HomeMy Public PortalAbout4-5_CulturalResources.pdf4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5-1
This section describes the existing conditions for cultural resources in the
project site and evaluates the potential project-related impacts to such
resources. This section also includes a discussion of potential cumulative
impacts to cultural resources. The section was developed through
background research and field surveys of the project site.
Cultural resources are sites, buildings, structures, objects, and districts that
may have traditional or cultural value for their historical significance.
Cultural resources include a broad range of resources, examples of which
include archaeological sites, historic roadways and railroad tracks, and
buildings of architectural significance. Generally, for a cultural resource to be
considered a historical resource (i.e. meets the criteria at Public Resource
Code Section 21084.1), it must be 50 years or older.1
A. Regulatory Framework
1. Federal Laws and Regulations
There are no Federal laws or regulations related to cultural resources that are
relevant to the project site.
2. State Laws and Regulations
a. California Environmental Quality Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that effects to
cultural resources be considered in the planning process for discretionary
projects. Under the provisions of CEQA, a “project with an effect that may
cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is
a project that may have a significant effect on the environment.”2 Public
1 California Office of Historic Preservation, 1999:3, California Register and
National Register: A Comparison. Technical Assistance Series No. 6. California Office
of Historic Preservation, Sacramento.
2 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(b):
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources
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Resources Code Section 21084.1 defines a “historical resource” as a resource
which meets one or more of the following criteria:
¤ Listed in, or eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical
Resources;
¤ Listed in a local register of historical resources (as defined at PRC Section
5020.1(k));
¤ Identified as significant in a historical resource survey meeting the
requirements of Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code; and
¤ Determined to be a historical resource by a project's lead agency
(California Code of Regulations Title 14(3) Section 15064.5(a))
A historical resource consists of:
“Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript
which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or significant
in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural,
educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of
California…Generally, a resource shall be considered by the lead agency
to be ‘historically significant’ if the resource meets the criteria for listing
on the California Register of Historical Resources.”3
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines California Code of Regulations (CCR)
Section 15064.5(b), a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
historical resource is a significant effect on the environment.
Under CEQA, paleontological resources are a subset of cultural resources and
include fossil plants and animals, and evidence of past life such as trace fossils
and tracks.
3 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(a):
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources.
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The CEQA requires a Lead Agency to determine if an archaeological cultural
resource meets the definition of a historical resource, a unique archaeological
resource, or neither.4 Prior to considering potential impacts, the Lead
Agency must determine whether an archaeological cultural resource meets the
definition of a historical resource in CCR Section 15064.5(c)(1). If the
archaeological cultural resource meets the definition of a historical resource,
then it is treated like any other type of historical resource in accordance with
CCR Section 15126.4. If the archaeological cultural resource does not meet
the definition of a historical resource, then the lead agency determines if it
meets the definition of a unique archaeological resource as defined at CEQA
Section 21083.2(g).
In practice, however, most archaeological sites that meet the definition of a
unique archaeological resource will first meet the definition of a historical
resource.5 Should the archaeological cultural resource meet the definition of a
unique archaeological resource, then it must be treated in accordance with
CEQA Section 21083.2. If the archaeological cultural resource does not meet
the definition of a historical resource or an archaeological resource, then
effects to the resource are not considered significant effects on the
environment.6
b. California Public Resources Code
California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 prohibits excavation or
removal of any “vertebrate paleontological site […] or any other
archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands,
4 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(c):
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources.
5 Bass, Ronald E., Albert I. Herson, and Kenneth M. Bogdan, 1999. CEQA
Deskbook: A Step-by-Step Guide on how to Comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act, Point Arena, California: Solano Press Books, page 105.
6 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(c)(4):
Determining the Significance of Impacts to Archeological and Historical Resources.
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except with express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over
such lands.”
