DOE/EIS-0332; McNary-John Day Transmission Line Project Draft ...

Cultural Resources
Affected Environment
BPA McNary-John Day Transmission Project
Draft EIS
February 2002
Affected Environment,
Environmental Impacts, and Mitigation
The 73-mile portion of project corridor that lies within Washington State is within the
Mid-Columbia Study Unit as defined by the Resource Protection Planning Process (RP3).
Archival records indicate ten known archaeological sites along the corridor. Near the
corridor, there are at least 70 additional archaeological sites recorded within a 1-mile
radius of the proposed transmission line. Of these 70 sites, 26 (37%) are underwater
behind the John Day Dam.
Historical data demonstrate continuous use of the Mid-Columbia Study Unit from the
time of the first Euro-American exploration through the arrival of a trans-continental
railroad, a state highway system, and construction of two federal dams.
A total of 12 cultural resource sites were identified during the field surveys. An
additional 14 isolate finds were also documented. Of the 10 previously recorded sites
situated within or adjacent to the corridor, eight were re-identified in the field.
Jones & Stokes, on behalf of Bonneville, contracted with the Confederated Tribes of the
Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes), Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation Oregon (Warm Springs Tribes), and the Yakama Nation to provide the oral
history of the project vicinity. Detailed oral accounts were prepared and are summarized
in Chapter 3 of this EIS.
Environmental Consequences—Proposed Action
Construction
No impacts to cultural resources are anticipated during construction of the proposed
project. Tower construction would be limited to a relatively small area adjacent to
existing transmission line towers. Road construction and improvements are the most
likely activities to disturb unknown cultural resources.
Of the 14 cultural resource sites found along the corridor, 12 require avoidance and two
sites should have cultural resource monitors during construction excavation. Of the
10 previously documented cultural resource sites along the corridor, nine require
avoidance and one site requires a cultural resource monitor during construction
excavation.
Operation and Maintenance
No impacts to cultural resources are anticipated during the continuing operation and
maintenance of the proposed McNary-John Day Transmission Line.
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