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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEIA 97-05; SOUTH AGUA HEDIONDA INTERCEPTOR SEWER REACH 1E; ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FIELD CHECK OF TWO SEWER LINE SEGMENTS (SAHT1E & SAHT1D); 1997-07-28Affinis Shadow Valley Center • 847 Jamacha Rood • El Cajon, California 92019 • (619) 441-0144 July 28, 1997 Mr. William Plummer, P. E. Carlsbad Municipal Water District 5950 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008 REFERENCE: RESULTS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FIELD CHECK OF TWO PLANNED SEWER LINE SEGMENTS (SAHTlE AND SAHTlD) (Affinis Job No. 1231) This letter report details the findings of a field check of two planned segments of sewer located in Carlsbad, California (Figure 1). The sewer segments are in an unsectioned portion of Township 11 South, Range 4 West, on the USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey quadrangle (Figure 2). The study was conducted for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District as part of the planned construction of the South Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer (SAHTS). The two segments examined are portions of reaches SAHTlE and SAHTlD. Precise sewer alignments have not been designated, but the corridors examined in this study are anticipated to approximate final sewer line routes. The purpose of this study was to assess the sewer routes for their potential for archaeological and biological resources at the Initial Study level, and to identify possible areas of constraints for the placement of the sewer alignments. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The two rsegments field checked are part of the proposed SAHTS currently under study. The SAHTS would receive flows from existing and future land developments in the tributary area. The two subject segments would ultimately tie into existing sewer segments at Palmer Way and El Camino Real. Additionally, both segments would tie into sewer improvements planned as part of the proposed Terraces project, which lies between the two reaches. Both segments are situated in disturbed settings; a 30 ft easement for equipment access along each corridor would be necessary. The westernmost of the two segments, part of SAHTlE, is approximately 3625 ft long, and would run from Sunny Creek Road through the Rancho Carlsbad golf course to El Camino Real (Figure 3). Portions of the corridor lie beneath an asphalt golf cart path, a paved roadway, fairways, roughs, and greens. The easternmost portion of the segment, part of SAHTlD, would run through an equestrian ring and a block of stables. - 0 -· ---· PROJECT .LOCATION 5 10 0 n Scale in miles Affinis Shadow Valley Center 84 7 Jamacha Road El Cajon, CA 92019 PACIPIC HACH IMPERIAL BEACH IP) SHVICHlf lln, II co,n■a RH. IIUIDI AJON STONIA NT LIY lotr•II ·Lall~ Regional location in San Diego County AN Z A BORREGO DES £RT STATE PARK I I I I I o.,DOS CAil;,'"'" .... , .. I ._ I I Figure 1 Affinis Shadow Valley Center 847 Jamacha Road El Cajon, CA 920 19 Project location on USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey quadrangle Figure 2 0 o 100 200 300 400 i,1111111;11111111111111r;•"jjjjjjjjjjjj;;jlROUlllllllba""1,_,..D1a1 GRAPHIC SCAU: Affinis Shadow Valley Center 847 Jamacha Road El Cajon, CA 92019 Rancho Carlsbad segment loca-~ion (SAHTS1 E) Figure 3 The second segment (Palmer Way extension) would extend approximately 500 ft westward from the existing sewer line at Palmer Way (Figure 4). The segment would cross the yard of a landscape maintenance company and the stock pens behind the Madonna Hill Guest Home facility. The third segment (future creek crossing), to be constructed at a later time, would cross Agua Hedionda Creek in the middle of the existing roadbed (Figure 5). The length of the future creek crossing segment is 120 ft, and construction in this segment would be restricted to the current concrete stream crossing . SETTING Physical Setting The sewer segments lie in the coastal plains of San Diego, approximately 3.5 miles (5.5 km) east of the present day coastline. The coastal plains is an area of generally gently sloping topography which ranges in elevation from sea level to about 600 ft (183 m) above mean sea level (MSL). Annual rainfall in the area varies from 9 in (23 cm) to 16 in (41 cm) (Griner and Pryde 1976). The oldest geologic materials in the