4. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Policy MB-3:

Protect and enhance the natural environment in the Moss Bay Neighborhood.

Environmental policies for the Moss Bay Neighborhood Plan strive to protect and enhance the quality and function of the natural environment and protect life and property from environmental hazards. The Moss Bay neighborhood is located within the Moss Bay drainage basin and contains a few streams and a shoreline of Statewide significance (see Figure MB-2). Natural features help maintain water quality, recharge groundwater, provide wildlife and fish habitat, and provide open space and aesthetic enjoyment. Figures MB-3a and MB-3b identify geologically hazardous areas within the neighborhood, including slopes with moderate to high landslide susceptibility and land with potential for medium to high liquefaction during a seismic event. City regulations ensure that activity in these areas addresses risks and impacts associated with development.

Policy MB-4:

Maintain and restore the functional integrity of streams and wetlands. Improve segments adjacent to the Cross Kirkland Corridor with native vegetation during implementation of the CKC Master Plan.

Opportunities may come to enhance the water quality of waterways and streams that connect to them along the Cross Kirkland Corridor and public and private efforts to increase natural vegetation provide multiple benefits to human and aquatic life.

Policy MB-5:

Promote and incentivize green infrastructure such as green roofs, raingardens, trees and landscaping that cleans the water that enters Lake Washington.

Development regulations require stormwater to stay on site when new development occurs. However, redevelopment projects or minor landscaping projects that may not require stormwater management could make a significant difference in water quality and quantity. In addition, efforts to increase the cleaning of garbage and litter on streets and in and around storm drains can also decrease pollutants that move towards the shoreline and into Lake Washington.

Policy MB-6:

Open streams within the eastern portion of the Moss Bay neighborhood (Figure MB-2) should be maintained or restored, when feasible, in a natural condition and should allow for natural drainage.

In the eastern portion of the Moss Bay Neighborhood, the water table is at, or very near, the surface. In this area, the topsoil is wet and soggy and there could be drainage problems associated with development. It is essential that the open streams in this area are free of obstructions including vegetation and eroding soil so that they do not contribute to existing drainage issues.

Figure MB-2 Moss Bay Wetlands, Streams, and Lakes

Figure MB-3a: Moss Bay Landslide Susceptibility

Figure MB-3b: Moss Bay Liquefaction Potential

Figure MB-4: Moss Bay Area Land Use