Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources Project Impacts West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Cultural Resources Michael Brandman Associates 5.4-1 H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc 5.4 - Cultural Resources 5.4.1 - Introduction This section evaluates the potential impacts of the West Ming Specific Plan Project upon historical and archaeological resources within the project area. Information in this section is based on the following documents and correspondence received on the Notice of Preparation: • Cultural Resource Survey, Archaeological Associates of Kern County, April 2005. The complete report is contained in Appendix E of this DEIR. • Geotechnical Feasibility Study / Geological Hazard Study, Soils Engineering Inc., February 5, 2004. The complete report is contained in Appendix F of the Technical Appendices of the Draft EIR. 5.4.2 - Environmental Setting Natural Setting The study area is located on agricultural parcels of land within the southern San Joaquin Valley and also within the secondary flood plain of the Kern River. The Southern Pacific Railroad tracks are present along the southern boundary of the project, along with dirt roads and several portions of irrigation canals, which have been filled in and farmed over. It is further situated in the southern portion of the Metropolitan Bakersfield area, in Kern County, at an elevation averaging 350 feet above mean sea level. This southern part of the Great Interior Central Valley of California is a roughly flat-surfaced, structural trough (geosyncline) trending northwest-southeast. The soil is identified as having subsurface conditions typical of those found in the geologic region of the site. A maximum of 50,000 feet of marine Tertiary sediments overlies the pre-Tertiary crystalline rocks, covered by a relatively thin, sandy, light-colored, and very fine grained Quaternary alluvium. Prehistoric archaeological sites that occur within this area are often buried by many meters of sediment, built up from the more recent deposition of alluvium. This arid area occupies a large portion of western and central Kern County and contains alluvial fan surfaces with intervening basins of the playa type. Area History The aboriginal population that occupied the general region was the Southern Valley Yokuts. The Southern Valley Yokuts lived in variable sized communities throughout Tulare, Buena Vista, the Kern Lakes, the lower portion of the Kings, Kaweah, Tule, and Kern Rivers. Their subsistence level was based on hunting and gathering, with small groups of people moving throughout their territorial range on a seasonal basis. Various plants were collected, animals trapped and hunted, and shellfish collected from the sloughs of the marsh areas. Principal villages were located in close proximity to sources of fresh water. Day use areas, seasonal camps or hunting-kill sites could be found throughout their territory, as a result of various activities engaged in by this culture. Project Impacts Cultural Resources West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR 5.4-2 Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc Archaeological/Historical Resources Data Sources A records search was conducted at the Southern San Joaquin Valley Archeological Information Center (SSJVIC) at California State University, Bakersfield in October 2003. The search included the project site and surrounding areas. The files include known and recorded archaeological and historic sites, inventory and excavation reports filed with this office, and properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Property Data File, (July, 2003), the California Register, the California Historical Landmarks, the California Inventory of Historic Resources, and the California Points of Historical Interest. Much of the project area had been previously surveyed for cultural resources. Six previous cultural resource investigations had previously examined areas that included portions of the project site. The most significant of these investigations was conducted for a 4,525-acre Parr study conducted in 1994. That examined the majority of the project site (i.e. all of sections 11, 13, 14, 15, and a portion of section 10). The Parr Report replicated or incorporated by reference information from the other five surveys. No conflicting information relevant to this project occurred among the six reports. There are no cultural resource investigations that were conducted for the remaining portion of section 10. As a result of prior surveys of the project site, 10 archaeological sites and 26 isolates were located on the project site. The 10 archaeological sites consist of the following: • CA-KER-3958 - 25 quartzite cobble fragments, 10 of which were fire-affected. A possible hammer stone and three fragments of milling equipment were also identified. • CA-KER-3960 - 15 quartzite cobble fragments and 10 fire-affected rocks. One mano fragment of red quartzite and two flakes were also recorded. • CA-KER-3965 - 30 cobbles of fire-affected rock, five chalcedony flakes, five pieces of burned bone and a fragment of freshwater shell. • CA-KER-3966 - 15 cobbles of fire-affected rock, six flakes of various materials. • CA-KER-3972 - two cobbles of fire-affected rock, two basalt flakes and one midsection of a Grimes Canyon fused shale projectile point, 10 pieces of freshwater shell. • CA-KER-3973 - 30 cobbles of fire-affected rock, 20 flakes of various materials, one basal core, burned and unburned bone, several pieces of freshwater shell. • CA-KER-3974 - 15 cobbles, 10 flakes of various material, about five pieces of burned and unburned bone. • CA-KER-3975 - 10 cobbles, one chert core and six flakes of various materials. Project Impacts