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4.9 CULTURAL RESOURCES California that qualifies as an "important archaeological resource" under all five of the CEQA criteria that apply to prehistoric archaeological sites (refer to criteria in Appendix G). Under Criterion A, the site is associated with a series of scientific events that led to the development of the Central California Taxonomic System. Historic research at this site helped lay the framework for development of central California archaeology. ' Under Criterion B, the Tracy Lakes Complex has provided,and can continue to provide,information that is "both of demonstrable public interest and useful in addressing scientifically consequential and reasonable or archaeological questions." Residents of the County,local schools and the historical society have shown interest in the site's artifacts. Many of the artifacts are on local display for historical and educational purposes. On a scientific level, under Criterion B, the Tracy Lakes Complex contained stone artifacts that have been continually referenced in the anthropological and archaeological literature as some of the oldest in the country (Heizer, 1948; Beck, 1972;Moratto, 1984). The lack of significant disturbance at three of the four sites makes the recovery of stratigraphic information possible and, also, the correlation of information between sites. It is highly possible that the base of the fourth site may also remain intact and stratified,therefore perhaps containing conclusive information regarding the very long,continued use of this area. Under Criteria C and D, the Tracy Lakes Complex is perhaps the oldest, largest and best preserved example of a stratified five culture complex of sites in San Joaquin County. The widespread occurrence of well preserved structure floors, as found in this complex, is rare. Under Criterion E, an important question that is posed in J.A. Bennyhoff's study of the Plains Miwok regards the possible development of the clan system emerging out of moieties in California (Bennyhoff, 1977). The significance of the cultural resources on the project site are unique for the area because: 1)they are several separate sites within one small area; 2) they are basically undisturbed; 3) they may show an interrelationship with one another that changes over time; and 4)if occupation has occurred at these sites for the last 13,000 years they would show cultural change in response to environmental change. The research potential for all these questions is of"extremely high importance"at these sites because so many other potentially important sites in the County have been destroyed or degraded throughout the years. Development of the proposed project could destroy or degrade the potential information recoverable from these sites. Burial Sites Regarding the discovery of human remains, CEQA, Appendix K, Section VIII states the following: "In the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby 4.9-8