5900 36TH AVE W SEPA 015 - 034 - SOUNDVIEW BUSINESS CAMPUS - VERITAS Land Use Decision Documents 2025-04-22

1 4.O EXISTING ]FUNCTIONS AND VALUES ASSESSMENT ' 4.1 METHODOLOGY The methodology for this functions and values assessment is based on professional opinion developed through past field analyses and interpretation. This assessment pertains specifically to ' the on -site wetland and stream system, but is typical for assessments of similar systems common to Western Washington. ' Wetlands in Western Washington perform a variety of ecosystem functions. Included among the most important functions provided by wetlands are stormwater control, water quality improvement, and fish and wildlife habitat. t4.2 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTION Wetlands A and C provide moderate values while Wetlands B and D provide low values for ' hydrologic function. Wetland A is considered a headwater wetland, which is a valuable characteristic to prevent high flows in downstream systems. Wetland B is limited for this function by its very small size. Wetland C provides moderate hydrologic function due to its lack of an ' outlet, ponding potential, and opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion downstream. Wetland D is limited for this function due to its lack of ponding potential. 4.3 WATER QUALITY FUNCTION Wetlands have potential to increase water quality as hydrology passes through them by acting as natural filters. Woody vegetation within the wetlands uptakes overloaded nutrients and helps drop solids from suspension. Additionally, the vegetation within the wetlands causes hydrology to slow, increasing the chance that suspended solids will drop out. Wetland A provides a moderate value for this function due to its ponding potential and opportunity to improve water quality from adjacent development. Wetland B provides a low value for this function due to its lack of vegetation and lack of opportunity to improve water quality from surrounding development. Wetland C provides a low -moderate value for this function due to its dense vegetation and ponding potential. Wetland D provides a moderate value for this function based on its persistent vegetation and opportunity to treat stormwater from the adjacent logging road. 4.4 WILDLIFE HABITAT Species such as passerine birds, small to large mammals, and limited amphibians are expected to utilize these wetlands. Wetlands A and C provide moderately -high values for this function based on the special habitat features within them (snags, downed logs, etc.), lack of invasive species, and relative buffer condition. Wetlands B and D provide low values for this function based on their lack of special habitat features, lack of diverse vegetation and interspersion, and lack of priority habitat components. Critical Area Study 1 l WRI# 15202 Soundview Business Campus Rev. #2: October 2, 2015