Archaeological Resources - Procedures for Inadvertent Discoveries

Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Resources

During construction, if prehistoric or historic-era cultural materials are encountered, all construction activities within 100 feet shall halt and the City of Alameda Planning Division (planning@alamedaca.gov) shall be notified. Prehistoric archaeological materials might include obsidian and chert flaked-stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, scrapers) or toolmaking debris; culturally darkened soil (“midden”) containing heat-affected rocks, artifacts, or shellfish remains; and stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones, or milling slabs); and battered stone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period materials might include stone, concrete, or adobe footings and walls; artifact filled wells or privies; and deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse. In addition to notifying the City of Alameda, the project applicant shall ensure that a qualified archaeologist inspect the discovery prior to resuming work.

Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains

Pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, and Section 5097.94 of the Public Resources Code of the State of California, the project applicant shall ensure the following:

  1. Project construction personnel shall be informed of the potential of encountering human remains during construction, and the proper procedures to follow in the event of the discovery of human remains during construction.
  2. In the event of the discovery of human remains during construction, work shall stop in that area and within 100 feet of the find. The Alameda County Coroner (2901 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland CA 94605, 510-382-3000) and the City of Alameda Planning Division (planning@alamedaca.gov) shall be immediately notified about the discovery. The County Coroner will make a determination as to whether the remains are Native American. If the Coroner determines that the remains are not subject to their authority, they will notify the State of California Native American Heritage Commission who will then identify descendants of the deceased Native American. The applicant/property owner shall confer with the identified Native American descendant(s) on the disposition of the human remains.
  3. If no satisfactory agreement can be reached as to the disposition of the remains pursuant to State law, then the project applicant shall notify the City of Alameda Planning Division and then re-inter the human remains and items associated with Native American burials on the property in a location onsite that will not be subject to further ground disturbance.

 

Revised June 15, 2021

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