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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem T December 13, 1999 STAFF REPORT To: Mayor Yost and Members of the City Council Attention: Keith R Till, City Manager From: . Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services Subject: RECIEVE AND FILE - ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMENT LETTER RE: "DRAFT FINAL HISTORIC PROPERTIES EVALUATION PLAN FOR SITES 30- 001502, 30-001503, AND 30-001504 - NAVAL WEAPONS SUPPORT FACILITY, SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA", PREPARED BY MOONEY & ASSOCIATES SUMMARY OF REQUEST Receive and File comment letter from Archaeological Advisory Committee regarding subject report. DISCUSSION On July 7, 1999, the Archaeological Advisory Committee (AAC) reviewed the "Revised Draft" version of this document and forwarded a comment letter to the Navy. A copy of the July 7, 1999 comment letter is provided for the information of the City Council (Please refer to Attachment 3). The City has received the "Draft Final' version of the above referenced report. The report indicates "Based on the field inventory, there is a high probability that site 30-001502 represents a redeposition of cultural materials excavated from the bottom of the adjacent flood control channel either during construction or during silt removal. Given that the majority of the site, as now recorded is situated within an easement granted to the Orange County Flood Control District, the proposed actions may require consultation with the County of Orange. The other two sites, 30- 001503 and 30-001504, are in plowed fields that are leased to an agricultural interest, and may also have problematic integrity and context. However, even long-term plowing does not always reach into the lower levels of deeply deposited sites. Previous excavations within the Station and in the immediate area, have indicated the presence of deeply buried sites below both natural and artificial soil deposits. " (Page iii). AGENDA ITEM C:\My Documents\ARCHCOMMfEvaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001 502-04.NAWPTA.CC SR.doc\L.WU 2-09-99 Receive and File Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Station" • City Council Staff Report December 13, 1999 Staff previously provided a copy of the subject document to the AAC on November 3, 1999 in accordance with Administrative Directive 2 of the Committee. It is not provided as part of this agenda Staff Report to the members of the City Council. Copies of the subject document were provided with the posted Agenda of the AAC at City Hall, and at the meeting of the Committee on December 8, 1999. Staff reviewed the document in detail and is of the opinion the document is complete, thorough, proposes appropriate research questions, field investigation methods, and analytical methods. The emphasis on Native American Consultation throughout the process is appreciated. However, as indicated in the earlier comment letter from the City: "The Committee appreciates the concern of the Navy in evaluating these sites, and is particularly concerned that the field investigation work at Site 30-001502 be completed prior to the winter storm season, in order to eliminate the potential of storm water run-off ff scouring any buried features that have not been identified at this time. In addition, given the sensitive nature of this site, and the high visibility to Seal Beach Boulevard it is suggested that temporary screening material be installed along Seal Beach Boulevard during the excavation of the one-meter square control units." Staff recommended the Committee re-state this concern, as the winter storm season is quickly approaching, and the indicated time necessary to complete the required fieldwork is indicated to be approximately 3 weeks. In the opinion of staff, this issue should be strongly presented to the Navy. The AAC approved the comment letter on December 8, 1999 with amendments, restating this concern of the City as strongly as possible to the Commander of the Weapons Station. FISCAL IMPACT None, all costs of the proposed archaeological investigations are the responsibility of the Department of Navy, as the subject sites are located on the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. RECOMMENDATION Receive and File comment letter from Archaeological Advisory Committee regarding subject report. Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30.001502-04.NAWPTACC SR 2 Receive and File Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Station" City Council Staff Report December 13, 1999 NOTED AND APPROVED /..)-if i.- j LLO PL -)" Whittenberg,Director / Keith R. Till Department of Development Services City Manager Attachments: (3) ATTACHMENT 1: Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter, dated December 8, 1999, re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30- 001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California ", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated September 24, 1999 ATTACHMENT 2: "Revised Draft Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated June 1, 1999. NOTE: Document is available at the Department of Development Services for public review ATTACHMENT 3: Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter, dated July 7, 1999, re: "Revised Draft Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30- 001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California ", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated June 1, 1999 Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001502-04.NAWPTACC SR 3 r Receive and File Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Station" City Council Staff Report December 13, 1999 ATTACHMENT 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMENT LETTER, DATED DECEMBER 8, 1999, RE: "DRAFT FINAL HISTORIC PROPERTIES EVALUATION PLAN FOR SITES 30-001502, 30- 001503, AND 30-001504, NAVAL WEAPONS SUPPORT FACILITY, SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA ", PREPARED BY MOONEY AND ASSOCIATES, DATED SEPTEMBER 24, 1999 Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001 S02-04.NAWPTA.CC SR 4 w,. _ 40 . .., • - Z1TV HALL • ;II fiGHTH SREE7" 1567)431=1577 • December 8, 1999 Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach Attn: Commanding Officer 800 Seal Beach Boulevard Seal Beach, CA 90740-5000 Dear Captain Bruno: Subject: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30- 001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California ", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated September 24, 1999 The Archaeological Advisory Committee of the City of Seal Beach reviewed the above referenced document, prepared by Mooney and Associates, on December 8, 1999. The Committee is of the opinion the document is complete, thorough, proposes appropriate research questions, field investigation methods, and analytical methods; as did the earlier "Revised Draft" version of the same document. The emphasis on Native American Consultation throughout the process is appreciated. As indicated on page 43, the Navy has conducted 5 consultation meetings with the Gabrielino and Juaneno Native American groups and has determined to request two monitors to take part in future excavation and monitoring at the three sites. Concern Regarding Special Attention at Site 30-001502: Given the sensitive nature of Site 30-001502, the Committee strongly requests that an emergency recovery and cataloging program be instituted as soon as possible to adequately protect the known human resources currently exposed at this site. This issue should be resolved as expeditiously as possible, with the remaining investigation program taking a position of less immediate concern. The Committee concurs with the proposed "Hypothesis" and `Research Question" for the subject sites as set forth in the "Research Design". The research questions are understandable and the proposed field methods are appropriate to attempting to answer those research questions. C:\My Documenis\ARCHCOMM\Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001 502-04.NWS.Ldter.doc\LWA2-08-99 City of Seal Beach Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504- Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California" December 8, 1999 Given the potential sensitivity of Site 30-001502, close consultation with Native American interests is of primary importance. The continued consultation with Native Americans during the field investigation and other analysis is particularly important to the Committee. As stated in our comment letter on the earlier "Revised Draft" version of this document, the Committee is extremely concerned that the field investigation work at Site 30-001502 be completed prior to the winter storm season, in order to eliminate the potential of storm water run-off scouring any buried features that have not been identified at this time. In addition, given the sensitive nature of this site, and the high visibility to Seal Beach Boulevard, it is suggested that temporary screening material be installed along Seal Beach Boulevard during the excavation of the one-meter square control units. The Committee strongly urgently requests the Navy to proceed with the necessary field investigation work at Site 30-001502 as soon as possible. The potential impacts of storm water run-off scouring should not be under-estimated, and it is requested this area be of primary importance to the Navy in initiating the field investigation work set forth in Section 5, Proposed Field Methods. Lastly, this document references a report titles "Cultural Resource Inventory and Survey Report for the Weapons Support Station (WPNSUPPFAC) Seal Beach, California", prepared by Mooney & Associates, dated 1999. The reference indicates this is a "Draft Report". The City has not received a copy of this report and would appreciate having a copy provided for our information, if it is a form appropriate for release to the Committee. Please provide a copy to Mr. Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services, 211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740. If the document is not appropriate for public review, please so indicate in a response letter to Mr. Whittenberg. In addition, the Committee would request the opportunity to review and comment on the document when it is available for public review. After discussion among the Committee, the Chairperson was authorized to sign this letter to the Navy, and to provide a copy of the letter to the City Council for their information. Please consider the above comments in a positive and decisive manner, particularly in regards to the expressed concerns relative to Site 30-001502. The Archaeological Advisory Committee appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on documents relating to cultural resources upon the Weapons Support Facility. Sincerely, Lorraine Willey, Chairperson, Archaeological Advisory Committee Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001502-04.NWS.Letter 2 City of Seal Beach Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Drat?Final Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504— Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California" December 8, 1999 Distribution: Archaeological Advisory Committee City Council Lisa Ellen Bosalet, Cultural Resources Coordinator, Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001502-04.NWS.Letter 3 Receive and File Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Station" City Council Staff Report December 13, 1999 ATTACHMENT 2 "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated September 24, 1999. NOTE: Document is available at the Department of Development Services for public review Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001502-04.NAWPTACC SR 5 Receive and File Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re: "Draft Final Historic Properties Evaluation for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Station" City Council Staff Report December 13, 1999 ATTACHMENT 3 Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter, dated July 7, 1999, re: "Revised Draft Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30-001502, 30-001503, and 30- 001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California ", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated June 1, 1999 Evaluation Plan 2-Site 30-001502-04.NAWPTA.CC SR 6 f �" .. ,a,s. n:, �.. '•'s^ ci 4.- t'�'�„�!,i+ .!�' v:'i 9�iN yd' ,�.••.1. �'• r� • f 00, -klAil',4, c*. 5.114-)71-,-1 • .-9 ' .•� .yam.; � ��r..,1 ., .', '• _Y .. � yrr .•.a^ wee. .;r w-.• r� :�. .� July 7, 1999 Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach Attn: Lisa Bosalet 800 Seal Beach Boulevard Seal Beach, CA 90740-5000 Dear Ms. Bosalet: Subject: "Revised Draft Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Sites 30- 001502, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, California", prepared by Mooney and Associates, dated June 1, 1999 The Archaeological Advisory Committee of the City of Seal Beach reviewed the above referenced document, prepared by Mooney and Associates, on July 7, 1999. The Committee is of the opinion the document is complete, thorough, proposes appropriate research questions, field investigation methods, and analytical methods. The emphasis on Native American Consultation throughout the process is appreciated. In reviewing the document, there are several typographical corrections that should be made prior to preparation of the Final Report. Also, the site numbering in inconsistent and should be revised to ensure correct site numbers are utilized throughout the document. The Committee concurs with the proposed "Hypothesis" and `Research Question" for the subject sites as set forth in the "Research Design". The research questions are understandable and the proposed field methods are appropriate to attempting to answer those research questions. Given the potential sensitivity of Site 30-001502, close consultation with Native American interests is of primary importance. The continued consultation with Native Americans during the field investigation and other analysis is particularly important to the Committee. The Committee appreciates the concern of the Navy in evaluating these sites, and is particularly concerned that the field investigation work at Site 30-001502 be completed prior to the winter storm season, in order to eliminate the potential of storm water run-off scouring any buried features that have not been identified at this time. In addition, given the sensitive nature of this site, and the high visibility to Seal Beach Boulevard, it is suggested C:1My Doz+mcntsARCHOOMM\Evaluation Ptah.Silt 30-00I502-04.I.etter.doc\LWV7-07.99 1 City of Seal Beach Archaeological Advisory Committee Comment Letter re "Revised Drafl Historic Properties Evaluation Plan for Site 30-001503, 30-001503, and 30-001504, Naval weapons Support Station" Prepared by Mooney&Associates July 7, 1999 that temporary screening material be installed along Seal Beach Boulevard during the excavation of the one-meter square control units. Lastly, this document references a report titles "Cultural Resource Inventory and Survey Report for the Weapons Support Station (WPNSUPPFAC) Seal Beach, California", prepared by Mooney & Associates, dated 1999. The City has not received a copy of this report and would appreciate having a copy provided for our information. Please provide a copy to Mr. Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services, 211 Eight Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740. After discussion among the Committee, Mr. Whittenberg was authorized to sign this letter to the Navy, and to provide a copy of the letter on the next Committee agenda. Please consider the above comments in any revisions to be made to the subject document. The Archaeological Advisory Committee appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on documents relating to cultural resources upon the Weapons Support Facility. Sincerely, �y Whittenberg Director of Development Services Secretary to the Archaeological Advisory Committee Distribution: Archaeological Advisory Committee Evaluation Plan-Site 30.001502-04.Letter 2