D.7 Cultural and Paleontological Resources
Devers–Palo Verde No. 2 Transmission Line Project D.7 CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES D.7 Cultural and Paleontological Resources D.7.1 Regional Setting and Approach to Data Collection This section discusses the cultural and paleontological resources located in the general area of the Pro- posed Project. Background information for the project area is provided (Section D.7.2 and D.7.3) along with a list of applicable regulations (Section D.7.4). Potential impacts and mitigation measures for the Proposed Project are outlined by segment in Sections D.7.6 and D.7.7. Project alternatives are addressed in Sections D.7.8 and D.7.9. A cultural resource is defined as any object or specific location of past human activity, occupation, or use, identifiable through historical documentation, inventory, or oral evidence. Cultural resources can be separated into three categories: archaeological, building and structural, and traditional resources (DSW EIR, 2005). Archaeological resources include both historic and prehistoric remains of human activity. Historic re- sources can consist of structures (cement foundations), historic objects (bottles and cans), and sites (trash deposits or scatters). Prehistoric resources can include lithic scatters, ceramic scatters, quarries, habitation sites, temporary camps/rock rings, ceremonial sites, and trails. Building and structural sites can vary from historic buildings to canals, historic roads and trails, bridges, ditches, and cemeteries. A traditional cultural resource or traditional cultural property (TCP) can include Native American sacred sites (rock art sites) and traditional resources or ethnic communities important for maintaining the cul- tural traditions of any group. Paleontology is the study of life in past geologic time based on fossil plants and animals and including phylogeny, their relationships to existing plants, animals, and environments, and the chronology of the Earth's history.
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