SES Solar One – Supplemental Info In Response to CEC Data Adequacy Requests Application for Certification (TPD0904042)

TECHNICAL AREA: AIR QUALITY

Data Adequacy Request 1.       Provide a discussion of the mitigation measures that will

be proposed to mitigate the potentially adverse operations maintenance emissions of NO_x, VOC, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5.

Response:   Operations maintenance activities will consist of mirror washing, servicing and maintenance of Suncatchers, site inspection and security, and delivery and removal of supplies and waste. The air pollutant emission sources associated with these maintenance activities include combustion exhaust from on-road vehicles (i.e., trucks) and off-road equipment such as forklifts and man lifts, and the fugitive dust these vehicles create while driving on paved and sealed roads.

The new design of the site operations, the improved travel demand assumptions, and the use of fuel-efficient and low emitting gasoline wash and maintenance trucks present a drastic reduction of maintenance and delivery vehicles trips and miles traveled. Second, all roads that access the SunCatchers will be sealed with a sealant such as Soiltac™, to minimize fugitive dust emissions. Consequently, emissions from the operations maintenance will drastically decrease as compared to the first estimates. These emission estimates are still being refined, although an onsite dust reduction of approximately 60% is anticipated primarily due to the travel of vehicles on sealed roads as opposed to travel on unpaved roads.

The mitigation measures that are proposed to mitigate the potentially adverse operations maintenance emissions of NO_x, VOC, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are presented below.

• Application of the chemical dust suppressant Soiltac™ or similar product to all maintenance roads. This will reduce particulate emissions.        Soiltac™ is an acrylic-based liquid copolymer used to stabilize and solidify any soil as well as control erosion and suppress dust, manufactured by Soilworks™, LLC. Once applied to the soil, the copolymer molecules coalesce to form bonds between the soil particles. As water dissipates from the soil, a durable matrix of flexible solid mass is created. Once cured, Soiltac™ becomes:
  • completely transparent, leaving the natural landscape to appear untouched,
  • completely odorless,
  • biodegradable,
  • non-flammable and non-volatile,
  • non-hazardous,
  • non-corrosive and safe for all equipment,
  • non-slippery and safe to walk and drive on,
  • ecologically and environmentally safe,
  • human, animal, marine life and vegetation safe,
  • water resistant (will not break down with water),
  • non-tracking & non-transferable (will not be picked up onto vehicles),
  • non-leaching (will not continue to seep into the soil),
  • ultraviolet ray resistant (will not break down in sunlight),
  • non-dissipating (will not wash away with water once cured), and
  • alkaline soil resistant (will not break down in alkaline soils).

• For dust suppression, a modest application creates a 3-dimensional cap or surface crust that reacts like a paved road and can remain effective for several months or years, depending on the application rate. Soiltac™ has been successfully applied to unpaved dirt roads, construction sites, aircraft runways, helipads, and parking lots for fugitive dust control, erosion control, silt loading control and road/soil stabilization. Tests conducted by ERDC in Douglas, AZ during the period from March to August 2004, showed that depending on the application rate and length, dust control efficiency ranging from 79% to 93% can be achieved in a desert environment. (Reference: Evaluation of Application Methods and Products for Mitigating Dust for Lines-of-Communication and Base Camp Operations. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), March 2005.) Applicant realizes that re-application may be required to maintain dust control efficiency.
• A requirement that all vehicle travels associated with maintenance activities occur only on paved or chemically-sealed roads.
• It is anticipated that each wash vehicle will wash two (2) SunCatchers at the same time. This will reduce by half the number of wash vehicles needed, number of maintenance trips, idling time and vehicle miles traveled. Consequently, the emissions of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO_x and VOCs will be reduced.
• Use of only one 5,000 gallon regular gasoline storage tank that incorporates CARB-certified Phase I & II vapor recovery systems. Furthermore, the tank will be filled only when necessary to reduce turnover. Truck refueling will also be kept to a minimum.
• All previously proposed diesel-fueled wash vehicles and other maintenance trucks will be replaced with new gasoline-fuel vehicles that meet California vehicle emissions standards. This will eliminate the emissions of toxic diesel particulate and reduce ozone precursor emissions.
• All security vehicles used for site inspection and security will now be hybrid vehicles, most likely Toyota Highlander Hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUV) or similar vehicle. The Toyota Highlander SUV is a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) that meets both Tier 2/Bin 3 Federal standards and California ULEV II standards.

• Van pooling of employees from Barstow during operations will be provided.
• Hydrogen will be produced and stored onsite and distributed to each SunCatcher. The hydrogen will be generated from water and project or grid generated electricity. The previously proposed individual hydrogen cylinders associated with each SunCatcher will be eliminated and replaced with a central distribution system. Thus, all hydrogen cylinder delivery truck trips would be eliminated. Moreover, less maintenance of the SunCatcher hydrogen system will be required and will be conducted from the maintenance trucks instead of cylinder delivering trucks, thus reducing trips and VMTs and total emissions.
• Scheduled and well planned vacuum-sweeping and/or water-flushing will be utilized on paved road surfaces to remove buildup of loose material to control dust emissions from travel on the paved access road and paved parking areas.
• Propane-fuel fork lift and man lifts will be utilized for maintenance activities requiring such equipment.
• SES is committed to better travel demand management so as to reduce VMTs whenever and wherever possible and to using alternatively fueled vehicles as they become available for maintenance activities.

TECHNICAL AREA: AIR QUALITY

Data Adequacy Request 2.       Please provide the permit application completeness letter

from the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. This letter is expected in early January.

Response: The permit was submitted to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) on January 29, 2009. The completeness letter dated January 6, 2009 was received from MDAQMD on March 3, 2009. The District stated in its letter: “On a preliminary basis, the District finds that there is a substantial likelihood that the proposed facility will satisfy applicable District rules and regulations; the District has reviewed this application and finds it to’ be complete; as required by ‘Rules 1302(B) and 1306(C). “ Both are provided as attachment AQ-1.

March 3, 2009

Robert Liden

Executive VP, Stirling Energy Systems 2920 E. Camelback Road, Suite 150

Phoenix, AZ, 85016

Re:      Application Completeness

Dear Mr. Liden:

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (District) has reviewed the application submittals for the emergency internal combustion engine and aboveground gasoline dispensing tank, and have determined them to be complete. Work will now begin on the Preliminary Decision Document pursuant to District Regulation XIII, which is anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2009.

If you have any questions regarding this action, please contact Samuel J. Oktay PE, Air Quality Engineer, at (760            45-1661,-xl610.

Supervising Air Quality Engineer

cc:        Christopher Meyer, Solar One Project Manager, CEC

January 6, 2009

Christopher Meyer, Project Manager California Energy Commission

1516 Ninth Street, MS-15 Sacramento, CA 95814-5512

Re:       SES Solar One Project, Request for Agency Participation, Application for Certification (08-AFC-13)

Dear Mr. Meyer:

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (District) received a Request for Agency Participation and Application for Certification for the SES Solar One Project (Solar One), Docket 08-AFC-13, dated December 21, 2008. In accordance with Rule 1306(B)(l), the District is hereby notifying you of its intent to participate in the Solar One proceedings. On a preliminary basis, the District finds that there is a substantial likelihood that the proposed facility will satisfy applicable District rn)es and regulations; the District has reviewed this application and finds it to· be complete; as require’d by Rules l 302(B) and 1306(C).

The District understands that the: proposed project is a Solar Electric generating facility utilizing Stirling Heat Engines and solar collector technology that will not require combustion for energy production. Air pollutant emissions is limited to a relatively small diesel fueled emergency electrical generator, emergency diesel fueled fire pumps, fugitive emissions associated with grading operations and subsequent emissions from vehicles for array maintenance and general facility operations.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Samuel J. Oktay, PE, assigned Air Quality Engim:er, at 760-:-245-1661, exknsion 1610, or Alan De Salvio, Supervising Air Quality Engineer, at (760) 245-1661 extension 6726.

Sincerely,

Eldon Heaston

Executive Director

cc:        Director, Office of Air Division USEPA Region IX

Chief, Statiorniry Source Division CARB

Will Walter; CEC Air Quality Analyst

SES_Solar_One_AFC_Complete.doc

January 28, 2009

Ms. Barbara Weese Air Quality Specialist

Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District 14306 Park Avenue

Victorville, CA 92392

Subject:             Authority to Construct’Permit to Construct Application URS Project No. 27658172.10000

Dear Ms. Weese:

Stirling Energy Systems (SES) is pleased to submit this ATC/PTC General Permit Application to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) for the Solar One facility. The Solar One Project Site will be a newly constructed solar power plant located in an undeveloped area of San Bernardino County, California between Newberry Springs and Ludlow, California, near Interstate 40.

An Application for Certification has been submitted to the California Energy Commission and a copy has been, or will be sent to the MDAQMD.

Operational stationary sources of emissions for the Solar One Project will be limited to one emergency diesel generator. The emergency generator will be rated at approximately 345 horsepower. The emergency generator will be tested 1 hour per week (52 hours per year) to ensure operability in the event of an emergency.

In addition to the above-mentioned source, there will be one 5,000-gallon gasoline storage tank located at the project site. This tank will dispense gasoline to onsite maintenance vehicles and will incorporate appropriate control devices.

Included in this Application submittal are the required MDAQMD forms signed by the appropriate Responsible Individuals, a brief description of each source to be permitted including operating hours, a plot plan indicating the locations of all permitted sources, tables presenting estimated pollutant emissions, and a check for $452.00 to cover all required permitting fees. Specifically, Rule 301 (E)(7)(g)(i) or (ii) for one emergency generator ($226.00) and Rule 301 (E)(5)(a) for one above-ground storage tank less than I 0,00 I gallons ($226.00).

URS Corporation

1615 Murray Canyon Road Suite 1000

San Diego, CA 92108 Tel·. 619.294.9400

Fax: 619.293.7920                                                                                                                  W:2765817210000-a-l.doc28-Jan-09SDG

Ms. Barbara Weese Air Quality Specialist

Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District January 28, 2009

Page 2

Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional information or to answer any questions that may arise. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Julie Mitchell

Senior Air Quality Scientist

JM:ml

cc:        Robert Liden, Stirling Energy Systems

Christopher Meyer, California Energy Commission Bill Magdych, URS

Attachments:      Solar 1 Site Plan

MDAQMD Gas Tank Application MDAQMD ICE Application

W:12765817210000-a-Ldoc26-Jan-09SDG

MOJAVE DESERT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

14306 Park Avenue.Victorville, CA 92392-2383

(760) 245-1661                       Facsimile: (760) 245-2022

http://www.mdaqmd.ca.gov

Eldon Heaston Executive Director

APPLICATION FOR GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITIES

MOJAVE DESERT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT                            www.mdaqmd.ca.gov

14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392-2310                                                        Eldon Heaston

(760) 245-1661                Facsimile: (760) 245-2022                                              Executive Director

APPLICATION FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (I.C.E.) ONLY

TECHNICAL AREA: AIR QUALITY

Data Adequacy Request 4.         Provide an air quality modeling analysis that includes the

operations maintenance criteria pollutant emission sources.

Response: On February 4, 2009, CEC staff was contacted to discuss how to best address this data adequacy request. In light of the previously filed AFC by SES for the Solar Two Project being required to conduct extensive re- analysis of both construction and operational emissions and conduct new modeling for each of these times, it was agreed that to minimize CEC staff review time for both projects, it would be prudent to allow CEC time to review the Solar Two Project new analyses, then conduct the Solar One new analyses in a similar fashion, ensuring only one iteration of the Solar One analyses for CEC to review.

Staff agreed that a modeling protocol could be submitted to fulfill this data adequacy request, given that SES ultimately will provide new operational modeling that includes the maintenance sources. Staff noted that a delay in providing the new operational modeling may cause a delay in review of that modeling analysis. SES is committed to providing the revised operational modeling analysis as soon as practical.

The modeling protocol for conducting the operational modeling is provided as Attachment AQ-2.

MODELING PROTOCOL FOR THE OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS FOR SES SOLAR ONE PROJECT

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Prepared for

California Energy Commission

URS Project No. 27658189.10000

March 30, 2009

URS 

1615 Murray Canyon Road, Suite 1000 San Diego, CA 92108-4314 619.294.9400                           Fax: 619.293.7920

Section 1        Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………… 1-1

1.1          Background……………………………………………………………………………………… 1-1

1.2          Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………… 1-1

1.3          Description Of The Proposed Sources……………………………………………………. 1-1

1.4          Regulatory Setting…………………………………………………………………………….. 1-2

Section 2        Models Proposed and Modeling Techniques…………………………………………. 2-1

2.1          Air Quality Dispersion Modeling………………………………………………………….. 2-1

2.2          Modeling Emissions Inventory…………………………………………………………….. 2-3

Section 3        Presentation of Modeling Results………………………………………………………….. 3-1

3.1          NAAQS and CAAQS Analysis…………………………………………………………….. 3-1

3.2          Data Submittal………………………………………………………………………………….. 3-1

Section 4        References……………………………………………………………………………………………. 4-1

mm                              Micrometers or microns

AAQS                        Ambient Air Quality Standards

AERMOD                 American Meteorological Society/ Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model

AFC                           Application For Certification

BLM                          Bureau of Land Management

BPIP                          Building profile input program

°C                               degrees Celsius

CAAQS                     California Ambient Air Quality Standards

CARB                        California Air Resources Board

CEC                           California Energy Commission

CEQA                        California Environmental Quality Act

CO                             Carbon monoxide

DOC                          Determination of Compliance

EMFAC2007             The EMission FACtors (EMFAC) model from CARB GEP                           Good engineering practice

km                              Kilometers

kW                             Kilowatt

LLC                            Limited Liability Company

MDAQMD                Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District MW                            Megawatt

NAAQS                     National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NNSR                        Non-attainment New Source Review

NO₂                            Nitrogen dioxide

NO_x                            Nitrogen oxides

NSR                           New source review

O₃                               Ozone

OFFROAD2007        Off-Road Emission Factor Model from CARB O&M                          operational and maintenance

OLM                          ozone-limiting method

Pb                               Lead

PCU                           Power Conversion Unit

PM_2.5                          Particulate matter less than 2.5 mm in diameter

PM₁₀                           Particulate matter less than 10 mm in diameter

ppm                            Parts per million

PSD                            Prevention of Significant Deterioration

ROC                           Reactive organic compound

SO₂                             Sulfur dioxide

SES                            Stirling Energy Systems

tpy                              Tons per year

USEPA                      United States Environmental Protection Agency

VOC                           Volatile organic compound

W:2765817210000-b-r.doc

SECTION 1   INTRODUCTION

1.1        BACKGROUND

The Stirling Energy Systems (SES) Solar One (Solar One or Project) will be a solar thermal electric generation facility consisting of approximately 34,000 solar dish Stirling systems, SunCatchers, its associated equipment and systems, and its support infrastructure. The only stationary source of air pollutant emissions for the Project operation will be one emergency diesel generator. The nominal design electric capacity of the Project is approximately 850 megawatts (MW). The Project will be one of the world’s largest solar power projects. It will be owned and operated by SES Solar Three, LLC (Limited Liability Company) and SES Solar Six, LLC.

The Project Site is approximately 8,230 acres and is located in a rural area in San Bernardino County, California between Newberry Springs and Ludlow, California, near I-40. Barstow is approximately 37 miles west of the site; Newberry Springs is located approximately 17 miles west of the site; Victorville is approximately 57 miles southwest of the site; and Ludlow is located approximately 13 miles east of the site. The area where the Project would be constructed is primarily open, undeveloped land within the Mojave Desert.

1.2        PURPOSE

In Data Adequacy Request 4 for SES Solar One Application for Certification (08-AFC-13), CEC has requested an air quality modeling analysis that includes criteria pollutant emissions from all operational sources, including on-site maintenance activities. In the AFC an air quality analysis of the stationary emission sources was conducted, and that analysis was appropriate for air permitting requirements of the MDAQMD. The analysis requested in Data Adequacy Request 4 goes beyond the normal requirements for air permitting and CEQA analyses. This document summarizes the procedures proposed by URS Corporation to conduct the requested additional operational air quality modeling analysis. The techniques described here are similar in many respects to those that were used in the AFC analysis of the Project’s construction phase impacts to air quality. These same modeling techniques will be also used to assess the overlap between the construction and operations phases, if this is required. Modeling of overlapping construction and operational emissions will not be conducted, if the peak concentrations predicted from the construction phase plus the peak concentrations predicted during the operational summed are less than the most stringent AAQS.

This protocol is being submitted in response to Data Adequacy Request 4 for review and comment by CEC prior to conducting the operations modeling for the Solar One Project. The proposed model selection and modeling approach is based on review of applicable regulations and agency guidance documents.

1.3        DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED SOURCES

The only stationary sources associated with the Solar One Project that emit air pollutants and require air permits from the Mojave Desert AQMD are a 250kW emergency diesel generator and a 5,000 gallon gasoline tank. The gasoline tank will have emissions of VOCs, but these are not included in the air quality

modeling. The diesel firewater pump engine that was included in the AFC has been replaced by an electric pump, and will operate from project generated electricity, grid electricity or electricity from the emergency generator.

There will also be fuel combustion exhaust emissions from the mobile sources used to wash and maintain the SunCatchers and other facility components, and the fugitive dust associated with the travel of these vehicles.

1.4        REGULATORY SETTING

The project is subject to the site licensing requirements of the California Energy Commission (CEC). The CEC will coordinate its independent air quality evaluations with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) through the Determination of Compliance (DOC) process.

The Federal 40 CFR Part 51 and 40 CFR Part 93 Subpart B §93.150 to §93.160 establish the criteria for siting new emission sources and the requirement for General Conformity analysis, respectively. The Project is potentially subject to the General Conformity regulations because the site will be on BLM lands. BLM has authority as the responsible federal agency. MDAQMD has the authority by USEPA for administering the NSR process and helping BLM to determine Federal General Conformity, as described in MDAQMD Regulation XIII and Regulation XX, respectively. The analyses outlined in this protocol, will fulfill the MDAQMD and USEPA requirements. The Project’s operational and construction emission estimates will be compared with the applicability thresholds to determine if the Project needs to perform a further general conformity analysis.

USEPA, in response to the federal CAA of 1970, established federal NAAQS in 40 CFR Part 50. The federal NAAQS include both primary and secondary standards for six “criteria” pollutants, O₃, CO, NO₂, SO₂, PM₁₀, and Pb. Ambient air quality impact modeling will be conducted to demonstrate compliance with the NAAQS.

The area around the proposed Project Facility is classified as unclassified/attainment with respect to the national ambient standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), CO, SO₂, and particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM_2.5), and non-attainment for ozone (O₃) and particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM₁₀). With respect to the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), the area around the proposed Project Facility is classified as attainment for NO₂, CO, and SO₂, and non- attainment for O₃, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀. NO₂ and SO₂ are regulated as PM₁₀ precursors, and NO₂ and reactive organic compounds (ROCs) as O₃ precursors.

The purpose of the air quality dispersion modeling analysis is to demonstrate that air emissions from the proposed Project will not cause or contribute significantly to an AAQS violation. Compliance with the MDAQMD Rule 1303 modeling requirements for attainment pollutants will be demonstrated by determining the maximum impact of the proposed Project at any receptor and adding a conservative background concentration. The proposed Project facility will not be considered to cause or contribute to a near-field ambient air quality violation unless impacts from these sources combined with the background concentration exceed the most stringent ambient air quality standard or contribute significantly to an existing violation of a standard for a nonattainment pollutant.

SECTION 2 MODELS PROPOSED AND MODELING TECHNIQUES

This section describes the dispersion models and modeling techniques that are proposed to be used in performing the air quality analysis for the proposed Project. The objectives of the modeling are to demonstrate that air emissions from the proposed Project will not cause or contribute significantly to an exceedance of the ambient air quality standards.

2.1        AIR QUALITY DISPERSION MODELING

The USEPA American Meteorological Society/ Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) version (07026) will be used for the air quality analyses associated with the proposed Project facility. The maximum modeled pollutant concentrations due to project sources will be added to a conservative background concentration, based on recent data from the CARB and MDAQMD air quality monitoring stations determined to be most representative of pre-project conditions in the project area. The modeled plus background concentrations will be compared with the most stringent ambient air quality standard.

Air quality modeling using AERMOD will be conducted to evaluate the criteria pollutant impacts from the operational phase of the Project in a similar manner as was done for the construction phase. The construction analysis was presented in the AFC. Specific modeling techniques used in the AERMOD analyses for the required AAQS analysis are discussed below.

As in the construction analysis, the land use will be rural and all regulatory model default options will be used, including building and stack tip downwash (in the operation model only), default wind speed profiles, exclusion of deposition and gravitational settling, consideration of buoyant plume rise, and complex terrain.

For the AERMOD simulations that evaluate operational impacts on NO₂ concentrations, the ozone- limiting method (OLM) option of the model will be used to take into account the role of ambient O₃ in limiting the conversion of emitted NO_x (which occurs mostly in the form of NO) to NO₂, the pollutant regulated by ambient standards. The input data to the AERMOD-OLM model will include the representative hourly O₃ monitoring data for the same year corresponding to the meteorological input record.   The simulations will use the O₃ data from the MDAQMD Barstow Monitoring Station for the year 2005, the same year as the meteorological input data to the model. This station was judged to be most representative of conditions at the proposed Project site, and the AERMOD-OLM version of the model will be run for both the one-hour and annual averaging times. The peak NO₂ concentration predicted with AERMOD will be added to the peak NO₂ concentration measured at the three nearest monitoring stations. If the one hour NO₂ concentration predicted using the peak background concentration is greater than the CAAQS, then a less conservative approach will be used. The NO₂ concentration measured at the Barstow monitoring station for the same hour as when the model predicted the peak concentration will be added to the peak model concentration.

2.1.1         Building Wake Effects

The effect of building wakes (i.e., downwash) upon the stack plumes of the proposed Project operational emission sources will be evaluated in accordance with USEPA guidance (USEPA, 1985). Direction- specific building data will be generated for stacks below good engineering practice (GEP) stack height using the most recent version of USEPA Building Parameter Input Program – Prime (BPIP-Prime). Appropriate information on the locations and dimensions of building, tanks and other structures of the operational Project site will be provided in the analysis to supplement the AFC. The AERMOD model considers direction-specific downwash using both the Huber Snyder and Schulman-Scire algorithms as evaluated in the BPIP-Prime program.

2.1.2         Receptor Grid

Based on extensive experience modeling power plant construction phase effects, maximum concentrations for all pollutants due to maintenance vehicle operations are expected to occur within the first 100 meters from the Project boundary. Maximum operational pollutant concentrations from the backup diesel generator engine and on-site operational maintenance mobile sources can also be expected to occur at receptor points on or near to the Project boundary. Accordingly, the model receptor grid for the AERMOD simulations described in this protocol for both operational and construction sources will be configured as follows:

• 50-meter spacing along the fence line, and
• 100-meter spacing from fence line to approximately 1 km beyond the property line. Terrain heights at receptor grid points will be determined from USGS digital elevation model files.

2.1.3         Meteorological Data

The AERMOD modeling analysis to evaluate the potential effects of Project operations will use the same one year of hourly meteorological data set described in the AFC and used for the construction analysis. The meteorological data were collected at the nearest long-term meteorological station to the Project Site, the Barstow Daggett Airport, which is located approximately 13 miles east of the Project Site. Hourly meteorological data for year 2005 was selected due to the high data capture available in that year for that station (greater than 90 percent). Details regarding the meteorological data processing can be found in the AFC.

2.1.4         Air Quality Monitoring Data

The same ambient air quality data used in the construction modeling presented in the AFC will be used to represent the background air quality for the operations modeling. The maximum measured pollutant concentrations from the Barstow, Victorville and Trona air monitoring sites over the last three years (2005-2007) will be used to represent background air quality for the modeling analyses and will be added to the modeled peak impacts due to proposed Project emission sources. The convention of assuming that the peak concentration resulting from project emission sources will occur at the same time and location as the highest recorded concentration at the nearest monitoring station is extremely conservative, and will

ensure that the modeling analysis will error on the side of overestimation with regard to the comparison of predicted impacts with applicable ambient standards.

2.2        MODELING EMISSIONS INVENTORY

2.2.1.1 Operational Project Sources

Air pollutant emission sources associated with thermal solar electric generation are much smaller than for conventional power plants. Operational stationary sources of emissions for the Project will be limited to only one backup diesel internal combustion engine driver for an emergency generator. The fire water pump will be electrically powered; thus no emissions will be associated with this engine. Emission rates to be used in the model for the emergency diesel generator will be based on vendor-supplied or EPA Title 40 CFR 89.112 Tier 3 emission factors, whichever factor is higher. The exclusive fuel for the emergency generator will be ultra-low sulfur diesel containing a maximum of 15 ppm sulfur.

In addition to the stationary source, combustion exhaust and fugitive dust emissions are expected to occur from the operations and maintenance (O&M) equipment and vehicles used during the Project operation. These will consist of wash vehicles that will clean the SunCatchers up to once a month, LRU trucks that will maintain the SunCatchers and Power Conversion Units (PCUs), forklifts to move supplies, security vehicles, commuter vehicles and occasional delivery trucks and waste removal trucks. Estimated daily vehicle quantities and labor requirements presented in the AFC have been revised by the project design engineers since the submittal of the AFC. Emissions for the operational modeling will be estimated based on the revised project operations data. Operational exhaust emissions will be estimated using emission factors from the EMFAC2007 and OFFROAD2007 emissions models for on-road and off-road mobile sources, respectively.

SES has reevaluated activities associated with the operation and maintenance of the Solar One Project in an effort to reduce air emissions. The primary changes are outlined below. All diesel- fueled wash vehicles, other maintenance trucks and vans for commuting will be replaced with new gasoline-fuel vehicles that meet strict California vehicle emissions standards. This will eliminate emissions of toxic diesel particulate from these vehicles and reduce ozone precursor emissions. Propane will be used to fuel the forklifts and man lifts used for maintenance activities. All vehicles used for site inspection and security will be replaced with hybrid vehicles, most likely the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sport utility vehicles or similar vehicle. Hydrogen will now be produced onsite and travel through a closed-cycle system to drive a high-efficiency engine in each SunCatcher, eliminating the need for numerous hydrogen cylinder delivery truck trips. Better travel management will reduce the mileage of each vehicle compared with the data presented in the AFC, thus reducing both exhaust and fugitive dust emissions.

The polymeric sealant, Soiltac^TM (or a product with similar or better performance), will be applied to all unpaved roads throughout the Project site to control fugitive dust during both construction and operations. The application of this sealant on the roads will create a surface that will resemble pavement for the purposes of dust reduction. The sealant will be sprayed onto surfaces from a truck not unlike a water truck that would be used for dust control purposes. There will be no unpaved or unsealed roads on the site during operation, and no offroad travel by any equipment. The paved road emission factors and equations from USEPA Compilation of Emission Factors AP-42 (Fifth edition, EPA 1995) will be applied to estimate the fugitive emissions from travel on sealed or paved roads (Section 13.2.1).

The emission rate and stack parameters for the diesel generator will be the same as presented in the AFC and will be represented as a point source in the model.

Mobile vehicle exhaust emissions will be represented in the AERMOD model as point sources and spread randomly throughout the sections of the site were maintenance activities are anticipated to occur. All point sources will be given generic stack parameters representative of 50, 100, and 200 horsepower engines for forklifts, staff & visitor cars, and the remainder of maintenance & delivery trucks, respectively. The stack parameters for generic engines are provided in the Risk Management Guidance for the Permitting of New Stationary Source Diesel-Fueled Engine (CARB, October 2000). The assumed stack height will be 0.5, 2, and 3 meters for the point sources of staff cars, off-road equipment, and maintenance trucks, respectively. Since the stack parameters for gasoline and other fuel engines may be different from the diesel ones, appropriate stack parameters for the non-diesel engines will be obtained from the project engineers. However, volume sources will be used as an alternative in the AERMOD model to represent the mobile sources if there are no good stack parameters available at this preliminary design stage. For vehicles with horizontal exhausts, the volume sources will have an initial release height of 2 meters. Emissions of fugitive dust (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) will be represented as area sources in the operations modeling.

The Solar One facility will operate 24 hours per day, therefore emissions from all sources associated with normal project operations will be modeled over 24 hours per day.

SECTION 3   PRESENTATION OF MODELING RESULTS

3.1        NAAQS AND CAAQS ANALYSIS

For CO, PM_10, PM_2.5, NO₂, and SO₂, the maximum predicted short-term and annual concentrations due to project emissions plus conservatively estimated background levels will be reported and compared with California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The results of the AAQS compliance analyses for the proposed Project will be presented in summary tables.

3.2        DATA SUBMITTAL

Electronic copies of the modeling input and output files for all the analyses described in this protocol will be copied to a DVD/CD and provided to the CEC.

SECTION 4    REFERENCES

California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2000. Risk Management Guidance for the Permitting of New Stationary Source Diesel-Fueled Engine, October 2000.

CEC, 1997. “Regulations Pertaining to the Rules of Practice and Procedure and Plant Site Certification”.

Title 20, California Code of Regulations. Chapter 1, 2, 5.

CEC, 2006. Rules of Practice and Procedure & Power Plant Site Certification Regulations Revisions, 04-SIT-2, December 14, 2006.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1985. Guideline for Determination of Good Engineering Practice Stack Height (Technical Support Document for the Stack Height Regulations), EPA-450/4-85-023R, June 1985.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1995. Compilation of Emission Factors AP-42 (Fifth edition, 1995).

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2004. User’s Guide for the AMS/EPA Regulatory Model-AERMOD. EPA-454/B-03-001, September 2004.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2006. Addendum User’s Guide for the AMS/EPA Regulatory Model-AERMOD. December 2006.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2007. AERMOD Implementation Guide. October 2007.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2008. AERMOD Implementation Guide. January 2008.

TECHNICAL AREA: AIR QUALITY

Data Adequacy Request 5.      Provide a detailed discussion of the mitigation measures

that will be proposed to mitigate the operations maintenance emissions of emissions that currently exceed ambient air quality standards (NOx and VOC as ozone precursors, PM10, and PM2.5), but are not subject to offset requirements under the district’s new source review rule.

Response: Currently, the Project Area is located in a federal and state nonattainment area for ozone (O₃) and PM₁₀ and state nonattainment area for PM_2.5 and is unclassified for federal PM_2.5. The operations maintenance emissions will mainly come from mobile sources that are not subject to offset requirements under the district’s NSR rule. The application of the project modifications and mitigation measures detailed in the response to Data Adequacy Request 1 will reduce the operational maintenance mobile source emissions significantly from those presented in the AFC. Emission reductions from the onsite and offsite stationary and mobile sources are anticipated to be between 70% and 90% of those presented in the AFC.

TECHNICAL AREA: ALTERNATIVES

Data Adequacy Request 6.         Please provide economic merits of the alternative site

locations discussed in subsection (f) (1).

4-6 (Section 4.2.2.1 – 4.2.2.2.) Alternative Engineering Alternatives.

4-25 (Section 4.3.2.1 – 4.3.2.3) Alternative Site Locations. – address this issue only

4-30 (Section 4.5) Alternative Linear Routes

4-30 (Section 4.6) Water Supply

Response:     To be economically viable the Solar One Project must be sited close to existing infrastructure (major highways and electrical system that has latent capacity), have reasonable land cost (including consideration of grading cost and drainage costs), fair value water cost, compensatory mitigation requirements, and very good solarity. A site with excellent solarity might be able to afford higher land cost or longer transmission lines for grid interconnection, but there is little leeway since solar projects compete with wind, geothermal, and other renewable technologies in utility solicitations.

In theory, a solar thermal plant can be built anywhere that the sun shines, however internal cost considerations dictate that they be built in areas of high solar radiation – a measure of how much power can be generated in a single square meter of surface area in a typical year. The best solar radiation is found in high desert areas, such as the Mojave Desert in Southern California, where the sun shines reliably 330 to 350 days a year.

Each of the alternative sites discussed in the AFC would require a similar capital investment to develop. When juxtaposed with external costs and long term environmental costs associated with climate change, it effects site selection minimally.

The following factors were considered as part of the siting criteria for the Solar One Project:

• Transmission Line
  • Substation: Existing available capacity will limit the need to add additional capacity to existing substation. This will require less money up front.
  • Availability through utility companies precludes the project from having to fund and construct new lines.
  • Close proximity to the site decreases material costs and land disturbance mitigation.

