2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (113)

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• ig • 352 Class III Inventory, Colowyo's Collom Mine Project 30 cm below surface. The original recorders noted that no cultural material was discovered at the site, and at the time it was uncertain whether the site had cultural origins or was a natural occurrence. Site 5MF3996 was revisited in August 2005 as part of the Collom Mine Expansion project (no photograph available). The site appears to have been impacted by grading of the road that passes through the site. None of the original three areas described in 1995 or the site datum could be relocated, probably because road construction either covered or destroyed these localities. During the revisit, eight large mammal bones were discovered along the bladed road and along the creek (Figure 6.216). The bones are large artiodactyl bones, most likely a species of bison (Table 6.2). All of the bones are weathered, and only one is complete. No evidence of a cultural modification could be found on the bones, and the elements recovered suggest a natural death. Light staining and a single piece of charcoal were observed in two separate areas along the western edge of the road cut. The revisit failed to determine if the staining or charcoal observed is of cultural origin or was deposited naturally. NRHP Eligibility Recommendation and Project Effect In 1995 MAC recommended. Site 5MF3996 as potentially eligible for the NRHP under Criteria D, but additional data was required to confirm its eligibility, and the Colorado OAHP officially concurred with that assessment. The August 2005 inventory evaluation confirmed the need for testing, especially because of the possibility that road construction had impacted the site. The current assessment is that the site is eligible for the NRHP. Subsurface testing and data recovery excavations are required to determine the extent of cultural material extant at the site. The site occurs within the mine permit boundary and within the area proposed for disturbance. Impacts from the proposed undertaking would constitute an adverse effect. The site is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D and. should be avoided until subsurface testing evaluations and data recovery excavations are completed. A testing and data recovery plan has been submitted as a separate document. Following this stipulation, cultural resource clearance is recommended. 47599 TRC Mariah Associates Inc.