4.14 CULTURAL RESOURCES
SETTING
Local Setting
This information relies primarily on Edison's Proponent's Environmental Assessment (Edison, 1996) and has been supplemented by site visits to Redondo and Highgrove.
Alamitos
Paleontological Resources
No known paleontological resources exist at the Alamitos power plant property. However, sedimentary deposition along the San Gabriel River is such that fossil materials could be deeply buried at the Alamitos power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No known archaeological resources exist at the Alamitos power plant property. However, archaeological resources do exist in the vicinity of the Alamitos power plant property, and given the location of the power plant near the San Gabriel River, there is a likelihood of previously undiscovered archaeological resources existing at the power plant property.
Historical Resources
No historical resources exist at the Alamitos power plant property, which had an initial construction date of 1956. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. Historical resources located near the Alamitos power plant include the Rancho Los Alamitos, which is approximately 0.25 miles to the northwest, and the Long Beach Marine Stadium, which is approximately 0.75 miles to the southwest. Both of these properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ethnographic Resources
The village of Puvunga, which is associated with the Gabrielino people, is represented by site CA-LAN-306 at Rancho Los Alamitos near the California State University - Long Beach campus. The village of Puvunga is the place where the Chingichngish religion originated. Even though much of the site had been destroyed by housing development, Puvunga was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Gabrielino people living in the Los Angeles area are known to have concerns about archaeological sites within their traditional territory, especially village sites where human burials are likely.
Cool Water
Paleontological Resources
According to existing information, the Cool Water power plant property has yielded significant fossil remains of Pleistocene Rancholabrean age. Over 80 faunal taxa have been recovered, including invertebrates, amphibians, tortoise and other reptiles, horse, camel, and mammoth, during construction monitoring in the early 1980s. Additional paleontological materials are likely to be found during any future excavation on the property.
Archaeological Resources
The Cool Water power plant has been subjected to numerous archaeological resource surveys. Known archaeological sites within the Cool Water power plant boundaries include the following:
Since the Cool Water power plant property has been fully inventoried for cultural resources, it is unlikely that additional archaeological resources would be found as a result of further survey.
Historical Resources
Historical activities in the vicinity of the Cool Water power plant include early exploration, railroad development, industrial development, military training, and recreation. The first European to enter the eastern Mojave Desert was Padre Francisco Garces who, in 1776, crossed the desert from the Colorado River enroute to Mission San Gabriel. Garces was guided by Mojave people who led him along the well-established Native American trade route commonly referred to as the Mojave Trail. The Mojave Trail was also used by other explorers, such as Jedediah Strong Smith in 1826-27. It later became the focus of efforts to establish first a wagon road and eventually a railroad connecting coastal California with points east. Historical sites in the vicinity of the Cool Water power plant include:
The Cool Water power plant facilities are all relatively recent with the oldest facility constructed in 1961. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
The Cool Water power plant property is located within the traditional territory of the Vanyume, a now extinct group of Takik-speaking people. The Mojave Trail (see above) paralleled the Mojave River and was used by both Chemehuevi and Mojave people for trading with coastal people. Although the Cool Water power plant property is not known to have any unique, ethnic, or religious sensitivities, such resources could exist at the Cool Water power plant property given its location within the traditional territories of several Native American people.
Ellwood
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Ellwood power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Ellwood power plant property. However, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Ellwood power plant, and numerous archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Most of these archaeological resources consist of either lithic scatters, shell scatters, or human village sites.
Despite the lack of known archaeological resources at the Ellwood power plant property, such previously undiscovered resources likely exist since the property is along the shoreline and consists of geographic features where most archaeological resources are discovered (e.g., watercourses in canyons perpendicular to the coast and on flatter ridgelines, hilltops, or mesas).
Historical Resources
The Ellwood power plant was constructed in 1973. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. No known historical resources exist in the vicinity of the Ellwood power plant property.
Ethnographic Resources
Four Chumash villages are in relative proximity to the Ellwood power plant property. A few people claiming descent from the Barbareņo Chumash that still live in the Santa Barbara region are known to have concerns about archaeological sites within their traditional territory, especially village sites where human burials are likely.
El Segundo
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the El Segundo power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the El Segundo power plant property. In addition, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the El Segundo power plant, and no archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Given the geographic characteristics in the vicinity of the El Segundo power plant property (i.e., shifting sand dunes and a lack of a reliable source of fresh water), it is unlikely that any previously undiscovered archaeological resources exist at the El Segundo power plant property.
Historical Resources
The El Segundo power plant was constructed in 1955. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
No known ethnographic resources exist at the El Segundo power plant property or within the vicinity of the property.
Etiwanda
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Etiwanda power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Etiwanda power plant property. However, extensive archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Etiwanda power plant, and two archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Both of these archaeological resources consist of materials associated with early 20th century habitation of the area. No prehistoric archaeological resources were identified in any of the numerous surveys conducted in the vicinity of the Etiwanda power plant property.
Although the Etiwanda power plant property has not been surveyed for cultural resources, the extent of survey in the surrounding vicinity indicates a low probability of the existence of prehistoric archaeological materials.
Historical Resources
The Etiwanda power plant was constructed in 1953. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Several important properties exist within one mile of the Etiwanda power plant, such as a historic roadway and several historic structures that are related to the settlement and development of the region. None of these historical resources are within the boundaries of the Etiwanda power plant.
Ethnographic Resources
The closest known village site to the Etiwanda power plant is Kukamongna (after which Cucamonga is named), which is probably several miles to the west. This village site is likely too far to indicate that any ethnographic resources would exist at the Etiwanda power plant.
Highgrove
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Highgrove power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Highgrove power plant property. However, extensive archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Highgrove power plant, and four archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. These archaeological resources consist of bedrock milling stations and grinding slicks.
Although the Highgrove power plant property has not been surveyed for cultural resources, the extent of survey in the surrounding vicinity indicates a low probability of the existence of prehistoric archaeological materials.
Historical Resources
The Highgrove power plant was the first outdoor power plant now located within the Edison system and was among the earliest such facilities in the United States. Units 1 and 2 went into service in 1952; Unit 3 went into service in 1953, and Unit 4, in 1954. Since the Highgrove power plant is 45 years old, and contains the original equipment (e.g., turbines, generators, and the control room) in working condition, it does possess some historical value. However, the technology associated with the Highgrove power plant is not unique or innovative and its historical value is limited in the context of this type of industrial or utility-related facility. Therefore, although no formal determination has been made, it is not likely that the power plant could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
In addition, a number of known historical structures and facilities are located within a one-mile radius of the Highgrove power plant. These historical resources include transportation facilities, canals, and residential structures.
Ethnographic Resources
The closest known village sites to the Highgrove power plant are Hurungna (after which Jurupa is named), which is several miles west or southwest of the facility, and Homnga, which is located a few miles northeast along the south side of the Santa Ana River. These village sites are likely too far to indicate that any ethnographic resources would exist at the Highgrove power plant.
Huntington Beach
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Huntington Beach power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Huntington Beach power plant property. In addition, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Huntington Beach power plant, and only one archaeological resource (a midden with shell and lithic fragments) was identified within one mile of the property. Given the geographic characteristics in the vicinity of the Huntington Beach power plant property (i.e., sand dunes and a lack of a reliable source of fresh water), it is unlikely that any previously undiscovered archaeological resources exist at the Huntington Beach power plant property.
Historical Resources
The Huntington Beach power plant was constructed in 1958. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
No village sites are known to exist in the vicinity of the Huntington Beach power plant.
Long Beach
Paleontological Resources
No known paleontological resources exist at the Long Beach power plant property. However, sedimentary deposition in the Terminal Island area is such that fossil materials could be deeply buried at the Long Beach power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Long Beach power plant property. In addition, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Long Beach power plant, and no archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Given the geographic characteristics in the vicinity of the Long Beach power plant property (i.e., marshy areas), it is unlikely that any previously undiscovered archaeological resources exist at the Long Beach power plant property.
Historical Resources
Terminal Island, where the Long Beach Generating Station is located, was the earlier site of a steam plant built in 1910-1914. The Plant was designed to provide system-wide power and replace several small facilities. Plant No. 2 was built at Long Beach in 1924, following a drought, and a third plant was complete by 1930. Plant No. 1 was scrapped in 1946 when Edison converted to a 60-cycle system, and Plant No. 2 was extensively rebuilt in the 1950s. The contemporary Long Beach Units 1 through 4 and Unit 8 went into service in 1976; Units 5 through 7 and Unit 9 went into service in 1977. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
No village sites are known to exist in the vicinity of the Long Beach power plant.
Mandalay
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Mandalay power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Mandalay power plant property. However, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Mandalay power plant, and two potential archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Despite the lack of known archaeological resources at the Mandalay power plant property, it is likely that previously undiscovered resources exist since the property is near the Santa Clara River.
Historical Resources
The Mandalay power plant was constructed in 1959. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
No Chumash village sites are known to exist in the vicinity of the Mandalay power plant. The Chumash placenames Iqsha and Tipsheshmu apply to a location north of the Mandalay power plant, near the Santa Clara River; however, it is unknown to what the names are referring.
Ormond Beach
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Ormond Beach power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Ormond Beach power plant property. However, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Ormond Beach power plant, and two potential archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Despite the lack of known archaeological resources at the Ormond Beach power plant property, previously undiscovered resources likely exist since the property is near an ocean-related lagoon.
Historical Resources
The Ormond Beach power plant was constructed in 1971. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
Ethnographic Resources
The Ormond Beach power plant is located near the old lagoon called Shishlomo and is only slightly over one mile east of the Chumash village Wene'mu (for which Port Hueneme was named). A few people claiming descent from the Ventureņo Chumash still live in the area. They are known to have concerns about archaeological sites within their traditional territory, especially village sites where human burials are likely.
Redondo
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the Redondo power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the Redondo power plant property. However, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the Redondo power plant, and two potential archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Because the Redondo power plant is in close proximity to known archaeological resources, previously undiscovered resources could exist at the Redondo power plant property.
Historical Resources
Construction of the current Redondo power plant was begun in 1946; two units went into service in 1948, two more units went into service in 1949, and the remaining four units went into service between 1954 and 1969. The Redondo Beach Historic Context Statement in the Redondo Beach General Plan mentions the Redondo power plant and indicates that the plant "with its towering discharge stacks and handsome concrete facade . . . serves as a visual reference from most main thoroughfares of the city". However, the Context Statement does not mention the facility when identifying important historical properties from the 1940-1950 time frame.
These various units are housed in three structures that are physically attached. The northern portion of the power plant houses the two oldest units and the administrative offices. The central portion of the power plant houses the units that went into service in 1949 and the southern portion houses the four newer units. Since the windows of the administrative offices have been replaced and the original power plant has been expanded twice (most recently in 1967), the historic integrity of the power plant has been compromised. Therefore, although no formal determination has been made, it is not likely that the power plant would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources.
A number of known historical structures and facilities are located within a one-mile radius of the Redondo power plant. These historical resources include structures and facilities that were instrumental in the settlement and development of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
Ethnographic Resources
The Gabrielino village of Engva is believed to be along the edges of the salt lake at Redondo. State Historic Landmark No. 373 marks the old salt lake, which was located where the four tanks associated with the Redondo Steam Plant are now. Site CA-LAN-1872/H is believed to represent a portion of the village of Engva.
Gabrielino people living in the Los Angeles area are known to have concerns about archaeological sites within their traditional territory, especially village sites where human burials are likely.
San Bernardino
Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources are known to exist at the San Bernardino power plant property.
Archaeological Resources
No archaeological resources are known to exist at the San Bernardino power plant property. In addition, archaeological surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of the San Bernardino power plant, and no prehistoric archaeological resources have been identified within one mile of the property. Given the lack of prehistoric archaeological resources in the vicinity of the San Bernardino power plant, it is unlikely that any previously undiscovered archaeological resources exist at the San Bernardino power plant.
Historical Resources
No historical resources exist at the San Bernardino power plant property, which had an initial construction date of 1957. Since the power plant is not 45 years old, it is inappropriate to determine whether the property would be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. Historical resources located near the San Bernardino power plant include several ditches, structures associated with Norton Air Force Base, and a transportation facility.
Ethnographic Resources
The closest known village sites to the San Bernardino power plant are Wa'atsngna, which is several miles northwest of the facility along the east side of Lytle Creek, and Homnga, which is a few miles southwest along the south side of the Santa Ana River.
Gabrielino people living in the Los Angeles area are known to have concerns about archaeological sites within their traditional territory, especially village sites where human burials are likely.
CHECKLIST ISSUES
a) Paleontological Resources
Given that no paleontological resources exist at the Ellwood, El Segundo, Etiwanda, Highgrove, Huntington Beach, Mandalay, Ormond Beach, Redondo, and San Bernardino power plant properties, the project would have no effect on paleontological resources. No major construction or earthmoving activities would occur as a result of the project, however, fences may be constructed to separate divested properties from retained properties and soil remediation activities may occur. While there is a possibility that previously undiscovered paleontological resources could be deeply buried at the Alamitos or Long Beach power plant properties neither the minor construction activities nor soil remediation activities are expected to encounter any such resources. The project could affect the known paleontological resources that exist at the Cool Water power plant property. Therefore, without mitigation, the project may have the potential to impact paleontological resources at the Cool Water plant.
Mitigation Measures
4.14.a.1 Edison shall prepare and certify its intent to comply with a program to address potential impacts to paleontological resources from Edison actions related to the divestiture of the Cool Water Power Plant, such as minor construction to separate the properties or soil remediation activities. The program shall include provisions in Edison construction documents and protocols for coordination with appropriate resource agencies. The program shall at a minimum include the following provisions:
A qualified paleontologist shall be consulted prior to implementing construction or soil remediation activities that will involve earthmoving or soil excavation, and the paleontologist shall be available for consultation or evaluation of paleontological resources uncovered by such activities. For any previously undisturbed, known paleontological areas, a qualified paleontologist shall monitor earthmoving and soil excavation activities, consistent with relevant Federal, State, and local guidelines. If an unrecorded resource is discovered, construction or excavation activities shall be temporarily halted or directed to other areas pending the paleontologist's evaluation of its significance. If the resource is significant, data collection, excavation, or other standard paleontological procedures shall be implemented to mitigate impacts pursuant to the paleontologist's direction. A report by the paleontologist evaluating the find and identifying mitigation actions taken shall be submitted to the CPUC.
Monitoring Action: CPUC mitigation monitor's approval of Edison's proposed paleontological monitoring program, and review of any subsequent implementation reports.
Responsibility: CPUC
Timing: CPUC approval of program at least 10 business days prior to transfer of ownership of the Cool Water plant; review implementation reports upon submittal.
4.14.a.2 Edison shall provide the new owner of the Cool Water plant with Edison’s paleontological resource informational materials and any training documents concerning paleontological resources at Cool Water, in order to assist new owners in knowing the locations of paleontological resources, and in meeting their legal obligations regarding preservation of these resources.
Monitoring Action: Edison will provide CPUC mitigation monitor with a disclosure form signed by the new owner listing documents received to accomplish this condition.
Responsibility: CPUC
Timing: At least 3 days prior to transfer of title of the Cool Water plant
Conclusion
With implementation of the above mitigation measures, the impact of the project on paleontological resources would be less than significant.
b) Archaeological Resources
No major construction or earthmoving activities would occur as a result of the project, however, fences may be constructed to separate divested properties from retained properties and soil remediation activities may occur. Therefore, without mitigation, the project may have the potential to impact archaeological resources at the Alamitos, Ellwood, Mandalay, Ormond, and Redondo plants.
