This is a large forb /grassland but it is not in pristine condition. Aerial photograph evidence indicates that the site was previously in agriculture. There is only moderate presence of song -bird activity in the early morning hours, as well as a feeding and dusting area for quail and pheasants. Criteria fo'r Priority Forb /Grass Prairie • Comparatively high wildlife density. There is not evidence for high wildlife density on most of this habitat type. A small portion of the forb /grass prairie lying immediately north of the ponderosa pine woodland does support important numbers and species diversity of birds, and should be protected in the development plan. • High wildlife species diversity. Field evidence indicates that there are relatively few important species resident on the majority of this prairie. • Important wildlife breeding habitat. This prairie does not appear to support a breeding habitat for a significant number of birds and mammals, except for the exception described above. • Limited availability. The prairie is not limited in availability. • High vulnerability to habitat alteration. This prairie is highly vulnerable to significant habitat degradation. • Presence of unique and dependent species. None. This grassy prairie is clearly dominated by non - native species in a xeric stand of grassland. There is evidence for minimal animal presence on most of this site. Development of a small portion of this area should be altered. See recommendations. Riparian Edge The riparian edge occupies an off site area along the Spokane River. The dominant plant species representing this area are included below: 21 COVER % SPECIES 55 35 20 12 10 7 <5 <5 35 20 15 12 10 6 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 Trees Populus balsan:ifera Shrubs Prunus virginianus Salix spp. Rosa woodsii Crategeous douglasii Amelanchier alnifolia Juniperus spp. Rhamnus purshiana Herbs Parphenocissus inserta Rhus radicans Equisetum arvense Cuscuta campestris Saponaria officinalis Artemisia lindlevana Aster hallii Clematis ligusticifolia Lvsiinachia quadrafolia Campanula rotundifolia Asparagus off icinalis Phalaris arundinacea Lomium n:ultiflorum COMMON NAME NATIVE black cottonwood chokecherry willow wild rose hawthorn serviceberry juniper cascara Virginia creeper poison ivy horsetail dodder pink bouncingbet sagebrush purple aster white clematis whorled loosestrife harebell asparagus reed canarygrass ryegrass Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Characteristics of Riparian Habitat This area is protected under the PHS. The riparian area is adjacent to the Spokane River that contain elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. The vegetation, water tables, soils, microclimate, and wildlife inhabitants of terrestrial ecosystem are influenced by perennial or intermittent water. Simultaneously, the biological and physical properties of the aquatic ecosystems are each influenced by adjacent vegetation, nutrient and sediment loading, and terrestrial wildlife. The riparian habitat encompasses the area beginning at the ordinary high water mark and extends to that portion of the terrestrial landscape that is influenced by or directly influences the aquatic ecosystem. Criteria for Priority Riparian Habitat • High fish and wildlife density. There is significant evidence of high fish and wildlife density within this portion of the site — osprey utilize this area commonly. 77 • High fish and wildlife species diversity. Field observation indicates that there are many fish and wildlife species resident within this area. • Important wildlife breeding habitat. This area appears to support significant breeding habitat for birds or mammals. • Important fish and wildlife movement corridors. There is evidence of high fish and wildlife movement corridors within the riparian area. Osprey and great blue heron were observed, and independent reports indicate the occasional presence of bald eagles. • Limited availability. The riparian area is limited in area along the banks of the Spokane River. • High vulnerability to habitat alteration. This area is highly vulnerable to significant habitat degradation. • Presence of unique and dependent species. A male and female osprey were observed hunting within the riparian area; a great blue heron was observed. No development is planned within the area of this hal?itat type. No development is planned to take place within 250 feet of the Spokane River shoreline. Activities related to the Mirabeau Point project should have no significant impact to this important ecological area. SUMMARY The proposers of the Mirabeau Point Master Plan intend to utilize the majority of the Southern Prairie and Northern Euclid Shrub Prairie habitat for development. Although this area provides the least important vegetation and animal habitat in terms of population abundance and species diversity, the proposed plan will eliminate some functioning bird habitat. Some resident birds will likely move to other suitable habitat areas in the vicinity and there will be a net local loss of resident bird population. Geographical Services has completed a Critical Habitat Evaluation of the Mirabeau Point Master Plan site. The results of that evaluation confirm that the proposed Mirabeau Point Master Plan activities will have minimal significant negative impacts on local populations of osprey, bald eagle or great blue heron. We also find that the Mirabeau Point Master Plan, as modified according to our recommendations, contains satisfactory plans for managing an area of valuable woodland habitat. As a result, Geographical Services supports the acceptance of the proposed Master Plan as modified by our recommendations. These management recommendations are presented below. 