ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

Home Browse Search

avoid damaging effects to historic and archaeological resources,particularly those that are CRHR eligible. When impacts cannot be avoided,their affects can be mitigated through: ► avoidance during construction phases, ► incorporation of sites into open space, ► capping resources with chemically stable fill, ► deeding a site into a permanent conservation easement, and ► data recovery(testing and excavation). CEQA also provides for a measure of protection for Native American human remains(State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5[d]) and for the accidental discovery of cultural resources (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5[e]). These are particularly important provisions because they take into account the possibility that significant resources not noted in previous research may be present within a project area and need to be treated in a way that conforms to CEQA standards. Regional and Local Plans, Policies, Regulations, and Ordinances The Resource Conservation Element of the City of Manteca General Plan 2023 outlines goals and policies associated with cultural resources. The following policies may be relevant to this analysis: ► Policy RC-P-37: The City shall not knowingly approve any public or private project that may adversely affect an archaeological site without consulting the California Archaeological Inventory at Stanislaus State University, conducting a site evaluation as may be indicated,and attempting to mitigate any adverse impacts according to the recommendation of a qualified archaeologist. City implementation of this policy shall be guided by the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)and the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA). ► Policy RC-P-38: The City shall require that the proponent of any development proposal in an area with potential archaeological resources, shall consult with the California Archaeological Inventory, Stanislaus State University to determine the potential for discovery of cultural resources, conduct a site evaluation as may be indicated, and mitigate any adverse impacts according to the recommendation of a qualified archaeologist. The survey and mitigation shall be developer funded. The City general plan further requires records searches unless the City determines that the proposed project area has already been sufficiently surveyed,requires archaeological surveys where probable cause exists for discovery of archaeological resources,requires consultation, evaluation, and preparation of a monitoring plan if resources are discovered, encourages the placement of monuments or plaques to recognize historic sites and structures, and requires consultation with the county coroner if human remains are discovered. 4.12.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY The following analysis is based on a combination of background research, archaeological pedestrian surveys, and an assessment of historic structures as described above under"Cultural Resources Study Methodology and Findings." THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE For purposes of this analysis,the following applicable thresholds of significance have been used to determine whether implementing the proposed project would result in a significant impact. These thresholds of significance are based on the State CEQA Guidelines. The proposed project would result in significant cultural resources impacts if it would: EDAW Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR Cultural Resources 4.12-8 City of Manteca