• Land Jurisdiction and Site Selection
  • Environmental Conditions
    • Less impact to resources on the selected site would require less mitigation, and as such, minimize costs.
    • Relatively constant positive slope from south to north allows for better utilization of available land.
    • Sites with characteristic soils of alluvial floodplain cost less for site preparation and project build-out than those of shallow bedrock.
    • Solar Radiation
      • High solar radiation allows for increased output and efficiency which offset development costs.
      • Water
        • Availability of appropriate quantity of water within reasonable distance of the site.
        • Access to the site
          • Proximity to rail access and freeway access decrease road construction and material transportation costs.

Comparison of some of the alternative site locations has been provided on the following Table ALT-1

SES Solar One Supplemental Information

In Response to CEC Data Adequacy Requests 08-AFC-13

TECHNICAL AREA: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 7.         Please provide a table listing those bird species which

are covered under the Migratory Bird Act.

Response: All native bird species detected on the project site are covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The list below identifies these species covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and it is from Appendix D of the Biology technical report.

TECHNICAL AREA: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 8.      Please provide the resumes of the following biologists:

Brooke McDonald, Claudia Solorzano, Kelly Sleeth, Sage Jensen, Rick Bailey, Dave Erikson, Jill Seed, and Marc Baker

Response: The requested resumes are provided as attachment BIO-1 and include the following biologists: Brooke McDonald, Claudia Solorzano, Kelly Sleeth, Sage Jensen, Rick Bailey, Dave Erikson, Jill Seed, and Marc Baker

ERIC A. BAILEY

Project Biologist

Areas of Expertise

Endangered Species Surveys Construction Monitoring Biological Assessment

Total Years of Experience        19

URS         7

Other Firms         12

Education

BA / 1984 / Biological Sciences / California State University

California Teaching Credential / 1986 / Life Science / California State University

Publications

Dispersal Capability of the California Gnatcatcher: A Landscape Analysis of Distribution Data. Western Birds 29:351-360, 1998. (P. Mock, coauthor).

California Gnatcatcher Territorial Behavior. Western Birds 29:242-257, 1998. (M. Grishaver,

K. Preston, P. Mock, and D. King, coauthors).

Endangered Species Recovery Permit

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit Number TE-101151-0. California Gnatcatcher; Presence/Absence Surveys, and Nest Monitoring.

Overview

Mr. Bailey has over 19 years of experience as an environmental biologist. His responsibilities include focused surveys for California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, arroyo southwestern toad, and desert tortoise; vegetation mapping; and technical report preparation in conformance with CEQA, NEPA, and ESA.

ProjectExperience

Endangered/Sensitive Species Surveys

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners Arroyo Toad Exclusion, Camp Pendleton, California Conducted surveys for arroyo toad in and around pipeline construction area over a two-year period. Maintained pit traps and exclusion fencing to prevent take of arroyo toad. Conducted bullfrog removal from portions of San Mateo Creek.

Wylie Construction Sewage Treatment Facility, Camp Pendleton, California Conducted focused surveys for arroyo toad in and around construction site. Maintained pit traps and exclusion fencing to prevent take of arroyo toad.

Solar I Desert Tortoise Surveys, Barstow, California

Conducted focused surveys for desert tortoise. Recorded tortoise locations, health indicators, and scat/burrow locations for the project.

San Mateo Lagoon Exotic Predator Control, San Clemente, California

Conducted surveys for arroyo toad, southwestern pond turtle, and tidewater goby. Managed field task to remove non-native predators from the lagoon. Species removed include bullfrog, crayfish, and catfish. Prepared summary report for the project.

State Route 73 Water Quality Basins, Orange County, California

Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher and monitored nest sites. Communicated with construction supervisors to avoid impacts to active nests. Prepared summary report for the project.

Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) California Gnatcatcher Population Census, San Diego, California

Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher at conservation areas throughout San Diego County. Prepared final report of gnatcatcher population with discussion of the relative quality of the conservation areas.

Solar II Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Surveys, El Centro, California

Conducted focused surveys for flat-tailed horned lizard and desert horned lizard. Recorded horned lizard locations and scat locations for the project.

Saint Michael’s School Construction, Poway, California

Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher and delineated territorial boundaries relative to construction. Prepared project report detailing conservation efforts on-site.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Fuel Control, San Bernardino and Glendale, California

Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher at proposed fire fuel management sites. Prepared final report for the project.

Emergency Storage Project, San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego, California Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher and arroyo southwestern toad. Survey area included vicinity of Lake Hodges and San Vicente Reservoir. Prepared portions of the Environmental Impact Report for the project.

EffectsofAircraftNoiseonLeastBell’sVireoatMarineCorpsAirStationCampPendleton,U.S.DepartmentoftheNavy,SanDiego,California

Recorded behavioral data of least Bell’s vireo biweekly over five months. Behavioral data was compared to onsite noise data to test for possible effects on the species by aircraft noise.

Rancho San Diego California Gnatcatcher Study, Home Capital Corporation

Collected behavioral field data on California gnatcatchers throughout the breeding and non- breeding seasons. Assisted in mist netting and color banding of approximately 114 individuals. Analyzed territory size data for a gnatcatcher population of approximately 25 pairs.

Miramar Landfill General Development Plan, City of San Diego, California Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher, San Diego fairy shrimp, San Diego mesa mint, San Diego button celery, and willowy monardella. Contributed to the biological technical report and environmental impact statement for the proposed facilities.

South County Landfills, City and County of San Diego, California

Conducted comprehensive field surveys for sensitive species and focused surveys for California gnatcatcher and arroyo southwestern toad in six proposed landfill sites. Prepared constraints level report for each site.

ConstructionMonitoring

San Elijo Hills Open Space Management, San Marcos, CA

Implemented and managed conservation plan for natural areas of San Elijo Hills. Monitored fire fuel management task, invasive weed removal, habitat restoration, and prevention of unauthorized dumping. Conducted yearly on-site population census of California gnatcatcher to measure success of the conservation effort. Prepared yearly summary report.

Biological Construction Monitoring for Olivenhain Reservoir

Project biologist monitoring California gnatcatcher nesting locations in relation to construction activity. This information allowed client to avoid impacts to Federally-listed Threatened California gnatcatcher.

Biological Construction Monitoring for Dana Point Headlands

Project biologist monitoring California gnatcatcher nesting locations in relation to construction activity, public use areas, and conserved habitat. This information allowed client to avoid impacts to Federally-listed Threatened California gnatcatcher, and to measure the success of the project conservation effort.

Biological Construction Monitoring for VertRep Facility, U.S. Navy/Stronghold Electric

Project biologist monitoring construction of a helicopter landing facility. Vernal pools, coastal sage scrub, and California gnatcatchers were the resources being protected.

Biological Construction Monitoring of San Elijo Hills, San Elijo Hills, LCC

Implemented monitoring of wetlands permit conditions.

California Gnatcatcher Study, Skyline Wesleyan Lutheran Church

Collected field data to assess construction noise impacts on the species over three years. Mist netted and color banded gnatcatchers within the study area. Delineated territories on site and recorded breeding behavior, nesting success, and dispersal of young. Prepared a letter report detailing the breeding home range of each pair onsite prior to construction.

Kramer-Victor Powerline, Southern California Edison

Conducted surveys for desert tortoise, Mojave ground squirrel, and rare plants along the Kramer-Victor power corridor. Additionally, monitored construction crews to prevent take of desert tortoise.

Biological Assessment

Escondido Parks Master Plan, City of Escondido, Escondido, California Conducted field surveys for sensitive biological resources in proposed park sites and conservation areas.

Upham San Marcos Project, Chester R. Upham, San Marcos, California

Participated in biological resources survey of 35-acre site. Collected vernal pool soil samples for a fairy shrimp re-hydration study. Contributed to biological technical report.

Biological Resource Inventory, City of Poway, California

Conducted focused surveys for California gnatcatcher throughout the city and sphere of influence. Mapped habitats and sensitive resources.

South Santa Fe Avenue Widening and Realignment, San Diego County Department of Public Works, San Diego, California

Conducted field surveys to determine the presence or absence of least Bell’s vireo in the project area. Recorded faunal species list and provided photographic documentation of habitat quality.

Rancho Del Rey, City of Chula Vista, California

Participated in a vernal pool study that included floral inventory and soil sample collection for a fairy shrimp re-hydration study.

First San Diego River Improvement Plan, City of San Diego, California

Managed field task to collect data on a 20-acre revegetation site. Data used to determine whether the project met required standards for success.

Client References

San Elijo Partners: Jeff O’Connor, 760.918.8200 (office), 760.420.8307 (mobile) Dana Point Headlands: Kevin Darnall, 949.488.8800 (office), 949.633.0605 (mobile)

3

MARC A. BAKER, Ph.D.

VITAE

1217 GRANITE CREEK LANE, CHINO VALLEY, ARIZONA 86323

TEL: (928) 636-0252; (928) 713-7009; e-mail: marcbaker@cableone.net; marc.baker@asu.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Evolution and systematics of Cactaceae; the role of polyploidy, hybridization, asexual reproduction, and geographic isolation in evolution. Flora, plant community dynamics, and ecology of the Southwestern United States, especially within the Sonoran Desert Biome; rare plant biology; currently working on the Cactaceae for the Intermountain Flora.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thin-layer chromatography, high- performance liquid chromatography, cytological analysis of chromosomes of root-tips and microsporogenesis, herbarium techniques, ethnographic techniques, GPS, vegetation sampling and plant identification, especially for Arizona, Baja California, California, and New Mexico, computer data base systems, GIS, and graphics.

INSTITUTIONALAFFILIATIONS

Southwest Botanical Research (duns no. 80-367-5776), Chino Valley, AZ: sole proprietor Graduate Advisor, Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona

Adjunct Professor, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona Native Plant Law Technical Advisory Board, Phoenix, AZ: member

ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Botanical Society of America

International Association of Plant Taxonomists Arizona-Nevada Academy of Sciences Arizona Riparian Council

California Botanical Society California Native Plant Society

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Botany (Systematic Botany), May, 1985, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona. Dissertation: Evolution of a hybrid polyploid complex in Opuntia, subgenus Cylindropuntia (Cactaceae).

M.A., Biology (Systematic Botany and Ethnobotany), June, 1980, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. Thesis: Ethnobotany of the Yurok, Karok, and Tolowa Indians of Northwest California.

B.A., Botany, June, 1975, San Jose State University, San Jose, California.

A.A., Forestry, June, 1972, Bakersfield Community College, Bakersfield, California.

Foreign Languages: Spanish

BOTANICAL EXPERIENCE

2008.Botanical consultant for URS, Santa Barbara and San Diego Offices. Projects included rare plant surveys and Johnson Valley USFWS protocol 100% coverage desert tortoise surveys.

1988 to present. Owner of Southwest Botanical Research. Consulting services that include Biological Assessments and Evaluations and the collection, identification, survey, and other types of research on vascular plants of Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

1993-present. Botanical consultant for Kiva Biological Consulting. August 1993-2007: Arizona Game & Fish Desert Tortoise Survey (contract # G30061-B). Study included plant identification and vegetation sampling. 2008: Fort Irwin Desert tortoise surveys. Primary contact: Pete Woodman.

2005-2008. Botanical consultant for Jones and Stokes, Sacramento, California. Including rare plant surveys in the Spring and Las Vegas Mtns., Clark County, Nevada, and wetland delineation in the Barstow, San Bernardino, California area.

1997-2007. Botanical consultant for Ecosystems Management, Inc. Projects include sensitive plant surveys for the Navajo Transmission line, Arizona/ New Mexico; sensitive plant survey for the Pittsburgh & Midway Coal Mine expansion near Ratón, New Mexico; and B.I.A. range surveys for the Navajo Partition Land, east of Flagstaff, AZ; range analysis for the Roswell BLM District, Roswell, NM. Principle contact: Bill Hevron, tel: (505) 884-8300.

1995-2006. Botanical consultant for Environet, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona. Projects include surveys for special status species, and Biological Assessment and Evaluations. Principle contact: Jill Himes, tel: (602) 438-0318.

1997 to 2002. Botanical consultant for Biozone, Inc., Prescott, Arizona. Projects include Vegetation characterization of the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve, Vegetation Characterization of the Walnut Creek Research and Learning Center, Survey for T&E species for the Hopi Reservation, and surveys.

1998. Biological consultant for Mojave Engineering Associates, Inc. Projects include Biological Assessment and Evaluations.

1994-1999. Botanical consultant for Johnson Associates Inc. Owner: Robert Johnson, tel: (408) 897-2473; projects have included biological surveys for housing developments and land fills.

1995. Botanical consultant for Hughes Environmental Consultants. Project included pipeline right-of-way Desert tortoise and botanical survey near Bullhead City, AZ and pipeline right-of-way botanical survey near Farmington, NM.

Aug 1990-1996. Botanical consultant for SWCA Associates. Subcontract duties included plant identification, vegetation mapping and vegetation volume sampling for ASARCO, Kearny, Arizona; vegetation sampling for the San Tan Tortoise Survey, Maricopa County, Arizona; sensitive plant survey for the Wickieup-Bagdad gas pipeline, vegetation mapping for the Phelps Dodge Mine Expansion Project, Morenci and Safford, AZ, the distribution and taxonomy of Echinocereus arizonicus and related taxa in Arizona and New Mexico; Project coordinators: Jim Tress, Tina Lee, Scott Mills, tel: 602-325-9141.

1993-1994. Botanical consultant for Resources Management International (RMI), including a plant survey for the Wickieup-Bagdad proposed Citizens’ gas pipeline, project coordinator: Catherine LeBlanc.

Jan 1991-January 1995. Botanical consultant for the Department of Anthropology, Contract Archeology, Arizona State University. Research included vegetation mapping and floristic analysis of the Tonto Basin, Arizona.

Project coordinator: Glen Rice, tel: 602-479-2406, 965-7181.

1991-1992. Botanical consultant for the Army Corps of Engineers. Duties include plant collection and identification for the construction of an herbarium of Arizona wetlands plants. Project coordinator: Karen Reichhardt.

1988-1991. Botanical consultant for Ruffner Associates. Subcontracts included a three year study of the sensitive plant species of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument; Tumamoca surveys for private firms; and Vegetation mapping in southern California for the Riverside Water District.

1985-1987. New York Botanical Garden, Chief Investigator, Plant Resources of the Ecuadorean Amazon Project. Duties included creating an integrated program of teaching and ethnography with the Shuar (Jivaro) culture.

SELECTED CONTRACTS AND RESEARCH AWARDS

2008. Botanical Survey 2008 Season- Kuenzler’s cactus surveys, Guadalupe Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest (contract no. AG-7512-P-07-0066). Contact: Larry Paul (505-887-9296).

2007. Rare plant surveys for the Turkey-Gavilon Fuel Units Project, Lincoln National Forest, Alamogordo, New Mexico (Contract no. AG-7512-P-07-0017, $12,130).

2007. Rare plant consultation for the Prescott National Forest, Prescott, Arizona (Contract no. AG-8191-P-0009, $5,000).

2006-7. Geographic Distribution of Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina (Pima Pineapple Cactus) and Echinomastus erectocentrus var. erectocentrus (Needle-spined Pineapple Cactus) within the extended City of Tucson HCP Southlands planning area.  Contract with the City of Tucson ($23,535).

2006. Morphological analysis of Echinocactus horizonthalonius. State of Arizona, Tucson.

2006. Geographical and morphological analysis of Echinocereus fendleri. Lincoln National Forest, Alamogordo, New Mexico.

2005-2012. Monitoring of Coryphantha robustispina var. robustispina in the Alter Valley, Pima County, Arizona. Grant from the Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix, Arizona.

2005-6. Plant surveys for the Lincoln National Forest. Alamogordo, New Mexico (contract no. AG-7512-06-0016, $8,400).

2005-7. Floristic study of Rancho del Cielo, Pima County, Arizona. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. Phoenix, Arizona. (Order no. 05PG321037).

2001-2006. Riparian vegetation monitoring for the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Ganado, Arizona.

2005. A phenetic analysis of the Acuña cactus, Echinomastus erectocentra var. acunensis and its relatives: E. erectocentrus var. erectocentrus, and E. johnsonii . State of Arizona, Tucson, (Order no.432672).

2004. Geographic distribution and DNA analysis of Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina. Arizona Department of Game & Fish, Phoenix, Arizona.

2004. Five-year monitoring study for the Pima pineapple cactus (Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina). U. S. Bureau of Reclamation.  Phoenix, Arizona.

2003. Rare plant surveys for the Coronado National Forest, Tucson, Arizona. (Order no. 43-8197-3-0038, $12,200)

2003. Botanical survey of the Timberon/Culp Peak Fuel Reduction Project. Lincoln National Forest, Alamogordo, New Mexico. (Order No. 0308-03-10).

2003. Elucidation of the intraspecific taxonomy of Coryphantha scheeri using multivariate techniques. A study in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tucson, Arizona.

2003. Re-measurement of riparian transects along the lower Verde River. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station.

2002-3. Status report of Cylindropuntia multigeniculata, including further morphometric studies. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Las Vegas, Nevada.

2002-3. Monitoring of Coryphantha robustispina var. robustispina for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona.

2001. Rare Plant and noxious weed survey of the Bradshaw Ranger District. Prescott National Forest. (order no. 43- 94TZ-1-0164; $15,800)

2002. Survey and documentation of noxious weeds for the Coconino County Department of Public Works, Flagstaff, Arizona. ($6,100).

2002. Range analysis for the Chino Valley Ranger District (Prescott National Forest), Chino Valley, Arizona.

2001. Botanical surveys and monitoring for the Scott Able Fire, Sacramento Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico. ($54,000).

2001. Geographic survey of the a new species of Leptodactylon from Arizona. Prescott National Forest. ($2,500).

2001. Re-measurement of riparian transects along the upper Verde River and its tributaries. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station ($18,000).

2000. Re-measurement of riparian transects along the upper Verde River. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station (REC206, $5,000).

2000. Surveys and autecology of the Pima Pineapple Cactus (Coryphantha scheeri). Bureau of Reclamation. (00PG321054; $14,123.23).

2000. Vegetation mapping of the Peoria Planning Area. Maricopa County Water Conservation District, Phoenix, Arizona

($18,000). [study included mapping 40,000 acres of Sonoran Desert vegetation).

1999. Plant Status Reports for five plant species (Conioselinum mexicanum, Erigeron arisolius, Eupatorium bigelovii, Lupinus huachucanus, and Stellaria porsildii). Coronado National Forest (43-8197-9-0099, $2,500).

1999. Vegetation mapping of the greater Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan Planning Areas as a part of the CAP water reallocation EA. Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix, Arizona ($55,000). [study includes mapping 1.2 million acres of Sonoran Desert vegetation]

1999. Vegetation mapping of the Santa Cruz River Flood Plain, Pima Co., Arizona. Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix. (Contract no. 99320500061, $9,750).

1999. Weed survey for the Coronado National Forest, Tucson, Arizona. (contact nos. 43-8167-8-0089, 43-8197-9-0077,

$21,350, $4,600).

1999. Rare plant survey for the Lincoln National Forest. Alamogordo, New Mexico. (Contract no. 443-7512-8-0081,

$1,850).

1998. Multivariate analysis and DNA study of the Blue Diamond Cholla and related taxa. U.S.F.W.S., Reno, Nevada.

1998. Riparian vegetation inventory for the middle Verde River, Rocky Mountain Research Station (contract no. 43-8167- 8-0069, $5,000).

1998. Range analysis for the Prescott National Forest (contract no. 43-8167-8-0089, $23,000). 1998. Riparian vegetation baseline for the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site ($2,900). 1998. Floristic analysis of the Walnut Creek Riparian Preserve.

1998. Cactus research at Carlsbad National Park (contract no. 1443-cx-7170-98-001, $10.000). 1997. Range analysis for the Prescott National Forest (contract no. 43-8191-7-0106, $8,600).

1997. Riparian vegetation inventory for the upper Verde River, Prescott National Forest. (contract no. 43-8191-7-0104,

$5,000).

1996. Vegetation characterization of the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve, Prescott, Arizona ($12,761).

1996. Identification and annotation of the Yavapai College Herbarium (YCH). Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona ($6,270).

1996. Plant identification for the USDA, Forest Service Intermountain Research Station, Ogdon, Utah.

1995. Plant inventory in the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness, Arizona. Coconino National Forest, U. S. Forest Service P. O. 43-8167-5-033 (6,800).

1995. Vegetation characterization of Cooks Lake, Arizona. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation contract No. 1425-5-PG-32- 03630 (14,400).

1995. Botanical survey of the China Dam Grazing Allotment, Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Chino Valley, Arizona. Share-Cost Agreement No. CCS-09-01-95-0127-MC-26801 ($37,616).

1995. Survey for endangered or candidate plant taxa of proposed National Forest land exchanges within the Verde Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona. Coconino National Forest contract No. 43-8167-5-0171 ($2,450).

1994. Botanical survey of the Limestone Grazing Allotment, Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Chino Valley, Arizona. Share Cost Agreement No. CCS-09-94-076-26201 ($36,810)

1994. Reproductive status of Vauquelinia californica ssp. pauciflora. Contract from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, Arizona through the Arizona State University Department of Botany, ASU No. 94-0925 (4,000).

1994. Nutrioso milk-vetch (Astragalus nutriosensis) status survey. Contract from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, Arizona ($4,000).

1993. Botanical survey of the Camp Wood, Williamson Valley, Yolo North, and Yolo South grazing allotment of the Chino Valley Ranger District, U. S. Forest Service, Chino Valley, Arizona. Contact No. 43-8191-3-0132 ($22,292).

1992. Prescott National Forest. Botanical Survey of the Woodchute, Juniper Mesa, Sycamore Canyon and Apache Creek Wilderness Areas. Contact No. 43-8191-2-0221 ($17,797).

1992. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction of a Arizona Riparian plant reference collection. Contract No. DACW09-92-M-0103 ($2,500).

1991. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction of a Arizona Riparian plant reference collection. Contract No. DACW09-91-M-0342 ($2,500).

1982. Research assistantship, cytogenetic analysis of Cowania and Fallugia (Rosaceae). The feasibility of host range expansion in nitrogen_fixing non_legumes. Arizona State University Research Fund 521475, and National Science Foundation grant # TCM_8204885. Tempe, Arizona.

1981. Research assistantship, alkaloid analysis of Opuntia (Cactaceae). Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

1980. Inventory of the rare and endangered species of Six Rivers National Forest. United States Forest Service contact, Eureka, California.

1979. Distribution of the rare and endangered plant species, Arabis mcdonaldiana. United States Forest Service contract, Eureka, California.

1978-1979. Sensitive species inventories for proposed timber sales. Bureau of Indian Affairs; Eureka, California.

1978. Autecology of the rare plant species, Pityopus californicus. United States Forest Service contact. Eureka, California.

TEACHING AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

1996 to present. Graduate advisor for Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona.

1996. Short courses in plant identification for the U. S. Forest Service Intermountain Research Station and the Prescott National Forest.

1987-1997. Independent study advisor for Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona.

1986. Lecturer. Plant systematics and tropical dendrology. Ministry of Agriculture and Instituto Normal Bilingue Intercultural Shuar, Ecuador.

1980-1982. Lab instructor. Cytogenetics, one semester; Arizona Flora, three semesters; Plants, Pleasures, and Poisons, one semester.  Arizona State University.

1976_1978. Lab instructor. General Botany, three quarters; Plant Systematics; Plants and Man. Humboldt State University.

1973-1975. Technical assistant. Plant Anatomy; Plant Morphology; Plant Taxonomy. San Jose State University.

ABSTRACTS AND NOTES (*also presented as conference papers)

Coleman, R. A. and M. A. Baker. 2006. Microthelys rubricallosa, a new addition to the orchid flora of the United States. Orchids 75:56-57.

*Baker, M. A. 2005. Morphological and cytological analyses in Cylindropuntia (Cactaceae) the circumscription of C. multigeniculata, C. echinocarpa, and C. whipplei; including the resurrection of C. whipplei var. enodis. Paper presented at the annual meetings of the Society of Plant taxonomists. Austin, Texas.

*Baker, M. A. 2004. Pros and cons of using phenetic analysis of morphological data for the circumscription of problematic taxonomic groups; examples from the Cactaceae of the Chihuahuan desert Region. 6th Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert. Alpine, Texas.

*Baker, M. A. 2003. Further elucidation of the taxonomic relationships and geographic distribution of Escobaria sneedii var. sneedii, E. sneedii var. leei, and E. guadalupensis (Cactaceae). Fourth Southwestern Rare and Endangered Plant Conference; Las Cruces, New Mexico.

*Baker, M. A. 1996. Recommendations for the preservation of rare plants and unique habitats within the Chino Valley Ranger District, central Arizona. Second Southwestern Rare and Endangered Plant Conference; Flagstaff, Arizona.

*Baker, M. A. 1996. Reproductive status of Arizona rosewood (Vauquelinia californica ssp. pauciflora). Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 30(Proc. Suppl.).

*Baker, M. A. & D. J. Pinkava. 1994. Interspecific hybridization in Opuntia (Cactaceae) in Arizona and adjacent states. Arizona-

Nevada Academy of Science 29(Proc. Suppl.):20.

*Johnson, R. A., M. A. Baker, D. Pinkava, and G. A. Ruffner. 1992. Population dynamics and demography of Acuña Cactus (Echinomastus erectrocentrus var. acunensis). First Southwestern Rare & Endangered Plant Congress, US F&WS, Santa Fe, NM, 30 Mar-Apr 2.

Nesom, G. L. & M. A. Baker. 1991. First report of Erigeron velutipes (Asteraceae) from the United States. Phytologia 71(5):414- 415.

Pinkava, D. J., B. D. Parfitt, and M. A. Baker. 1989. The Opuntia standlyi complex (Cactaceae). Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 24(Proc. Suppl.):13

Baker, M. A. and B. D. Parfitt. 1986. Reports. In: A. Love (ed.), IOPB chromosome number reports XCI. Taxon 35:405-406.

*Baker, M. A. 1986. On the distribution and evolution of Opuntia of mainland Ecuador. Amer. J. Bot. 73 (5):750.

*Baker, M. A. 1986. Botanical Knowledge of the Shuar of Eastern Ecuador. Paper given at the annual meeting of the Society for Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY.

Parfit, B. D., M. A.Baker, and M. L. Gallagher. 1985. Reports. In: A. Love (ed.), IOPB chromosome number reports LXXXVI. Taxon 34:162-163.

*Baker, M. A. 1984. Triploidy: an isolation mechanism possibly leading to “speciation” in Opuntia, subgenus Cylindropuntia

(Cactaceae). Amer. J. Bot. 71(5, part 2):155.

*Wallace, R. S., E. Fairbrothers, M. A. Baker, and D. J. Pinkava. 1984. Seed enzyme iso-electric-focusing as an aid toward classification in the genus Opuntia (Cactaceae). Amer. J. Bot. 71(5, part 2):197-198.

*Baker, M. A. 1983. The evolution, ecology, and distribution of Pityopus. J. Ariz._Nev. Acad. Sci. 18(Suppl.):30.

*Baker, M. A. and D. J. Pinkava. 1983. Megasporogenesis and megagametogenisis in Opuntia fulgida, O. spinosior, and their triploid hybrids. Amer. J. Bot. 70(5, part 2):104.

*Trushell, M. N., M. A. Baker, and D. J. Pinkava. 1983. Hybridization among Opuntia whipplei,

O. acanthocarpa, and O. leptocaulis (Cactaceae). J. Arizona_Nevada Academy of Science (Suppl.):28.

Trushell, N., D. J. Pinkava, and *M. A. Baker. 1983. A taxonomic revision of the Opuntia whipplei complex (Cactaceae). Amer. J. Bot. 70(5, part 2):133.

*Baker, M. A. 1982. Preliminary studies of a hybrid polyploid complex of cholla. J. Ariz._Nev. Acad. Sci. 17(Suppl.):17.

*Baker, M. A. 1982. The ethnobotany of the Karok, Tolowa, and Yurok Indians of Northwest California. Bot. Soc. Amer. Misc. Pub. No. 162:83.  Baker, M. A. 1982.

*Baker, M. A. 1982. Alkaloids of a clonal hybrid complex in Opuntia (Cactaceae). Bot. Soc. Amer. Misc. Pub. No. 162:83. Baker, M. A. and Parfitt, B. D. 1982. Reports. In: A. Love (ed.),IOPB chromosome number reports LXXVII. Taxon 31:764-765.

Baker, M. A. 1982. Scanning electron micrographs of seeds. In: L. Bremer. Coryphantha pusilliflora sp. nov. A new species from Coahuila, Mexico. Cact. Succ. J. (US) 54:133_134.

*Baker, M. A. 1981. Plant folk taxonomy of the Yurok, Tolowa, and Karok Indians. J. Ariz._Nev. Acad. Sci. 16(Suppl.):9.

Baker, M. A. 1981. Scanning electron micrographs of seeds. In: L. Bremer. Coryphantha grata sp. nov. A new species from Tamaulipas, Mexico. Cact. Succ. J. (US) 53:276_277.

SELECTED REPORTS

Baker, M. A. 2007. Geographic Distribution of Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina (Pima Pineapple Cactus) and Echinomastus erectocentrus var. erectocentrus (Needle-spined Pineapple Cactus) within the extended City of Tucson HCP Southlands planning area. Prepared for the City of Tucson.

Baker, M. A. 2005. Geographic Distribution of Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina (Pima Pineapple Cactus) and Echinomastus erectocentrus var. erectocentrus (Needle-spined Pineapple Cactus) within the City of Tucson HCP planning area. Prepared for the City of Tucson.

Baker, M. A. 2005. Vegetation of the Scott-Able Fire and its immediate buffer area, a four-year study. Report to the Lincoln National Forest, Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Baker, M. A. 2004. Phenetic analysis of Coryphantha, section Robustispina (Cactaceae), part 1: stem characters. Report to the Arizona Department of Game & Fish, Phoenix, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. 2002. Phenetic analysis of Cylindropuntia multigeniculata (Clokey) Backb. (Cactaceae) and its relatives. A report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. 2001. Morphometric analysis of Echinocereus arizonicus and its allies (section Triglochidiatus, Cactaceae). A report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tucson, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. 2000. Vegetation along the Lower Santa Cruz River, Tucson, Arizona. Prepared for the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix, Arizona.  40pp. illust.

Baker, M. A. 1999. The status of known distributions within Coronado National Forest of Allium glandulosum, Conioselinum scopulorum, Eriogonum arisolius, Eupatorium bigelovii, Lupinus huachucanus and Stellaria porsildii. Prepared for the Coronado National Forest, Tucson, Arizona. 16pp,, illust.

Baker, M. A. 1996. A Botanical Survey of the Antelope Hills, Horseshoe, China Dam, and Perkinsville Grazing Allotments of the Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Arizona. 105pp. illust.

Baker, M. A. 1996. Vegetation Characterization of the Cooks Lake Conservation Area and its associated buffer zones, Pinal County, Arizona.  Prepared for the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix, Arizona. 109pp. illust.

Baker, M. A. & T. M. Wright. 1995. Survey for endangered or candidate plant taxa of proposed National Forest land exchanges within the Verde Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona. 20pp., illust.

Baker, M. A. & T. M. Wright. 1995. Botanical survey of the Limestone Grazing Allotment, Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Arizona. 89pp., illust.

Baker, M. A. 1994. Reproductive status of Arizona rosewood (Vauquelinia californica ssp. pauciflora). Report to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. & T. M. Wright. 1994. Nutrioso milk-vetch (Astragalus nutriosensis) status report. Report to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. & T. M. Wright. 1994. Botanical survey of the Camp Wood, Williamson Valley, Yolo North, and Yolo South grazing allotment of the Chino Valley Ranger District, U. S. Forest Service, Chino Valley, Arizona. 120pp., illust.

Baker, M. A. and T. Wright. 1993. Botanical survey of the Apache Creek, Juniper Mesa, Sycamore Canyon, and Woodchute Wilderness areas of the Prescott National Forest, Arizona. 188pp., illust.

Johnson, R. A., M. A. Baker, D. J. Pinkava, N. Trushell, and G. A. Ruffner. 1990. Special status plants of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona: Sensitive Ecosystems Project. Final Report to National Park Service, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo, Arizona. xi + 223 pp.

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS

Baker, M. A., D. J. Pinkava, J. R., Rebman, B. D. Parfitt, and A. D. Zimmerman. Chromosome numbers in some cacti of western North America. VIII. Haseltonia (in prep.).

