2016-10-07132_Painted Hills SEPA Checklist (SUB-2015-0001_PRD-2015-0001
State of Washington • Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 48343 • Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 • (360) 586-3065
www.dahp.wa.gov
October 5, 2016
Ms. Lori Barlow
Associate Planner
City of Spokane Valley
South 321 Balsam Street
Post Office Drawer 1579
Moses Lake, WA98837-0244
In future correspondence please refer to:
Project Tracking Code: 2016-10-07132
Property: Painted Hills SEPA Checklist (SUB-2015-0001/PRD-2015-0001
Re: Archaeology - Survey Requested
Dear Ms. Barlow:
Thank you for contacting the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and providing documentation
regarding the above referenced project. As a result of our review, our professional opinion is that
the project area has a high probability to contain archaeological resources. The project area is
depicted as having the highest probability for containing precontact archaeological resources.
Features on historical maps show the presence of springs as well as intermittent streams in the
project area. In addition the project area is adjacent to an ecotone indicating forest/prairie
transition. These areas possess a high probability for precontact archaeology. Chapter 27.53.095
RCW allows the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to issue civil penalties for the
violation of this statute in an amount up to five thousand dollars, in addition to site restoration costs and
investigative costs. Also, these remedies do not prevent concerned tribes from undertaking civil action in
state or federal court, or law enforcement agencies from undertaking criminal investigation or
prosecution. Chapter 27.44.050 RCW allows the affected Indian Tribe to undertake civil action apart from
any criminal prosecution if burials are disturbed.
The fact that the project area is a former golf course does not lessen its probability for containing
archaeological resources. Multiple intact archaeological sites have been identified on golf course
throughout Washington. We request a professional archaeological survey of the project area prior to
ground disturbance. If the archaeological resources are present a permit from DAHP will be
required under RCW 27.53.
The completed survey should be submitted to DAHP and the interested Tribes for review prior to
ground disturbance. We also recommend consultation with the concerned Tribes' cultural committees
and staff regarding cultural resource issues.
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Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project and we look forward to receiving the survey
report. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Kaehler
Assistant State Archaeologist, Local Governments
(360) 586-3088
gretchen.kaehler@dahp.wa.gov
cc. Randy Abrahamson, THPO, Spokane Tribe
Laura McCullough, Archaeologist, Spokane Tribe