PANOCHE VALLEY SOLAR FARM PROJECT, PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT, SAN BENITO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

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1 PANOCHE VALLEY SOLAR FARM PROJECT, PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT, SAN BENITO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA by John Minch and Associates, Inc Sierra Vista Mission Viejo, California (949) Prepared for POWER Engineers, Inc Glenbrook Drive Hailey, Idaho (208) May 20, 2010 The undersigned certifies that the attached report is a true and accurate description of the results of a paleontological assessment described herein. John A. Minch, PhD. Principal Investigator CA Professional Geologist#3269

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i INTRODUCTION 1 METHODOLOGY OF LITERATURE AND RECORDS SEARCH 6 RESULTS OF FIELD RECONNAISSANCE 6 RESULTS OF LITERATURE AND RECORDS SEARCH 6 GEOLOGY/BIOSTRATIGRAPHY 7 PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCES ON AND NEAR THE PROJECT SITE 9 REGIONAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF SITE UNITS 10 SENSITIVITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES 11 IMPACTS TO POTENTIAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. 12 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MITIGATION MEASURES 12 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 14 REFERENCES 15 FIGURES Figure 1. Regional Location Map. 2 Figure 2. Study area plotted on a portion of the. 3 El Casco USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Figure 3.Enlarged study area plotted on a portion of the. 4 El Casco USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Figure 4. Geologic Map of study area. (Dibblee, 2003) (El Casco USGS 7.5' Quadrangle) 5

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Paleontological Resources Survey Report documents the findings of a paleontological study conducted by John Minch and Associates, Inc. for the Panoche Valley Solar Farm Project, Panoche Valley, San Benito County, California. The 4,717-acre Project site is located in eastern San Benito County in the Panoche Valley area, approximately 15 miles west of Highway 5 along West Shields Road and Little Panoche Road The investigation study included a literature review, records search at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (LACM) and databases from the University of California Berkeley Museum of Paleontology (UCMP), a field reconnaissance, and this report which were completed using currently accepted paleontologic methods that satisfy mitigation requirements for paleontological resources. This survey investigation was performed in order to: 1) evaluate existing paleontological resources, 2) determine the impact to identified and/or anticipated paleontological resources resulting from the proposed project, and 3) to determine appropriate mitigation measures necessary to minimize anticipated adverse impacts, if any, to paleontological resources resulting from construction of the project. The majority of the project site is underlain by very young Quaternary Alluvium of Holocene (Recent) age. These Recent sediments are, by definition, too young to contain fossils. No recorded fossil localities are known from the project site. It is recommended that project proponents retain a qualified paleontologist to be on call to recover any paleontological resources that may be encountered in the previously undisturbed Pleistocene and older alluvial sediments on site. Due to the minimal depth of the excavations the paleontologist in conjunction with the site supervisor may determine that having the paleontologist on call is sufficient to mitigate impacts to significant nonrenewable resources. i JMA

4 INTRODUCTION At the request of Power Engineers, Inc. and Solargen Energy, Inc., John Minch and Associates, Inc. [JMA] has undertaken a Paleontological Resources Survey Report for the proposed Solar Energy Farm in Panoche Valley, San Benito County, California (Figure 1). The purpose of this Study is to identify the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed Panoche Valley Solar Project (Project) on 4,717 acres in eastern San Benito County (County). This study has been prepared in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Guidelines) that implement CEQA and the County s implementation procedures for CEQA. The survey was performed in order to: (1) evaluate existing paleontological resources at the site and surrounding area, (2) determine if the proposed Project poses any significant adverse impact to existing paleontological resources, and (3) to outline appropriate mitigation measures (if any) in order to minimize adverse impacts to the paleontological resources. The 4,717-acre Project site is located in eastern San Benito County in the Panoche Valley area, approximately 15 miles west of Highway 5 along West Shields Road / Little Panoche Road (see Figure 1). The site occupies most of the broad and relatively flat Panoche Valley bounded by hills. Specifically, the Project is located in Township 15S, Range 10E, Sections 3-4, 8-11, 13-16, and Township 15S, Range 11E, Section 19 of the USGS Cerro Colorado, Llanada, Mercy Hot Springs, and Panoche 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps (Figure 2). The site consists of relatively flat terrain, which slopes east-southeast with sloping gradients up to approximately 30 percent. The site elevation ranges from approximately 125 feet above mean sea level (amsl) near the southeast end of the site to approximately 1,400 feet amsl near the west end. The moderately incised drainage channels of Panoche Creek and Los Aguilas Creek traverse the Project site. In addition, there are several unnamed washes located throughout the site that direct run-off to the Southeast. Historically the project area and surrounding areas have been developed mainly as grazing land uses for more than 40 years. Vegetation within the project area consists of ruderal weeds and grasses. Primary access to the property is along dirt roads from Panoche Road and West Shields Road. 1 JMA