Baker, M. A. 2006. Circumscription of Echinocereus arizonicus subsp. arizonicus. Phenetic analysis of morphological characters in section Triglochidiatus (Cactaceae), part II. Madroño 53:388-399.

Baker, M. A. 2006. A new florally dimorphic hexaploid, Echinocereus yavapaiensis sp. nov. (section Triglochidiatus, Cactaceae) from central Arizona. Plant Systematics and Evolution. 258:63-83

Baker, M. A. 2003. Progress on the taxonomy of the claret-cup cacti (Echinocereus, section Triglochidiatus) of the United States. Cactus and Succulent Journal (US) 75 (5):217-223.

Baker, M. A. 2002. Chromosome numbers and their significance in some Opuntioideae and Cactoideae (Cactaceae) of mainland Ecuador and Peru. Haseltonia (9): 69-77.

Bennett, B. C., M. A. Baker, and P. Gómez A. 2002. Ethnobotany of the Shuar of Eastern Ecuador. Advances in Economic Botany 14:1-299.

Pinkava, D. J., J. P. Rebman, and M. A. Baker. 2001. Nomenclatural changes in Cylindropuntia and Opuntia (Cactaceae) and notes on interspecific hybridization. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 33(2):150.

Baker, M. A. And R. Johnson. 2000. A morphometric study of Escobaria sneedii var. sneedii, E. sneedii var. leei and E. guadalupensis. Systematic Botany 24 (4): 577-587.

Baker, M. A. And D. J. Pinkava. 1999. A new Arizona hybrid cholla, Opuntia campii (Cactaceae). Cactus and Succulent Society of America 71:320-322.

D. J. Pinkava, J. P. Rebman, and M. A. Baker. 1999. Chromosome numbers for some cacti of Western North America VII. Haseltonia no. 6:32-41.

Baker, M. A. 1999. Vegetation and plant communities of the Tonto Basin in the vicinity of Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

Baker, M. A. 1996. Recommendations for the preservation of rare plants and unique habitats within the Chino Valley Ranger

District, Central Arizona. Pp. 237-242. In: Maschinski, J. H. D. Hammond, and L. Holer, eds. Southwestern Rare and Endangered Plants.: Proceedings of the Second Conference; 1995 September 11-14, Flagstaff, Arizona. General Technical Report RM-GTR-283. Fort Collins, Co: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station.

Pinkava, D. J. B. D. Parfitt, M. A. Baker, and R. D. Worthington. 1992. Chromosome numbers in some cacti of western North America-VI. Madroño 39(2):98-113.

Baker, M. A. 1993. Subgenus Cylindropuntia (Cactaceae). In: Hickman, J. (ed.) The Jepson Manual. University of California Press. Berkeley.

Pinkava, D. J., M. A. Baker, R. A. Johnson, N. Trushell, G. A. Ruffner, R. S. Felger & R. K. Van Devender. 1992. Additions, notes and chromosome numbers for the vascular flora of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 24-25:13-18.

Daniel, T., T. Chuang, and M. A. Baker. 1990. Chromosome numbers of American Acanthaceae. Systematic Botany 15(1):13-25. Baker, M. A. and D. J. Pinkava. 1987. Cytological and morphometric analyses of a triploid apomict, Opuntia kelvinensis

(subgenus Cylindropuntia, Cactaceae). Brittonia 39(3):387-401.

Pinkava, D. J. and M. A. Baker. 1985. Chromosome and hybridization studies of Agave. Desert Plants 7(2):93-100.

Baker, M. A., M. W. Mohlenbrock, and D. J. Pinkava. 1985. A comparison of two methods of preparing cacti and other succulents for standard herbarium mounting. Taxon 34(1):118-120.

Pinkava, D. J., M. A. Baker, B. D. Parfitt, M. W. Mohlenbrock, and R. T. Worthington. 1985. Chromosome numbers in some cacti of western North America.- V. Systematic Botany 10(4):471-483.

Baker, M. A., D. J. Pinkava, and B. D. Parfitt. 1983. On Cowania and its intergeneric hybrids in Arizona. Great Basin Nat. 44(3):484_486.

Daniel, T., B. D. Parfitt, B. D. and M. A. Baker. 1983. Chromosome numbers and their systematic implications in the Acanthaceae. Syst. Bot. (3):346_355.

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Dr. Donald J. Pinkava, Professor of Botany. Director of the herbarium. Department of Botany and Microbiology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287. (602) 965-3179.

Dr. Richard Felger. Director. Drylands Institute. 2509 N Camble, No 176, Tucson, Arizona 85719. (602)-321-1825. Dr. Tom Van Devender, Research Associate. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona. (520) 883-1380.

Dr. Glen Rice, Professor of Anthropology. Department of Anthropology, Arizona state University. Tempe, Arizona 85287. (602) 965-7181, 479-2406.

Barbara Phillips, Botanist, U. S. Forest Service. 2323 East Greenlaw Lane, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004. (520) 527-3600.

Sue Schuhardt, Biologist, Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Chino Valley, Arizona, 866323. (520) 636-2304. Mima Falk., Biologist. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 West Congress, Room 4D, Tucson, Arizona 85701. (520) 670-4550.

Linda Barker, Botanist. U. S. Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Federal Building, 1101 New York Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310-6992. (505) 434-7263.

Diane Dobos-Bubno, Biologist, 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad NM 88220. (505) 785-2232, ext 377.

Diane Laush, Biologist, Bureau of Reclamation, PXAO-1500, Phoenix Area Office, 6150 W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, AZ 85306-4001; 623-773-6255

David E. Erikson

Senior Biologist

Areas of Expertise Vegetation and Wetlands NEPA Impact Assessments Wildlife Ecology Environmental Permitting Years of Experience With URS: 31Years

With Other Firms: 4 Years

Education

M.S., 1972, Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada

B.S., 1971, Wildlife Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada

Certifications

HAZWOPER 40-hour OSHA

Training (1995) HAZWOPER 8-hour OSHA

Supervisor Training (1995) OSHA 24-hr Hazardous Materials Training Course (1984) HAZWOPER 8-hour OSHA

Refresher Training (2008) Department of Transportation – Hazards Materials Shipping (1990)

First Aid and Adult CPR (2007) Learn to Return – Aircraft Survival (2001)

Alaska Native Cultural Awareness Training (2001)

Overview

Mr. Erikson is a Senior Biologist with more than 35 years of professional experience in the environmental sciences. Mr. Erikson manages and performs range of environmental investigations for resource development projects including vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, bird and mammal surveys, environmental permitting and compliance monitoring. Mr. Erikson also specializes in NEPA impact analysis for both terrestrial and marine systems for EAs and EISs. Mr. Erikson has been a principle author of impact assessments and cumulative effects sections in numerous large NEPA documents. He joined the firm in 1977. Representative projects are provided below.

Project Specific Experience

Sterling Energy Systems, Solar One and Solar Six, Sensitive Plant Surveys – Field Biologist: Responsible for documenting the occurrence of listed sensitive plant species, along with all desert plant species, within the project boundaries and transmission line corridors in the Mojave Desert. Plants of special interest were Androstephium breviflorium and Penstemon albomarginata. Observations of all wildlife species, including the endangered desert tortoise, were also recorded during the vegetation surveys.

Kinder Morgan, Cal Nev Pipeline Expansion Project, Colton California to Las Vegas, Sensitive Plant Surveys – Field Biologist: Responsible for documenting the occurrence of listed sensitive plant species, along with all desert plant species, within the pipeline corridor. Observations of all wildlife species, including the endangered desert tortoise, were also recorded during the vegetation surveys.

Wind Energy Alaska, Inc., Fire Island Wind Power Project, Anchorage, Alaska. Senior Biologist: Responsible for environmental studied for the 30 MW Fire Island Wind Power Project including agency coordination, developing environmental permitting matrix, initiating

environmental permitting, field delineation of wetlands, an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), Essential Fish Habitat Assessment (EFH), and developing an Environmental Assessment for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 and Section 10 permits..

OESI Power Corporation – Makushin Geothermal Project. Senior Biologist/Task Manager. Responsible for baseline environmental studies at the proposed port site and access road to a proposed 12 MW geothermal facility near Unalaska, Alaska. The Project included delineation of wetlands, wildlife survey, and investigations of fish stream crossings.

BHP Billiton, Western Arctic Coal Project. Pt. Lay Alaska. Senior Biologist. Responsible for tundra vegetation studies and initial vegetation mapping efforts. The project also included conducting observations of disturbance to local caribou from the helicopter over-flights associated the exploratory drilling operation.

FHWA/ADOT&PF – Juneau Access Road Project, Supplemental EIS. Senior Field Biologist/Task Lead. Responsible for wetlands field delineations and vegetation mapping for 90 miles of new road

between Skagway and Haines, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska. Responsibilities also development of the affected environment, environmental consequences and cumulative effects for the terrestrial environment.

U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Swan Lake/Lake Tyee Hydrolectric Project.   Project Manger: Responsible for evaluating the possible use of a direct current submarine cable between Ketchikan and Wrangle, Alaska to avoid constructing an overhead transmission line through a wilderness area in the Tongass National Forest.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Anchorage Field Office, Mineral Potential Report, and Resource Management Plan (RMP)/EIS, Ring of Fire Planning Area, Alaska. Senior Biologist: Responsible for evaluation of wetlands, terrestrial habitat, and wildlife on BLM-managed lands in the Aleutian Chain, on the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, southcentral Alaska, and southeast Alaska. Project involved the analysis of environmental effects of a range of management alternatives on these resources.

Chugach Electric Association, Inc., Southern Intertie Transmission Line Project EIS, Anchorage, Alaska. Senior Biologist/Task Manager. Responsible for affected environment sections and impact analysis for the EA and EIS for wetlands, terrestrial vegetation, brown bears and other wildlife, waterfowl and raptors. The preferred alternative for the project crossed the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Fairbanks Field Office.   Northern Intertie Transmission Line EIS. Senior Biologist/Task Lead. Responsible for impact analysis for wetlands, terrestrial habitat, and wildlife. Key issues including impact to trumpeter swan habitat, nesting peregrine falcons, and avian collisions. The project also involved assisting the State of Alaska on the Best Interest Finding for the lease of State right-of-ways.

National Park Service, South Denali Implementation Plan EIS. Senior Biologist: Responsible for wetland delineation, soils mapping and terrestrial impacts analysis for two alternative sites for a new visitor center on the south of Denali National Park.

Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA), Knik Arm Crossing DEIS – Senior Biologist/Task Manager: Responsible for field investigations of shorebird and waterfowl migrations and habitat use in Knik Arm. Tasks also including developing the affected environment and environmental consequences for marine and terrestrial birds and cumulative effects analysis sections for wetlands, vegetation and birds.

Alaska Gas Producers Pipeline Team (AGPPT), Alaska Gas Pipeline Project, Environmental Lead: Responsible for oversight of environmental field studies, including wetlands and fish streams crossings to obtain FERC Certification and permits for the U.S. segments of a proposed 3.300 mile natural gas pipeline from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Chicago, Ill.. The project also looked at a submarine pipeline route from Prudhoe Bay to the McKenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) – Sand Lake Wetland Assessment, Senior Biologist for delineation of wetlands and other waters of the U.S. on AWWU’s proposed project to update a water transmission main in an area east of Sand Lake. Responsible for senior review and assisted with wetland field delineation and data collection.

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) – Girdwood Wetland Assessment, Senior Biologist for delineation of wetlands and other waters of the U.S. for AWWU’s proposed project to install a water transmission main in a potential subdivision area east of Crow Creek Road, west of Glacier Creek., and north of Girdwood Elementary School.

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) Hiland Road EA, Project Manager/Biologist/GIS Specialist. Senior Biologist. Responsible for delineation of wetlands and other waters of the U.S. for AWWU’s proposed project to install a water transmission main from the Eklutna Transmission Main to the Glenn Highway right-of-way.

Integrated Concepts & Research Corporation (ICRC) – Port of Anchorage Expansion Project- Haul Road Wetlands. Senior Biologist/Project Manager. Responsible for delineating jurisdictional wetlands for a haul road expansion between Cherry Hill Material Pit and the North End Material Pit on Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Alaska Railroad Corporation Track Realignment – Military Segments through Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. Senior Biologist.   Responsible for preliminary jurisdictional determinations of wetlands and waters of the U.S for several sections of the proposed corridor right-of-way realignment and responsible for developing mitigation plans for the Corps 404 permits.

References:

Laurie Butler, Environmental Lead. Integrated Concepts and Resource Commission, Anchorage, Alaska (907) 561-4272;

Steve Davis, NEPA Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries, Anchorage, Alaska (907) 271-3523; Teresa Zimmerman, DOT&PF, Anchorage, AK, 907 269-0551;

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Sage F. Jensen

Habitat Ecologist/Botanist

Areas of Expertise Riparian/Wetland Restoration Design and Implementation

Programmatic and Individual ESA Compliance for fish and wildlife resources

Pacific and Inland Northwest Botanical Surveys; Plant Identification & Monitoring

Fish, Bird, and Mammal Survey and Habitat Assessments

Years of Experience

With URS: 6 Years

With Other Firms: 2 Years

Education

BS/Botany & Freshwater Ecology/1999/Evergreen State College

Environmental Restoration Technician Certificate/1996/ Peninsula College

Overview

Sage Jensen is a Habitat Ecologist/Botanist with seven years of experience conducting riparian/wetland restoration and biological surveys and assessments throughout Oregon and Washington. Her expertise includes ecologically based restoration techniques and construction oversight, vegetation identification, and fisheries habitat assessments. She is familiar with programmatic and individual ESA compliance for fisheries and wildlife resources.

Project Specific Experience

NEPA & ESA Compliance

Staff Biologist, ODOT OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program, OBDP, Wheeler County, OR, 2005: Assisted in the preparation of programmatic ESA compliance documentation for several bridge replacement projects in eastern OR.

Staff Biologist, Columbia River Boat Launch, Port of Camas- Washougal, Clark County, WA, 2005: Prepared ESA compliance documentation for USFWS.

Staff Biologist, South Corridor Light Rail Biological Assessment, Metro/TriMet, Multnomah/Clackamas County, OR, 2004: Assisted in the preparation of a BA for ESA listed fish species for the proposed light rail project.

Staff Biologist, Camas Slough Maintenance Dredging, Fort James Camas LLC, Camas, WA, 2004: Prepared a SLOPES II compliance memo for submittal to the Corps.

Project Biologist, The Resort at Pronghorn Environmental Assessment, Ball Janik LLC, Deschutes County, OR, 2003: Prepared an Environmental Assessment for the siting of utility lines across public lands for the BLM Prineville District Office.

Habitat Restoration & Monitoring

Project Botanist, Bear Creek Relocation, ODOT, Zigzag, OR, 2001- 2004: Designed and implemented extensive riparian and wetland restoration plan, construction specifications, and monitoring plan.

Exceeded vegetation survival requirements.

Project Botanist, Northwest Pipe and Casing Superfund Site, USEPA, Clackamas, OR, 2003-2004: Designed upland restoration and wetland mitigation/monitoring plan.

Project Botanist, Lolo Pass Road Culvert Replacement, Clackamas County, OR, 2003-2004: Designed riparian restoration plan, surveyed for Survey and Manage Species, noxious weeds, and rare plant and wildlife species.

Project Botanist, Phase 3 Natural Gas Pipeline, Northwest Natural Gas, Columbia County, OR, 2003-2004: Designed and implemented vegetation mitigation plan.

Project Botanist, Swan Island Restoration, Port of Portland, Multnomah County, OR, 2003: Designed riparian restoration plan.

Project Botanist, North Santiam Hwy Mill Creek Fish Mitigation, ODOT, Salem, OR, 2003: Designed riparian restoration plan.

Staff Botanist, Sylvan Creek Stream Restoration, Clean Water Services, Washington County, OR, 2002: Assisted in the design of riparian restoration plan.

Wetland Biologist, Wetland Monitoring, WADOT, Western WA, 1999: Surveyed and monitored over 30 wetland mitigation sites Collection and identification of vegetation and aquatic invertebrates, documentation of soils and hydrology, and point count surveys for birds and other wildlife.

Field Crew (Americorps), King Co. Water & Land Resources Dept. King Co., WA, 1995-1996: Implemented stream restoration projects in rural and urban stream reaches in King County, Washington. Conducted water quality sampling in rural, salmonid bearing streams (King County Environmental Lab methods); constructed in-stream LWD structures using hand and power tools to provide increased cover, bank stabilization, and hydrologic diversity; completed baseline data surveys for native plant distribution, stream morphology, soils, stream gradient, and stream bank characteristics; assisted in designing restoration planting and habitat structure plans; identified northwest native plants, followed detailed landscape architecture plans to enhance degraded wetland and riparian areas; maintained King County nursery for native plants and salvaged native plants from forest harvest and construction areas; constructed interpretive trails, bridges, and over one mile of animal exclusion fence

Botanical / Ecological Surveys

Staff Biologist, Bald Eagle Monitoring, Port of Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, 2003-2004: Monitored behavior and area of use of resident bald eagles on POV property.

Project Biologist, Bear Creek Relocation, ODOT, Zigzag, OR, 2001- 2004: Conducted rare plant and noxious weed surveys and plant community analysis, and a noxious weed analysis. Prepared Biological Evaluation for USFS.

Project Biologist, Northeast Lands Inventory Project, BLM Spokane District, Stevens and Ferry County, WA, 2002: Field manager of biological survey team. Collected forest stand data including tree measurements, plant community associations, rare plant and wildlife presence in 20,000 acres of remote BLM parcels.

Project Biologist, Pendleton Wind, Florida Power and Light, Umatilla County, OR, 2001: Conducted population and occurrence surveys for ESA listed plants, mammals, birds and raptors, and fish in remote areas of Umatilla County. Trained in ODFW survey protocols for the Washington ground squirrel.

Project Biologist, Umatilla Chemical Depot, Incineration Baseline Monitoring – Umatilla County, OR, 2001: Conducted surveys and sampling of mammals, insects, soil, water, and vegetation for baseline monitoring report.

Fisheries / Stream / Wetland Surveys

Surveyed existing conditions and fish distribution for numerous projects involving streams and wetlands in Oregon and Washington, including:

Staff Biologist, Key Peninsula/Islands Basin Plan, Pierce County, Pierce County, WA, 2003: Stream condition assessment and salmonid habitat inventory of western Pierce County streams using USBEM methodology

Staff Biologist, South Corridor Light Rail DEIS, Metro, Multnomah/Clackamas County, OR, 2002: Stream assessments and impact analysis for light rail extensions.

Staff Biologist, Newberg-Dundee Transportation Improvement Project, ODOT, Washington County, OR, 2001: Provided habitat mapping and assessment of wildlife crossings.

Mapping Assistant, Salmon and Steelhead Habitat inventory Assessment Project, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Olympia, WA, 1998-1999: Conducted stream segment assessment in the mid Puget Sound WA basins using TFW Stream Segment Identification Method to determine baseline conditions. Assessed salmonid distribution and habitat suitability including barriers to fish passage and other modifications to hydrology within mid Puget Sound WA basins.

Professional Societies/Affiliates

Society of Ecological Restoration, 2002

Specialized Training/ Certifications

Applied Electrofishing (NOAA Fisheries Certification), NETC 2004

ESA Project Compliance, Portland State University 2003.

Wetland Delineation Certificate, Wetland Training Institute 2001

Chronology

2000-Present: URS Corporation, 2000: WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife 1999: WA Dept of Transportation 1999: Sound Native Plants Nursery

1998-1999: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

1995-1996: WA Dept of Ecology/King County Water and Land Resources

Contact Information

URS Corporation

111 SW Columbia, Suite 1500

Portland, OR 97201

Tel: 503.222.7200

Direct: 503.478-2767

Fax: 503.222.4292

sage_jensen@urscorp.com

4

Areas of Expertise

Terrestrial and Marine Ecology Ornithology

Environmental Impact Analysis

Years of Experience

With URS: 7 Years

With Other Firms: 20 Years

Education

M.S., Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 1985

B.S., Biological Science and Environmental Studies, Indiana University, 1979

Registration/Certification

Professional Ecologist Certification, Ecological Society of America

First aid/CPR

“Bears to Bugs” wilderness survival Aviation safety/survival

Publications

Co-author, Kenai Peninsula chapter in “A Birder’s Guide to Alaska”, G.C.West, 2008. American Birding Association, Asheville, NC.

pp. 301-346.

Rich Kleinleder

Senior Biologist/Certified Ecologist

Overview

Mr. Kleinleder’s professional career has included a wide variety of research and teaching jobs with over 25 years of experience throughout Alaska. Research jobs included fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing for ABR, Inc., and the Institute of Arctic Biology on North Slope caribou/oilfield development interactions, bird migration and breeding in Interior Alaska, seabird populations in the Bering Sea, and Dall sheep energetics in the Brooks Range. He has taught bird biology classes for Kenai Peninsula College and had teaching assistant positions at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He is the author of a birding website and “hotspots” map for Homer and conducts local breeding bird surveys for a national program. Mr. Kleinleder also co-founded an innovative technology company, SeeMore Wildlife Systems, which designed, constructed, and installed remotely controllable video camera systems for real-time wildlife viewing and research.

Mr. Kleinleder joined the URS Environmental Services team in the spring of 2001 and has since worked on a variety of projects for state and federal agencies. His writing provides a clear and objective presentation of scientific subjects within the context of what is required by pertinent natural resource laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. He is a senior author for effects on threatened and endangered species as well as non-ESA-listed birds and mammals. Examples of his relevant project experience with URS are provided below:

Professional Presentations

Society for Marine Mammalogy 17th Biennial Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, December 2007. Mr. Kleinleder gave an oral presentation titled, “Assessment of injury and mortality due to research activities: the Steller sea lion example”. This paper described the risk assessment model developed for the EIS on the effects of research activities on Steller sea lions and northern fur seals (see below). This model is currently used in the permitting process to authorize research on this endangered species.

Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Girdwood, Alaska, February 2006. Mr. Kleinleder gave an oral presentation titled, “Assessment of Impacts on Seabirds in the Alaska Groundfish Fisheries”. This paper explained the NEPA methodology and organization of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects analysis for seabirds in the Alaska Groundfish Programmatic EIS (see below).

American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Anchorage, Alaska, September 2005. Mr. Kleinleder gave an oral presentation titled, “Evaluating fishery management tools for protecting seabird populations”. This paper discussed ideas for using seabirds as indicator species in an ecosystem management context that arose from his work on the Alaska Groundfish Programmatic EIS (see below).

Project Specific Experience

BHP Billiton – Monitoring disturbance of caribou by helicopters and coal exploration activities, in progress. Mr. Kleinleder is the technical and field team leader for this survey and mitigation project driven by concerns of the Alaska Native landowners from Point Lay, Alaska. Field crews work out of a construction camp in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range and deploy by helicopter to remote camps for several days at a time.

SEC – Solar power generation project, plant and wildlife surveys, Spring 2008. Mr. Kleinleder worked with a large team of biologists and botanists from several URS offices and other consulting firms to survey a large tract of the Mojave desert outside Barstow, CA. Surveys focused on rare plants, general vegetation and habitat types, birds and other wildlife, and the endangered desert tortoise. Mr. Kleinleder also helped conduct surveys for the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard at a site outside Paso Robles, CA.

Kinder-Morgan – Cal-Nev pipeline expansion project, vegetation and rare plant surveys, Spring 2008. Mr. Kleinleder worked with a large team of biologists and botanists from several URS offices and other consulting firms to survey the entire length of a petroleum products pipeline corridor from Las Vegas, NV, to Colton, CA. Surveys were conducted on foot with emphasis on California listed plant species. General vegetation and habitat characteristics were also mapped and bird/wildlife species noted.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Subsistence Harvest of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. Mr. Kleinleder developed impact assessment criteria based on an Administrative Law Judge ruling that seeks to balance the needs for recovery of the population and preservation of Alaska Native subsistence culture. The effects analysis utilizes two population models that focus on different harvest levels and the extinction risk from cumulative effects.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Proposed Listing of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale under the Endangered Species Act. Mr. Kleinleder participated in a team effort to analyze over 180,000 public comments on the proposed rule.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Final EIS for the Alaska Bowhead Whale Subsistence Hunt, 2008. Mr. Kleinleder helped develop the cumulative effects analysis methodology and contributed to the cumulative effects analysis on bowheads with respect to climate change and oil and gas development in marine environments.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Programmatic EIS on the Effects of Authorized Research on Steller Sea Lions and Northern Fur Seals, 2007. Mr. Kleinleder was the Technical Lead for this project and worked closely with staff from NMFS Permitting Office and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory to identify and analyze the effects of research on these species. This project was driven by Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act considerations as well as NEPA compliance issues.

Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority – Draft EIS for the Knik Arm Crossing, 2006. URS was responsible for the cumulative effects sections of this ongoing project. Mr. Kleinleder helped establish the methodology used by URS authors and was responsible for writing the sections on terrestrial and marine wildlife for the DEIS and Technical Reports. This work includes analysis of cumulative effects on the Cook Inlet beluga whale, a stock that has experienced substantial declines in recent years and is currently under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Alaska Railroad Corp. – Environmental Assessment (EA) for Eielson Branch Realignment Project, 2005. Mr. Kleinleder authored the fish and wildlife affected environment and impacts and mitigation sections for this project near Fairbanks.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Steller’s Eider Nest Monitoring, 2005 and 2003. Mr. Kleinleder installed several remote video camera systems to monitor nesting success of this threatened species in Barrow, Alaska. This system included microwave transmission of the video signal from nest sites to a research facility where the images were digitally recorded. In 2005 the work documented nest predation from jaegers and nest abandonment after disturbance.

Bureau of Land Management – EIS for the Ring of Fire Resource Management Plan, 2005. This project covered BLM lands in an extensive area from Southeast Alaska to the western Aleutians. Mr. Kleinleder wrote the Biological Assessment for threatened and endangered birds and marine mammals as well as the wildlife sections of the DEIS.

National Park Service – EIS for the South Denali Visitor Center, 2005. Following the directives in the National Park Service’s revised DO- 12 NEPA Handbook, Mr. Kleinleder authored the affected environment, direct, indirect, and cumulative effects sections for birds and mammals.

Bureau of Indian Affairs – EIS for an Oil Spill Response Facility in Cordova, Alaska, 2004. Mr. Kleinleder authored the wildlife technical report as well as the EIS sections for terrestrial and marine bird and mammal species. This work included field surveys for bald eagle nests and intertidal life. One alternative included construction of a new road and followed basic FHWA procedures for environmental impact assessment.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Programmatic Supplemental EIS for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands/Gulf of Alaska Groundfish

Fisheries, 2001-2004.Mr. Kleinleder made extensive contributions to this ground-breaking project. He is the primary author for all sections pertaining to seabirds and co-authored the marine mammal sections, including past and present effects on each species, analysis of the alternatives, and the cumulative effects analysis.

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities – Juneau Access Improvements Supplemental EIS, 2003-2004. Mr. Kleinleder was the lead author for three technical reports regarding the direct effects of the highway/marine ferry alternatives on Steller sea lions, bald eagles, and wildlife. These reports discuss relevant research, consultation, and jurisdictional responsibilities of federal and state wildlife and land management agencies. Mr. Kleinleder was also the lead author for the Indirect and Cumulative Effects analyses for these species.

National Marine Fisheries Service – Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fisheries Rationalization Plan EIS, 2003. Mr. Kleinleder wrote the cumulative effects sections of this EIS involving seabirds, marine mammals, water quality, the ecosystem, and benthic communities.

Alaska Department of Transportation – Kenai River Bridge Access Road Pedestrian Pathway EA, 2002. Mr. Kleinleder designed and conducted a field survey to measure bird disturbance in relation to potential pedestrian traffic across the Kenai River Flats during spring migration. He also analyzed the data and authored the report for this topic that was a matter of public and wildlife agency concern.

British Petroleum, Inc. – Environmental Impact Field Study Design, Shah Deniz Pipeline, 2001. Mr. Kleinleder designed bird survey methodology for the Shah Deniz Gas/Oil Pipeline project in the Republic of Georgia. The methodology was designed to measure bird use of a particularly sensitive wetland and surrounding areas. He also drafted a proposal to use satellite telemetry to study brown bear movement patterns in relation to the pipeline right-of-way.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Service – Southern Intertie EIS, 2001. Mr. Kleinleder co-authored the wildlife cumulative effects section for the Southern Intertie Project EIS on the Kenai Peninsula.

Alaska Gas Pipeline Project Team – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Application for a Natural Gas Pipeline, Alaska Highway Route, 2001. Mr. Kleinleder served as field team leader and report author for a study on Dall sheep lambing and mineral lick use in the Atigun Pass area, Brooks Range, Alaska.

U.S. Forest Service – Resource Reports for Kosciusko and Tuxekan Timber Sales, 2001. Mr. Kleinleder compiled pertinent information on local wildlife resources and applicable restrictions on logging activities based on the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

4

Areas of Expertise

Wildlife ecology

Birds of the Western United States Avian surveys

Surveys for special-status species such as marbled murrelet, snowy plover, willow flycatcher, burrowing owl, and red-legged frog

General wildlife surveys Habitat assessment Construction monitoring Soil science

Wetland delineation, including extensive experience with vernal pools

Watershed management

Years of Experience

With URS: 1 Year

With Other Firms: 2 Years

Education

BS/Wildland Soil Science/ Humboldt State University/2003

Brooke McDonald

Biologist

Overview

Ms. McDonald has a broad background in different aspects of natural history. Ms. McDonald has worked with many rare and endangered birds and other animals throughout California, and can identify most California birds by sight and sound. She has an academic background in soil science and watershed management, and has extensive knowledge of wetland soils and hydrology. Finally, she has excellent writing skills.

Examples of Project Specific Experience

Special-Status Species Surveys

• Pacific Lumber Company Habitat Conservation Plan compliance. Performed protocol surveys for marbled murrelets and potential predators in redwood forests in Humboldt County, California.

• Mercer/Fraser Co. snowy plover surveys. Surveyed for snowy plover individuals and nests along the Eel and Van Duzen Rivers in Humboldt County, California.

• Kaweah Water District burrowing owl surveys and passive relocation. Surveyed for burrowing owls, located and excavated burrowing owl burrows, installed one-way doors, and monitored construction on a 1,300 acre site in Kings County, California.

General Bird Surveys, Wildlife Surveys, and Habitat Assessments

• Arroyo Burro Restoration Project. Performed two years of surveys for breeding birds at a creek restoration site in Santa Barbara County, California. Located bird nests and supervised vegetation clearing. Also assisted with tidewater goby relocation.

• Santa Barbara Airport Breeding Bird Surveys. Searched for nests and evidence of breeding birds in grassland and coastal sage scrub habitat prior to construction and vegetation clearing. Supervised vegetation clearing.

• Angeles National Forest fire prevention activities. Assessed habitat suitability for various special-status birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians on proposed firebreaks throughout the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California.

• Yosemite West planned development. Assessed habitat suitability for willow flycatcher, northern goshawk, great gray owl, Sierra Nevada red fox, and other special-status species on private lands near Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California.

• Klamath Bird Observatory long-term monitoring. Performed point counts in forests burned during the Biscuit Fire in Douglas and Josephine counties in Oregon.

• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo structure relocation. Performed day and night surveys for red-legged frogs on the creeks and ponds of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Wetlands and Waters of the United States

• Redington Ranch wetland delineation. Located and mapped vernal pools with a hand-held GPS unit on a 15,000 acre site in grassland habitat in Merced and Mariposa counties in California. Over 4,000 vernal pools and other wetlands were identified during the delineation.

• Millerton New Town. Delineated and mapped many seasonal streams, upland channels, and vernal pools in grassland and mixed oak habitat near the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera counties in California.

General Document Writing Experience

• Tepusquet Bridge Natural Environment Study and Wetland Delineation Report. Assessed habitat suitability for threatened and endangered species, performed a wetland delineation, and wrote environmental documents analyzing findings on a site in Santa Barbara County, California.

