LEGAL NOTICE City of Seattle – Seattle City Light Backus Creek Sediment Removal Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) Seattle City Light (SCL) has prepared an environmental checklist under provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act for sediment removal at Backus Creek in Marblemount, WA. Description of the proposed Project: Sediment aggradation within the creek has formed a blockage between Ranger Station Road and Powerline Road. During periods of low and moderate flow, the main channel is fully obstructed, resulting in complete flow diversion into a field that partially consists of emergent and forested wetland. During periods of high flow, water overwhelms the creek, Powerline Road and ditches, and affects residents. Additionally, water diversion out of the creek is causing Operations and Maintenance problems with water flowing next to City Light transmission tower B67/22N footings. To address these issues, City Light proposes to excavate up to 590 cubic yards of material from approximately 280 linear feet of streambed in Backus Creek, in up to two phases. Phase 1 will consist of sediment removal in the dry. Excavation will begin at the southernmost extent of the project area and proceed up-channel toward the sediment blockage. Work will cease prior to fully removing the blockage to ensure that any instream flows remain separated from construction equipment. Depth of sediment removal will range between two and four feet and will reestablish a gradual longitudinal bed slope ranging from 0.5 to 2 percent. Minor channel widening (5 feet on each side of the banks) may occur in approximately 100 feet outside of the existing ordinary high water mark to accommodate anticipated high-flow volumes. Approximately 15 cubic yards of excavated material will be redeposited on the right bank of Backus Creek outside of the delineated wetland near Powerline Road to reduce the likelihood of bank overtopping and flowing west during high-flow events. Disturbed banks and buffer zones identified in the planting plan will be replanted/reseeded with native vegetation. Tribal consultations are being conducted. If necessary, a Phase 2 will involve the removal of any remaining sediment consistent with the recommendations in the Geomorphic Evaluation. This phase may require in-water work, and City Light will reevaluate additional permitting needs as necessary. Only Phase 1 work is currently proposed. Proponent: Seattle City Light Location of proposal including street address, if any: The project is located near 48.53579741051443, -121.44871827586411, in Section 12 Township 35N Range 10E, in Marblemount WA. The project extends from the private parcels P45166 to P45156 to the ROW (Right of-Way) easement parcel P45157. 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 of a completed environmental checklist 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 206-677-6368 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 9/10/2026 – allow 14 days. 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 9/17/2026 –there is a 7 day appeal period. 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. IPL0369207 Aug 27,Sep 10 2026