23 RECOMMENDATIONS Avoidance Avoid development of the sites that are the most important and most vulnerable. There should be no development what -so -ever within 250 feet of the bank of the Spokane River. There should be no buildings constructed or pavement installed within the interior area of the ponderosa pine woodland. The existing north -south road, to become Mirabeau Parkway, will be widened and paved, as depicted in the Spokane County Public Works Plans. Signs The proposed development will impact the present bird population in terms of habitat removal and increased disturbance by human activity. The most significant avian habitat and area where Priority Species were identified is outside of the project site within the riparian edge along the Spokane River. This area is not scheduled to be developed and will be protected by the 250 -foot buffer required by Ithe Critical Areas Ordinance of Spokane County. 1 This area will remain as is, although the development may increase human activity along the river and the Centennial Trail. It is recommended that signs be posted at the locations where humans have access from Mirabeau Point to the riparian area in order to educate users and visitors about the value that the riparian edge provides. The pine woodland region can be used for passive recreation and human foot traffic along soft paths. Benches and explanatory or cautionary signs for walkers are also appropriate. Snags The Ponderosa Pine Woodland will remain essentially intact in the plans of the development. While bird abundance and species diversity are not high in this area, there is a specialized habitat within the mature forest that contains a number of standing dead snags that need to be preserved. If the snags become "danger trees" to visiting humans, the resident birds should have priority and humans should be warned away. The woodland should be relatively unmanaged, except as necessary for fire and noxious weed control. Woodland Margin The transitional northern and southern edges of the ponderosa pine woodland area are important bird habitat. This value is partly sustained by the "edge effect" where the woodland habitat merges with the adjacent forb /grassland. Geographical Services recommends that a buffer zone of natural vegetation be established along the northern and southern boundary of the woodland. 24 For the narrow east -west strip of land between Euclid Avenue and Pinecroft Nature Preserve it is recommended that an area 50 feet wide along the fence (south margin) be established that is dominated by wildlife habitat functions. The buffer zones along the north and south margins of the Ponderosa Pine Woodland should be typically 100 feet wide but can be made wider or narrower to blend the opportunities of topography and vegetation along with the logical development elements of the Master Plan. The recommended buffer zone configuration is shown on the following map; Avian Buffer Zones. Planting of additional shrubs within the transitional area would greatly enhance cover and feeding opportunities for a variety of song -birds and game birds. The woodland margin areas should be relatively unmanaged, unmowed and unlandscaped beyond what is required for noxious weed and fire control. Future Protection The area of ponderosa pine woodland and associated margins should be protected fr?m future development by some form management or ownership such as a conservation easement. Avian Buffer Zone Margin - Woodland Margin Irrigation District Boundary 100 feet Technical Sources Bowman, I. And J. Siderius. 1984. Management guidelines for the protection of heronries in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Rescues. Wildlife Branch, Toronto. Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist, M. Ownbey, J.W. Thompson. 1990. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle and London. Mirabeau Point Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 1997. Ramm Associates, Inc. Spokane County Building and Planning Division. August 1996. Spokane County Critical Areas Ordinance. Stokes, D. and L. Stokes. 1989. A Guide to Bird Behavior, III. Little, Brown. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery plan for the Pacific bald eagle. USDA Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland Oregon. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. May 1991. Managemeht Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 1996. Priority Habitats and Species List Habitat Program. 27