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Final Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report
Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project
Del Norte County, California
EA: 01-43640
Contract Agreement No. 03A2369
Task Order #09
January 2017
For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in Braille, large print,
on audiocassette, or computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats,
please call or write to Caltrans, Attn: Amanda Piscitelli, Environmental Coordinator,
Caltrans North Region Environmental, 1656 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95502
(707) 445-6431 Voice, or use the California Relay Service TTY number, 711.
This page intentionally left blank.
Table of Contents
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Project Location and Description ..................................................................................... 1 1.2. Dr. Fine Bridge Demolition and Construction ................................................................. 2
Chapter 2. Significance .............................................................................................................. 6 2.1. SVP Categories of Paleontological Potential ................................................................... 7 2.2. Caltrans SER Categories of Sensitivity ............................................................................ 8
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards ...................................................... 10 3.1. Federal LORS ................................................................................................................. 10 3.2. State LORS ..................................................................................................................... 11 3.3. County LORS ................................................................................................................. 11 3.4. City LORS ...................................................................................................................... 13 3.5. Professional Standards.................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria ................................................ 14 4.1. Key Personnel ................................................................................................................. 14 4.2. Resource Inventory Methods .......................................................................................... 15 4.3. Field Survey ................................................................................................................... 16 4.4. Paleontological Resource Assessment Criteria .............................................................. 16
Chapter 5. Affected Environment ............................................................................................. 19 5.1. Geographic Location ...................................................................................................... 19 5.2. Regional Geologic Setting .............................................................................................. 19 5.3. Project Geologic Setting ................................................................................................. 21
5.3.1. Franciscan Complex (Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous) ........................................... 21 5.3.2. Quaternary Stream Terrace (Pleistocene to Early Holocene) ..................................... 23 5.3.3. Quaternary Alluvium and Fluvium (Holocene) .......................................................... 24
Chapter 6. Results ..................................................................................................................... 26 6.1. Geologic Map Inventory and Field Survey .................................................................... 26 6.2. Paleontological Resource Inventory ............................................................................... 26
6.2.1. Franciscan Complex ................................................................................................... 27 6.2.2. Quaternary Stream Terrace (Pleistocene to Early Holocene) ..................................... 27 6.2.3. Quaternary Alluvium and Fluvium (Holocene) .......................................................... 28 6.2.4. Summary ..................................................................................................................... 28
Chapter 7. Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 29 7.1. Potential Impacts from Project Construction .................................................................. 29 7.2. Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................................................ 30
Chapter 8. Proposed Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment Measures .................................. 31 8.1. Retain a Professional Paleontologist and Prepare a PMP ............................................... 31 8.2. Provide Worker Education on Paleontological Resources ............................................. 31 8.3. Result of Implementation ............................................................................................... 32
Chapter 9. References ............................................................................................................... 33
Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to
Paleontological Resources .......................................................................................................... 41
Appendix B. Conditions of Receivership for Paleontological Salvage Collections ................. 53
List of Tables
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project ii
List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Region ................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2. Project Location ............................................................................................................. 20 Figure 3. Geologic Map of the Project Area .................................................................................. 21 Figure 4. Franciscan Complex Graywacke with Intercalated Shale ............................................... 23 Figure 5. Quaternary Stream Terrace Deposits .............................................................................. 24 Figure 6. Holocene Fluvial Deposits in the Active Smith River Channel Overlying Franciscan
Complex Greywacke ....................................................................................................... 25
List of Tables
Table 1. Paleontological Potential of Geological Units Found in the Project Area.. ..................... 26
List of Tables
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project iii
List of Abbreviated Terms
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CIDH Cast in Drilled Hole
CISS Cast in Steel Shell
FW Falsework
LORS Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
PM Post Mile
NEPA National Environmental Protection Act
PG Professional Geologist
PIR Paleontological Identification Report
PER Paleontological Evaluation Report
P.L. Public Law
PRC PaleoResource Consultants
SER Standard Environmental Reference
SR State Route
SVP Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
UCMP University of California Museum of Paleontology
U.S.C. United States Code
USGS United States Geological Survey
Chapter 1. Introduction
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 1
Chapter 1. Introduction
The purpose of this Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report (PIR/PER) is to
provide an assessment of potential adverse impacts on paleontological resources resulting
from earth-moving activities related to construction of the Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement
Project (Project). PaleoResource Consultants (PRC) was retained by ICF International to
prepare this report. This PIR/PER meets all requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) guidelines detailed in the Standard
Environmental Reference (SER) (Caltrans 2016), and the standard procedures for
mitigating adverse construction-related environmental impacts on paleontological
resources established by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) (1996, 2010)
(Appendices A and B).
1.1. Project Location and Description
Caltrans District 1/North Region proposes to replace the Dr. Fine Bridge on State Route
(SR) 101 between Post Mile (PM) 35.8 and PM 36.3 in Del Norte County, approximately
9 miles north of Crescent City, California (Figure 1). The Dr. Fine Bridge is physically
deficient and functionally obsolete and does not meet current Caltrans requirements. The
bridge will be replaced with a structure that meets current material, geometric, scour and
seismic design standards.
Bridge replacement would involve demolition of the existing bridge and replacement
with new structures, a two-lane highway, an acceleration lane, and standard shoulders.
The typical section for the new bridge is two 12-foot lanes, 8-foot shoulders, and a 6-foot
pedestrian walkway located on the west side. Project activities would include ground
disturbance during slope, abutment, and pedestrian walkway excavations; grading at
equipment staging areas and for an infiltration basin; construction of coffer dams;
auguring for new piers; and pile driving for abutment support. The equipment staging
area would be located northwest of the Dr. Fine Bridge. Temporary construction
easements would be located along the shoulders of SR 101 south of the bridge.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 2
Figure 1. Project region. Scale approximately 1:700,000. Map modified from the U.S. Geological Survey 30' x 60' Crescent City Quadrangle.
1.2. Dr. Fine Bridge Demolition and Construction
The replacement of the Dr. Fine Bridge would likely occur in the following sequence.
Utility Relocation—Phone and cable, fiber optic, and electrical transmission
lines and a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gauging Station would have to be
temporarily relocated during bridge demolition and construction.
Preparation for Construction—Placement of construction signage, development
of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, and placement of Environmentally
Sensitive Area signs would also be accomplished before Project construction.
Clear and Grub—All vegetation within the right-of-way, unless otherwise noted,
would be removed, converted to duff, and stockpiled for use in re-vegetation.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 3
Drainages may need to be relocated/modified, and a dewatering system and
infiltration basin would be utilized.
Work Trestles—Two 35- to 45-foot-wide temporary construction trestles would
be erected onsite, with one trestle flanking either side of the bridge. In addition,
temporary finger trestles will be connected to the construction trestles. The
construction and finger trestles will be used for construction of the temporary
detour and the construction of the new bridge.
Build Detour—The entire detour would consist of a south tie-in, south approach,
existing relocated main spans, north tie-in, and north approach. Both the north and
south tie-ins would consist of earthwork to match the lower detour elevation to
the higher elevation of the new highway grade. The south approach would be new
construction with a pre-cast I-girder super structure and Cast in Steel Shell (CISS)
pile foundations. The abutment would be supported by driven H-piles. A steel
sheet pile wall would be constructed to reduce the height of the outboard wing
wall. The sheet piles are expected to be approximately 50 feet long. The existing
relocated main spans would consist of the existing steel I-girder super structure
and a combination of CISS or Cast in Drilled Hole (CIDH) piles depending on the
distance from the south side of the river. CISS piles are proposed for the southern
supports and would be installed with a vibratory hammer as far as possible and
oscillated in or use center relief drilling methods for the remainder. The northern
supports would be CIDH piles with rock sockets due to geological conditions.
The piles would be installed with a vibratory hammer as far as possible and
oscillated the rest of the way. Once the steel shells are in place the rock sockets
would be drilled below. South Bank Road would be realigned slightly to the south
of its current alignment to avoid the detour piers and would be placed back in its
original location after the new bridge is completed.
Jack-N-Slide—There would be a substructure system constructed to support the
Jack-N-Slide bridge moving apparatus. This would consist of translation beams
supported by the existing piers and newly constructed detour piers orientated in
the direction the bridge would move. Steel piles would be driven into the channel
at the existing piers for support once the existing piers are cut. Piles would also be
driven in the channel to support the midspan of the translation beams. The north
approach would be new construction with pre-cast I-girder super structure and
CIDH piles with rock sockets constructed in the same manner as the CIDH piles
for the northern supports of the main spans. The abutment would be supported by
driven H-piles. A steel sheet pile wall would be constructed to reduce the height
of the outboard wing wall.
