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3.10 CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL 

RESOURCES

Cultural resources include prehistoric archaeological sites, historic archaeological 

sites, traditional cultural properties, and historic structures. Paleontological 

resources refer to resources in the fossil record, such as prehistoric remains and 

other evidence of past life. This section discusses the applicable federal and state 

laws and regulations that protect cultural and paleontological resources, including 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and California Public Resources 

Code Sections 5024.1 and 21084.1, and assesses the potential effects of the No 

Build and Build Alternatives on these resources.

3.10.1 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Federal 

The National Historic Preservation Act 

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) established a 

national program to preserve the country’s historical and cultural resources. 

Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their 

actions on historic properties and provide the President’s Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation (ACHP) opportunity to comment on any proposed action 

before implementation. Guidelines for implementing the Section 106 process are 

provided in 36 CFR Part 800. Per 36 CFR 800.4, significant cultural resources are 

those that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

The NRHP eligibility criteria (36 CFR 60.4) state that the quality of significance in 

American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture is present in districts, sites, 

buildings, structures, and objects of state and local importance that possess 

integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association, 

and that meet one or more of the following criteria:

a) The resource is associated with events that have made a significant 

contribution to the broad patterns of our history.

b) The resource is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
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c) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or 

method of construction; represents the work of a master; possesses high 

artistic values; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose 

components may lack individual distinction.

d) The resource has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to 

prehistory or history.

Impacts to NRHP-eligible resources are considered adverse when “an undertaking 

may alter directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of a historic property that 

qualify the property for inclusion in the NRHP in a manner that would diminish the 

integrity of the property’s location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, 

or association” (36 CFR 800.5[1]). Examples of adverse effects include physical 

destruction or damage to all or part of the property; alteration that is not consistent 

with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for the treatment of historic 

properties; removal of the property from its historic location; change in the type of 

use or of the physical characteristics of the setting; introduction of visual, 

atmospheric, or audible elements that diminish the integrity of the property’s 

significant features; and neglect resulting in deterioration (36 CFR 800.5[2]). 

Historic properties include prehistoric archaeological sites. Archaeological sites are 

usually adversely affected only by physical destruction or damage, whereas all of 

the examples above can apply to historic buildings and structures.

Federal Antiquities Act of 1906(16 USC 431 et seq)

This act established national monuments and reservation of lands including historic 

landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or 

scientific interest on federal lands. 16 USC 433 prohibits appropriation, excavation, 

injury or destruction of any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object 

of antiquity on federal land.

State 

California Register of Historic Resources

The California Register program encourages public recognition and protection of 

cultural and historic resources. Under CEQA, significant cultural resources are called 

historical resources whether they are of historic or prehistoric age. 

Generally, a resource should be considered by a lead agency to be historically 

significant if the resource has integrity and meets one of the following criteria for 

CRHR listing (CEQA Guidelines 15064.5 [a][3]).
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 The resource is associated with events that have made a significant contribution 

to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage and/or with 

the lives of persons important in California’s past.

 The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, 

or method of construction; represents the work of an important creative 

individual; or possesses high artistic values.

 The resource has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in 

prehistory or history.

CRHR is similar to the NRHP in that any resource determined eligible for the NRHP is 

also automatically eligible for the CRHR. However, the treatment of historical 

resources under CEQA and in the CRHR is more inclusive in that resources listed in 

local historical registers may be included.

Projects that would impact CRHR-listed and –eligible resources and resources listed 

in local historical registers may result in a significant effect on the environment if 

the project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a 

historical resource (P.R.C. 21084.1). Substantial adverse change in the significance 

of a historical resource refers to “physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or 

alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that [its] 

significance...would be materially impaired (CEQA Guidelines 15064.5[b][1]). 

Material impairment means demolition of the resource, or alteration of the physical 

characteristics that make the resource eligible for listing such that it would no 

longer be eligible for the CRHR or a local historical register (CEQA Guidelines 

15064.5[b][2]).

California Environmental Quality Act

California Environmental Quality Act (P.R.C. 21000 et seq.): Requires public 

agencies and private interests to identify the potential adverse impacts and/or 

environmental consequences of their proposed project(s) to any object or site that 

is historically or archaeologically significant or significant in the cultural or scientific 

annals of California (P.R.C. 5020.1). Under CEQA, archaeological resources are 

presumed non-unique unless they meet the definition of “Unique archaeological 

resources” (P.R.C. 21083.2[g]). Under CEQA, an impact on a non-unique 

archaeological resource is not considered a significant environmental impact. An 

EIR need not discuss non-unique archaeological resources.

CEQA Guidelines

CEQA Guidelines (14 C.C.R. 15064.5[a][3]): Provides that a lead agency may find 

that “any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript” is 
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historically significant or significant in the “cultural annals of California.” The section 

also provides that a resource may be considered historically significant if it has 

yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory. 

Paleontological resources fall within this broad category and are included in the 

CEQA checklist under Cultural Resources.

3.10.2 METHODS OF EVALUATION

Study Area Defined

The study area was defined to include all permanent and temporary impact areas 

associated with the elements of the Build Alternative including all proposed 

stations, realignments, sidings, track/signal upgrades, and the new second mainline. 

An area of potential effect (APE) was not established, given the programmatic and 

contingent nature of the proposed improvements in this environmental document.