Public lands are defined to include lands owned by or under the jurisdiction
of the state or any city, county, district, authority, or public corporation, or
any agency thereof. Section 5097.5 states that any unauthorized disturbance
or removal of archaeological, historical, or paleontological materials or sites
located on public lands is a misdemeanor.
c. California Health and Safety Code
California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that in the event of
the discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other
than a dedicated cemetery, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance
of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains
until the coroner of the county in which the remains are discovered has
determined whether or not the remains are subject to the coroner’s authority.
If the human remains are of Native American origin, the coroner must notify
the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours of this
identification. The NAHC must identify a Native American Most Likely
Descendant (MLD) to inspect the site and provide recommendations for the
proper treatment of the remains and associated grave goods.
3. Local Regulations and Policies
a. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan
The Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan contains goals and policies that are
relevant to the cultural resources. These goals and policies occur in the
Community Character (CC) Element and are listed below in Table 4.5-1.
B. Existing Conditions
This section describes the cultural setting for the project site and its vicinity.
The existing conditions were identified from a literature review, a records
search at the North Central Information Center, and field surveys.
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TABLE 4.5-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES PERTAINING TO
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Policy or
Goal No. Goals and Policies
Goal CC-18 Preserve and enhance the town’s historic and cultural resources.
CC-P18.1 Require evaluation of impacts to historic resources for projects
which involve substantial site disturbance, or demolition or
alteration of known historic buildings.
CC-P18.3 Encourage and cooperate with the private sector in the
implementation of innovative strategies to preserve all of Truckee’s
identified historic buildings and sites, including Native American
and ethnic group sites. Preservation strategies could include by gift,
establishment of private conservancies, and easements.
CC-P18.5 Work with California State Parks, the Tahoe-Donner Recreation
and Parks District, the Truckee Donner Historical Society, the
Truckee Donner Land Trust and other entities to maintain and
increase opportunities for public recreation and access to historic
sites, including Native American and ethnic group sites. In the case
of Native American sites, any increased access should be developed
in close consultation with local tribes, and due respect accorded to
the potential cultural or spiritual significance of these places.
CC-P18.6 Support all efforts to document and preserve Truckee’s rich historic
legacy, including its Native American and ethnic history, and to
educate residents and visitors about the town’s historic buildings
and sites.
Goal CC-19 Identify and protect archaeological and paleontological resources that
enrich our understanding of Truckee’s early history and the early
cultures and environment of the region.
CC-P19.1 As part of the development review process, require proper
archaeological or paleontological surveying, testing, research,
documentation, monitoring, and safe retrieval of archaeological and
cultural resources.
CC-P19.2 Require an archaeological survey by a qualified professional
whenever there is evidence of an archaeological or paleontological
site within a proposed project area, is determined to be a high
likelihood for occurrence of such sites, or where a project involves
substantial site disturbance.
CC-P19.3 Consult with representatives of the Native American community
whenever necessary to ensure the respectful treatment of Native
American sacred places.
Source: Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan.
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1. Culture History: Prehistory/Ethnography7
The archaeology of the region was first outlined by Heizer and Elsasser8 in
their study of sites located in the Truckee Basin Martis Valley area. They
identified two distinct prehistoric lifeways that are believed to have once
characterized the area’s early occupants. Subsequent studies have further
refined the cultural history of the region.9 Some of the oldest archaeological
remains reported for the Tahoe Region have been found in the Truckee River
Canyon near Squaw Valley. These Pre-Archaic remains suggest occupation
approximately 9,000 years ago (Tahoe Reach Phase). Other Pre-Archaic to
Early Archaic occupation dating from about 7,000 years ago was documented
at Spooner Lake (Spooner Phase) near Spooner Summit overlooking Lake
Tahoe. The most intensive period of occupation in the region may have
occurred at varying intervals between 4,000 and 500 years ago (Martis Phases
during the Early and Middle Archaic, and Early Kings Beach Phase during the
Late Archaic). The proto-historic ancestors of the Washoe (Late Kings Beach
Phase), also of Late Archaic times, may date roughly from 500 years ago to
historic contact.
