April 27, 1999
Tom Fitzsimmons, Director
FORMAL REQUEST TO HAVE TRI-MOUNTAIN REASOURCES
SEPA DETERMINATION RECINDED
Washington State Dept. of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia, Wa. 98504-7600
Tri-Mt. Resources
PO Box 1503
Chehalis, Wa.
Rush Rd. and I-5 Interchange
Gas Station and Fast Food Rest.
For more than 5 years we have fighting the proposed fill of flood plain property along the Newaukum River, if allowed this fill will redirect floodwaters onto others properties, and cause higher flood elevations and increased velocities.
These floodwaters will also negatively effect fish and wildlife habitat along the Newaukum River. The applicant have used outdated studies, false information, and incomplete information in their SEPA review form. The information in the SEPA review is clearly erroneous.
We request that this SEPA determination be rescinded and a full EIS be required for this project.
Tri-Mt. used studies done for Tanger Factory Outlets in 1993, not relevant to their project. Studies done by company for self-serving prepose.
Studies stated property did not flood. Incorrect, property is a frequently flooded area, which has been inundated with floodwaters on many occasions including the flood events of, 1933- 1972- 1977- 1986- 1990- 1990- 1996. ( Arial photos and video available)
Checklist said they have all permits needed, false, the nationwide permit issued to Tanger by ACE has expired. (Letter Evan Lewis ACE)
Project has been piecemeal without disclosure of site plans during SEPA process
The Coot s Study for stormwater runoff, was done for Tanger not Tri-Mt s project. And is not relevant to the Tri-Mt. project.
Fish and Wildlife issues: ( Letter Andy Carlson, Mike Barbour)
Floodway issues: ( Letter Bob Montgomery ) (USDA soil study of Lewis County) Swales referred to in Tri-Mt. report, are old river menders-floodways.
Septic sys. installed in frequently flooded area.
No HPA
SEPA checklist stated no structures on property, ( existing building, well and septic sys.
Drilled well for service station and plan for two more wells.
No water rights.
Listings of fish and wildlife on property, incomplete.
Tri-Mt. violation of wetland ( Letter from Lewis County)
Wetland study for Tanger, Have soils been disturbed? Answer No.
Tri-Mt. used this study, the property had been, sprayed, tilled and seeded.
Study for SEPA states area is not a potential problem area. It is a frequently flooded area.
Hyd. report on sedimentation, inundation, and depth of soil, incomplete.
The area of the proposed fill is within the Chehalis IUGA, on the Chehalis sensitivity maps, it is totally in an environmentally sensitive area.
The flood study and stormwater study done for the area states adverse effects of the fill for down stream properties, but fails to tell the extent of adverse affects. The preparers of the study, admit they don t know the adverse effects. The study is questioned by the county (letter enclosed), Bob Montgomery ( letter enclosed), WSF&W (letter enclosed), yet, all the county requires is that a study be done, and not the validity of the study. This project is in direct contradiction to the Chehalis Flood Reduction Plan, which calls for excavation of the flood plain, while this project is proposing filling a frequently flooded area, the site of one of the few flood-related fatalities in Lewis County.
This proposal goes against the grain of the ESA and the GMA, and will put citizens life, property and safety at stake.
Written Response Requested.
Tammy Baker
575 Newaukum Vly. Rd.
Chehalis, Wa. 98532
(360) 748-6571
cc. file
Gov.
USF&W
SWAT
CRC
Attachments:
Letters
Mike Barbour
Andy Carlson
Bob Momtgomery
Marc Boule
Site Map
Photo 2-9-96 (day after flood event of 1996)
Wetland Violation
Memo-Pete Ringen
Feb. 8, 1996 flood video
SEPA Imp. Guidelines (LC)
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