Specialized Training

OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 2006

First Aid, AED, and CPR Training, 2006

Habitat Restoration Workshop, UC Davis Extension, 2005

CEQA Workshop, Association of Environmental Professionals, 2004 Richard Chinn Wetland Delineation Class, 2004

Contact Information

URS Corporation

130 Robin Hill Road, Suite 100 Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Tel 805.964.6010

Fax 805.964.0259

Brooke_mcdonald@urscorp.com

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Education

Qualifications

JillSeed

Senior Biologist

B.S Biology, 1997, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Areas of Expertise

• Railroad Projects
• Natural Gas and LNG Pipeline Projects
• Endangered Species
• Environmental Assessment
• Environmental Impact Statement
• USACE Nationwide Permitting System
  • Focused Avian Surveys
  • NEPA and ESA
  • Wetland Delineations
  • Section 404 Compliance
  • ESA Section 7 and Section 10 Consultation

Certifications and Training

2007     Texas Chapter of the

American Public Works Association 24 Hour Streambank Soil Bioengineering Technical Training

2005       United States Army

Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation and Management Training Certification.

2005 Black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler habitat assessment and surveys.

Ms. Seed has over eight years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. Ms. Seed is permitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct threatened, endangered and sensitive species surveys as per the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). She has extensive experience conducting field surveys, preparing environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, biological assessments, habitat assessments, and fatal flaw/constraints analysis. Ms. Seed is trained in United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) wetland delineation, best management practices, storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), and spill prevention control and countermeasures plans (SPCC).

Ms. Seed’s acts as the primary liaison between clients and state/federal agencies for the negotiation of environmental permitting requirements. She has specific experience coordinating directly with USFWS, FERC and the USACE on the nationwide permitting system (NWP) and preparing the necessary permitting application packages. Ms. Seed most recently attended the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association 24 Hour Streambank Soil Bioengineering Technical Training presented by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Professional Experience

Surface Transportation Board Draft Supplemental EIS for Southwest Gulf Railroad Company, Medina County, Texas (2006-2008). Task leader for ArcGIS evaluation, data acquisition and map preparation. Delegated assignments to project team colleagues, created detailed maps for field investigations and prepared final deliverables for technical documents. Authored the transportation, hazardous materials, land use, recreational/visual resources, socioeconomics, and environmental justice sections of the Draft Supplemental EIS. Assisted with biological and habitat assessments, Waters of the U.S determinations, wetland delineations, and threatened and endangered species surveys for black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler, Texas horned lizard and Texas tortoise.

Union Pacific Railroad, Orange to Francis Track Connection Project, Orange, TX (2006). Conducted wetland determinations and habitat assessments for Union Pacific Railroad in Orange, Texas. Performed wetland delineations, collected GPS data and prepared final GIS maps. Produced the wetland delineation report for the USACE.

Mississippi-Arkansas Lateral Extension, Mississippi and Arkansas, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 7c Application, Texas Gas Transmission LLC, (2007). Project involved preparation of Land Use and Resource Reports for use in FERC filing. Responsible for conducting site reconnaissance and data collection on a 90-mile pipeline project in northwestern Mississippi, and collecting data on a 170-mile pipeline project in northern Arkansas, for use in resource reports. Prepared Land Use Resource Reports #5 and #8.

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport Environmental Assessment, Brownsville, TX (February 2007). Project biologist for environmental assessment including data review and analysis, field surveys for threatened and endangered species as appropriate and wetland delineations. Project involved rehabilitation and reconstruction of Taxiway G and the development of a major maintenance/repair/overhaul (MRO) facility on the airport.

Burgos International Pipeline Project, Valero Logistics Operations LP, Edinburg County, TX (February-April 2005). Project biologist for the environmental assessment of the 34-mile international pipeline route. Coordination with United States Department of State, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Office of International Energy and Commodity Policy, and Division of Energy Producing Countries to obtain a Presidential Permit. Conducted field surveys, authored the biological resources and impacts section of the environmental assessment, prepared correspondence to state agencies, attended public meetings, and fielded questions from regulatory agencies and community citizens.

Enbridge Pipeline Project Clarity, Wetland Delineations and Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessment in Houston, Anderson, Polk, Hardin, and Orange Counties, Texas (2006-2007). Conducted biological and habitat assessments on approximately 105 miles of pipeline right-of-way, which included Waters of the U.S determinations, wetland delineations, and threatened and endangered species surveys for bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, interior least tern, Louisiana black bear, tinytim, Texas trailing phlox, and Neches River rose-mallow. Collected GPS data points for wetland delineations. Produced associated materials to aid in preparation of U.SACE permits and USFWS biological technical reports. Prepared FERC documentation, including biological resource reports.

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners Pipeline Integrity Project, USACE Permitting in TX, KS, NM, and OK (2005-2007). Assistant project manager and project biologist for the Kinder Morgan Energy Partners office based in Houston, TX. Primary contact and regulatory liaison for pipeline integrity inspections and associated pipeline maintenance. Conduct desktop research and prepare all required environmental documents and permits to facilitate pipeline inspection and repair. Coordinate with various federal and state agencies on environmental permitting issues. Prepared NWP applications and Pre- Construction Notifications as required. Conducted fieldwork to determine the presence or absence of endangered species, wetland, waters of the US and other sensitive biological resources.

Babcock-Eagleton Pipeline Inc., Harris County, TX (February 2005). Project biologist for the environmental and regulatory constraints analysis for the proposed 37-mile natural gas pipeline from Texas City, TX to Deer Park, TX. Duties included conducting wetland delineations, consulting with federal and state regulatory agencies on potential concerns with biological and water resources, desktop research and field survey analysis on land use and the potential habitat supporting threatened and endangered species along the pipeline right-of-way, and report preparation.

Kelly Jean Sleeth

Staff Biologist

Areas of Expertise

Biology

Years of Experience With URS: 1 Year Education

BS/Forestry and Natural Resources/June 2006/California Polytechnic State University

Project Specific Experience

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Resource Ecologist, March 2005-present, Oceano, CA.

• Western Snowy Plover. Trained and federally permitted (permit TE- 815214-3) to enter and search federally closed areas to watch behavior of the endangered Lest Tern and threatened Western Snowy Plover. Helped to write part of the end of season report on the success of endangered Lest Tern and threatened Western Snowy Plover. This report is given to federal agencies and the public. Used GPS to locate and mark nests of endangered Lest Tern and threatened Western Snowy Plover. Collected and entered data into excel from field work. Used scopes and binoculars to identify key predatory birds and species of concern. Conducted vegetation transects in dune areas.

Trained in marine mammal rescue and care of sick and injured wildlife. Conducted driving transects of the beach to search for possible nests. Trained in 4×4 driving, ATV, and helicopter rescue.

• Oceano Campground, Vegetation Management Plan. Located plant species of concern within the campground, and created and designed a Vegetation Management Plan. Made recommendations of preferred management for each species and the campground in its entirety based on the capabilities and budget of the park. Used GPS to locate all points of these species and then used GIS to create maps to help with management. The manual was handed out to Maintenance staff, and was used in the park’s planning for the CEQA process.

• Palos Verdes Land Conservancy, June-September 2004, Palos Verdes, CA. Created maps and modified aerial photographs to: make presentations, map out restoration projects and identify important ecological areas. Created photopoint locations on multiple PVPLC nature preserves to track progress of restoration projects. Created a tree report for White Point Nature Preserve tracking the growth of native trees and shrubs that had been planted the previous fall. The report also included sections on neighbor relations with regard to the trees, and recommendations to increase the health and vigor of all tree species presently on the preserve. Attended Department of Defense meetings on the preservation of the Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is native to one of the PVPLC’s preserves. Responsible for keying out, and identifying native California flora. Worked at the Land Conservancy nursery sorting native seeds, and transplanting plants. Collected seeds for many native California flora.

• Cal Poly NRM Department Lab Monitor, September 2004- present, San Luis Obispo, CA. Responsible for opening the computer

lab for students. In charge of expensive equipment. Help students with computer questions, and clean up lab.

• Friends of Madrona Marsh, Volunteer, 2001, Torrance, CA. Responsible for teaching volunteers how to clear non-native plants from the marsh. Collected and sorted native seeds. Sorted and mailed Friends of the Madrona Marsh newsletter. Planted seedlings and grown native species, cleared non-native plants from growing native plants.

Professional Societies/Affiliates

• Xi Sigma Pi (National Forestry Honor Society)
• 2005-2006/Xi Sigma Pi Associate Forester
• 2003-2005/Cal Poly Logging team member
• 2004-2005/Logging Team Secretary

Awards

• Fall 2004/Deans List
• 2004/3rd place at Cal Poly Conclave in Dendrology
  • 2002-2003 (Fall and Winter Quarters)/Yosemite Hall Honor Society at Cal Poly (3.4+ GPA)
  • 2001-2002/National Honor Society Member

Specialized Training

• Minor in Land Rehabilitation

Contact Information

URS Corporation

130 Robin Hill Road, Suite 100 Santa Barbara, CA. 93117 Phone: 805.964.6010

Fax: 805.964.0259

Kelly_sleeth@urscorp.com

2

Areas of Expertise

Endangered Species Act Wildlife Biological Surveys Environmental Impact Analysis Project Management

Years of Experience

With URS: 7 Years

With Other Firms: 4 Years

Education

MS/Biology/2001/Stanford University BA/Biology/1994/ University of Virginia

Registration/Certification

2005/USFWS Permit to Conduct Branchiopod Surveys/CA

Lorena Solórzano-Vincent

Biologist III – Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp

Overview

Ms. Solórzano-Vincent has approximately 11 years of experience preparing biological studies, Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations, and environmental impact assessments. Her experience involves conducting biological surveys for sensitive wildlife species in California, Section 7 consultations under the federal Endangered Species Act, and the preparation of biological resources sections for Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Reports (EIR). Her field experience includes protocol surveys for listed vernal pool branchiopods (i.e., commonly addressed as fairy shrimp species), burrowing owl, raptors, red-legged frog, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and vernal pool rare plants. Her project experience includes the following:

Project Specific Experience

Lead Biologist, ESA Consultations on FEMA Projects, Multiple Counties, CA, FEMA, 2002 – Present, $10M: Prepared impact analysis on endangered species in 36 counties in California for approximately 400 projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Consulted formally and informally with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the federal Endangered Species Act. The projects vary from flood control, vegetation management, fire prevention, and highway and infrastructure improvement throughout California.

Lead Biologist, Cottonwood Road Mitigation Bank, Butte County, CA, Caltrans, 2005 and 2006, $300K: Conducted protocol surveys for listed vernal pool fairy shrimp, nesting Swainson’s hawks for two consecutive years on a 580-acre project area and conducted the delineation of wetlands and other jurisdictional waters in the project area. Lead a crew of 7 biologists in the field to conduct the surveys. Drafted a biological survey report describing all the sensitive wildlife species in the project area. The project area was a proposed mitigation site for Caltrans projects. The baseline survey data was used to demonstrate the conservation value of the property for future mitigation. Worked closely with Caltrans and the resource agencies to identify the appropriate survey work plan to evaluate the baseline conditions. Developed a comprehensive biological and land use baseline report that included recommendations for future monitoring and management of the mitigation site. This report was approved by the ACOE, the USFWS, and CDFG. Presented the survey results and fairy shrimp vouchers to the California Academy of Sciences.

Senior Biologist, San Antonio Reservoir Pipeline Relocation Project, Alameda County, CA, Chevron, 2005-present, $300K: Conducted surveys for burrowing owls and tree-nesting raptors for three consecutive years on a 6-mile pipeline alignment and a ½ mile buffer study area. Lead a crew of 6 biologists in the field. Mapped the vegetation communities and habitat types in the project area. Drafted a raptor survey report describing the findings and conducted the negotiations on avoidance measures with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Also, conducted a Section 7 ESA consultation with the USFWS for this project. Functioned as the Assistant Project Manager.

Senior Biologist, Chevron San Ardo To Coalinga Crude Oil Pipeline Alignment, Monterey and Fresno County, CA, Chevron, 2006-2008,

$1M: Conducted surveys for burrowing owls and tree-nesting raptors for three consecutive years for burrowing owls and other raptors on a 57-mile pipeline alignment. Lead a crew of 7 biologists in the field. Drafted a raptor survey report describing the findings and the avoidance measures with CDFG. Coordinated efforts with the agencies.

Senior Biologist, Los Vaqueros Mitigation Site for Chevron San Ardo To Coalinga Crude Oil Pipeline Alignment, Monterey and Fresno County, CA, Chevron, 2008, $1M: Mapped the habitat of a 2,000-acre site proposed as a mitigation site. Reviewed the report presenting the biological results. The proposed site was reviewed for habitat to support the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, other amphibians, nesting raptors, and rare plants.

Lead Biologist, Red-legged frog Surveys, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, FEMA, 2006, $500K: Conducted protocol surveys for California red-legged frogs in the project area and all aquatic habitats within a 1-mile radius. Drafted a Site Assessment and Survey Report summarizing the findings. Also, prepared a Biological Assessment under ESA for consultation with the USFWS.

Lead Biologist, Red-legged frog Surveys, Sulphur Spring Damage, Paso Robles, CA, FEMA, 2005, $500K: Conducted protocol surveys for California red-legged frogs in the project area and all aquatic habitats within a 1-mile radius. Drafted a Site Assessment and Survey Report summarizing the findings. Also, prepared a Biological Assessment under ESA for consultation with the USFWS.

Biologist, Willits Bypass Project, Willits, CA, Caltrans, 2004-2006, [Cost]: Prepared the wildlife section of the Biological Assessment for USFWS. The project included the expansion of Highway 1. Drafted an impact analysis for endangered species. Conducted rare plant surveys and verified the wetland delineation along the proposed alignments.

Senior Biologist, Burrowing Owl Surveys at the Oakland International Airport, Alameda, CA, Port of Oakland, 2002 – 2007, [Cost]: Conducted routine burrowing owl surveys for 5 years during the breeding and non-breeding season in the North Field. Addressed client environmental questions as needed. Drafted the biological resources section an EIR for the Materials Management Program at the Airport.

Has approval and badge to conduct field surveys at the Airport’s North Field. Lorena is an authorized signer for projects at the Airport.

Biologist, Concord to Sacramento Pipeline Project, CA, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, 2003 – 2007, $2M: Conducted two consecutive years of protocol surveys for listed vernal pool fairy shrimp

species for a proposed 60-mile refined petroleum products pipeline. Utilized Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to locate vernal pools and sensitive species occurrences during field surveys. Conducted post- construction monitoring to evaluate the performance of wetland and oak tree mitigation. Conducted post-construction monitoring of mitigation sites. Coordinated the implementation of remedial oak tree plantings in 2006.

Biologist, State Route 44, Redding, CA, Caltrans, 2004 – 2005, [Cost]: Conducted and collected a dry-season sampling of vernal pool fairy shrimp vouchers along State Route 44. The samples were processed to determine which fairy shrimp species inhabit the project area.

Biologist, Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, CA, Sacramento Airport, 2006 – 2007, $1M: Conducted field surveys at the Airport and surrounding areas and drafted a Biological Assessment under ESA and the biological analysis for an EIS/EIR to address the long-term development of the Airport.

Biologist, Crescent City Airport Expansion Project, Crescent City, CA, Crescent City Airport, 2006 – 2007, $200K: Conducted field surveys at the Airport and surrounding areas and drafted a Biological Assessment to initiate Section 7 consultation under the ESA, as well as potential wetland impacts.

Biologist, Almaden Dam Outlet Works Project, Santa Clara County, CA, Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), 2004 – 2005, $100K: Prepared the biological resources section for the Initial Study as required under CEQA. Gathered data on special status species and sensitive habitats surrounding the Almaden Dam project area and drafted an impact analysis. The Santa Clara Valley Water District owns and operates the dam and reservoir and is the Lead Agency for the proposed program per CEQA. Attended meetings with the District to discuss the project alternatives and the potential impacts to the biological resources within the project area.

Biologist, Richmond Field Station, Richmond, CA, University of California at Berkeley, 2002 – 2003, $1M: Prepared the wildlife section of the Initial Study as required under CEQA. Conducted reconnaissance level surveys and habitat mapping. The habitats within the project area included salt marsh and coastal prairie. Drafted an impact analysis for the species in the project area.

Biologist, Hedrick Ranch Nature Area, Ventura County, CA, California Coastal Conservancy, 2004 – 2005, $100K: Prepared the Management Plan for an approximately 300-acre site. All habitats encountered onsite were mapped. The Management Plan for the Hedrick Ranch Nature Area describes 17 habitat management and restoration elements. The information collected in this report will be used to management, enhance, and restore riparian habitat on the site in coordination with the Friends of the Santa Clara River.

Biologist, Potrero Power Plant Unit 7 Project, San Francisco, CA, Mirant, 2002 – 2004, $1M: Drafted the terrestrial biological resources section of the Biological Assessment for this project according to requirements of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The impact analysis included a site survey of biological resources at the power plant site, description of existing conditions, and impact analysis due to construction and operation of the proposed project.

Biologist, Colusa Power Plant Project, Colusa County, CA, E&L Westcoast, LLC., 2001 – 2002, 2006 – 2007, $1.5M: Conducted burrowing owl surveys. Coordinated response to multi-disciplinary data requests following the Application for Certification (AFC) of this power plant. Coordinated focused surveys for special status species and wetlands that were implemented in 2006 to update the 2002 AFC.

Biologist, Solano County Juvenile Detention Facility Project, Solano County, CA, 2002 – 2003, $100K: Drafted the biological resources section and impact analysis of the Initial Study and Environmental Assessment as required under CEQA and NEPA. Conducted the corresponding agency correspondence.

Biologist, Long-Term Contingency Plan for Water Supply, Carmel River, CA, [Client], 2001, $300K: Coordinated the biological resources team, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine resources for the preparation of a long-term contingency plan in Monterey County. The proposed plan included desalinization plants, seasonal water diversion, and underground water injection wells, among other components.

Biologist, Falcon to Gonder 345kV Transmission Power Line, CA- NV, [Client], 2001, $1M: Prepared the biological resources section of the environmental impact statement for a 180-mile transmission power line project in Nevada. Analyzed potential impacts to wildlife and threatened and endangered species as a result of habitat loss and disturbance, habitat fragmentation, and increased human access.

Biologist, Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement / Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for Sale of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1 (NPR-1), Fresno County, CA, NPR, 1996- 1999, $1M: Prepared the biological resources section of the environmental impact statement, which discussed the ecological conditions at NPR-1 and the impacts of the proposed action on animal and plant communities. The biological resources section analyzed the current conditions and the impacts to plant and animal communities, threatened, endangered and special concern species in the area of study.

Biologist, Environmental Assessment for the Privatization of the Long Island Railroad, Long Island, NY, Railroad Company, 1997,

$100K: Prepared the biological resources section of an environmental impact statement for the privatization of the Long Island Railroad freight operations. Visited railroad yards for a site characterization and determined the presence of endangered or threatened species in the area of study. The EA was prepared under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) to address the potential environmental impacts of the proposed privatization.

Biologist, Environmental Assessment for the F/A 18-E/F Fighter Jet, Naval Air Station Patuxent River Complex, MD, Department of Defense, 1996-1999, $1M: Prepared parts of the biological resources section of an environmental impact statement for the testing of the F/A 18-E/F aircraft. The proposed action was to test weapons separation from the aircraft F/A 18-E/F at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Complex. Drafted a report analyzing the impacts of the aircraft’s testing on migratory birds and shellfisheries in the area. Visited the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and interviewed local biologists, especially regarding the impacts to bald eagles in the area of study.

Biologist, Flood Control Project, American Samoa, 2006, $100K: Collected biological data on habitat and endangered species in the project area. Drafted an impact analysis on a flood control project and consulted with the local agencies regarding endangered species in the area.

Biologist, Lower Hamakua Ditch Project, Big Island of Hawaii Big Island, HI, FEMA, 2005, $100K: Collected biological data on habitat and endangered species in the project area. Drafted an impact analysis an irrigation and flood control project and consulted with the local agencies regarding endangered species in the area.

Researcher, Macaw Project in the Tambopata-Candamo Reserved Zone, Peru, 2001: Conducted a summer research project on macaw clay licks in the lowland rainforest (i.e., the Amazon basin) of southeastern Peru. Coordinated educational sessions and presented research findings for visitors to the center.

Biologist, Environmental Impact Statement for the Punta Peña- Almirante Road, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama, Republic of Panama, 1997, $200K: Prepared an Environmental Impact Statement for the construction of the road connecting Punta Peña to Almirante. The area of study is highly sensitive for biological issues because it is fairly undisturbed and is located near wetlands, coral reefs, and national parks. Reviewed the Rapid Ecological Assessment for the area of study.

Prepared the biological resources section of the EIS, which included the analysis of potential impacts to terrestrial flora and fauna, freshwater ecosystems, coastal ecosystems and threatened and endangered species in several parks located near the impacted area. Drafted and reviewed specific mitigation measures to reduce the impacts analyzed in the EIS.

Biologist, Pre-feasibility Study of an Integrated Electric Mass Transit System to Reduce Commuter Congestion and Air Pollution, San Jose, Costa Rica, 1997, $200K: Prepared detailed materials and descriptions of the railroad right-of-way that had potential to be developed as a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in San Jose. The final report analyzed several components as potential solutions for San Jose’s problems with traffic congestion and air pollution. Potential solutions included an LRT, Electric Trolley Bus, and clean diesel buses. Worked daily with the client, government officials, and other local consultants.

Drafted the environmental impact assessment section of the final report.

Biologist, Rapid Ecological Assessment for the Petaquilla Mining Project, Panama, 1996, $200K: Reviewed the Rapid Ecological Assessment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the concession area for the Petaquilla copper mine. The development of this mine required a careful assessment of the biodiversity of the area because it is located within an undisturbed rainforest. The assessment analyzed the current conditions of forest cover and land use, terrestrial flora and fauna, aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial insects, biodiversity and areas of high ecological sensibility. Visited the area of study in Panama to survey the rainforest and helped collect relevant samples of flora and fauna.

Biologist, Environmental Assessment for Rocket Launching Activities, Sombrero Island, Anguilla, 1998, $200K: Prepared an environmental impact analysis on the potential impacts caused by the development of the proposed rocket launching activities on Sombrero Island, which is located in the Eastern Caribbean. The area of study is especially sensitive because migratory birds nest on the island and an endemic species of lizard inhabits the island. During a field trip, collected data on the migratory seabirds that nest on Sombrero Island during the summer and gathered data on the local lizard population.

TECHNICAL AREA: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 9.       Please provide a discussion of air emission impacts to

sensitive species habitat during construction, operation, and maintenance.

Response: No adverse effects on biological resources, including special management species or their habitat, are expected to result from air emissions for this project as described in the AFC. This solar power project, with the modifications discussed in response to Data Adequacy Request 1, will not result in substantial emissions from NOx or other air pollutants that are common considerations for gas-fired power plants. Therefore, no local or regional adverse effects on biological resources from such pollutants will occur, such as effects of nitrogen deposition from gas-fired power plant emissions that may fertilize surrounding lands and favor intrusive, non-native species.

Dust emissions during construction and operation will be controlled using best available means, as discussed in response to Data Adequacy Request

1. This region is subject to heavy levels of windblown dust and sand, and the biological resources on site are naturally adapted to this type of dusty environment. The proposed project will not result in substantial increase in dust emissions that would adversely affect biological resources on site or on adjacent land.

TECHNICAL AREA: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 10.    Please contact the USACE regarding jurisdictionality of

waters on-site. Also provide contact information of the USACE representative, a description of what was discussed, and when the discussion took place.

Response:   URS met with Unites States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) staff (Jim Mace, P: (915) 568-1359, F: (915) 568-1348,

james.e.mace@spa02.usace.army.mil) at the project site on January 23, 2009 to discuss jurisdictional issues. The USACE indicated during the site visit that drainage features on site appear to not be federally jurisdictional for a variety of reasons. URS is continuing to coordinate with the USACE to provide additional information to conclude the jurisdictional determination.

To date, USACE has not indicated a date when they will make a final determination on jurisdiction.

Federal permitting for waters of the U.S. is a subsequent, separate permit action from the CEC permit process; however, we will forward the materials from the USACE to the CEC for informational purposes separate from this data response once the USACE renders its official determination. The information provided in the AFC describes the justification for making a determination of no Federal jurisdiction pursuant to Section 401 or 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act. In the absence of Federal jurisdictional waters of the U.S., permits from the USACE pursuant to Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act and from the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 Certification will not be required.

TECHNICAL AREA: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 11.      Please add USACE AND RWQCB to Tables 5.6-4 and

5.6-5.

Response:     Tables 5.6-4 and 5.6-5 have been revised and are presented below.

Table 5.6-4

Agency Contact List for LORS

Source: URS Corporation, 2008. Note:

LORS = laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards

Table 5.6-5 Applicable Permits

Table 5.6-5 Applicable Permits

Notes:

CDFG     =    California Department of Fish and Game CEQA =         California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 CFR      =          Code of Federal Regulations

RWQCB     =      Regional Water Quality Control Board USACE =                                 United States Army Corps of Engineers USC   =               United States Code

USFWS =    United States Fish and Wildlife Service

TECHNICAL AREA: CULTURAL RESOURCES

Data Adequacy Request 12.      The applicant proposes mitigation measures in Section

5.7 of the AFC. Please discuss the potential effectiveness of these measures.

The applicant proposes monitoring of ground disturbance associated with “the Project” in Section 5.7 of the AFC. Please propose a plan or protocol to monitor the effectiveness of the overall mitigation program for cultural resources.

Response: Please refer to the discussion of mitigation measures and how the Applicant plans to monitor the effectiveness of the overall mitigation program on Page 5.7-166 – 5.7-178 of the revised Section 5.7, Cultural Resources provided as attachment CUL-1. A summary is also provided below.

The mitigation measures provided in the revised Section 5.7 of the AFC are considered highly effective in addressing adverse effects to eligible known or previously unknown cultural resources. A tabular matrix of the mitigation measures are provided in the revised Section 5.7. The table provides a matrix with potential impact(s) along with corresponding mitigation measure(s), monitoring/reporting action(s), effectiveness criteria, responsible agencies, and timing (Pages 5.7-171 – 5.7-178).

The effectiveness of the monitoring program will be measured through monthly and end of construction final monitoring reports based on completed daily monitoring logs and non-compliance forms. The components and protocols of the monitoring program will be formalized in a CEC/BLM approved Cultural Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan/Historic Properties Treatment Plan and a Worker Environmental Awareness Program.

Attachment

CUL‐1

Section 5        Environmental Information……………………………………………………………………. 5-1

5.7          Cultural Resources………………………………………………………………………….. 5.7-1

5.7.1         Affected Environment…………………………………………………………… 5.7-1

5.7.1.1           Project Area………………………………………………………….. 5.7-9

5.7.1.2           Area of Potential Effect………………………………………….. 5.7-11

5.7.1.3           Physiography……………………………………………………….. 5.7-11

5.7.1.4           Soils and Geology…………………………………………………. 5.7-12

5.7.1.5           Geomorphology……………………………………………………. 5.7-12

5.7.1.6           Biology………………………………………………………………. 5.7-13

5.7.1.7           Existing Conditions……………………………………………….. 5.7-14

5.7.1.8           Site Disturbance within the Project Area and APEs………. 5.7-15

5.7.1.9           Prehistoric Context……………………………………………….. 5.7-15

5.7.1.9.1           Paleo-Indian Complex (10,000 to 8000 cal B.C.)5.7-16

5.7.1.9.2           Lake Mojave Complex (ca. 8000 – 6500 cal B.C.)5.7-17

5.7.1.9.3           The Pinto Complex (ca. 6500 – 4000 cal B.C.) 5.7-18

5.7.1.9.4           Gypsum Complex (ca. 2000 cal B.D. – cal A.C. 200)5.7-19

5.7.1.9.5           Rose Spring Complex (ca. cal A.D. 200 -1100)5.7-19

5.7.1.9.6           The Late Prehistoric Complexes (ca. cal A.D. 1100 – Contact)……………………………… 5.7-20

5.7.1.9.7           Archaeology in the Project Vicinity…………… 5.7-21

5.7.1.10       Ethnography………………………………………………………… 5.7-23

5.7.1.10.1        Serrano……………………………………………….. 5.7-24

5.7.1.10.2        Vanyume (Beñeme)………………………………. 5.7-25

5.7.1.10.3        Chemeheuvi………………………………………… 5.7-25

5.7.1.10.4        Other Native American Groups Associated with the Region…………………………………….. 5.7-26

5.7.1.11       Historic Period……………………………………………………… 5.7-27

5.7.1.11.1   Spanish Period (1540 to 1821)…………………. 5.7-27

5.7.1.11.2   Mexican Period (1821 to 1848)………………… 5.7-28

5.7.1.11.3        American Period…………………………………… 5.7-29

5.7.1.11.4        Conclusions…………………………………………. 5.7-39

5.7.1.12       Key Personnel Qualifications…………………………………… 5.7-40

5.7.1.13       Report of Findings and Evaluation Recommendations…… 5.7-41

5.7.1.13.1        Records Search Results………………………….. 5.7-41

5.7.1.13.2        Class III Field Survey Results………………….. 5.7-65

5.7.2         Native American Consultation…………………………………………….. 5.7-147

5.7.3         Environmental Consequences……………………………………………… 5.7-147

5.7.3.1           Significance Criteria……………………………………………. 5.7-147

5.7.3.2           Management Considerations/Recommendations…………. 5.7-148

5.7.3.2.1           Archaeological Sites Assumed Eligible……. 5.7-150

5.7.3.2.2           Archaeological Sites Recommended Not Eligible5.7-155 5.7.3.3               Direct and Indirect Effects               5.7-162

5.7.3.3.1           Archaeological Resources…………………….. 5.7-163

5.7.3.3.2           Built Environment……………………………….. 5.7-163

5.7.3.4    Cumulative Impacts…………………………………………….. 5.7-166

5.7-i

5.7.4         Extended Class III Limited Subsurface Testing……………………….. 5.7-167

5.7.5         Mitigation Measures………………………………………………………….. 5.7-168

5.7.5.1           Federal………………………………………………………………… 5-188

5.7.5.2    State……………………………………………………………………. 5-189

5.7.5.3    Local…………………………………………………………………… 5-189

5.7.5.4           Agencies and Agency Contacts…………………………………. 5-190

5.7.5.5           Permits Required and Permitting Schedule………………….. 5-191

5.7.6         References…………………………………………………………………………. 5-191

5-7-ii

Tables

Table 5.7-1 Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius

Table 5.7-2 Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius Table 5.7-3 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 1 Area

Table 5.7-4 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 2 Area

Table 5.7-5 Archaeological Sites within the Pisgah Substation Triangle Area Table 5.7-6 Archaeological Sites Within Access Road Corridors

Table 5.7-7 Archaeological Sites Within the 200-Foot Archaeological Buffer Table 5.3-8 Archaeological Sites Within the NAP Areas

Table 5.7-9 Archaeological Isolates Within the Project APE and 200-Foot Buffer Table 5.7-10 Built Environment Resources with the Project APE and Half-Mile Buffer

Table 5.7-11 Archaeological Sites Recommended for Extended Class III Limited Subsurface Testing Table 5.7-12 Archeological Sites Recommended Not Eligible

Table 5.7-13 Mitigation Monitoring Program Table 5.7-14 Summary of Federal and State LORS Table 5.7-15 Agency Contact List for LORS Table 5.7-16 Applicable Permits

Figures

Figure 5.7-1     Topographic APE Map

5.7-iii

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5-7-iv

A&P                     Atlantic & Pacific Railroad

ACEC                  Area of Critical Environmental Concern

AD                       Anno Domini

AFC                     Application for Certification

amsl                     Above Mean Sea Level

APE                     Area of Potential Effect

Applicant             SES Solar One, LLC

AT&SF                Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad

B.C.                     Before Christ

BNSF                   Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad

CARIDAP            California Archaeological Resource Identification and Data Acquisition Program CCR        Code of Regulations

CDC                     California Development Company

CDCA                  California Desert Conservation Area

CEC                     California Energy Commission

CEQA                  California Environmental Quality Act

CFR                     Code of Federal Regulations

cm                        centimeters

CRHR                  California Register of Historic Resources

DPR                     Department of Parks and Recreation

DTC                     Desert Training Center

ECSZ                   Eastern California Shear Zone

EIR                       Environmental Impact Report

EIS                       Environmental Impact Statement

EPNG                   El Paso Natural Gas Company

FSA                      Final Staff assessment

GLO                     Government Land Office

GPS                      global position system

HPTP                   History Property Treatment Plan

I-15                      Interstate Highway 15

I-40                      Interstate Highway 40

kV                        kilovolt(s)

LORS                   Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and Standards m          meters

MOU                    Memorandum of Understanding

MW                      megawatts

NAGRPA             National Graves and Repatriation Act NAHC     Native American Heritage Commission

NAP                     Not A Part

NEPA                   National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

NHPA                  National Historic Preservation Act

NRHP                  National Register of Historic Places

OHV                    Off-Highway Vehicle

Old Route 66        Nationals Trails Highway PCU       Power Conversion Unit

5.7-v

PI                         Principal Investigator

POD                     Plan of Development

PPA                      Power Purchase Agreement

PRC                     Public Resource Code

Project                  Solar One APE and Appropriate Regulatory Buffers ROE     Right-of-Entry

ROW                    Right-of-Way

RPS                      Renewal Portfolio Standards

S.B.B.M.              San Bernardino Base Meridian

SBAIC                 San Bernardino Archaeological Information Center SCE      Southern California Edison

Section 106          Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended SEEU     Subsurface Exploratory Excavation Units

SES                      Stirling Energy Systems

SHPO                   State Historic Preservation Officer

SHWF                  Specified Hazardous Waste Facility

SLF                      Sacred Lands File

SoCal                   Southern California Gas Company

Solar One             SES Solar One, LLC

U.S.                      United States

URS                     URS Corporation

USG                     U.S. Gypsum Company

USGS                   United States Geological Survey

UTM                    Universal Transverse Mercator

WSA                    Wilderness Study Area

YBP                     years before present

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5-7-viii

SECTION 5   ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

5.7        CULTURAL RESOURCES

5.7.1         Affected Environment

This section analyzes the potential impacts of Stirling Energy Systems (SES) Solar One Project, (referred to as the Project) may have on previously recorded or newly recorded cultural resources located within the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The Project is located in the Central Mojave Desert, in an undeveloped area of eastern San Bernardino County, California. The Project is located approximately 37 miles northeast of the city of Barstow, California.