The project area falls within the center of Washoe territory, with primary use
by the northern Washoe. The Washoe themselves regard all "prehistoric"
remains and sites within the Truckee Basin as associated with their own
7 The Culture History and History sections have been adapted from the 2007
Canyon Springs Subdivision Draft EIR, which was based on Melinda Peak’s, principal
investigator and president of Peak and Associates, a cultural resources consulting firm,
peer review of the study of the project site entitled, Tahoe Boca Estates Project, Heritage
Resource Inventory Update prepared by Susan Lindström, Ph.D, in June 2003. The 2003
study was designed to update and check the prior 1989 study by Blossom Hamusek
entitled, Archaeological Reconnaissance of Tahoe Boca Estates. See Appendix of this
Draft EIR.
8 Heizer, Robert F. and Albert B. Elsasser, 1953. Some Archaeological Sites and
Cultures of the Central Sierra Nevada. University of California Archaeological Survey
Reports 12. Berkeley, California.
9 Hull, Kathleen L., 2007. The Sierra Nevada: Archaeology in the Range of
Light. In California Prehistory: Colonization, Culture, and Complexity, edited by Terry
L. Jones and Kathryn A. Klar, pp. 177-190. Altamira Press, Lanham, Maryland.
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history. In support of this contention, they point to the traditions of their
neighbors (the Northern Paiute, California Indians, and non-Indian
Americans), which include stories about migrations and movement, whereas
those of the Washoe do not.
The ethnographic record suggests that during the mild season small groups
traveled through high mountain valleys collecting edible and medicinal roots,
seeds, and marsh plants. In the higher elevations, men hunted large game
(mountain sheep, deer) and trapped smaller mammals. The Truckee River
and tributaries such as Martis Creek were important fisheries year-round.
Suitable toolstone (such as basalt) was quarried at various locales in Martis
Valley. The Washoe have a tradition of making long treks across the Sierran
passes for the purpose of hunting, trading, and gathering acorns. These
aboriginal trek routes, which followed game trails, are often the precursors of
our historic and modern road systems. Archaeological evidence of these
ancient subsistence activities are found along the mountain flanks as
temporary small hunting camps containing flakes of stone and broken tools.
In the high valleys more permanent base camps are represented by stone
flakes, tools, grinding implements, and house depressions.
While there was a tendency for groups to move from lower to higher
elevations during the mild seasons, and to return to lower elevations the
remainder of the year, a fixed seasonal round was not rigidly adhered to by all
Washoe; some Washoe may have wintered in the Truckee Basin during
milder seasons.10 While some Washoe trekked to distant places for desired
resources, most groups circulated in the vicinity of their traditional habitation
sites and appear to have been less compelled to cover large expanses of land in
their subsistence pursuit than some other groups in the Great Basin. This was
10 D’Azevedo, Warren L., 1986. Washoe. In Great Basin, edited by Warren L.
D’Azevedo, pp. 466-498. Handbook of North American Indians Vol. 11, William C.
Sturtevant, general editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
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due to the large variety of predictable resources close at hand.11 Their
relatively rich environment afforded the Washoe a degree of isolation and
independence from neighboring peoples and may account for their long
tenure in their known area of historic occupation.12 The Washoe are part of
an ancient Hokan-speaking residual population, which has been subsequently
surrounded by Numic-speaking intruders, such as the Northern Paiute. Even
into the 20th century, the Washoe were not completely displaced from their
traditional lands. The contemporary Washoe have developed a
Comprehensive Land Use Plan that includes goals of reestablishing a presence
within the Tahoe Sierra and re-vitalizing Washoe heritage and cultural
knowledge, including the harvest and care of traditional plant resources and
the protection of traditional properties within the cultural landscape.
2. History of Truckee Area
Logging first occurred in the Truckee-Donner to supply the needs of mining
operations after the discovery of the Comstock Lode in l859. When mining
production began to decrease in l867, the lumbering business also began to
suffer. A new market for lumber was found in the Central Pacific Railroad
(CPRR), which had been laying track toward Donner Pass since l864, greatly
enhancing the fortunes of sawmills along its path. As the rails reached the
summit in l866-67, a number of mills established operations in the Truckee
Basin to supply cordwood for fuel, lumber for construction, and ties for the
roadbed. Coburn's Station (Truckee) soon became one of the major
lumbering centers. After the completion of the railroad in l868-69, lumber
companies diversified and grew as new markets were opened to them.
Truckee saw its most prosperous days during the brisk lumbering period
from l868 through l880. In the 8 miles between Truckee and Boca alone, at
least a dozen sawmills were active in l876. In 1881, the sharp decline of the
11 D’Azevedo, Warren L., 1986. Washoe. In Great Basin, edited by Warren L.
D’Azevedo, pp. 466-498. Handbook of North American Indians Vol. 11, William C.
Sturtevant, general editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
12 D’Azevedo, Warren L., 1986. Washoe. In Great Basin, edited by Warren L.
D’Azevedo, pp. 466-498. Handbook of North American Indians Vol. 11, William C.
Sturtevant, general editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
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silver output due to the final slump in Comstock ore production reduced
sawmilling in the Truckee Basin. After l88l, lumbering in the Truckee River
area proceeded at a slower and steadier rate, supplying the CPRR and other
railroads, other mines, and the building and fuel needs of growing
populations as far as the Wasatch Range in Utah. The period of lumbering in
the Truckee Basin from l88l through l909 chronicled the final operations of
seven of the nine big lumber operators, including the Pacific Lumber and
Wood Company (PL&WC), which operated in the vicinity of the proposed
project along Juniper Creek. During the final period of lumbering in the
Truckee Basin, between l9l0 through l936, the last of the virgin pine forests
were cleared and almost all the operators were taking some second growth
timber.
According to maps of Nevada County dating from 1880 and 1913, the
PL&WC owned land adjoining the project area in the east half of Section 3.
No ownership is shown on the 1880 map for the west half of the section,
which encompasses the project site.
The PL&WC centered their operations within the present-day Glenshire-
Devonshire subdivision on Juniper Flat and up Juniper Creek. A narrow
gauge railroad led to their mill site at Clinton (Camp l8 on the railroad and
now known as Hirschdale). The mill of the PL&WC was established in l870
by G. N. Folsom and H. W. Bragg, although control subsequently passed to
Fred Burchkhalter. In addition to the sawmill proper, it supported a full
outfit of planers, lathes, and molding machines, and produced all kinds of
dressed and planed lumber. As timber resources were depleted, the narrow
gauge line was abandoned in l90l, and, shortly thereafter, the machinery at
the Clinton mill was sold.
It is possible that another small independent logging operation, centered near
Union Mills (located about ½-mile north of the project site), may also have
harvested timber in the project site. One smaller operator during the period
l88l through l909, which may have logged closest to the project area, was the
partnership of Stewart McKay and J. A. Stewart. According to a 1913 map of
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Nevada County, Steward McKay owned property in Section 4, which adjoins
the project site on the west. McKay and Stewart put up a new mill on their
timberland near Union Mills in the spring of l89l. Six years later, Mr. McKay
bought his partner's interest and moved the mill to Sardine Valley and began
shipping lumber to Hobart Mills.
A 1913 map of Nevada County indicates that the entire project site was once
owned by the Union Ice Company. However, given the lack of sufficient
water it is doubtful that ice was ever manufactured in the project site. From
1868 through the 1920s, ice harvesting was an important business in the
Truckee area. Mergers of smaller ice companies formed powerful ice
corporations that competed for the ice trade.
California's growing major cities and the development of a relatively stable
population pattern led to the market demand for ice. The Sierra Nevada ice
industry developed greatly after the completion of the transcontinental
railroad, and the main center of the industry was located on tributaries of the
Truckee River and around Donner Pass. Sierra ice was noted for its crystal
purity and it was proudly served in large hotels throughout the nation. Ice
cooled the 140-degree temperatures deep in the shafts of the Comstock mines,
and it proved essential for refrigerating California produce during rail
shipment to the eastern markets.
3. Paleontological Setting
The bedrock of the project area is Miocene and Pliocene (25 to 2 million years
old) volcanic rock upon which younger Pleistocene (2 million to 10 thousand
years old) glacial and alluvial deposits are deposited. Miocene to Pliocene
volcanic rock forms the bedrock in and near the project site. These rocks
comprise the andesite and basalt flows that are common in the region.
Igneous rocks do not generally contain fossils and, therefore, are not
paleontologically sensitive.
Portions of the project area contain glacial and alluvial Pleistocene
sedimentary deposits. These deposits are generally loose gravel, sand, silt, and
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clay. Pleistocene alluvial deposits commonly contain vertebrate fossil
resources, including mammoth, bison, horse, camel, ground sloth, saber-
toothed cats, dire wolves, bear, rodents, birds, and reptiles.
4. Records Searches
LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) conducted a records search of the project site on
May 24, 2011, at the North Central Information Center (NCIC) of the
California Historical Resources Information System, Sacramento State
University. The NCIC, an affiliate of the State of California Office of
Historic Preservation, is the official State repository of cultural resource
records and reports for Nevada County.
Eight cultural resources are recorded in the project site:
¤ P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760. A prehistoric archaeological site consisting of a
lithic scatter comprising basalt and obsidian flaking debris and bifacial
tools.
¤ P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761. A prehistoric archaeological site consisting of
lithic scatter comprising basalt and obsidian flaking debris and a bifacial
tool.
¤ P-29-2840. An isolated prehistoric rose quartz projectile point.
¤ P-29-2841. An isolated prehistoric basalt projectile point.
¤ P-29-2842. An isolated prehistoric basalt waste flake.
¤ P-29-2843. An isolated prehistoric basalt waste flake.
¤ P-29-2844. An isolated historic olive green wine bottle.
¤ P-29-2845. An isolated prehistoric basalt biface.
On June 1, 2011, staff of the University of California Museum of
Paleontology (UCMP) conducted a fossil locality search of the project site
and a two-mile radius to identify recorded paleontological resources (fossils)
within and near the project site. No fossils have been recorded in the project
site or immediate vicinity.
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5. Field Surveys
Four previous cultural resources surveys have been conducted of the project
site. In 1998, archaeologists with California State University, Chico,
conducted a survey for the proposed Tahoe Boca Estates subdivision project.13
Eight prehistoric and historic-period resources were identified as a result of
this survey (see bulleted resource descriptions above). In 1995, a Registered
Professional Forester (RPF) conducted a cultural resources survey of 4,000
acres for a Timber Harvest Plan (THP) that included the proposed access road
connecting Martis Peak Road with the project site.14 No cultural resources
were identified within the access road portion of the proposed project.
Another RPF THP cultural resources survey was conducted of approximately
15 acres in the southern portion of the project site in 1998.15 No cultural
resources were identified as a result of the 1998 survey. In 2003, Susan
Lindström conducted a cultural resources study for the proposed Tahoe Boca
Estates subdivision project to update and confirm the findings of the 1998
survey completed for that project.16 Lindström conducted a field spot check
of P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761 and identified two
previously unidentified isolated basalt waste flakes.
LSA archaeologist, E. Timothy Jones, visited the project site on May 25,
2011, to identify the current conditions of prehistoric archaeological sites P-
29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761 and update the findings
13 Hamusek, Blossom, 1989. Archaeological Reconnaissance of Tahoe Boca
Estates, Nevada County, California. On file, NCIC Information Center, Sacramento
State University.
14 Johnson, James P., 1995. Archaeological and Historical Resources Survey and
Impact Assessment: A Supplemental Report for a Timber Harvesting Plan. On file, NCIC
Information Center, Sacramento State University.
15 Houdyschell, William H., 1998. Archaeological and Historical Resources
Survey and Impact Assessment: A Supplemental Report for a Timber Harvesting Plan. On
file, NCIC Information Center, Sacramento State University.
16 Lindström, Susan, 2003. Tahoe Boca Estates Project, Heritage Resource
Inventory Update, Truckee, California, Nevada County. On file, NCIC Information
Center, Sacramento State University.
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of Hamusek and Lindström. A low- to moderate-density scatter of basalt
waste flakes were identified at both sites, a single obsidian flake was identified
at P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760, and a possible basalt edge-modified flake tool
was identified at P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761. Both of these sites are in good
condition and are as described by Hamusek and Lindström.
In total, all of the aforementioned cultural resources surveys covered the
entire area considered by the proposed project.
C. Standards of Significance
Cultural resource impacts associated with the project would be considered
significant if they would:
¤ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical
resource as defined in CCR Section 15064.5.
¤ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to CCR Section 15064.5.
¤ Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or
unique geologic feature.
¤ Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal
cemeteries.
D. Impact Discussion
The proposed project has the potential to impact cultural resources, as
described below.
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical
resource as defined in CCR Section 15064.5.
No built environment historical resources were identified in the project site.
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Under CEQA, both prehistoric and historic-period archaeological sites may
qualify as historical resources.17 Eight isolated archaeological cultural
resources have been identified in the project site, as reported by Hamusek
(1989) and Lindström (2003). These isolates do not meet any of the criteria
for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources and no
protection or mitigation of project impacts to these resources is required.
Prehistoric archaeological sites P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-
NEV-1761 are considered historical resources for purposes of this project due
to their ability to yield information important in prehistory.18 Although
these sites are outside proposed building envelope areas, they could be
impacted by the proposed project due to increased visitation and use of the
area, including recreational activities such as hiking and biking as well as
construction and/or maintenance of soft surface recreational trails.
Under CEQA, a significant impact on the environment may occur when a
substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource occurs.
Such a change occurs when the significance of a resource is materially
impaired by the demolition or material alteration of its significant qualities.19
The proposed project has the potential to materially impair the ability of
P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761 to convey their
important information due to their disturbance (e.g. from illicit artifact
collection and physical damage from recreational uses), which could result in
a significant impact.
Although the project site has been surveyed for archaeological sites, the
potential for additional, previously unrecorded, sites exists. Archaeological
sites are frequently buried under alluvium with little or no surface
17 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(c),
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources.
18 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(a)(3)(D).
19 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(b):
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources.
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manifestation, and could have been obscured during archaeological surface
surveys. There is a potential, therefore, that project ground-disturbing
activities could disturb previously unidentified archaeological sites that
qualify as historical resources under CEQA. This could result in a significant
impact.
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5.
Background research and archaeological field surveys identified archaeological
isolates and two prehistoric archaeological sites in the project area, as
described above. None of these isolates or sites qualify as “unique
archaeological resources” as defined under CEQA.20 Therefore, the project’s
impacts on archaeological resources would be less than significant.
However, for purposes of CEQA,21 two of the prehistoric archaeological sites
— P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761 — are considered
historical resources as described in Standards of Significance and Impact
sections above.
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or
unique geologic feature.
Based on a fossil locality search conducted by the UCMP, no fossil localities
have been recorded within 2 miles of the project site. Two fossils, however,
have been identified near Boca Reservoir north of the project in Pleistocene
sediments similar to those that underlie the project site. The Pleistocene
sediments that underlie the project site have the potential to contain
paleontological resources. Project ground-disturbing activities, such as site
grading and trenching for utilities, have the potential to disturb significant
paleontological resources. This could result in a potentially significant impact.