vicinity of the proposed sewer routes are the sediments of the Cretaceous-age Rosario Group, which includes conglomerates, sandstones, and siltstones. The conglomerates are granitic and volcanic boulders in a matrix of sandstones and siltstones; this is the Lusardi Formation. Overlying and interfingered with the Lusardi Formation are sandstones, siltstones, and claystones of the Point Loma Formation. The Cretaceous-age sediments are present along the eastern segment corridor route. The Pleistocene-age sediments are older alluvial and stream terrace deposits comprised of interbedded sands, silts, and clays (predominantly silty sands and clayey sands). These sediments are also present at shallow depths beneath Holocene-age sediments in the area. The Holocene-age alluvial/colluvial deposits are materials that have been eroded and deposited in the drainages and on the valley flanks. These consist of sands, silty sands, clayey sands, and sand clays, and are usually six feet or less in thickness (Southern California Soil & Testing 1996). Cultural Environment Several recent summaries discuss the prehistory of the San Diego region and provide a background for understanding the archaeology of the general area surrounding the project. Moratto's (1984) review of the archaeology of California contains important discussions of Southern California, including the San Diego area. Papers by Bull (1983, 1987), Carrico (1987), Gallegos (1987), and Warren (1985, 1987) provide summaries of recent work and interpretations. The planned sewer lines are situated in an area rich with documented historic and prehistoric cultural resources, and numerous previous archaeological studies have been conducted in the vicinity of the current project. Areas near the sewer line segments were surveyed in 1983 (Hector 1983). Several archaeological sites were noted during that survey. CA-SDI-9700 6 Approximate scale: 1" = 200' • MANITOU ENOINEERINO COMPANY PUN-• CONIU.TINO ~N-• sunn.. ... war.,.,..._ a-.....,.... ............ (I••>,., __ Affinis Shadow Valley Center 84 7 Jama cha Road El Cajon, CA 92019 +·- Palmer Way Extension Location Figure 4 The second segment (Palmer Way extension) would extend approximately 500 ft westward from the existing sewer line at Palmer Way (Figure 4). The segment would cross the yard of a landscape maintenance company and the stock pens behind the Madonna Hill Guest Home facility. The third segment (future creek crossing), to be constructed at a later time, would cross Agua Hedionda Creek in the middle of the existing roadbed (Figure 5). The length of the future creek crossing segment is 120 ft, and construction in this segment would be restricted to the current concrete stream crossing. SETTING Physical Setting The sewer segments lie in the coastal plains of San Diego, approximately 3.5 miles (5.5 km) east of the present day coastline. The coastal plains is an area of generally gently sloping topography which ranges in elevation from sea level to about 600 ft (183 m) above mean sea level (MSL). Annual rainfall in the area varies from 9 in (23 cm) to 16 in (41 cm) (Griner and Pryde 1976). The oldest geologic materials in the vicinity of the proposed sewer routes are the sediments of the Cretaceous-age Rosario Group, which includes conglomerates, sandstones, and siltstones. The conglomerates are granitic and volcanic boulders in a matrix of sandstones and siltstones; this is the Lusardi Formation. Overlying and interfingered with the Lusardi Formation are sandstones, siltstones, and claystones of the Point Loma Formation. The Cretaceous-age sediments are present along the eastern segment corridor route. The Pleistocene-age sediments are older alluvial and stream terrace deposits comprised of interbedded sands, silts, and clays (predominantly silty sands and clayey sands). These sediments are also present at shallow depths beneath Holocene-age sediments in the area. The Holocene-age alluvial/colluvial deposits are materials that have been eroded and deposited in the drainages and on the valley flanks. These consist of sands, silty sands, clayey sands, and sand clays, and are usually six feet or less in thickness (Southern California Soil & Testing 1996). Cultural Environment Several recent summaries discuss the prehistory of the San Diego region and provide a background for understanding the archaeology of the general area surrounding the project. Moratto's (1984) review