However, in FRA’s consultation with the California State Historic Preservation 

Officer (SHPO), permanent and temporary impact footprints were considered to be

an appropriate area to assess potential direct and indirect impacts on cultural 

resources. The permanent and temporary impact footprints are defined as follows:

 Permanent: areas where affected resources would not be restored back to their 

original conditions.

 Temporary: areas that would be disturbed during construction and then 

returned to their original conditions post construction. 

Proposed permanent and temporary impact areas differ for each type of 

improvement, as listed below. 

 Siding Extensions/New Sidings:

 Permanent: Existing railroad right-of-way (typically 50 feet)

 Temporary: 50 feet on either side of existing right-of-way

 Curve Realignments:

 Permanent: 100 foot wide corridor

 Temporary: 200 feet on either side of 100 foot corridor for a total width of 

500 feet

 Second Mainline

 Permanent: Existing railroad right-of-way

 Temporary: 100 feet on either side of existing UP right-of-way
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 Stations

 Soledad Station: 1.9 Acres – permanent impact area is based on conceptual 

station plans from the Soledad Downtown Specific Plan (2012).

 King City Station: 3.4 Acres – permanent impact area is based on conceptual 

station plans from the King City First Street Corridor Master Plan (2013).

The cultural analysis also evaluates the potential sensitivity of portions of the 

existing alignment where only signaling, track maintenance, and other corridor-wide 

improvements would take place. Existing alignment sections #1 through #6 are 

within Monterey County and existing alignment sections #7 through #10 are within 

San Luis Obispo County.

As further outlined in Chapter 3.0, Affected Environment, Environmental 

Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies, direct and indirect effects are assessed 

with regard to cultural resources. Direct effects would occur if archaeological or 

historic resources, such as building or structures, are altered or destroyed as a result 

of potential improvements. Indirect effects would occur if visual, noise, or vibration 

effects from potential improvements diminished the integrity of the cultural 

resource. 

As discussed, FRA and SLOCOG consulted with the SHPO in determining these 

parameters on June 27, 2013 and followed with a letter on September 9, 2013. 

Following consultation with FRA, SHPO found that the above parameters were 

“reasonable” for the purposes of this programmatic analysis.1

Cultural Resource Categories

Various types of cultural resources exist within the study area and occur within all 

land use designations of Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County. Each type 

of cultural resource differs in sensitivity and importance. The different cultural 

resources categories are defined below.

Archaeological Resources

Archaeology is the study of prehistoric human activities and cultures. 

 Prehistoric Archaeological Sites: In California, prehistoric archaeological sites 

are places where one can find evidence of human activities prior to 1789 AD, 

which is generally accepted as the date of European arrival and exploration 

 

1

Valenstein, David. Chief, Environment & Systems Planning Division. Federal Railroad Administration. 

September 9, 2013 – letter communication.
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leading to permanent settlement. Prehistoric sites typically contain human 

burial or subsistence remains and artifacts or tools made by people. Objects 

that may be found on a prehistoric archaeological site include tools, beads, 

ornaments, ceremonial items, rock art, and inedible remains of food sources. 

 Historic Archaeological Sites: Historic archaeological sites are places where 

evidence exists of human activities between 1789 AD and 50 years ago. Many 

historic archaeological sites are places where houses formerly existed and 

contain ceramic, metal, glass refuse resulting from the transport, preparation 

and structural remnants, such as windowpane glass, lumber, and nails. 

Historical archaeological sites can also be nonresidential, resulting from 

ranching, farming, industrial, and other activities.

 Traditional Cultural Properties: Traditional cultural properties are specific 

locations that are largely associated with the history of the community. These 

places are typically associated with the cultural practices or beliefs of a living 

community, such as locations where ceremonial activities were performed.

Historic Resources

Historic resources are associated with the recent past. 

 Historic Structures: Historic structures are facilities that served residential, 

commercial, industrial, agricultural, transportation, and other purposes during 

historic periods (more than 50 years ago). Historic structures generally consist 

of houses, outbuildings, stores, offices, factories, barns, dams, bridges, roads, 

and other facilities. 

Paleontological Resources

Paleontology is the study of plant and animal fossils. 

 Paleontological Resources: Paleontological resources are fossilized remains of 

plants and animals. Generally, paleontological resources are those that are 

more than 10,000 years old and are typically found below ground surface in 

sedimentary rock units.

Record Search and Analysis 

Archaeological and Historical Resources

Qualified archaeologists submitted prehistoric and historic properties record search 

requests to the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) in July 

2013. The Northwest Information Center (NWIC) conducted a records search for 

the portion of the study area located within Monterey County. Likewise, the Central 
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California Information Center (CCIC) conducted a records search for the portion of 

the study area located within San Luis Obispo County. The NWIC and CCIC

conducted records searches of all previously recorded sites and studies within a 

quarter mile of the study area. The search included current listings for the National 

Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources 

(CRHR), Historical Resources Inventory (HRI), and historical maps. The records 

search identified the number of archaeological and historical sites within the study 

area along with their general location. The number of archaeological sites within 

the study area in the vicinity of each proposed element of the Build Alternative was 

tabulated and used as an indicator of potential sensitivity; however given the 

programmatic nature of the environmental document, a finding of effect under 

Section 106 was not determined at this time. As further discussed in Subsection 

4.4.5, Subsequent Analysis, if one or more elements of the Build Alternative are

proposed to be carried out at a later time, an APE would be established and finding 

of effect made during subsequent environmental review. Likewise, determination 

of NRHP or CRHR eligibility of individual sites was not conducted for this evaluation. 

