UW News

November 8, 2016

Determination of significance and request for comments on scope of Environmental Impact Statement

Project name: University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia College Campus Master Plan

Proponents: University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College

Description of proposal: The UW Bothell and Cascadia College Campus Master Plan will guide development, building on the 2010 (rev 2011) Campus Master Plan and extending the continuity of planning developed over the next 20 years. The Campus Master Plan will include guidelines and policies for new development on the campus. It will be formulated to maintain and enhance the fundamental missions of the University and College, including multiple important roles in undergraduate and professional education and dedication to research and public service. Campus growth is needed to accommodate the projected growth in students, faculty and staff. The scope of the Campus Master Plan includes defining open spaces, environmental sensitive areas, circulation patterns, development sites and campus physical capacity along with planned growth. The city of Bothell, UW Bothell and Cascadia College recognize the need for coordinated development that allows the university and college to continue to pursue instruction and service goals. At the same time, the EIS process is intended to foresee, assess, and outline mitigation measures for the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of development. The anticipated outcome of the planning process is to maximize the positive impacts and minimize adverse impacts upon the city, communities surrounding the campus and promote the health and vitality of the residential, business and academic communities.

Location of proposal: The current UW Bothell/Cascasdia College campus is generally bounded by I-405 and SR-522 on the East; SR-522 on the South; 110th Avenue NE, NE 185th Street and Beardslee Boulevard on the West; and Beardslee Boulevard on the North. The Campus Master Plan proposes to extend the boundary to include four parcels adjacent to and West of campus between Beardslee Boulevard to the North and 108th Avenue NE to the West.

Lead agency: University of Washington

EIS required: The lead agency has determined that this proposal has the potential to have a significant adverse impact on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared pursuant to Chapter RCW 43.21C.030.

Scoping: Agencies, affected tribes and members of the public are invited to comment on the scope of the EIS. You may comment on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required. Please provide written comments to the contact person by the date specified.

The Lead Agency has identified the following areas for discussion in the EIS: natural and built environments identified in WAC 197-11-444 including earth, water, plants and animals, air quality and greenhouse gases, energy and natural resources, environmental health, land and shoreline use, population, housing, aesthetics, recreation, historic/cultural, public services/utilities and transportation. Potential alternatives for the Campus Master Plan include the following development focus areas: No Action; Core Campus; North Campus; and South Campus.

Comment deadline: Nov. 29, 2016

Public meeting: Comments will also be taken at a meeting to be held on Nov. 14, 2016 at the North Creek Event Center 18225 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. If you cannot attend the meeting to make your comments, you can e-mail them to jblakesl@uw.edu or mail them to the contact address below:

Contact person: Julie Blakeslee, Environmental and Land Use Planner
Capital Planning & Development
Box 352205
Seattle, WA 98195-2205
(206) 543-2425

Responsible official: Jan Arntz, SEPA Responsible Official
Capital Planning & Development
Box 352205
Seattle, WA 98195-2205