of the archaeology of California contains important discussions of Southern California, including the San Diego area. Papers by Bull (1983, 1987), Carrico (1987), Gallegos (1987), and Warren (1985, 1987) provide summaries of recent work and interpretations. The planned sewer lines are situated in an area rich with documented historic and prehistoric cultural resources, and numerous previous archaeological studies have been conducted in the vicinity of the current project. Areas near the sewer line segments were surveyed in 1983 (Hector 1983). Several archaeological sites were noted during that survey . CA-SDI-9700 6 · = 200' Approximate scale· 1 .. MANITOU l'UII-. ENOINEERINQ COM • _, -• CONIU.'IINO IIIOINan. PANV Affinis ----• ~ tn......(111),., ..... Shadow Valle C 84 Y enter 7 Jamacha Road El Cajon, CA 92019 +·- Palmer Wa E y xtension Location Figure 4 Hector did not record the adobe melt with the South Coastal Information Center and the San Diego Museum of Man, but it was later recorded with the Museum as SDM-W-4033. Archaeological site, CA-SDI-9701 (SDM-W-601), immediately north of Agua Hedionda Creek, was originally recorded in 1974 by Fink, who noted manos and tools, and suggested the site may be a La Jollan village. He indicated that the research potential appeared to be high (site record for SDM-W-601, on file at San Diego Museum of Man). Hector noted CA-SDI-9701 as "a large, very important midden deposit" (Hector 1983:1), including shell, dark soil, a hammerstone, and a bedrock milling feature. "This site has a potential to contain considerable cultural deposits and abundant artifacts" (Hector 1983:5). Both CA-SDI-9700 and CA-SDI-9701 were tested by Robbins-Wade and Gross in 1996. CA- SDI-9700 was found to be between a simple shellfish processing site and a complex habitation site. A range of tools was found, but the site lacks the intensity of use of a more complex habitation site. Radiocarbon analysis places use of the site around 7610± 70 years ago. The site represents the La Jolla complex. The portion of CA-SDI-9701 that was tested contains a limited range of cultural material and appears to represent a processing site. A radiocarbon date of 860±60 years ago was obtained, and artifacts diagnostic of Late Prehistoric use were found. Other recorded sites close to the sewer segment corridors include: CA-SDI-14,337, CA-SDI- 14,338, CA-SDI-14,339H, and SD:1\1-W-4033, which are located south of Agua Hedionda Creek, between the sewer segments, and CA-SDI-9093 and CA-SDI-9615, which are located north of the Rancho Carlsbad segment. Numerous isolated artifacts have also been recorded in the general vicinity. A summary of sites within approximately one-mile of the sewer segments is provided in Appendix A. Biological Environment Much of both sewer corridors has been disturbed by current or historic agricultural use, or by various business and recreational activities, including a golf course and equestrian uses. However, undisturbed areas in the vicinity support native habitats associated with Agua Hedionda Creek and the surrounding uplands. Riparian woodlands are associated with the drainage of Agua Hedionda Creek; they include a diverse mix of riparian shrubs and trees including California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), Douglas mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and rush (Juncus sp.). Oak woodlands occur within a shallow valley adjacent to Agua Hedionda Creek and along the main drainage of the creek. Coast live oaks are dominant and the understory is limited (Natural Resource Consultants 1996). Southern mixed chaparral in the vicinity supports a mix of toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), and lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia). Coastal sage scrub occurs in patches and is largely dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), with occasional laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mellifera), California sunflower (Encelia 8 californica), and coast prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis). A few small pockets of native grasslands, characterized by stands of purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra), occur (Natural Resource Consultants 1996). Foraging and cover habitat for a number of vertebrate and invertebrate species is provided by the coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and native grasslands habitats. The scrub and adjacent grassland habitats support bird species and provide cover and foraging opportunities for numerous small mammals, such as woodrat (Neotoma sp.), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), cactus mouse (P. eremicus), California mouse (P. californicus), house mouse (Mus musculus), and ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus). Other mammals may also use these habitats, including the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), Audubon's (desert) cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), long-tailed weasel (Mustelafrenata), striped and spotted skunks (Mephitis mephitis and Spilogale gracilis), coyote (Canis latrans), and bobcat (Felis rufus) (Natural Resource Consultants 1996). The drainage and associated riparian and oak woodlands in Agua Hedionda Creek provide high quality wildlife habitats. The closed canopy woodland with a dense understory provides refuge for a variety of amphibian, bird, and mammal species. In addition, the drainage course serves as an important corridor for wildlife movement through this area. The resources of the various plant communities and the animals supported by these communities would have provided material for food, tools , medicines, ritual uses, and other needs of the native population during prehistoric times. METHODS Because the precise project locations are still under consideration, a site specific records search for archaeological resources was not conducted. Site records obtained by Robbins-Wade and Gross in 1996 for archaeological research of the Terraces at Sunny Creek project area, which is adjacent to both routes, were examined for this study. The records were received from the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC), at San Diego State University, and from the San Diego Museum of Man. The recorded sites are discussed above and are summarized in Appendix A. A field check of the two segments was conducted by Affinis archaeologist Ruth Alter and Affinis biologist Rod Dossey on June 30, 1997. They were accompanied by Water District personnel, Richard Goedert and Randy Klaahsen, who delineated the approximate preliminary sewer segment routes . The examination of the areas involved was only cursory. The total length of the Rancho Carlsbad segment corridor was walked. Much of the corridor was covered either by asphalt or grass, with the ground surface visible on only approximately 10 percent of the segment. Approximately half of the segment extending from Palmer Way was walked (Figure 4); access to the remainder of the corridor was blocked by animal pens. Surface visibility within the portion of the segment examined was impacted by piles of stored landscape 9 maintenance materials and equipment; only about 10 to 15 percent of the ground was visible. A total of three person hours in the field was required for the study. RESULTS Cultural Resources The only cultural resources noted during the field check were located on the Rancho Carlsbad segment. A light scatter of broken shell, Chione sp., indicating potential prehistoric use of the area, was observed in the dirt roadway running along west side of the golf course green, just north of Sunny Creek Road. In the same general area, bits of sun-purpled glass, burnt butchered food bones, and pieces of cream-colored stoneware and blue and white porcelain were observed on the embankment above the roadway and on the roadway per se. These materials are historic and are probably associated with occupation of the Kelly Ranch. The Kelly house sits on top of the hill, and the trash was probably dumped over the side. Biological Resources While surrounded by much high quality habitat, most of both segments consists of highly disturbed habitat or landscaped areas. A degraded riparian portion of Agua Hedionda Creek with associated native trees is present on the Rancho Carlsbad segment. A tributary along the south end of the golf course runs beneath Sunny Creek Road and empties into the creek. No habitat remains along the tributary in the proposed easement area. Also, an area of high quality mixed chaparral is located on a steep slope adjacent to the alignment on the Palmer Way extension segment. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Impacts and Significance Cultural Resources. A light prehistoric shell scatter and a historic trash deposit were noted on the Rancho Carlsbad segment. The significance of these resources is presently unknown. Because of the intensity of use of the general area in prehistoric times and the documented historic resources in the vicinity, a potential for other cultural resources of undetermined significance also exists within both the segment corridors. Biological Resources. The stream and its associated riparian habitat in the Rancho Carlsbad segment are potentially protected under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers. The California Department of Fish & Game may exercise jurisdiction along the tributary, as well. The native trees along the riparian area, while not legally protected, are considered biologically important as animal habitat and are also aesthetically pleasing. Though replaceable, avoidance of this resource is recommended. 10 In addition, if the final alignment traverses the mixed chaparral adjacent to the Palmer Way segment, impacts to this habitat could occur. Mitigation Recommendations Cultural Resources. When corridor alignments have been finalized, a field survey of the routes should be conducted by a qualified archaeologist. Cultural resources identified during the survey would require further mitigation to determine significance. Biological Resources. When corridor alignments have been finalized, a field survey of the . routes should be conducted by a qualified biologist. At that time, detailed mapping and impact assessment should be conducted. It is recommended that the final Rancho Carlsbad segment alignment avoid the riparian zones due to their sensitivity and to eliminate impacts to this habitat and minimize environmental restrictions . Should you have any questions regarding this study, please call me or my associate, Rod Dossey. Sincerely, Ruth C. Alter, M.A. (SOPA) Project Archaeologist RCA:cl 11 REFERENCES Bull, C.S. 1983 1987 Carrico, R. L. 1987 Gallegos, D.R. 1987 Shaking the Foundations: The Evidence for San Diego Prehistory. Casual Papers: Cultural Resource Management 1(3): 15-64. A New Proposal: Some Suggestions for San Diego Prehistory. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D. Gallegos, pp. 35-44. San Diego County Archaeological Society, Research Paper 1. Sixty-five Years of San Diego County Archaeology. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D. Gallegos, pp . 1-14. San Diego County Archaeological Society, Research Paper 1. A Review and Synthesis of Environmental and Cultural Material for the Batiquitos Lagoon Region. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D. Gallegos, pp. 23-34. San Diego County Archaeological Society, Research Paper 1. Griner, E.L., and P.R. Pryde 1976 Climate, Soils, and Vegetation. In San Diego: An Introduction to the Region, edited by P.R. Pryde, pp.29-46. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque ,lowa. Hector, S.M. 1983 Moratto, M.J. 1984 Archaeological Survey of Del Mar Financial Carlsbad, California. Recon, San Diego. Submitted to City of Carlsbad, Planning Department. On file , South Coastal Information Center. California Archaeology. Academic Press, Orlando. Natural Resource Consultants 1996 Biological Resources Assessment of the 68.6-acre Terraces Site Located in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California. Natural Resource Consultants, Laguna Beach, California. Submitted to City of Carlsbad, Planning Department. Robbins-Wade, M., and G.T. Gross 1996 Archaeological Survey and Testing for the Terraces at Sunny Creek, Carlsbad, California. Affinis, El Cajon. 12 Southern California Soil & Testing 1996 Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Sunny Creek Residential Development, El Camino Real and College Boulevard, Carlsbad, California. Southern California Soil & Testing, Inc., San Diego. Submitted to City of Carlsbad, Planning Department. Warren, C.N. 1985 1987 Garbage About the Foundations: A Comment on Bull's Assertions. Casual Papers: Cultural Resource Management 2(1):82-90. The San Dieguito and La Jolla: Some Comments. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D. Gallegos, pp. 73-85. San Diego County Archaeological Society, Research Paper 1. 13 APPENDIX A Table 1. Sites recorded within one-mile radius of the sewer segment corridors SDI-# SDM-W-# Site Description Recorder, Date 5117 5224 5782 7229 7230 8695 9092 1202 Two bedrock outcrops with a single milling slick on each. One San Dieguito tool. 1459 Camp site consisting of shell and debitage. Ground visibility was poor. 1788 Location of an ethnographic Native American encampment until removal of the inhabitants to a reservation in 1879. Based on an interview with Mrs. Ida Dawson, not field checked. 