20 California Public Resources Code, Section 21083.2: Archaeological
Resources.
21 California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15064.5(c):
Determining the Significance of Impacts on Historical and Unique Archaeological
Resources.
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d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal
cemeteries.
Human remains have not been identified in the project site. Native American
skeletal remains, however, are commonly associated with prehistoric
archaeological sites, and the possibility of buried remains in the project site
cannot be discounted. Project ground-disturbing activities, such as site
grading and trenching for utilities, have the potential to disturb human
remains interred outside of formal cemeteries. Disturbance of unknown
human remains would be a potentially significant impact. However, any
human remains encountered during project ground-disturbing activities are
required to be treated in accordance with California Health and Safety Code
Section 7050.5. Procedures of conduct following the discovery of human
remains have been mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5,
Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 and the California Code of
Regulations Section 15064.5(e) (CEQA). According to the provisions in
CEQA, if human remains are encountered at the site, all work in the
immediate vicinity of the discovery shall cease and necessary steps to ensure
the integrity of the immediate area shall be taken. The Nevada County
Coroner shall be notified immediately. The Coroner shall then determine
whether the remains are Native American. If the Coroner determines the
remains are Native American, the Coroner shall notify the NAHC within 24
hours, who will, in turn, notify the person the NAHC identifies as the most
likely descendent (MLD) of any human remains. Further actions shall be
determined, in part, by the desires of the MLD. The MLD has 48 hours to
make recommendations regarding the disposition of the remains following
notification from the NAHC of the discovery. If the MLD does not make
recommendations within 48 hours, the owner shall, with appropriate dignity,
reinter the remains in an area of the property secure from further
disturbance. Alternatively, if the owner does not accept the MLD’s
recommendations, the owner or the descendent may request mediation by the
NAHC. Through implementation of mandatory regulatory procedures
described above impacts to human remains would be less than significant and
no mitigation measures are required.
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR
CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5-17
E. Cumulative Impacts
This section analyzes potential impacts on cultural resources that could occur
from a combination of the project with the Town buildout identified in the
Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan and reasonably foreseeable projects in the
surrounding area. The geographic scope of this analysis is taken as the Town
of Truckee sphere of influence (SOI), as defined in the Town of Truckee 2025
General Plan and reasonably foreseeable projects in the surrounding area.
Therefore, a cumulative impact would be considered significant if, taken
together with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects in the Town
of Truckee SOI and other reasonably foreseeable projects in the surrounding
area, it would increase the density of the area and may further threaten
significant cultural resources in the vicinity.
Professional archeologists generally recognize that population growth
increases the probability for vandalism and other purposeful as well as
inadvertent acts that destroy significant archeological resources. Impacts to
cultural resources tend to be site-specific and are assessed on a site-by-site
basis. The significance of the impacts would depend largely on what, if any,
cultural resources occur on or near the sites of the projects that would occur
through the Town buildout identified in the Town of Truckee 2025 General
Plan and reasonably foreseeable projects in the surrounding area, and the
importance or historical significance of those resources. The extent of the
cultural resources (if any) that occur at the other sites of the other project
sites is unknown, and thus, it is not known whether any of the related
projects would result in significant impacts to cultural resources. However,
similar to the proposed project, such determinations would be made on a
case-by-case basis and, if necessary, the applicants of the related projects
would be required to implement the appropriate mitigation measures. Thus,
given that the proposed project’s cultural resources impacts can be mitigated
to a less than significant level, the proposed project’s impacts to cultural
resources would not be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, cumulative
impacts to cultural resources would be less than significant and no mitigation
measures are required.
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR
CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5-18
F. Impacts and Mitigation Measures
The proposed project could significantly impact archaeological sites, and
paleontological resources. Mitigation measures for these impacts are provided
below.
Impact CULT-1: Increased use of the project site and project ground-
disturbing activities could have significant impacts on prehistoric
archaeological deposits that qualify as “historical resources” under CEQA.