West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Cultural Resources Michael Brandman Associates 5.4-3 H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc • CA-KER-3976 - two cobbles and one basalt flake. • CA-KER-3977H - scatter of 15 pieces of stoneware and 10 pieces of glass that dates to the late 19th and 20th centuries of a Chinese ethnic affiliation. Field Survey To assess the existing archaeological resources at the project site, Robert A. Schiffman conducted an onsite field survey in October and November of 2003 and January of 2004 in accordance with CEQA guidelines. This survey was conducted with the assistance of Alan P. Gold and Kish LaPierre. Transects were walked through the entire project site, spaced approximately 20 meters apart, providing a thorough coverage of the study area. The primary objectives of this survey were to resurvey portions of the project site covered by the 1994 Parr study, and to examine the un-surveyed portion of Section 10. These tasks were completed in order to identify the presence of any cultural resources. Also imperative was to relocate and evaluate the 10 archaeological sites and 26 isolate artifacts previously recorded as per CEQA guidelines. Archeological Resources The on-site field survey conducted in October and November of 2003 and January of 2004 did not identify any new archaeological sites. None of the resources found in prior archaeological studies could be located. Of the sites previously found within the current study area, none of them represented significant cultural resources and no further work was conducted at any of them. Although recommendations for additional work were tendered as a result of the Parr report conducted almost a decade ago, it does not appear that any follow-up studies were undertaken. During this interim time, these cultural materials have not fared well. Numerous episodes of destructive activities, such as grading and agricultural activity, appear to have eliminated any trace of these sensitive and rather fragile cultural materials. If artifacts including any rocks, stone bowls, milling equipment or other aboriginal or historic materials were previously discovered during the mechanical plowing of the grounds, they were collected to avoid harming the equipment and because of the interest in such materials from the proprietors and lessees. These materials are likely in the collections of private individuals. Often stone bowls, milling slabs and hand stones are used to decorate the perimeters of personal residences in the area. These materials do not normally make their way into the curational facilities at the local universities nor are they given proper provenience and their scientific value is frequently lost. Other surface cultural materials may have become more deeply buried due to cultivation practices. It appears from previous records and discussions with local tenants that the cultural remains previously identified in the project area had been either collected or destroyed primarily as a result of agricultural activities. Project Impacts Cultural Resources West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR 5.4-4 Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc Historical Resources Located within the general project area are the Kern River Canal and an occasional remnant of oil field equipment, which have both been drastically altered from their original form, shape and character. The Canal has been modified many times, and is barely recognizable as to its original morphology. Neither of these resources is considered a significant historical resource. Paleontological Resources According to Soils Engineering, Inc. in the Geologic Hazards Study prepared for the site, the project site rests on a considerable thickness of alluvium, identified as Recent Quaternary Fan Deposit. According to the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan EIR prepared in 2002, the possibility exists that older fossiliferous alluvium may be present six feet below the ground surface. The older fossiliferious alluvium is considered to have a low to moderate potential for the discovery of fossils. 5.4.3 - Thresholds of Significance According to Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if it would: • Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resources pursuant to §15064.5; • Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5; • Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature; or • Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. 5.4.4 - Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures This section discusses potential impacts associated with the development of the project and provides mitigation measures where appropriate. Archeological Resources Impact 5.4.A: The project may potentially cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource. The on-site field survey conducted in October and November of 2003 and January of 2004 did not identify any new archaeological sites, and none of the resources previously found in prior archaeological studies could be located during these site visits. Numerous episodes of destructive activities, such as grading and agricultural activity, appear to have eliminated any trace of these sensitive and rather fragile cultural materials. Careful examination of the areas where materials were identified in previous archaeological studies was conducted but no remnants of any of the sites or isolates were found. Although no resources were found on the surface, resources could be present Project Impacts West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Cultural Resources Michael Brandman Associates 5.4-5 H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc underground. Given the substantial concentration of previously recorded archaeological sites and isolates on the project site, there is a potential for resources to be discovered during grading excavation activities. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project could result in significant impacts to archaeological resources. Mitigation Measures 5.4.A.1 Prior to grading plan approval within the project site, a qualified archaeologist shall attempt to find evidence of the previously recorded sites. If the qualified archaeologist finds evidence of the previous recorded sites, the resources shall be evaluated for significance and integrity using the criteria established in the CEQA Guidelines for unique cultural resources and/or 36 CFR 60.4 for eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. If the resources are found to be significant, specific measures shall be recommended. In addition, the grading plans shall state that archaeological monitoring by a qualified archaeologist and a Native American monitor shall take place during construction excavation activities at the locations of the 10 cultural sites and 26 isolates that were previously recorded on the site. The archaeologist shall prepare a summary report of the monitoring activities and findings. The report shall be submitted to the City of Bakersfield Planning Department and other appropriate agencies within 10 days of completion of monitoring. If the qualified archaeologist does not find evidence of the previous recorded sites, the grading plans shall state that archaeological monitoring by a qualified archaeologist and a Native American monitor shall take place during construction excavation activities at the locations of the 10 cultural sites and 26 isolates that were previously recorded on the site. The archaeologist shall prepare a summary report of the monitoring activities and findings. The report shall be submitted to the City of Bakersfield Planning Department and other appropriate agencies within 10 days of completion of monitoring. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant. Historical Resources Impact 5.4.B: The project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Located within the general project area are the Kern River Canal and an occasional remnant of oil field equipment, which have both been drastically altered from their original form, shape and character. The Canal has been modified many times over, and is barely recognizable as to its original morphology, and as such is not a good indicator of the historical period in which it was originally Project Impacts Cultural Resources West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR 5.4-6 Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc constructed. The oil field equipment is neither unique, nor is considered a significant historical resource. Both resources are considered to be “non-unique historic resources.” Therefore, the implementation of the proposed project will not impact historical resources pursuant to Section 15064.5. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Level of Significance After Mitigation No impact. Paleontological Resources Impact 5.4.C: The project could directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource. Implementation of the proposed project may include deep excavations (i.e., greater than six feet) associated with the construction of the proposed lake, underground utilities, and structural footings. As a result, implementation of the project may impact the older fossiliferous alluvium which may contain fossil resources. Therefore, the project could result in potential significant impacts to paelontological resources. Mitigation Measures 5.4.C.1 Prior to grading plan approval, the grading plans shall state that paleontological monitoring shall take place during construction excavation activities that result in excavations of six feet below ground surface or greater within the project site. Following are the specific measures. • Assign a paleontological monitor, trained and equipped to allow the rapid removal of fossils with minimal construction delay, to the site full-time during the interval of earth-disturbing activities. • Should fossils be found within an area being cleared or graded, divert earth- disturbing activities elsewhere until the monitor has completed salvage. If construction personnel make the discovery, the grading contractor should immediately divert construction and notify the monitor of the find. • Prepare, identify, and curate all recovered fossils for documentation in the summary report and transfer to an appropriate depository. • Submit a summary report to the City of Bakersfield. Transfer collected specimens with copy of report to the repository. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant. Project Impacts West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Cultural Resources Michael Brandman Associates 5.4-7 H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-04 Cultural Resources.doc Impact 5.4.D: The proposed project could result in the disturbance of human remains. Due to the substantial concentration of previously recorded archaeological sites and isolates on the project site, there is a potential for construction activities to disturb human remains. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project could result in a significant impact related to human remains. Mitigation Measures 5.4.D.1 Prior to grading plan approval, the grading plans shall state that if human remains are encountered on the project site, the Kern County Coroner’s Office shall be contacted within 24 hours of the find, and all work in the immediate vicinity shall be halted until a clearance is given by that office and any other involved agencies. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant.