LEGAL NOTICE City of Seattle – Seattle City Light Newhalem Creek Decommissioning Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) Seattle City Light (SCL) has prepared an environmental checklist under provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act for decommissioning of the Newhalem Creek Hydroelectric Project (Project). The decommissioning includes removing developed infrastructure and restoring aquatic and riparian habitats. Description of the proposed Project: The Project consists of a concrete overflow diversion dam; a combination sluiceway/intake structure and small gatehouse at the dam; an unlined rock vertical shaft that conveys water from the intake to a power tunnel; a steel penstock that conveys water from the power tunnel to a wood-framed powerhouse; and a tailrace channel that discharges into the Skagit River over a concrete tailrace fish barrier. The proposal includes decommissioning all aboveground project features, and restoration of associated natural drainages. Features to be removed include the dam and other headworks, penstock, powerhouse, tailrace fish barrier, and power lines. The only features remaining in place would be the tailrace, since it is part of an intermittent stream, and the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project's emergency evacuation route, which includes the diversion dam access road to elevation 840 feet and the trail leading to the lower end of the power tunnel. Above 840 feet in elevation, the dam access road will be placed in "storage," an alternative to full decommissioning to allow the National Park Service future access, which includes removing the culverts, adding water bars, and restoring one perennial stream. The power tunnel would be sealed and abandoned in place as would the underground powerlines on the north side of the Skagit River, on land owned by the City of Seattle. Proponent: Seattle City Light Location of proposal including street address, if any: The project occupies 6.56 acres within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (RLNRA) on Newhalem Creek in Whatcom County, WA and includes three locations: Newhalem Dam: 48.660180, -121.247165; Newhalem Powerhouse Tailrace Barrier: 48.670394, -121.249820; and Culvert Removal: 48.663334, -121.256947. Lead Agency: Seattle City Light, the lead agency for this proposal, has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review and adoption of an Environmental Assessment (EA) completed by The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other information on file with the lead agency. This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340)2. The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the publication date. A copy of the DNS and checklist can be obtained at no charge from SCL by calling (206) 386-4578 or by visiting the office of SCL's Environmental Affairs and Real estate Division at Suite 3200, 700 Fifth Ave., Seattle. The public is invited to comment on the DNS. The comment period closes on August 4, 2025. Appeals to this determination must be received by the Office of the Hearing Examiner, 700 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 no later than 5 pm on August 11, 2025. The mailing address is PO Box 94729, Seattle, WA 98124-4729. The appeal should be based on specific factual objections. There is an $85 filing fee for the appeal (check payable to City of Seattle). Contact the Hearing Examiner at 206.684.0521 or visit www.seattle.gov/examiner to ask about or read procedures for SEPA appeals, including electronic filing and credit/debit card payments. IPL0255986 Jul 21 2025