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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. 2 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