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

Pool Frequency and Quality Due to the recent restoration actions, the reaches of Japanese Gulch Creek north of W. Mukilteo Boulevard contain multiple high quality pools dispersed throughout the stream channel. The reaches to the south of this area are still channelized, and pools are less frequent. Based on these conditions, Japanese Gulch Creek is considered to be at risk for this element. As no development is proposed within the OHWM of Japanese Gulch Creek, the project will maintain the baseline condition for this parameter. Off Channel Habitat The reaches upstream of the W. Mukilteo Boulevard culvert were found to have poor off -channel habitat. Downstream of the culvert, restorative actions created several areas of off -channel habitat on Japanese Gulch Creek. Given the combination of reaches with off -channel habitat and those without, the status of this parameter is considered at risk. This project will maintain the baseline condition for this parameter because development will not occur within the off -channel habitats. Refigia Japanese Gulch Creek underwent recent restorative vegetation plantings and exists primarily within a forested ravine. The resultant presence of over hanging vegetation and large woody debris is believed to create ample refugia for fish. Based on these conditions, refugia is considered to be properly functioning in the action area. No in -stream or near -stream work is proposed, so the proposed action will maintain the baseline condition of this element. Channel Conditions and Dynamics Parameters to access channel conditions include width to depth ratio, streambank condition, and floodplain connectivity. Width to Depth Ratio The width to depth ratio for Japanese Gulch Creek is perceived to be relatively high south of the restoration area. Within the restoration area, stream depth is increased, improving (lowering) the width to depth ratio. Given the combination of reaches with a low width to depth ratio and those with a high ratio, the status of this parameter is considered at risk. The proposed project will not alter the width to depth ratio of Japanese Gulch Creek. The proposed project will maintain the current width to depth ratio of the stream within the action area. Streambank Condition Some erosion was observed in the downstream reach of the stream. Therefore, slope stability is considered at risk forJapanese Gulch Creek. This project will maintain the baseline condition for this parameter. Biological Evaluation 10 WRI #14109 ' Soundview Business Campus Revision #2: October 2, 2015