VAFB-1985-04: Peacekeeper Program, Cultural Resources Testing and Monitoring, Roads and Utilities, Phase I, VAFB, CA

Summary

This document is a report that describes cultural resources testing and monitoring as part of the Peacekeeper Rail Garrison program, a program to construct and operate Peacekeeper missile test facilities at VAFB. The project included the installation of utilities and modification of roads. A total of 12 overhead utility lines crossing El Rancho and Umbra roads were undergrounded or modified; one was located in a floodplain and three were within or adjacent to a significant archaeological site (CA-SBA-1060). Cultural resources monitoring activities were required at these four locations. Because prior inspection of the ground surface revealed the existence of cultural remains in the immediate or general vicinity of SBA-1060 and raised the possibility of the presence of subsurface cultural deposits that might require data recovery efforts. Shovel test pits and 1x1 meter test units were excavated in the localities to be disturbed by Component activities during the monitoring phase. A total of 20 STPs and three 1x1-meter Tus were dug at two of the proposed overhead utility line crossings. The Tus were placed in areas where STPs yielded evidence of significant subsurface remains. All units were completed prior to the excavation of boring pits and trenches for the placement of conduits to carry the utility lines under El Rancho Road. Testing demonstrated the existence of important stratified subsurface cultural deposits but did not indicate a need for specific data recovery activities.

All trenching activities were monitored by a qualified archaeologist and geomorphologist. For the portions of El Rancho Road to be bypassed and for the utility line crossing located in the floodplain , however, advance testing was not feasible or was not considered necessary. Most of the cut-grading for the road bypasses had been completed prior to the beginning of testing, and monitoring activities for the Component and avoidance was no longer possible. Therefore, disturbed areas within the right-of-way only could be surveyed post hoc for signs of exposed cultural deposits that might require stabilization or mitigative activities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) - Cultural Resource Report

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Corinne Holloway

Record Identifiers

VAFB Document Number(s): VAFB-1985-04

File Information