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Recent Progress
This project is in the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental phase. Draft environmental discipline reports are currently being reviewed. Right of Way and Access plans are being prepared.
In late February 2008, a decision was made to change from an EA process to an EIS process. The Notice of Intent was pubished in the Federal Register May 15, 2008. An EIS Scoping Meeting occurred May 20, 2008 with the public comment period scheduled to end June 15, 2008.
A CRA was held in April 2008 and preparation has begun for a VE study in June 2008.
During the month of May, WSDOT Geo-Technical staff conducted field investigations with drilling, soil testing and piezometer installation, beginning the project ground water monitoring period.
Coordination is ongoing with the following services; Department of Ecology, Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. A SAGES coordination meeting was held in April 2008, with invites to particitpate sent to each agency.
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Design Construction Impacts
While it is too early in project development to determine the exact magnitude, the size and complexity of the project clearly indicates there will be property impacts and business impacts. Known risks are property acquisitions, wetland impacts, storm water treatment and fish passage barriers.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The NEPA process for the project is currently underway. The studies will detail the project's direct and indirect environmental impacts (natural, ecological, societal and economic) in order to guide final design and construction.
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Impacts to Traffic
No issues at this time.
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