2526 Shell scatter exposed in road. No artifacts observed. 2527 Light scatter of primary flakes on low slope above dry creek. No data available (site record missing) 2805 Ridge top midden with black soil, heavy shell, bone, manos, basin metate, abundant flaked lithics; no ceramics noted . Considered significant. Hightower, 1976 Bull and Norwood, 1977 Hatley, 1978 Douglas, 1979 Douglas, 1979 Hanna, 1981 9093 2806 Low density surface scatter of shell and a Hanna, 1981 9094 9093/ 9094 9114 9115 9116 flake . 2807 Area of darker soil, shell , and two mano Hanna, 1981 fragments . 2806/ Originally recorded as two sites, now Hector, 1982 2807 noted as extending across two ridgetops and a saddle. Site appears to be as large and as deep as SDI-9092. 3133 Light lithic scatter. 122 Heavy shell scatter with dark soil. No artifacts observed. 122 Light shell scatter eroding from a road cut. No artifacts observed. Hannahs, 1981 Hannahs, 1981 Hannahs, 1981 SDI-# SDM-W-# Site Description Recorder, Date 9115/ 9116 122 Highland accretion midden with many Rogers, n.d. 9615 9698 9699 9700 9701 10,444 11,757 14,140 14,151 14,337 cobble hearths . Housepits were recorded prior to plowing. A burial was recorded. Artifacts noted include metates, manos, San Dieguito tools, and flakes. 3293 Shellfish processing station with limited depth and artifacts (fine-grained metavolcanic flakes). 3389 Shell midden. No artifacts observed. 3390 Small shell midden. No artifacts observed. 3391 Shell midden. No artifacts observed. Within current project area. 601 Large village site with shell and dark midden. One basin milling feature was noted. One hammerstone was observed by Hector. Fink noted manos and tools, and noted the site as a possible La Jollan village. Research potential considered high. 4684A Lithic and shell scatter with two choppers, flakes, and debitage. Not significant. 4321 Bedrock milling feature in a drainage. 6628 Scatter of cores, flakes, thermally modified rock, and marine shell along a concrete drainage ditch on lower bench below peak of Evans Point. 6632 Scatter of shell, manos, metates, and flaked stone tools on exposed shallow slope below peak of Evans Point. Small, low density scatter of flaked stone and ground stone artifacts, including manos, cores, hammerstones, and debitage. A very small amount of shell was also recovered. 15 Hector 1982 Hector, 1983 Hector, 1983 Hector, 1983 Hector, 1983; Fink, 1974 Bissell, 1985; Bissell 1990 (report) Wade and Ritz, 1990. Maxon and Smith, 1995 Maxon, 1996 Robbins-Wade and Gross, 1996 SDI-# SDM-W-# Site Description 14,338 Small, sparse scatter of shell with a very localized deposit. 14,339H Remnants of an historic home site, including concrete foundations, a standing structure, a graded pad for a structure without a foundation, a small orchard, and recent debris. 123 Kelly Springs site. Slough margin midden in canyon bottom. La Jollan and Late Prehistoric cobble hearths, shell midden, and charcoal. U ngathered cremation with ceramics, arrow points, and a bow pipe. Site record updated to include SDM-W-1892, -2402, -2403, - 2404, and -2730. Recorder, Date Robbins-Wade and Gross, 1996 Robbins-Wade and Gross, 1996 Rogers, n.d.; Hedges, 1981 310 Coastal valley creek terrace with hearths. Rogers, n.d. Main site area has a high shell and charcoal content. Artifacts noted include metates, manos, mortars, pestle, ceramics. Mostly La Jolla, also Luisefio and some San Dieguito. 521 Small scatter of shell, flakes, a tool, and a metate fragment on a knolltop. No midden observed. La Jollan campsite. 558 Scatter of ceramics, primary flakes, and thumbnail scrapers. 1203 Large rock outcrop with a single milling slick. 2834 Two utilized natural depressions on two separate bedrock outcrops. No artifacts observed. 2835 Isolated bedrock milling feature. No artifacts observed. 287 6A Camp site including shell scatter and bedrock milling. 16 Fink, 1974 Moriarty, 1974 Hightower, 1976 Polan, 1981 Polan, 1981 Hector, 1980 SDI-# SDM-W-# Site Description 4033 Pile of melted adobe beneath a metal plate on the south side of Sunny Creek Road. Not significant. Immediately north of current project area. 5921 Kelly Barn. Circa 1900. 17 • Recorder, Date Hector, 1983