13.11.170 Utilities.
A. In addition to the other submittal requirements of this title, applications for installation of utility facilities shall include the following:
1. Reason why utility facility must be in a shoreline area, for example the utility serves development within shoreline jurisdiction or the utility is gravity dependent;
2. Alternative locations considered and reasons for their elimination;
3. Location of the same, similar or other utility facilities in the vicinity of the proposed project;
4. Proposed method(s) of construction, for example deep cut trench, directional boring, or coffer dams;
5. Plans for reclamation of areas to be disturbed during construction;
6. Landscape plans, consistent with the vegetation conservation and installation standards of BMC 13.09.030;
7. Methods to achieve no net loss of ecological function and minimize clearing of native vegetation; and
8. Consistency with the city of Bothell, or applicable district comprehensive water, sewer or surface water comprehensive plans.
B. Utility lines shall be consolidated within a single easement and utilize existing rights-of-way rather than developing new ones unless determined infeasible by the shoreline administrator.
C. Any publicly owned utility which must of necessity cross the shoreline shall be designed and operated to reserve the option of general public recreational usage of the right-of-way in the future. This option shall be exercised by the public only where:
1. The public will not be exposed to dangers from the utility equipment; and
2. The utility itself will not be subjected to unusual risks of damage by the public.
D. Utility facilities shall be designed and located in a manner that protects scenic views and minimizes adverse aesthetic impacts. They must be landscaped to enhance the appearance from surrounding areas in accordance with landscape standards applicable to the underlying zone.
E. All underwater pipelines or those paralleling the waterway transporting liquids potentially injurious to aquatic life or water quality are prohibited, unless no other alternative exists to serve a public interest. In those limited instances where permitted, shut-off valves shall be provided at both sides of the water body except for public sanitary sewers of a gravity or siphon nature.
F. New utilities which must be constructed across shoreline jurisdiction must submit a reclamation plan demonstrating restoration of the shoreline to at least its existing condition. Upon completion of utility installation or maintenance, any disturbed areas shall be regraded to be compatible with the natural terrain of the area and revegetated with appropriate native plants to prevent erosion.
G. In areas where utilities must cross shoreline jurisdiction, they shall do so by the most direct route feasible, unless such a route would negatively impact an environmentally critical area, obstruct public access to the shoreline, or interfere with the navigability of a water body regulated by this SMP.
H. Utilities shall be bored beneath the water body such that the shoreline substrate is not disturbed.
I. Minor trenching to allow the installation of necessary underground pipes or cables if no alternative, including boring, is feasible, and:
1. Impacts to fish and wildlife habitat are avoided to the maximum extent possible;
2. The utility installation shall not increase or decrease the natural rate, extent, or opportunity of channel migration; and
3. Appropriate best management practices are employed to prevent water quality impacts or other environmental degradation.
J. Use of construction methods that avoid greater impact shall be used when feasible, which may include directional boring, use of sleeves or other construction methods that reduce or avoid temporary and long-term adverse ecological impacts.
K. Utility installation and maintenance operations shall be conducted in a manner that does not negatively affect surface water quality or quantity.
1. Applications for new utility projects in shoreline jurisdiction shall include a list of best management practices to protect water quality.
2. Surface Water Outfalls.
a. Storm water outfalls to shorelines or other water bodies shall be constructed in a manner that duplicates the functions and appearance of a natural stream or creek discharging into the water body.
b. All outfalls shall be required to install native vegetation consistent with Table 13.13.060-3, Buffer Reduction Option 1, and shall consist of trees, shrubs and groundcovers consistent with the following planting standards:
(1) Three deciduous or coniferous trees.
(2) Shrubs to equal a minimum 60 percent areal coverage within three years of installation covering all disturbed areas.
(3) Groundcovers to equal a minimum areal coverage of 80 percent within three years of installation, covering all disturbed areas.
(4) Retained native trees and shrubs may be credited toward the planting standard.
c. Storm water outfalls must be set back from the water’s edge and discharged onto appropriate materials such as rocks, logs, and other natural materials to mimic the appearance of a natural-looking creek flowing into the water body. Such outfalls shall be fully consistent with the flow and discharge requirements of the Bothell surface water manual of the Bothell design and construction standards.
3. Storm water outfalls shall be designed and installed so that during periods of heavy rainfall the velocity and quantity of runoff will not be detrimental to important aquatic life in the receiving waters, and so that it does not flood adjacent land. The shoreline administrator may condition the proposed outfall location and design to assure aesthetic compatibility and to reduce adverse environmental impacts.
4. Storm drain lines for any substantial development shall be designed so that they can be economically connected to a common collector system when the level of development makes that feasible. A common collection system and outfall will be preferred to a large number of outfalls from individual parcels of land.
L. Utility production and processing facilities, such as power plants and sewage treatment plants, or parts of those facilities, which are non-water-oriented shall not be allowed in shoreline jurisdiction unless it can be demonstrated that no other feasible option is available.
M. New utility lines shall be located underground, except:
1. Where the presence of sensitive areas, ground water, flood threat, bedrock or other obstructions make such placement unfeasible; or
2. Underground placement would create greater adverse environmental impacts than above-ground transmission; or
3. Underground placement is not feasible as that term is defined in this SMP. (Ord. 2112 § 3 (Exh. C), 2013).