4-111

Description of the Affected Environment: Cultural Resources

Effects of Past Oil and Gas Activities: Several oil fields (e.g., Guadalupe, Casmalia, Lompoc)

within the onshore project area, which extends from

the Santa Barbara County line at the Santa Maria

River in the north to the Santa Ynez River and Point

Arguello in the south and inland to the cities of Santa

Maria and Lompoc. Development and production of

these fields, which is still occurring in some cases,

dates back to the early 1900’s. The impacts of these

oil fields include habitat loss and pollution, such as

the diluent contamination associated with the

Guadalupe oil field. Past construction activities associated with OCS-related oil and gas projects are limited to the construction of the Point Pedernales pipeline and the associated Lompoc Oil and Gas Plant.

Impacts of construction include vegetation removal,

with associated changes in erosion, sediment deposition, and invasive weeds, and disturbance to wildlife.

Within the onshore project area, these activities may

have affected an estimated 225-245 acres of vegetation and wildlife habitat (A.D. Little, 1985), the vast

majority of which was related to pipeline construction. Most of this area has probably recovered, since

revegetation efforts were carried out along the pipeline corridor and natural recovery would have occurred during the approximately15-year period since

the pipeline was completed.

4.7. CULTURAL RESOURCES

4.7.1 REGULATORY OVERVIEW

Cultural resources include any prehistoric or

historic sites, buildings, districts, structures, traditional use areas, or objects considered to be important to a culture, subculture, or community for scientific, traditional, religious, or other reasons. Cultural

resources encompass three categories: archaeological

resources (both historic and prehistoric), architectural

resources, and traditional cultural resources (U.S.

Navy 2000).

Archaeological resources are any material remains (sites) of human life or activities that are at

least 50 years of age and that are of archaeological

interest. Material remains include physical evidence

of human habitation, occupation, use or activity including the site, location, or context in which such

evidence is situated. Items of archaeological interest

may provide scientific or humanistic understanding

of past human behavior, cultural adaptation, and related topics through the application of scientific or

scholarly techniques. These resources can be identified and evaluated for significance according to each

site’s cultural importance, integrity, and ability to yield

information (Minerals Management Service1998).

Prehistoric archaeological sites consist of various forms of evidence of human activities that spanned

time from approximately 13,000 years ago until the

time of European contact in 1542. (The dividing line

between prehistoric and historic is not precise given

the 257-year lapse between initial contact and European settlement of California.) Prehistoric artifacts

include utilitarian and non-utilitarian objects, such

as flaked and ground stone tools as well as bone and

shellfish objects. Occasionally, remnants of basketry

or cordage, remains of living spaces, fire hearth, bedrock milling stations, mortuary remains, or rock art

exist as parts of prehistoric sites. These sites may

manifest themselves as a scatter of surface material

or be a subsurface or midden deposit. Often sites include surface and subsurface components. In addition, sites may be submerged and include intact sites

buried beneath the seabed, isolated artifacts deposited

on the seafloor from erosion of an upland site, or remnants of aboriginal watercraft.

Table 4.7.2-1. Archaeology studies in the area.

Area of the Study Title Citation 

Pt. Mugu Sea Range Shipwreck Study, Pt. Mugu Sea 

Range Environmental Impact 

Statement 

U.S. Navy. Department of the Navy, 

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons 

Division. April 1998 

Santa Barbara Channel Channel Islands National Park and 

Channel Islands National Marine 

Sanctuary, Submerged Cultural 

Resource Assessment 

CINPS. Don Morris and James 

Lima, 1996 

Morro Bay to Canadian Border OCS Study MMS 90-0087 through 

90-0092 California, Oregon, and 

Washington Archaeological 

Resource Study 

MMS. 1990. Espy, Houston and 

Associates. 

Morro Bay to Mexican Border OCS Study MMS 87-0025. 

Archeological Resource Study 

MMS. 1987. P.S. Associates. 

Pt. Conception to Mexican Border Archaeology Literature Survey and 

Sensitivity Zone Mapping of the 

Southern California Bight Area. 

Volume I, Technical Report 

BLM, 1978. Science Applications 

Incorporated. 
4-112

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

Historic archaeological sites can be subsurface

remains that contain buried foundations or other

structures such as pier footings, depositional sites such

as refuse dumps, and other locations. The sites may

include surface remains of walkways, roads, or structural remnants. Submerged historic sites include shipwrecks, cargo spills, historic anchorages and wharves,

and aircraft.

Architectural Resources are standing buildings, dams, canals, bridges and other structures of

historic or aesthetic significance. Architectural resources must be more than 50 years old to be considered for protection under existing cultural laws.

Traditional Cultural Resources are those associated with cultural practices and beliefs of a living

community that are rooted in history and are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity

of the community. Traditional cultural resources may

include archaeological sites; location of historic events;

sacred areas; sources of raw materials used to produce tools and sacred objects; and traditional hunting

or gathering places. The community may consider

these resources essential for the persistence of their

traditional culture.

What Laws and Regulation Govern Cultural Resources?

The Minerals Management Service (MMS), under various Federal laws and regulations, ensures that

regulated Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities do

not adversely affect significant archaeological resources.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as

amended, (16 USC 470, P.L. 95-515) under section 106,

requires Federal agencies to identify historic properties their actions could affect, determine whether or

not there could be a harmful or adverse affect, and if

so, to try to avoid or reduce the effect. The section

also requires consultation with State historic preservation officers and tribal historic preservation officers.

Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of

1974 (16 USC 469-469c, PL93-291) requires Federal

agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior when

they find that any federally permitted activity or program may cause irreparable loss or destruction of significant scientific, prehistoric, historical, or archaeological data.

4.7.2 STUDIES IN THE AREA

Table 4.7.2-1 lists some of the numerous studies

that address onshore and offshore archaeological resources in the area.

4.7.3 REGIONAL SETTING

In addition to the studies cited above, previous

environmental impact statements and reports have described the region’s offshore and onshore, prehistoric

and historic, archaeological resources of the in great

detail. These reports, whose geographic scope for archaeological resources overlap, include the northern

Santa Maria Basin (URS 1986), the central Santa

Maria Basin (Arthur D. Little 1985), the southern

Santa Maria Basin (Arthur D. Little 1986) and the

western Santa Barbara Channel (U.S. Geological Survey 1974, Science Application Inc. 1984, SLC 1992).

PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT

Archaeological evidence from the Channel Islands

indicates that prehistoric populations may have settled

in the area and traversed coastal areas by water as

early as 13,000 years ago (Johnson and others 1999).

Table 4.7.3-1 summarizes the sea level fluctuation and

the result on the coastline during the period of human

habitation. Although sea levels were much lower than

today, by perhaps 46 to 20 meters, the Channel Islands separated by the mainland by a minimum of five

miles (MMS1987; U.S. Navy1998). The presence of

archaeological sites dating to the late Pleistocene/Early

Holocene era, approximately 12,000 to 8,000 Before

Present (BP), suggests that maritime travel occurred

between the mainland and the islands (U.S. Navy1998)

and that aboriginal populations may have exploited

littoral and nearshore resources (SLC1992). A welldeveloped maritime economy may have been in place

by 5,500 BP with favored settlement locations consisting of embayments, lagoons, and estuaries

(MMS1990).

Submerged prehistoric sites consist of remains

deposited during the period of lowered sea level. Rising sea levels and the associated high-energy wave environment are supposed to have inundated and destroyed many sites. However, certain landforms which

would have been attractive to human habitation and

offered protection to archaeological resources during

inundation include submerged river valleys,

embayments, and island complexes. In addition, archaeological resources may be deposited offshore by

the continuing erosion of coastal landforms (MMS 1987,

1990; SLC1992). Figure 4.7.3-1 shows the approximate locations of the areas that have been identified

as potentially containing these landforms.

Chumash groups occupied the coast from presentday Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County to Malibu.

Gabrieleno groups occupied the coastline from presentday Malibu to Mission Viejo. The Chumash exhibited

a unique maritime subsistence adaptation, although

the marine resources appear to have been less important to Chumash groups north of Point Conception

(MMS1990). The Gabrieleno groups, while developing a maritime technology, were not as well oriented

to this type of resource procurement as the Chumash

(BLM 1978). The plank canoes of the Chumash, tomols,

and of the Gabrieleno, te’aat, allowed the development
4-113

Description of the Affected Environment: Cultural Resources

Years B.P. Water Depth

(meters below present sea

level).

Sea Level Changes Result

3,500 to present 0 Very slow rise Present still stand

8,500 to 3,500 18 to 0 Slow rise Erosion

8,500 18 Still stand 18 m shoreline

10,000 to 8,500 20 to 18 Still stand Cut platform

11,000 to 10,000 46 to 20 Rapid rise Erosion

11,000 46 Still stand 46 m shoreline

12,000 to 11,000 24 to 46 Rapid fall Exposure

14,500 to 12,000 60 to 24 Rapid Rise Erosion

Figure 4.7.3-1. Sensitive landforms for submerged prehistoric sites.

Table 4.7.3-1. Sea level fluctuation from present to 14,500 years Before Present (B.P.).
4-114

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

of trade between offshore island and the mainland villages. The plank canoes and the activities they fostered played an important role in the region’s economy

and social development (U.S. Navy 1998). Foundering at sea or in the nearshore and overturning of these

watercraft in the surf zone were common. Wrecks of

tomols may have occurred in the project area, but it is

unlikely that the remains of such craft would be preserved in the offshore environment. The more likely

areas for preservation of such craft would be within

shoreline caves and under talus slopes of cliff-faced

beaches (SLC1992).

HISTORIC SETTLEMENT

The first European exploration of the Santa Barbara Channel and the central California coast north

of Point Conception occurred in 1542 from vessels

under the command of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. During the exploration, Cabrillo died and, according to

some sources, is buried on one of the offshore islands.

For the next 267 years, until permanent Spanish colonization started in 1769, the area was largely ignored

except for an occasional voyage of exploration and disFigure 4.7.3-2. Shipwreck sensitivity zones.

covery. Vessels of commerce, the Manila galleons,

sailed down the California coast enroute to Acapulco

from Asia. Some of the galleons were lost along the

California coast and reports of a galleon lost in the

Channel Islands cannot be completely dismissed (Morris and Lima 1996). During the Spanish colonial period, voyages of the Manila galleons continued, as did

vessels engaged in coastwise trading and international

commerce, exploration, and other pursuits, including

smuggling. The Mexican period in California (1822 to

1846) saw little change in the character of coastal shipping over that which occurred during the Spanish period. During the American period (1846 to present)

coastwise shipping increased. Prior to completion of

the Southern Pacific railroad, coastal communities,

most lacking natural harbors, constructed piers as a

means of accessing maritime trade for shipment of

agricultural products. A thriving lumber trade between ports in the Pacific Northwest and the coastal

communities developed and continued into the 1920s.

In the 20th century, as coastwise trade decreased it

was replaced by trans-Pacific trade, commercial fishing, military, petroleum exploration and development,

and leisure as sources of widespread maritime activ-
4-115

Description of the Affected Environment: Cultural Resources

Gato Canyon Unit.

OCS-P-0460, 0462,

and 0464

Bonito Unit

OCS-P-0443, 0445,

0446, 0449, 0450,

0499,and 500

Purisima Point

Unit OCS-P-0426,

0427, 0432, and

0436

Pt. Sal Unit

OCS-P-0415, 0416,

0421, and 0422

Cultural Resource Survey

and Report

None.

Archaeological

Survey and Report

must be completed

prior to

exploration.

None. Analysis of

geophysical survey

data reveals no

indication of sites.

Archaeological

Survey and Report

must be completed

prior to delineation

on OCS-P 0500.

Yes on OCS-P0432, revealed

indication of sites.

Additional analysis

ordered.

Yes on OCS-P0416, revealed

indication of sites.

Additional analysis

ordered.

Landforms with Possible

Prehistoric Sites

No. Leases

seaward of 16,500-

year-old shoreline.

No. Leases

seaward of 18,000-

year-old shoreline.

No. Leases

seaward of 16,500-

year-old shoreline

Eastern portion of

0432 seaward of

16,500-year-old

shoreline.

Southeast portion

of 0432 may

contain logoon,

estuary or

embayment

landform.

Vessel Lost List-MMS MV Brant. Oil

exploration vessel.

Sank two miles

north of lease

boundary in State

waters.

No vessel listed.

Possible sites off

lease detected by

surveys.

No vessel listed. No vessel listed

Vessel Lost List-Pt. Mugu

Sea Range

No information. No vessel listed. No vessel listed. No vessel listed.

Vessel Lost List-State

Lands Commission

No information. No vessel listed. No vessel listed. No vessel listed.

Vessel Lost List-U.S.

Navy SPAWAR Systems

Command

No information. No vessel listed. No vessel listed. No vessel listed.

Central Coast Information

Center at UCSB

No information. No vessel listed. No vessel listed. No vessel listed.

Fisherman’s Contingency

Fund Claims from

Unknown Causes

Loss on OCS-P0462 and 0464.Loss on southeast

corner of OCS-P0500.

None None

Predictive Zone—MMS Moderate Low Low Low

Predictive Zone—Pt.

Mugu Sea Range

Moderate Low Moderate Moderate

Table 4.7.4.1-1. Summary of archaeology information by unit.

ity. The area contains the remains of vessels that came

to grief while engaged in each of these activities.

Shipwrecks tend to be concentrated around sites

that focus maritime traffic, such as ports, commercial

piers and shipping lanes, hazards to navigation, such

as islands, headlands, and prominent points, and in

areas of variable weather and sea conditions. These

factors have been integrated into a series of shipwreck

location prediction maps for the Pacific coast of the

United States (MMS1987 and 1990). Figure 4.7.3-2

indicates the predictive zones for the project area. For

example, several of these factors combine to explain

the concentration of shipwrecks between Point Conception and Point Arguello (a so-called Graveyard of

the Pacific) and the western end of San Miguel Island.

The balance of shipwreck sites not attributable to the

above mentioned factors appear to be randomly distributed (BLM1978, MMS1987, SLC1992). Other historical resource sites include aircraft ditched at sea

and the remains of maritime infrastructure, such as

wharves and piers.
4-116

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

4.7.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA

AFFECTED

This section describes three areas. The first area

is that for the Proposed Action (delineation drilling)

and consists of the offshore units where delineation

drilling takes place. The second area is that for existing operations and follow-on development of the 36

undeveloped leases. The third area is that which could

be affected by an oil spill, approximately Point Sur in

Monterey County to Point Fermin in Los Angeles

County.

4.7.4-1. AREA OF THE PROPOSED

ACTION

This section describes the area that may be affected by delineation drilling from a MODU on the

Gato Canyon Unit, Bonito Unit, Purisima Point, and

Point Sal Units.

Table 4.7.4.1-1shows the description of the units

and the sources examined for records indicating the

actual or potential presence of prehistoric or historic

resources.

Data on prehistoric and historic resource sites

comes from a number of sources. Archaeological resource surveys have been completed on portions of

several units. The records of several agencies, MMS,

the U.S. Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range and SPAWAR

Systems Command, the California State Lands Commission, and the Central Coast Information Center at

the University of California, Santa Barbara were consulted to determine if vessels had been reported as lost

in the area of the leases or if sites on the leases had

been documented. Predictive zones, areas evaluated

for indications of landforms of interest and for their

potential to contain historic resource sites, were examined (SAI 1978, MMS1987, MMS 1990, U.S.

Navy1998). For shipwrecks, an area’s potential was

evaluated based on several factors. Differences in

methodology between studies account for the different

designations for the same area.

Fisherman’s Contingency Fund claims for gear

loss due to unknown sources were plotted for each

unit. Gear loss may be indicative of a shipwreck site.

The MMS Regional Director has required operators to conduct an archaeological resource survey and

report on the Gato Canyon, Purisima Point, and Point

Sal Units prior to the submittal of new or revised exploration plans. These surveys and reports, which

must comply with the Region’s Notice to Lessees 98-

05 which may be viewed on the world wide web at

http://www.mms.gov/omm/pacific/offshore/ntls/ntl98-

p05.htm.

4.7.4.2 AREA OF POTENTIAL

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

The area potentially affected by development of

the 36 undeveloped leases includes the segments of the

nearshore and coastal area of Santa Barbara county,

from Point Sal to Point Arguello and the area around

El Capitan State Beach. As summarized above, the

studies in the area have noted the presence of a variety of prehistoric and historic resources and the potential for discovery of additional, significant sites.

For example, of the hundreds of vessels reported lost

in the area of the Channel Islands, only a small percentage have been located and even fewer have been

documented. These yet-to-be-discovered vessels represent every activity associated with the islands (Morris and Lima, 1996). As remote-sensing technology

improves and systematic surveys are conducted, more

sites are discovered. Similarly, the number of documented onshore prehistoric sites increases with the

systematic surveying and documentation.

The 77-acre promontory comprising Point Sal,

managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is sensitive for archaeological resources with Native American use in the area ranging from approximately 200

to 5000 years. The area is managed by BLM as an

Area of Critical Environmental Concern. There is not

public access to BLM-managed land at Point Sal (BLM

2001).

The following properties in the area are listed

on the National Register of Historic Places database

for Santa Barbara: Point Conception Light House Station, Space Launch Complex 10 on Vandenberg AFB,

and the SS Yankee Blade, a vessel wrecked near Point

Arguello

A review of California Native American Heritage

Commission records for the area of potential development reveals no listed Native American sacred sites in

the onshore portion of the study area. However, the

absence of specific site information in the sacred lands

records does not indicate the absence of traditional

cultural resources in the project area (Rob Wood 2001,

Pers. comm). There are numerous traditional resource

sites associated with the Chumash on VAFB. In addition, there is a specifically identified property in the

vicinity of Point Conception, referred to by some in

the Chumash culture as the Western Gate because of

its role in Chumash beliefs about death and the afterlife (USAF 1998).

Known onshore prehistoric sites in the study area

appear to cluster around stream drainages. Additional

sites inland along the drainages are likely. There is a

likelihood of prehistoric site deposits between the current shoreline and the shoreline of 8500 BP. Artifacts

deposited by erosion of onshore sites, with the exception of large stone artifacts, will be short-lived. This

shoreline is approximated by the 18-meter isobath (approximately 2.5 kilometers from the present shoreline
4-117

Description of the Affected Environment: Cultural Resources

between Point Sal and Point Arguello and 0.5 kilometers near El Capitan. Beyond this depth, areas of potential bay, estuarine, and lagoon deposits exist offshore between Point Sal and Point Arguello and in the

area of El Capitan should be considered highly sensitive archaeologically (MMS 1987). These areas are

indicated on figure 4.7.3-1.

The archaeological site data summarized in table

4.7.4.2-1 reveals that the potential corridor of the pipeline landfall to the processing plant for the hypothetical development in the northern Santa Maria Basin

contains several prehistoric and historic sites. The

description of the site does not indicate archaeological significance or importance. The data suggests a

variety of sites in the area of the Shuman Creek drainage that will need to be evaluated in determining the

pipeline route.

A number of vessels have been lost in the area

between Pt. Sal, Purisima Point, and Point Arguello,

primarily at nearshore locations. Table 4.7.4.2-2 lists

these vessels. The area around Point Sal to three nautical miles seaward is considered a medium sensitivity

zone for shipwrecks. As shown on figure 4.7.3-1, the

area from Purisima Point to Point Arguello is considered a high sensitivity zone immediately offshore. A

medium sensitivity zone, which extends less than three

nautical miles offshore, borders the high-sensitivity

zone. As indicated by table 4.7.4.2-2, few vessels have

been lost in the El Capitan area. In the vicinity of El

Capitan, a high sensitivity zone for shipwrecks extends

from the shore to approximately 2.5 nautical miles,

bordered by a medium sensitivity zone, which extends

beyond three nautical miles.

SBa Site

Number

Function Burial

(Y/N)

SBa Site

Number

Function Burial

(Y/N)

512 Campsite Y 2175 Quarry Site N

722 Hunting Site N 2193 Temp. Site N

723 Campsite/ Quarry Site N 2319 Temp. Site N

724 Temp. Site (Quarry) N 2320 Temp. Site N

725 Temp. Site (Quarry) N 2368-H Unclassified N

726 Unclassified N 2476-H Unclassified N

727 Unclassified N 2479 Campsite N

728 Unclassified N 2568 Unclassified N

729 Unclassified N 2688 Temp. Site (Quarry) N

730 Unclassified N 2715-H Historic Trash Scatter N

731 Temp. Site N 3013 Campsite N

732 Quarry Site N 3014 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

733 Temp. Site (Lithic Scatter) N 3018 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

734 Campsite/Burial Site Y 3026 Temp. Site N

735 Unclassified N 3027 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

939 Temp. Site (Camping) N 3028 Temp. Site N

940 Campsite N 3029 Temp. Site N

941 Campsite N 3030 Campsite N

942 Campsite (Seasonal) N 3033 Temp. Site N

962 Temp. Site (Camping) N 3034 Temp. Site N

963 Temp. Site (Camping) N 3035 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

965 Temp. Site (Shellfisher Camp) N 3036 Temp. Site N

966 Unclassified N 3040 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

967 Temp. Site (Camping) N 3296 Quarry Site N

968 Temp. Site (Camping) N 3297 Hunting Site N

969 Temp. Site (Shellfisher Camp) N 3298 Hunting Site N

991 Temp. Site (Hunting) N 3386 Historic Trash Scatter N

992 Temp. Site N 3390 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

1001 Temp. Site (Hunting) N 3393 Temp. Site (Hunting) N

1002 Temp. Site N 3424 Temp. Site N

1728 Temp. Site (Lithic Scatter) N 3426 Temp. Site (Lithic

Scatter)

N

1997 Temp. Site (Hunting) N 3503 Temp. Site (Lithic

Scatter)

N

2174 Quarry Site N

Table 4.7.4.2-1. Onshore archaeological sites in the area of Shuman Canyon, Santa Barbara

County, California
4-118

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

4.7.4.3 AREA POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY

OIL SPILLS

The area that could be affected by an oil spill

consists of the coastal area from approximately Point

Sur in Monterey County to Point Vicente in Los Angeles County. This area consists of the intertidal zone

to an area extending inland approximately 1.6 kilometers from the mean higher high water mark for the

area south of Morro Bay.

As noted above, the northern extent of the

Chumash appears to have been the Morro Bay area.

Along the coast, the Salinan people inhabited the area

from Piedras Blancas to Big Creek. Most villages are

found along interior river drainages, although some

habitation sites were found along the coast. Evidence

suggests that Salinan villages were located above the

fog line while temporary camps used by travelers are

found along the coast. The area north of Big Creek

into the Carmel Valley was inhabited by the Esselen

people, whose settlement patterns remain poorly

known. Generally, large coastal village sites are absent in this area, where only temporary camps are

Ship Place Lost Date Lost Cause

Harvard Point Arguello 1931 Stranded

JJ Loggie Point Arguello 1912 Stranded

Lone Eagle Point Arguello 1940 Collision

Los Angeles Point Arguello 1942 Foundered

Nippon Maru Point Arguello 1933 Stranded

Santa Rosa Point Arguello 1911 Stranded

Sibyl Marston Point Arguello 1909 Stranded

Ellin Point Arguello 1963 Foundered

Suomi Point Arguello 1955 Collision

Yankee Blade Point Arguello 1854 Stranded

DD261 Delphy Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD296 Chauncey Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD297 Fuller Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD309 Woodbury Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD310 S.P. Lee Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD311 Nicholas Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

DD312 Young Point Arguello 1923 Stranded

Evylyn H Point Arguello 1976 Burned

Isis Point Arguello 1964 Foundered

Margaret B Point Arguello 1955 Foundered

Miracle Point Arguello 1974 Stranded

Presephone Point Arguello 1970 Stranded

Tiki Gem Point Arguello 1976 Stranded

Welcome Point Arguello 1932 Stranded

Yankee Mariner Point Arguello 1949 Burned

Edith Point Pedernales 1849 Stranded

Annie Lysle Point Sal 1875 Stranded

Crovate Point Sal 1923 Stranded

Jan Lin Point Sal 1974 Stranded

Leucadia Point Sal 1952 Stranded

Little Dipper Point Sal 1954 Stranded

Marlin VIII Point Sal 1959 Stranded

Narhel Point Sal 1949 Stranded

Norma J Point Sal 1953 Stranded

Putty Ann Point Sal 1984 Stranded

Sea Me Point Sal 1975 Foundered

Hopestill Purisima Point 1949 Stranded

Scotia Purisima Point 1914 Stranded

WCF Co. No. 2 Santa Maria River 1920 Stranded

Robert Sudden Surf 1905 Stranded

El Commodore Surf 1946 Stranded

Brant El Capitan 1960 Burned

Table 4.7.4.2-2. Vessels lost between Point Sal and Point Arguello, California
4-119

Description of the Affected Environment: Cultural Resources

found (MMS 1990).

This pattern is somewhat different south of Point

Conception where large coastal village sites on the

mainland and the islands around drainages persisted

until the beginning of the Historic period. Temporary

camps are also prevalent along the coastline and inland along the drainages. Remnants of these sites remain in great abundance in the lesser-developed areas

of the Southern California Bight. They are threatened by coastal erosion and cliff retreat that continues to be a serious problem in this area.

Generally in the central California, there appears

to have been very little use of coastal areas prior to

5,500 BP. Between about 5,500 and 1,000 years BP,

there occurred a profusion of sites along the central

coast, with a strong focus on maritime resources in

the early part of this period. Almost all settlement

sites in Monterey County from this period occur in

the immediate area of the coastline. After this period,

evidence suggests abandonment of coastal sites for

larger village sites inland. Coastal sites during this

time tend to be task specific sites for gathering and

processing shellfish and or small, temporary camps.

Many of the sites in central California represent habitation sites. Habitation sites are found in protected

areas of high resource yield such as embayments, lagoons, lower drainages or areas slightly inland. Shellfish processing stations or camps may be found in the

more exposed areas of the coastline. Sites are found

at or near the mouths of virtually every substantial

drainage from Morro Bay to Monterey, which appears

to reflect a genuine preference for such points along

the coast. Many shoreline sites are actively eroding

(MMS 1990).

The MMS shipwreck database indicates that 81

“historic wrecks” those occurring before 1946 occurred

along the entire Monterey county coastline (3.3 wrecks

per mile of coastline), with the earliest reported wreck

in 1831, with the time span of the first ten wrecks

taking 44 years. San Luis Obispo county has 21

wrecks (0.3 wrecks per mile of coastline), with the

earliest wreck in 1852, with the time span of the first

10 wrecks taking 64 years.

4.7.5 EFFECTS OF PAST OFFSHORE OIL

AND GAS ACTIVITIES ON CULTURAL

RESOURCES

Regulations require that the Minerals Management Service (MMS), under various Federal laws and

regulations, ensure that regulated Outer Continental

Shelf (OCS) activities do not adversely affect significant archaeological resources. Since 1973, the Region has required the lessees to conduct lease-specific

archaeological surveys and report the survey’s results

as a means to determine what actions, if any, are necessary to protect the resource. The archaeological

survey identifies potential prehistoric and historic

sites. The archaeological report presents the analysis

and evaluation of the survey data. The report serves

as the basis for determining if potential archaeological resources exist and what actions are necessary to

protect the potential resources. If a potential resource

is detected, it must be avoided or the site documented

and data recovered prior to conducting activities that

may affect the site. Given the expense of documenting

sites in water depths encountered on the OCS, avoidance has been the preferred mitigation method. Approximately 36 archaeological surveys have been conducted in the Pacific Region. All operators avoided

the potential resources identified in the surveys (MMS,

1995). Other measures are undertaken during construction to protect previously undetected resources.

For example, pipeline emplacement between Platform

Heritage and Harmony, pre-installation remotely operated vehicle survey of the pipeline route and realtime monitoring of the touchdown point by the ROV

during the pipeline emplacement ensured any resource

not detected by previous surveys would be discovered.

Regulations require the cessation of operations in the

area of such a discovery until direction can be provided on how to protect the resource (MMS, 1997).

In this project, no resources were detected.

4.7.6 NATIVE AMERICAN CONCERNS

Previous consultation with Native American respondents documented in environmental impact statements highlighted the following concerns:

• Participation in identification, documentation,

and data recovery programs at archaeological

sites.

• Protection of ancestral sites by avoidance, especially mortuary sites, human burials in residential areas, and other sacred sites.

• Protection of plant and animal communities,

and other resource areas;

• Participation in determination of the importance of sites.

Although local Native Americans consider all resources significant, they have identified certain types

of resources as more important than other types. For

example, a burial generates greater concern than isolated artifacts, just as an ethnohistoric village site is

considered more sensitive than a scatter of lithic flakes.

Any disturbance to important Native American

sites would be a significant adverse impact. They do

not consider that archaeological and excavation and

data recovery to represent sufficient mitigation. Avoidance of the affected sites to the maximum extent feasible, monitoring, and adherence to State burial remains legislation would reduce potential impacts and
4-120

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

would be the only acceptable measure to mitigate a

significant impact to an insignificant level.

These environmental impact statements, whose

geographic scope for archaeological resources overlap,

include the northern Santa Maria Basin (URS 1986);

the central Santa Maria Basin (Arthur D. Little 1985);

the southern Santa Maria Basin (Arthur D. Little

1986) and the western Santa Barbara Channel (U.S.

Geological Survey 1974, Science Application Inc.

1984).

Additional concerns regarding monitoring of offshore energy related construction activity were revealed in a number of Santa Barbara County Energy

Division assessments of condition effectiveness (SBC

1991, 1992, 1993). These concerns include:

1. Sites were not avoided or construction occurred when Native American and archaeological monitors were not present. Part of the

problem with site avoidance was unfamiliarity with permit conditions by all parties and

to a misunderstanding of the kinds of activities that required monitoring.

2. Modern sacred sites, that is, those currently

used by Chumash, should be shown proper

respect and avoided.

3. Need for life-of-the project monitoring. For

example, if a buried pipeline is reopened, monitoring may be needed because of potential archaeological sites in staging areas, parking

areas, and access roads.

4. Responsibilities for protecting burials or

reburials and other sites in the event of an oil

spill.

5. Establish clear and informal lines between the

project operator, project archaeologists, Native

Americans, and responsible government agencies.

6. Include Native American representatives in

the initial survey to determine presence of sites

(phase 1 investigation) and decisions associated with avoiding sites. Information they

could provide include knowledge about local

sensitivities, familiarity with local cultural resources, and identity of religious areas, such

as areas used for reburials.

7. Include Native American representatives in

the characterization of site (phase 2 investigation) and discussions regarding mitigation

plans on all discoveries.

8. Plans and agreements should address issues

regarding Native American monitors including the need to ensure adequate numbers of

monitors, transportation of monitors to and

from construction sites, definitions of “disturbance”, and criteria on which to determine the

need for monitoring. These issues are particularly important since mitigation (data recovery) often took place as the pipeline was constructed.

9. Resolution of conflicts between scientific archaeology value of a resource and the value to

Native Americans.

10. Native American participation in determining

the ownership and curation of artifacts recovered during construction.

Concerns have also been expressed about the effect development may have on traditional cultural

properties, such as “the Western Gate” at Point Conception, which have engendered a high level of controversy (Craig and others 1978, Haley and Wilcoxon,

1996, 1997, 1999, Khus-Zuarte, 1998). Evidence suggests that this “gate” or portal was one of several that

are important in Chumash spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, each gate appears to have a strong association with Chumash people within a particular region.

Concern has also been expressed about the presentday view of the continuing significance of this and

other sites. Disagreement exists over the boundaries

of the traditional cultural property. One definition

limits the location to the immediate vicinity of Point

Conception, present site of the U.S. Coast Guard Point

Conception Lighthouse Station. A broader definition

encompasses the mainland coast within view of Point

Conception. The Point Conception Lighthouse Station is listed on the National Register of Historic

Places because of its significance as a maritime aid to

navigation, not as a traditional cultural property.

Concern has also been expressed regarding the

effects of degradation of the environment and the

availability of plants used in traditional cultural practices, such as those materials used in the construction of Chumash watercraft (Cordero 2000).
4-121

Description of the Affected Environment: Visual Resources

4.8 VISUAL RESOURCES

This section outlines the visual character of the

project area. Visual resources are considered an important feature of the area.

4.8.1 REGULATORY SETTING

Visual resource protection is the subject of a variety of official State and local policies adopted as part

of regional and community land use management

plans. This section summarizes the provisions of these

laws and plans.

The California Coastal Act of 1976 was adopted

after State voters approved the Coastal Conservation

Act [Proposition 20] in 1972. A key factor that led to

the passage of this landmark legislation was the visible deterioration of the coastal environment because

of development pressures of a growing population. The

Act’s visual resource preservation provisions, contained in section 30251, protects the scenic and visual

qualities of coastal areas as a resource of public importance. Permitted development must be sited and

designed to protect views to and along the ocean and

scenic coastal areas, and, where feasible, to restore

and enhance visual quality in visually degraded areas. New development in highly scenic areas such as

those designated by local government must be subordinate to the character of its setting.

Under the California Environment Quality Act

guidelines (Appendix G), the aesthetic effects of an

action must be considered. The guidelines recognize

the special visual resources associated with the coastal

zone.

As required by the State Coastal Act, Santa Barbara County, in 1980 developed the Santa Barbara

County Land Use Plan and in 1982 its Coastal Zoning

Ordinance (CZO). As a result, the County now has

jurisdiction over development in the generally 3,000-

foot-wide coastal zone. In citing the importance of

the coastline visual resources, the LCP stated, in part:

“The scenic resources of Santa Barbara’s coastal

zone are of incalculable value to the economic and

social well-being of Santa Barbara County. The beauty

of the Santa Barbara coastline is world-renowned; it

is the basis of the County’s strong tourist and retirement economies and is a source of continuing pleasure for the local populace. The visual resources of

the coastal zone include its beaches, sand dunes,

coastal bluffs, headlands, wetlands, estuaries, islands,

hillsides and canyons, upland terraces and plains, and

its rivers and streams. These resources are vulnerable to degradation through improper location and

scale of building development, blockage of coastal

views, alteration of natural landforms by poor cutting, grading and filling practices, and by poor design

or placement of roadside signs and utility lines. The

primary concern of the coastal Act is to protect views

to these scenic resources from public areas such as

highways, roads, beaches, parks, coastal trails and

accessways, and vista points.”

The County’s Comprehensive Plan Open Space

Element includes scenic highway corridors, parks and

recreation areas, and views of coastal bluffs as significant visual resources (Santa Barbara County, 1995).

4.8.2 STUDIES IN THE AREA

The table 4.8.2-1 lists some of the numerous

studies that address onshore and offshore aesthetic

resources in the area.

4.8.3 REGIONAL SETTING

The regional setting for the project is the areas

onshore areas proximate to the Units.

4.8.3.1 POINT SAL UNIT

Long, straight sandy strand, offshore rocks, and

rocky beaches characterize the coastline in the area

most proximate to the Unit. Sand dune headlands

and coastal terraces are the principal landforms. The

dunes are part of the least disturbed of the remaining

dune systems in California. Oil development in the

Guadalupe Dunes, north of the Santa Maria River is

currently undergoing abandonment (MMS, 1998). The

dunes from the Santa Maria southward toward Point

Sal are part of the nature Conservancy’s Nipomo

Dunes Preserve (CCC, 1997). Military structures,

including missile-firing installations, are sited at

Vandenberg Air Force Base, south of Point Sal. Dunes,

the Point Sal headlands, and the Casmalia Hills support a varied wildlife population while rocky shoreline at Mussel Point and Point Sal provide habitat for

marine mammals. The most important aesthetic resources in this area include the scenic hillsides and

shoreline of Point Sal, the rocky water’s edge at Mussel Point and Point Sal, and the Guadalupe dunes

(BLM, 1981). The Point Sal area displays a varied

geology with excellent exposures of unique features

(CCC, 1987). The area’s overall aesthetic rating

ranged from medium high to high (BLM, 1981). Platform Irene in the Point Pedernales Unit may be seen

from this areas when visibility allows.

4.8.3.2 PURISIMA POINT UNIT

Long, straight sandy strand, offshore rocks, and

rocky beaches characterize the coastline in the area

proximate to the Unit. Sand hill headlands and low

coastal terraces north and south of Purisima Point

are the principal landforms. The rocky shoreline at
4-122

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

Area of the Study Title Citation

California Inventory and Evaluation of

California Coastal Recreation and

Aesthetic Resources

BLM, 1981. POCS Technical Paper

No. 81-5. Granville Corporation,

1981.

California Impacts of Outer Continental Shelf

(OCS) on Recreation and Tourism.

MMS, 1987. OCS Study 87-0064

through 87-0068. Dornbusch and

Associates. 1987

Point Conception and Point Arguello Point Arguello Field and Gaviota

Processing Facility Area Study and

Chevron/Texaco Development Plan

EIS. Technical Appendix L:

Aesthetic Environment. Part 2

Visual Resources

MMS. 1984

California California Coastal Resource Guide California Coastal Commission.

1987

California California Coastal Access Guide, 5th

ed.

California Coastal Commission,

1997

Table 4.8.2-1. Visual resource studies.

Purisima Point provides habitiat for marine mammals.

The Point itself has been identified as one of “the most

important aesthetic resource” in the area, although

military structures at Vanderberg AFB dot the landscape in this area (BLM, 1981). Public access is limited in the area by Vandenberg AFB (CCC, 1987; 1997).

South of Purisima Point to the Santa Ynez River features low coastal terraces, low sand dunes and a flat

sandy strand (BLM, 1981). Ocean Beach County Park,

the only public access in the area, also features wetlands and a stream corridor (CCC, 1997). The area’s

overall aesthetic rating was judged to be medium high

(BLM, 1981). Platform Irene in the Point Pedernales

Unit may be seen from this areas when visibility allows. The coastal route of the Southern Pacific Railroad traverses the area along the coast starting south

of Purisima Point. Rail passengers are afforded spectacular coastal views as a result of this route.

4.8.3.3 BONITO UNIT

Long, straight sandy strand, offshore rocks, and

rocky beaches characterize the coastline in the area

proximate to the Unit. Point Pedernales is a marine

mammal haul-out site and a seabird nesting area. Low

coastal terraces with rolling, relatively barren foothills extend from south of Point Pedernales to Jalama.

Drainage swales meander out of the foothills and cut

through the terraces to a rocky shoreline exposed to

the north of Rocky Point but slightly more sheltered

to the south. The water’s edge between Point

Pedernales and Rocky Point is described as “exceedingly dramatic” with offshore rocks, rocky intertidal

areas, small rocky and sand pocket beaches accenting

wave cut terraces (BLM, 1981). Point Argeullo light

enhances the picturesque nature of this area (BLM,

1981). Jalama Beach County Park provides the only

public access to this area and features wetlands, bluffs,

coastal foothills and a sandy beach (CCC; 1987, 1997).

The area’s overall aesthetic rating was judged to be

medium high (BLM, 1981). Platforms in the Point

Arguello Unit may be seen from this area when visibility allows. . The coastal route of the Southern

Pacific Railroad traverses the area along the coast.

Rail passengers are afforded spectacular coastal views

as a result of this route.

4.8.3.4 GATO CANYON UNIT

A moderately rolling high coastal terrace, sandy

beaches and coves, and steep, stream cut canyons leading to the crest of the Santa Ynez mountain range

characterize the coastline in the area proximate to the

Unit. Sandy beaches, popular surfing breaks, riparian canyons, State parks, occasional riparian areas at

stream outfalls to the ocean, and ocean views of the

Channel Islands are among the most important aesthetic features of this area (BLM, 1981). The area also

includes cultural modifications including the presence

of offshore platforms and onshore oil and gas infrastructure, commercial centers, a major resort hotel,

golf courses, and residential areas of Goleta extending from the urban growth boundary eastward to the

Coal Oil Point Reserve. The area is traversed by the

main south to north transportation corridor, U.S.

Highway 101 and the Southern Pacific Rail Road. This

segment of US 101 is eligible for designation as a California scenic highway, but the designation has not been

made (http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic/

cahisys.htm). However, the County has, in all areas
4-123

Description of the Affected Environment: Recreation

where there are views from Highway 101 to the ocean,

established a View Corridor Overlay designation in

its coastal zoning ordinance and local coastal plan. The

County Board of Architectural Review reviews all development in this area to ensure that visual resources

are protected.

4.8.4 EFFECTS OF PAST OFFSHORE OIL

AND GAS ACTIVITIES

Since its advent in the late 1890s, offshore oil

and gas activities have engendered concern over the

aesthetic appearance of the offshore and onshore support facilities. In fact, prior to the 1969 oil spill, community resistance to offshore oil and gas as primarily

driven by aesthetics (Lima, 1994). The cumulative

effects of past offshore oil and gas activities in the

area are attributable to development in State submerged lands and the OCS. Since the 1980s, operators of the Santa Ynez Unit, the Point Arguello Unit,

and the Point Pedernales Unit have made payments

to the Coastal Resources Enhancement Fund, which

provides enhancement projects that will compensate

for residual impacts to coastal resources that are not

otherwise mitigated. Santa Barbara County Findings of Approval for past offshore oil and gas projects

in Santa Barbara County have found adverse project

and cumulative impacts to recreation, tourism, and

aesthetics from construction and operation of the

project. To mitigate general, diffused, project and cumulative impacts in these and other areas, Santa Barbara County created a Coastal Resources Enhancement Fund which receives annual payments over the

life of the project to be used for projects that enhance

coastal recreation, aesthetic, tourism, or other environmentally sensitive resources (SBC, 1993).

A 1993 analysis of the program for the Santa

Ynez Unit suggested that while the mitigation is effective, CREF expenditures tended to be more heavily

weighted towards recreation, despite oil development

impacts being as great or greater on environmentally

sensitive resources, aesthetics, and tourism. In other

words, while payments were sufficient to mitigate cumulative impacts, allocation of the Fund by the County

may have caused an imbalance in mitigation across

categories. The report noted that aesthetic impacts

in areas that had not previously experienced offshore

development would be more pronounced than areas

that already had development (SBC, 1993).

4.9 RECREATION

Recreation makes up an important component

of the economy and, in part, defines the quality of life

and the sense of place for Santa Barbara county residents and visitors (MMS, 1996; MMS, 1998; MMS

2000). Recreation activities may be classified as oceandependent, that is, activities where direct access to

the water is necessary for the activity to take place.

These endeavors include surfing, swimming, diving,

fishing, sailing, beach combing, and beach games.

Ocean-enhanced activities include cycling, hiking,

running, sunning, nature appreciation, and camping

(California Department of Parks and Recreation,

1980). Aesthetic enjoyment of visual resources is addressed in a separate section.

4.9.1 REGULATORY SETTING

The California Coastal Act of 1976 was adopted

after State voters approved the Coastal Conservation

Act, Proposition 20, in 1972. A key factor that led to

the passage of this landmark legislation was the restriction of coastal access and recreation opportunities. Table 4.9.1-1 summarizes the key Coastal Act

recreation policies.

4.9.2 STUDIES IN THE AREA

Table 4.9.2-1 lists some of the numerous studies

that address onshore and offshore recreation resources

in the area.

4.9.3 REGIONAL SETTING

For the purposes of analysis, the regional setting is divided into two sections. The first section deals

with the setting for the proposal to drill delineation

wells on four units. The second section deals with

the area that may be affected by development activities. This area extends from Point Sur in Monterey

County to Point Vicente in Los Angeles County.

4.9.3.1 REGIONAL SETTING FOR THE

PROPOSAL

Recreation sites in the area may be accessed

through a variety of points managed by the National

Park Service (Channel Islands National Park); the

California Department of Parks and Recreation (State

Parks); Santa Barbara County Department of Parks

and Recreation (County Parks); and municipalities

including the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.

Table 4.9.3.1-1 lists the access points and the primary

recreation activity that takes place at each site. Table
4-124

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

Table 4.9.1-1. California Coastal Act recreation policies.

4.9.3.1-2 lists attendance at selected units in the area.

Recreation and activity information for each site illustrates the variety of activities at each site, to facilitate comparison of common activities across sites, or

to highlight the uniqueness of a site. Generally, sites

that offer greater amenities or those that are unique

qualities are more highly valued. Similarly, attendance

data is provided to indicate the current level of day

use and the value added camping use.

4.9.3.1.1 POINT SAL UNIT

Coastal recreation units in the vicinity of the

Point Sal Unit include Nipomo Dunes Preserve and

Point Sal State Beach. Table 4.9.3.1-1 summarizes

the attributes of these locations. The dunes from the

Santa Maria southward toward Point Sal are part of

the nature Conservancy’s Nipomo Dunes Preserve.

Road conditions and closure due to launches from

Vandenberg AFB may restrict access to Point Sal State

Beach (CCC, 1997). As indicated by table 4.9.3.1-2,

Point Sal State Beach was closed during 2000.

4.9.3.1.2 PURISIMA POINT UNIT

Public access is limited in the area by

Vandenberg AFB (CCC, 1987; 1997). Ocean Beach

County Park, VAFB Fishing Access and VAFB Beach

Access provide the only public access in the area. .

Table 4.9.3.1-1 lists the access points and the primary

recreation activity that takes place at each site. Table

4.9.3.1-2 lists attendance at selected units in the area.

Ocean Beach County Park, located where the

Santa Ynez River meets the Pacific Ocean, offers a

variety of daytime coastal-enhanced and coastal-dependent recreational uses (California Coastal Commission, 1991; Santa Barbara County, 2000a). Estimated attendance from July 1999 to June 2000 was

331,192 (Santa Barbara County, 2000b). While the

park provides access to up to five miles of beach, this

access may be restricted because of nesting of shorebirds (California Coastal Commission, 1987; VAFB,

2000; Wallace, 2000). During 2000, portions of the

beach were closed because of nesting of the Western

snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus (Santa

Barbara County, 2000c). Water quality advisories may

also affect use of the facilities. In 1999, the beach had

health advisories posted for 119 days (EPA, 2000).

These advisories were triggered by rain events or urban runoff (NRDC, 2000).

Limited access for sport fishing is provided by

Vandenberg AFB from blufftop trails down to pocket

beaches. Access is granted only on weekend and holidays for up to 50 people (California Coastal Commission, 1987, 1997), although in 1999 typical access was

approximately 35 people (VAFB Game Warden’s Office, personal communication). In 2000, beach access

was limited to a one quarter mile and one-half mile at

two locations because of Western snowy plover nesting from March 1 through September 30 (VAFB, 2000).

4.9.3.1.3 BONITO UNIT

Jalama Beach County Park provides the only

public access to this area and features wetlands, bluffs,

coastal foothills and a sandy beach (CCC; 1987, 1997).

Table 4.9.3.1-1 summarizes the attributes of this location. Jalama Beach County Park, located where

Jalama Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, offers a variety of coastal-enhanced and coastal-dependent day and

Coastal Act Section Policy 

30211 Development shall not interfere with the public’s right to access to the sea where 

acquired through use of or legislative authorization, including but not limited to the use 

of dry sand and rocky coastal beaches to the first line of terrestrial vegetation. 

30213 Low cost visitor and recreation facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and where 

feasible, provided. Development providing public recreational opportunities are 

preferred. 

30220 Coastal areas suited for water-oriented recreational activities that cannot readily be 

provided at inland water areas shall be protected for such uses. 

30221 Ocean front land suitable for recreational use shall be protected for recreational use and 

development unless present and foreseeable future demand for public or commercial 

recreational activities that could be accommodated on the property is already adequately 

provided in the area. 

30234 Facilities serving the commercial fishing and recreational boating industries shall be 

protected and, where feasible, upgraded. 

30240 (b) Development in areas adjacent to...parks and recreation areas shall be sited and 

designed to prevent impacts which would significantly degrade those areas, and shall be 

compatible with the continuance of those recreation areas. 
4-125

Description of the Affected Environment: Recreation

Table 4.9.2-1. Recreation studies.

overnight recreational uses (Arthur D. Little, 1984;

www.jalama.com, California Coastal Commission,

1991; Santa Barbara County, 2000a). Estimated attendance from July 1999 to June 2000 was 296,059

(Santa Barbara County, 2000b). In 1999, the beach

had health advisories posted for 192 days (EPA, 2000).

These advisories were triggered by rain events or agricultural runoff (NRDC, 2000).

4.9.3.1.4 GATO CANYON UNIT

Gaviota State Park, Refugio State Beach, El

Capitan State Beach, Haskell’s Beach/Bacara Resort,

Sandpiper Golf Course, Santa Barbara Shores County

Park, and the Coal Oil Point Reserve/Sands Beach provide the main public access to this area. Generally,

the beaches in this area enjoy greater usage with

milder ocean and meteorological conditions that the

beaches north of Point Conception. Table 4.9.3.1-1

lists the access points and the primary recreation activity that takes place at each site. Table 4.9.3.1-2

lists attendance at selected units in the area.

Highway 101 between Gaviota and Refugio State

Beaches feature many pull-offs from which beaches may

be accessed. These parcels are within the boundaries of

the State Park. Santa Barbara Shores County Park, adjacent to Sandpiper Golf Course offers no direct access

to the beach from the bluff top. However, the beach is

none-the-less accessible as a normally continuous strand

(depending on the tides) extending from Coal Oil Point/

Sands Beach to Sand Piper Golf Course to the recently

improved public access at Haskell’s Beach/Bacara Resort (James Lima, pers. obs.). This strand serves as beach

access for the urban area of the western portion of Goleta

and Isla Vista.

Table 4.9.3.1-1 indicates the number of days in

1999 that the beaches in this area were posted with

health advisories (EPA, 2000).

4.9.3.2 REGIONAL SETTING FOR

DEVELOPMENT

Recreation sites in the area may be accessed

through a variety of points managed by the National

Park Service (Channel Islands National Park); the

California Department of Parks and Recreation (State

Parks); counties and municipalities. Because of the

diversity of the large area, this section provides a more

general description for ocean recreation areas by local government, California State Park Unit, and National Park Unit.

Many factors affect recreational resources including supply, demand, site quality and accessibility,

and site closures and restrictions, as well as diversification and expansion of activities (Pollock 1997). Communities recognize recreation opportunities, especially

coastal-dependent and coastal-enhanced recreation, as

a defining characteristic of the community for both

resident and visitor (King 1997, MMS 1996a, b, and c,

MMS 2000). Population growth is a robust predictor

of demand (Science Applications Inc, 1984). For example, by 2040, population is estimated to grow 145

percent for San Luis Obispo County, 110 percent for

Santa Barbara County, and 90 percent for Ventura

County. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences

affect recreational resources. In San Luis Obispo, the

last 12 years has seen an increase in tourism and

shoreline recreation and increasing popularity of boating, hiking, mountain biking and other forms of coastal

recreation (CCC 2001).

Area of the Study Title Citation 

California Impacts of Outer Continental Shelf 

(OCS) on Recreation and Tourism. 

MMS, 1987. OCS Study 87-0064 

through 87-0068. Dornbusch and 

Associates. 1987 

California California Coastal Resource Guide California Coastal Commission. 

1987 

California California Coastal Access Guide, 5th

ed. 

California Coastal Commission, 

1997 

Santa Barbara and Ventura County Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties 

Shoreline, California. Final 

Reconnaissance Report 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1997 

Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara County: Two Paths MMS. 1996. OCS Study MMS 96-

0036, Molotch, et. al. 

Santa Barbara County Petroleum Extraction Industry in 

Santa Barbara County, California. 

An Industrial History 

MMS. 1998. OCS Study MMS 98-

0048, Nevarez, et. al. 
4-126

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

Table 4.9.3.1-1. Public coastal recreation facilities.

Table 4.9.3.1-2. Santa Barbara County beach units. Entrance or Parking Fee Parking Restrooms Lifeguard Campground Showers Firepits Path to Beach 

Bike Path Hiking Trail Facilities for Disabled Boating Facilities Equestrian Trail 1999 Advisory/Warning Days Posted with AdvisoryConcessions Ocean Dependent Activities Ocean Enhanced Activities 

Nipomo Dunes Preserve X X X X X X X 

Point Sal State Beach X X X X 

VAFB Fishing Access X X X X 

Ocean Beach County Park X X X X X X X 

VAFB Beach Access X X X 

Jalama Beach County Park X X X X X X X X X X X 

Gaviota State Park X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Refugio State Beach X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Bike Path and Beach Ramp X X X X X X 

El Capitan State Beach X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Haskell’s Beach Access X X X X 

Sandpiper Golf Course X 

Santa Barbara Shores County 

Park 

 X X X X X 

Coal Oil Point Reserve X X X X 

Isla Vista County Park X X X X 

Window to the Sea Park X X 

Isla Vista Beach X X X 

Unit Name Day Use Camping Total 

Nipomo Dunes 

Preserve* 

Not Available Not Allowed Not Available 

Point Sal State 

Beach** 

0 0 0 

VAFB Access 2,100 (maximum 

allowed) 

Not Allowed 2,100 

Ocean Beach 

County Park* 

331,192 Not Allowed 331,192 

Jalama Beach 

County Park* 

Not Available Not Available but 

Allowed 

296,059 

Gaviota State 

Park** 

47,475 15,420 62,895 

Refugio State 

Park** 

59,768 53,282 113,050 

El Capitan State 

Park** 

61,296 92,208 153,504 

* Unpublished data, Santa Barbara County, California, Park Administration 

** Unpublished data, California Department of Parks and Recreation 
4-127

Description of the Affected Environment: Recreation

Coastal access points for recreation along the

coast from Point Sur in Monterey County to Point

Fermin in Los Angeles County tend to be fairly concentrated. Generally, 4 to 10 formally identified access points cluster in 5 to 7 mile segments, with the

higher concentrations in shorter segments in highly

developed areas. Access ranges from high use recreational beaches offering a range of amenities and activities to stairways to pocket beaches. In less-developed areas, formally identified access is fairly isolated.

These units tend to be State and county parks that

feature a mix of day and overnight uses and provide

the only recreational access in the area (California,

1997).

One reason for the concentration of access is a

result of how public access is gained. For example, a

recent California Coastal Commission report notes

that in San Luis Obispo County, public access often

occurs in clusters in urban areas because access is

secured as mitigation from development projects.

However, distribution of access is important and large

expanses of rural areas may offer little vertical or lateral access. Furthermore, the goal of providing public access may sometimes conflict with an be subordinate to coastal resource protection. Finally, the report examines how access requires upland support facilities such as signage and parking facilities are important elements for fostering and addressing changing demands for accesses (CCC 2001).

Besides changes in access, the mixture of activities changes as one moves north to south through the

area. North of Point Conception, in water recreation

tends to require a wetsuit and is limited to activities

such as surfing, scuba and skin diving, and snorkeling. However, coastal-enhanced activities abound. As

do coastal dependent activities, such as wildlife viewing and scenic enjoyment, which require the isolated

dramatic sweep of the coastline and habitat of the area.

South of Point Conception, water-contact activities

become more numerous, with greater levels of participation.

Recreation sites in the area may be accessed

through a variety of points. Because of the diversity

of the large area, this section provides a more general

description for ocean recreation areas by local government, California State Park Unit, and National

Park Unit.

MUNICIPALITIES

Many California communities have so-called

“beach areas” that extend inland for a short distance

from the water’s edge. Within these beach areas, economic activity is predominantly related to water-oriented recreation and most of a community’s wateroriented recreation is concentrated. Beyond the

“beach area” water-oriented recreation and tourism

is more diffused and less distinguishable from other

recreation. These “beach areas” also encompass adjoining residential areas. These areas would include

Morro Bay, Avila, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Santa

Barbara, Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Monica,

Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and

Redondo Beach. A small craft harbor or municipal

recreational pier anchor or focus activities in these

areas.

For example, Santa Barbara’s “beach area” extends from Leadbetter Beach through the harbor to

East Beach, a distance of approximately 2.5 miles and

extends inland a few city blocks to the area of the

Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. An oceanfront thoroughfare, Cabrillo Boulevard, with its sidewalk and

beachpath, connects the two beaches. Most of the

area’s ocean-oriented activity takes place in this area.

Hotels and restaurants in the area highlight their proximity to the ocean. Most retail businesses in this area

service ocean-oriented activity. However, even if such

establishments are outside the beach area, such as a

dive shop, surf shop, or kayak rental establishment,

this area provides the “put in” point. Moreover, this

area exemplifies the quality of life aspects prized by

residents and visitors.

Santa Barbara Harbor is primarily a small craft

port with limited cargo handling capability. Marina

facilities include boat slips, fuel docks, fish hoist and

ice machine, marine specialty shops and businesses,

restaurants, the maritime museum, sport fishing and

dive boat charters, convenience stores, yacht club and

boat rentals. It also hosts the Coast Guard cutter for

the area. The harbor’s West Beach area features sand

volleyball courts. The breakwater, itself a tourist and

recreation attraction, forms a calm water area adjacent to West Beach that is ideally suited for youth sailing instruction and activities from April through October.

Stearns Wharf, which bounds the harbor area

on the east, is the city’s most important ocean-oriented tourism and recreation attraction with several

restaurants, shops, marine education facilities, and is

a public fishing pier. Stearns Wharf, as the mid-point

between the beach area’s Leadbetter and East Beach

and at the foot of the city’s main thoroughfare, State

Street, focuses the ocean-oriented activities in Santa

Barbara. Palm Park offers a mile of beach frontage,

picnic areas, a cultural center, and grass areas with

soccer fields and other recreation amenities. The park

is site of the weekend open-air art show. East Beach

hosts a recreational center and public bathhouse and

features sand volleyball courts. The city maintains

several public parking lots throughout the area.

County or city parks outside of these beach areas provide other coastal access for a wide range of
4-128

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

activities. These range from camping and day use facilities in isolated areas to day use parks offering a

wide variety of amenities to parking areas with coastal

access.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

The California Department of Parks and Recreation maintains many units throughout the study

area. These units tend to be placed away from municipal areas and often offer improved campsites, day

use, and other amenities. (Several coastal State park

units within Los Angeles County are operated by Los

Angeles County.) Table 4.9.3.2-1 lists some of these

units with attendance figures. Note that most of the

opportunities for beach camping are north of Los Angeles County.

NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Table 4.9.3.2-2 indicates the level of water-oriented recreational activity that occurs at Channel Islands National Park and the overlying Channel Islands

National Marine Sanctuary. Access to the five island

park is generally from the small craft harbors at Santa

Barbara, Ventura, or Channel Islands (Oxnard). Table

4.9.3.2-3 indicates on-island activity. The peak season

for island visitation occurs March through October

with the greatest use occurring May through June.

Coastal units in the Santa Monica Mountains National

Recreation area are maintained by State or local agencies.

4.9.3 EFFECTS OF PAST OFFSHORE OIL

AND GAS ACTIVITY

The 1929 development of the State tideland and

submerged lands portion of the Ellwood Oil Field from

more than a dozen piers initiated offshore oil and gas

development in the project area. Today, the Ellwood

pier is the last of the structures that dotted the area

eastward to Coal Oil Point (Lima, 1994). Sandpiper

Golf Course and the Santa Barbara Shores County

Park occupy the original site of the Ellwood Field.

Beach users in the area still must be ware of metal

footings and other structures left in place when the

piers were abandoned and removed. Offshore

Haskell’s beach, debris fields from development attracts local scuba divers who have designated the area

“the junkyard” which is a relatively easy shore dive.

Offshore oil and gas production from platform Holly

in the State’s South Ellwood field started in 1966. The

Bacara Resort is adjacent to the onshore processing

plant for platform Holly. Occasional leaks from oil

pipelines from State offshore leases in the area have

resulted in beach and coastal cleanup in the area. Development of the Santa Ynez Unit on the Federal OCS

started in 1976. Las Flores Canyon between El

Capitan State Beach and Refugio State Beach contains

the onshore processing facilities for the SYU. Storage

tanks and shut-in onshore processing facilities for the

Point Arguello field are sited near Gaviota State Park.

Other onshore and offshore oil and gas infrastructure

has been abandoned and removed over the years.

Santa Barbara County Findings of Approval for

past offshore oil and gas projects in Santa Barbara

County have found adverse project and cumulative impacts to recreation, tourism, and aesthetics, from construction and operation of the project. To mitigate general, diffused, project and cumulative impacts in these

and other areas, Santa Barbara County created a

Coastal Resources Enhancement Fund which receives

annual payments over the life of the project to be used

for projects that enhance coastal recreation, aesthetic,

tourism, or other environmentally sensitive resources

(SBC, 1993). Specifically, projects make payments to

a Coastal Resources Enhancement Fund, which provides enhancement projects that will compensate for

residual impacts to coastal resources that are not otherwise mitigated. The analysis suggests that while

the mitigation is effective, CREF expenditures tended

to be more heavily weighted towards recreation, despite oil development impacts being as great or greater

on environmentally sensitive resources, aesthetics,

and tourism. In other words, while payments were

sufficient to mitigate cumulative impacts, allocation

of the Fund by the County may have caused an imbalance in mitigation across categories.

Use of hotel and campgrounds by construction

workers employed to build onshore processing plants

has been identified as a potential tourism-related impact. However, a study of socioeconomic impacts of

offshore development conducted by the County for

MMS indicated that use of hotels and campgrounds

alleviates demand for and is a viable alternative to

more conventional and permanent housing (MMS,

2000). Furthermore, under a socioeconomic monitoring and mitigation project separate from CREF, project

operators made mitigation payments to the County

to mitigate the impact from worker-occupied campsites in County parks.
4-129

Description of the Affected Environment: Recreation

Table 4.9.3.2-1. Recreation units in Southern California.

Unit Name Day Use Camping Total Activities 

San Luis Obispo County 

Cayucos 687,994 0 687,994 Fishing pier 

Picnicing 

Montana De Oro 661,502 46,508 708,010 Hiking 

Horseback riding 

Fishing 

Morro Strand 95,011 37,904 132,195 Beach combing 

Surf fishing 

Pismo 1,414,229 143,748 1,557,977 Part of city’s beach 

area. 

Santa Barbara County (Also see table 4-10.4) 

Carpinteria 515,886 164,519 680,405 Part of city’s beach 

area. 

Ventura County 

Emma Wood 45,167 58,289 103,456 Fishing 

Surfing 

McGrath 36,442 210,823 247,245 Hiking 

Fishing 

San Buena Ventura 105,837 725 106,562 Part of city’s beach 

area 

Los Angeles County 

Dockweiler 3,252,916 0 3,252,916 Beach combing 

Surfing 

Scuba Diving 

Malibu Lagoon 27,574 42 27,616 Fishing 

Surfing 

Wildlife viewing 

Point Dume 785,165 2,172 787,337 Whale watching 

Fishing 

Swimming 

Scuba 

Surfing 

Robert H. Meyer 20,179 0 20,179 Fishing 

Swimming 

Scuba 

Surfing 

Santa Monica 9,723,399 0 9,723,399 Part of city’s beach 

area 

Will Rogers 2,059,413 0 2,019,413 Swimming 

Scuba 

Surfing 

** Unpublished data, California Department of Parks and Recreation 
4-130

Delineation Drilling Activities Offshore Santa Barbara County

Table 4.9.3.2-2. Water oriented recreation activity in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary,

1999. (Source: Unpublished date, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)

Table 4.9.3.2-3. Day use visitors and overnight campers to Channel Islands National Park, January

to December 2000 (Source: Unpublished data, Channel Islands National Park, Ventura California)

Activity Ventura County 

(person days) 

Santa Barbara 

County 

(person days) 

Los Angeles County 

(person days) 

Location of highest 

distribution of the 

activity. 

Whale Watching 17,718 8,266 Not reported Anacapa 

West Santa Cruz 

Santa Rosa passage 

Sailing 3,731 Not Reported 284 East Santa Cruz 

Kayaking site seeing 65 1,168 Not reported Santa Cruz 

West Santa Rosa 

West San Miguel 

Charter boat diving 17,429 7,669 611 Anacapa 

East Santa Cruz 

Private boat diving 42,155 4,513 581 Anacapa 

Charterboat fishing 148,638 8,758 1,374 Anacapa 

East Santa Cruz 

Private boat fishing 199,073 12,672 2,270 All five islands 

 Anacapa Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Santa Rosa San Miguel 

 Day 

Use 

Camp Day 

Use 

Camp Day 

Use 

Camp Day 

Use 

Camp Day 

Use 

Camp 

Jan 293 19 9 0 2345 169 1170 18 0 0 

Feb 325 0 0 0 126 41 0 0 43 0 

Mar 1783 5 6 0 1287 317 104 71 0 0 

Apr 1655 43 160 45 1738 551 311 205 0 0 

May 2269 104 125 60 1946 711 401 268 87 0 

Jun 2360 146 210 144 1826 504 484 283 225 106 

Jul 3060 165 320 94 2685 1200 433 273 145 36 

Aug 2165 224 247 50 3225 1547 430 292 222 59 

Sep 1158 159 18 0 2282 957 334 170 136 18 

Oct 688 55 6 0 1245 527 159 149 79 0 

Nov 422 36 3 0 671 267 22 16 3 0 

Dec 306 6 7 0 462 167 25 19 9 0