5 Figure 1. - Regional Location Map 2 JMA

6 Figure 2. - Study area plotted on an aerial photo of a portion of the Llanada, Cerro Colorado, Mercy Hot Springs, and Panoche USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangles. 3 JMA

7 Figure 3. Geologic Map of Project area. (Dibblee, 2007 a,b,c,d) (Cerro Colorado, Mercy Hot Springs, Llanada and Panoche USGS 7.5' Quadrangles) 4 JMA

8 Figure 4. - Legend for Geologic Map of Project area. (Dibblee, 2007 a,b,c,d) (Cerro Colorado, Mercy Hot Springs, Llanada and Panoche USGS 7.5' Quadrangles) 5 JMA

9 METHODOLOGY OF LITERATURE AND RECORDS SEARCH Tasks completed during field surveys: A walkover site survey of geologic units mapped and/or exposed on-site was conducted by John Minch, PhD, JMAs Certified Vertebrate Paleontologist and Registered State Professional Geologist (No. 3269). Tasks completed during literature search: Review of available geologic and paleontologic literature pertinent to the site, including existing lists of fossils and fossil localities. Review of available environmental impact and/or geotechnical reports pertinent to development of the site. Review of records searches at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (LACM) and databases from the University of California Berkeley Museum of Paleontology (UCMP). RESULTS OF FIELD RECONNAISSANCE No paleontologic resources were encountered during the May, 2010 field reconnaissance survey of the project site that was conducted to locate and check accessible exposures for paleontologic resources by JMA under the direction of paleontologist John Minch, Ph.D. Dr. Minch is a Professional Geologist in the State of California (PG #3269) and an experienced, qualified vertebrate paleontologist. The entire project is covered in ruderal grasses. Access to the underlying Quaternary Alluvium was afforded by cut banks in stream courses incised into the present fan surface. RESULTS OF LITERATURE AND RECORDS SEARCH Available literature considered pertinent to the site, including previously recorded lists of fossils and paleontological fossil localities recorded for the general site vicinity, was reviewed. The purpose of the literature search was to determine: (1) pertinent geologic and paleontologic site information, and (2) the paleontologic sensitivity of identified and/or anticipated geologic units underlying the site. The literature search included a review of all available data pertinent to the site, including environmental reports, professional geological publications, paleontological consultant reports, and other unpublished documents related to regional and/or detailed geologic studies. The review also included the location of geologic maps delineating the geology of the rock formations underlying the 6 JMA

10 project site (Dibblee, 2007 a,b,c,d). Records searches at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (LACM) and review of databases from the University of California Berkeley Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) provided additional data and insured that the JMA review of the literature and records was complete. Pertinent sections of this literature and records review report are included in this document. For security purposes the specific locations of the fossil localities is not included in this report. No recorded fossil localities were located within the boundaries of the project site during the review of the LACM and UCMP records. fossil lists, published and unpublished literature. Both LACM and UCMP have a significant fossil locality recorded in Section 13 in the fossiliferous Tulare Formation sediments immediately adjacent to the NE edge of the project. (The original data did not cite a specific location, beyond in the Tulare Formation, within the section.) GEOLOGY/BIOSTRATIGRAPHY The geology of the Panoche Valley area has been described in the area by Schoellhamer and Kinney (1953) at a scale of 1:24,000, Jennings and Strand (1958) at a scale of 1:250,000 and Dibblee (1971, 2007 a,b,c,d) at a scale of 1:24,000. As delineated on the Cerro Colorado, Llanada, Mercy Hot Springs, and Panoche geologic maps (Dibblee, 2007,a,b,c,d) (Figure 3) the majority of the project site is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium (Qa) of Holocene (Recent) age. Older Alluvium (Qoa) underlies a small area in the SE corner of the site and Franciscan Sediments (Fs) underlie a small ridge near the NE corner of the site. No construction is planned in the areas underlain by Qoa or Fs. The Quaternary Alluvium, Older Alluvium, and the Tulare Formation are discussed in this section. The Tulare Formation does not outcrop on the site. Geologic Units in the vicinity of Panoche valley consist of Surficial Sediments, Landslide Rubble, Older Surficial Sediments, Tulare Formation, Monterey shale and basalt, Panoche Formation, Glaucophane blueschist and diabase/gabbro of the Coast Range Ophiolite Complex, and graywacke of the Franciscan Assemblage. For completeness these units, which do not outcrop on the Project, are very briefly discussed in the geologic map legend (see Figure 3&4). Tulare Formation (QTt - late Pliocene to middle Pleistocene) The Tulare Formation is not exposed in the Project area. However, it underlies a belt of low foothills 7 JMA

11 along the northeast border of the Project area and is also exposed in the foothills on the south edge of Panoche Valley. Due to its close proximity and fossiliferous nature it is discussed in this report. The Tulare Formation is of Plio-Pleistocene age. It was deposited in a freshwater lake and river environment in some areas (Woodring et. al., 1940) and as alluvial fans in the Panoche Valley area and elsewhere (Dibblee 1971, 2007 a,b,c,d). The Tulare Formation is a sequence of interbedded sandstone, conglomeratic sandstone, conglomerate, and siltstone deposited by streams flowing southwest off the Glaucophane Ridge area of the Panoche Hills and southeast off the hills to the west of the valley during the late Pliocene to middle Pleistocene (4.0 to 1.5 million years ago [MYA]). The beds are generally tilted and deformed. This unit is known to contain highly significant fossils and therefore assigned a high paleontologic sensitivity. Older Alluvium (Qal - Pleistocene) The Older Alluvium consists of poorly sorted, poorly bedded to massive, sandstones and conglomerates that may be moderately indurated and deformed. This Older Alluvium was deposited in the area by streams as a broad, gently sloping apron at the foot of the adjacent mountains to the west during the middle to late Pleistocene (roughly.5 MYA to 50,000 years ago). Recent streams generally dissect these beds. This unit is known to contain significant fossils and therefore assigned a moderate paleontologic sensitivity. Recent Alluvium (Qa - Holocene, 11,000 to present) Recent Alluvium consists of undeformed, poorly sorted, poorly bedded to massive, silts, sands and gravels. Recent Alluvium is less than 11,000 years and is not considered to contain paleontological resources. However; it is often difficult to distinguish Recent Alluvium from Older Alluvium when deposition was continuous. Age of surfaces - The age of the surficial sediments underlying the current land surface is most often difficult to determine. Pleistocene surfaces frequently exist in areas where the processes of deposition or erosion have not affected them since their formation. There is evidence that the surficial sediments underlying the current land surface in Panoche Valley are late Holocene in age. Stuart (2005) mentions 1.2 feet of a Pleistocene 8 JMA

12 paleosol (fossil soil) bearing no caliche approximately 15.5 feet below ground level in the Kettleman Hills area. He did not known how far the Tulare Formation was below the paleosol, nor the age of the paleosol. Stuart (2005) also mentions at least seven feet of soil are visible immediately below ground level along parts of the Kettleman Hills area. He indicated that if the soil deposits continue for a considerable interval, radiocarbon dating of the soils might reveal the approximate Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. A similar condition exists in the Project area in Panoche Valley. During our Paleontological survey we noted a similar paleosol three to six feet below the ground surface in Panoche Creek. Above this soil is at least three feet of soil are present immediately below ground level. This soil appears to be continuous over the Panoche Valley. Jeff Rosenthal of Far Western (Written communication, 2010) stated That most of the current project area is mapped in the Panoche series indicates that the modern ground surface developed only recently. While the exact timing of the local floodplains cannot be determined without further study, the weight of the regional evidence suggests that these landforms developed within the last 2,000 years. As support Rosenthal cited Meyer et al. (2010:Table 7, p.49) report nine radiocarbon dates associated with Panoche Series soils in central California. Five dates from near-surface contexts range between 400 and 665 BP (calibrated ages), while four dates from buried land surfaces covered by Panoche series soils range between 185 and 2990 BP (calibrated). These dates indicate that alluvial deposits mapped in the Panoche Soil series can be as young as about 200 years old, but are no older than about 3,000 years. PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCES ON AND NEAR THE PROJECT SITE The review of the LACM and UCMP records, fossil lists, published and unpublished literature indicated that no known paleontologic resource localities are recorded from the study area. However, a fossil specimen of a horse is recorded from surface rocks of the Tulare Formation immediately adjacent to the northeast edge of the project (locality LACM-3506, somewhere in Sec 13, T15S, R10E). The LACM records search results also indicate that localities in the Tulare Formation in Little Panoche Valley (Sec. 36, T13S, T10E) produced fossil specimens of bear, horse, and camel in LACM-3505 and fossil specimens of deer and horse in LACM/CIT 348.) No other localities are recorded in San Benito County in the Tulare, Older alluvium, or younger alluvium. Pleistocene 9 JMA

13 alluvial sediments, mapped as Qa and Qoa, elsewhere in California have been reported to yield significant fossils of extinct animals from the Ice Age. 10 JMA

14 REGIONAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF SITE UNITS Tulare Formation (QTt) Woodring et. al., (1940) listed fish fossils and a horse tooth from the Tulare Formation of the Kettleman Hills. Casteel and Hutchison (1973) documented fossils of Orthodon (a minnow), Acipenser (a sturgeon) and a centrarchid fish (freshwater bass family) from the Tulare Formation of Alameda County, California. Casteel (1978) cited the occurrence of fossil embiotocid (surfperch) otoliths from the Tulare Formation south of the Project area. Jefferson (1991) listed three localities in the Tulare Formation of Alameda County that produced three kinds of fish plus Branta (Canada goose); those three localities apparently are the same localities mentioned by Casteel and Hutchison (1973). The UCMP database lists nearly 50 localities in the Tulare Formation in central California. The McKittrick Tar Sands have produced thousands of specimens from this formation and the La Brea Tar Pits have produced many thousands more. These documents indicate that the Tulare Formation has a high sensitivity for paleontological resources under the SVP (1995) criteria because of the many vertebrate fossils reported from the formation. In accordance with SVP guidelines, fulltime monitoring would be required during earth moving activities in this unit. However, the Tulare Formation does not outcrop within the Project. Older Alluvium (Qoa) Older Pleistocene alluvial sediments elsewhere in California (principally in southern California) have been reported to yield significant fossils of extinct animals from the Ice Age (Jefferson, 1991; Reynolds and Reynolds, 1991; Woodburne, 1991; Springer and Scott, 1994; Scott, 1997; Springer and others, 1998, 2007), as well as fossil plants (Reynolds and Reynolds, 1991; Anderson and others, 2002). Fossils vertebrates recovered from these Pleistocene sediments represent extinct taxa including mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, dire wolves, short-faced bears, saber-toothed cats, large and small horses, large and small camels, and bison (Jefferson, 1991; Reynolds and Reynolds, 1991; Woodburne, 1991; Springer and Scott, 1994; Scott, 1997; Springer and others, 1998, 2007). 11 JMA

15 Recent Alluvium (Qa) Recent Alluvium is less than 11,000 years and is not considered to contain paleontological resources. However; it is often difficult to distinguish Recent Alluvium from Older Alluvium when deposition was continuous and many areas mapped as Qa are really Qoa. SENSITIVITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES Known sedimentary units of Late Pleistocene to Recent age are exposed at the site. Quaternary Alluvium underlies the majority of the area covered by the project. The Quaternary alluvial sediments of the area are considered to be of low paleontologic sensitivity and are not known to contain significant fossils In the Panoche Valley. There is a low for significant paleontological resources over most of the site underlain by Quaternary Alluvium Tulare Formation The fossils recovered from this unit are considered to be significant and of high scientific value. The sediments of the Tulare Formation are assigned a high paleontologic sensitivity. Full time monitoring will be conducted when ground disturbance occurs in this unit. Older Alluvium The fossils recovered from this unit are considered to be significant and of moderate to high scientific value. The sediments of the Older Alluvium are assigned a high paleontologic sensitivity. Full time monitoring will be conducted if/when ground disturbance deeper than five feet occurs in this unit. Recent Alluvium This alluvium has low potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources subject to adverse impact by development-related excavation, and so is assigned low paleontologic sensitivity. However, this unit is typically thin and can overlie units of moderate or high paleontologic sensitivity. A qualified vertebrate paleontologist should be on call to recover any paleontological resources that may be encountered in previously undisturbed Pleistocene and older alluvial sediments on site. Due 12 JMA

16 to the minimal depth in the excavations the paleontologist in conjunction with the site supervisor may determine that having the paleontologist on call is sufficient to mitigate impacts to significant nonrenewable resources. If fossils are encountered then paleontological monitoring will be necessary. IMPACTS TO POTENTIAL PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES The primary purpose of paleontological monitoring is to insure that if paleontological resources are encountered during earthmoving operations that a qualified paleontologist has the opportunity to recover and determine the importance of the find(s). Grading and excavation operations may result in disturbance of potential paleontological resources associated with the underlying Tulare Formation and Older Alluvium. These operations could result in the disturbance or destruction of fossils unless proper mitigation measures are implemented. The disturbance or destruction of fossils could provide valuable scientific information by yielding vertebrate fossils CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MITIGATION MEASURES Careful development of this area may increase our knowledge and collections of the fossil assemblages and environment of deposition of the rock units in this area. All impacts to the paleontological resources of the area can be mitigated to the point of insignificance if the mitigation measures are followed. The excavation into shallow undisturbed subsurface sediments deposited on the majority of the site has a low potential to impact paleontologic resources. A qualified vertebrate paleontologist should be retained to be on call to develop a paleontologic mitigation program to mitigate impacts to significant nonrenewable resources if fossils are encountered when excavating in sedimentary rock units. If fossils are encountered the Paleontologist will develop a Paleontological Mitigation Plan to guide the recovery of any paleontological resources. This PMP shall be consistent with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as with regulations currently implemented by the County and the proposed guidelines of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. The program will include, at a minimum, the following measures: 13 JMA

17 1. The qualified vertebrate paleontologist should periodically inspect the site and be on call to recover any paleontological resources that may be encountered in the previously undisturbed Pleistocene and older alluvial sediments on site. Due to the minimal depth in the excavations and the low paleontologic sensitivity of the surface units the paleontologist in conjunction with the site supervisor may determine that having the paleontologist on call is sufficient to mitigate impacts to significant nonrenewable resources. 2. Monitoring of excavation in areas identified as likely to contain paleontologic resources by a qualified paleontologic monitor under the supervision of a qualified paleontologist who is a Registered Professional Geologist. Areas of concern include paleontologic sensitive sediments of the fossiliferous Pleistocene Older Alluvium and sediments of the fossiliferous Tulare Formation if present within the boundaries of the property. 3. If fossils are encountered then paleontological monitoring will be necessary. This may include: salvage of significant fossils; Washing of representative samples of sediments that are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates; preparation of recovered specimens to a point of identification and permanent preservation; identification, curation, and accession of specimens into a museum repository with permanent retrievable storage; preparation of a report of findings with an appended itemized inventory of specimens. 4. The report, inventory, and record of accession when submitted to the appropriate Lead Agency, will signify completion of the program to mitigate impacts to paleontologic resources. 14 JMA

18 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Significant Impact Which Cannot be Avoided or Mitigated (Section 15126(b) of CEQA Guidelines) Development of the site may have an impact on paleontological resources that cannot be avoided. Significant Impact Which Can be Avoided or Mitigated Development of the site may have an impact on paleontological resources that cannot be avoided. Impacts to these paleontological resources can however be mitigated by implementation of all mitigation measures recommended above. Cumulative Impacts Impacts to paleontological resources at the site are considered to be non-cumulative. Residual Impacts After Mitigation (If Any) There will be no Residual Impacts after Mitigation. Alternatives Analysis There is no need to consider alternatives to the project as impacts to the paleontological resources will be reduced to insignificant levels if mitigation measures are employed. 15 JMA

19 PERTINENT REFERENCES Anderson, J.Q., 1972, Cretaceous of the Coalinga area; Pacific Section of the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Guidebook, Fall Field Trip, October, 1972, p Anderson, R., and Pack, R.W., 1915, Geology and oil resources of the western border of the San Joaquin Valley north of Coalinga, California; U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 603, 220 p., map scale 1:125,000 Anderson, R.S., M.J. Power, S.J. Smith, K.B. Springer and E. Scott, 2002, Paleoecology of a Middle Wisconsin deposit from southern California. Quaternary Research 58(3): Briggs, L.L. Jr., 1953, Geology of the Ortigalita Peak quadrangle, California; California Division of Mines and Geology Bulletin 167, 61 p., map scale 1:62,500 Casteel, R. W. 1978, Damalichthys saratogensis: a New Freshwater Fish (Embiotocidae) from the Plio-Pleistocene (Blancan) of California. Copeia 1978: Casteel, R. W., and J. H. Hutchison. 1973, Orthodon (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from the Pliocene and Pleistocene of California. Copeia 1973: Dibblee, T.W. Jr., 1971, Geology of the Panoche quadrangle, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report , map scale 1:62,500 Dibblee, T. W., Jr. 2007a, Geologic Map of the Panoche Quadrangle, Fresno and San Benito counties, California: J. A. Minch (editor), Dibblee Geology Center Map #DF-317, map scale 1:24,000 Dibblee, T. W., Jr., 2007b, Geologic Map of the Cerro Colorado Quadrangle, Fresno, Merced, and San Benito counties, California: J. A. Minch (editor), Dibblee Geology Center Map #DF- 324, map scale 1:24,000 Dibblee, T. W., Jr., 2007c, Geologic Map of the Llanada Quadrangle, San Benito County, California: J. A. Minch (editor), Dibblee Geology Center Map #DF-318, map scale 1:24,000 Dibblee, T. W., Jr., 2007d, Geologic Map of the Mercy Hot Springs Quadrangle, Fresno and San Benito counties, California, J. A. Minch (editor): Dibblee Geology Center Map #DF-323, map scale 1:24,000 Hall, C.A. Jr., and Loomis, K.B., 1992, Geologic map of the Kreyenhagen Hills, Sunflower (McLure) Valley area, Freso, Kern, Kings, and Monterey counties, California; Geological Society of America Map and Chart Series MCH074, map scale 1:24,000 Jefferson, G. T. 1991, A catalogue of Late Quaternary Vertebrates from California: Part One, nonmarine lower vertebrate and avian taxa. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Technical Reports no JMA

20 Jennings, C. W., and R. G. Strand. 1958, Geologic map of California: Santa Cruz sheet. California Division of Mines and Geology. Padon, B., and J. D. Stewart 2003, Study of paleontological Resources for Western Area Power Administration 500-kV power transmission line between Los Banos Substation and Gates Substation, in Merced and Fresno Counties, California. Prepared by Discovery Works, Inc. for Western Area Power Administration and Steigers Corporation. Payne, M.B., 1960, Type Panoche Formation, Panoche Hills area; Pacific Section, S.E.P.M. spring field trip Payne, M.B., 1962, Type Panoche group (Upper Cretaceous) and overlying Moreno and Tertiary Strata on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley; California Division of Mines and Geology Bulletin 181, p , pl. 13 Reynolds, S.F.B. and R.L. Reynolds, 1991, The Pleistocene beneath our feet: near-surface Pleistocene fossils in inland southern California basins, in Inland Southern California: the last 70 million years, M.O. Woodburne, S.F.B. Reynolds, and D.P. Whistler, eds. Redlands, San Bernardino County Museum Special Publication 38(3&4), p Rose, R.L., and Colburn, I.P., 1963, Geology of the east central part of the Priest Valley quadrangle, California; in: Guidebook to the Salinas Valley and San Andreas fault; E.P. Gribi and R.R. Thorup field trip leaders; American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Pacific Sections, Annual Field Trip, 1963, p Rosenthal, Jeff, 2010, Far Western, Written Communication, McCloud, S, 2010, Personal Communication in accessing LACM records search Meyer et al. (2010:Table 7, p.49) in Rosenthal, 2010, Written Communication Schoellhamer, J.D., and Kinney, D.M., 1953, Geology of portions of Tumey and Panoche Hills, Fresno County, California; U.S. Geological Survey Oil and Gas Inv. Map OM 128, map scale approx.1:24,000 Scott, E., 1997, A review of Equus conversidens in southern California, with a report on a second, previously-unrecognized species of Pleistocene small horse from the Mojave Desert. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 17(3): 75-A. Springer, K.B. and E. Scott, 1994, First record of late Pleistocene vertebrates from the Domenigoni Valley, Riverside County, California. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 14 (3): 47A. Springer, K.B., E. Scott, L.K. Murray and W.G. Spaulding, 1998, Partial skeleton of a large individual of Mammut americanum from the Domenigoni Valley, Riverside County, California. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 18(3): 78-A. 17 JMA

21 Springer, K., E. Scott, J.C. Sagebiel, and L.K. Murray, 2007, The Diamond Valley Lake Local Fauna: late Pleistocene vertebrates from inland southern California. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 27(3): 151A. Springer, K.B., E. Scott, J.C. Sagebiel and K.M. Scott, 1999, A late Pleistocene lake edge vertebrate assemblage from the Diamond Valley, Riverside County, California. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 19(3): 77-A. Stewart, J. D. 2005, Summary Paleontological Resource Monitoring Report for Path 15 Project Construction. Prepared by Jones and Stokes for Maslonka & Associates. Stewart, J. D. 2005, Personal Communication SVP (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology), 1995, Assessment and mitigation of adverse impacts to nonrenewable paleontological resources: standard guidelines: Society of Vertebrate Paleontology New Bulletin, No pp SVP (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology), 1996, Conditions of receivership for paleontological salvage collections: Society of Vertebrate Paleontology News Bulletin, No. 166, pp UCMP Database, 2010, on line Wentworth C. M., Blake, M. C., Jr., McLaughlin, R. J., and Graymer, R. W., 1999, Preliminary geologic map of the San Jose 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, California: U. S. Geological Survey Open File Report White, R.T., 1938, Paleocene Lodo Formation and Cerros Member of California (abstr.) Proceedings, Geolgocal Society of America, 1937, p White, R.T., 1940, Eocene Yokut Sandstone north of Coalinga, California, AAPG Bulletin; October 1940, v. 24, no. 10, p White, R.T., 1940, Eocene Yokut Sandstone north of Coalinga, California (abstr.), Proceedings, Geological Society of America, 1937 White, R.T., 1940, Eocene Yokut Sandstone north of Coalinga, California; AAPG Bulletin, v. 24, no. 10, p Wilson, I.F., 1943, Geology of the San Benito quadrangle, California; California Division of Mines Report 39, p , pl. 3, map scale 1:62,500 Woodburne, M.O., 1991, The Cajon Valley, in Inland Southern California: the last 70 million years, M.O. Woodburne, S.F.B. Reynolds, and D.P. Whistler, eds. Redlands, San Bernardino County Museum Special Publication 38(3&4), p Yates, R.G., and Hilpert, L.S., 1945, Quicksilver deposits of central San Benito and Northwestern Fresno counties, California; California Division of Mines Report 41, p JMA