HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUP21-0004_14.CA-016_Heffernan_Hill_620_to_OHPSTATE OF CALIFORNIA – THE NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY EDMUND G. BROWN, JR., Governor
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
1725 23rd Street, Suite 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95816-7100
(916) 445-7000 Fax: (916) 445-7053
calshpo@parks.ca.gov
www.ohp.parks.ca.gov
Dear FCC Applicant: Section 106 FCC submisssions will not be accepted unless this cover sheet is completed and attached.
Based on the information provided on the accompanying FCC Form 620 or Form 621 the following information applies to this project:
If the above boxes are blank, there are no historic properties within the direct or indirect project area. Therefore, pursuant to Stipulation VII.B.2 of the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission as quoted below, your Section 106 responsibilities are complete: If the SHPO/THPO does not provide written notice to the Applicant that it agrees or disagrees with the Applicant’s determination of No Historic Properties Affected within 30 days following receipt of a complete Submission Packet, it is deemed that no Historic Properties Exist within the APE or the Undertaking will have no effect on Historic Properties. The Section 106 process is then complete and the Applicant may proceed with the project, unless further processing for reasons other than Section 106 is required. _____ Yes, this submission contains an eligibility determination requiring SHPO concurrence. _____ Yes, this submission contains tribal response. This project will: Not __X__ Not Adversely ______ Adversely______ affect Historic Properties. The qualified project archeologist acknowledges that a pedestrian survey has been completed, a record search has been conducted at the appropriate California Historic Resources Information Center (IC) and that all submitted information is true. Archeologist’s signature ___Dana _____________________________ Supernowicz Date___10-Nov-2020________________ Please note, this letter pertains only to FCC projects being submitted to the California SHPO for comment. Sincerely,
Carol Roland Nawi, Ph.D State Historic Preservation Officer
Project Name___Heffernan Hill Project Address __(approx.) 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap California
There are buildings or structures over 45 years of age within this project’s direct/indirect area of potential effect (APE).
There is an archeological site located within this project’s direct APE.
A qualified archeologist has determined that the proposed project area is considered moderately to highly sensitive for archeological resources.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU
FORM 620 NEW TOWER (“NT”) SUBMISSION PACKET
SITE: HEFFERNAN HILL
LOCATION: JARBO GAP, CALIFORNIA
10-Nov-2020
Prepared by:
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
FCC Form FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Approved by OMB 3060 – 1039
Notification Date: See instructions for
File Number: public burden estimates
General Information
1) (Select only one) ( )
NE – New UA – Update of Application WD – Withdrawal of Application
2) If this application is for an Update or Withdrawal, enter the file number of the pending application
currently on file. File Number:
Applicant Information
3) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
4) Name:
Contact Name
5) First Name: 6) MI: 7) Last Name: 8) Suffix:
9) Title:
Contact Information
10) P.O. Box: And
/Or 11) Street Address:
12) City: 13) State: 14) Zip Code:
15) Telephone Number: 16) Fax Number:
17) E-mail Address:
Consultant Information
18) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
19) Name:
Principal Investigator
20) First Name: 21) MI: 22) Last Name: 23) Suffix:
24) Title:
Principal Investigator Contact Information
25) P.O. Box: And
/Or 26) Street Address:
27) City: 28) State: 29) Zip Code:
30) Telephone Number: 31) Fax Number:
32) E-mail Address:
ComSites West
0010197267
Greg Hutton
2555 Third Street Suite 200
Sacramento CA 95818
(916)903-6495
0014875223
Dana Supernowicz
bcox@earthtouchinc.com
Dana Supernowicz
Senior Archaeologist
2001 Sheffield Dr
El Dorado CA 91694
(916)941-1864
historic.resource@comcast.net
1 of 14
NE
620
FCC Form 620
New Tower (NT) Submission Packet
0009220253
7AM EST 09/14/2020
May 2014
Professional Qualification
33) Does the Principal Investigator satisfy the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards? ( ) Yes ( ) No
34) Areas of Professional Qualification:
( ) Archaeologist
( ) Architectural Historian
( ) Historian
( ) Architect
( ) Other (Specify) __________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Staff
35) Are there other staff involved who meet the Professional Qualification Standards of the Secretary of the Interior? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If “YES,” complete the following:
X
X
X
X
X
36) First Name: 37) MI: 38) Last Name: 39) Suffix:
40) Title:
41) Areas of Professional Qualification:
( ) Archaeologist
( ) Architectural Historian
( ) Historian
( ) Architect
( ) Other (Specify) ____________________________________________________________________________________________
2 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Site Information
Tower Construction Notification System
1) TCNS Notification Number:
Site Information
2) Positive Train Control Filing Subject to Expedited Treatment Under Program Comment: ( ) Yes ( ) No
3) Site Name:
4) Site Address:
5) Detailed Description of Project:
6) City: 7) State: 8) Zip Code:
9) County/Borough/Parish:
10) Nearest Crossroads:
11) NAD 83 Latitude (DD-MM-SS.S): ( ) N or ( ) S
12) NAD 83 Longitude (DD-MM-SS.S): ( ) E or ( ) W
Tower Information
13) Tower height above ground level (include top-mounted attachments such as lightning rods): ___________________ ( ) Feet ( ) Meters
14) Tower Type (Select One):
( ) Guyed lattice tower
( ) Self-supporting lattice
( ) Monopole
( ) Other (Describe):
Project Status
15) Current Project Status (Select One):
( ) Construction has not yet commenced
( ) Construction has commenced, but is not completed Construction commenced on: _______________
( ) Construction has been completed Construction commenced on: _______________
Construction completed on: _______________
219213
Heffernan Hill
(approx.) 11951 State Route 70
Jarbo Gap CA
BUTTE
95965
39-44-09.0
121-29-20.3
X
X
54.9 X
3 of 14
X
X
FCC Form 620
East of Oroville and South of Paradis
May 2014
East of Oroville and South of Paradis
unmanned telecommunication facility
X
Determination of Effect
14) Direct Effects (Select One):
( ) No Historic Properties in Area of Potential Effects (APE)
( ) No Effect on Historic Properties in APE
( ) No Adverse Effect on Historic Properties in APE
( ) Adverse Effect on one or more Historic Properties in APE
15) Visual Effects (Select One):
( ) No Historic Properties in Area of Potential Effects (APE)
( ) No Effect on Historic Properties in APE
( ) No Adverse Effect on Historic Properties in APE
( ) Adverse Effect on one or more Historic Properties in APE
4 of 14
X
X
FCC Form 620
May 2014
Tribal/NHO Involvement
1) Have Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) been identified that may attach religious and cultural
significance to historic properties which may be affected by the undertaking within the APEs for direct and visual
effects?
( ) Yes ( ) No
2a) Tribes/NHOs contacted through TCNS Notification Number: ___________________ Number of Tribes/NHOs: _________________
2b) Tribes/NHOs contacted through an alternate system: Number of Tribes/NHOs: _________________
219213 0
X
4
Tribe/NHO Contacted Through TCNS
3) Tribe/NHO FRN:
4) Tribe/NHO Name:
Contact Name
5) First Name: 6) MI: 7) Last Name: 8) Suffix:
9) Title:
Dates & Response
10) Date Contacted ______________ 11) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
5 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Other Tribes/NHOs Contacted
Tribe/NHO Information
1) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
2) Name:
Contact Name
3) First Name: 4) MI: 5) Last Name: 6) Suffix:
7) Title:
Contact Information
8) P.O. Box: And
/Or 9) Street Address:
10) City: 11) State: 12) Zip Code:
13) Telephone Number: 14) Fax Number:
15) E-mail Address:
16) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
17) Date Contacted _______________ 18) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Jessica
Lopez
2086 N Villa Street
Palermo CA 95968
(707)357-2415
jessica@konkowmaidu.org
X
X
08/04/2020
KonKow Valley Band of Maidu
6 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Other Tribes/NHOs Contacted
Tribe/NHO Information
1) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
2) Name:
Contact Name
3) First Name: 4) MI: 5) Last Name: 6) Suffix:
7) Title:
Contact Information
8) P.O. Box: And
/Or 9) Street Address:
10) City: 11) State: 12) Zip Code:
13) Telephone Number: 14) Fax Number:
15) E-mail Address:
16) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
17) Date Contacted _______________ 18) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Dennis
Ramirez
125 Mission Ranch Blvd
Chico CA 95926
(530)899-8922
dramirez@mechoopda-nsn.gov
X
X
08/04/2020
Mechoopda Indian Tribe
7 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Other Tribes/NHOs Contacted
Tribe/NHO Information
1) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
2) Name:
Contact Name
3) First Name: 4) MI: 5) Last Name: 6) Suffix:
7) Title:
Contact Information
8) P.O. Box: And
/Or 9) Street Address:
10) City: 11) State: 12) Zip Code:
13) Telephone Number: 14) Fax Number:
15) E-mail Address:
16) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
17) Date Contacted _______________ 18) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Benjamin
Clark
#1 Alverda Drive
Oroville CA 95966
(530)533-3625
08/06/2020
frontdesk@mooretown.org
X
X
08/04/2020
Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians
8 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Other Tribes/NHOs Contacted
Tribe/NHO Information
1) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
2) Name:
Contact Name
3) First Name: 4) MI: 5) Last Name: 6) Suffix:
7) Title:
Contact Information
8) P.O. Box: And
/Or 9) Street Address:
10) City: 11) State: 12) Zip Code:
13) Telephone Number: 14) Fax Number:
15) E-mail Address:
16) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
17) Date Contacted _______________ 18) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Grayson
Coney
P.O. Box 510
Browns Valley CA 95918
(530)383-7234
tsi-akim-maidu@att.net
X
X
08/04/2020
Tsi Akim Maidu
9 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Historic Properties
Properties Identified
1) Have any historic properties been identified within the APEs for direct and visual effect? ( ) Yes ( ) No
2) Has the identification process located archaeological materials that would be directly affected, or sites that are of
cultural or religious significance to Tribes/NHOs? ( ) Yes ( ) No
3) Are there more than 10 historic properties within the APEs for direct and visual effect?
If “Yes”, you are required to attach a Cultural Resources Report in lieu of adding the Historic Property below. ( ) Yes ( ) No
Historic Property
4) Property Name:
5) SHPO Site Number:
Property Address
6) Street Address:
7) City: 8) State: 9) Zip Code:
10) County/Borough/Parish:
Status & Eligibility
11) Is this property listed on the National Register?
Source: _______________________________________________________________________________________
( ) Yes ( ) No
12) Is this property eligible for listing on the National Register?
Source: _______________________________________________________________________________________
( ) Yes ( ) No
13) Is this property a National Historic Landmark? ( ) Yes ( ) No
14) Direct Effects (Select One):
( ) No Effect on this Historic Property in APE
( ) No Adverse Effect on this Historic Property in APE
( ) Adverse Effect on this Historic Property in APE
15) Visual Effects (Select One):
( ) No Effect on this Historic Property in APE
( ) No Adverse Effect on this Historic Property in APE
( ) Adverse Effect on this Historic Property in APE
X
X
X
10 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Local Government Involvement
Local Government Agency
1) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
2) Name:
Contact Name
3) First Name: 4) MI: 5) Last Name: 6) Suffix:
7) Title:
Contact Information
8) P.O. Box: And
/Or 9) Street Address:
10) City: 11) State: 12) Zip Code:
13) Telephone Number: 14) Fax Number:
15) E-mail Address:
16) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
17) Date Contacted _______________ 18) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Additional Information
19) Information on local government’s role or interest (optional):
Butte County Department Services
Mark Michelena
7 County Center Drive
Oroville CA 95965
(530)552-3700
mmichelena@buttecounty.net
X
08/13/2020
X
11 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Other Consulting Parties
Other Consulting Parties Contacted
1) Has any other agency been contacted and invited to become a consulting party? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Consulting Party
2) FCC Registration Number (FRN):
3) Name:
Contact Name
4) First Name: 5) MI: 6) Last Name: 7) Suffix:
8) Title:
Contact Information
9) P.O. Box: And
/Or 10) Street Address:
11) City: 12) State: 13) Zip Code:
14) Telephone Number: 15) Fax Number:
16) E-mail Address:
17) Preferred means of communication:
( ) E-mail
( ) Letter
( ) Both
Dates & Response
18) Date Contacted _______________ 19) Date Replied _______________
( ) No Reply
( ) Replied/No Interest
( ) Replied/Have Interest
( ) Replied/Other
Additional Information
20) Information on other consulting parties’ role or interest (optional):
X
12 of 14 FCC Form 620
May 2014
Designation of SHPO/THPO
1) Designate the Lead State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) based on the location of the tower.
SHPO/THPO
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2) You may also designate up to three additional SHPOs/THPOs if the APEs include multiple states. If the APEs include other countries, enter the name of
the National Historic Preservation Agency and any state and provincial Historic Preservation Agency.
SHPO/THPO Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
SHPO/THPO Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
SHPO/THPO Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Certification
I certify that all representations on this FCC Form 620 Submission Packet and the accompanying attachments are true, correct, and complete.
Party Authorized to Sign
First Name: MI: Last Name: Suffix:
Signature: Date:
_______________
FAILURE TO SIGN THIS APPLICATION MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION AND FORFEITURE OF ANY FEES PAID.
WILLFUL FALSE STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS FORM OR ANY ATTACHMENTS ARE PUNISHABLE BY FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT (U.S.
Code, Title 18, Section 1001) AND/OR REVOCATION OF ANY STATION LICENSE OR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (U.S. Code, Title 47, Section
312(a)(1)), AND/OR FORFEITURE (U.S. Code, Title 47, Section 503).
13 of 14 FCC Form 620
California Office of Historic Preservation
Brett Cox
09/11/2020
Brett Cox
May 2014
Attachments :
Type Description Date Entered
Resumes/Vitae Attachment 1 - Resume 09/11/2020
Photographs Attachment 2 - Photographs 09/11/2020
Map Documents Attachment 3 - Maps 09/11/2020
Additional Site Information Attachment 4 - Additional Info 09/11/2020
Area of Potential Effects Attachment 5 - APE for Proposed Action 09/11/2020
Tribal/NHO Involvement Attachment 6 - Tribal Notification 09/11/2020
Historic Properties for Direct Effects Attachment 7 - APE - Direct Effects 09/11/2020
Historic Properties for Visual Effects Attachment 8 - APE - Visual Effects 09/11/2020
Local Government Involvement Attachment 9 - Local Government Information 09/11/2020
Public Involvement Attachment 10 - Public Notification 09/11/2020
FCC Form 620
May 2014
14 of 14
Applicant Name: Comsites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 (‘NT’) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 1 – RÉSUMÉS / VITAE
Provided is a current copy of the résumé or curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator and any
research or other person who contributed to, reviewed or provided significant input into the
research, analysis, writing or conclusions presented in the Submission Packet for this proposed
collocation
Resume for Dana Supernowicz (Principal Investigator) is attached
Applicant Name: Comsites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 (‘NT’) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT – 2 PHOTOGRAPH RECORD
Photographs of the site and the location of the proposed wireless facility are attached
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
10
Attachment B: Photograph Record
1. View looking
northwest at the
project site with
the weather
station in the
foreground.
2. View looking east
from the project
site.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
11
3. View looking
south from the
project location.
4. View looking
west from the
project location.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
12
5. View looking
southwest from
the project
location.
6. View looking
south down the
ridge from the
project site.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
13
7. View looking
south from the
project site.
8. View looking
down one of the
access roads north
of the project site.
Applicant Name: Comsites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 (‘NT’) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT – 3 MAPS
Site Information (Map Requirements) & Topographic Map
FIGURE 1
Heffernan Hill (CA-016)
Site Location
(approx.) 11951 State Route 70
Jarbo Gap, California 95965
Figure: 1
Append: NEPA Checklist Evaluation
Project: CA-016-COMW / ComSites West - Heffernan Hill
Analyst: Brett Cox
Source: Bing Maps
Jarbo Gap, (Butte County), California
3135 North Fairfield Road
EarthTouch, Inc.
Layton, Utah 84041
NORTH
SITE
FIGURE 2
Heffernan Hill (CA-016)
(approx.) 11951 State Route 70
Jarbo Gap, California 95965
Topographic Map
Figure: 2
Append: NEPA Checklist Evaluation
Project: CA-016-COMW / ComSites West - Heffernan Hill
Berry Creek (California) 7.5-minute Quadrangle Map
Analyst: Brett Cox
Source: US Geological Survey
SITE
SITE
NORTH
road access
utility access
lease area
3135 North Fairfield Road
Layton, Utah 84041
EarthTouch, Inc.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 4 – Additional Site Information
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to the
southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of Jarbo Gap
is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento, approximately 30 miles to
the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the Butte County seat. The natural
landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-mountainous terrain of the
western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville Reservoir in an area crossed by the
North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt access roads, scattered residential
dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70. The wireless facility would be sited
within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North,
Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” /
121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located adjacent to and accessed via an existing
gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease
area. The access road would be improved as part of the development of the proposed wireless facility. Other
than the access road, there are no commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility
location. In addition, the general area was significantly damaged by the Camp Fire in 2018.
The unincorporated community of Jarbo Gap is situated on State Route 70 in northeastern Butte County to
the north of Lake Oroville and near the Plumas National Forest and Feather River Canyon. The Jarbo Gap
area includes some roadside diners and convenience stores, fire station and look-out, some scattered
private homes typically on multi-acre properties, and out-door recreational opportunities in the nearby
Plumas National Forest that include camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and hunting. In
the past, logging and timber production were carried out in the general area but diminished significantly over
the last few decades. The area is sparsely populated with a permanent population of about 200 residents.
The Forest Service is challenged with sustaining adequate high-quality outdoor recreational experiences to
meet the needs of forest visitors, while maintaining the ecological integrity of the natural resources. The
combination of increasing populations and the continued decline of public access to privately owned forest
land create the need or public lands to provide more recreational opportunity
Review of zoning drawings indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which a
180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement of
equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of about
830 feet to the lease area; and
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
The wireless facility is designed to accommodate the antennas, equipment cabinets, and related
appurtenances of up to four wireless services providers.
For additional details, please refer to the site plans (Zoning Drawings) that are included.
1520 River Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph 916-567-9630
www.MSTArchitects.com
1520 River Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph 916-567-9630
www.MSTArchitects.com
S 23 S 24
APN 058-200-028
1520 River Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph 916-567-9630
www.MSTArchitects.com
1520 River Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph 916-567-9630
www.MSTArchitects.com
1520 River Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph 916-567-9630
www.MSTArchitects.com
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 5 – Area of Potential Effects (APE)
a. Describe the APE for direct effects and explain how this APE was determined.
The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for direct effects associated with the proposed wireless facility includes the
physical location of the proposed roughly 10,000-square foot lease area and 180-foot steel-lattice tower;
access road improvements, areas traversed by overhead and sub-grade utilities, and staging areas
associated with construction. The steel-lattice tower and lease area would be graded level and covered with
gravel and some concrete pads to support the placement of equipment cabinets for electronic hardware and
backup batteries, and encircled by a 6-foot chain-link privacy fence topped with 3-strands of bard-wire. The
existing roughly 0.5-mile long high-clearance 4-wheel drive access road from State Route 70 to the proposed
lease area would be improved within the existing 30-foot wide easement to accommodate high-clearance 2-
wheel drive vehicles. Utility connections would traverse overhead roughly 1,200 feet from an existing utility
pole about 200 feet to the east of State Route 70, which would involve the installation of 4 or 5 utility poles;
and then traverse a distance of roughly 830 feet to the proposed lease area within a 1.5 foot side by 2.5-foot
deep trench with ground vaults installed about every 300 feet. The trench would be opened, utility cabling
installed, and then trench backfilled with the material removed from the trench to match the existing grade,
and then reseeded with native vegetation.
The direct APE was determined through the review of proposed site development plans (Zoning Drawings)
and a visual inspection of the project site.
b. Describe the APE for visual effects and explain how this APE was determined.
The APE for visual effects was determined to be a ½-mile radius about the proposed steel-lattice tower
location at an approximate address of 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, (Butte County), California
(95965). However, the subject property encompasses a 40-acre parcel of land that is square-shaped and
located in the SE¼ NE¼, Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian
(MDB&M). As a result, the ½-mile radius for the APE for visual effects extends from the proposed monopole
location at latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.0” N / 121º29’20.3” W, or roughly 2,000 feet to the southeast of the
North Quarter Corner of Section 26 and 1,500 feet to the east of State Route 70.
This determination is based upon the criteria included in the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review
of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (Sep-2004); and evaluation of the physical setting of the general area, a visual assessment of
the proposed wireless facility location, and the actual view-shed associated with the proposed lease area and
overhead utilities.
Mitigation of Effects Guidelines
In the case where an Adverse Visual Effect or Adverse Direct Effect has been determined you
must provide the following:
a. Copies of any correspondence and summaries of any oral communications with the
SHPO/THPO and any consulting parties.
As of the date of this report, there has been no correspondence with the SHPO/THPO.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
b. Describe any alternatives that have been considered that might avoid, minimize, or mitigate
any adverse effects. Explain the Applicant’s conclusion regarding the feasibility of each
alternative.
Different physical locations for the proposed wireless facility and steel-lattice tower along State Route 70
near Jarbo Gap were considered. However, other ridge-top locations along State Route 70 would not likely
provide crucial wireless coverage required by the Fire Department or meet the coverage requirements for
traffic on State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap. Additionally, the majority of ridge-top locations within the general
area of Jarbo Gap are not accessible via an improved road, or a high-clearance 2-wheel-drive road, or even
a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive road; nor located within general proximity of land-based electrical and
telecommunications utilities. Therefore, the alternative locations identified are somewhat impractical and
would involve construction of new access roads and extended utility routes increasing costs and APEs.
For each property identified as a Historic Property in the online e-106 form:
a. Indicate whether the Applicant believes the proposed undertaking would have a) no effect;
b) no adverse effect; or, c) an adverse effect. Explain how each such assessment was
made. Provide supporting documentation where necessary.
b. Describe any alternatives that have been considered that might avoid, minimize, or mitigate
any adverse effects. Explain the Applicant’s conclusion regarding the feasibility of each
alternative.
A record search for cultural resources within an approximate ½-mile of the proposed wireless facility and
comprising the visual area of potential effect (APE) identified three (3) cultural resource studies within the
general area of the subject property; none of which encompassed the proposed wireless facility location.
There were no prehistoric archaeological or historical archaeological resources identified within the APE for
direct effects of visual effect. There were three (3) historic resources identified within the within the APE for
visual effects, including; the Jarbo Gap Fire Station, PL-09, and PLI-Camp-04. However, none of these
historical properties were determined to be a significant resource.
Within the APE for direct effects, 1-meter transect surveys were conducted. No cultural materials,
topographic anomalies, or other features suggested historic or pre-contact subsurface archaeological
deposits were identified. Based on the lack of prehistoric or historic archaeological resources identified
within the APE for direct effects or APE for visual effects, and the location of the proposed wireless facility,
access road, and utility route along and exposed ridge with shallow soils and surface water resources more
than a mile distant; the probability of encountering significant historical or pre-contact subsurface
archaeological deposits within the APE for direct effects or APE for visual effects is considered to be low.
Given the lack of prehistoric or historic resources within the APE for direct effects or APE for visual effects,
the cultural resources study of the proposed wireless facility recommended a finding of no effect and
suggested that no additional cultural resources study was necessary for the construction and operation of
the proposed wireless facility.
Please refer to attached Cultural Resources Study.
Cultural Resources Study
HEFFERNAN HILL
APN. 058-200-028
Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap,
Butte County, California 95965
JULY 2020
Prepared for:
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road
Layton, UT 84041
Prepared by:
Historic Resource Associates
3142 Bird Rock Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
Abstract
The Project Site, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 058-200-028, is located
approximately at 11951 State Route 70, ¾ miles southeast of Jarbo Gap in Butte County,
California. The project site lies atop a knoll along a northwest trending ridgeline above the Feather
River Canyon. Besides dirt roads and power, the project site is largely undeveloped with the
exception of a weather station. The proposed Comsites West project involves the construction of
an unmanned telecommunications facility, including establishing a 10,000 square foot lease area;
installing a 6’-0” high chain link fence enclosure with barbed wire; installing underground and
overhead power run from an existing power pole; installing a 800A multi-meter electrical service
panel; installing a 180’-0” tall lattice tower; installing four (4) future carrier ground lease areas;
installing four (4) future carrier antenna centerlines; and installing four (4) future microwave dish
and appurtenance centerlines.
Based upon the proposed project design, the direct area of potential effect (APE) is the subject
parcel, particularly those areas where ground disturbance will occur, and the visual APE is an
approximate ½ mile surrounding the project site.
On July 30, 2020 the Northeast Information Center (NEIC) of the California Historical Resources
Information System (CHRIS) conducted a record search for the aforementioned project. According
to records supplied by the NEIC, there have been three cultural resource studies conducted within
½ mile radius of the project area, none of which encompassed the project site.
NEIC records indicated that there were no prehistoric or historical archaeological resources
identified in the direct or visual APE. There were no historic resources identified in the direct APE,
however, three historic resources were identified in the ½ mile visual APE: Jarbo Gap Forest Fire
Station (P-04-001327), PL-09 (P-04-004334), and PLI-Camp-04 (P-04-004337). The entire
project area was subjected to the Paradise Fire in 2018 that began near Jarbo Gap along the Feather
River.
Taking into account that no prehistoric or historical archaeological resources were identified in the
direct or visual APE, and the project site lies atop an exposed ridgetop with shallow soils and water
a distance of a mile or more, the probability of encountering significant precontact subsurface
archaeological deposits within the direct APE is low. Therefore, no historic properties will be
affected by the proposed project and no further cultural resources study is recommended for the
project.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
1
Introduction
This cultural resources study was completed by Dana E. Supernowicz, M.A., RPA, in accordance
with state guidelines (California State Historic Preservation Office). The Principal Investigator
meets and/or exceeds the qualifications described in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional
Guidelines (Federal Register 48:190:44738-44739) (United States Department of the Interior
1983). Background research was conducted at the NEIC, utilizing the California Historical
Resources Information System (CHRIS).
The Project and Project Site
The Project Site, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 058-200-028, is located
approximately at 11951 State Route 70, ¾ miles southeast of Jarbo Gap in Butte County,
California. The project site lies atop a knoll along a northwest trending ridgeline above the Feather
River Canyon. Besides dirt roads and power, the project site is largely undeveloped with the
exception of a weather station. The proposed Comsites West project involves the construction of
an unmanned telecommunications facility, including establishing a 10,000 square foot lease area;
installing a 6’-0” high chain link fence enclosure with barbed wire; installing underground and
overhead power run from an existing power pole; installing a 800A multi-meter electrical service
panel; installing a 180’-0” tall lattice tower; installing four (4) future carrier ground lease areas;
installing four (4) future carrier antenna centerlines; and installing four (4) future microwave dish
and appurtenance centerlines (Attachment C: Project Site Plans).
Subject Property
The subject property is located in a rural area of Butte County, east of Oroville and south of
Paradise. The subject property is improved with a marginal dirt road and a weather station.
Environmental Setting
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5’ Heffernan Hill, California
Topographic Quadrangle Map (Figure 1), the project site is located at an elevation of
approximately 2.500’ above mean sea level (amsl). The topography of the subject property is
characterized by a narrow, exposed ridge with steep slopes to the east and west. Precontact groups
in the region in which the project area is located would have subsisted primarily on acorns, pine
nuts, edible shrubs, freshwater fish, deer, and small game animals harvested from the surrounding
water sources and foothills (Lightfoot and Parrish 2009).
Prehistoric and Ethnographic Overview
The original inhabitants of Oroville and the surrounding valley were the Konkow, or Valley Maidu
(Dixon 1905; Kroeber 1925). The Valley or Northeastern Maidu inhabited a vast geographical area
that encompassed the Sacramento Valley, east to the mountain valleys of Plumas County, and
extending into parts of the Great Basin. The Konkow people derived their name from the anglicized
version of koyomkawi, meaning “meadowland.” Village communities, ranging in size from 200-
1,500 individuals, were distributed along major waterways. Central to the village community was
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
2
the kumi, a semisubterranean earth-covered lodge, which served as a ceremonial assembly
chamber. The Konkow chief or headman was primarily an advisor, responsible to a council
composed or elder members of the Kuksu cult and for negotiating peace. Among the Konkow
people, a powerful shaman presided over the Kuksu cult, which functioned primarily as a
ceremonial and dance organization incorporating spirit impersonations (Riddell 1978).
The Konkow followed a yearly gathering cycle, subsisting on wild rye, acorns, nuts, and roots,
supplemented by hunting deer and fishing salmon. Clothing was scant, with men wearing only a
breechcloth and women an apron skirt. The nose was pierced as part of the initiation into the secret
society. The Konkow tattooed by cutting the skin with sharp flint or obsidian and rubbing the area
with charcoal or a red pigment. Basketry methods employed a simple twining, utilizing willow or
redbud with shoots of hazelnut (Riddell 1978). Konkow life was little affected by White contact
until after the gold discovery at Coloma in 1848. A reservation was established at Nome Lackee
in 1854 and some Konkow were removed there in 1855. Powers (1874, reprinted 1975), who
visited Chico in the late 1860s and early 1870s, recorded the Konkow name for Chico Creek as
Chu lam shu. Kroeber (1925) plotted the Konkow villages of Yauku and Otaki along Big Chico
Creek (Kroeber 1925). Ishi, Oroville’s most famous resident, was the last of the Yahi Indians,
whose ancestral homeland was the foothills near Lassen Peak. He wandered into Oroville around
1911, was befriended and studied extensively by Kroeber, and died of tuberculosis in 1916
Historic Context
The historic context for the project is rooted in the development of Oroville, a mining camp on the
Feather River settled in 1849 by Colonel John Tatam and other miners, and small mining camps
to the northeast, such as Deadwood, Parkhill, and Yankee Hill. Originally known as Ophir City,
in analogy to the ancient gold land mentioned in the Old Testament, the name was changed to
Oroville on May 3, 1854, when the post office was established, because there already was an Ophir
in Mariposa County and an Ophirville in Placer County. But, Judge James Monroe Burt was able
to retain oro, the Spanish word for “gold” in the name of the town. Burt was elected Butte County’s
first county attorney and in 1856 he built one of the first brick buildings on Bird Street (Gudde
1969:230; Gudde 1975:256).
Gold found at Bidwell Bar, one of the first gold mining sites in California, brought thousands of
prospectors to the Oroville area. When the Feather River Ditch was completed in the spring of
1856, Oroville became the center for mining in the district. Bidwell Bar is memorialized by the
Bidwell Bar Bridge, an original remnant from the area and the first suspension bridge in California
(California Historical Landmark #314). In 1856, when Oroville became the third county seat, the
tributary population was 4,000. On Table Mountain, opposite Oroville, the famous Bracket Flume,
which hung on brackets on the face of a cliff, was constructed during the hey-day of hydraulic
mining. By 1903, there were eleven dredging companies (Gudde 1975:256). In the early 20th
century the Western Pacific Railroad completed construction of the Feather River Canyon route
through the Sierra Nevada. In 1983, this became part of the Union Pacific Railroad as their Feather
River Canyon Subdivision. A major highway, State Route 70, approximately parallels the railroad
line through the canyon.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
3
March 18, 1907 a flood washed out the Thermalito Bridge and completely destroyed Dredgerville,
a small town south of Thermalito in Butte County. A concrete levee was built to protect downtown
Oroville. In 1951 the California State Legislature authorized the Feather River Project, which
included the Oroville Dam, Reservoir, power plant, and smaller dams. Completed in 1968, the
embankment dam was located about five miles northeast of Oroville. Lake Oroville, the second
largest lake in California, was created with the construction of the Oroville Dam, the tallest earthen
dam in the United States. The city of Oroville, which encompasses 12.9 square miles, was
incorporated on January 3, 1906 and is the county seat of Butte County. Today, Oroville has a
population of approximately 15,506, and is the third largest municipality in Butte County, followed
by Chico and Paradise (City of Oroville Website 2020).
Prior Cultural Resource Surveys
On July 30, 2020 a record search (I.C. File #D20-136) was conducted by the staff at the Northeast
Information Center (NEIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS).
A review of files at the NEIC records indicated that there have been three cultural resource studies
conducted within ½ mile radius of the project area: Baker 1999 (NEIC-004873B), Compas 2001
(NEIC-004873), and Compas 2001 (NEIC-004873A). None of these studies encompassed the
project site.
Known Archaeological and Historical Sites
NEIC records indicated that there were no prehistoric or historical archaeological resources
identified in the direct or visual APE. There were no historic resources identified in the direct APE,
however, three historic resources were identified in the ½ mile visual APE: Jarbo Gap Forest Fire
Station (P-04-001327), PL-09 (P-04-004334), and PLI-Camp-04 (P-04-004337).
Tribal Consultation
EarthTouch, Inc. has filed the proposed undertaking on the FCC’s Tower Construction
Notification System (TCNS) and requested a Sacred Lands Search from the Native American
Heritage Commission (NAHC). Those Tribes identified via TCNS and the NAHC have been
invited to comment on the proposed undertaking’s impact on archaeologically sensitive areas and
Traditional Cultural Properties, as not all cultural resources in a region may be recorded on the
base-maps at the Information Center; some archaeologically sensitive areas and Traditional
Cultural Properties may only be known within the Tribes. All responses received from the
identified Tribes are included in Attachment 6 and Attachment 10 of the E-106 Submission Packet.
In addition, all responses available at the time of writing have been taken into consideration by the
author while determining the archaeological sensitivity of the Project Site.
National/State Register Files
According to the site files at the NEIC, there were no National Register of Historic Places (NRHP),
California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), National Historic Landmark (NHL), or
California Historic Landmark (CHL) listed sites within the proposed project area.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
4
Historic Map and Aerial Photograph Review
A review of historic topographic quadrangle maps (1900-2020) and aerial photographs (1947-
2020) indicated that the subject property and project site were covered with timber and likely
logged over in the past 50 years. In recent years, the Paradise Wildfire cut a swath through the
project area (NETRonline Historic Aerials Website 2020).
Archaeological and Historical Sensitivity of the Direct APE
It has been determined that the precontact sensitivity of the direct project APE is low. No
prehistoric or historical archaeological resources have been identified in the direct or visual APE.
The project site lies atop an exposed ridge with permanent water sources a mile or more away.
Pedestrian Survey
A pedestrian survey of the direct APE was completed by Dana E. Supernowicz, M.A., RPA on
July 31, 2020. The surface reconnaissance focused on assessing and photographing the general
surface conditions found within the project area. The proposed impact area’s archaeological
potential was evaluated based on several factors, including proximity to recorded sites, creeks,
rivers and wetlands, the presence of early historic development, as well as disturbances, such as
grading, fill slopes, and cutting. Ground surfaces within the lease area were observed to have been
disturbed by past logging and by the recent wildfire. The project footprint was subjected to a
pedestrian survey at 1-meter intervals. No cultural materials, topographic anomalies, or other
features that may indicate historic or precontact use were observed.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In light of the available information, it is my professional opinion that the direct APE or project
footprint for the proposed project is low for the presence of significant precontact and/or historical
archaeological resources. No historic properties were identified by this survey effort in the direct
APE and no further archaeological work is recommended for the project. In the event that a
concentration of artifacts or culturally modified soil deposits (including trash pits older than 50
years) should be encountered at any time during ground disturbing activities, all work must stop
until a qualified archaeologist views the finds and makes a preliminary evaluation. If warranted,
further archaeological work in the discovery area should be performed. Although unlikely, if
human remains are encountered, all work must stop in the immediate vicinity of the discovery until
the County Coroner and a qualified archaeologist evaluate the remains.
Sincerely,
Dana E. Supernowicz, M.A., RPA
Historic Resource Associates
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
5
References
Baker, Cindy L. National Register of Historic Places Evaluation, PG&E Big Bend Dam, Feather
River Hydroelectric System, Butte County, California. Unpublished report (NEIC-004873B) on
file at NEIC, Chico, CA. 1999.
City of Oroville Website. “History.” www.cityoforoville.org. Accessed July 2020.
Compas, Lynn. Cultural Resources Inventory and Management Plan for the PG&E Poe
Hydroelectric System FERC Relicensing Project (FERC No. 2107), Butte County, California.
Unpublished report (NEIC-004873) on file at NEIC, Chico, CA. 2001.
Compas, Lynn. Extended Phase I testing at CA-BUT-42/H for the PG&E Poe Hydroelectric
System FERC Relicensing Project (FERC No. 2107), Butte County, California. Unpublished
report (NEIC-004873A) on file at NEIC, Chico, CA. 2001.
Cook, Sherburne F. The Conflict Between the California Indians and White Civilization, I: The
Indian Versus the Spanish Mission. Ibero-Americana 21. Berkeley, CA. 1943.
Dixon, R. B. The Northern Maidu. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 17:119-
346. 1905.
Gardner, R. “Settlements Northern Hill Nisenan.” From Cultural Resources of the Marysville
Lake, California Project (Parks Bar Site), Yuba and Nevada Counties, California. Edited by Jerald
J. Johnson and Dorothea Theodoratus. 1978.
Google Earth. www.googleearth.com. Accessed July 2020.
Gudde, Erwin G. California Gold Camps. Berkeley: University of California Press. 1975.
Gudde, Edwin G. California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical
Names. Berkeley: University of California Press. 1969.
Hoover, Mildred B. Historic Spots in California. Stanford University Press. Stanford, CA. Third
edition. 1966.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
6
Kroeber, A.L. Handbook of the Indians of California. Washington: Bureau of American
Ethnology, Bulletin 78. 1925.
Kuchler, A.W. Natural Vegetation of California (Map). In Terrestrial Vegetation of California.
M.G, Barbour and J. Major eds. John Wiley and Sons, New York. 1997.
Kent G. Lightfoot and Otis Parrish. California Indians and Their Environment. Berkeley:
University of California Press, 2009.
Moratto, Michael J. California Archaeology. Orlando, Florida: Academic Press, Inc. 1984.
NETRonline Historic Aerials Website. https://www.historicaerials.com. 1947-2020. Accessed
July 2020.
NRCS Website. Web Soil Survey. United States Department of Agriculture Soils Website.
Accessed July 2020.
Riddell, Francis A. “Maidu and Konkow.” In Handbook of North American Indians. Volume 8:
California. R. F. Heizer, ed. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. Pp. 370-386. 1978.
Shipley, William. “Native Languages of California.” In Handbook of North American Indians.
Volume 8: California. pp. 80-90. Edited by Robert F. Heizer Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian
Institution. 1978.
United States Department of the Interior. Archaeology and Historic Preservation: Secretary of
the Interiors Standards and Guidelines. Federal Register Part IV, 48(2):44716-44742. Annotated
version showing later technical and officially adopted revisions available from the National Park
Service’s preservation laws, regulations, and standards webpage at http://cr.nps.gov/local-
law/arch_stnds_0.htm. 1983.
United States Geological Service (USGS) Heffernan Hill, California 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle
Map. USGS, Washington, D.C.
Cultural Resources Study Approx. 11951 State Route 70, Jarbo Gap, CA
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Figure 3: Project Aerial Location Map (Google Earth 2019).
Project Location
Applicant Name: Com Sites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 6 - Native American Tribal and Native Hawaiian Organization Involvement
EarthTouch Inc. filed a notification of the proposed undertaking on the Tower Construction Notification
System (TCNS) on 26-Aug-2020. The attached ‘notice of organizations that were sent proposed tower
information’ (email: 7293235) by the FCC (26-Aug-2020) including a number of Tribal Nations that have
expressed a geographic interest in the area of the proposed wireless facility and that were notified through
about the proposed wireless facility by the TCNS. Follow up correspondence will be submitted to the
identified Tribal Nations via email or methods noted on the attached correspondence generated by the
TCNS considered to be acceptable to each Tribal Nation. The information submitted to Tribal Nations will
include detailed drawings of the proposed wireless facility, maps, and the results of a review of architectural,
archaeological, cultural, and/or historical properties at the site, within the direct APE, and visual APE or 0.5
miles; along with a letter describing the structures/features at the site and proposed wireless facility.
Please refer to the attached response letter received through the TCNS.
On 10-Jul-2020, EarthTouch Inc. requested the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC)
search the Sacred Lands File for the potential presence of religious/sacred sites or sites of cultural
significance to Native American Tribes and Rancherias. EarthTouch Inc. received a response from the
California NAHC on 14-Jul-2020 which identified four Native American Tribes or Rancherias. Follow up
correspondence, consistent with the information outlined above, was sent to each of the Native American
Tribes or Rancherias identified by the California NAHC on 04-Aug-2020.
Copies of correspondence with the California NAHC and the Native American Tribes or Rancherias
identified by the California NAHC with a geographic interest in the area of the subject property are included
in Attachment 10.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 7 – Historic Properties identified in the APE for Direct Effects
The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for direct effects associated with the proposed wireless facility includes
the roughly 10,000-square foot lease area and 180-foot steel-lattice tower; access road improvements to
construct a high-clearance 2-wheel-drive road, areas traversed by overhead and sub-grade utilities, and
staging areas associated with construction. Details related to these areas are included in Attachment 5.
A record search identified three (3) cultural resource studies within a ½-mile radius of the location of the
proposed steel-lattice tower. However, none of previously completed cultural resource studies encompassed
the APE for direct effects.
Within the APE for direct effects; one (1) meter transect surveys were conducted. No cultural resources,
topographic anomalies, structures/features suggesting pre-contact subsurface archaeological deposits were
identified. Based on the lack of prehistoric or historic archaeological resources identified within the APE for
direct effects; and the location of the proposed wireless facility, access road, and utility route along and
exposed ridge with shallow soils and surface water resources more than a mile away; the probability of
encountering significant historical or pre-contact subsurface archaeological deposits within the APE for direct
effects is considered to be low.
In accordance with Section 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1) of NHPA, and based on the Code of Federal Regulations
Title 36, Volume 3 (Rev. July 1, 2001), if archaeological remains are exposed during ground construction,
work within five meters of the radius of the find(s) must be halted and a qualified archaeologist retained to
evaluate the findings. If human remains are encountered during excavations associated with this project, all
work must halt, and the County Coroner must be notified (Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety
Code). The coroner will determine whether the remains are of forensic interest. If the coroner, with the aid of
the supervising archaeologist, determines that the remains are prehistoric, the coroner will contact the Native
American Heritage Commission (NAHC).
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 8 – Historic Properties identified in the APE for Visual Effects
a. Provide the name and address (including U.S. Postal Service ZIP Code) of each property in
the APE for visual effects that is listed in the National Register, has been formally
determined eligible for listing by the Keeper of the National Register, or is identified as
considered eligible for listing in the records of the SHPO/THPO, pursuant to Section VI.D.1.a.
of the Nationwide Agreement.
Three (3) historical properties were identified within the APE for visual effects. However, none of the
historical properties identified in state and federal inventories within ½ mile radius of the proposed wireless
facility location are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
b. Provide the name and address (including U.S. Postal Service ZIP Code) of each Historic
Property in the APE for visual effects, not listed in Attachment 8a, identified through the
comments of Indian Tribes, NHOs, local governments, or members of the public. Identify
each individual or group whose comments led to the inclusion of a Historic Property in this
attachment. For each such property, describe how it satisfies the criteria of eligibility (36
C.F.R. Part 63).
No properties identified.
c. For any properties listed on Attachment 8a that the Applicant considers no longer eligible
for inclusion in the National Register, explain the basis for this recommendation.
Not Applicable.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
Record Search Results
On 30-Jul-2020, a record search was conducted at the Northeast Information Center (NEIC) in Chico,
California. The NEIC is part of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) established
by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) to maintain an inventory of historic and pre-historic
resources within California. The purpose of the record search was to identify all previously recorded cultural
resources (pre-historic and historic archaeological sites, historic buildings, structures, objects, or districts),
as required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and its implementing
regulations 36 CFR Part 800. The record search involved review of pertinent NEIC base maps that
reference cultural resource survey and excavation reports, recorded prehistoric and historic archaeological
sites, historic-period maps, and literature related to the city of Ripon and San Joaquin County.
To identify historic properties, the State of California Office of Historic Preservation Historic Properties
Directory (HPD) was consulted, which includes properties of the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP), California Historical Landmarks (CHL), California Points of Historical Interest (CPHI), the California
Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), as well as certified Local Government surveys that have
undergone Section 106 review.
The record search entailed reviewing all previously recorded cultural resources studies within an
approximate ½-mile radius of the proposed steel-lattice tower location comprising the visual area of potential
effects (APE), which identified three (3) cultural resources studies, none of which encompassed the
proposed wireless facility location and/or associated access road or utility route. No pre-historic
archaeological resources identified within the APE for visual effect. Three (3) historical resources were
identified within the APE for visual effect, including; the Jarbo Gap Fire Station (P-04-001327), and PL-09
(P-04-004334) and PLI-Camp-04 (P-04-004337). However, none of these historic properties were
determined to be eligible for listing on the NRHP.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / SCA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 9 – Local Government
Zoning Drawings and supplemental information supporting a permit application for the proposed wireless
facility was submitted to the Butte County Department of Development Services on 9-Jul-2020 with
acknowledgement of receipt by Mr. Mark Michelena (Senior Planner) on 13-Jul-2020. The Cultural
Resources Study of the proposed wireless facility was provided to Mr. Michelena on 13-Aug-2020, along
with a letter inviting comment on the proposed wireless facility with respect to potential effects on historic or
pre-historic properties. As part of local entitlement, the Butte County Department of Development Services
would notice individuals within a roughly 5-mile radius of the proposed wireless facility location and also
publish a ‘general notice’ requesting comments in advance of a public hearing. Should the Butte County
Development Services Department request additional consultation regarding the proposed wireless facility
with respect to potential impact to historic properties, this Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
would be revised as necessary.
Applicant Name: ComSites West
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Attachment to Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
ATTACHMENT 10 - Other Consulting Parties and Public Involvement
List additional consulting parties that were invited to participate by the Applicant, or
independently requested to participate. Provide any relevant correspondence or other
documents.
On 10-Jul-2020, EarthTouch, Inc. requested that the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC) search the Sacred Lands File to identify religious or sacred sites or sites with cultural significance.
A response from the California NAHC was provided on 14-Jul-2020, indicating negative results, but
identified four (4) Native American Tribes or Rancherias a geographical interest in the area of the proposed
wireless facility. Subsequently, on 04-Aug-2020, EarthTouch, Inc. provided the identified Native American
Tribes or Rancherias with a copy of Zoning Drawings, Cultural Resources Study, and letter with additional
descriptions of the proposed wireless facility with a request for review and comment regarding whether the
proposed wireless facility would/would not pose a significant concern to sites/areas considered to be of
religious, sacred, or cultural significance. Any comments or concerns regarding the potential effects of the
proposed wireless would be addressed through follow-up correspondence or through on-line notifications
consistent with the requests of specific Native American Tribes and/or Rancherias.
As part of the local entitlement process related to issuance of permits for construction, information regarding
the proposed wireless facility was submitted to Mr. Mike Michelena, a Senior Planner with the Butte County
Department of Development Services (209.468-0214) on 2-Jul-2020. Subsequently, on 13-Aug-2020,
EarthTouch, Inc submitted a request and Cultural Resources Study to Mr. Michelena for comment regarding
the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources.
Any comments of concerns regarding the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on any historic
or pre-historic resources would be addressed through the local zoning or entitlement process through the
submission of additional information or additional investigation, as warranted.
Steps involved in obtaining a permit for development include information about the proposed wireless facility
being submitted to and posted at the offices of the Butte County Department of Development Services and
made available to the general public through routine disclosures related to proposed development projects
in Butte County under consideration for permit actions. In general individuals and business within a
prescribed distance of the proposed wireless facility location would be notified in advance of a public hearing
related to the issuance of a development permit and requested to provide comments to the Butte County
Department of Development Services about the potential impacts of the proposed wireless facility on the
environment, including; on historical, architectural, archaeological resources.
On 13-Aug-2020, the Butte County Historical Society, Museum & Archives was contacted and requested to
provide comment regarding the potential impacts of the proposed wireless facility on historical, architectural,
archaeological resources. Zoning Drawings, Cultural Resources Study, and letter with descriptions of the
subject property and the proposed wireless facility with a request for review and comment regarding whether
the proposed wireless facility would pose a significant concern to historic properties.
Should any concerns be raised during the local entitle process with respect potential impact to historic
properties related to the proposed wireless facility, this Form 620 New Tower (“NT”) Submission Packet
would be revised as necessary.
EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800 / Fax: 801-771-2838
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
10-Jul-2020
via e-mail
nahc@nahc.ca.gov
California Native American Heritage Commission
1550 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 100
West Sacramento, California 95691
RE: Request for Review of the Sacred Lands File for a proposed wireless facility project in Jarbo Gap,
(Butte County), California.
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016
Dear Resource Manager;
EarthTouch, Inc. is evaluating the environmental, historical, and cultural issues related to a proposed
wireless facility to be sited on a light-industrial land use property at (approx.) 1195 State Route 70, (Butte
County) California. This letter is a request for information pertaining to existence of Native American
religious and/or sacred sites near this location. More detailed information related to the proposed wireless
facility location is included below, and the proposed site is identified on both the site and topographic
maps attached.
Please review the Sacred Lands File (SLF) for the area of potential effect (APE) associated with this
proposed wireless facility location and inform us of the potential presence of known Native American
sacred sites as well as the contact information for Native America Tribes and Rancherias, and interested
parties that we should contact regarding proposed development.
SITE INFORMATION
Site Name / Number: Heffernan Hill / CA-016 County: Butte County
Civic Address: (approx.) 11951 State Route 70 USGS Quadrangle Map: Berry Creek (California)
Jarbo Gap, California 95965 Latitude / Longitude: 39º 44’ 09.0 N / 121º 29’ 20.3 W
Public Land Survey System: NE1/4 of Section 26 Township 22 North Range 4 East Mt Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M)
We would appreciate a response from the California Native American Heritage Commission being sent to
the undersigned via email (bcox@earthtouchinc.com) or facsimile (801.771.2838). Should you have
questions or require additional information, please reach out to the undersigned at your convenience.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom, Governor
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Page 1 of 1
January 14, 2020
Brett Cox
Senior Scientist
EarthTouch, Inc.
Via Email to: bcox@earthouchinc.com
Re: Jarbo Gap Project, Butte County
Dear Mr. Cox:
A record search of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File (SLF) was completed for the information you have
submitted for the above referenced project. The results were negative. However, the absence of specific site information in the SLF does not
indicate the absence of cultural resources in any project area. Other sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information
regarding known and recorded sites.
Attached is a list of Native American tribes who may also have knowledge
of cultural resources in the project area. This list should provide a starting place in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the proposed
project area. I suggest you contact all of those indicated; if they cannot
supply information, they might recommend others with specific
knowledge. By contacting all those listed, your organization will be better able to respond to claims of failure to consult with the appropriate tribe. If
a response has not been received within two weeks of notification, the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call or email to
ensure that the project information has been received.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from tribes, please notify me. With your assistance, we can assure that our
lists contain current information.
CHAIRPERSON Laura Miranda Luiseño
VICE CHAIRPERSON Reginald Pagaling Chumash
SECRETARY Merri Lopez-Keifer Luiseño
PARLIAMENTARIAN Russell Attebery Karuk
COMMISSIONER Marshall McKay Wintun
COMMISSIONER William Mungary Paiute/White Mountain Apache
COMMISSIONER
[Vacant]
COMMISSIONER Julie Tumamait-Stenslie
Chumash
COMMISSIONER
[Vacant]
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Christina Snider
Pomo
NAHC HEADQUARTERS 1550 Harbor Boulevard Suite 100 West Sacramento,
California 95691 (916) 373-3710 (916) 373-5471 fax nahc.ca.gov
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at
my email address: Nancy.Gonzalez-Lopez@nahc.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Nancy Gonzalez-LopezStaff Services Analyst
Attatchment
KonKow Valley Band of Maidu
Jessica Lopez, Chairperson
2086 N. Villa St.
Palermo, CA, 95968
Phone: (707) 357 - 2415
jessica@konkowmaidu.org
KonKow
Maidu
Mechoopda Indian Tribe
Dennis Ramirez, Chairperson
125 Mission Ranch Blvd
Chico, CA, 95926
Phone: (530) 899 - 8922
Fax: (530) 899-8517
dramirez@mechoopda-nsn.gov
KonKow
Maidu
Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu
Indians
Benjamin Clark, Chairperson
#1 Alverda Drive
Oroville, CA, 95966
Phone: (530) 533 - 3625
Fax: (530) 533-3680
frontdesk@mooretown.org
KonKow
Maidu
Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu
Indians
Guy Taylor,
#1 Alverda Drive
Oroville, CA, 95966
Phone: (530) 533 - 3625
KonKow
Maidu
Tsi Akim Maidu
Grayson Coney, Cultural Director
P.O. Box 510
Browns Valley, CA, 95918
Phone: (530) 383 - 7234
tsi-akim-maidu@att.net
Maidu
1 of 1
This list is current only as of the date of this document. Distribution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibility as defined in Section 7050.5 of
the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Public Resource Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code.
This list is only applicable for contacting local Native Americans with regard to cultural resources assessment for the proposed Jarbo Gap Project, Butte County.
PROJ-2020-
003916
07/14/2020 08:56 AM
Native American Heritage Commission
Native American Contact List
Butte County
7/14/2020
EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
03-Aug-2020
Via e-mail
jessica@konkowmaidu.org
Jessica Lopez, Chairperson
KonKow Valley Band of Maidu
2086 N. Villa Street
Palermo, CA 95968
RE: Proposed Wireless Facility at approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in
unincorporated Butte County, California
Site Number / Name: CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
Dear Ms. Lopez:
This letter and attachments summarize construction activities and the potential effects to historical,
archaeological, and cultural resources associated with the proposed location of a new wireless facility at
approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in an unincorporated part of Butte County,
California. Through initial consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC); we were provided with your contact information as a representative of a Native American Tribe
or Rancheria with an interest in the general area due to possible religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance near the proposed wireless facility location. On behalf of the wireless consultant(s), wireless
facility development firm, and communications carrier(s) we represent; EarthTouch Inc., as the
authorized representative, is providing the attached information and requesting comment about potential
religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural significance within roughly 0.5 mile of the proposed wireless
facility location or may be impacted by the construction and/or operation of the proposed wireless facility.
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to
the southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of
Jarbo Gap is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento,
approximately 30 miles to the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the
Butte County seat. The natural landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-
mountainous terrain of the western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville
Reservoir in an area crossed by the North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt
access roads, scattered residential dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70.
The wireless facility would be sited within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter
(1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a
latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” / 121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located
adjacent to and accessed via an existing gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near
Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease area. The access road would be improved as part of the
Tribal Nation/Rancheria Consultation
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill 2
State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, California
development of the proposed wireless facility. Other than the access road, there are no
commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility location. However, the general
area was significantly damaged by the Paradise Fire.
Review of zoning drawings (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which
a 180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement
of equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of
about 830 feet to the lease area;
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
Consistent with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we are requesting comment
about the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance to Native American Tribes or Rancherias. We included a Cultural Resources Study that
summarizes known historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources at the subject property and within
0.5 mile of the site to assist in the review (Attachment 2). Based on FCC directive, if a response is not
received within 30 days, we are obligated to notify the FCC of the lack of a response so that further
administrative processing may be carried out.
EarthTouch, Inc. supports protection of religious/sacred sites and sites/areas of cultural significance to
Native American Tribes and Rancherias; and encourages a response so we may be sensitive to concerns in
the construction and operation of the proposed wireless facility. As a matter of course, the Licensee and
wireless facility construction company are aware that if evidence of human remains or human activities
are discovered during construction that all construction activities would cease immediately; and the
County Coroner would be contacted. If the human remains or archaeological finds are determined to
potentially represent a Native American interment, the California Office of Historical Preservation (OHP)
and Native American Tribes and Rancherias would be notified in accordance with Section IX of the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Agreement (Sep-2004).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this letter and
attachments, please contact me at: 801.771.2800.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist
EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
21-Jul-2020
Via e-mail
dramirez@mechoopda-nsn.gov
Dennis Ramirez, Chairperson
Mechoopda Indian Tribe
125 Mission Ranch Blvd.
Chico, CA 95926
RE: Proposed Wireless Facility at approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in
unincorporated Butte County, California
Site Number / Name: CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
Dear Mr. Ramirez:
This letter and attachments summarize construction activities and the potential effects to historical,
archaeological, and cultural resources associated with the proposed location of a new wireless facility at
approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in an unincorporated part of Butte County,
California. Through initial consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC); we were provided with your contact information as a representative of a Native American Tribe
or Rancheria with an interest in the general area due to possible religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance near the proposed wireless facility location. On behalf of the wireless consultant(s), wireless
facility development firm, and communications carrier(s) we represent; EarthTouch Inc., as the
authorized representative, is providing the attached information and requesting comment about potential
religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural significance within roughly 0.5 mile of the proposed wireless
facility location or may be impacted by the construction and/or operation of the proposed wireless facility.
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to
the southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of
Jarbo Gap is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento,
approximately 30 miles to the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the
Butte County seat. The natural landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-
mountainous terrain of the western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville
Reservoir in an area crossed by the North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt
access roads, scattered residential dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70.
The wireless facility would be sited within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter
(1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a
latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” / 121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located
adjacent to and accessed via an existing gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near
Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease area. The access road would be improved as part of the
Tribal Nation/Rancheria Consultation
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill 2
State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, California
development of the proposed wireless facility. Other than the access road, there are no
commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility location. However, the general
area was significantly damaged by the Paradise Fire.
Review of zoning drawings (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which
a 180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement
of equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of
about 830 feet to the lease area;
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
Consistent with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we are requesting comment
about the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance to Native American Tribes or Rancherias. We included a Cultural Resources Study that
summarizes known historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources at the subject property and within
0.5 mile of the site to assist in the review (Attachment 2). Based on FCC directive, if a response is not
received within 30 days, we are obligated to notify the FCC of the lack of a response so that further
administrative processing may be carried out.
EarthTouch, Inc. supports protection of religious/sacred sites and sites/areas of cultural significance to
Native American Tribes and Rancherias; and encourages a response so we may be sensitive to concerns in
the construction and operation of the proposed wireless facility. As a matter of course, the Licensee and
wireless facility construction company are aware that if evidence of human remains or human activities
are discovered during construction that all construction activities would cease immediately; and the
County Coroner would be contacted. If the human remains or archaeological finds are determined to
potentially represent a Native American interment, the California Office of Historical Preservation (OHP)
and Native American Tribes and Rancherias would be notified in accordance with Section IX of the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Agreement (Sep-2004).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this letter and
attachments, please contact me at: 801.771.2800.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist
EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
03-Aug-2020
Benjamin Clark, Chairperson
Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians
#1 Alverda Drive
Oroville, CA 95966
RE: Proposed Wireless Facility at approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in
unincorporated Butte County, California
Site Number / Name: CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
Dear Mr. Clark:
This letter and attachments summarize construction activities and the potential effects to historical,
archaeological, and cultural resources associated with the proposed location of a new wireless facility at
approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in an unincorporated part of Butte County,
California. Through initial consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC); we were provided with your contact information as a representative of a Native American Tribe
or Rancheria with an interest in the general area due to possible religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance near the proposed wireless facility location. On behalf of the wireless consultant(s), wireless
facility development firm, and communications carrier(s) we represent; EarthTouch Inc., as the
authorized representative, is providing the attached information and requesting comment about potential
religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural significance within roughly 0.5 mile of the proposed wireless
facility location or may be impacted by the construction and/or operation of the proposed wireless facility.
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to
the southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of
Jarbo Gap is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento,
approximately 30 miles to the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the
Butte County seat. The natural landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-
mountainous terrain of the western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville
Reservoir in an area crossed by the North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt
access roads, scattered residential dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70.
The wireless facility would be sited within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter
(1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a
latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” / 121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located
adjacent to and accessed via an existing gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near
Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease area. The access road would be improved as part of the
Tribal Nation/Rancheria Consultation
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill 2
State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, California
development of the proposed wireless facility. Other than the access road, there are no
commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility location. However, the general
area was significantly damaged by the Paradise Fire.
Review of zoning drawings (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which
a 180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement
of equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of
about 830 feet to the lease area;
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
Consistent with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we are requesting comment
about the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance to Native American Tribes or Rancherias. We included a Cultural Resources Study that
summarizes known historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources at the subject property and within
0.5 mile of the site to assist in the review (Attachment 2). Based on FCC directive, if a response is not
received within 30 days, we are obligated to notify the FCC of the lack of a response so that further
administrative processing may be carried out.
EarthTouch, Inc. supports protection of religious/sacred sites and sites/areas of cultural significance to
Native American Tribes and Rancherias; and encourages a response so we may be sensitive to concerns in
the construction and operation of the proposed wireless facility. As a matter of course, the Licensee and
wireless facility construction company are aware that if evidence of human remains or human activities
are discovered during construction that all construction activities would cease immediately; and the
County Coroner would be contacted. If the human remains or archaeological finds are determined to
potentially represent a Native American interment, the California Office of Historical Preservation (OHP)
and Native American Tribes and Rancherias would be notified in accordance with Section IX of the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Agreement (Sep-2004).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this letter and
attachments, please contact me at: 801.771.2800.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist
EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
03-Aug-2020
Via e-mail
frontdesk@mooretown.org
Guy Taylor
Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians
#1 Alverda Drive
Oroville, CA 95966
RE: Proposed Wireless Facility at approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in
unincorporated Butte County, California
Site Number / Name: CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
Dear Mr. Taylor:
This letter and attachments summarize construction activities and the potential effects to historical,
archaeological, and cultural resources associated with the proposed location of a new wireless facility at
approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in an unincorporated part of Butte County,
California. Through initial consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC); we were provided with your contact information as a representative of a Native American Tribe
or Rancheria with an interest in the general area due to possible religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance near the proposed wireless facility location. On behalf of the wireless consultant(s), wireless
facility development firm, and communications carrier(s) we represent; EarthTouch Inc., as the
authorized representative, is providing the attached information and requesting comment about potential
religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural significance within roughly 0.5 mile of the proposed wireless
facility location or may be impacted by the construction and/or operation of the proposed wireless facility.
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to
the southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of
Jarbo Gap is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento,
approximately 30 miles to the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the
Butte County seat. The natural landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-
mountainous terrain of the western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville
Reservoir in an area crossed by the North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt
access roads, scattered residential dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70.
The wireless facility would be sited within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter
(1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a
latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” / 121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located
adjacent to and accessed via an existing gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near
Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease area. The access road would be improved as part of the
Tribal Nation/Rancheria Consultation
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill 2
State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, California
development of the proposed wireless facility. Other than the access road, there are no
commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility location. However, the general
area was significantly damaged by the Paradise Fire.
Review of zoning drawings (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which
a 180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement
of equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of
about 830 feet to the lease area;
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
Consistent with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we are requesting comment
about the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance to Native American Tribes or Rancherias. We included a Cultural Resources Study that
summarizes known historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources at the subject property and within
0.5 mile of the site to assist in the review (Attachment 2). Based on FCC directive, if a response is not
received within 30 days, we are obligated to notify the FCC of the lack of a response so that further
administrative processing may be carried out.
EarthTouch, Inc. supports protection of religious/sacred sites and sites/areas of cultural significance to
Native American Tribes and Rancherias; and encourages a response so we may be sensitive to concerns in
the construction and operation of the proposed wireless facility. As a matter of course, the Licensee and
wireless facility construction company are aware that if evidence of human remains or human activities
are discovered during construction that all construction activities would cease immediately; and the
County Coroner would be contacted. If the human remains or archaeological finds are determined to
potentially represent a Native American interment, the California Office of Historical Preservation (OHP)
and Native American Tribes and Rancherias would be notified in accordance with Section IX of the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Agreement (Sep-2004).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this letter and
attachments, please contact me at: 801.771.2800.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist
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EarthTouch, Inc. 3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D, Layton, Utah 84041 Tel: 801-771-2800
EarthTouch, Inc.
3135 North Fairfield Road, Suite D
Layton, Utah 84041
03-Aug-2020
Via e-mail
tsi-akim-maidu@att.net
Grayson Coney, Cultural Director
Tsi Akim Maidu
P.O. Box 510
Brown Valley, CA 95918
RE: Proposed Wireless Facility at approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in
unincorporated Butte County, California
Site Number / Name: CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
Dear Mr. Coney:
This letter and attachments summarize construction activities and the potential effects to historical,
archaeological, and cultural resources associated with the proposed location of a new wireless facility at
approximately 11951 State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap in an unincorporated part of Butte County,
California. Through initial consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC); we were provided with your contact information as a representative of a Native American Tribe
or Rancheria with an interest in the general area due to possible religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance near the proposed wireless facility location. On behalf of the wireless consultant(s), wireless
facility development firm, and communications carrier(s) we represent; EarthTouch Inc., as the
authorized representative, is providing the attached information and requesting comment about potential
religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural significance within roughly 0.5 mile of the proposed wireless
facility location or may be impacted by the construction and/or operation of the proposed wireless facility.
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill
The proposed wireless facility would be located near the crest of Heffernan Hill approximately 0.5 mile to
the southeast of Butte County Fire Station No. 36 on State Route 70 in Jarbo Gap. The community of
Jarbo Gap is located in northern Butte County roughly 90 miles to the north of Sacramento,
approximately 30 miles to the east of Chico, and about 20 miles to the north-northeast of Oroville, the
Butte County seat. The natural landscape of the site vicinity can be generally described as hilly and semi-
mountainous terrain of the western slope of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains to the north of Oroville
Reservoir in an area crossed by the North Fork of the Feather River and improved with some gravel/dirt
access roads, scattered residential dwellings, and some commercial/retail facilities along State Route 70.
The wireless facility would be sited within a roughly 50- by 200-foot lease area in the Northeast Quarter
(1/4) of Section 26, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian (MDB&M), at a
latitude/longitude of 39º44’09.06” / 121º29’20.37”. The proposed wireless facility would be located
adjacent to and accessed via an existing gravel/dirt road running southeasterly from State Route 70 near
Fire Station No. 36 to the proposed lease area. The access road would be improved as part of the
Tribal Nation/Rancheria Consultation
CA-016 / Heffernan Hill 2
State Route 70 near Jarbo Gap, California
development of the proposed wireless facility. Other than the access road, there are no
commercial/residential improvements near the proposed wireless facility location. However, the general
area was significantly damaged by the Paradise Fire.
Review of zoning drawings (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed wireless facility would include:
Establishing a roughly 10,000-square-foot ground lease near the crest of Heffernan Hill within which
a 180-foot steel-lattice tower would be erected along and concrete pads constructed for the placement
of equipment cabinets to house electronic hardware, back-up batteries, and attendant electrical and
telecommunications units and gear;
Establishing a roughly 30-foot access easement along roughly 0.5-miles of an existing gravel/dirt
access road and improving the access road to provide for access by high-clearance two-wheel-drive
(2WD) vehicles;
Establishing a roughly 20-foot utility easement running southwesterly from the proposed lease area
about 2,000 feet to an existing utility pole about 200 feet east of State Route 70 and then installing
roughly five utility poles to support overhead electrical transmission telecommunications lines over a
distance of about 1,200 feet, and then trenching and placing utilities sub-grade over a distance of
about 830 feet to the lease area;
Surrounding the lease area with 6-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire and a chain-link gate
that would be locked to restrict access.
Consistent with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we are requesting comment
about the potential effect(s) of the proposed wireless facility on religious/sacred sites or sites with cultural
significance to Native American Tribes or Rancherias. We included a Cultural Resources Study that
summarizes known historical, archaeological, and/or cultural resources at the subject property and within
0.5 mile of the site to assist in the review (Attachment 2). Based on FCC directive, if a response is not
received within 30 days, we are obligated to notify the FCC of the lack of a response so that further
administrative processing may be carried out.
EarthTouch, Inc. supports protection of religious/sacred sites and sites/areas of cultural significance to
Native American Tribes and Rancherias; and encourages a response so we may be sensitive to concerns in
the construction and operation of the proposed wireless facility. As a matter of course, the Licensee and
wireless facility construction company are aware that if evidence of human remains or human activities
are discovered during construction that all construction activities would cease immediately; and the
County Coroner would be contacted. If the human remains or archaeological finds are determined to
potentially represent a Native American interment, the California Office of Historical Preservation (OHP)
and Native American Tribes and Rancherias would be notified in accordance with Section IX of the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Agreement (Sep-2004).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this letter and
attachments, please contact me at: 801.771.2800.
Sincerely,
EarthTouch, Inc.
Brett Cox
President / Senior Scientist