2012-10-18_REVISION - C1980004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mike Boulay -45- October 16, 2012 Appendix J — Class III Cultural Resource Inventory (Grand River Institute) • Site 5GF879.6, a segment of the historic Davenport Ditch, is described beginning on page 10 of this report. Portions of a 1981 archaeological analysis are quoted, which describe the construction of a ditch and cement diversion dam in the late 1890's by the Quaker Oats Co. According to the quoted text, because of accumulated silt "the dam was then dynamited and the ditch never used." • This study then documents the remains of a diversion feature (Feature #1), the dynamited diversion dam (Feature #2), and a headgate (Feature #3), along with two segments of the ditch. Photos and a map of these features were not provided to the Division, but based on descriptions in the text, it appears that Feature #2 may be the concrete wall shown in Photos 1 and 2 of the AVF determination. • The historical narrative regarding the attempt made by Quaker Oats Co. to dam and divert flows from East Salt Creek more than 100 years ago is illuminating, but the elongated landform does not appear to have been evaluated for the Cultural Resource Inventory. Rather, attention was focused solely on the concrete dam /diversion structures located at the present -day constriction of East Salt Creek. Conclusions • With PR -2, MCM has attempted to re- characterize a landform previously identified as "man -made fill" as being the result of natural processes, specifically a landslide which originated west of East Salt Creek and SH 139. The Division does not find the arguments now being presented to be compelling, and suggests that the shape and location of the feature are more consistent with the intentional construction of an earthen dam than they are with landforms created by natural processes. • Assuming the landform is determined to be human -made, the question that next arises is, "When was the dam constructed ?" The earthwork may well have been accomplished as part of the Quaker Oats project, but if that effort merely took advantage of a "constriction" that already existed at this location, is it possible that construction of the dam predated the arrival of settlers in the area? This may need to be further evaluated as part of the Cultural Resource Inventory. The Division will consult with the Bureau of Land Management and /or the State Historic Preservation Officer as to whether additional study is warranted. Please consider the comments above and provide a plausible, consistent description of the structure throughout the permit revision application.