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5.3 Cultural Resources
<br /> This section discusses the potential effects of the Lodi Energy Center (LEC) on cultural
<br /> resources. Section 5.3.1 describes the cultural resources environment that might be affected by
<br /> the LEC. Section 5.3.2 discusses the environmental consequences of construction and operation
<br /> of the proposed project.Section 5.3.3 determines whether there will be any cumulative effects
<br /> from the project. Section 5.3.4 presents mitigation measures that will be implemented to avoid
<br /> construction impacts.Section 5.3.5 discusses the laws, ordinances,regulations,and standards
<br /> (LOBS) applicable to the protection of cultural resources. Section 5.3.6 lists the agencies
<br /> involved and agency contacts, and Section 5.3.7 discusses permits. Section 5.3.8 lists reference
<br /> materials used in preparing this section.
<br /> This section is consistent with state regulatory requirements for cultural resources pursuant
<br /> to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Cultural resources include prehistoric
<br /> and historic archaeological sites;1 districts and objects; standing historic structures,
<br /> buildings, districts and objects;locations of important historic events, and sites of
<br /> traditional/cultural importance to various groups.2 The study scope was developed
<br /> according to California Energy Commission's (CEC) cultural resources guidelines and
<br /> complies with Instructions to the California Energy Commission Staff for the Review of and
<br /> Information Requirements for an Application for Certification (CEC,1992) and Rules of Practice
<br /> and Procedure&Power Plant Site Certification Regulations (CEC,2007). This study was
<br /> conducted by Clint Helton,M.A.,RPA and Natalie Lawson,M.A.,RPA, Cultural Resource
<br /> Specialists (CRS) who meet the qualifications for Principal Investigator stated in the
<br /> Secretary of the Interior's standards and guidelines for archaeology and historic
<br /> preservation(USNPS,1983).
<br /> Per CEC Data Adequacy requirements,Appendix 5.3A provides copies of agency
<br /> consultation letters. Appendix 5.3B provides the technical report. Appendix 5.3C provides
<br /> archival research material,including copies of historic maps of the project and a complete
<br /> copy of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) literature search
<br /> results,which include copies of previous technical reports occurring within 0.25 mile of the
<br /> Site is defined as"The location of a significant event,a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity,or a building or
<br /> structure...where the location itself possesses historic,cultural,or archeological value"(U.S.National Park Service
<br /> [USNPS]-IRD, 1991: 15).
<br /> 2 The federal definitions of cultural resource,historic property or historic resource,traditional use area,and sacred
<br /> resources are reviewed below and are typically applied to non-federal projects.
<br /> A cultural resource may be defined as a phenomenon associated with prehistory,historical events,or individuals or extant
<br /> cultural systems.These include archaeological sites,districts,and objects;standing historic structures,districts,and
<br /> objects;locations of important historic events;and places,objects,and living or non-living things that are important to the
<br /> practice and continuity of traditional cultures.Cultural resources may involve historic properties,traditional use areas,and
<br /> sacred resource areas.
<br /> Historic property or historic resource means any prehistoric district,site building,structure,or object included in,or
<br /> eligible for,inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places(NRHP).The definition also includes artifacts,records
<br /> and remains that are related to such a district,site,building,structure or object.
<br /> Traditional use area refers to an area or landscape identified by a cultural group to be necessary for the perpetuation of
<br /> the traditional culture.The concept can include areas for the collection of food and non-food resources,occupation sites
<br /> and ceremonial and/or sacred areas.
<br /> Sacred resources applies to traditional sites,places or objects that Native American tribes or groups,or their members,
<br /> perceive as having religious significance.
<br /> SACI371322I082330008(LEC_5.3_CULTU RAL.DOC) 5.3-1
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