Mitigation Measure CULT-1a: All surface remains from prehistoric sites
P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761 shall be
collected, analyzed, and reported upon, leaving potential subsurface
archaeological deposits intact and undisturbed.
Additional study at both sites shall be conducted, including the following
activities:
¤ Field artifact technical analysis prior to project ground-disturbing
activities;
¤ 100 percent collection of all surface artifacts;
¤ Submittal of a small representative sample of collected artifacts for
basalt sourcing analysis; and
¤ Completion of a catalog of items collected and preparation of a brief
report presenting findings of the lithics analysis.
The final report and catalog shall be submitted to the NCIC; artifacts
collected from these sites shall be curated in an appropriate facility to
allow for future research and public interpretation of the collection.
Prehistoric sites P-29-2838/CA-NEV-1760 and P-29-2839/CA-NEV-1761
shall remain within protected open-space areas to avoid impacts from
ground-disturbing activities. During project construction, a protective
buffer shall be maintained by installing temporary fencing around each
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR
CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5-19
site; this activity shall be directed by a professional archaeologist.
Fencing shall be removed after project ground-disturbing activities cease.
The Town shall be responsible for ensuring that the stipulations of
Mitigation Measure CULT-1a are completed. The applicant shall be
responsible for funding implementation of this mitigation measure.
Mitigation Measure CULT-1b: In the event that archaeological materials
are discovered during project activities, the applicant shall inform its
contractor(s) of the archaeological sensitivity of the project site by
including the following italicized measures in contract documents. The
Town shall verify that the following language is included in the
appropriate contract documents:
“If prehistoric or historical archaeological deposits are discovered during
project activities, all work within 25 feet of the discovery shall be redirected
and a qualified archaeologist contacted to assess the situation, consult with
agencies as appropriate, and make recommendations regarding the
treatment of the discovery. Project personnel shall not collect or move any
archaeological materials or human remains and associated materials.
Archaeological resources can include flaked-stone tools (e.g. projectile points,
knives, choppers) or obsidian, chert, basalt, or quartzite toolmaking debris;
bone tools; culturally darkened soil (i.e. midden soil often containing heat-
affected rock, ash and charcoal, shellfish remains, faunal bones, and cultural
materials); and stone-milling equipment (e.g. mortars, pestles, handstones).
Prehistoric archaeological sites often contain human remains. Historical
materials can include wood, stone, concrete, or adobe footings, walls, and
other structural remains; debris-filled wells or privies; and deposits of wood,
glass, ceramics, metal, and other refuse.”
Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant
Impact CULT-2: Pleistocene sediments underlie the project site and have the
potential to contain paleontological resources. Should project ground-
disturbing activities encounter such resources, a substantial adverse change in
TOWN OF TRUCKEE
CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR
CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5-20
their significance (e.g. their disturbance or destruction) would constitute a
significant impact under CEQA.
Mitigation Measure CULT-2: In the event that fossils are discovered
during project activities, the applicant shall inform its contractor(s) of the
paleontological sensitivity of the project site by including the following
italicized language in contract documents. The Town shall verify that
the following language is included in the appropriate contract documents:
“The subsurface at the construction site may be sensitive for paleontological
resources. If paleontological resources are encountered during project
subsurface construction, all ground-disturbing activities within 25 feet shall
be redirected and a qualified paleontologist contacted to assess the situation,
consult with agencies as appropriate, and make recommendations for the
treatment of the discovery. Project personnel shall not collect or move any
paleontological materials. Paleontological resources include fossil plants
and animals, and such trace fossil evidence of past life as tracks. Ancient
marine sediments may contain invertebrate fossils such as snails, clam and
oyster shells, sponges, and protozoa; and vertebrate fossils such as fish,
whale, and sea lion bones. Vertebrate land mammals may include bones of
mammoth, camel, saber tooth cat, horse, and bison. Paleontological
resources also include plant imprints, petrified wood, and animal tracks.”
Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant