Public Hearing – Terminal 5 Project

Notice of Availability and Request for Comments on Terminal 5 Wharf Rehabilitation, Berth Deepening, and Improvements Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Date of Issuance: May 23, 2016
Proponent/applicant: Port of Seattle
Purpose of this Notice: The Port of Seattle announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Terminal 5 Improvements project. This DEIS has been prepared pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA – Chapter 43.21C RCW) and the SEPA Rules (WAC 197-11-400). The Notice is issued pursuant to the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), RCW Ch. 43.21C, and WAC 197-11-455(2) and -.502(5).
Description of Proposal: The Port of Seattle (Port) is proposing modifications to existing marine cargo facilities at Terminal 5. The proposed project includes rehabilitation of the existing Terminal 5 marine cargo facility in order to serve larger vessels and includes cargo wharf rehabilitation, deepening of the vessel berth, water and stormwater utility retrofits; and electrical utility capacity increases. Other elements include: reconfigured marine cargo marshalling area, reorganized intermodal rail facilities; cargo area lighting modifications; pavement repair and maintenance; stormwater drainage improvements; renovation of maintenance and repair buildings; and redesign of entrance/exit gates and heavy vehicle access points to serve increased capacity. For purposes of environmental review, three EIS Alternatives were reviewed. Alternatives that are analyzed in the Draft EIS include:
Alternative 1 – No-Action Alternative
Alternative 2 – Wharf Improvement, Berth Deepening, and Increased Cargo Handling
Alternative 3 – Wharf Improvements, Berth Deepening, Increased Cargo Handling, and Additional Upland Improvements
Location of proposal: The project site is located at Terminal 5 on the west margin of the West Waterway, in Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington. The address for the site is 2701 26th Avenue SW, Seattle, Washington, 98106.
Lead Agency: Port of Seattle, SEPA No. 16-03
The following areas have been addressed in this Draft EIS: Earth, Air Quality, Water Resources, Plants and Animals, Environmental Health, Noise, Land Use, Relationship to Plans and Policies, Aesthetics/Light and Glare, Historic and Cultural Resources, Transportation, Public Services, and Utilities. For each of these elements, the Draft EIS identifies probable significant environmental impacts, measures to mitigate these impacts and any significant unavoidable adverse impacts.
Draft EIS Available: Copies of the Draft EIS are available for review at the Seattle Public Library’s Central, Delridge, South Park and West Seattle Branches, and at the Port of Seattle office, Environment and Sustainability Department, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington, during business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Alternatively, the Draft EIS can be reviewed and downloaded at the Port of Seattle website at: http://www.portseattle.org/Environmental/Environmental-Documents/SEPA-NEPA/Pages/default.aspx and at the Terminal 5 Improvements Project Online Open House at: www.nwseaportalliance.com/about/strategic-plan/t5. Comments can also be submitted using the open house website.

Comments on DEIS: You are invited to provide written comments on the Draft EIS. All comments must be received by 4:00 PM on June 21, 2016. Written comments should be addressed to: Paul Meyer, Pier 69, P. O. Box 1209. Seattle, WA 98111-1209. Comments may also be submitted to the Port’s electronic mail address at SEPA.p@portseattle.org. Please include your mailing address when submitting
comments to the electronic mail address. Comments can also be submitted using the open house website at www.nwseaportalliance.com/about/strategic-plan/t5
After reviewing public and agency comments on the Draft EIS, the Port will issue a Final EIS.
Public Hearing: Public comments on the DEIS will also be accepted at two public hearings that have been scheduled at the following times and locations:
Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (public testimony will be taken beginning at 6:45 PM)
Place: Georgetown Campus, South Seattle Community College, 6737 Corson Avenue, South, Seattle, WA
Date: Thursday, June 9, 2016
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (public testimony will be taken beginning at 6:45 PM)
Place: Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA
This Draft EIS has been distributed to agencies, organizations, and individuals noted on the Distribution List contained in Chapter 5 of the Draft EIS.
Responsible official: Lindsay Pulsifer
Position/title: Managing Director, Maritime Division
Address: Pier 69
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111