Sites evaluated here are thus considered “potentially eligible” resources. However, 

this analysis does disclose previous determinations of eligibility. 

As required under CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5, a list of potentially historic structures 

deemed locally eligible was assembled using maps and property lists from cities 

within the study area. Locally eligible resources do not require any further 

consideration under Section 106. However, those resources are assessed in this 

analysis for the purposes of adequate CEQA review. Resources identified in this 

reconnaissance include railroad bridges and other buildings and structures in the 

study area. The number of potential eligible historic properties within the study 

area for each proposed improvement was tabulated and used as an indicator of 

potential sensitivity. 

FRA and SLOCOG, with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), initiated 

a Sacred Lands File Search in July 2013. The record search indicated the potential 

presence of Native American traditional cultural places in the project vicinity and 

also identified 25 Tribal representatives with a potential interest in the involved 

lands. FRA subsequently contacted the identified Native American Tribal 

governments through letter correspondence and subsequent follow-up telephone 

calls.

2

 

 

2

Valenstein, David. Chief, Environment & Systems Planning Division. Federal Railroad Administration. 

September 2013 – letter communications.
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Paleontological Resources

Significant paleontological resources are fossils or assemblages of fossils that are 

unique, rare, unusual, or uncommon. According to Caltrans Standard 

Environmental Reference (SER), scientifically significant paleontological resources 

are identified sites or geologic deposits containing individual fossils or assemblages 

of fossils that are unique or unusual, diagnostically, or stratigraphically important, 

and add to the existing body of knowledge in specific areas, stratigraphically, 

taxonomically, or regionally. These resources can generally be anticipated based on 

the stratigraphic layer of the earth’s surface, as some layers are more prone to 

contain paleontological resources. As a result, this program-level analysis 

determines paleontological sensitivity based on the underlying geological unit. 

Likewise, paleontological sensitivity is predicated on the research potential of fossils 

suspected to occur in that unit. Caltrans uses the scale below to rate 

paleontological sensitivity. Since many of Caltrans’ transportation projects include 

improvements to corridors spanning many miles, this Program EIS/EIR uses the 

Caltrans scale as an appropriate means to assess the paleontological sensitivity of 

the Coast Corridor.

 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 

highly sensitive. High sensitivity 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) areas that may 

contain datable organic remains older than recent, including Neotoma (sp.) 

middens; or 4) areas that may contain unique new vertebrate deposits, traces, 

and/or trackways. 

 Low Potential - This category includes sedimentary rock units that: 1) are 

potentially fossiliferous, but have not yielded significant fossils in the past; 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 
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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. 

 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. 

The underlying geologic units along the existing Coast Corridor were evaluated 

based on the criteria above and a paleontological sensitivity rating was applied. The 

paleontological sensitivities are rated according to Table 3.10-1 below. 

Table 3.10-1 Geologic Unit and Paleontological Sensitivity

Geologic Unit Geologic Age Paleontological Sensitivity

Quaternary Alluvium and Marine Deposits (Q) Pliocene to Holocene Low

Franciscan Complex (KJf) Jurassic to Cretaceous High

Plio-Pleistocene and Pliocene (QPc) Miocene to Pleistocene Low

Miocene Marine Rocks (M) Oligocene to Pliocene Low

Upper Cretaceous Marine Rocks (Ku) Late Cretaceous High

Ultramafic Rocks (um) Middle to Late Jurassic High

Mesozoic Volcanic Rocks (Mzv) Jurassic to Cretaceous High

Tertiary Volcanic Flow Rocks (Tv) Tertiary Low

Source: University of California Museum of Paleontology, 2013

3.10.3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Study Area Context and Resources

Archaeological Resources

According to the Monterey County General Plan EIR, signs of first human life in 

Monterey County date back to 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. First inhabitants were 

nomadic hunters that followed game herds for subsistence. A cultural shift 

occurred around 8,000 to 7,500 B.C. when humans began forming settlements and 

spreading out to maximize resources. Between 2,500 and 1,600 years ago, another 

shift in settlement patterns occurred as a result of migration of different people 

from the north – emanating from a larger migration from the east. Villages became

larger during this time period as a result of new foraging techniques. Over time, 
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villages organized collection, processing, and distribution of resources and 

developed systems to collect and transport resources to population centers. Sea 

level rise and climate change spurred the population to move further inland for 

shelter and resources. Around 1500 A.D., the climate shifted into a colder period 

known as the “Little Ice Age”, changing collection behavior to more specialized and 

migratory. The indigenous people maintained this type of subsistence behavior 

until the Spanish explorers arrived.

Monterey Bay became the focus of several Spanish expeditions, thus influencing the 

culture and history of the region. Monterey County played a role in the MexicanAmerican War and later the California Gold Rush, influencing economic growth and 

development in the area. Grain production quickly became Monterey County’s 

main economic activity and spurred the development of transportation to export 

grain products. In 1872, the Southern Pacific Railroad extended its railroad line 

south to encompass the agricultural areas in the Salinas Valley and allowed farmers 

to increase acreages available for cultivation. In turn, the lower Salinas Valley 

transformed into agricultural land, which shaped the economic structure that

largely remains in place today.

The Ohlone Native American Tribe encompassed much the inland valleys, relying on 

hunting and gathering. The Ohlone had permanent villages and seasonal camps, but 

their culture was dramatically changed by Spanish influence. The Monterey County 

General Plan EIR categorized areas of archaeological sensitivity. Areas that surround 

river courses and other large drainages are considered sensitive, since human 

occupation commonly occurred along water sources. Several burial sites have been 

uncovered on the terraces of the Salinas River, showing the importance of streams 

and rivers in human occupation.

Prehistoric archaeological sites within the Coast Corridor study area, within 

Monterey County, include mostly lithic scatters. “Lithic scatter” describes the 

surface scatter of cultural artifacts and leftover debris after shaping raw stone into 

usable tools. Lithic scatters are commonly found on most archaeological sites. 

According to the Monterey County General Plan EIR, areas between Salinas and San 

Lucas within the study area have generally low sensitivity for archaeological 

resource occurrence in Monterey County as shown on Figure 3.10-1. Areas south of 

San Lucas, adjacent to the Salinas River and US 101 have varying degrees of 

moderate to high sensitivity.

Early settlements in San Luis Obispo County included both large villages and smaller 

camps. Artifacts found from early settlements include shell beads and exotic trade 

items, alluding to increased cultural expansion and complexity. Between 1,000 and 

1,800 A.D., recovered evidence supports possibilities of larger populations settling 
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near the coast to facilitate ocean access. Marine fishing and trading were the main 

economic pursuits. Typical villages included such features as sweathouses, sacred 

council areas, dance areas, and cemeteries. Land animals were hunted with bow 

and arrow as a main food source. Acorns were another valuable food source. 

Because acorns were easily stored, they are believed to have reduced the need for 

hunting and fishing, and thus played a role in increasing sedentism and social 

complexity. 

The Chumash, a Native American Tribe, occupied coastal and inland areas when the 

Mission Period began in 1769. The Chumash society was organized around lineages 

and distinct social stratification. Chumash technology highlights the exploitation of 

marine resources, as found from toolkits with fishhooks, angled bone hooks, nets, 

traps, harpoons, and other items. 

The Salinan Tribe inhabited the northern portion of the county and followed a 

hunting and gathering lifestyle as well, based on fishing. Eventually European 

contact with the Chumash and the Salinan people resulted in religious conversion 

and population increase. Spanish colonization also strongly influenced agricultural 

development in San Luis Obispo County. 

Prehistoric archaeological sites within the San Luis Obispo County portion of the 

Coast Corridor study area include mostly lithic scatters, stone artifacts, and burial 

sites. A temporary village and the remains of Estrada Adobe have also been 

recorded within the study area. 

Historic archaeological sites within the San Luis Obispo County portion of the Coast 

Corridor study area include the Mission San Miguel Arcangel. The Mission includes 

building remains, original wall paintings and decorations completed by Native 

Americans, and porcelain artifacts. The Mission is also listed as a California 

Historical Landmark. Additionally, the Rios-Caledonia Adobe is located near the 

Mission San Miguel Arcangel. This building reflects California's Mexican-era 

architecture and is listed as a NRHP and is a California Historical Landmark.

Historical Resources 

More than 200 Federal, State, and County listed historic sites or eligible historic 

resources exist within Monterey County. Major regional county historic resources 

include Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and the Old Mission School near 

Soledad, Richardson Adobe near Soledad, the Site of the Battle of Natividad near 

Salinas, the Boronda Adobe in Boronda, the Glass House in Pajaro, and Mission San 

Antonio de Padua near Jolon.
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Historic structures existing within the Coast Corridor’s Monterey County study area 

include the Southern Pacific Railroad near King City, Bradley Road Bridge over the 

Salinas River, previously determined eligible for the NRHP.

3

 Several structures 

associated with the Holly Sugar Beet railroad freight site and portions of US 101 

were previously recorded and determined to not be eligible for NHRP listing. 

Several culverts were also previously recorded, but have not been evaluated as 

potential historic resources. The El Camino Real trail is also a historic resource that 

roughly traces parallel to US 101 and is located within portions of the study area. 

This trail is a historic roadway that connected a series of established Spanish and 

Mexican outposts. As a result, a series of missions were built in the footpath of this 

roadway.4 In Monterey County, the study area has about 5 potentially eligible 

historic residential, commercial, and industrial properties, as shown in Table 3.10-2.

Existing historic structures within the San Luis Obispo County portion of the study 

area include several historic-era railroad bridges as well Union Pacific and Southern 

Pacific Railroad Bridges. A bridge/culvert on Cuesta Forest Road and the Highway 

41 overpass of the South Pacific Railroad were recorded, but not evaluated for 

eligibility. Additionally, several locally eligible historic cottage residences and 

carpenter gothic residences are also present within the study area. Similar to 

Monterey County, the El Camino Real trail is also a historic resource that roughly 

traces parallel to US 101 and the study area in San Luis Obispo County. Table 3.10-2

shows potentially eligible historic residential, commercial, and industrial properties, 

as indicated by local standards, found within the Study Area.