Demo Old Bridge—The existing steel bracing and steel girders would be cut and
removed in portions with a crane positioned on the temporary trestle or leveled
Chapter 1. Introduction
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 4
ground surface. Foundations supporting the existing bridge to be removed include
14 concrete bents in the overbank area and 5 piers in the channel, as well as two
abutments and seismic retrofit piles on land. The 14 bents that are outside the
river channel would have their concrete columns and foundations removed.
Excavations for the bents would be backfilled with native material and graded to
finish grade. The five piers in the river channel would be removed down to the
pile caps, leaving the pile caps in place, if possible. If the old foundations must be
removed completely, cofferdams would be required to remove the pile cap and H-
piles for each pier. The existing steel H-piles would be cut off below channel
bottom, leaving the rest in place.
Build New Bridge—Construction on the new bridge would commence once
traffic is travelling on the east detour and the old bridge is removed. Construction
and finger trestles would provide the working surface in addition to cofferdams
for building the new bridge. The foundations of the three piers would be the first
order of work in constructing the new bridge. Coffer Dams (Sheet Pile walls)
would be used on all three pier locations. Once the three foundations are
complete, pier construction would follow. Lastly, Falsework (FW) would be
erected to allow for construction of the bridge’s superstructure.
The foundation for each pier includes two 8-foot diameter CIDH piles. These
piles go from just below ground down to bedrock, and a 7-foot diameter rock
socket would tie the CIDH pile into the bedrock below. A crane-mounted drill
rig with a rock auger would likely be used to drill the piles while on the
trestles. A drilling bucket may be used to extract material that cannot be
removed with an auger.
There would be two 8-foot diameter columns at each of the three pier
locations.
FW is needed to temporarily support the superstructure construction. The FW
foundation would likely be a combination of driven steel or wooden piles and
concrete and/or timber pads if over land. Pile driving equipment would be
used to construct the FW. The FW piles would be installed in the same
manner as the steel pipe piles, vibrated in 50% of the assumed 50-foot length,
and then driven to final elevation using an impact hammer. Abutments 1 and 5
would be located at the south and north ends of the bridge, respectively. The
abutments would likely be concrete seats with steel H piles. Reinforced
concrete footings would be constructed to cap the steel H piles if they are
possible. Concrete abutment seats would be placed on the abutment footings.
Because of the closeness of bedrock, it may be determined during the
construction of Abutment 5 that H piles will not work; alternatively, 4-foot-
Chapter 1. Introduction
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 5
diameter CIDH piles comparable to the ones used for the detour supports
could be used.
The superstructure and bridge deck would be constructed with concrete forms
for the bottom slab and girders, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning ducts, and
reinforced concrete backwalls at the abutments.
Switch Traffic to New Bridge—Traffic would be moved on to the new bridge.
Once all of the structure and roadway work is accomplished that does not affect
the east detour. Even with traffic travelling on the new bridge, construction work
would continue with completing the roadway tie-ins and east retaining walls. The
east detour would be demolished via access from the Construction Trestle.
Demo Detour Bridge—The contractor would be required to design a detour
bridge demolition plan for review and approval by the Resident Engineer.
Chapter 2. Significance
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 6
Chapter 2. Significance
Paleontological resources (fossils) are the remains or traces of prehistoric plants and
animals. Fossils are important scientific and educational resources because of their use in
(1) documenting the presence and evolutionary history of particular groups of extinct
organisms, (2) reconstructing the environments in which these organisms lived, and (3)
determining the relative ages of the strata in which they occur and of the geologic events
that resulted in the deposition of the sediments that entombed them.
As defined by the SVP (2010), a paleontological resource can be scientifically significant
(i.e., unique) if it:
consists of identifiable vertebrate remains, large or small
represents uncommon plant, invertebrate, or trace fossils
provides important taphonomic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, paleoecologic,
stratigraphic, or biochronologic information
In common with other environmental disciplines, such as archaeology and biology
(specifically in regard to listed species), SVP (2010) considers any fossil specimen
scientifically significant unless demonstrated otherwise, and, therefore, protected by
environmental statutes (Chapter 3). This position is held by SVP because fossils are
uncommon and only rarely will a fossil locality yield a statistically significant number of
specimens representing the same species. In fact, some types of fossils, such as all fossil
vertebrates, are so uncommon that, in most cases, each fossil specimen found will
provide additional important information about the characteristics or distribution of the
species it represents. An individual fossil specimen is considered scientifically important
if it is a:
type or topotypic specimen
member of a rare species
species that is part of a diverse assemblage
skeletal element different from, or a specimen more complete than, those now
available for that species
Identifiable land mammal fossils are considered scientifically important because of their
potential use in providing accurate age determinations and paleoenvironmental
reconstructions for the sediments in which they occur. Moreover, vertebrate remains are
comparatively rare in the fossil record. Although fossil plants are usually considered of
Chapter 2. Significance
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 7
lesser importance because they are less helpful in age determination and more abundant,
they are actually more sensitive indicators of their environment and as sedentary
organisms are more valuable than mobile animals for paleoenvironmental
reconstructions. For marine sediments, invertebrate and marine algal fossils, including
microfossils, are scientifically important for the same reasons that land mammal and/or
land plant fossils are valuable in terrestrial deposits. The value or importance of different
fossil groups varies depending on the age and depositional environment of the
stratigraphic unit that contains the fossils.
2.1. SVP Categories of Paleontological Potential
In its standard procedures for assessment and mitigation of adverse impacts to
paleontological resources, the SVP (2010) established four categories of sensitivity for
paleontological resources: high, low, undetermined, and no potential.
High Potential. Stratigraphic units in which vertebrate or significant invertebrate fossils
or significant suites of plant fossils have been previously found have a high potential to
produce additional significant non-renewable fossils and are therefore considered to be
highly sensitive. In keeping with the significance criteria of the SVP (2010), all
stratigraphic units in which vertebrate fossils have previously been found have a high
potential for significant paleontological resources. Full-time monitoring is recommended
during any project-related ground disturbance in stratigraphic units with high potential.
Low Potential. Stratigraphic units that have not been known to produce fossils in the past
or have only nonsignificant, often poorly preserved invertebrate or plant fossils are
considered to have low potential for significant paleontological resources. Low potential
units also include strata where fossil preservation is the exception rather than the rule.
Monitoring is usually not recommended nor needed during project construction within a
stratigraphic unit with low potential, but, depending on other environmental factors, part-
time monitoring may be warranted.
Undetermined Potential. Stratigraphic units that have not had any previous
paleontological resource surveys or any fossil finds are considered to have undetermined
sensitivity. After reconnaissance surveys, observation of artificial exposures (such as road
cuts) and natural exposures (such as stream banks), and possible subsurface testing (such
as auguring or trenching), an experienced, professional paleontologist can often
determine whether the stratigraphic unit should be categorized as having high, low, or no
potential.
Chapter 2. Significance
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 8
No Potential. Some rock units, such as plutonic igneous or high-grade metamorphic
rocks, have no potential to produce fossil resources. These rock units generally do not
require any protection or mitigation measures.
2.2. Caltrans SER Categories of Sensitivity
In its SER (Caltrans 2016), Caltrans uses a tripartite scale of potential for paleontological
resources: high, low, and no potential.
High Potential. Rock units which, based on previous studies, contain or are likely to
contain significant vertebrate, significant invertebrate, or significant plant fossils. These
units include, but are not limited to, sedimentary formations that contain significant
nonrenewable paleontological resources anywhere within their geographical extent and
sedimentary rock units temporally or lithologically suitable for the preservation of fossils.
These units may also include some volcanic and low-grade metamorphic rock units.
Fossiliferous deposits with very limited geographic extent or an uncommon origin (e.g.,
tar pits and caves) are given special consideration and ranked as high potential. High
potential includes the potential for containing 1) abundant vertebrate fossils; 2) a few
significant fossils (large or small vertebrate, invertebrate, or plant fossils) that may
provide new and significant taxonomic, phylogenetic, ecologic, and/or stratigraphic data;
3) datable organic remains older than Recent, including Neotoma middens; or 4) unique
new vertebrate deposits, traces, and/or trackways. Areas with a high potential for
containing significant paleontological resources require monitoring and mitigation.
Low Potential. This category includes sedimentary rock units that 1) are potentially
fossiliferous but have not previously yielded significant fossils; 2) have not yet yielded
fossils but possess a potential for containing fossil remains; or 3) contain common and/or
widespread invertebrate fossils if the taxonomy, phylogeny, and ecology of the species
contained in the rock are well understood. Sedimentary rocks expected to contain
vertebrate fossils are not placed in this category because vertebrates are generally rare
and found in more localized stratum. Rock units designated as low potential generally do
not require monitoring and mitigation. However, as excavation for construction gets
underway, it is possible that new and unanticipated paleontological resources might be
encountered. If this occurs, a Construction Change Order must be prepared in order to
have a qualified Principal Paleontologist evaluate the resource. If the resource is
determined to be significant, monitoring and mitigation is required.
Chapter 2. Significance
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 9
No Potential. Rock units of intrusive igneous origin, most extrusive igneous rocks, and
moderately to highly metamorphosed rocks are classified as having no potential for
containing significant paleontological resources. For projects encountering only these
types of rock units, paleontological resources can generally be eliminated as a concern
when the Preliminary Environmental Analysis Report is prepared and no further action
taken.
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 10
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
Paleontological resources are classified as non-renewable scientific resources and are
protected by several federal and state statutes (California State Historic Preservation
Office 1983; Marshall 1976; West 1991; Fisk and Spencer 1994; Gastaldo 1999), most
notably by the 1906 Federal Antiquities Act and other subsequent federal legislation and
policies and by the State of California’s environmental regulations (CEQA). Professional
standards for assessment and mitigation of adverse impacts on paleontological resources
have been established by the SVP (1996, 2010). Design, construction, and operation of
the proposed Projects need to be conducted in accordance with laws, ordinances,
regulations and standards (LORS) applicable to paleontological resources. Therefore, the
LORS applicable to paleontological resources are briefly summarized below, together
with SVP professional standards.
3.1. Federal LORS
Federal legislative protection for paleontological resources stems from the Antiquities
Act of 1906 (Public Law [P.L.] 59-209; 16 United States Code [U.S.C.] 431 et seq.; 34
Statute 225), which calls for protection of historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric
structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest on federal land. The
Antiquities Act of 1906 forbids disturbance of any object of antiquity on federal land
without a permit issued by the responsible managing agency. This act also establishes
criminal sanctions for unauthorized appropriation or destruction of antiquities. The
Federal Highways Act of 1958 specifically extended the Antiquities Act to apply to
paleontological resources and authorized the use of funds appropriated under the Federal-
Aid Highways Act of 1956 to be used for paleontological salvage in compliance with the
Antiquities Act and any applicable state laws (Fisk and Spencer 1994). The language in
the Highways Act makes it clear that Congress intended that, to be in compliance with
the Antiquities Act, highway construction projects must protect paleontological
resources. Federal protection would apply to this project if it is federally funded through
the Federal Highway Administration.
In addition to the Antiquities Act and the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act,
other Federal statutes protecting fossils include the following. The National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190, 31 Statute 852, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4327)
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 11
requires that important natural aspects of our national heritage be considered in assessing
the environmental consequences of any proposed project. The Federal Land Policy
Management Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-579; 90 Statute 2743, U.S.C. 1701-1782) requires that
public lands be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of their scientific
values. Paleontological resources are also afforded federal protection under Code of
Federal Regulations Title 40, Section 1508.27 as a subset of scientific resources.
3.2. State LORS
Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, as amended September 7, 2004, (Title 14,
Chapter 3, California Code of Regulations: 15000 et seq.) define procedures, types of
activities, persons, and public agencies required to comply with CEQA, and include as
one of the questions to be answered in the Environmental Checklist Form (Section 15063
and Appendix G, Section V, Part c) the following: “Will the proposed project directly or
indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site?”
The CEQA lead agency having jurisdiction over a project is responsible to ensure that
paleontological resources are protected in compliance with CEQA and other applicable
statutes. Caltrans is the CEQA lead agency with the responsibility to ensure that fossils
are protected during construction on this project. CEQA Section 21081.6 requires that the
lead agency demonstrate project compliance with mitigation measures developed during
the environmental impact review process.
Other state requirements for paleontological resource management are in California
Public Resources Code Chapter 1.7, Section 5097.5 (Statutes. 1965, Chapter 1136, Page
2792). This statute defines any unauthorized disturbance or removal of a fossil site or
fossil remains on public land as a misdemeanor and specifies that state agencies may
undertake surveys, excavations, or other operations as necessary on publicly owned lands
to preserve or record paleontological resources. This statute applies to the Project because
impacts would occur on California state-owned lands.
3.3. County LORS
California Planning and Zoning Law requires each county and city jurisdiction to adopt a
comprehensive, long-term general plan for its development. The general plan is a policy
document designed to give long range guidance to those making decisions affecting the
future character of the planning area. It represents the official statement of the
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 12
community's physical development as well as its environmental goals. The general plan
also acts to clarify and articulate the relationship and intentions of local government to
the rights and expectations of the general public, property owners, and prospective
investors. Through its general plan, the local jurisdiction informs these groups of its
goals, policies, and development standards; thereby communicating what must be done to
meet the objectives of the general plan. State planning law requires each jurisdiction to
identify environmental resources and to prepare and implement policies which relate to
the utilization and management of these resources.
The Del Norte County General Plan (Del Norte County 2003) addresses paleontological
resources in its general plan. Goal 5.H states the county’s intention “to encourage
identification, protection, and achievement of Del Norte County’s important historical,
archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and activities, and their contributing
environment”.
To achieve this goal, Del Norte County has instituted several policies relating to
paleontological resources.
Policy 5.H.2 states that “The County shall continue to require that discretionary
development projects identify and protect from damage, destruction, and abuse,
important historical, archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their
contributing environment. Such assessments shall be incorporated into a countywide
cultural resource database”.
Policy 5.H.5 encourages “the cooperation of the owners of cultural and paleontological
resources to treat these resources as assets rather than liabilities, and encourage the
support of the general public for the preservation and enhancement of these resources”.
Policy 5.H.9 requires “that discretionary development projects are designed to mitigate
potential impacts to significant paleontological or cultural resources whenever possible.
Determinations of impacts, significance, and mitigation shall be made by qualified
archaeological (in consultation with recognized local Native American groups),
historical, or paleontological consultants, depending on the type of resource in question”.
These policies and the goal are intended to further require that projects be assessed for
their impacts to significant paleontological resources and that these impacts be mitigated.
Additionally, the assessment and mitigation recommendations must be made by a
qualified expert.
Chapter 3. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 13
3.4. City LORS
The Project is in an unincorporated portion of Del Norte County. Accordingly, the
Project is not subject to any city laws, ordinances, or regulations.
3.5. Professional Standards
The work performed for this report conforms to SVP standard procedures (SVP 2010).
The SVP is a national scientific organization of professional vertebrate paleontologists.
The SVP standard procedures outline acceptable professional practices in the conduct of
paleontological resource assessments and surveys, monitoring and mitigation, data and
fossil recovery, sampling procedures, and specimen preparation, identification, analysis,
and curation (SVP 2010). The SVP’s standard procedures were approved by a consensus
of professional paleontologists and are the standard against which all paleontological
monitoring and mitigation programs are judged. Many federal and state regulatory
agencies have either formally or informally adopted the SVP’s standard procedures for
the mitigation of construction-related adverse impacts on paleontological resources,
including both federal (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Forest
Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service) and state agencies (e.g.,
California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, Caltrans).
Briefly, SVP standard procedures require that each project have literature and museum
archival reviews, a field survey, and, if there is a high potential for disturbing significant
fossils during project construction, a mitigation plan that includes monitoring by a
qualified paleontologist to salvage fossils encountered, identification of salvaged fossils,
determination of their significance, and placement of curated fossil specimens into a
permanent public museum collection (such as the designated California state repository
for fossils, the University of California Museum of Paleontology [UCMP]).
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 14
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
4.1. Key Personnel
Dr. Lanny H. Fisk, PhD, PG, Project Paleontologist has over 30 years experience as a
professional paleontologist and 25 years as a paleontological consultant doing
paleontological resource impact assessments and surveys, preparing CEQA and NEPA
environmental documents and mitigation measures, designing and managing
environmental compliance monitoring programs, and coordinating and consulting with
state and federal resource agencies to resolve environmental concerns regarding
paleontological resources. He has been a consulting paleontologist on numerous large
earth-moving construction projects in California, including pipelines, power plants,
highways, tunnels, fiber-optic cables, landfills, and housing developments. These projects
have involved extensive coordination and consultation with project sponsors, other
consulting firms, and permitting agencies; adherence to strict delivery schedules; and
completion within specified budget limits. Dr. Fisk has also taught paleontology courses
at the university/college level and authored or co-authored a number of scientific research
contributions on paleontological resources. His experience includes preparing
paleontological resource impact assessments and paleontological resource monitoring and
mitigation programs. Dr. Fisk has a PhD with emphasis in paleobiology, plus all the
coursework and research for a PhD in Geology. He holds a Bureau of Land Management
Scientific Paleontological Collecting Permit, which demonstrates the qualification to do
Federal Antiquities Act studies.
Other PRC personnel who worked on this assessment include Dr. David M. Haasl, PhD;
Stephen J. Blakely; David F. Maloney; and Brendan J. Pfeiffer. Dr. Haasl has 5 years’
experience as a museum scientist at UCMP and is the author of several scientific papers
on paleontology, specifically on Cenozoic marine mollusks. He has a PhD in
paleobiology from the University of California, Davis, and a MS in paleontology from
Western Washington University. He has contributed to the preparation of paleontological
resource impact assessments, field surveys, and paleontological mitigation and
monitoring plans. David F. Maloney has a BSc in Geology from California State
University, Chico, where he is presently attending graduate school. He is a Staff
Paleontologist with PRC and has 15 years’ experience in paleontological mitigation,
including field assessments, paleontological monitoring, fossil recovery and cataloging,
report generation, laboratory preparation of fossils, and identification of micro- and
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 15
macrofossils. Stephen J. Blakely is a Staff Paleontologist with PRC and has nearly 10
years experience working in paleontological mitigation performing field assessments,
construction monitoring, fossil recovery, and laboratory preparation and has contributed
on many paleontological assessments, mitigation plans, and mitigation reports. He has a
background in geology from study at the University of California, Davis, and has several
years experience working in the construction industry and geological experience working
in the sedimentology laboratory at the University of California, Davis. Brendan J. Pfeiffer
has a BSc in Geology from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a Staff
Paleontologist with PRC and has 2 years’ experience working in paleontological
mitigation performing field assessments, construction monitoring, fossil recovery, and
laboratory preparation and has contributed on paleontological assessments, and
mitigation reports.
4.2. Resource Inventory Methods
To develop a baseline paleontological resource inventory of the Project and surrounding
area and to assess the potential paleontological productivity of each stratigraphic unit
present, the published as well as available unpublished geological and paleontological
literature was reviewed and stratigraphic and paleontologic inventories were compiled,
synthesized, and evaluated. These methods are consistent with SVP (2010) standard
procedures for assessing the importance of paleontological resources in areas of potential
environmental effect. No subsurface exploration was conducted for this assessment.
Geologic maps and reports covering the bedrock and surficial geology of the Project
vicinity were reviewed to determine the surface and subsurface rock units, assess the
potential paleontological productivity of each rock unit, and delineate their respective
areal distribution in the Project area. The number and locations of previously recorded
fossil sites from rock units exposed in and near the Project and the types of fossil remains
each rock unit has produced were evaluated based on published and unpublished
geological and paleontological literature. The literature review was supplemented by
archival record searches conducted at UCMP and by e-mail communication with experts
on local paleontology at California State University, Humboldt, for additional
information regarding the occurrence of fossil sites and remains on and near the Project
site.
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 16
4.3. Field Survey
A field survey, which included visual inspection of exposures of potentially fossiliferous
strata in the Project area, was conducted on September 14, 2016. The field survey was
conducted by PRC Staff Paleontologists Brendan J. Pfeiffer and Stephen J. Blakely. The
purpose of the field survey was to document the presence of sediments suitable for
containing fossil remains and the presence of any previously unrecorded fossil sites.
4.4. Paleontological Resource Assessment Criteria
Under SVP (2010) criteria, a stratigraphic unit (such as a formation, member, or bed)
known to contain significant fossils is considered to have a high potential to yield
additional significant fossils. These paleontological resources could be adversely affected
by earth-moving or ground-disturbing activities. The resource could be disturbed or
destroyed. This definition of resource potential or sensitivity differs fundamentally from
that for archaeological resources:
“It is extremely important to distinguish between archaeological and paleontological
resources (see “definitions” section in this document) when discussing the
paleontological potential of rock units. The boundaries of an archaeological resource
site define the areal/geographic extent of an archaeological resource, which is generally
independent from the rock unit on which it sits. However, paleontological sites indicate
that the containing rock unit or formation is fossiliferous. Therefore, the limits of the
entire rock unit, both areal and stratigraphic, define the extent of paleontological
potential” (SVP 2010).
This distinction between archaeological and paleontological sites is important. Most
archaeological sites have a surface expression that determines their geographic location.
Fossils, on the other hand, are an integral component of the rock unit below the ground
surface, and, therefore, are not observable unless exposed by erosion or human activity.
Therefore, a paleontologist cannot know either the quality or quantity of fossils present
before the rock unit is exposed as a result of natural erosion processes or earth-moving
activities. The paleontologist can only make conclusions on sensitivity to impact based
on what fossils have been found in the rock unit in the past, along with a judgment on
whether or not the depositional environment of the sediments that compose the rock unit
was likely to result in the burial and preservation of fossils.
Fossils are seldom uniformly distributed within a rock unit. Most of a rock unit may lack
fossils, but at other locations within the same rock unit concentrations of fossils may
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 17
exist. Even within a fossiliferous portion of a rock unit, fossils may occur in local
concentrations. For example, Shipman (1977, 1981) excavated a fossiliferous site using a
three dimensional grid and removed blocks of matrix of a consistent size. The site chosen
was known prior to excavation to be richly fossiliferous, yet only 17% of the excavated
blocks actually contained fossils. These studies demonstrate the physical basis for the
difficulty in predicting the location and quantity of fossils in advance of actual project-
related ground disturbance.
Because it is not possible to determine where fossils are located prior to actually
disturbing a rock unit, monitoring of excavations by an experienced paleontologist during
construction increases the probability that fossils will be discovered and preserved.
Preconstruction mitigation measures such as surface prospecting and collecting will not
prevent adverse impacts on fossils because many sites will be unknown in advance due to
an absence of fossils at the surface.
The non-uniform distribution of fossils within a rock unit is essentially universal and
many paleontological resource assessment and mitigation reports conducted in support of
environmental impact documents and mitigation plan summary reports document similar
findings (e.g., Lander 1989, 1993; Reynolds 1987, 1990; Spencer 1990; Fisk et al. 1994;
and references cited therein). In fact, most fossil sites recorded in reports of impact
mitigation (where construction monitoring has been implemented) had no previous
surface expression. Because the presence or location of fossils within a rock unit cannot
be known without exposure resulting from erosion or excavation under SVP (2010)
standard procedures, an entire rock unit is assigned the same level of sensitivity based on
recorded fossil occurrences.
Using SVP (2010) criteria, the paleontological potential (high, low, undetermined, and
no) of a rock unit is the measure most amenable to assessing the significance of
paleontological resources because the areal distribution of that rock unit can be delineated
on a topographic or geologic map. The paleontological importance of a stratigraphic unit
reflects (1) its potential paleontological productivity (and thus sensitivity) and (2) the
scientific significance of the fossils it has produced. This method of paleontological
resource assessment is the most appropriate because discrete levels of paleontological
importance can be delineated on a topographic or geologic map of the project area.
The potential paleontological productivity of a stratigraphic unit exposed in a project area
is based on the abundance/densities of fossil specimens and/or previously recorded fossil
sites in exposures of the unit in and near a project site. The underlying assumption of this
Chapter 4. Key Personnel, Methods, and Assessment Criteria
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 18
assessment method is that exposures of a stratigraphic unit in a project site are most
likely to yield fossil remains both in quantity and density similar to those previously
recorded from that stratigraphic unit in and near the project site.
The following tasks were completed to establish the paleontological significance and
potential of each stratigraphic unit exposed in or near the Project site.
The potential paleontological productivity of each rock unit was assessed based
on previously recorded and newly documented fossil sites it contains at or near
the Project site.
The scientific importance of fossil remains recorded from a stratigraphic unit
exposed at or near the Project site was assessed.
The paleontological importance of a rock unit was assessed, based on its
documented or potential fossil content in the area surrounding the Project site.
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 19
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
5.1. Geographic Location
The proposed Project is located on SR 101 between PM 35.8 and PM 36.3, where the
highway spans the Smith River in Del Norte County, approximately 9 miles north of
Crescent City, California. The Dr. Fine Bridge is located approximately at latitude
41º52'48.0"N and longitude 124
º08'13.5"W (Figure 2). The Project area is within the
USGS Smith River 7.5-minute (1:24:000 scale) Quadrangle.
Topography of the Project area consists of a river valley incised into an uplifted terrace.
The elevation of the Project area ranges from approximately 20 feet above sea level at the
base of the bridge pier supports to approximately 60 feet above sea level at the top of the
bridge abutments.
5.2. Regional Geologic Setting
The general geology in the vicinity of the proposed Project has been described in some
detail by numerous workers, including Maxson (1933), Back (1957), Blake et al. (1967),
Moore and Silver (1968), Kleist (1974), Kramer (1976), Bachman et al. (1984), Aalto
(1989), Nilsen and Clarke (1989), Polenz and Kelsey (1989), Stanford (1991), and Lock
et al. (2006). Surficial geologic mapping of the Project vicinity has been provided at a
scale of 1:750,000 by Jennings (1977); at a scale of 1:500,000 by Jenkins (1938) and
Irwin (1997); at a scale of 1:250,000 by Wagner and Saucedo (1987); at a scale of
1:100,000 by Delattre and Rosinski (2012); at a scale of 1:62,500 by Back (1957); and at
a scale of 1:24,000 by Davenport (1984). The information in these geologic maps and
published and unpublished reports form the basis of the following discussion. Individual
maps and publications are incorporated into this report and referenced where appropriate.
The aspects of geology pertinent to this report are the types, distribution, and age of
sediments immediately underlying the proposed Project area and their probability of
producing significant fossils during Project excavations.
The Project is located in the northernmost portion of the Coast Ranges Geomorphic
Province and is positioned between the Klamath Mountains Geomorphic Province on the
east and the Pacific Ocean on the west (California Geological Survey 2002). The northern
Coast Ranges consist primarily of Mesozoic volcanics, greywacke sandstone, shale, and
radiolarian cherts that occur as an accretionary prism along the continental margin
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 20
(Bailey and Irwin 1959; Blake et al. 1967; Aalto 1989; Jayko and Blake 1989). These
deposits were uplifted and complexly deformed by convergent tectonic processes and
broad wide-scale thrusting (Bachman et al. 1984). Tertiary and Quaternary sediments
overlie wave-cut terraces eroded into the bedrock at the lower elevations (Bachman et al.
1984; Polenz and Kelsey 1998; Lock et al. 2006).
Figure 2. Project location. Scale approximately 1:100,000. Map modified from the USGS 7.5-minute Smith River, High Divide, Crescent City, and Hiouchi Quadrangles.
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 21
5.3. Project Geologic Setting
The preserved geologic history in the Project vicinity ranges from Mesozoic to Holocene
and several geologic units are present. For the purposes of this report, these units have
been categorized, from oldest to youngest, as Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous
sedimentary rocks belonging to the Franciscan Complex, Quaternary stream terrace
deposits, and Holocene fluvial and alluvial deposits (Figure 3). The Franciscan Complex
forms the bedrock and surrounding uplands in the Project area and is unconformably
overlain, in places, by Pleistocene and younger stream terrace deposits and younger
Quaternary sedimentary deposits.
Figure 3. Geologic map of the Project area, modified from Delattre and Rosinski (2012). Scale approximately 1:75,000.
5.3.1. Franciscan Complex (Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous)
A large portion of the Coast Ranges of California is composed of the Franciscan
Complex and is commonly subdivided into three regions referred to as the Eastern Belt,
Central Belt, and Coastal Belt (Bailey and Irwin 1959, Kleist 1974, Nilsen and Clarke
1989, Stanford 1991). Each belt has been further subdivided into several
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 22
tectonostratigraphic terranes (Blake et al. 1982; Aalto 1989; Jayko and Blake 1989). The
Franciscan Complex consists of a wide array of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic
rocks, which were emplaced as an accretionary prism along the continental margin.
During and subsequent to emplacement, these rocks were complexly faulted and
deformed by tectonic processes (Bachman et al. 1984).
In the Project area, bedrock consists of a component of the Eastern Belt referred to as the
Yolla Bolly terrane (Blake et al. 1982; Aalto 1989). The Yolla Bolly and other terranes
found in the region, such as the Pickett Peak terrane, have undergone multiple episodes of
deformation (Jayko and Blake 1989) and local outcrops are variably metamorphosed
(Aalto 1989). In the Project area, Aalto (1989) described the local Franciscan as
consisting of intercalated mélange and broken formation units. Delattre and Rosinski
(2012) mapped this area as Eastern Belt broken formation and described this unit as a
broken formation consisting of massive graywackes and interbedded shales, sandstones,
and conglomerates that have been tectonically broken into blocks incorporated into a
fine-grained matrix. Locally, Aalto (1989) described the sedimentary rocks of the
Franciscan as pre-dominantly submarine sediment gravity flow deposits.
The Franciscan Complex as a whole is generally considered to be Mesozoic in age,
although components of the Coastal Belt are now considered to be as young as Miocene
(McLaughlin et al. 1982). The Eastern Belt contains some of the oldest rocks found in the
Franciscan, and the Yolla Bolly terrane has been dated to between the Tithonian (Late
Jurassic) and the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous) (Aalto 1989).
Franciscan rocks of the Yolla Bolly terrane form the bedrock in the Project area and are
unconformably overlain by Pleistocene terrace deposits or younger sedimentary strata.
During the field survey, outcrops of the Franciscan Complex were observed in and near
to the Project area and typically comprised marine sandstones, greywackes, and shales
(Figure 4).
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 23
Figure 4. Franciscan Complex graywacke with intercalated shale. Scale is approximately 4 inches in length.
5.3.2. Quaternary Stream Terrace (Pleistocene to Early Holocene)
Older stream terrace deposits present in the Project area are mapped by Delattre and
Rosinski (2012) as Qt, and as Qpal by Polenz and Kelsey (1998) in the Project vicinity.
Within the Project area, these deposits outcrop and were observed in road cuts at the
north end of the Project during the field survey (Figure 5). These deposits consist of clast-
supported, well-rounded cobbles and gravel within a fine-grained clay-dominated matrix.
Finer-grained facies were also observed in outcrops within the boundaries of the Project.
These facies appear to be devoid of coarser-grained gravels and cobbles. The thickness of
the Quaternary stream terrace deposits is highly variable and has been reported to be over
50 feet in places (Back 1957).
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 24
Figure 5. Quaternary Stream terrace deposits. For scale, the post to the base of the stop sign is approximately 7 feet tall.
5.3.3. Quaternary Alluvium and Fluvium (Holocene)
Holocene deposits mapped in the immediate vicinity of the Project area by Delattre and
Rosinski (2012) have been subdivided into four units and include modern stream channel
deposits (Qhc), alluvial deposits (Qha and Qhf), and terraced stream deposits (Qht). The
modern stream channel and terraced stream deposits in the area (Qhc and Qht) consist of
sand, gravel, cobbles, and minor amounts of silt and clay (Figure 6). The clastics present
in these deposits are derived primarily from Franciscan Complex exposures and the
Klamath Mountains. Alluvial deposits in the area form at the base of hillslopes and at
canyon openings and consist of variable amounts of clay, silt, sand, and gravels.
Chapter 5. Affected Environment
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 25
Figure 6. Holocene fluvial deposits in the active Smith River channel overlying Franciscan Complex greywacke which can be seen outcropping at the stream margin.
Chapter 6. Results
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 26
Chapter 6. Results
6.1. Geologic Map Inventory and Field Survey
Regional geologic mapping in the vicinity of the proposed Project has been provided by
Jenkins (1938), Back (1957), Jennings (1977), Davenport (1983), Wagner and Saucedo
(1987), Irwin (1997), and Delattre and Rosinski (2012). These geologic maps were
reviewed to determine the stratigraphic units that might be affected by Project-related
excavations. During the field survey for the Project, the geologic maps were ground-
truthed and determined to be reasonably accurate, given the limited exposures and
abundant vegetation cover. Stratigraphy was observed in natural exposures, such as beach
cliffs and stream banks, and artificial exposures, such as road cuts.
6.2. Paleontological Resource Inventory
An inventory of known paleontological resources discovered in the vicinity of the
proposed Project is presented below. Table 1 presents a summary of the geologic units
that may potentially be affected by Project excavations and their respective
paleontological sensitivities. The inventory that follows is based on a review of the
available literature, a search of the UCMP database, and the results of the field survey.
The literature and museum record review conducted for this inventory documented no
previously recorded fossil sites in the limited footprint of the proposed Project.
Table 1. Paleontological Potential of Geological Units Found in the Project Area.
Map Symbol
1 Age Geologic Unit
Lithology Known Paleontological Resources
Paleontological Potential
Qhc, Qha, Qhf, Qht
Holocene Quaternary alluvium and fluvium
Unconsolidated or poorly consolidated gravels and cobbles with minor silt, sand, and clay
No significant resources
Low
Qt Pleistocene to early Holocene
Quaternary Stream terrace deposits
Moderately consolidated gravels, cobbles, and clay with minor silt and sand
No significant resources
Low
KJfbf Mesozoic Franciscan Complex
Graywackes interbedded with shales, sandstones, and conglomerates
Microfossils, rare vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and ichnofossils
High
1 Map symbols are from Delattre and Rosinski (2012).
Chapter 6. Results
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 27
6.2.1. Franciscan Complex
The Franciscan Complex has produced a variety of paleontological resources.
Microfossils have been reported from Franciscan cherts, limestones, and other fine-
grained rocks and have provided important age data (Riedel and Schlocker 1956, Bailey
et al. 1964, Pessagno 1973, Evitt and Pierce 1975, Kramer 1976, Damassa 1979; Sliter
and Silva 1990).
Although the Franciscan Complex is generally poorly fossiliferous with respect to
macrofossils, important fossils have been documented from some localities. Kleist (1974)
reported that plant fragments were common in the upper parts of sandstone beds and also
that burrows were present in isolated sandy and argillaceous beds of the Coastal Belt.
Kramer (1976) also noted that localized shale beds in the Coastal Belt were very rich in
plant fragments. Miller (1986) reported a rich assemblage of trace fossils (feeding traces
and burrows) from the Central Belt. Marine reptiles have been reported from Franciscan
cherts and other deposits. Fragments belonging to two ichthyosaur species (Ichthyosaurus
franciscus and I. californicus) were collected in the 1930s from San Joaquin and
Stanislaus counties (Camp 1942, Bailey et al. 1964, Hilton 2003). The remains of a third
marine reptile (Plesiosaurus hesternus) were collected from San Luis Obispo County
(Hilton 2003). Molluscan fossils, such as ammonites (Mantelliceras sp., Douvilleiceras
sp., and others), the clams Buchia (B. piochii and B.crassicollis) and Inoceramus (I.
labiatus and I. schmidti), and small gastropods (Nerinea sp.), are reported to occur in the
Franciscan (Hertlein 1956, Bailey et al. 1964, Jones 1966, Jones in Armstrong and
Gallagher 1977, Little et al. 1999). Rare occurrences of worm tubes, brachiopods (Little
et al. 1999), and echinoids (Bailey et al. 1964) have also been reported.
Because the Franciscan Complex has yielded vertebrate fossils and invertebrate and
microfossils that have the potential to provide valuable data on the age and depositional
environments of the Franciscan, it is assigned a high potential using both SVP (2010) and
Caltrans (2016) criteria. Any additional fossils discovered in this stratigraphic unit during
Project excavations could be highly significant scientifically.
6.2.2. Quaternary Stream Terrace (Pleistocene to Early Holocene)
Pleistocene sedimentary deposits have produced significant fossils throughout the State
of California (Hay 1927; Jefferson 1991a, b; UCMP online database). Fossils discovered
in terrace deposits can be highly significant in documenting the age of different terrace
levels. These age determinations, in combination with analysis of eustatic and local sea-
level curves, have been instrumental in analysis of regional uplift associated with the
Chapter 6. Results
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 28
continental margin and the migration of the Mendocino Triple Junction (Kennedy et al.
1982, Merrits and Bull 1989, Leibson 2004, Lock et al. 2006).
A search of the UCMP online database yielded no Pleistocene vertebrate localities in the
Project area, and no previously unrecorded fossil sites were discovered during the field
survey. However, during the field survey for this Project, PRC paleontologists identified
localities with sediments that appeared conducive to the preservation of fossils.
Because fossils have not previously been reported from this unit, and no previously
unrecorded fossil sites were discovered during the field survey, this unit is assigned a low
potential using both SVP (2010) and Caltrans (2016) criteria.
6.2.3. Quaternary Alluvium and Fluvium (Holocene)
These deposits are too young to produce significant fossil remains (SVP 2010).
Therefore, these deposits are assigned a low potential using both SVP (2010) and
Caltrans criteria (2016).
6.2.4. Summary
The presence of fossils in the Franciscan Complex reported in the literature and museum
records from the region, suggests that there is a high potential for additional similar fossil
remains to be uncovered in this unit. Under both SVP (2010) and Caltrans (2016) criteria,
this geologic unit has a high potential for producing additional paleontological resources.
Identifiable fossil remains discovered during Project construction could represent new
taxa or new fossil records for the Crescent City area and for the State of California. They
could also represent geographic or temporal range extensions. Moreover, additional fossil
remains could make it possible to more accurately determine the age, paleoclimate,
and/or depositional environment of the sediments from which they are discovered.
Finally, fossil remains recovered during Project construction could provide a more
comprehensive documentation of the diversity of animal and plant life that once existed
in Del Norte County and could result in a more accurate reconstruction of the geologic
and paleobiologic history of the California coast during the Mesozoic.
Pleistocene stream terrace sediments occur in the Project area. Although museum record
and literature searches did not yield any previous fossil discoveries from this unit,
sediments conducive to the preservation of fossil remains do occur in this unit on the
Project site. Identifiable fossil remains uncovered during Project excavation activities
could provide important geologic and paleontologic context to this unit, including the age
of deposition, paleoclimate, and tectonic history of the area.
Chapter 7. Environmental Consequences
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 29
Chapter 7. Environmental Consequences
7.1. Potential Impacts from Project Construction
Geologic units with the potential to contain significant paleontological resources do occur
within the Project area and could be adversely impacted by Project activities. The types
of potential impacts on paleontological resources resulting from Project activities would
involve pile installation, excavations in support of the removal and replacement of the
existing abutments and piers, excavations for drainage diversions and an infiltration
basin, and minor grading to construct access roads. These excavations would be in
Quaternary alluvium and fluvium, Quaternary terrace deposits, or Franciscan Complex at
the north and south approaches to the Dr. Fine Bridge. Activities that occur at the Dr.
Fine Bridge abutments, auguring for piers, and excavations for the detour and Jack-N-
Slide would also have the potential to impact these geologic units. The site-specific
excavations and associated stratigraphic unit(s) that could potentially be affected are
discussed below.
Access and Bridge Approach Road Grading: Ground preparation for the temporary
access roads and the shoulders of SR 101 would involve minor earth disturbance and
would be shallow in depth. At the northeastern end of the Dr. Fine Bridge, Pleistocene
terrace deposits occur at or near the surface and may be affected by even shallow
excavations. The Pleistocene terrace deposits have been assigned a low potential rating
using both SVP (2010) and Caltrans (2016) criteria, which normally would not call for
monitoring. However, due to the fact that the age and depositional environment of these
sediments suggest some potential for significant fossils to be found, emergency discovery
procedures or spot-checking could be implemented if paleontological resources are
encountered (Chapter 8, Recommended Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment
Measures).
Infiltration Basin: Excavation for an infiltration basin will involve shallow excavations
in the Quaternary alluvium and fluvium located in the northwest Project area. Because
this geologic unit has a low potential rating, no monitoring for paleontological resources
would be required.
Pile Installation: Piles will be required for bridge abutment support, detour bridge
support, and the Jack-N-Slide apparatus. These piles would affect sediments of the
Quaternary alluvium and fluvium and Franciscan Complex. These activities could
adversely affect significant paleontological resources in the Franciscan Complex.
Chapter 7. Environmental Consequences
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 30
However, each pile is expected to be driven into place via vibratory or impact hammers.
This method of installation would not produce salvageable fossil material. Therefore, pile
installation would not need to be monitored.
Pier Installation: New piers would be required for bridge support. Excavations for pier
installation would affect sediments of the Quaternary alluvium and fluvium and the
Franciscan Complex. The piers would be installed with a variety of methods. Those
methods that bring sediments of the Franciscan Complex to the surface as spoils (e.g.,
augering or the use of a drilling bucket) would need to be monitored (Chapter 8,
Recommended Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment Measures).
Abutment Construction: Excavation in support of removal of the existing abutments
and their replacement with new structures would affect the Pleistocene terrace deposits or
the Quaternary alluvium and fluvium and the Franciscan Complex. Where these activities
penetrate through the overlying Pleistocene terrace deposits or Quaternary alluvium and
fluvium and into the Franciscan Complex, these activities would need to be monitored.
Additionally, excavations in the Pleistocene terrace deposits located at the north abutment
should either employ spot-checking or have emergency discovery procedures in place
(Chapter 8, Recommended Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment Measures).
7.2. Cumulative Impacts
The potential cumulative impacts on paleontological resources resulting from Project
construction are unknown since most past projects in the Project vicinity did not consider
impacts to paleontological resources and no monitoring or collection of paleontological
resources took place. In addition, given the rural and undeveloped nature of the Project
area and the relatively few past projects with major earth-disturbance, it is difficult to
judge if past projects had any impact on significant paleontological resources. We know
of no present projects that could be having an adverse impact on paleontological
resources. As discussed above, the Dr. Fine Bridge Project could result in direct and/or
indirect impacts. However, this Project is not likely to contribute any cumulative effects
because the monitoring and collection of paleontological resources described in Chapter
8, Recommended Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment Measures, will be implemented
and any resources encountered would be recovered and managed appropriately. Likewise,
any reasonably foreseeable future projects that would be located in the vicinity of the Dr.
Fine Bridge Project potentially could result in adverse impacts on paleontological
resources. However, implementing similar measures required by the Paleontological
Resource Preservation Act on U.S. Forest Service lands and required by the Caltrans SER
on highway construction projects would again result in reduced-impacts.
Chapter 8. Recommended Mitigation Measures
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 31
Chapter 8. Proposed Monitoring, Collection, and Treatment Measures
This section describes proposed monitoring, collection, and treatment measures that
would be implemented to reduce potential adverse impacts to paleontological resources
resulting from Project construction. Implementing monitoring, collection, and treatment
measures are necessary because of the potential for adverse impacts on paleontological
resources within the Franciscan Complex and Pleistocene terrace deposits during some
Project construction activities. The monitoring, collection, and treatment measures
proposed are consistent with Caltrans SER (2016) criteria and with SVP standard
procedures for mitigating adverse construction-related impacts on paleontological
resources (SVP 1996; 2010).
8.1. Retain a Professional Paleontologist and Prepare a PMP
Prior to construction, a qualified professional paleontologist shall be retained to both
design a paleontological mitigation program (PMP) and implement the program during
all project-related ground disturbance. The PMP shall include preconstruction
coordination; construction monitoring during activities identified within this report;
emergency discovery procedures during excavation; sampling and data recovery, if
needed; preparation, identification, and analysis of the fossil specimens salvaged, if any;
museum storage of any specimens and data recovered; and preparation of a detailed
report of the resources recovered. Prior to the start of construction, the qualified
professional paleontologist shall conduct a detailed field survey of each exposure of
sensitive stratigraphic units in the construction right-of-way that would be disturbed.
Earth-moving construction activities shall be monitored wherever these activities have
the potential to disturb previously undisturbed strata with high sensitivity. Emergency
discovery procedures and/or spot-checking would be employed in excavations in the
Pleistocene terrace deposits. Monitoring will not need to be conducted in areas where
sediments have been previously disturbed or in areas where exposed sediments will be
buried, but not otherwise disturbed.
8.2. Provide Worker Education on Paleontological Resources
Prior to the start of construction, project managers and all construction personnel
involved with earth-moving activities would be informed that fossils could be discovered
during excavating, that these fossils are protected by laws, on the appearance of typical
fossils that might be discovered in the area, and on proper notification procedures. This
Chapter 8. Recommended Mitigation Measures
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 32
worker training would be prepared and presented by a qualified professional
paleontologist.
8.3. Result of Implementation
Implementation of these monitoring, collection, and treatment measures will allow for the
recovery of fossil remains and associated specimen data and corresponding geologic and
geographic site data that otherwise might be lost to earth-moving and to unauthorized
fossil collecting. With a well-designed and implemented PMP, Project construction could
result in beneficial impacts on paleontological resources through the discovery of fossil
remains that would not have been discovered without Project construction and, therefore,
would not have been available for scientific study. The recovery of such fossil remains as
part of Project construction could help answer important questions regarding the
geographic distribution, stratigraphic position, and age of fossiliferous sediments in the
Project area.
Chapter 9. References
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 33
Chapter 9. References
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Armstrong, C.F., and Gallagher, K., 1977, Fossils from the Franciscan assemblage,
Alcatraz Island: California Geology, vol. 30, p. 134-135.
Bachman, S.B., Underwood, M.B., and Menack, J.S., 1984, Cenozoic evolution of
coastal northern California: p. 55-66 in Crouch, J.K., and Bachman, S.B. (editors),
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Back, W., 1957, Geology and ground-water features of the Smith River plain, Del Norte
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Bailey, E.H., and Irwin, W.P., 1959, K-feldspar content of Jurassic and Cretaceous
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Bailey, E.H., Irwin, W.P., and Jones, P.L., 1964, Franciscan and related rocks and their
significance in the geology of western California: California Division of Mines
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Blake, Jr., M.C., Irwin, W.P., and Coleman, R.G., 1967, Upside-down zonation,
blueschist facies, along a regional thrust in California and Oregon: U.S.
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terrane map of California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 82-593, 9 p.
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California Geological Survey, 2002, California Geomorphic Provinces, Note 36, 3 p.
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protecting cultural resources: California State Historic Preservation Office,
Sacramento, CA, 4 p.
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Camp, C.L., 1942, Ichthyosaur rostra from central California: Journal of Paleontology,
vol. 16, p. 362-371.
Damassa, S.P., 1979, Eocene dinoflagellates from the Coastal Belt of the Franciscan
Complex, Northern California: Journal of Paleontology, vol. 53, no. 4, p. 815-
840.
Davenport, C.W., 1984, Geology and geomorphic features related to landsliding, Requa
7.5’ Quadrangle, Del Norte County, California, California Division of Mines and
Geology Open-file report 84-08, scale 1:24,000.
Delattre, M., and Rosinski, A., 2012, Preliminary geologic map of onshore portions of the
Crescent City and Orick 30’ x 60’ quadrangles, California: California Geological
Survey, available online at
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accessed on 07 September 2015, scale 1:24,000.
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development-department/planning-division/general-plan, 194 p.
Evitt, W.R., and Pierce, S.T., 1975, Early Tertiary ages from the coastal belt of the
Franciscan Complex, northern California: Geology, vol. 3, no. 8, p.433-436.
Fisk, L.H., and Spencer, L.A., 1994, Highway construction projects have legal mandates
requiring protection of paleontologic resources (fossils): p. 213-225 in Burns, S.F.
(editor), Proceedings of the 45th Highway Geology Symposium, Portland, OR,
258 p.
Fisk, L.H., Spencer, L.A., and Whistler, D.P., 1994, Paleontologic resource impact
mitigation on the PGT-PG&E Pipeline Expansion Project, Volume II: PG&E
Section, California: unpublished report prepared for the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, and Bechtel Corporation by Paleo Environmental Associates,
Inc., Altadena, CA, 123 p.
Gastaldo, R.A., 1999, International laws: collecting, transporting and ownership of fossils
– USA: p. 330-338 in Jones, T.P., and Rowe, N.P. (editors), Fossil plants and
spores, The Geological Society, London, England, 396 p.
Hay, O.P. 1927. The Pleistocene of the western region of North America and its
vertebrate animals: Carnegie Institute of Washington Publication 322, p. 1-346.
Hertlein, L.G., 1956, Cretaceous ammonite of Franciscan group, Marin County,
California: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, vol. 40, p.
1985-1988.
Hilton, R.P., 2003, Dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles from California: University of
California Press, Berkeley, CA, 356 p.
Chapter 9. References
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Irwin, W.P., 1997, Preliminary map of selected post-Nevadan geologic features of the
Klamath Mountains and adjacent areas, California and Oregon: U.S. Geological
Survey, Open-File Report OF-97-465, scale 1:500,000.
Jayko, A.S., and Blake Jr., M.C., 1989, Deformation of the Eastern Franciscan Belt,
northern California: Journal of Structural Geology, vol. 11, no. 4, p. 375-390.
Jenkins, O.P., 1938, Geologic map of California: California Division of Mines and
Geology, scale 1:500,000.
Jefferson, G.T., 1991a, A catalogue of late Quaternary vertebrates from California – part
one, nonmarine lower vertebrate and avian taxa: Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles County Technical Reports, no. 5, 60 p.
Jefferson, G.T., 1991b, A catalogue of late Quaternary vertebrates from California, part
two, mammals: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Technical
Reports, no. 7, 129 p.
Jenkins, O.P., 1938, Geologic map of California: California Division of Mines and
Geology, scale 1:500,000.
Jennings, C.W., 1977, Geologic map of California: California Division of Mines and
Geology, scale 1:750,000.
Jones, D.L., 1966, New Upper Cretaceous ammonite, Protexanites thompsoni, from
California: Journal of Paleontology, vol. 40, p. 199-203.
Kennedy, G.L., Lajoie, K.R., and Wehmiller, J.F., 1982, Aminostratigraphy and faunal
correlations of late Quaternary marine terraces, Pacific coast, USA: Nature, vol.
299, p. 545–547.
Kleist, J.R., 1974, Geology of the Coastal Belt, Franciscan Complex, near Fort Bragg,
California: unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Texas at Austin,
Davis, TX, 134 p.
Kramer, J.C., 1976, Geology and tectonic implications of the Coastal Belt Franciscan, Ft.
Bragg-Willits Area, Northern Coast Ranges, California: unpublished doctoral
dissertation, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, 128 p.
Lander, E.B., 1989, Interim paleontological resource technical report, Eastside Reservoir
Project Study -- Phase 1, Riverside County, California: unpublished report
prepared for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California by Paleo
Environmental Associates, Inc., Altadena, CA, 20 p.
Lander, E.B., 1993, Paleontologic/cultural resource impact mitigation program final
report: unpublished report prepared for Midway Sunset Cogeneration Company,
Mojave Natural Gas Pipeline, and Kern County, California by Paleo
Environmental Associates, Inc., Altadena, CA, 57 p.
Chapter 9. References
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 36
Leibson, S.A., 2004, Uplift of Marine Terraces along the San Andreas Fault: Fort Bragg
Region, Northern California: unpublished senior integrative exercise, Carlton
College, Northfield, MN, 29 p.
Little, C.T.S., Herrington, R.J., Haymon, R.M., and Danelian, T., 1999, Early Jurassic
hydrothermal vent community from the Franciscan Complex, San Rafael
Mountains, California: Geology, vol. 27, p. 167-170.
Lock, J., Kelsey, H., Furlong, K., and Woolace, A., 2006, Late Neogene and Quaternary
landscape evolution of the northern California Coast Ranges: Evidence for
Mendocino triple junction tectonics: Geological Society of America Bulletin, vol.
118, no. 9/10, p. 1232-1246.
Marshall, L.G., 1976, Paleontological salvage and federal legislation: Journal of
Paleontology, vol. 50, p. 346-348.
Maxson, J.H., 1933, Economic geology of portions of Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties,
northwesternmost California: California Journal of Mines and Geology, v. 29,
nos. 1-2, p. 125-160.
McLaughlin, R.J., Kling, S.A., Poore, R.Z., McDougall, K., and Beutner, E.C., 1982,
Post–middle Miocene accretion of Franciscan rocks, northwestern California:
Geological Society of America Bulletin, vol. 93, no. 7, p. 595-605.
Merritts, D., and Bull, W.B., 1989, Interpreting Quaternary uplift rates at the Mendocino
triple junction, northern California, from uplifted marine terraces: Geology, vol.
17, p. 1020–1024.
Miller, III, W., 1986, Discovery of trace fossils in Franciscan turbidites: Geology, vol.
14, p. 343-345.
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Geological Survey Research 1968: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper,
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Tectonics, vol. 8, no. 6, p. 1137-1158.
Pessagno, Jr., E.A., 1973, Age and geologic significance of radiolarian cherts in the
California Coast Ranges: Geology, vol. 1, p. 153-156.
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landscape during on-going tectonic contraction, Crescent City Coastal Plain,
California: Quaternary Research, vol. 52, p. 217-228.
Reynolds, R.E., 1987, Paleontologic resource assessment, Midway-Sunset Cogeneration
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California Edison Company by San Bernardino County Museum, San Bernardino,
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Reynolds, R.E., 1990, Paleontological mitigation program, Midway-Sunset Cogeneration
Project, Kern County, California: unpublished report prepared for Midway-Sunset
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California: Micropaleontology, vol. 2, p. 357-360.
Shipman, P., 1977, Paleoecology, taphonomic history and population dynamics of the
vertebrate assemblage from the middle Miocene of Fort Turnan, Kenya:
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(editor), Life history of a fossil, an introduction to taphonomy and paleoecology,
Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 222 p.
Sliter, W.V., and Silva, I.P., 1990, Age and origin of Cretaceous planktonic foraminifers
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Bulletin, vol. 166, p. 31-32.
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and mitigation of adverse impacts to paleontological resources: Society of
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West, R.M., 1991, State regulation of geological, paleontological, and archaeological
collecting: Curator, vol. 34, p. 199-209.
Chapter 9. References
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 39
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix A. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontolgical Resources
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Appendix B. Conditions Of Receivership For Paleontological Salvage Collections
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APPENDIX B. Conditions of Receivership for Paleontological Salvage Collections
Appendix B. Conditions Of Receivership For Paleontological Salvage Collections
Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report January 2017 Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project 54
CONDITIONS OF RECEIVERSHIP FOR PALEONTOLOGIC
SALVAGE COLLECTIONS
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Conformable Impact Mitigation Guidelines Committee
Robert E. Reynolds, Chairman
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology News Bulletin Number 166, pages 31-32
February 1996
1. The repository museum and its curator maintain the right to accept or refuse the
materials.
2. The materials received must fit with the repository museum's mission and policy
statements.
3. All repository arrangements must be made with the curator in advance of receipt. All
arrangements for inventory numbers and locality numbers must be made in advance.
"Museums are not a dumping ground."
4. The museum will act as the trustee for the specimens. A deed of gift from the land
owner or agent must be provided. A loan form or Memorandum of Understanding must
be prepared for specimens from government lands.
5. Specimens must receive discrete locality numbers. Locality data must be to the
maximum specificity available and plotted on 7.5-minute topographic maps, and as
specific as allowed by stratigraphic collecting and field mapping. The repository may
require the repositor to bear the cost of entering locality data into computerized data files.
6. All reports prepared to meet mitigation requirements, field notes, and photographs
must be provided at the time of transfer to the repository museum.
7. Specimens must be delivered to the repository fully prepared and stabilized.
Standards of stabilization and modern conservation techniques must be established prior
to preparation and must be acceptable to the repository institution. Details of stabilizing
materials and chemicals must be provided by the repositor. For microvertebrates, this
means sorting and mounting. For large specimens, including whales, this means removal
of all unnecessary materials and full stabilization. Fossiliferous matrix must be washed
and processed. Earthquake-proofing includes inventory numbers on corks and in vials. In
storage, specimens must be insulated or cushioned to protect each from contact or
Appendix B. Conditions Of Receivership For Paleontological Salvage Collections
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abrasion. Oversized specimens must be stored on shelves or on racks developed to fit
existing constraints of the repository museum. The repositor must provide for all
nonstandard materials for storage.
8. Specimens must be individually inventoried in accordance with the established
system at the repository museum. The specimen inventory must be acceptable to and
meet the requirements of the lead agency. Specimens must be identified to element and to
maximum reasonable taxonomic specificity. Batch or bulk cataloging must be avoided.
9. Specimens must be cataloged in accord with the repository system so that specimens
are retrievable to curators and to researchers. The repository museum may require that the
repositor bear the cost of having repository staff catalog specimens into computerized
data bases.
10. The repository may require the repositor to bear the cost for completing preparation
and stabilization, completing inventory, and completing cataloging.
11. There will be a one-time fee charged by the repository for permanent storage of
specimens. This fee will be utilized to compensate the repository for storage space,
cabinets or shelves, access or aisle space, a retrievable catalog system, additional
preparation, specimen filing, and labor involved in the above. The repository reserves the
right to charge the repositor for unpacking and placement of specimens in approved
storage cabinets.
© 1996, The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology