College of the Environment Graduate and Undergraduate Publications

Date Permissions Signed

6-2-2010

College Affiliation

Huxley College of the Environment

Date of Award

Spring 2010

Document Type

Environmental Impact Assessment

Department or Program Affiliation

Department of Environmental Studies

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Melious, Jean O.

Abstract

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires that any action that may have a significant adverse impact on the environment undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Chapter 197-11 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) indicates these requirements. Under the no action alternative, the Seattle variance allows such that vegetation less than four inches in diameter, not weakening or causing damage within fifteen feet of the toe of the levee, may remain. The proposed action returns the Seattle District to a standard regulation across the United States, not allowing the Seattle variance. This would result in the removal of vegetation greater than two inches in diameter within fifteen feet of the toe of the levee. The alternative action would set back the existing levees a minimum of thirty feet. This would allow for at least fifteen feet of vegetation on the Nooksack River bank to be untouched, and while still allowing for the fifteen feet of vegetation from the toe to be cut as needed to meet levee standards.

Type

Text

Keywords

Levees--Washington (State)--Whatcom County, Streambank planting--Washington (State)--Whatcom County, Environmental impact analysis--Washington (State)--Whatcom County

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

645647655

Subject – LCSH

Levees--Washington (State)--Whatcom County; Streambank planting--Washington (State)--Whatcom County; Environmental impact analysis--Washington (State)--Whatcom County

Geographic Coverage

Whatcom County (Wash.)

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

environmental impact statements

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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