Mitigation Measures
4.14.b.1 Edison shall prepare and certify its intent to comply with a program to address potential impacts to archaeological resources from Edison actions related to the divestiture, at Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Mandalay, Ormond, and Redondo power plants, such as minor construction to separate the properties or soil remediation activities. The program shall include provisions in Edison construction documents and protocols for coordination with appropriate resource agencies. The program shall at a minimum include the following provisions:
A qualified archaeologist shall be consulted prior to implementing construction or soil remediation activities that will involve earthmoving or soil excavation, and the archaeologist shall be available for consultation or evaluation of any cultural resources uncovered by such activities. For any previously undisturbed, known archaeological areas, a qualified archaeologist shall monitor earthmoving and soil excavation activities, consistent with relevant Federal, State, and local guidelines. If an unrecorded resource is discovered, construction or excavation activities shall be temporarily halted or directed to other areas pending the archaeologist's evaluation of its significance. If the resource is significant, data collection, excavation, or other standard archaeological or historical procedures shall be implemented to mitigate impacts pursuant to the archaeologist's direction. If any human remains are encountered, the archaeologist shall contact the appropriate County Coroner immediately and security measures shall be implemented to ensure that burials are not vandalized until the decision of burial deposition has been made pursuant to California law. If human remains are determined to be Native American interments, the Coroner shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 and follow the procedures stated herein and other applicable laws. A report by the archaeologist evaluating the find and identifying mitigation actions taken shall be submitted to the CPUC. Where appropriate to protect the location and sensitivity of the cultural resources, the report may be submitted under Public Utilities Code Section 583 or other appropriate confidentiality provisions.
Monitoring Action: CPUC mitigation monitor's approval of Edison's proposed archaeological mitigation program, and any subsequent implementation reports.
Responsibility: CPUC
Timing: Approval by CPUC monitor of archaeological mitigation program at least 10 business days prior to transfer of ownership of the Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Mandalay, Ormond, and Redondo plants; review implementation reports upon submittal.
4.14.b.2 Edison shall provide the new owner of the Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Mandalay, Ormond Beach and Redondo plants with Edison's archaeological resource informational materials and any training documents concerning the new owner's respective plant. This will assist the new owner in knowing the locations of such resources, and in meeting their legal obligations regarding preservation of these resources.
Monitoring Action: Edison will provide the CPUC mitigation monitor with a disclosure form for each plant specified, signed by the new owner listing documents received to accomplish this action.
Responsibility: CPUC
Timing: At lease 3 business days prior to the transfer of title for each plant.
Conclusion
With implementation of the above mitigation measures, the impact of the project on archaeological resources would be less than significant.
c) Historical Resources
None of the power plants are considered to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. Furthermore, the project would not affect any of the existing properties in the vicinity of these plants that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, no historical resources impact would occur at any of these power plants as a result of the project.
Conclusion
None of the power plants are historical resources and the project would not affect historical resources in the vicinity of the power plants. Therefore, no impact would occur.
d) Unique Ethnic Cultural Values
The El Segundo, Etiwanda, Highgrove, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Mandalay power plants do not represent any unique or ethnic cultural values and are not in areas where ethnographic resources are present. Therefore, the project would not affect any unique or ethnic cultural values in the vicinity of these power plants. Issues pertaining to unique or ethnic cultural values at other sites are discussed below.
Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Ormond Beach, Redondo and San Bernardino
The Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Ormond Beach, Redondo and San Bernardino power plants are within areas that have the potential to represent unique or ethnic cultural values of the Native American people. However, since no physical changes affecting these values would result from the project at any of these power plants, no impact would occur.
Conclusion
Unique or ethnic cultural values could exist at six of the power plants: Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Ormond Beach, Redondo, and San Bernardino. However, since the project would not result in any physical alterations that would affect areas possessing these unique or ethnic cultural values, no impact would occur.
e) Religious and Sacred Uses
No religious or sacred uses exist at the El Segundo, Etiwanda, Highgrove, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Mandalay power plants, and these power plants do not represent any religious or sacred uses. Therefore, the project would not affect religious or sacred uses in the vicinity of these properties.
The Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Ormond Beach, Redondo and San Bernardino power plants are within areas that have the potential to represent religious or sacred uses of Native American people. However, since no physical changes affecting religious or sacred uses would result from the project at any of these power plants, no impact would occur.
Conclusion
Religious or sacred uses could exist at six of the power plants: Alamitos, Cool Water, Ellwood, Ormond Beach, Redondo, and San Bernardino. However, since the project would not result in any physical alterations that would affect religious or sacred use areas, this is considered to be no impact.