Staff: fuel station proposal at Lakes Grocery cleared SEPA and is in building‑permit review

City staff told the commission that a proposed fuel station in front of Lakes Grocery completed SEPA review and is now proceeding through the building-permit phase. Ecology reviewed the pre-application materials and conducted a site visit; staff said Ecology did not request additional information at this stage.

Planner Alisa summarized public concerns received during the SEPA comment period: proximity to wetlands, traffic impacts, underground storage-tank siting relative to the high groundwater table, and general groundwater contamination risks. "We did receive a few comments. People expressed concerns over location of wetlands... traffic, combustion, and high water table with the underground tanks, and general concerns about groundwater and contamination," Alisa said.

Staff indicated there is no critical‑area review required for the currently proposed site because the proposed work is outside identified wetland buffers, though Ecology noted possible wetlands along the railroad at a distance. The application continues through building-permit review and any required agency permits will be obtained before construction.