Temporary Off-road Access for Geotechnical Investigation/EA

Olympic National Park » Temporary Off-road Access for Geotechnical Investigation/EA » Document List

The Environmental Assessment (EA) for a geotechnical investigation has been completed and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was released. The investigation will determine the engineering feasibility of relocating a portion of Olympic Hot Springs Road outside of the floodplain.

If deemed feasible, the analysis of a potential road relocation would then occur in a separate EA. That EA would address long-term planning for the Olympic Hot Springs Road. Scoping for the next EA could occur as early as this winter.

The current EA analyzed the potential impacts of conducting a geotechnical investigation including equipment access for drilling approximately 22 off-road test borings, excavating two test pits, and monitoring subsurface conditions along a one-mile stretch of the slope east of Olympic Hot Springs Road. Monitoring instruments will be installed at the off-road test boring sites to collect data and monitor slope stability.

"Long term, sustainable public access in the Elwha Valley is our goal," said park superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. "This is a necessary step before we can analyze viable options for the road and we appreciate the public's participation."

The public comment period ended August 31, 2018, and included a public meeting. Responses to substantive comments on the EA are included with the FONSI. The EA and FONSI are available for review here on the project planning website.



If you need an accessible version of the EA and FONSI, please contact the park's Public Affairs Office at 360-565-3005 or OLYM_PAO@nps.gov.

Contact Information

Lisa Turecek
ONP Chief of Facilities Maintenance
360-565-3150

Christina Miller
ONP Planning & Compliance Lead
360-565-3008