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LFR Levine-Fricke consulted. The CCIC has formally replied to our request for a cultural and historic resources records search for the project site. The CCIC file search indicated that no historic or prehistoric resources within the project area or in the vicinity of the project area have been reported to the CLIC. In addition, no resources within the project area that are known to have value to local cultural groups have been reported to the CLIC. The CCIC file search concluded that because the "Tesla Branch" of the Western Pacific Railroad bordered part of the project site (along the northwest and west side of project area)there is a low-to-moderate possibility of remnants of the railroad and associated historic artifacts existing in the area, and they recommended an archaeological survey be conducted at the site to verify whether this may be an issue of concern. LFR contacted the Native American Heritage Commission(NAHC)on September 3, 2003. The NAHC was provided with a project description and contact information regarding the proposed Tracy Tire Fire Site remediation activities. LFR, the DTSC, and the CIWMB will coordinate with the NAHC and other Native American representatives as necessary. As previously described, the project site is an excavated gravel pit. Historic resources are not expected to be present. A local archaeological firm, Pacific Legacy Incorporated(PLI), was contacted and provided with site information and CCIC file search results. Mr. John Holson, on behalf of Pacific Legacy, prepared a Cultural Resources Assessment for the project area and concluded that the survey for historic resources recommended by the CCIC would not result in the identification of any resources. Mr. Holson's conclusion was based on several reasons. First, the entire project area has been significantly excavated (to depths exceeding 50 feet below original grade in most areas). Second, no subsurface ground disturbance will occur in areas outside of the project area. Third, the potential existence of the Tesla Branch of the Western Pacific Railroad(if it exists) would exist outside the project area. Based on this information, remnants of any surface or subsurface features would have been previously removed or obliterated many years ago when the site was mined as a gravel quarry. Mr. Holson stated that no further archaeological studies should be necessary unless project plans changed to include unsurveyed areas on original ground surface or if cultural materials are encountered during construction. In accordance with CEQA Section 15064.5, if previously unidentified archaeological resources are discovered during excavation, the project sponsor is required to cease work in the immediate area until such time as a qualified archaeologist and the County of San Joaquin can assess the significance of the find and make control recommendations, if warranted. To achieve this goal, the contractor shall instruct the excavation personnel on the need for proper and timely reporting of such finds, and the consequence of any failure to report them. Page 34 Final_RAP_Tracy_9.18.03(final).doc