Paleontological Resources 

Paleontological resources in Monterey County are primarily from marine life forms 

that deposited from rising and falling sea levels. As a result, terrestrial fossils are 

less likely. Monterey County fossils are mainly microorganisms such as foraminifers 

or diatoms, assemblages of mollusks, and barnacles from the Cretaceous age (138 to 

96 million years old) to the Pleistocene age (1.6 million to 11,000 years old). Out of 

700 known fossil locations within Monterey County, 12 have been identified to have 

scientific value, with rare and unique characteristics. 

The most prevalent underlying geologic unit within the Coast Corridor study area 

and within Monterey County is Quaternary Alluvium and marine deposits, which is 

considered to have low paleontological resources sensitivity. Although the exact 

 

3

The Bradley bridge is also a section 4(f) resource and is discussed in Chapter 4.0, Section 4(f)/6(f) 

Evaluation.

4

California Highways, 2014
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location of these sites is not disclosed to avoid potential degradation, the general 

locations in Monterey County are shown in the 2006 General Plan Update. The 

General Plan showed a negligible amount of such resources along the study area. 

Similarly to Monterey County, paleontological resources in San Luis Obispo County 

are primarily made up of invertebrate fossils in marine rocks. Coastal Franciscan 

formation, a geologic unit within the southern portions of the study area, includes 

trace fossils (preserved tracks or other signs of animal activity), mollusks, and 

marine reptiles. These are typically found where bedrock is exposed from erosion 

on the surface, such as along cliffs along the coast. Scattered vertebrate remains 

have been identified within the county in deposits from the Pleistocene era. The 

study area has low sensitivity for containing paleontological resources with the 

exception of a few areas with high paleontological sensitivity in the southernmost 

portions of the study area. These areas are discussed in more detail below.

3.10.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative represents the continuation of existing operations and

physical components, and assumes the perpetuation of existing freight and 

passenger service. The only proposed physical improvement would be the 

implementation of positive train control (PTC) along the corridor, which would 

possibly include new and/or modified signaling and communications equipment. 

Installation of such equipment would most likely occur within the railroad right-ofway, which generally does not include any historic resources and is an unlikely 

location for unrecorded archaeological resources given the disturbed nature of such 

areas. To the extent PTC installation requires federal approval, further consultation 

under Section 106 may be necessary. 

Build Alternative

Direct Impacts

Construction of one or more of the proposed physical improvements comprising the 

Build Alternative could potentially affect archaeological, historic, and 

paleontological resources. The severity of the impact to these resources depends 

on the condition of the resource and its location with respect to the proposed 

physical improvement. For the purposes of this programmatic evaluation, 
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Table 3.10-2 below summarizes the number of known archaeological sites, number 

of recorded historic structures, and paleontological sensitivity for the various areas 

comprising the study area. 

As previously noted in Subsection 3.10.2, Methods of Evaluation, this evaluation 

does not make any new determinations of eligibility of any potential archaeological 

or historic resource. Where such determinations were previously made, this 

analysis discloses available information. As one or more components of the Build 

Alternative move forward to further design and implementation, componentspecific evaluation for cultural resources effects will be required and conducted. 

Additional evaluation would include further identification and analysis of resources 

present, their condition and eligibility, and the potential direct and indirect effects 

of proposed improvements to adversely affect the resources’ eligibility status. 

Table 3.10-2 Summary of Potential Impacts to Cultural and Paleontological 

Resources

Build Alternative 

Components

Archaeological 

Sites

Historic

Architectural 

Resources

Paleontological 

Sensitivity

Salinas Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #1 

0 0 Low

Spence Siding Extension 0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #2 

0 1 Low

Gonzales Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Soledad Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Soledad New Passenger 

Station

0 9 Low

Harlem/Metz Curve 

Realignments

0 6 Low

Chalone Creek New 

Siding 

0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #3

0 2 Low
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Build Alternative 

Components

Archaeological 

Sites

Historic

Architectural 

Resources

Paleontological 

Sensitivity

Coburn Curve 

Realignments

0 0 Low

King City Siding Extension 0 6 Low

King City New Passenger 

Station

0 1 Low

King City Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #4

0 0 Low

MP 165 Curve 

Realignment

0 3 Low

San Lucas New Siding 0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #5

0 2 Low

MP 172 Track 

Realignment

0 2 Low

San Ardo Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Getty/Bradley Curve 

Realignments

3 1 Low

Bradley Siding Extension 0 0 Low

Bradley Powered Switch 0 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #6

4 6 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #7

1 1 Low

McKay/ Wellsona Curve 

Realignments

0 2 Low

McKay East Powered 

Switches

0 0 Low

Wellsona New Siding 1 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #8

1 4 Low
Coast Corridor

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3.10-16

Build Alternative 

Components

Archaeological 

Sites

Historic

Architectural 

Resources

Paleontological 

Sensitivity

Wellsona/ Paso Robles 

Curve Realignments

0 3 Low

Templeton Siding 1 0 Low

Templeton/ Henry Curve 

Realignments

4 0 Low

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #9

8 3 Low

Henry/Santa Margarita 

Curve Realignment

2 3 Low

Santa Margarita Powered 

Switch

0 0 Low

Cuesta Second Main 

Track

0 3 High

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #10

2 1 High

Source: ICF, 2013 (Appendix D). 

a The table does not show any traditional cultural properties because none have been identified to date by the 

NAHC. 

b

Archaeological sites include those for which eligibility has not yet been determined as well as one resource for 

which eligibility was previously determined. 

c Historic architectural resources listed here include those for which eligibility has not yet been determined as well 

as nine resources for which eligibility was previously determined. 

The vast majority of the sites in Table 3.10-2 were recorded but the resources were never 

evaluated for eligibility. Notable sites that were evaluated are discussed below in Subsection 

3.10.4.

Archaeological Resources

In Monterey County, as indicated in Table 3.10-2, four archaeological sites were 

recorded, within existing alignment section #6, but the eligibility status has not been 

evaluated or determined. Cultural resources at these four archaeological sites entail 

mostly highly disturbed prehistoric lithic scatter along the Salinas River floodplain. 

Lithic scatters in these areas include pieces of eroded cryptocrystalline debitage,

5

 

5

Cryptocrystalline is a type of silicate that likely contains lithic material and cultural debitage (debris 

from quarrying and tool making).
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

3.10-17

core tools, chert flakes, and one fragment of burned bone. Proposed improvements 

under the Build Alternative in this area include upgrades to the existing tracks. 

Improvements to the existing alignment would occur within the railroad right-ofway and would thus be limited to already disturbed areas. Therefore, the Build 

Alternative would be unlikely to affect recorded archaeological sites within section 

#6 of the existing alignment in Monterey County.

Three archaeological sites were recorded within the Getty/Bradley curve 

realignment areas, but the eligibility status has not been evaluated or determined. 

These recorded sites are also prehistoric lithic scatters and chert flakes along the 

Salinas River. Proposed curve realignments would have a larger potential impact 

because the footprint of the required work would require conversion of land 

outside the existing railroad right-of-way. Therefore, construction of this curve 

realignment would have a high potential to disturb and/or uncover known/unknown 

archaeological sites. 

In San Luis Obispo County, archaeological sites were recorded in various locations 

within the existing alignment and in proposed improvement areas. There are a total 

of 12 archaeological sites located within existing alignments section #7, section #8, 

section #9, and section #10 in San Luis Obispo County. The cultural resources found 

at these sites include mostly lithic scatters and chipped stone debris, similar to 

archaeological sites recorded in Monterey County. An isolated burial site was 

recorded as well as a temporary village (recorded three times between 1971 and 

1999). Both of these sites were recorded, but eligibility for the NRHP and CRHR was 

not determined. In section #10 of the existing alignment, two concrete foundations 

were recorded and evaluated in 2006, but not deemed eligible for the NRHP and 

CRHR. Most notably, the Mission San Miguel Arcangel is within the study area in the 

northern portions of San Luis Obispo County and is considered a California Historical 

Landmark, but eligibility for the NRHP and CRHR was not determined. The RiosCaledonia Adobe is located near the Mission San Miguel Arcangel and is listed as a 

NRHP and is also a California Historical Landmark. No physical improvements 

outside of the railroad right-of-way would occur in these areas as it only entails 

system-wide improvements related to track tie and ballast upgrades. As a result, 

these archaeological resources would not likely be affected. However, any 

proposed improvement has potential to uncover unknown cultural resources. 

Therefore, if any of the proposed improvements are carried forward, appropriate

measures consistent with Section 106 may be required to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate potential adverse effects to such resources. 
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3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.10-18

An archaeological site was recorded within the impact area of both the new 

Wellsona siding and Templeton siding. The Wellsona siding site was recorded as a

lithic scatter and the Templeton siding was recorded as bedrock mortar.

6

 These 

sites were recorded but eligibility was not determined. Both of these proposed 

siding improvements would occur within the existing railroad right-of-way and 

would be limited to already disturbed areas. Therefore, the Build Alternative would 

not likely affect recorded archaeological sites within these sidings’ permanent and 

temporary impact areas. However, any proposed improvement has potential to 

uncover unknown cultural resources, as discussed above.

Two archaeological sites were recorded, but not evaluated within the Henry/Santa 

Margarita curve realignment permanent/temporary impact area. Both of these 

sites include lithic scatter. Four sites were recorded within the proposed 

Templeton/Henry curve realignment permanent/temporary impact area. Only one 

of the four sites is in the permanent impact area for the Templeton/Henry curve 

realignment and includes the remains of the Estrada Adobe in Atascadero, which is 

monitored by the Atascadero Land Preservation Society (ALPS).7 In 1845, Governor 

Pio Pico gave Pedro Estrada 40,000 acres through a land grant, which is now modern 

day Atascadero. The Estrada Adobe was Pedro Estrada’s home and has local 

significance.8 The other sites, within the temporary impact area, entail lithic 

scatters. Proposed curve realignments would require conversion of land outside the 

existing railroad right-of-way and thus have elevated potential to disturb know or 

uncover unknown archaeological sites. If one or both of these curve realignments 

are carried forward for construction, contingent on project design, subsequent 

analysis would include a formal evaluation of impacts. 

Historical Resources

There are several historic structures from the more recent built environment that 

exist within the existing Coast Corridor alignment and within the established 

temporary and permanent impact areas for the proposed physical improvements. 

These historical sites include buildings, bridges, and other structures of local 

significance. Most notably is the Bradley Bridge over the Salinas River, which is the 

only historical resource within the entire Coast Corridor study area that was 

previously determined eligible for the NRHP. That said, the Bradley Bridge is located 

within existing alignment section #6; therefore, physical improvements on the 

bridge would consist of the overall track upgrades proposed for the entirety of the 

 

6

Bedrock mortars are rock outcrops that were used for food grinding.

7

Allen, 2013

8

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, 2014
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

3.10-19

Salinas to San Luis Obispo rail corridor. Such improvements would be highly unlikely 

to alter the bridge’s eligibility insofar as the improvements would further the 

bridge’s use (to serve an existing railroad). If track upgrades are selected for this 

portion of the corridor, an appropriate level of review will be needed to formally 

determine the potential for such improvements to affect the bridge’s previously 

established eligibility. 

There are nine potentially historic structures of local importance built between 1920 

and 1940 located within the permanent/temporary impact area of the proposed 

Soledad Passenger Station and one structure within the permanent/temporary 

impact area of the proposed King City Passenger Station. Both Soledad and King 

City have developed conceptual plans for proposed station sites in their respective 

downtown (see the Soledad Downtown Specific Plan (2012) and King City First Street 

Corridor Master Plan (2013)). 

The structure near the proposed King City Station is located on Pearl Street and 

does not appear to be within the station’s footprint or within the city’s historic 

corridor.

9

 All of the structures near the Soledad Station have commercial purposes 

on Front Street, and are located across the street from the proposed station and 

would not likely be affected or acquired by the new station. Cesar Chavez Park is 

located on Front Street, between Main Street and Soledad Street, potentially within 

the proposed station’s footprint. If the King City or Soledad stations are carried 

forward, subsequent project-level analysis of the proposed station footprint may be 

required to determine if the station features would affect any of the relevant

historic properties. At that time, appropriate avoidance, minimization, and 

mitigation measures may be required to address potential adverse effects to such 

resources, as shown in Subsection, 3.10.6, Subsequent Analysis. 

In Monterey County, there are 12 potentially historic structures of local importance 

from the more recent built environment that exist within the existing Coast Corridor 

alignment and within the established temporary and permanent impact areas for 

the proposed Harlem/Metz, MP 165, MP 172, and Getty/Bradley curve 

realignments. Curve realignments require work outside the railroad right-of-way 

and therefore have more potential to disturb existing structures than other 

proposed improvements limited to the railroad right-of-way. If any of the curve 

realignments are carried forward, detailed design work would be necessary to 

identify final footprint areas. Such work would help determine if the footprints 

overlapped with one or more historic properties. As appropriate, subsequent 

 

9

City of King, 2011, p. 7
Coast Corridor

3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.10-20

project level analysis of the proposed Harlem/Metz, MP 165, MP 172, and 

Getty/Bradley curve realignments may be required to determine if one or more of 

them would affect any of the relevant historic properties. 

In San Luis Obispo County, several historic-era bridges and residences exist within 

the temporary and permanent impact areas of the existing Coast Corridor alignment

sections #8, section #9, and section #10. Improvements to the existing alignment 

would occur within the railroad right-of-way and would be limited to already 

disturbed areas. Therefore, the Build Alternative would not affect recorded 

historical sites within the existing alignment in San Luis Obispo County.

In the temporary area for the second mainline, two historic resources have been 

recorded without eligibility determinations: the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge and a 

bridge/culvert on Cuesta Forest Road. The proposed second mainline would occur 

within the existing railroad right-of-way and would thus be limited to already 

disturbed areas. Therefore, the Build Alternative would not affect recorded 

historical sites within the impact areas.

In San Luis Obispo County, there are 8 potentially historic structures of local 

importance from the more recent built environment that exist within the existing 

Coast Corridor alignment and within the established temporary and permanent 

impact areas for the proposed Henry/Santa Margarita, Wellsona/Paso Robles, and 

Mckay/Wellsona curve realignments. Curve realignments require work outside the 

railroad right-of-way and therefore have more potential to disturb existing 

structures than other proposed improvements within the railroad right-of-way. 

Subsequent project-level analysis of the proposed curve realignment footprint 

would be required to determine an impact to these historic buildings and parcels. If 

any of the curve realignments are carried forward, detailed design work would be 

necessary to identify final footprint areas. Such work would help determine if the 

footprints overlapped with one or more historic properties. As appropriate, 

subsequent review of the proposed Henry/Santa Margarita, Wellsona/Paso Robles, 

and McKay/Wellsona curve realignments may be required to determine if one or 

more of them would affect any of the relevant historic properties. 

Paleontological Resources

In Monterey County and in San Luis Obispo County, most of the existing rail 

alignment and proposed improvements are underlain with quaternary alluvium and 

marine deposits from the Holocene epoch. This geologic unit is considered to have 

low sensitivity to encounter paleontological resources because it is young in 
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

3.10-21

geologic age, primarily made up of loose sand and silt material. The only portions of 

the study area with high paleontological sensitivity are within the existing alignment 

#10 and the proposed second main track north of the Cuesta Grade. 

Work required to upgrade existing portions of the Coast Corridor would generally 

not require grading or excavations that would impact potential paleontological 

resources because upgrades would be embedded into the existing tracks. However, 

proposed curve realignments, siding extensions/new sidings, and the second 

mainline would require grading but primarily at surficial levels. Typically, projects 

have an increased potential to affect paleontological resources when they involve 

substantial excavation work and/or tunneling. As none of the proposed physical 

improvements comprising the Build Alternative are anticipated to require significant 

excavation or any tunneling, the potential for impacts to paleontological resources 

would be low. 

Indirect Impacts

The range of potential improvements associated with the elements of the Build 

Alternative could have potential indirect effects on cultural resources, particularly 

where proposed improvements are located in proximity to historic resources. 

Indirect effects include those that could indirectly alter the context in which an 

existing historic resource is situated, potentially to such an extent that the 

resource’s eligibility for the NRHP is compromised. As a result, the potential 

introduction of new visual elements, noise, and vibration upon existing cultural 

resources would need to be further assessed in subsequent environmental review. 

As discussed in Section 3.6, Aesthetics and Visual Resources, the majority of the 

study area would have low to medium visual impacts as a result of implementation 

of proposed improvements. Some of the proposed improvements would include 

the visual presence of construction equipment, light and glare impacts from any 

nighttime construction work, and newly disturbed natural land cover that will 

recover to its original undisturbed form. As elements of the Build Alternative are 

carried forward for further design, funding, and implementation, the potential for 

such resources to indirectly affect or contrast substantially with the existing 

railroad/transportation related use of the corridor is unlikely. 

With regard to noise and vibration, to the extent any of these improvements are 

ultimately carried forward for further design leading to construction, heavy 

equipment and vehicles could result in temporary increases in noise and vibration 

levels. These temporary construction impacts would be more pronounced at 

nighttime when overall ambient noise levels are lower. Once any of the potential 

proposed improvements are operational, noise and vibration effects would occur 
Coast Corridor

3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.10-22

primarily approach and pass through urban areas. While these effects would likely 

be found negligible and further found not to diminish the integrity of location, 

setting, feeling, association, workmanship, design or materials for any historic 

property, further analysis would be needed to make such conclusions for any 

specific locations along the corridor. 

3.10.5 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION 

STRATEGIES

General mitigation strategies are discussed below and provide guidance as to 

additional analysis, evaluation and development of appropriate site specific 

mitigation prior to implementing elements of the Build Alternative.

 MIN-CUL-1. Recordation: The lead agency(s) should ensure that cultural 

resources adversely affected by the Build Alternative are recorded and 

documented in a similar manner to a Historic American Building Survey (HABS) 

or Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) to be coordinated with the 

SHPO. 

 MIN-CUL-2. Design Guidelines: The lead agency should ensure that design 

guidelines are developed for appropriate and compatible construction with 

regard to aesthetics. Design guidelines would meet HABS and HAER standards 

and would be reviewed by SHPO and other agencies. 

 MIN-CUL-3. Interpretive/Educational Materials: The lead agency should 

prepare interpretive and/or educational materials regarding affected historic 

properties or resources. The focus of this mitigation would be the historic 

themes related to this resource. 

 A-CUL-4. Relocation: Historic properties or resources what would be 

demolished because of the project should be relocated and rehabilitated. The 

lead agency should prepare a removal plan, including site plans for the new 

locations and placing them on new foundations. 

 MIN-CUL-5. Monitoring: Project construction documents and new construction 

should be monitored to ensure they confirm to the design guidelines. A 

professional should monitor construction to identify conditions that would 

conflict with the mitigation measures. 

 MIN-CUL-6. Minor Repairs and Reconstruction: The lead agency should ensure 

that inadvertent damage to historic properties or resources would be repaired 

in accordance Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic 

Properties. 
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.10 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

3.10-23

 MIN-CUL-7. Salvage: The lead agency should ensure that selected decorative or 

architectural elements of any adversely affected historic properties or resources 

should be reviewed for feasibility of salvage to mitigate loss or destruction. 

Where possible, these elements should be retained and reused in construction. 

Where not possible, selected salvaged elements should be made available for 

educational purposes. 

 MIN-CUL-8. Paleontological Resources: Mitigation measures for paleontological 

resources should be identified prior to implementing specific elements of the 

Build Alternative such as education of workers, recovery of fossils found during 

reconnaissance, monitoring construction. Furthermore, mitigation strategies 

should include establishing protocols for recovering fossils during construction 

for identification, dating, interpreting, and preserving at appropriate facilities. 

3.10.6 SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS

Where resources exist in the immediate area of proposed project components, 

additional evaluation of the potential effects to cultural resources would be 

conducted prior to implementing specific components of the Build Alternative. 

Additional evaluation would include further identification and analysis of resources 

present, their condition and eligibility, and the potential direct and indirect effects 

of proposed improvements to adversely affect the resources’ eligibility status. All 

identified archaeological and historical resources should be evaluated using NRHP 

and CRHR eligibility criteria. 

Further evaluation of paleontological resources should include field reconnaissance 

to identify any exposed resources and determine sensitivity. 

Further consultation with NAHC and Native American groups would be necessary 

with a more precise study area to determine potentially sensitive resources or 

territories within the study area.
Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

3.10-1

Figure Monterey County Archaeological Sensitivity

Source: Monterey County, 2004

Source: Monterey County, 2004

Existing Rail Alignment