The Project APE as used in this section refers to 100 percent of the Project site, linear facility routes, and ancillary project areas contained within the APE, as well as the appropriate regulatory buffers. The Project APE totals approximately 8,767 acres without regulatory buffers, as described below.

There are three portions of the Project APE that are not included in the Project boundaries, identified as Not A Part (NAP) areas. These include areas found in Sections 1, 9, 13, 36 (7.5’ USGS Hector quadrangle 1993 Revised, 1982 Provisional). The Applicant (SES) does not have a Plan of Development (POD) for the NAP areas because these properties are privately owned and access could not be obtained. SES requested right-of-entry (ROE) from the private landowners to survey their parcels. Survey data provided herein is for the purpose of reporting on cultural resources (where access was authorized) within the regulatory buffers that extend into this area (Figure 5.7-1 Confidential Appendix A). The private parcels in which landowners denied ROE have no regulatory buffer because survey of these areas was not authorized. See below in the section titled “Area of Potential Effects”, for further details regarding the APE.

The proposed Project includes the construction, operation, maintenance, and abandonment of up to 850 megawatts (MW) of capacity by a solar power generating facility and its ancillary systems in two phases (Phase I: 500MW [approximately 5,000 acres] and Phase II 350MW [approximately 2,700 acres]) (Figure 5.7-1). The proposed Project would consist of up to approximately 34,000 SunCatchers. Construction is anticipated to occur over a 48-month period beginning in 2010 and ending in 2014. Temporary construction site access would be provided from I-40, beginning east of the Lugo-Pisgah Transmission Line and would run approximately 3.5 miles across the Pisgah Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) requiring an approximate 100-foot right-of-way (ROW). Long-term permanent access would be provided by a bridge over the BSNF railroad along Hector Road north of I-40. The bridge would be 220 feet long with a clear span of 125 feet, and 36 feet wide.

For the purposes of discussing Project related effects, the discussion of cultural resources is divided by phases: Phase 1, Phase 2, Pisgah Substation Triangle Area, Access Road Corridors and Bridge Crossing, 200-Foot Archaeological Buffer, and ½-Mile Built Environment Buffer (Figure 5.7-1).

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Cultural resources include prehistoric resources, historic buildings, structures, objects, districts, and archaeological sites, and sites and resources of concern to Native American and other ethnic groups. The complete results of the Class III intensive field survey are found in Appendix Z-Confidential Technical Report.

The cultural resources assessment prepared for the Project includes: a description of the Project APE and affected environment; existing site conditions; a summary of the prehistory, ethnography, history of the region; a review of site records for previously completed cultural resource investigations and recorded sites in the APE and within a 1-mile study area surrounding the Project APE; results of the archaeological and historic architecture pedestrian surveys of the APE; Native American consultation; environmental consequences; cumulative effects; mitigation measures; effectiveness of the proposed measures and a plan to monitor the effectiveness of these measures ; compliance with Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and Standards (LORS); agencies and agency contacts; permits required and permitting schedule and references. Complete documentation of the cultural resources assessment is appended in the archaeological survey report (refer to Appendix Z-Confidential Technical Report and Appendices).

All cultural resources work for the Project was carried out under the direct supervision of an archaeologist who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards (36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61). The Class III intensive field survey was done in accordance with the Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act, Public Resources Code (PRC), Section 25000 et seq.; Instructions to the California Energy Commission (CEC) Staff for the Review of and Information Requirements for an Application for Certification (CEC 1992); Regulations Pertaining to the Rules of Practice and Procedure and Power Plant Site Certification (CEC 2007); and Rules of Practice and Procedure and Power Plant Site Regulations Revisions (CEC 2007). Additionally, this study was done in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), PRC Section 21000 et seq., and the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15000.

Because this Project is a federal undertaking, permits must be obtained from the BLM, which is the lead agency for the Project. The CEC is the lead agency and has a certified regulatory program under CEQA. Because the Project also requires approval by the CEC, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the CEC have developed and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU requires that a joint NEPA/CEQA process be followed in the approval by the two agencies of all solar energy projects. For the Project, BLM’s NEPA compliance requirements will be met, in part, through the preparation and filing of a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Final Staff assessment (FSA) document. The CEC’s preliminary and final Staff Assessment will be prepared in conjunction with the BLM’s draft and final EIS. In compliance with NEPA, the EIS/FSA document will address the effects of the Solar One Project and the proposed land use plan amendment to the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan.

The effects of the Project on cultural resources eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) must be taken into account per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), codified under 36 CFR §800. Cultural resource work for the Project was conducted in accordance with the BLM and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Programmatic Agreement and the BLM Handbook 8110 for identifying Cultural Resources.

The Class III Intensive Field Survey was carried out under URS statewide permit CA-0611 and fieldwork authorization 680-026, issued in July 2008, and in effect through December 2009. Approval of the proposed Project ROW Grant Application (Form 299, Applications CACA 49539 and 49537) will result in the issuance of a ROW Grant Permit for use of federal lands managed by the BLM. The Project also requires a plan amendment to the 1980 CDCA Plan.

The Solar One Class III work began late July 2008, with preliminary background research. The Class III intensive field survey was carried out between August 4 and October 31, 2008. The Built Environment survey was conducted by Architectural Historian, Kirsten Erickson, who conducted background research on August 11 through 14, August 20 through 22, and October 29 and 30, 2008, and field surveys on

August 19, 2008 and October 27 and 28, 2008. The Class III Intensive field survey covered 98 percent of the Project APE (8,767 acres) plus regulatory appropriate regulatory buffers (760 acre(s) archaeological buffer and 11,522 acres built environment buffer). The Project APE refers to 100 percent of the Project site, linear facility routes, and ancillary project areas, which are contained within the APE, as well as the appropriate regulatory buffers (Figure 5.7-1).

The Class III Intensive Field Survey identified a total of 401 cultural resources within the Project APE and appropriate regulatory buffers; of those, 391 are archaeological sites and 10 are built environment resources.

Of the 391 archaeological resources; 143 are archaeological sites and 247 are isolated finds. Of the 143 archaeological sites, 14 occur in Phase 1; 107 occur in Phase 2; 7 occur in the Pisgah Substation Triangle survey area, 8 occur in access road corridors and bridge crossing, 5 occur within the 200-foot archaeological buffer, and 1 is in the NAP area, which is beyond the APE and 200-foot regulatory buffer.

Of these 143 archaeological sites, 46, including 1 in the NAP area, are assumed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D: Resources that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (36 CFR 60.4). They are also identified in the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) as potentially significant under the criterion that these sites have yielded or are likely to yield information important information to prehistory or history (Section 15064.5). Of the 46 archaeological sites, 41 are prehistoric, 2 are historic, and 3 are multi- component archaeological sites. The single assumed eligible archaeological site within the NAP area is outside of the Project APE and archaeological buffer. As such, no direct or indirect effects are anticipated. To insure that no assumed eligible archaeological resources are adversely affected, avoidance of the NAP areas is recommended. The remaining 97 archaeological sites are recommended not eligible under NRHP and/or CRHR and, therefore, do not constitute historic properties or significant cultural resources.

A total of 247 isolated archaeological finds occur with the Project APE and 200 foot archaeological buffer. Isolates are typically considered ineligible resources under NRHP and/or CRHR, because such finds generally, have low-likelihood for subsurface deposition, represent a single isolated event, and/or are not in-situ and lack context; therefore, data potential is considered exhausted through recordation. The 247 isolates and 97 archaeological sites not recommended eligible for listing in the NRHP and/or CRHR lack the potential to provide additional data that would contribute to the current body of archaeological data. Therefore, a recommendation of no effect on Historic Properties or significant cultural resources is recommended for the 247 isolates and 97 archaeological sites. The isolates and sites are detailed in tabular summaries in Table 5.7.10 and management considerations in Table 5.7.13. Site descriptions and evaluations of each individual site are provided in Appendix Z-Confidential Technical Report.

The results of this study indicate that the Project may adversely affect 46 archaeological resources that are assumed eligible for listing under the NRHP and/or the CRHR, including one site in the NAP area. In order to validate NRHP and/or CRHR eligibility recommendation, an extended Class III limited subsurface testing program is recommended for the 45 archaeological sites within the APE and 200 foot archaeological buffer.

The built environment assessment identified 10 historic resources. Two of these resources have been previously recorded and determined to be eligible for listing in the NRHP and CRHR (Atlanta & Pacific/Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad and National Old Trails Highway/U.S. Route 66). Of the 8 newly recorded built environment resources, 3 are recommended as eligible for the NRHP and CRHR (Southern California Edison North and South 220-Kilovolt Transmission Lines, and Pisgah Substation); the other 5 newly recorded built environment resources are not recommended eligible for NRHP and CRHR.   Because many of the built environment resources are linear, they are located in two or more of the surveyed areas. Of these sites, 1 occurs in Phase 1; 4 occur in Phase 2, 7 occur in the Pisgah Triangle, 3 occur within proposed access road corridors and bridge crossing, and 7 occur in the ½-mile buffer.

Indirect impacts to NRHP and/or CRHR eligible cultural resources are also addressed in this section, including impacts to natural setting, and viewshed, as well as the increased traffic/ activity in the Project APE that may lead to unauthorized collecting of artifacts in and around the Project APE. A Management/Mitigation Measures has been provided, and when implemented, would result in no indirect effects on NRHP- and/or CRHR-eligible cultural resources within the Project APE and buffers.

There remains a possibility that construction-related activities could disturb and/or destroy known or previously unknown NRHP- and/or CRHR-eligible cultural resources. Measures have been provided that would mitigate adverse effects to eligible or potentially eligible cultural resources. If avoidance is not feasible, a treatment/data recovery plan would be implemented to mitigate adverse effects and impacts to resources would be less than significant level as a result.

5.7.1.1    Project Area

The Project is located in the Central Mojave Desert, in an undeveloped area of eastern San Bernardino County, California. The Project is located approximately 37 miles east of the city of Barstow, California. The Project is located primarily on land managed by BLM, Barstow Field Office. The Project APE consists of approximately 8,767 acres and as identified on the following USGS quadrangle maps; Hector (1993 Revised, 1982 Provisional), Lavic Lake (1955 Photorevised 1973), Sleeping Beauty (1982 Provisional Minor Changes 1993), Sunshine Peak (1955 Photorevised 1992), and Troy Lake (1982 Provisional Minor Changes 1993) United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute series quadrangle maps, San Bernardino Base Meridian (S.B.B.M.).

The Project is an irregular shaped area north of Interstate 40 and primarily east of Hector Road. The southern Project boundary borders I-40; the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway ROW bisects the northern and southern portions of the Project APE; the western Project boundary borders the proposed Solar Three, UC Project; the southeastern boundary borders the transmission line; the eastern boundary is within the Cady Mountains Range; and the northern Project boundary borders the base of the Cady Mountains. The triangular parcel encompassing the Pisgah Substation and immediately surrounding area is also included in the APE, as well as the eastern temporary I-40 access ramp and other ancillary temporary access routes.

The Cady Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and the Sleeping Beauty Proposed Wilderness Area are located north and northeast, respectively, of the Project APE. Pisgah Crater, located within the Pisgah ACEC, is located south of the Project APE. Historic U.S. Route 66 traverses the proposed Project in an east-west orientation and somewhat parallel to the BNSF railroad. Several underground and above ground utilities currently traverse the APE as well, also predominately with an east-west orientation.

An on-site substation (i.e., Solar One Substation [covering approximately 35 acres]) would be constructed to deliver the electrical power generated by the Solar One Project to the SCE Pisgah Substation. Approximately twelve to fifteen 220kV transmission line structures (90 to 110 feet tall) would be required to make the interconnection from the Solar One Substation to the SCE Pisgah Substation. All of these structures would be constructed within the Project APE. (Figure 5.7-1).

The Project would include a centrally located Main Services Complex, encompassing approximately 22.6 acres, that includes three SunCatcher assembly buildings, administrative offices, operations control room, maintenance facilities, and a water treatment complex including, a water treatment structure, raw water storage tank, demineralized water storage tank, basins, and potable water tank.

Adjacent to the Main Services Complex, a 14-acre temporary construction laydown area would be developed. An additional construction laydown area would be located on 25 acres in Section 17 and Section 8, north of the access road from I-40.

An 8-acre Satellite Services Complex, used as a temporary construction laydown area, would include three SunCatcher assembly buildings to support SunCatcher installation in Section 12 south of the BNSF railroad.

Temporary construction site access would be provided from I-40 beginning east of the Lugo-Pisgah Transmission Line, and would run approximately 3.5 miles across the Pisgah ACEC, requiring an approximate 100-foot ROW. Long-term permanent access would be provided by a bridge over the BSNF railroad along Hector Road north of I-40. Equipment may be transported during construction via trucks and/or railroad (through the construction of a siding), that would be located on the north side of BNSF railroad and east of Hector Road. The bridge would be 220 feet long with a 125-foot clear span and would be 36 feet wide.

Water would be provided via a groundwater well located on a portion of the BLM ROW grant in Section 12, southwest of the Main Services Complex, and transported through an underground pipeline. Under normal operation (inclusive of mirror cleaning, dust control, and potable water usage), water required will be approximately 36.2 acre-feet per year. Emergency water may be trucked in from local municipalities. The proposed Project has been designed to minimize water use and maximizes the recovery of processed potable water. When possible, wastewater discharge will be routed to the on-site raw water storage tank for reuse.

5.7.1.2    Area of Potential Effect

The APE includes 3 individual regulatory buffers: archaeological, built environment and access route corridors. The archaeological APE includes the Project APE, plus an additional 200-foot buffer. The historic architecture APE includes the Project APE, plus an additional ½-mile wide buffer. The access road corridors that extend beyond the APE include the centerline of the road plus a 50 foot buffer on either side. The APE for this Project is equivalent to 100 percent of the project site, and linear facility routes, ancillary project areas, contained within the APE, as well as appropriate regulatory buffers. The delineation of both the archaeological and built environment APEs were completed in accordance with BLM Manual 8100, BLM Barstow Field Office requirements per BLM Archaeologist Jim Shearer, and the CEC Rules of Practice and Procedure and   Power   Plant   Site   Regulations   Revisions, Appendix B (g)(2)(C) (CEC, 2007a).

There are three NAP areas within the Project APE, which include areas found in Sections 1, 9, 13, 36 (7.5’ USGS Hector quadrangle 1993 Revised, 1982 Provisional). The Project Proponent (SES) does not have a POD for the NAP areas because these properties are privately owned and access could not be obtained. SES requested ROE from the private landowners to survey their parcels. The survey data is provided for the purpose of reporting on cultural resources (where access was authorized) within the regulatory buffers that extend into these area(s) (Figure 5.7-1). The private parcels in which landowners denied ROE have no regulatory buffer because survey of these areas was not authorized (Figure 5.7-1).

There is one private parcel in Section 16 USGS 7.5’ Hector Quad that is part of the Project, owned by PG&E where ROE was not authorized; therefore this parcel could not be surveyed.

The southern boundary of the Project APE abuts Caltrans ROW in two places. The regulatory buffers extend into the Caltrans ROW, which was not surveyed for cultural resources because access was not granted. A Caltrans encroachment permit is pending; it is unknown when this permit may be authorized and when the Caltrans ROW would be surveyed.

The Project APE totals approximately 8,767 acres without regulatory buffers. The 200-foot archaeological buffer is an additional 760 additional acres, and the ½ mile built environment buffer totals approximately 11,522 additional acres. As stated above, the cultural resource regulatory buffers were surveyed in areas with ROE permission from property owners. The collective percentage of the above Project APE and regulatory buffers that were surveyed for archaeological and built resources is 98 percent of the APE, with the remaining 2 percent not surveyed due to areas of steep terrain and/or areas without ROE.

5.7.1.3    Physiography

The Project is located in an undeveloped area of the Mojave Desert approximately 115 miles east of Los Angeles and 37 miles east of Barstow, California along Interstate Highway 40 (I-40). The Cady Mountains border the Project APE’s northern and eastern boundaries. Cady Peak is approximately four miles northeast and Sleeping Beauty Mountain is five miles to the east. Nearby urban communities include Newberry Springs and Ludlow, both approximately twelve miles to the west and east, respectively, of the Project APE. The Project APE is located within the Mojave Valley-Granite Mountains ecological subsection (Subsection 322Ah) of the broader Mojave Desert (Miles and Goudey 1997). The general environmental setting is that of a wide valley within arid desert, along which is an expansive alluvial fan that is dissected by numerous unnamed south-southwest trending washes and ephemeral drainages.

No springs are indicated on the USGS quad maps for the Project APE, although three well sites do occur on the USGS quad maps and were observed during the pedestrian survey. Of these, the well located in southwestern quarter of Section 1 of Township 8 North, Range 5 West (Hector – 1982 Provisional 7.5 minute series quad) has water present. The nearest reliable water source existing outside the Project APE occurs approximately 12 miles to the west, in the Mojave Valley; numerous springs and wells surround the dry lake bed of ancient Troy Lake, which is just west of the project APE. Water is seasonally available in the form of rain swollen drainages, as indicated by the existence of numerous washes originating in the Cady Mountains and off-site to the east. A substantial east to west drainage crosses the southern portion of the Project APE, eventually emptying into Troy Lake (Figure 2.1-1). The presence of water in drainages and lakes was certainly greater during the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene periods. Numerous dry stream drainages and lake remnants (i.e., Troy Lake, Lavic Lake, and Broadwell Lake) are located in the vicinity of the Project APE and attest to this increased presence of water. Based on paleoenvironmental data, the general climatic pattern in the Mojave Desert seems to be that of cool and wet periods, followed by warmer and drier conditions, from the Late Pleistocene through the Late Holocene periods, as reflected in the numerous dry lake beds that are interspersed throughout the area (Sutton, et al., 2007; S. Hall 1985; Spaulding 1991).

5.7.1.4    Soils and Geology

The Mojave Desert Geomorphic Province is a wedge shaped area largely bound by major faults and structurally referred to as the Mojave Block. The Mojave Desert Geomorphic Province is characterized by broad expanses of desert with localized mountains and dry lakebeds and is bound by the San Bernardino Mountains and the Pinto fault to the south, the San Andreas fault to the west, the Garlock fault to the north and the Basin and Range Province to the east. The block itself is cut by a series of northwest to southeast striking faults including the Helendale, Lenwood, Johnson Valley, Camp Rock, Emerson, Calico, Pisgah, Bullion and Lavic Lake faults. Collectively, the strike slip faults in the Mojave Block are referred to as the Eastern California Shear Zone (ECSZ). The Project APE is within a broad valley between the Southwestern and Southeastern Cady mountains, in the central portion of the Mojave Desert Geomorphic Province.

The Project area is characterized by Holocene-age and Pleistocene-age alluvial deposition. Alluvial deposits from the adjacent highlands are composed of silty sands and gravels with localized gravel and cobble channels. These sandy alluvial deposits may be locally intertwined with finer-grained basin deposits. The bounding highlands, which include a small portion along the northern Project boundary, are underlain by granitic and metamorphic terrain and along the southern edge by younger volcanic deposits (Dibble and Bassett 1966).

5.7.1.5    Geomorphology

The deposition history is dominated by older (Pleistocene) and younger (Holocene) fanglomerates consisting of sands and gravels flowing in a generally southern direction, derived from the uplifted granitic and andesitic Cady Mountains (Dibblee and Bassett 1966). The older alluvium dominates the upper reaches of the fanglomerate, whereas the younger deposits dominate the lower reaches of the slope. This younger alluvium includes materials associated with a substantial east to west drainage that crosses the southern portion of the Project. Although limited data is available, field observations indicate a substantial depth to the fanglomerate deposits. Older fanglomerates and alluvium form low hills in the southern-most extent of the Project APE and are separated from the remainder of the Solar One APE by the drainage noted above. These hills, and a northward extension of the Pisgah lava flow, channel the drainage towards Troy Lake to the west.

A major factor affecting the geomorphology of the Mojave, and specifically the Project APE and its environs, is the Mojave River itself. This river and its drainage system represent the largest present-day hydrological system in the Mojave Desert (Enzel 2003:62). Fluctuations in the paleo-climate between wet and dry periods, coupled with the changing path of the sizable Mojave River, resulted in the formation of several freshwater lakes, the most notable of which are Lake Manix and Lake Mojave. As the river changed its course, the overabundance of freshwater would be transported and deposited into naturally occurring basins along or at the terminus of the Mojave River. Marith Reheis and co-authors (2007) note that Lake Manix consists of several subbasins, which are referred to as Coyote Lake, Troy Lake, Manix, and Afton. As the lake developed, “fluvial and deltaic sediments were deposited progressively eastward into the lake” and that studies have hypothesized that there were at least four major lake cycles (2007:5). Based on geological and geomorphological studies the Lake Manix shoreline reached an elevation of 557 meters (m). At this level, the southern extent of the lake itself would have pushed east, potentially abutting the westernmost boundary of the Project APE (Enzel 2003; Reheis et al., 2007: Figure 3).

The occurrence of desert pavements and basalt outcrops within the Project APE reflects the context as described above. In particular, the pavements on the slopes of the Cady Mountains are broader and better developed atop the older, up-slope Pleistocene fanglomerates rather than on the younger surfaces at lower elevations. The older surfaces, and likely the younger ones as well, predate the accepted presence of people in the western hemisphere. The most stable pavements, and likely the oldest, lie atop Quaternary alluvium woven among the fanglomerate hills and lava flows within the southern portion of the Project APE. Buried deposits would not be found beneath these stable surfaces. The cryptocrystalline silicate nodules that occur as part of the desert pavement matrix may be secondarily sourced to the fanglomerate deposits, though their original matrix remains unknown. Holocene alluvial deposits within and adjacent to the east-west drainage are the most likely source for buried deposits. Archaeological deposits identified along this drainage contain a variety of artifact types, including groundstone and other indications of, at the least, temporary encampment. The loose sandy matrix and the seasonal rain and flood events are likely to have obscured portions of these deposits.

5.7.1.6    Biology

California’s diverse environment is separated into ten different bioregions. The Project APE lies within the Mojave Bioregion. The Mojave Bioregion is an arid desert environment which covers over 25 million acres of southern California, southern Nevada and the southwestern Utah and is characterized by desert washes, high plateaus, mountain peaks, palm oases, and large dry prehistoric lake beds called playas. These playas usually consist of sand and gravel basins surrounding central salt flats and were formed by pluvial lakes which once dominated the Mojave Bioregion. The Mojave is bordered on the north by the Sierra Nevada Bioregion, on the west and south by the Transverse and Peninsular ranges and is separated from the Great Basin, on the east, by the Garlock Fault (Moratto 1984:16, 17). Elevations in the bioregion average between 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level and contain isolated peaks of 6,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level.

Although the desert appears barren and remote, it contains a large variety of plant and animal life. Vegetation in the Mojave Bioregion includes Mojave creosote bush, scattered desert saltbush, Joshua tree scrub, alkali scrub, juniper pinyon woodland, numerous varieties of cacti, and hardwood and conifer forests in the higher elevations. Rare plants in the bioregion include white bear poppy, Barstow woolly sunflower, alkali mariposa lily, Red Rock poppy, Mojave monkey flower, and Stephen’s beartongue. (Ceres, n.d.). The Mojave Bioregion is characterized by hot dry summers followed by cool winters with occasional rainstorms that often develop into flash floods. Much of the land within the Mojave Bioregion is owned and managed by the BLM or contained in one of the three National Parks: Death Valley, Eastern Mojave, and Joshua Tree; and several other recreational areas (Ceres, n.d.).

5.7.1.7    Existing Conditions

The Project APE is located north of I-40, at Hector Road. The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway tracks bisect the northern and southern portions of the Project APE. Historic Route 66 roughly follows a similar route as I-40 though they are discrete within the Project. A series of underground pipelines occur within the Solar One (Phase 2) APE south of the railroad tracks. Four series of transmission towers also occur along the eastern-southeastern Project APE.   These towers include a pair of steel towers a wooden transmission tower line, and a modern transmission tower. The Pisgah Substation, which is located within a triangular shaped parcel and the I-40 temporary access route is included in the APE. Two radio facilities are located within the vicinity of the Solar One Project APE; one is situated to the southwest and the other to the east-northeast of the Project APE.

Historic mines occur throughout the region, and include the Black Butte Mine to the east and the Logan Mine to the north. Both the Logan and Black Butte Mines were used for the extraction of the mineral manganese; both are located within one-mile of the Project APE. The historic mines consist of borrow open pit mines. The Pisgah Crater, a volcanic cinder cone, is approximately 4.5 miles south-southeast of the Pisgah substation, beyond the southeast corner of the Project APE. Pisgah Crater is on private land and has been mined for landscape rock, which has reduced much of the cinder cone from its original state.

The Project APE is distinctively rural in nature, and the landscape’s environs are characterized by cattle ranching activities (e.g., grazing, rangeland), historic mining, I-40, U.S. Route 66, transmission lines, and historic and modern railroad activities. The majority of the Project APE is relatively undisturbed and the landscape/topography generally resembles its natural environment. There are no standing, intact structures within the APE, only dilapidated mining related structures, mining processing equipment, corrals, water tanks, barbed wire fencing, and historic transmission poles, transmission line corridors and power facilities (e.g., the Pisgah substation). Those of historic-age were recorded or updated and include evaluation recommendations.

5.7.1.8    Site Disturbance within the Project Area and APEs

The primary sources of the previous surface and subsurface disturbance in and adjacent to the Project APE are, in no specific order, related to cattle grazing, off-road vehicle use, mining in the Project Area, pipeline construction, construction of the railroad and associated facilities, dirt access road grading, maintenance, and use, the National Old Trails Highway construction and use, I-40 construction and use, and transmission line construction and use.

5.7.1.9    Prehistoric Context

The chronological sequence of the cultural complexes for the Mojave Desert initially proposed by Warren (1980, 1984) and Warren and Crabtree (1986), divides the prehistoric era into five temporal periods: Lake Mojave, Pinto, Gypsum, Saratoga Springs, and Shoshonean. The four earlier periods encompass what is called the Archaic Period of the Great Basin and, in the Saratoga Springs period, formative influences from the Southwest (Lyneis 1982), while the Shoshonean period includes the ethnographic era. Claims have been made for archaeological assemblages dating to periods earlier than Lake Mojave, but as Warren and Crabtree (1986) note, all are controversial and, even if valid, have little or no relationship to later cultural developments in the region.

The Mojave Desert sequence has recently been expanded by Sutton et al., (2007) to include elements more closely aligned to prehistoric cultural complexes in the Central Mojave Desert. Similar to Warren and Crabtree (1986), Sutton et al., (2007) notes little evidence of a “Pre-Clovis” occupation of the Mojave Desert during the Pleistocene, but does not discount the possibility of such evidence existing in the region. In contrast to the earlier sequence, Pleistocene era occupation is identified and termed the hypothetical “Pre-Clovis” and “Paleo-Indian” Complexes. Other elements of the Sutton et al., (2007) Mojave Desert chronology for the Holocene period include the Lake Mojave complex, Pinto complex, Dead Man Lake complex, Gypsum complex, Rose Spring complex, and Late Prehistoric complex, as described below. As used herein, “climactic periods (e.g., Early Holocene) [refers] to specific spans of calendric time and cultural complexes (e.g., Lake Mojave Complex) to denote specific archaeological manifestations that existed during (and across) those periods” (Sutton et al., 2007:233).

Additionally, Sutton et al., (2007: Table 15.1 and 15.2) provide good summaries of major archaeological research conducted in the Mojave Desert since 1982. Due to the advent of cultural resource management projects, primarily on military bases and on federal land in the Mojave, more than 3 million acres have been surveyed with more than 20,000 sites identified in the last twenty-seven years. These include surveys at China Lake Naval Weapons Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Fort Irwin, Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Corps Center, and federal Bureau of Land Management Land (Basgall and Giambastiani 2000; Basgall 2004; Hall 1993; Warren 1991). In terms of excavation projects in the Mojave, work has been conducted on a wide range of site types, from Paleo-Indian sites to Late Prehistoric sites, several of which have provided radiocarbon dates that support the cultural chronology that has evolved with these more recent investigations (Sutton et al., 2007: Table 15.3). The chronological sequence presented below is based on both the earlier and more recent archaeological survey and excavation projects in the Mojave.

5.7.1.9.1                       Paleo-Indian Complex (10,000 to 8000 cal B.C.)

The Paleo-Indian Complex was an era of environmental transition between the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. The beginning of the Paleo-Indian Complex was characterized by increased rainfall and cooler temperatures, which formed deep lakes and marshes, even in the interior desert regions of California. As temperatures warmed at the start of the Holocene, glaciers slowly retreated, sea levels rose, and the interior lakes and marshes gradually evaporated over the millennia (Moratto 1984:78).

The earliest, clear evidence for human occupation of the Mojave Desert begins at about 12,000 years ago, while claims for earlier, pre-Holocene era occupations such as those made for the Calico Early Man site (Duvall and Venner 1979), Tule Springs (Harrington and Simpson 1961), Lake China (Davis 1978), and Lake Manix (Simpson 1958, 1960, 1961) remain unsubstantiated.

In 1926, a fluted point found in Folsom, New Mexico transformed the debate about the antiquity of the earliest inhabitants of the New World, pushing the date back to approximately 15,000 B.P. Since that time, many other sites containing this type of point have been identified throughout the United States. Many of these sites contain variations of the fluted point tradition including the Clovis.

The Paleo-Indian Complex within the Mojave Desert is, thus far, represented exclusively by the Clovis Complex, though the relationship with the later Great Basin stemmed series points is also a consideration. The Paleo-Indian Complex experienced profound environmental changes, as cool, moist conditions of the terminal Wisconsin glacial age gave way to a warmer, drier climate of the Holocene (Spaulding 1990).

The China Lake site remains the only presumed occupation of the Paleo-Indian complex in the Mojave Desert for the late Pleistocene Period. China Lake is located near an ancient Pleistocene lake. Excavations at this site began in 1968 and lasted through the end of the 1970s (Moratto 1984:66-70). China Lake has a well-sealed stratigraphic context with prehistoric tools intermixed with the fossilized remains of extinct mammals. The tool sequence from the site suggests that China Lake was inhabited from as early as 9,200 cal. B.C. (Sutton et al., 2007: 234).   The earliest calibrated dates for China Lake are from habitation debris at the Pleistocene lakeshore that continued through 10,000 B.C., where Proto- Clovis and Clovis cultures were identified. Nearly all of the tools identified at this site were produced from obsidian and fine-grained cryptocrystalline silicates (cherts and jaspers).

One common theme among nearly  all Paleo-Indian sites in North America is the tool assemblage: projectile points, hafted to the end of a spear and launched using a throwing tool (atlatl), made from fine- grained lithic material and fluted. Fluted points, defined as a component of the Clovis culture in California, have been found nearly throughout the entire state from coastal estuary environments to ancient Pleistocene lakeshores, which are now in desert areas. At least five sites near Cajon Pass have been identified containing fluted projectile points, suggesting an early occupation of approximately 12,000 BP, which corresponds to the “hypothetical Pre-Clovis” complex (pre-10,000 cal B.P) for San Bernardino County (Sutton et al., 2007:236). In addition to fluted points, the Paleo-Indian tool assemblage was composed mainly of scrapers, burins, awls, and choppers, all used for the processing of animal remains and foodstuffs.

The late Pleistocene to early Holocene geological period of transition, approximately 14,000 to 8,000 BP, was a period of global climatic change and in the California interior, pluvial lakes formed from glacial melt (Roberts 1989). Some early researchers pose the theory of two different traditions relating to interior and coastal adaptation during this transition. Based on work in the Panamint Valley, Davis (1969) posited the theory of “Paleo-Desert,” a geographic distinction from Paleo-Indian sites of the “Paleo-Coastal” tradition. In the Paleo-Desert geographic region, Paleo-Indian sites are generally located along the shorelines of these ancient pluvial lakes (Davis 1969).

5.7.1.9.2                       Lake Mojave Complex (ca. 8000 – 6500 cal B.C.)

The temporal period 8000 to 6500 cal B.C. is referred to as the Altithermal Climatic Phase in which there was a dramatic shift towards a much warmer environment in the desert regions, and which appears to have witnessed a near hiatus in the occupation of the Mojave Desert. During this time it seems that people living in the desert regions migrated towards the coastal region. As the climate changed so did the distribution of floral and faunal communities; hence resulting in the migration of people towards the coast to exploit littoral resources. A small frequency of ground stone implements is present during this time, from which infers limited hard seed grinding activities (Sutton et al., 2007:237). The high incidence of extra-local materials and marine shell is interpreted as wider spheres of interaction than witnessed previously. Sutton et al., (2007: 237) interprets these and other data as indicators of “a forager-like strategy organized around relatively small social units.”

Cultural materials dating from this Complex encompass the Playa cultures (Rogers 1939), the San Dieguito Complex (Warren 1967), and the Lake Mojave Complex (Warren and Crabtree 1986). This phase is considered ancestral to the Early Archaic cultures of the Pinto Complex, representing a shift toward a more diversified and generalized economy (Sutton 1996:228). The Lake Mojave assemblages, first identified at Lake Mojave (Campbell et al., 1937), include Lake Mojave series projectile points (leaf- shaped, long stemmed points with narrow shoulders) and Silver Lake points (short bladed, stemmed point with distinct shoulders). Other diagnostic items include flaked stone crescents; abundant bifaces; and a variety of large, well-made scrapers, gravers, perforators, heavy core tools, and ground stone implements (Sutton et al., 2007:234).

Millingstones generally occur in small numbers during this time. In the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin, this assemblage is typically (but not exclusively) found around the margins of ancient lakes, although the role of the lakes in the overall adaptation remains unclear. According to Sutton (1996:229), Lake Mojave Complex sites occur more commonly in the eastern and central Mojave Desert, while rare occurrences have been noted within the western Mojave in the Lake China, Coso, and Owens Lake areas.

The Lake Mojave cultural pattern seems to represent relatively small nomadic social units centered on foraging strategies with undefined hunting and lacustrine resource exploitation patterns. Studies conducted at Fort Irwin show a reliance on smaller taxa with less reliance on large game based on protein residue analysis; however, these data are contradictory to the cultural constituents recorded for this complex that suggest large game exploitation (Sutton et al., 2007:237). There is an overlap in time between the Lake Mojave Complex and the Pinto Complex of approximately 1,000 years, in which continuity of technology occurs with a steady  introduction of technologies referred to as the Pinto Complex.

5.7.1.9.3                       The Pinto Complex (ca. 6500 – 4000 cal B.C.)

The Pinto Complex represents a broad continuity in the use of flaked stone technology, including less reliance on obsidian and cryptocrystalline silicates, as well as the prevalence of ground stone implements in the material culture (Sutton et al., 2007:238), which distinguishes it from the Lake Mojave Complex. Climatic changes occur between the Early and Middle Holocene periods about 7500 B.P and 5000 B.P. appears to have been more arid across the Mojave region (S. Hall 1985; Spaulding 1991). It is during this time that woodland attained its approximate modern elevation range, and the modernization of desert scrub communities was completed with the migration of plant species such as creosote bush into the area (Byers and Broughton 2004). Warren (1984) sees this period as marking the beginning of cultural adaptation to the desert, as materials characteristic of the Pinto Complex gradually replace those of the preceding Lake Mojave Complex. Sites associated with this era are usually found in open settings, in relatively well-watered locales representing isolated oases of high productivity.

From the period 5000 B.C. to 3500 B.C., there was increased occupation of the desert regions during the Medithermal Climatic Period, a period of moister and cooler temperatures allowing for the intensive re- occupation of the desert region. In the desert region, the occupation is referred to as the Pinto Basin Complex. However, Sutton et al., (2007:238) cite recent work conducted on Fort Irwin and Twenty-Nine Palms that produced radiocarbon dates as 6870 cal B.C., thus pushing back the inception of the complex coincidental with the Lake Mojave Complex.

The Pinto Complex is marked by the appearance of Pinto series projectile points, characterized as thick, shouldered, expanding stem points with concave bases, as well as, bifacial and unifacial core tools, and an increase in millingstones. Pinto points were typically produced by percussion reduction, with limited pressure retouch. Named for the Pinto Basin site (Campbell and Campbell 1935), the points were presumably used on atlatl darts. Large numbers of such artifacts were also recovered from the Stahl site near Little Lake (Harrington 1957; Schroth 1994).

Major technological shifts for this Complex include a significant increase in the use of millingstones (Warren and Crabtree 1986; Sutton et al., 2007:238). Warren (1990) attributes the latter development to the exploitation of hard seeds, part of a process of subsistence diversification brought on by increased aridity and reduced ecosystem carrying capacity. Big game hunting probably continued as an important focus during this time, but the economic return of this activity likely decreased as mountain sheep and deer (artiodactyls) populations declined in response to increased aridity (Warren and Crabtree 1986). During this transitional period there is faunal evidence that indicates exploitation of rabbit, rodent, reptile, and fresh water mussel resources.

The majority of Pinto Complex archaeological sites have been found near pluvial lakes, adjacent to fossil stream channels, near springs, and in upland regions. Many of these sites contain substantial midden deposition and cultural debris, which indicates larger groups and prolonged occupation for this time period (Sutton et al., 2007:238).

A new complex has been proposed by Sutton et al., (2007) that appears to be a variation of the Pinto Complex: the Dead Man Lake Complex (7000-3000 cal. B.C.), based on archaeological findings from the Twenty-Nine Palms area. The primary variation between Pinto and the Dead Man Complex is the presence of small to medium sized contracting stemmed or lozenge shaped points, battered cobbles, bifaces, simple flaked tools, milling implements, and shell beads (Sutton et al., 2007:239).

Based on the current archaeological data there appears to have been a gap between the Middle and Late Holocene period, since few sites have been found that date between 3000 and 2000 cal B.C. It is believed that climatic changes during this period resulted in hotter and drier conditions, which may have led to the abandonment this region for approximately 1,000 years (Sutton et al., 2007:241). People migrated to areas with no more suitable climates (e.g., San Bernardino Mountains).

5.7.1.9.4                       Gypsum Complex (ca. 2000 cal B.D. – cal A.C. 200)

Gradual amelioration of the climate began by around 5000 B.P, culminating in the Neoglaciation at about 3600 B.P., with a period of increased moisture dating to the latter part of the Middle Holocene (Spaulding 1995). This increase in moisture would have presumably resulted in favorable conditions in the desert, and may have influenced changes in cultural adaptations, including increasing population, trade, and social complexity (Sutton 1996: 232; Sutton et al., 2007:241).

Gypsum Complex sites are characterized by medium to large stemmed and corner notched projectile points, including Elko series, Humboldt Concave Base, and Gypsum. In addition, rectangular-based knives, flake scrapers, occasional large scraper planes, choppers and hammerstones; handstones and milling tools become relatively commonplace and the mortar and pestle appear for the first time.

This Complex is marked by population increases and broadening economic activities as technological adaptation to the desert environment evolved. Hunting continued to be an important subsistence focus, but the processing of plant foods took on greater importance as evidenced by an increase in the frequency and diversity of ground stone artifacts. Later, the bow and arrow were introduced, increasing hunting efficiency. Perhaps due to these new adaptive mechanisms, the increase in aridity during the late Gypsum Complex (after ca. 2500 B.P.) seems to have had relatively little consequence on the distribution and increase in human populations (Warren 1984; Warren and Crabtree 1986). In addition to open sites, the use of rockshelters appears to have increased at this time. Base camps with extensive midden development are a prominent site type in well-watered valleys and near concentrated subsistence resources (Warren and Crabtree 1986). Additionally, evidence of ritualistic behavior during this time exists through the presence of rock art, quartz crystals, and paint (Sutton et al., 2007:241).

A shift in subsistence orientation and mobility near the end of the Gypsum Complex is suggested, with increased emphasis on the hunting of smaller mammals (Basgall et al., 1986; Sutton 1996:234). Rock art suggests that the hunting of mountain sheep was important during the Gypsum Complex (Grant et al., 1968); mountain sheep and deer, rabbits and hares, rodents, and reptiles remains are reported from Gypsum Complex sites in the central Mojave Desert (Hall and Basgall 1994). Evidence from the western Mojave Desert suggests that there was a major population increase ca. 3000 to 2300 B.P (Gilreath and Hildebrandt 1991; Sutton 1988).

5.7.1.9.5                       Rose Spring Complex (ca. cal A.D. 200 -1100)

The climate during the Rose Spring Complex remains relatively stable and consistent during the middle of the Late Holocene period. In the western Mojave Desert, some regions show an increase in lake stands, such as at Koehn Lake during this time (Sutton et al., 2007:241). At the beginning of this period lakes were at high points; as the environment began to shift towards the end of this period, lakes began to desiccate and recede, which marked the end of the Rose Spring Complex around A.D. 1100.

The Rose Spring Complex is characterized by small projectile points, such as the Eastgate and Rose Spring series, stone knives, drills, pipes, bone awls, various milling implements, marine shell ornaments; the use of obsidian is prevalent during this time (Sutton et. al., 2007:241).   Smaller projectile points appear to mark the introduction of a bow and arrow technology and the decline of the atlatl and spear weaponry (Sutton 1996: 235). Sutton (1996: 235; 2007:241) notes that Rose Spring Complex sites are common in the Mojave Desert and are often found near springs, washes, and lakeshores.

Subsistence practices during the Rose Spring Complex appear to have shifted to the exploitation of medium and small game, including rabbits/hares and rodents, with a decreased emphasis on large game. At the Rose Spring archaeological site, numerous bedrock milling features, including mortar cups and slicks, are associated with rich midden deposits, indicating that milling of plant foods had become an important activity. In addition, evidence of permanent living structures are found during this time and include wickiups, pit houses, and other types of structures (Sutton et al., 2007:241). In the eastern Mojave Desert, agricultural activities appear to have been present, as Anasazi populations from Arizona controlled or influenced a large portion of the northeastern Mojave Desert by cal A.D. 700 (Sutton et al., 2007:242).

5.7.1.9.6                       The Late Prehistoric Complexes (ca. cal A.D. 1100 – Contact)

Paleoenvironmental studies conducted within the western Mojave Desert point to increased effective moisture beginning just after 2000 B.P., as evidenced by a shoreline bench feature at Koehn Lake (Sutton 1996:238). The Koehn Lake site appears to have been abandoned by 1,000 years ago, as Koehn Lake desiccated during a major “medieval drought.” This drought may have influenced the movement of people from this area north and east across the Great Basin (Sutton 1996:239). Population began to decrease, due in part to a drier climate, and later as a result of European contact.

Characteristic artifacts of this Complex include Desert series projectile points (Desert Side-notched and Cottonwood Triangular), Brownware ceramics, Lower Colorado Buff Ware, unshaped handstones and millingstones, incised stones, mortars, pestles, and shell beads (Warren and Crabtree 1986). The faunal assemblages typically contain deer, rabbits/hares, reptile, and rodents. The use of obsidian dropped off during this time with the increased use of cryptocrystalline silicates.

Between 1,000 and 750 years ago, ethnic and linguistic patterns within the Mojave Desert increased in complexity. One of the most important regional developments during the Late Prehistoric Period was the apparent expansion of Numic-speakers (Shoshonean groups) throughout most of the Great Basin. Many researchers accept the idea that sometime around A.D. 1,000, the Numa spread westward from a homeland in the southwestern Great Basin, possibly from Death Valley (Lamb 1958) or Owens Valley (Bettinger and Baumhoff 1982). While there is little dispute that the Numic spread occurred, there is much disagreement over its mechanics and timing (see Madsen and Rhode 1995).

The Late Prehistoric Complexes mark the first recorded historical documentation of Native American inhabitants at European contact. The ethnohistoric record provides valuable data for understanding Late Prehistoric archaeology. The Late Prehistoric Complexes reveal a significantly different suite of material culture than that seen in earlier Complex assemblages. Manos and millingstones became more frequent, as did mortar and pestles. In addition, bow and arrow technology with the use of Desert Side-notched and Cottonwood points, both emerge during the Late Prehistoric Complexes. Large occupation sites, representing semi-permanent and permanent villages, emerge during this time as well.

During this time the first locally produced pottery is seen in the Mojave Desert region, likely coming from the Anasazi in the southwest. Also, smaller projectile points, Cottonwood and later Desert Side- Notched points were introduced to use with bow and arrow technology. Plant food processing is indicated by the presence of manos and metates.

5.7.1.9.7                       Archaeology in the Project Vicinity

This section provides a discussion of prior archaeological research specifically relating to the Project APE as well as the main elements of material culture found therein, and in the vicinity of the APE, as related to the prehistoric cultural context described above. Summaries of cultural resource investigations previously conducted in the Project APE and its environs are discussed, particularly those that relate to the prehistory and ethnography of the region. This information was compiled during the record check conducted by the San Bernardino Archaeological Information Center (SBAIC). More detailed discussion of previous reports and cultural resources is provided in Appendix Z – Confidential Technical Report – Section 5 of the technical report, entitled Report of Findings.

Generally, prehistoric archaeology within the Project APE exhibits a similar pattern of site types and distribution as identified elsewhere in the Central Mojave Desert. Site types and their distribution are directly correlated with geographical regions and resource procurement (e.g., water, plant, animal, stone, and wood) and the area of prehistoric use/habitation is also related to travel and trade routes, most of which are oriented west to east connecting coastal groups with inland groups situated along the Colorado River. Previous archaeological research in and around the Project APE has identified a variety of such sites, representing a wide range of cultural sequences. A summary of previous archaeological work in the region is provided below.

In the early to late 1950s, Ruth D. Simpson (1958 and 1960) surveyed the eastern portion of the Calico Mountains and ancient Manix Lake shoreline, identifying numerous lithic implements such as large flakes and cores that range in age from ethnohistoric through what was then called the Amargosa and Pinto Basin horizons; rock alignments of unknown age were also identified during this study at Troy Lake (Simpson 1960:26-29).

Subsequent work by Simpson at Troy Lake (No Date: 45) confirms findings made at Manix Lake which conclude that the Lake Mojave and Pinto Basin sites represent the oldest cultural remains in the area. Many of her conclusions pertaining to the prehistory of this area were derived from the analysis of private collections. The Troy Lake Playa area assemblage included scrapers, numerous hammerstones, groundstone, 2 pipe fragments, 2 stone pendants, and several projectile points (Lake Mojave, Pinto, Elko, and Desert-side notch), with stone material types being cryptocrystalline silicates (jasper, chert, and chalcedony), rhyolite, basalt, and granitic.

Simpson also concluded that along the higher elevations and outer periphery of the playa, sites were noted as widely distributed sparse surface quarries/lithic scatters consisting of crude choppers, bifaces/bifacial cores, and cores. She observed that these artifacts were heavily patinated and well-imbedded in the desert pavement, suggesting that these sites represent an older complex dating to the Troy Lake stand within the Pleistocene Period (Simpson 1958, 1962, 1964). Unfortunately, these sites lack datable materials, other than relative dating of desert pavement, which is problematic due the extreme conditions in such desert environments. Simpson’s overall assessment of the Troy Lake findings is that the area was used as a seasonal/temporary encampment over the course of thousands of years. Temporal specimens indicated these sites were occupied as early as 8000 B.P (based on projectile point types), although Simpson suggests that it may extend as far back as the Pleistocene period (10-20,000 B.P).

Therefore, it seems that between approximately 8000 B.P. until European Contact, the Project APE has been utilized by various Native American groups. The stone tool assemblages derived directly from, and in many locations, appears to reflect the progression of technology of stemmed points. However, the presence of groundstone indicates the increased dietary reliance on mesquite, acorns, Indian ricegrass/bunchgrass, seeds, and other processed plant resources, and the dart, atlatl and bow and arrow appear as projectile technology (Pinto, Gypsum, and Cottonwood Triangular points). In the Project APE, the cultural traditions/complexes include the Silver Lake, Pinto, Gypsum, Rose Springs, and Late Prehistoric, and indicate a seasonal/temporary use of the region for over 6,000 years, with a hypothesized 1,000 year period of abandonment between the middle and late Holocene, a time when the climate changed to hotter drier conditions (Sutton et al, 2007).

Since 1958, a total of 18 studies have been conducted in the Project APE and have identified the same types of sites outlined by Simpson. Barker, Rector, and Wilke (1979) reported on a large stratified random sample survey (non-intensive survey) for the Allen-Warner Valley Energy Project that went from Boulder City, Nevada to Palmdale California, with two alignments close to the proposed Project Site. They report the presence of sites attributable to the Rose Spring Complex, discussed above, with metate fragments, pottery, and lithic artifacts (Barker, Rector, and Wilke 1979: V-8 through V-15), as well as quarry sites, rock alignments, trails located to the north of the Project APE, and isolates. Sutton and Parr (1989) conducted a survey in the Hidden Valley of the Cady Mountains. They discovered a total of 31 new cultural sites, including trails, lithic scatters, rock shelters, camps, a quarry, a roasting feature, a special purpose site, food processing sites, and three historic sites. The sites are assigned a range of Elko to Late Prehistoric age by Sutton and Parr (1989:12).

A cultural resource survey and report by McGuire (1990) describes the results of the 387-mile Mojave natural gas pipeline corridor which traversed portions of Kern and San Bernardino Counties in California and Mohave County in Arizona. A portion of the route was located considerably south of the APE. They identified a total of 66 sites along the route, 49 prehistoric and 17 historic-era sites. Resources in proximity to the Project APE include one historic site that also had a major prehistoric component, including Late Prehistoric projectile points, flakes, hearths, and trash mounds, as well as two quarries and two lithic reduction areas. A similar pipeline project survey by McGuire and Glover (1991) from Adelanto, California to Ward Valley, California revealed the presence of 54 cultural resource sites, including 47 prehistoric and 7 historic resources. Site types included flaked stone scatters, small feature areas, quarry sites, and historic sites, such as mining features, railroad lines, military complexes, and historic homesteads (McGuire and Glover 1991: i).

Padon and Breece (1991:1) conducted a survey for another pipeline project at the extant community of Hector, California, adjacent to the Project APE, with negative results. Clark (1998:3) surveyed in the same general location and identified a series of widely spaced flaking material and a bifacial tool in the vicinity. One additional survey in the area was conducted by McCorkle-Apple in 1993 for the Fort Cady Boric Acid Mining Facility. Results revealed a total of 24 cultural resource sites, including lithic reduction areas, flake and tool scatters, sparse lithic scatters, and historic sites, primarily debris scatters and transportation-related sites. The last research of note in the area was a Class I literature review conducted by Rowe (2006). SES initially proposed the Solar One Power Generation Facility in that year, and the original project had identified two potential locations totaling 51,520 acres. The record search identified 20 previously conducted studies in the area, 38 previously recorded sites and 34 previously identified isolates within the APE and a 1-mile radius. Based on the record search results, a field survey was recommended for the project site.

As derived from previous research and archaeological investigation of the area, the general artifact assemblage for this portion of the Mojave Valley includes debitage, cores, bifaces/bifacial cores, projectile points, scrapers, drills, edge modified flakes, shaped and unshaped manos, slab and mortar metates, and to a lesser extent ceramics (buff, gray and brown wares). The types of projectile points reported in this area include; Silver Lake, Pinto, Elko, Desert Side Notched, and Cottonwood Triangular. Features frequently reported in the Project area include trails, cleared circles, cairns, rock circles/hearths, and low-lying rock piles/shrines. The prehistoric site types observed in this region can be characterized as widely distributed low density surface quarries and lithic scatters, temporary encampments, tool maintenance, transportation, rock features, and isolated/single use localities. The stone tool materials observed in sites within the Project APE is predominately cryptocrystalline silicates (jasper, chalcedony, and chert), rhyolite, basalt, and limited obsidian, all of which being locally available with the exception of the few obsidian findings.

5.7.1.10      Ethnography

Prehistorically, there was a large movement of people across the Mojave Desert and ethnographically several groups are associated with the Project APE and surrounding Mojave Desert region. The Kawaiisu, Kitanemuk, Southern Paiute, Serrano, Chemehuevi, Tabtulabal, and Panamint occupied the Mojave Desert region, north, south, west, and east of the Project. In this region there were four major linguistic groups originating from northern Uto-Aztecan groups; Tubatulabalic, Hopic, Numic, and Takic (Sutton et al., 2007:243). The Mojave River appears to have been a major boundary between Takic and Numic speaking groups during prehistoric times. Groups occupying the Central Mojave Desert were of the Takic and Numic linguistic groups. Takic speaking groups originated in the southwestern Mojave Desert, expanding south and east sometime around 500 cal. B.P, and include the Serrano and Kitanemuk (Sutton et al., 2007:243). At time of contact, groups south of the Mojave River and much of southern California were part of the Takic linguistic group. The groups north and east of the Project were of the Numic linguistic group, which included the Kawaiisu, Chemehuevi, and Southern Paiute.

During the ethnographic period, the Serrano, Vanyume (Beñeme) and the Chemehuevi occupied the region in which the Project is located. The Vanyume were a small division of the Serrano, about whom little ethnographic information is known. The Chemehuevi entered the Mojave Desert much later in time. Other groups that could have entered the Project area were the Kawaiisu, the Kitanemuk, the Southern Paiute, the Mohave, and the Ancestral Pueblo. Eerkens (1999:301) states that the area around Fort Irwin, northeast of the Project Site, was inhabited by the Kawaiisu, Chemehuevi, Las Vegas Paiute, and the Vanyume, although he acknowledges that all groups in the area maintained flexible settlement patterns based on availability of resources (1999:302). The Project APE and surrounding valleys were not conducive for large scale inhabitation based on the fluctuating environmental conditions and overall arid nature of the region; therefore groups occupying and utilizing the area would have been small and nomadic (Zigmond 1986:398).

5.7.1.10.1                   Serrano

The Project APE is situated within the traditional boundaries associated with Mission San Gabriel during the Spanish Period (1769–1821) (Bean and Vane 1979). The natives in this area were known as the Yucaipaiem clan of the Serrano (Altschul, Rose and Lerch 1984; Kroeber 1925; Strong 1929; Bean and Smith 1978). They spoke a language that falls within the Takic family of the Uto-Aztecan language group. This language family is extremely large and includes the Shoshonean groups of the Great Basin. Due to the proximity of the Serrano and Gabrieliño bands in the area and their linguistic similarities, ethnographers have suggested that these two bands shared the same ethnic origins (Kroeber 1925; Bean and Smith 1978). For this reason, they will be referred to as the Serrano.

According to Kroeber (1976:611), the Serrano comprised five groups or bands: Kitanemuk, Alliklik, Vanyume, Kawaiisu and Serrano. They inhabited lands from the San Bernardino Mountains, part of the Transverse Mountains east of the Cajon Pass, across the Mojave Desert east as far as Twenty-Nine Palms, and from the Tehachapi Mountains to the northern Colorado Desert. They occupied most of modern day San Bernardino County (Bean and Smith 1978). Relatives of the Serrano included the Gabrieliño and Luiseño to the west at the Pacific Coast, and the Cahuilla inhabiting the Colorado Desert. For much of the Late Prehistoric Complex, the Serrano band of the much larger Serrano tribe were the likely inhabitants of the western Mojave Desert, what is today the Cajon Pass and Barstow area. Most of what is known about the Serrano has been based upon the work done by Hicks (1958) and by later researchers working on a site known as CA-SBR-1000, located near Yucaipa, San Bernardino County, California. Studies indicate that the village had been occupied for thousands of years and that it was a major trading center both prehistorically and historically. Little is known about early Serrano social organization because the band was not studied until the 1920s (Kroeber 1925) and enculturation had seriously compromised their native lifeway. Kroeber (1925) indicates that the Serrano were a hierarchically ordered society with a chief who oversaw social and political interactions both within their own culture and with other groups. The Serrano had multiple villages ranging from seasonal satellite villages to larger, more permanent villages.

Resource exploitation was focused on village-centered territories and ranged from gathering and hunting with occasional fishing. The primary staple varied depending on locality. Acorns and piñon nuts were gathered by groups in the foothills; honey mesquite, piñon nuts, yucca roots, mesquite and cacti fruits were gathered by groups in or near the desert (Bean and Smith 1978). Hunting activities consisted of deer, mountain sheep, antelope, rabbits, other small rodents, birds, with the most desired game bird quail (Bean and Smith 1978).

Serrano structures were situated near water sources and consisted of large, circular thatched and domed structures of willow and covered with tule thatching. These living structures were often sufficient to house a large family. In addition to the living structure, a ramada, an open air structure for outdoor cooking, was located adjacent to the home (Benedict 1924; Kroeber 1925; Drucker 1937; Bean and Smith 1978). A large ceremonial structure was often present and was used as the religious center where the lineage leader resided. Additional structures, such as granaries for food storage and sweathouses for ritual activities, were often located adjacent to pools or streams (Strong 1929; Bean 1962-1972; Bean and Smith 1978).

The Serrano, like the neighboring groups, were primarily semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherers. Because of their inland location, Serrano society was left relatively intact during the period of initial Spanish colonization, unlike the Gabrielino, who inhabited the coastal area. In 1772, Spanish explorer Pedro Fagès traveled through the Cajon Pass to the Mojave Desert in an attempt to identify the native groups in this region. Fages’ ultimate goal was to place the Serrano under supervision of a mission. By 1819, the Serrano were relocated to the Estancia of the Mission San Gabriel in Redlands (Bean and Smith 1978:573). At the time of relocation, there were likely on the order of 3,500 Serrano inhabiting the Mojave Basin. Between 1840 and 1860 a smallpox epidemic decimated the population. By 1885, there were only “390 Serranos [sic] remaining in all of southern California” (AccessGenealogy.com 2005) and the census of 1910 recorded only 100 Serrano (Kroeber 1976:616).

5.7.1.10.2                   Vanyume (Beñeme)

Limited information is available on the Vanyume during the historic period. What information exists describes the Vanyume as a small division of the Serrano living in the Mojave Desert, north of Serrano territory. They were referred to as the “Serrano of the Mohave River” (Kroeber 1925:614). The name Vanyume is a Mohave word; the name Beñeme was given to the entire Serrano cultural group by Father Garcés. The Vanyume spoke a Takic language related to the Kitanemuk to the west and the Serrano to the South. Kroeber reported that the Vanyume were occasionally friendly with the Mohave and Chemehuevi, but hostile to the Serrano (Kroeber 1925:614). Kroeber also stated that the population of the Vanyume was very small at the time of historic contact. The “chief” of the Vanyume reportedly lived in one of the villages at the upper reaches of the Mojave River near Victorville. The Vanyume were hunters and gatherers, and because of their expansive trade network along the river were reportedly rich in shell bead money and had acorns. The Vanyume are generally associated with similar life ways as the Serrano to the south (Yohe II and Sutton 1991).

5.7.1.10.3                   Chemeheuvi

The Chemehuevi were a band of the Southern Paiute that possibly entered the eastern Mojave Desert area from the north in fairly recent prehistoric times. The Chemehuevi, also called the Pah-Utes, were closely related to the Southern Paiute in Death Valley and the Southern Nevada region. At the time of ethnographic contact, the Chemehuevi claimed a large portion of the eastern and central Mojave Desert, perhaps as far west as Afton Canyon on the Mojave River (Kelly and Fowler 1986:368). Although the Chemehuevi territory boundaries are unclear, it is certain that they inhabited the Providence Mountains. Based on archaeological data, the Chemehuevi entered the Mojave Desert sometime in the 17^th century (Yohe II and Sutton 1991).

The Chemehuevi were strongly influenced by the Mohave. It is possible that they displaced the Desert Mohave, a Yuman speaking group (Kelly and Fowler 1986:368). Many Chemehuevi words are related to Mohave vocabulary, along with agricultural practices, house construction, warfare, and other cultural elements such as religious practices. Like the Mohave, the Chemehuevi used square metates, paddle and anvil pottery techniques and hair dye (Kelly and Fowler 1986:369). In addition to their close association with the Mohave, the Chemehuevi traded widely with the Shoshone, Kawaiisu, Serrano, Vanyume, Cahuilla, and Diegueno (Kelly and Fowler 1986:369).

Influence from the Pueblo area to the east is seen in the form of agricultural practices of many of the Southern Paiute groups. The Chemehuevi, in more well watered areas and flood plains, grew yellow maize, gourds, beans, and winter wheat, combining Mohave and Pueblo practices (Kelly and Fowler 1986:371). Kroeber reported that the Chemehuevi occasionally farmed small areas of corn, beans, melon and pumpkins and wheat. In more arid areas the Chemehuevi were hunter-gatherers. They hunted large game, such as deer and mountain sheep, along with rabbits, rodents, lizards and other small game (Kroeber 1925:597). Plant foods were of great importance and included a variety of grass seeds, pinyon, and mescal (yucca).

The Chemehuevi had a large range associated with seasonal food practices and traveled through most of the Mojave Desert as far as the Tehachapi area and the San Bernardino Mountains. Occasionally they traveled to the Pacific coast to collect haliotis shells (Kelly and Fowler 1986:377). It was also reported that they would travel as far east as the Hopi’s territory, about a two month round trip (Kelly and Fowler 1986:377).

Little is known about the Chemehuevi material culture. However, in historic times they used basketry, primarily willow, to a great extent both for storage and for carrying possessions (Kroeber 1925:97). They also made basketry hats. The Chemehuevi used some pottery but relied more on basketry.

Spanish colonization had little effect on the Chemehuevi until the early 1800s. Although other Southern Paiute groups were enculturated earlier by the Spanish, the Chemehuevi’s isolated territory protected from being assimilated into the mission system. With the opening of the Old Spanish Trail, the Chemehuevi became more affected by the Spanish, and were brought to the missions to work (Kelly and Fowler 1986:386).

In 1874, the United States government established the Colorado River Reservation in an effort to move the remaining Chemehuevi onto the reservation. However, the reservation was shared with the Mohave band, with whom the Chemehuevi had differences from 1865 to 1871, the Chemehuevi were at war with the Mohave. They were therefore, reluctant to move to the reservation (Kelly and Fowler 1986:388). Some of them were either forced to move to the reservation, while some of them would not move. Many stayed in their historic locations, finding work on farms and ranches and in mines. In 1901, the Chemehuevi received their own reservation in the Chemehuevi Valley.

5.7.1.10.4                   Other Native American Groups Associated with the Region

In addition to those groups affiliated with the Project area, many other groups occupied and utilized the Mojave Desert in a variety of ways. For example, it appears that the Anasazi of southern Nevada greatly influenced the cultures within the region. By 1450 B.P., the Anasazi were exploiting turquoise deposits at Halloran Springs, approximately 25 miles northeast of the Solar One APE. The Anasazi Pueblo was 150 miles across the desert; therefore Anasazi miners must have spent a considerable amount of time in the area based on the amount of turquoise mined and the abundance of “Basketmaker III” pottery found near the springs (Fagan 2003: 310). Turquoise was mined up to twelve feet below the ground and for centuries Mojave turquoise was traded to the east of its source, throughout the Southwest; however, it does not appear that turquoise was traded to the west as evidence of it does not appear in the material cultural of California tribes.

