Cultural Resources
Corresponding pages within the DEIS:
Summary of Impacts: pp. 660-699; Environmental Consequences: pp. 681-699
The proposed action would impact a total of 96 National Register of Historic Places eligible historic properties, consisting of 62 prehistoric sites (28 are known or likely to have human remains), 32 historic sites, and 2 multicomponent prehistoric/historic sites. A total of 63 springs/seeps would be affected within the alternative or by drawdown in the surrounding area; springs are considered sacred by all of the tribes consulted by the Coronado.
Mitigation of adverse effects on archaeological sites has traditionally involved data recovery excavations that sample or completely excavate a site to document the information contained therein and to identify human remains and arrange for their repatriation to culturally affiliated individuals or tribes. Excavation, however, destroys the site and is constrained by the analytical technology available at the time of the excavation. Any future information potential of the sites would be destroyed as well.
The sanctity and power of each spring are also unique and cannot be replaced once the spring is destroyed.
The Tohono O’odham Nation has requested and the Coronado has prepared a nomination of the Santa Rita Mountains as the Ce:wi Duag Traditional Cultural Property for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. All of the action alternatives and portions of the utility alternatives in higher elevations are within the proposed boundary of this traditional cultural property. The cultural landscape would be irrevocably altered by the massive movement of rock and soil and transformation of the topography.
