DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Dieringer School District No. 343 North Lake Tapps Middle School Field Improvements DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: The proposed action is grading, infrastructure, stormwater and associated permit approval from Pierce County for the renovation of the existing natural turf multi-use athletic field located on the campus of North Tapps Middle School. North Tapps Middle School serves students in grades 6–8. The overall campus includes a main educational building with associated parking, as well as student drop-off and pick-up areas south of the school. To the north and northwest of the school building are sport courts and three ballfields. The existing multi-use athletic field, the subject of this proposal, is located west of the school building. The Critical Areas Report identifies Wetland A, a Category II wetland, and a stream located in the southeast corner of the site. Dense tree cover is present in the eastern third of the overall property. Vehicular access to the school is provided from 12th Street East to the south and will remain unchanged. The existing multi-use athletic field, subgrade, underdrain system, track, bleachers, concrete, fencing, walls, and other associated features will be removed to allow for the construction of the renovated field. The proposed field renovation is intended to enhance athletic opportunities and improve field durability. Key improvements include: Grading to level the field area.Installation of a new underdrain system and on-site stormwater infrastructure.Replacement of the existing natural turf with an infilled synthetic turf surface and permeable aggregate base.Installation of multi-sport field markings for football, soccer, and lacrosse.New rubberized track surfacing around the perimeter of the field.Construction of a javelin, practice shot put throwing circle, and practice discus area north of the field.Installation of a rubberized "D" zone with high jump and long/triple jump activities south of the field.Addition of a shot-put area north of the track.Replacement of the asphalt pavement east of the track to support four new 5-row bleachers and enhanced pedestrian connections.Installation of a new 8-foot-tall chain link fence around the track perimeter.Future installation of four new 80-foot-tall field lights, two located on the west side and two on the east side of the track, to provide uniform illumination of the field. Approval being sought for this project includes grading and/or filling permits as well as stormwater approval, electrical and building permits. PROPONENT: Dieringer School District No. 343 LOCATION OF PROPOSAL: The address is 20029 12th Street East, Lake Tapps, WA 98391, within unincorporated Pierce County. The site consists of three parcels (Parcel Numbers: 0520033052, 0520033006, and 0520033003) situated in Section 03, Township 20 North, Range 05 East. LEAD AGENCY: Dieringer School District No. 343 Note: issuance of this threshold determination does not constitute approval of the permit. This proposal will be reviewed for compliance with all applicable Pierce County codes, which regulate development activities. The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This determination assumes compliance with State law and Pierce County ordinances related to general environmental protection including, but not limited to, drainage, lighting and utilities. This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public upon request. It is the policy of the District that, when undertaking an action involving the exercise of substantive SEPA authority, the District shall consider, as appropriate under the circumstances, the ramifications of such action as to one or more of the factors listed in Dieringer School District Policy 6890, Substantive Authority, which adopts WAC 197-11-660 by reference. This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2). The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date below. Comments must be submitted by October 22, 2025 to the Responsible Official, Dieringer School District No. 343, 1320 178th Avenue East, Lake Tapps, Washington, 98391. RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL: Paula Dawson POSITION/TITLE: Superintendent, Dieringer School District No. 343 ADDRESS: 1320 178th Ave E, Lake Tapps, WA 98391 EMAIL: pdawson@dieringer.wednet.edu PUBLISHED: October 8, 2025 (Tacoma Tribune) There is no administrative appeal process for this determination. IPL0278750 Oct 8 2025