About 1450 B.P., the use of bow and arrow technology spread throughout California’s eastern deserts, eventually becoming the dominant hunting technology throughout California. The bow and arrow has many advantages over spears and atlatls and made hunting much more efficient. Bow and arrow technology could have been introduced to California by the Anasazi or by another Great Basin group, during this time. In addition, by 1200 B.P., buff, gray, and brownware pottery, made by Ancestral Pueblo groups and other surrounding tribes of the Lower Colorado River region, entered the Mojave Desert. The trade of technology along with items such as sea shells and steatite objects probably took place along the Mojave Trail (Fagan 2003:311) (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A).

Other tribes in the region include the Mohave.   The Mohave lived long both the east and west banks of the Colorado River. During the winter, they inhabited semi-subterranean houses and depended upon maize agriculture for subsistence (Kroeber 1902; 1925). Throughout the rest of the year they were a hunting and gathering group, often traveling west, far into the Mojave Desert. The Mohave traveled throughout southern California and northern Arizona utilizing a large network of trails (King and Casebier 1976:281). Two major geographical features influenced the Mohave’s trade routes: the location of their villages along the Colorado River, and the waterless portions of the desert, also known as the Mojave Sink or Mojave Trough. Two major trade routes were used which started at villages along the Colorado River. The first route was the Pah-Ute Creek to Soda Springs route, which later became known as the Mojave Road wagon train. The other route ran south of the Mojave Road route through Poshay Pass and the Mojave River flood plain to the southeast corner of Soda Lake. The more northern route, the Mojave Road, was more heavily used, both prehistorically and in more recent historic times by Native Americans and European and American settlers alike (King and Casebier 1976:282).

Although the Mohave lived southeast of the Project area, they had a great amount of influence over the Mojave Desert region. They were skilled traders and traveled long distances to either fight or trade with other groups (Fagan 2003:297). Their movement across the southwest promoted the spread of new technologies, beliefs and ideas throughout the desert and southwestern regions.

5.7.1.11      Historic Period

5.7.1.11.1                   Spanish Period (1540 to 1821)

The Spanish had explored much of the California coast and San Francisco and Monterrey bays by 1769, but paid little attention to the California interior. Several factors were detrimental to European exploration in the Project area: travel and communication were slow; there were few roads, trails and maps; and no supply stations existed in California’s interior deserts (King and Casebier 1976).

Between 1775 and 1776, Father Francisco Garcés, a Franciscan missionary originally stationed near present-day Tucson, Arizona, explored the Mojave Desert as part of Spain’s effort to forge an overland route to its settlements in Alta California. Garcés traveled with the 1775 Anza expedition until it crossed the Colorado River near present-day Yuma, Arizona (King and Casebier 1976:283). Garcés left the expedition at the Colorado River crossing and traveled north to the Mohave Villages near present-day Needles, California, while Anza continued west. Garces, in the company of Mohave guides, proceeded west to Mission San Gabriel in Los Angeles along the Mohave Trail, in the approximate location of the Mojave Road wagon route. The corridors of the Mojave Trail and the later Mojave Road are approximately 15 miles north of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, north of the Cady Mountains near I-15 (Figure 2.8-1). On his return trip he visited several Mohave villages on the banks of the Colorado River.   The journal Garcés kept during this expedition is the earliest written record of the eastern Mojave Desert (King and Casebier 1976; Robinson 2005). Spanish contact with the Mohave and Colorado Desert peoples likely came from both the east and west during this time (Vane and Bean 1994:1-8), as evidenced by the Anza/Garces expeditions, as well as known contacts made on the California coast.

The closest Spanish mission, Mission San Gabriel in Los Angeles, was too far away to have an every day effect on the Native Americans in the Mojave Desert. Native Americans who fled the missions often escaped into the Mojave Desert and exposed the Mohave tribe to Spanish influences, including the use of horses, which led to raids on the missions and horse thievery. In 1819, Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga led an expedition of fifty soldiers into the Mojave Desert in an attempt to retrieve stolen horses, to exact revenge against the Mohave for their raids on the coastal Spanish settlements, and for their ability to spread unrest against the Spanish and other Native American groups (King and Casebier 1976:284). Moraga’s expedition was only the second Spanish-sponsored trip into the Mojave Desert. Lack of water in the arid Mojave Desert forced Moraga and his soldiers to turn back.

During the Spanish period, no permanent European settlements were established in the project vicinity, although there were reports that the Spanish had active mines in the Barstow area. It is unknown if the mines were being worked by the Spanish, Native Americans, or later Mexican or American prospectors because only mine shafts remained and no written records have been discovered (King and Casebier 1976:300).

5.7.1.11.2                   Mexican Period (1821 to 1848)

In 1810, an independence movement began as many rancheros sought to split Mexico (and California) from Spain. In 1821, this desire came to fruition when New Spain (Mexico) became independent. Following Mexico’s independence, the Alta and Baja California missions received less financial support from Spain and Mexico, and ultimately, independence from Spain was a catalyst for Mexico to secularize all California missions. Secularization would free vast amounts of land that had been under mission control and the land would become civilian pueblos or large land grants awarded to Mexican, American, or European settlers. In 1831, Governor Jose Maria Echeandia announced the secularization of a number of missions, and by 1834, all the missions were secularized, including Mission San Gabriel in Los Angeles, the nearest mission to the Project. Within ten years, the mission system had failed, the neophytes had left, and the buildings were in disrepair. Following secularization, San Gabriel mission became a parish for the City of San Gabriel and had little further effect on the Native Americans in the Project vicinity (Rolle 2003).

During Mexican control of Alta California, Americans started to enter California through the Mojave Desert, many of them using the Mojave Trail located north of the Project Area (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z

– Confidential Appendix A). Jedediah Smith, mountain man and fur trapper, was the first American to reach California using an overland route. Smith followed a route from the Great Salt Lake in Utah south to the Virgin and Colorado rivers and across the Mojave Desert to Spanish southern California. Smith arrived at the Mohave Villages in October 1826, then proceeded west on the Mojave Trail. After Smith’s initial visit other American mountain men and trappers ventured into the desert, including William Wolfskill, George C. Yount, Christopher “Kit” Carson, James Ohio Pattie, and Ewing Young (Brooks and others 1981; King and Casebier 1976:285; Robinson 2005).

Jedediah Smith’s ventures down the Virgin and Colorado rivers, combined with Garcés’ route across the Mojave Desert, linked the Spanish settlements in New Mexico and California, stimulating trade between these regions (Wright 1982). In 1829, New Mexico merchant Antonio Armijo reached the Las Vegas Valley via the Virgin River, pioneering a route that became known as the Old Spanish Trail. Armijo’s route followed the Mojave Trail in the project vicinity, but later routes of the Old Spanish Trail turned southwest out of Utah and headed toward the Mojave River through the San Bernardino Mountains. This route became known as the Northern Route of the Old Spanish Trail (Figure 2.8-1, Confidential Appendix Z). The Mohave Indians had become increasingly hostile to travelers through their territories, and blazers of the northern route most likely took this path to avoid conflicts. The junction of the Northern Route of the Old Spanish Trail and the Mojave Trail was approximately 18 miles east of present-day Barstow, at a location historically called Fork of the Roads, northwest of the project area (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). Trade along the trail ended in 1848 with the Mexican-American War (Nystrom 2003; Robinson 2005; Rogge 2008).

5.7.1.11.3                   American Period

Transportation

Mojave Road

The term “Manifest Destiny” was one of the likely causes for the Mexican-American War, which took place between 1846 and 1848. Jacksonian Democrats coined the phrase in the 1840s as a political philosophy whereby the United States would control all of the land between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The focus for expansion was on the northwest coast in Oregon territory and on the Texas territory. In 1845, during the Presidency of James K. Polk, the United States annexed Texas; the following year, the U.S. invaded Mexico. In 1848, the United States, victorious over the Mexican Army, signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and acquired all Mexican territory north and west of the Rio Grande and Gila Rivers, which included Texas, New Mexico territory, and Alta California. American settlers began to migrate to the newly acquired territory, and the discovery of gold in 1848 and the ensuing Gold Rush in 1849 brought numerous settlers to California. Most of these travelers likely used the northern route of the Old Spanish Trail to enter California from New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada, although some likely followed the Mojave Trail as well (Robinson 2005).

Soon after California was granted statehood in 1850, the government wanted to recognize all of the trails running through California to promote immigration to the state, facilitate trade and communication, and develop routes of defense. A year after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, Lieutenant James H. Simpson of the Army Corps Topographical Engineers attempted to follow Father Graces’ direct route across the Mojave Desert (Mohave Trail), and in 1851, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent another expedition to explore the area. During the 1840s and 1850s, the Union Pacific Railroad also contemplated using Gracés’ route in an attempt to find the most practical course for a railroad line across the desert. Several explorers, hired by railroad companies, traveled throughout the Mojave Desert during the 1840s and 1850s. Eventually, a more northern route was selected for the transcontinental railroad line. In the late 1850s the General Land Office in California began the process of mapping the Mojave Desert area, and at that time several groups of surveyors mapped the desert (King and Casebier 1976:288-289).

Beale’s Wagon Road was built in 1857 north of the Project APE, along the 35th Parallel, and was in use between 1857 and 1861. Edward Fitzgerald Beale was a famous American Frontiersmen and was superintendent of the wagon road development. Beale, along with his party and 25 camels, crossed the Colorado River into California 15 miles north of present-day Needles, California, and followed the Mojave Trail west. In 1859, the U.S. Army established Fort Mojave near the location of Beale’s river crossing in an effort to protect travelers from Mohave Indian attacks. As a result, the Mojave Trail developed into a wagon road, which allowed supplies to be brought to Fort Mojave overland from Los Angeles. The wagon road was called the Mojave Road or the Government Road and was actively used until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861 (Figure 2.8-1, Confidential Appendix Z.

During the Civil War, troops stationed at Fort Mojave were ordered to abandon the fort and report for duty in Los Angeles. The fort remained abandoned until the middle of 1863, when California Volunteers occupied it to protect travelers on the Mojave Road. Traffic had increased along the road as a result of gold discoveries about 100 miles south of Fort Mohave in the La Paz Mining District. Other travelers along the Mojave Road in the 1860s were members of the military on their way to Arizona to fight in the Apache Wars or merchants and ranchers hauling supplies and livestock to Prescott, the capital of the Arizona Territory. The Mojave Road also was used as a mail route between 1866 and 1868 (King and Casebier 1976; Nystrom 2003; Robinson 2005).

Although there was considerable traffic through the Mojave Desert into Southern California, most followed the Old Spanish Trail to the west of the Project APE or the Mojave Road to the north, and any settlements associated with these routes would have been located adjacent to the trails. Except for miners, most other settlers did not stay in the desert until a railroad was constructed. Only a few early homestead claims were filed. These early homesteads consisted mainly of ranches raising sheep and cattle. The arid environment prohibited large scale agriculture except on the banks of the Mojave or Colorado Rivers (Walthall and Keeling 1986).

Atlantic & Pacific Railroad

Plans for a transcontinental railroad had been delayed due to the Civil War, but once the war ended, interest in the construction of transcontinental railroads resumed. In 1866, Congress contracted the Atlanta & Pacific Railroad (A&P) to construct a railway from the east to the California border. In 1879, the A&P partnered with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad to facilitate construction of the transcontinental railroad. The A&P began construction of their track in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1880 and reached Needles, California in May 1883. The A&P constructed a bridge over the Colorado River at Needles in August 1883 (Gustafson and Serpico 1992; Myrick 1992; Robinson 2005).

As the A&P tracks were being laid, the Southern Pacific Railroad was constructing a new railroad line between Mojave and Needles to intercept the A&P tracks at the Arizona border and protect its California interests. The Southern Pacific constructed the Mojave to Needles branch between 1882 and 1883, working east from their Mojave station (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A) (Gustafson and Serpico 1992; Myrick 1992). When surveyors initially explored the project vicinity for a viable railroad route, they assessed the Mojave Road corridor, and found that the terrain was too steep and unsuitable for railroad construction. In the arid Mojave, the trail through the mountain range was preferred to the flatter terrain because more sources of water could be found in the mountainous areas. In 1868, General William J. Palmer of the Union Pacific Railroad eastern division surveyed a railroad route to the south of the Cady Mountains, where the terrain was more favorable for railroad construction. Although the Union Pacific never constructed the railroad through the Mojave Desert, it was largely Palmer’s route that the Southern Pacific used to construct the Mojave to Needles branch (Nystrom 2003; Robinson 2005).

For more than a year, the A&P and the Southern Pacific lines continued to operate independently. The Southern Pacific Railroad instituted tri-weekly service to Needles in 1883, but the trip through the Mojave Desert was long and desolate. The railroad had constructed only one station and turntable in the 124-mile stretch between Mojave and Ludlow. The Southern Pacific Railroad was reluctant to join rails with the A&P fearing that the completed line would compete with their newly constructed Sunset Route, which crossed into California further south on the Arizona border at Yuma. Passengers heading east on the Southern Pacific Railroad’s line to Needles were inconveniently required to disembark from the train with their belongings and transfer to the A&P cars. Although each of the railroads developed local business, the volume of passenger travel was not large enough to support operations. The Southern Pacific Railroad’s route through the Mojave Desert did facilitate mining operations in the area. Anticipating large future revenues from hauling bulk ore, the railroad provided water for miners at 2 cents per gallon anywhere on the route, putting an end to the water scarcity problem for mine development in the area (Myrick 1992).

By the end of 1883, the A&P began making plans to construct their own line parallel to the Southern Pacific’s line across the Mojave Desert to San Francisco. The Southern Pacific Railroad realized that if the A&P constructed a parallel line across the desolate Mojave Desert, its line would essentially become useless. In October 1884, an agreement was signed in which the Southern Pacific Railroad would sell its Needles to Mojave section to the A&P for $30,000 per mile. Until the debt was paid, the A&P would lease the line. In addition, the A&P also received an option for trackage rights between Mojave and San Francisco. The A&P received full title to the Mojave to Needles branch in 1911 (Gustafson and Serpico 1992; Myrick 1992). The construction of the railroad changed the course of travel across the Mojave Desert in the project vicinity. The railroad provided travelers with water sources across the vast desert and travel was much easier along the flat railroad corridor than along the mountainous Mojave Road to the north. A wagon road was constructed adjacent to the railroad alignment and use of the Mojave Road decreased.

The California Southern Railroad joined with the A&P in 1885 to provide service from Kansas City to San Diego. The junction of the two lines was initially called Waterman Junction, but in 1886, it was renamed Barstow. Barstow is located approximately 40 miles west of the Project APE and is the closest city. The construction of the railroad brought numerous settlers to the area and although other railroad lines were eventually constructed throughout southern California, the route passing through Barstow remained a popular line for both freight and passenger service. In addition, the railroad acted as a lifeline connecting Barstow, alone in the desert, to the rest of Southern California. Barstow was a sizable railroad hub, and the railroad was the main employer in the city for many years.

In 1897, the A&P was redesignated as the Santa Fe Pacific Railroad and later became the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad. When the A&P took over the Mojave to Needles branch in 1884, there were depots at Daggett, Fenner, and Needles. During the 1880s, 1890s, and the first decade of the twentieth century, Santa Fe Pacific constructed facilities at various locations along the line. All of the structures were wood frame, with the exception of brick and reinforced concrete structures in Needles. Santa Fe Pacific railroad sidings in the project vicinity include Troy, Hector, Pisgah, and Lavic (see Confidential Appendix A, Figure 2.8-1). The Hector siding is the closest to the Project APE. Neither the Pisgah or Troy sidings had any depot facilities. Hector had a 12-by-14-foot wood frame telegraph and train-order office that was constructed in 1906, which was closed in 1923 and moved to Earp in 1934. The Lavic siding was the largest of the four with a 24-by-34-foot frame combination passenger and freight depot that was constructed in 1901. The depot was closed in 1923 and removed (Gustafson and Serpico 1992; Myrick 1992).

The lack of water along the Mojave to Needles branch required the railroad to haul water in large tanks to the stations and construction camps. In 1897, a station was constructed at Newberry Springs, approximately 6 miles west of Troy, and this station became the railroad’s primary source of water in the region. Although freight trains typically carried surplus water cars, engineers often had to go back to Newberry Springs for additional water supply (Gustafson and Serpico 1992; Myrick 1992).

The A&P Railroad/Santa Fe Pacific Railroad/Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad is located between the Solar One Phase 1 and Phase 2 and within the Pisgah triangle area. The railroad is now operated as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

Old National Trails Highway and U.S. Route 66

Prior to the construction of the railroad between Needles and Barstow in 1883, travel across the Mojave Desert in the project vicinity was limited to the Mojave Road corridor, which evolved from a network of prehistoric trails, early trails developed by mountain men, early explorers, and gold seekers; and routes developed during the railroad surveys of the 1850s (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). After the railroad was completed, the travel corridor shifted south of the Cady Mountains, new roads were constructed between local mines and railroad sidings, and a wagon road was constructed adjacent to the railroad tracks from Barstow to the Arizona border (Hatheway 2001). In the first decade of the 1900s, this wagon road would be converted to an auto route, as the use and ownership of the automobile became more prevalent.

The automobile first made its appearance to the American public in the late 1890s, and by 1900, automobiles were still the toys of the wealthy, with only one for every one thousand Americans. Although Henry Ford introduced his Model T in 1907, widespread use of the automobile did not occur until after World War I. In 1914, Ford perfected full assembly line production and two years later more than half a million automobiles were sold. As the use of the automobile rose, the demand for good roads increased. Most rural roads in the 1900s had been constructed for wagon traffic and were not suited to automobile traffic (Fischer and Carroll 1988; Keane and Bruder 2004; Lyman 1999; Paxson 1946).

By 1910, national and local organizations promoted good roads in the United States, including the National Old Trails Highway (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). A precursor to U.S. Route 66, the National Old Trails Highway was part of the 2,448-mile ocean-to-ocean highway from Baltimore, Maryland to the California coast. The National Old Trails Highway also was part of the National Auto Trail System, an informal network of automobile routes marked by local organizations in the early twentieth century. The National Old Trails Highway, where it traverses the Project APE, was located along and in the vicinity of the alignment of the old wagon road that was constructed adjacent to the Santa Fe Railroad tracks in the 1880s. The highway was designated by booster organizations in 1912, and by 1914 the Auto Club of Southern California had provided signage for much of the highway (Keane and Bruder 2004; Robinson 2005; Wikipedia contributors 2008).

In 1916, the Federal Highway Aid Act was passed to help fund rural roads, using a 50/50 funding match for states with a highway department. Route planning, however, remained a local matter, which usually did not include engineering surveys. In 1919, Congress liberalized the funding match requirements, and by late 1921, Congress passed the Federal Highway Act that further reduced the state match to about 26 percent (Lyman 1999) and required federal aid to be concentrated upon “such projects as will expedite the completion of an adequate and connected system of highways, interstate in character” (Paxson 1946:245). Up to seven percent of a state’s roads could be listed for reconstruction to create the national highway system. By 1923 a tentative plan had been developed linking every city with a population of 50,000 or more, with construction planned over a ten-year period (Paxson 1946).

During the early 1920s, automobile travel was an adventure for many Americans and was subsequently heavily promoted. By the late 1920s, much of the National Old Trails Highway in the project vicinity had been widened and oiled or surfaced with gravelly sand. The segment of the highway across the Mojave Desert was notorious for its poor condition, and by 1925 the highway was full of ruts and chuck holes. The highway was narrow with no road shoulders or striping, tended to follow the natural topography of the area, and was vulnerable to the effects of erosion. The State of California had designated the highway as a public highway in 1919, but did not take any responsibility for the segment between Barstow and Needles until 1923, leaving the burden of maintenance to San Bernardino County. Despite the poor conditions, motorists were never more than four miles from the railroad, where they could find help in the form of stations and section crews, and water was available every 5 to 10 miles (Bischoff 2005; Hatheway 2001; Scott and Kelly 1988).

In 1926, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials designated the National Old Trails Highway in the Mojave Desert as U.S. Route 66. U.S. Route 66 was one of the main arteries of the National Highway System and was one of the first great highways in the United States, running from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean. Federal funding allowed for improvements, such as the construction of road shoulders. In the 1930s, the original alignment of the National Old Trails Highway in the Project Area was abandoned in favor of a route to the south, which is the current alignment of historical U.S. Route 66 (Bischoff 2005; Scott and Kelly 1988; Wikipedia contributors 2008).

The new U.S. Route 66 alignment eliminated sharp turns, reduced steep grades, and straightened the roadway to accommodate higher speeds. The use of heavy machinery allowed for large road cuts that had not been possible in the early days of road building. The section of U.S. Route 66 from Needles to Los Angeles was the most heavily traveled section of the highway, and in 1934 this segment was paved. Much of the paving of U.S. Route 66 was completed by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression of the 1930s. By 1938 all of U.S. Route 66 was paved (Bischoff 2005; Scott and Kelly 1988).

U.S. Route 66 was an important transportation route during the Great Depression. In his book, The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck wrote about migration of Midwestern farmers to the Pacific coast along this roadway. World War II caused further migration to the west coast along U.S. Route 66 as millions of Americans went to work in war related jobs in California. U.S. Route 66 became so famous that it was memorialized in Bobby Troup’s popular song “Get Your Kicks on U.S. Route 66” (Scott and Kelly 1988) and was featured in many Hollywood movies.

As a consequence of its heavy use, thousands of businesses opened along U.S. Route 66, mostly serving cross-country travelers. Businesses varied from grocery stores, service stations, restaurants, and motels to dance halls and tourist attractions. One of these tourist attractions in the project vicinity may have been the Pisgah Crater, a young volcanic cinder cone located south of the Project APE (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). A road was constructed from U.S. Route 66 to the Pisgah Crater between the late 1930s and early 1950s from U.S. Route 66 either to provide access for travelers along the highway or for local aggregate miners (Scott and Kelly 1988).

Barstow was the last stop from Los Angeles before crossing the desert or the first stop after the desert, and was a popular rest area along the highway even during the Depression. During that time, business from U.S. Route 66 was an important part of the economies of many towns and small cities. By World War II, many businesses along U.S. Route 66 competed for travelers’ money. Native American crafts sales became an important industry along the route. During the war, military use of the road increased in conjunction with development of military training bases in the Mojave Desert (Scott and Kelly 1988).

The Golden Age of U.S. Route 66 was the era after World War II and before the opening of other major east-west interstate highways, such as I-40. The increased traffic along U.S. Route 66 also led to its demise. Although the highway was an important east-west thoroughfare, it could no longer handle the volume of traffic and heavy military equipment using the road. After World War II, a new national interstate highway system was planned, and eventually replaced much of U.S. Route 66 (Scott and Kelly 1988).

There are no historic buildings associated with U.S. Route 66 along the segment of the road that is within 0.5 miles of the Project APE. There are historical buildings associated with U.S. Route 66 in the town of Ludlow, located about 12 miles east of Pisgah and about 11 miles east of the Project, and in Newberry Springs, about 15 miles west of the Interstate 40 Hector exit and about 13 miles west of the Project.

Interstate Highways

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, U.S. Route 66 remained the main road between the Midwest and the West Coast. Increased traffic and the narrowness of the roadway eventually led to the downfall of the road. On August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act which provided funding to upgrade America’s roads. Eisenhower based his vision of a more connected America on Germany’s Reichautobahen rural super highways. Eisenhower and his advisors originally envisioned creating a 40,000 mile interstate system costing approximately twenty-seven billion dollars. Construction began almost immediately throughout the United States (Weingroff 2008).

On December 13, 1958, Interstate 15 (I-15) opened between Victorville and Barstow. This marked the beginning of the modern highway era in the Barstow area. The entire length of Interstate 15 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas was opened by July 1961. At that time, the stretch between Baker and Las Vegas was used by more than 500 vehicles an hour in one direction (Swisher 1997).

Interstate 40 begins at its junction with Interstate 15 in Barstow, then runs through the Mojave Desert to Needles and into Arizona. Interstate 40 is located along the southern edge of the Solar One APE. Although the Interstate 40 is now a cross-country highway, its last sections were not built until 1980. In the southwest, much of present day Interstate 40 absorbed U.S. Route 66. Many of the western portions of Interstate 40 also follow the Beale Wagon Road. The segment of Interstate 40 in the project vicinity was not constructed until 1968.

Anglo-American Relationships with Native Americans

Before transportation improvements were made, distance and harsh conditions in the Mojave Desert caused the Native Americans in the region to have little contact with Europeans and subsequently Americans. Bands of the Chemehuevi’s, part of the Southern Paiutes, occasionally expressed to earlier settlers they were intruding on Native American land, but little action was taken. While the Mojave’s were a large and powerful tribe and could wage war in large numbers against intruders, the Chemehuevi were forced to remain in small bands and were commonly on the verge of starvation because the lack of water and other resources in their territory. They were not able to gather in large groups or participate in acts of resistance against American settlers in their territories. Although the Chemehuevi were originally hostile to American settlers, by the 1860s they were so decimated by disease and lack of resources that they stopped all attempts at resistance, and little military attention was paid to them by the United States. By the 1870s they had been assimilated into American culture and were forced into laboring in prospectors’ mines and on ranches (King and Casebier 1976:298-299).

The Mojave were a much stronger tribe and were able to organize large parties to wage war with United States soldiers. In 1859 Major William Hoffman led approximately 600 men to attack the Mojaves and their villages, ultimately forcing a surrender. Both before and after the large attack hundreds of United States soldiers were stationed in the desert, many of them along the Mojave Trail, to protect the transportation of supplies and the newly arrived settlers (King and Casebier 1976:295).

Mining in the Mojave Desert

Since the 1860s, mining has been the most important commercial industry near the Project APE. Silver was discovered in 1863, although it is possible the Spanish had mined in the area almost a century before. Prospectors attempted to establish mines in the area to sell to investors with sufficient capital. In the following decade, smaller operators attempted to compete with larger corporations, but without railroad transportation, very little money was made until the early 1880s with the coming of railroad through the eastern Mojave Desert (Brooks and others 1980; King and Casebier 1976:300-305).

The period between 1900 and 1919 was known as the “the Great Years” for mining in northeastern San Bernardino County (King and Casebier 1976:305) as it was more profitable than any other time. Copper, lead, zinc, and other base metals, as well as gold and silver, were mined throughout the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino County. Also, during World War I, chromium, manganese, tungsten, and vanadium were mined. Several large mining districts were developed, including Copper World, near Valley Wells; gold mines at Hart; lead, zinc, and copper in the Mohawk mines near Mountain Pass; copper mines near Von Trigger Spring; and gold mines at the north end of Old Dad Mountain (King and Casebier 1976).

During the Great Depression, a resurgence of gold mining took place, but World War II caused a return to the mining of base metals. The Vulcan Iron mine, in the Providence Mountains northeast of the Project, was excavated during that time. Since the end of World War II, mining in the area has considerably slowed. More recently, other nonmetals such as clay, talc and cinder mining have gained popularity, especially around the Kingston Mountains in the vicinity of Interstate 15. Aggregate mining for sand and gravel has become prevalent in the area (King and Casebier 1976).

Manganese Mining in the Project Vicinity

Several manganese mines exist in this region, including the Logan Mine within the Project APE, and the Black Butte Mine, located just over one half mile east of the Solar One APE (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). Manganese was first mined in earnest during World War I, when the demand increased due to its use in the production of iron and steel. After World War I, manganese mining throughout the country decreased and continued to wane throughout the Depression but once again increased with the onset of World War II in the 1940s. In addition to iron and steel production, manganese also was used in the minting of the war-time nickel between 1942 and 1945. By 1943, deposits of manganese had been located in several desert locations throughout San Bernardino County, including the Lavic, Owl, and Whipple Mountains. Manganese, in combination with copper and silver, was used to produce these coins in an effort to conserve nickel for military uses (Tucker and Sampson 1943).

In 1942, the Metal Reserve Company of Washington D.C. published competitive price schedules for manganese ores. They offered $48 per ton for high grade ore (ore containing 48 percent manganese), $35.20 per ton for low grade A ore (44 percent manganese), and $26.00 per ton for low grade B ore (40 percent manganese). Ores containing 35 to 39 percent manganese were also accepted at a reduced price. Manganese producers in San Bernardino County brought their ore to stockpile points in Parker and Phoenix, Arizona. Lower grade ores containing 15 to 35 percent manganese often took their ore to the Kaiser Steel Corporation in Fontana, California. In the early 1940s, manganese ore was shipped from 5 deposits in San Bernardino County with ore containing 20 to 46 percent manganese. After the war, several manganese deposits continued to be worked in San Bernardino County (Tucker and Sampson 1943; Wright and others 1953).

Southern California Edison and the Hoover Dam

Two parallel Southern California Edison (SCE) steel-tower 220-kilovolt transmission lines are located the Pisgah Substation Triangle area and the historic built environment 0.5-mile buffer of the Project APE (Figure 2.8-1). The SCE 220-Kilovolt (kV) North Transmission Line was constructed between 1936 and 1939 and the SCE South 220-Kilvolt South Transmission Line between 1939 and 1941. The transmission lines originate at the SCE switchyard at the Hoover Dam and terminate in Chino, California. The transmission lines were constructed to deliver power from the Hoover Dam to SCE service areas in southern California.

Plans for development of a hydroelectric plant on the Colorado River were conceived as early as 1902 in response to fuel shortages that were limiting the mining activities in the vicinity of the river. SCE began to investigate development of such a plant and signed an option to utilize river water for power generation. Engineers surveyed the Colorado River and a preferred dam site was selected, but at the time the technology to transport the power to the SCE’s service area (a distance of 300 to 400 miles) at high voltages did not exist. Because of technological limitations and the decline in mining activity along the Colorado River, SCE abandoned this option (Myers 1983).

Throughout the next twenty years, development of a power generating facility on the Colorado River was discussed and debated by public and private power companies and the concept of the use of a dam was investigated to control the highly variable flows of the river. In 1921, SCE and U.S. Geological Survey engineers once again surveyed the river and throughout the 1920s, SCE filed licensing applications with the Federal Power Commission in an effort to obtain the right to construct dams and power generating facilities, but none were approved. In 1928, Congress passed the Boulder Canyon Act, which stipulated that the federal government would construct a dam on the Colorado River if public and private utility companies would take responsibility for the distribution of electrical hydropower. In 1930, SCE signed a contract stating that they would buy and distribute power for themselves and all other investor-owned utility companies. The Los Angeles Bureau of Power and Light agreed to purchase and distribute power for state and municipal utilities, as well as the metropolitan water district (Myers 1983).

Construction of Hoover Dam began in 1931 and was completed in 1935. Power production for use began in 1936 when power was delivered to the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank through three parallel transmission lines constructed by the Los Angeles Bureau of Power and Light (currently Los Angeles Department of Water and Power). The second company to distribute Hoover Dam power was the Nevada-California Corporation. The power was conveyed by a 132-kilovolt transmission line that had been originally constructed in 1930 and 1931 to deliver power to the dam site during construction. This transmission line is known as the Edison Company Boulder Dam-San Bernardino Electrical Transmission Line (Hatheway 2006; Hughes 1993; Myers 1983).

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was the next to distribute electrical power in 1938. This transmission line, known as the Metropolitan Water District Line, used technology similar to that used previously by SCE for 220-kilovolt transmission lines in southern California. Utility companies in southern California, such as the Pacific Light and Power Company (which merged with SCE in 1917) and SCE, were innovators in the development of high voltage systems. In 1926, Stanford University established a high-voltage laboratory and worked with Pacific Gas and Electric and SCE in research and development. Through this collaboration insulators for California’s 220-kilovolt lines were developed (Hughes 1993; Myers 1983; Schweigert and Labrum 2001).

The SCE 220-Kilovolt North Transmission Line was constructed between 1936 and 1939, using the same design and technology SCE had been using for its high-voltage transmission lines in southern California (including its Vincent 220-kilovolt line), and the design used by the Metropolitan Water District for its Hoover Dam line. The transmission line was energized in 1939, after the completion of Hoover generating units A-6 and A-7 (Myers 1983; Schweigert and Labrum 2001).

When World War II began in Europe, SCE planners anticipated an increase in demand for power in southern California. SCE began construction on a second transmission line, the SCE South 220-Kilvolt South Transmission Line, in 1939. SCE North and SCE South take divergent courses from the SCE switchyard at the Hoover Dam, but meet near Hemenway Wash in Nevada, and run nearly parallel to each other from north of Boulder City, Nevada to Chino, California. SCE North and SCE South are parallel within the Project APE (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). Both SCE North and SCE South delivered electricity that was essential to war-time industries in Southern California. These industries included the Douglas, Vultee, and Northrup aircraft plants, Consolidated Steel, the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Kaiser Steel, Alcoa, Columbia Steel, as well as automobile factories, tire plants, oil refineries, ordnance works, and military bases and depots (Myers 1983; Schweigert and Labrum 2001).

Natural Gas Pipeline

Two natural gas pipelines run through the Project APE —the Pacific Gas and Electric Pipeline and the Mojave Pipeline (Figure 2.8-1, Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix A). Although it was known that natural gas could be used for fuel in the early years of the nineteenth century, it was not until 1859 when large amounts of natural gas were discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania, that a commercial market for natural gas developed. Wide-spread use of natural gas began in the west when southwestern natural gas fields were discovered in the 1920s. Large natural gas fields found in the north Texas panhandle in 1918 and in Kansas in 1922, as well as the development of the technology needed to transport natural gas the long distances to urban areas, resulted in the development of the interstate gas pipeline industry (Castaneda 2001).

The Pacific Gas and Electric Pipeline on the Project Site is a 33-to-44-inch natural gas pipeline. The pipeline is an interstate pipeline that carries natural gas from the natural gas fields of Texas and New Mexico to Northern California. The 502-mile long pipeline was constructed in 1948, and at the time, was the largest pipeline in the country (PG&E Corporation 2004).

The Mojave Pipeline on the Project Site is a 24-inch natural gas pipeline, owned by El Paso Natural Gas Corporation, one of the largest natural gas companies in North America. The El Paso Natural Gas Corporation expanded their services into southern California in the 1940s in response to the post World War II population growth. The Mojave Pipeline is a 450-mile-long interstate pipeline that carries natural gas from Arizona to Kern County, California. It was constructed in the late 1940s (El Paso Corporation 2008; International Directory of Company Histories 1996).

Military Use

Several military bases are located in the Mojave Desert region and within the same region as the Project, including Twenty-Nine Palms, south of the Project, and Fort Irwin, located approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow. These, and other military installations in the area, led to an increase of traffic near the Project, and in the area population as civilians associated with the military took up residence.

During World War II, General George S. Patton established the Desert Training Center in California and Arizona, much of which was located on public land east of the APE. Training exercises were designed to prepare U.S. troops for combat in the hostile desert terrain and climate. The army established camps and emergency airfields, remnants of which can still be found, including rock alignments designating tent camps and emergency airfields. The Desert Training Center closed in 1944 toward the end of World War II. During desert training, the army created the first detailed maps of the Mojave Desert to facilitate training activities. The maps were created using aerial photography and land-based methods. After the war, those maps were used by the U.S. Geological Survey to create 15-minute topographic quadrangles in the late 1940s and early 1950s (Nystrom 2003). These training areas were located on public land east of the Project APE; there are no known desert training areas in the project vicinity.

Twenty years later, during the Cold War, the Mojave Desert in the vicinity of the Project again hosted a major training exercise. A training exercise, known as Desert Strike included troops from both the U.S. Army and Air Force and encompassed a 12 million-acre area in California and Arizona centered on the Colorado River. The two-week exercise was designed to test tactical deployment of nuclear weapons, and involved combat training between two hypothetical countries. Desert Strike occurred in May 1964 and resulted in the expenditure of approximately $60 million and 33 deaths (Garthoff 2001; Nystrom 2003; Time Magazine 1964).

5.7.1.11.4                   Conclusions

Prior to arrival of Europeans in California, the Project APE was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous populations, as evidenced by multiple archaeological complexes of different cultural affiliations. During ethnographic times, the Serrano, Vanyume and the Chemehuevi inhabited the area. The Project APE lies in a transitional zone near pluvial lakes, such as Troy Lake located to the west of the APE, which experienced episodes of inundations and desiccations. As a result it is unlikely that this area would have been suitable to support a large population for prolonged periods of time. Indigenous people traveling in this area adapted to these arid desert environments and managed successfully to exploit resources as is evident in the cultural materials they left behind.

During the Spanish and Mexican periods, San Bernardino County and the Project area remained relatively isolated. There were no Spanish and Mexican land grants in the region surrounding the Project APE, and the Spanish were mainly interested in using the area as an overland route to their coastal missions. The Spanish explored and used the Mojave Trail trade route blazed by the Mohave Indians north of the Project APE. This trail also was used by American explorers and mountain men who ventured into Mexican territory prior to the American period. The establishment of Fort Mohave on the banks of the Colorado River resulted in the use of the Mojave Trail as a wagon route, subsequently renamed the Mojave Road. This roadway was used as a travel and trade corridor until the railroad was constructed in the 1880s. After the railroad was built, travel through the Mojave Desert in the project vicinity shifted south into the Project APE. In the early 1900s, a wagon road that had been constructed adjacent to the railroad began to be used by automobiles and was designed the National Old Trails Highway. The National Old Trails Highway was designed as U.S. Route 66 in the 1920s, and by the 1930s, its original alignment was abandoned in favor of the alignment of U.S. Route 66 to the south. In the late 1960s, I-40 was constructed along the north side of U.S. Route 66 in the Project APE.

During the American period, the area was not ranched or farmed due to arid conditions, though some attempts at cattle grazing have been noted.   Because of the arid conditions, the Project APE and its vicinity were used as a travel corridor rather than an area of settlement. Some mining activities occurred in the area, in particular manganese mining beginning in the 1940s. The region was also used as the setting for the Desert Strike military training exercises in 1964 and has been used as a corridor for electrical transmission lines and natural gas pipelines. Modern infrastructure in the project vicinity includes two steel tower transmission lines, wooden pole power lines, and underground pipelines along the south and east borders of the Project. Radio facilities are also located south and east of the Project APE.

5.7.1.12      Key Personnel Qualifications

All cultural resources work for the Project was carried out under the direct supervision of archaeologists that meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. All cultural resources work was consistent with the procedures for compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA), and CEQA Section 15064.5. The key cultural resources personnel who conducted and/or supervised the field survey and prepared the technical report are:

Brian K. Glenn, MA, RPA (URS Cultural Resources Group Leader and Editor ) Rachael Nixon, MA, RPA (URS Principal Investigator)

Sarah Mattiussi (URS Archaeologist)

Kirsten Erickson, MA (URS Architectural Historian) Gary R. Fink, AICP, RPA (URS Report Editor)

The following individuals directed crews both in the field and in the office. These individuals met with the Principal Investigator (PI) every morning and at the end of every day to discuss daily field/office efforts. In addition, these individuals were in consultation with the PI throughout the day as needed. The following individuals directed crews and/or managed office crews during the Class III Intensive Field Survey.

Dustin R. Kay – BA (URS Staff Archaeologist) BS in Anthropology – Oregon State University

Sixteen years experience in Cultural Resource Management (survey, excavation, monitoring, record search, report writing)

Leroy Laurie – BA (URS Staff Archaeologist)

B.S.     Social     Science,     concentration     in     Environmental     Geography;     minor     in Anthropology/Geography – California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.

Seven years experience in Cultural Resource Management (survey, excavation, monitoring, record search, report writing).

Sarah Mattiussi –BA (URS Staff Archaeologist)

BA in Archaeology – Escuela Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (ENAH), Mexico City

Eight years experience in Cultural Resource Management (survey, excavation, monitoring, report writing, record search)

Shane Wetherbee – MA (URS Field Technician/Archaeologist)

MA in Latin American Studies, concentration in Anthropology – USC San Diego

Six years experience in Cultural Resource Management (survey, excavation, monitoring). Spencer Bietz – BA (URS Field Technician/Archaeologist)

BA in Anthropology with concentration in Archaeology – USC San Diego

Four years experience in Cultural Resource Management (survey, excavation, monitoring).

All staff working on the Class III Intensive Field Survey meet the professional requirements of the Secretary of Interior Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, National Parks Service, 1983. Refer to Appendix Z – Appendix A for resumes of key personnel used in this effort.

5.7.1.13      Report of Findings and Evaluation Recommendations

5.7.1.13.1                   Records Search Results

Previously Conducted Investigations

According to the SBAIC, housed at the San Bernardino County Museum, 18 cultural resource studies have been performed within the Project APE and the 1-mile search radius surrounding the Project APE (Table 5.7-1 and Figure 5.7-1). Of these, 1 occurs exclusively within the Project APE, 8 occur in 1-mile search radius, but not within the Project APE, and 9 occur within both the Project APE and 1-mile search radius.

Of these investigations; 12 were linear pedestrian surveys; 7 of the 12 extend into the Project APE; 6 previous studies examined several separate rectangular areas in the region and 2 of these extend into the Project APE. The previous investigations examined less than 5% of the Project APE. Fifteen of the previous surveys were positive for cultural resources; 10 of these studies occur within the Project APE.

In spite of this, the vast majority of the project area has not been previously investigated. The table below summarizes the previous studies conducted within the Project APE and 1-mile search. The previous investigations within the Project APE are summarized in Table 5.7-1. Copies of previously conducted investigations reports are provided in Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix I.

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-1

Previously Conducted Cultural Resources Investigations Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

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The following paragraphs describe in further detail the contents of the technical reports for the previously conducted investigations.

Report # 1060038

The Manix Lake Archaeological Survey Ruth D. Simpson

Article published in 1958 in the Masterkey Journal of the Southwest Museum. The article addresses archaeological fieldwork done during the late 1950s at Pleistocene Manix Lake basin with the intent to better understand man’s occupation of Western America during glacial and early post-glacial periods

Report # 1060064

An Archaeological Survey of Troy Lake, San Bernardino County Ruth D. Simpson

This report provides information on Troy Lake and was prepared to provide additional data on the Great Basin Area to fieldworkers, and to assist in establishing a uniform terminology for the region.

Report # 1060874

An Archaeological Sampling of the proposed Allen-Warner Valley Energy System, western transmission line corridors, Mojave Desert, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, California, and Clark County, Nevada.

James P. Barkers et al.

Report describes the results of an archaeological survey and testing by random stratified/non-stratified sampling design, for a series of proposed transmission line corridors and their alternatives in the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada. The areas examined comprise portions of the proposed Allen-Warner Valley Energy System, Western Transmission Line Corridors, of the Southern California Edison (SCE), Rosemead, California. The archaeological survey ranged from Eldorado Substation near Boulder City, Nevada to the vicinity of Vincent Substation near Palmdale, California.

Report # 1061449

Cultural Resources Literature Search, Records Check and Sample Field Survey for the California Portion of the Celeron/All American Pipeline Project. Technical Appendix to: Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement Proposed Celeron/All American and Getty Pipeline Projects.

Edward B. Weil, Ph.D et al.

Report was prepared for a combined Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Getty and Celeron/All American Pipeline Project. The reports intent was to determine the nature of cultural resource sensitivities potentially impacted by the construction and operation of the proposed pipeline facilities, and documentation of the research and heritage preservation concerns in the project area. This documentation included California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.

Report # 1061940

A Cultural Resource Inventory for the Proposed Hidden Valley Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility, San Bernardino County, California.

Mark Q. Sutton and Robert E. Parr

Report was written to complete the cultural resources section for the proposed Specified Hazardous Waste Facility (SHWF) in Hidden Valley, Cady Mountains, San Bernardino County, California EIR. The project was viewed as an opportunity to examine the cultural resources within the small valley that encompasses several ecozones. Sutton was interested in collecting information regarding the settlement/subsistence system(s) operating within the valley, and the relationships between other systems based elsewhere.

Report # 1061979

Cultural Resources Report for the All American Pipeline Project: Santa Barbara, California to McCamey, Texas and Additional Areas to the East along the Central Pipeline Route in Texas. New Mexico State University

The report encompasses results of the survey done for the All American Pipeline Project. The surface survey covered the length of the line between the proposed sites of AAPL’s Las Flores and Gaviota pump stations along coastal California in Santa Barbara County, passing through southern Arizona, New Mexico, and into west Texas north of El Paso. The report exposes innovative approaches to cultural resources management, sampling and report writing used by combining various anthropological disciplines.

Report # 1062234

An Archaeological Assessment of Eight Alternative Access Routes into the Proposed Hidden Valley Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility, San Bernardino County, California

Robert M. Yohe II and Mark Q. Sutton

The report was written as part of an Environmental Impact Report for a proposed Specified Hazardous Waste Facility (SHWF) in Hidden Valley, Cady Mountains, San Bernardino County, California. The report reflects the results of the archaeological assessment of 8 proposed access routes into the SHWF and includes recommendations for further work.

Report # 1062388

A Cultural Resources Inventory and Limited Evaluation of the Proposed Mojave Pipeline Corridor in California and Arizona.

Kelly R. McGuire

Report describes the results of a cultural resources inventory and initial evaluation of a 387-mile proposed Mojave natural gas pipeline corridor which traverses portions of Kern and San Bernardino Counties in California and Mohave County in Arizona.

Report # 1062399

A Cultural Resource Inventory of a Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Corridor from Adelanto to Ward Valley, San Bernardino County, California

Kelly R. McGuire and Leslie Glover

Report describes the results of a cultural resources inventory of a proposed Southern California Gas Company (SoCal) 204 mile natural gas pipeline corridor in San Bernardino County, California. The report states that after the initial fieldwork was completed the pipeline project was canceled and as a result further cultural resources investigations in the area were halted.

Report # 1062701

An Archaeological Survey of Hidden Valley, Central Mojave Desert, California Mark Q. Sutton and Robert E. Parr

Paper presented at the 1989 SCA Fall Data Sharing Meeting, Santa Barbara. The intention of the paper was to expose the results of the cultural resources investigation conducted in Hidden Valley in October 1989. Although the survey data and subsequent investigations were limited, Sutton was able to provide a synchronic view of the utilization of an upland valley in the central Mojave Desert.

Report # 1062808

Archaeological Assessment Kern Mojave Pipeline, San Bernardino County, California Beth Padon, M.S. and Laurel Breece, M.A.

Report presenting results of an archival review and intensive pedestrian survey of the proposed Kern Mojave Pipeline, located 32 miles of the City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, California. During survey no intact cultural resources were found.

Report # 1063630

An Archaeological Assessment of the Proposed Verizon Wireless Newberry Springs Unmanned Cellular Telecommunications site to be Located South of Nationals Trails Highway (Old Route 66) and West of Hector Off Ramp from Interstate Highway 40, San Bernardino County, California.

Fred Budinger

Report presenting results of an archaeological assessment of a proposed Verizon Wireless, Inc. unmanned cellular telecommunications site. The report states that there were negative findings in the area.

Report # 1063631

Archaeological Survey at the Hector Meter Station, San Bernardino County, California Caven P. Clark

Report presents results of an archaeological survey of a proposed expansion of the Hector Meter Station of the El Paso Natural Gas Company (EPNG) Mojave Pipeline. The report states that the survey disclosed the presence of a small number of prehistoric lithic artifacts in a heavily to moderately disturbed area.

Report# 1060047

Archaeological Survey of the Eastern Calico Mountains Ruth D. Simpson

Article published in 1960 in the Masterkey Journal of the Southwest Museum. The article is a continuation of the article written during 1958 entitled “The Manix Lake Archaeological Survey”. In this article the author describes surveys done in the Calico Mountains during 1960 as well as artifact descriptions.

Report # 1062862

Cultural Resources Testing and Evaluation Report for the Fort Cady Boric Acid Mining and Processing Facility Newberry Springs, California

Rebecca McCorkle Apple

Report is part of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed mine and processing structures for Boric acid. A cultural resources survey was conducted to provide an inventory of resources potentially affected by the project. A testing and evaluation program was designed and approved by the BLM to mitigate the sites found within the project area using the Sparse Lithic Scatter Program (CARIDAP).

Report on file with BLM

Results of Cultural Records Search in Support of the Proposed Solar One Power Generating Facility, Hector, San Bernardino County, California.

Robert A. Rowe RPA

In 2006, SES proposed the Solar One Power Generation Facility. The original project proposed two siting locations totaling 51,520 acres; one of which was considered an alternative siting location. The scope of the report was to review and identify prior investigations and previously recorded sites located within a 1- mile radius of the project area. The record search identified 20 previously conducted studies in the area, 38 previously recorded sites and 34 previously identified isolates within the project area and 1-mile radius. Based on the record search results, Environmental Research Group recommended a field survey be conducted by qualified professional for historic and prehistoric resources within the portions of the project areas that had not been previously been surveyed.

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources

A total of 79 cultural resources have been previously recorded in the Project APE and the one-mile search radius (Table 5.1-2 and Figure 5.1-2). Forty-two of these previously recorded resources are archaeological sites, 28 are prehistoric isolates, and 9 are historic resources (2 of which are built environment). Sixteen of the cultural resources occur within the Project APE (1 isolate, 13 prehistoric sites, and 2 historic sites); 63 occur within the 1-mile search radius (32 isolates, 29 prehistoric, and 2 historic), and 3 of occur both in the Solar 1 APE and 1-mile search radius (1 prehistoric site, and 2 historic sites).

Two of these sites, SBR-2910H and SBR-6693H, are listed as eligible for the National Register Historic Places (NRHP). SBR-2910H is the National Old Trails Highway 66/U.S. Route 66, which varies from a graded dirt road to a two-lane paved road. Historic trash scatters are found sporadically along the road consisting of historic glass, cans, signs, and car parts. This highway represents one of the earliest trans- continental automobile routes. Between 1990 and 1998 portions of this site were given status codes 2S2 (individual property determined eligible for the NR [National Register] by a consensus through Section 106 process; listed in the CR [California Register]) and 2S (individual property determined eligible for the NR by the Keeper; listed in the CR.) This resource is within the ½ mile historic built environment buffer for the Project APE.

SBR-6693H is the railroad line that was originally built in 1883 for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company. From 1890, the railroad was operated by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad until its merger in 1996 with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. In addition to the railroad track, associated historical artifacts include glass, metal, track and train parts, and railroad tableware. Between 1993 and 2002 portions of this site have been given status codes 2S2 (individual property determined eligible for the NR by a consensus through Section 106 process; listed in the CR) and 6Y (determined ineligible for NR by consensus through Section 106 process, not evaluated for CR or Local Listing). SBR-6693H bisects the Project APE and is located within the Project APE and ½ mile built environment buffer.

Copies of the previously recorded cultural resources (DPR 523 series) are provided Appendix Z – Confidential Appendix H.

Of the previous investigations, most were completed before the advent/availability of global position system (GPS) data collection and standardized archaeological data-recording processes. Much of the previously recorded information is unevaluated, site descriptions are poor, and locational information tends to be inaccurate or unavailable.

The following tables summarize the records search:

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Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius

Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

* Description represents the most recent data provided on the site record

Table 5.7-2

Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Within the Project APE and 1-Mile Search Radius (Continued)

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Of the 49 previously recorded sites, 14 are found within the project area; CA-10649H, CA-SBR-1896, CA-SBR-1908, CA-SBR-4558H, CA-SBR-4681, CA-SBR-5600, CA-SBR-5796, CA-SBR-6511, CA- SBR-6512, CA-SBR-6513, CA-SBR-6520, CA-SBR-6521, CA-SBR-6528, CA-SBR-6693H-NRHP. The

following site descriptions are based on the most recent data provided on the site records and in the corresponding report.

CA-10649H is a very small prehistoric lithic test quarry/scatter containing at least four chert/jasper flakes, 1 white chert core and 1 volcanic core. The site is located atop a sandy clay and disturbed desert pavement terrace with an open exposure and 0° degree slope. The site was recorded by Stephanie Rose and Iain Berdzar of Tierra Environmental Services in February 2001.

CA-SBR-1896 is a prehistoric lithic scatter containing fire stones and projectile points. The site was recorded by Lyle Richards, date unknown.

CA-SBR-1908 is a very large low density prehistoric cobble test/quarry area, measuring 115 m N/S x 95 m E/W. Raw materials consist of cryptocrystalline silicate, basalt and rhyolite materials. The site is most dense at the top of the hill at mile post 157. Site was originally recorded in 1965 and updated by J. Berg of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989. During the Far Western survey, the site was tested. A total of eight 25×50 cm test units was excavated, with only one flake found in STP#2. The site was recommended non eligible. Surface artifacts included 6 bifaces, 1 flaked tool, and 1 Silver Lake point. The projectile point was the only artifact collected. Far Western recommended that the site was not eligible based on test results. In February 2001 site information was updated by J. Dietler and J. Toenjes of Tierra Environmental Services. The condition of the site was considered the same as 1989 and no further description was provided.

CA-SBR-4558H also known as SBCM 4918. This is a 1930s and 1940s historic manganese mining area containing a galvanized steel structure, mill tailings, mine and historic trash. The site is situated on the south side of the Cady Mountains and approximately 5 miles north of Pisgah along the Santa Fe Railroad. The site was recorded by R. Brooks of BLM in October 1979.

CA-SBR-4681 is a prehistoric lithic scatter located atop an undisturbed alluvial bench. Lithic materials consist of a few relatively fresh basalt flakes and cryptocrystalline silicate jasper flakes. Some of the weathered basalt artifacts resemble the “Malpais” Complex. The site was recorded by Hardaker and Musser of BLM in January 1980.

CA-SBR-5600 is a prehistoric lithic reduction station located atop a desert pavement knoll. Raw materials consist of cryptocrystalline silicate (jasper) and basalt. The site has two components; one cryptocrystalline silicate jasper flaking station, and another consisting of basalt flakes with no evidence of wear. The site was recorded by Hardaker and Musser of BLM in January 1980.

CA-SBR-5796 is a prehistoric low density lithic scatter located in a bajada bisected by an alluvial wash. The site was originally recorded by J. Wollin of the New Mexico State University in 1985. During the survey there was lithic surface collection and testing; artifacts included dozens of flakes, mostly primary and several cores. Materials included cryptocrystalline silicate (jasper, chert and chalcedony) and basalt. The site was updated in February 2001 by J. Dietler and J. Toenjes of Tierra Environmental Services.

During the update a lithic scatter was relocated, numerous cryptocrystalline flakes and cores were noted. No additional data was provided.

CA-SBR-6511 is prehistoric low density lithic scatter measuring 40 m E/W x 50 m N/S. The site situated on a large alluvial plain in an area of moderately consolidated desert pavement mixed with areas of loose sandy soil. Materials include cryptocrystalline silicate and rhyolite. The site was tested; eight 25x50cm test units were excavated in the portion of the site which will be impacted by the Mojave Pipeline. The report states that 10 pieces of debitage were found in the 0-17 cm level. No further data provided. The site was recommended not eligible for NRHP and/or CRHR based on surface observations. The site was recorded by L. Glover et al., of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989.

CA-SBR-6512 is a prehistoric small density lithic scatter of mixed materials that is situated on the slope of a small sand dune which was built up along the side of a small lava flow. The site measures 20 m E/W x 11 m N/S. Raw materials include cryptocrystalline silicate, basalt and rhyolite. The site was recorded by L. Glover et al., of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989. No testing was conducted for this site, and based on surface observations, Far Western recommended that the site was not eligible for NRHP and/or CRHR.

CA-SBR-6513 is a prehistoric single segregated reduction locus located on unconsolidated desert pavement at the base of a small lava flow, that measures 2.4 m E/W x 1.4 m N/S. The SRL consists of approximately 15 felsite flakes. No tools are associated. The site was recorded by L. Glover et al., of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989. No testing was conducted for this site, and based on surface observations, Far Western recommended that the site was not eligible for NRHP and/or CRHR.

CA-SBR-6520 is a prehistoric small low density cobble test/quarry area consisting of one segregated reduction locus, one cryptocrystalline silicate core and approximately 16 additional pieces of debitage. The site measures 67m NW/SE x 20m SW/NE. Raw materials are cryptocrystalline silicate and basalt. The site was recorded by L. Glover et al. of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989.

CA-SBR-6521 is a prehistoric low density desert pavement cobble test/quarry area site, measuring 135m N/S x 70m E/W. Raw materials consist of cryptocrystalline silicate, basalt and rhyolite. The site is essentially an area of primary reduction with a few first stage bifaces. In 1989, Far Western tested the site under the CARIDAP program, placing 4-25x50cm test units at this site. Artifacts found consist of 4 bifaces, 4 cores and 1 flake; the debitage was primarily from reducing on-site cobbles in pavement formation. No artifacts were collected. The site was recommended not eligible for NRHP and/or CRHR based on subsurface test results. The site was recorded by L. Glover et al. of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989 CA-SBR-6528 is a prehistoric small low density lithic scatter consisting of ten flakes of reddish/brown/purple cryptocrystalline silicate. The site measures 17m E/W x 14m N/S. Tools found within the site consist of one bifacial core, one multi-directional cryptocrystalline silicate core and debitage. The site was recorded by Mikkelsen et al. of Far Western Anthropological research Group, Inc. in November 1989.

CA-SBR-6693H-NRHP was originally recorded by Michael Lerch in 1990, who describes the railroad as having originally been built “in 1883 for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Co. by Southern Pacific, and subsequently purchased by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. In 2001, Tierra Environmental Services updated the site stating that the railroad is currently operated by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Co. A wooden phone/telegraph line with two cross pieces with glass insulators and two wires paralleling the tracks were found. Other artifacts were found associated with the railroad such as track and train parts, railroad tableware, and insulator glass fragments.

5.7.1.13.2                   Class III Field Survey Results

Survey of the Project APE was conducted between August 4, 2008 and October 31, 2008. URS PI, Rachael Nixon, directed between 4 and 5 crew chiefs. Each crew chief directed 3-5 cultural resource specialists during the Class III intensive field survey. Crew chiefs were provided with the scope of work, field methodology, BLM Fieldwork Authorization and safety manual prior to the onset of field work. Daily reporting to the PI occurred in the pre-field morning meetings and post-field meetings. In addition the PI was in the field at all times and in contact with crew chiefs throughout the day.

The Project APE for archaeological resources consists of the Project site, linear facility routes, ancillary project areas (Pisgah Triangle area), and 200 foot archaeological buffer, which total 9,527 acres (8,767 acres APE plus 760 acre 200 foot buffer) (Figure 5.7-1). The approximate collective percentage of the above areas surveyed for cultural resources is 98 percent of the Project APE.

Areas of steep terrain (greater than 45°slope) where access was not feasible due to unsafe/unstable surfaces were not surveyed. These areas total less than 11 acres and occur within the northeastern Project APE along the south-southwest facing slope of the Cady Mountains (Figure 5.7-1). The areas of steep terrain not surveyed have an extremely low likelihood of containing cultural resources based on the angle and decomposition of volcanic rocks eroding downslope. Areas situated within or on steep terrain having with the potential for cultural resources were investigated (e.g., caves and ridge tops, and steep drainage cuts).

The principal archaeological survey method consisted of a systematic walk-over in parallel transect intervals no greater than 15 meters. The survey transects extended across the entire horizontal extent of the archaeological APE. Survey crews were guided by Trimble XH sub-meter GPS units uploaded with records search data, township, built environment features, and project-specific boundary data. Individual crews were assigned portions of sections for survey. Garmin Model 150 GPS units were carried as backups and as communication devices.

The guidelines applied to field survey and recordation methods for cultural resources within the Project APE were provided by BLM archaeologist Jim Shearer. The guidelines provided that archaeological sites consisted of 5 or more historic period artifacts or prehistoric period artifacts with a tool (6 or more artifacts) within 30 meters of each other. Groups of 5 or fewer prehistoric artifacts (without a tool) within 30 meters of each other were recorded as isolated finds. Individual and groups of less than 5 historic period artifacts were not recorded.

Sites containing higher concentrations of artifacts over a large area were assigned individual locus numbers. Loci were assigned for areas within sites with higher artifact concentrations. A locus was assigned to concentrations of more than 6 artifacts within a discrete location. Discrete locations were defined as single reduction loci, multiple single reduction loci, and/or lithic scatter concentrations. In the case of multi-component sites, historic and prehistoric components were, when possible, assigned individual locus designations.

From previous surveys on similar terrain, it was modeled that archaeological sites would be found on areas of desert pavement. For the purpose of this survey, desert pavement was defined as a desert surface covered with closely packed, interlocking angular or rounded rock fragments of pebble and cobble size. Within the Project Area, and other areas of the desert, a portion of the cobble constituents of desert pavement are of cryptocrystalline silicate (chalcedony, jasper, etc.) materials used by Native Americans for the production of flaked stone tools. As such, the correlation of these surfaces with the archaeological materials contained therein may be informative. In addition, the pavement stabilization level is directly correlated with the likelihood of the matrix containing buried deposits, i.e., the more visible sediments the more likely the presence of buried archaeological deposits. The following is an elementary subdivision of desert pavements used to classify variability in surfaces, developed specifically for this Project.

1. Partially stabilized pavement has 30 percent or greater of the surface area with sediments visible.

1. Moderately stabilized pavement has 10-30 percent of the surface area with sediments visible.

1. Stabilized pavement has pavement 0-10 percent of the surface area with sediments visible.

The California Archaeological Resource Identification and Data Acquisition Program: Sparse Lithic Scatters (CARIDAP) was applied in the preliminary field surface identification and management recommendation with regards to lithic scatters identified within the Project APE and 200-foot archaeological buffer (Jackson et al., 1988). No surface collection, subsurface testing or data recovery was conducted during the Class III Intensive Field Survey. The CARIDAP classification as a sparse lithic scatter archaeological site is that it:

• Contains only flaked-stone and lack other classes of archaeological materials (e.g., groundstone, fire affected rock, bone, or shellfish remains, pottery);
• Appears to lack a substantial subsurface deposit (based on surface observations); and

• exhibit surface densities equal to or less than three flaked-stone items per square meter.

These guidelines were applied throughout the entire Class III Intensive Field Survey for the Project APE.

Overall surface visibility was good to excellent across the Project APE and 200-foot archaeological buffer. Visibility ranged from 90-100 percent, and averaged approximately 95 percent of the ground surface; however, areas with greater visibility were thoroughly inspected for cultural materials to ensure adequate coverage for resource discovery. Evidence of disturbances within and surrounding the APE include numerous rodent burrows, flash flooding, mining activities, livestock trampling, OHV use, railroads, pipelines, transmission line, and both dirt and paved roads.

The URS archaeological team identified a total 391 archaeological resources: 247 isolates and 143 archaeological sites (9 of which were updates), in addition to 10 built environment resources, for a total of 401 cultural resources within the Project APE (Figures 5.3-1 and 5.3.4-1 Appendix Z Confidential Technical Report – Confidential Appendix A).

Of the 143 new and updated archaeological sites, 128 are prehistoric, 11 historic, and 4 multi component. Based on surface observations it appears that of the newly recorded archaeological sites and of the previously recorded archaeological sites 46, (including 1 in the NAP area) are assumed eligible for NRHP and/or CRHR. An Extended Class III limited subsurface testing is recommended to determine eligibility under NRHP Criterion D and/or CRHR Criterion 4 for the 45 sites situated within the APE. Evaluation and management recommendations for these resources are provided below. Ninety Seven (97) of the archaeological resources identified are recommended not eligible under NRHP and/or CRHP, and no further management is recommended.

Archaeological Survey Phase 1 Area

A total of 13 new archaeological sites were identified and one previously recorded site was relocated within the Phase 1 area; of these, 12 are prehistoric and 2 are historic. Eight of the prehistoric sites are assumed eligible and further evaluation through an extended Class III limited subsurface testing program is recommended for sites located in non-desert pavement settings to determine eligibility for both the National Register and the California Register under Criteria D/4. The remaining 6 sites are recommended not eligible. Of those sites assumed eligible, five meet the CARIDAP criteria as described above and one warrants limited subsurface testing because these sites have the potential to yield additional information important to history and prehistory. The table below provides an outline of archaeological findings in Phase 1 area, recommended evaluations, and management of these resources. See Appendix Z – Section 5

– Report of Findings for individual detailed site descriptions and evaluations.

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Table 5.7-3 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 1 Area

Table 5.7-3 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 1 Area

(Continued)

Table 5.7-3 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 1 Area

(Continued)

Notes:

*CARIDAP = California Archaeological Resource Identification and Data Acquisition Program: Sparse Lithic Scatter.

**Sites with multiple loci tend to have higher densities per loci than the overall density expresses.

Table 5.7-4 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 2 Area

Table 5.7-4 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 2 Area

(Continued)

Table 5.7-4 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 2 Area

(Continued)

Table 5.7-4 Archaeological Sites Within Phase 2 Area

(Continued)