Archaeological Survey of the Salt River Project's Generating Station for the Santan Expansion Project, Gilbert, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

Northland Research, Inc. (Northland) has completed an archaeological survey of 119 acres (48.1 hectares) for the Salt River Project in the Town of Gilbert. Survey of the existing Santan Generating Station was completed in anticipation of renovations to the power generating station. Construction of a proposed 825 megawatt, natural-gas fired generating station is the impetus for the survey. The proposed construction will entail demolition and relocation of existing facilities and infrastructure. An existing 14-inch natural gas pipeline and gas metering station within the project area will be moved to a route that has yet to be determined. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the lead agency for the project and El Paso Natural Gas will function as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agent for the gas pipeline project. The archaeological survey was conducted in compliance with the Section 106 (36CFR800) review process.

Surface visibility within the project area was mixed when the author conducted the survey on June 20-21, 2001. Approximately half of the Santan Generating Station could not be inspected because gravel pads, added dirt spoils, gravel and asphalt pavement, buildings, or other infrastructure covered the entire ground surface (0 percent visibility). Other portions of the project area had slightly better surface visibility: 20-45 percent surface visibility or 50-85 percent of the modern ground surface was visible.

No surface archaeological resources were encountered within the existing Santan Generating Station; however, the historical period Highland Canal (AZ U:9:174 [ASM]) may cross the project area. Archaeological monitoring is recommended for the proposed natural gas pipeline. If the Highland Canal is not located during monitoring of the natural gas line because prior ground disturbances have removed the site, then additional monitoring or testing of the canal may be needed elsewhere in the Santan Generating Station.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Salt River Project Digital Library

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Salt River Project Cultural Resource Manager

Repository(s): Salt River Project, Tempe, AZ

Prepared By(s): Northland Research, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Salt River Project; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Record Identifiers

Project No.(s): 01-65

Report No.(s): 01-65

SRP Library Call No.(s): F813.S26M37 2001

SRP Library Barcode No.(s): 00090930

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