HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix F.1 - Paleontological ReportPALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY REPORT FOR
THE
NAKANO PROJECT
CITY OF CHULA VISTA,
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
Tri Pointe Homes
13400 Sabre Springs Parkway, Suite 200
San Diego, California 92128
Contact: David Stearn
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
Prepared by:
________________
Michael Williams, Ph.D.
FEBRUARY 2022
12476
1 February 2022
February 17, 2022
Mr. David Stearn
13400 Sabre Springs Parkway, Suite 200
San Diego, California 92128
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
Dear Mr. Stearn:
This letter documents the results of the paleontological resources inventory in support of the Nakano project
(project), located in the City of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California (Figure 1, Project Location Map - Attached).
The project proposes a residential development with supporting recreational amenities and infrastructure of
approximately 23.77 acres (Figure 1, Project Location Map - Attached). The project site is located east of Interstate
805, northwest of Dennery Road, and south of the Otay River and is shown on Section 24 of Township 18 South,
Range 2 West, San Bernardino Meridian on the Imperial Beach U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle (USGS 1996).
The City of Chula Vista is the lead agency responsible for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The project includes two scenarios: the Annexation Scenario, with the site being annexed into the City of
San Diego, and the No Annexation Scenario, with the site remaining in the City of Chula Vista. Both project scenarios
propose the same development footprint.
The proposed project consists of a residential development with supporting recreational amenities and
infrastructure on Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 624-071-0200 and includes up to 108,200 cubic yards of cut to
a depth of 22 feet according to current grading plans. The proposed residential uses would consist of multi-family
housing units. Recreational amenities would include a local-serving park, a regional overlook park associated with
the Otay Valley Regional Park, as well as a trail connection to the Otay Valley Regional Park. To provide access to
the site via Dennery Road, off-site access improvements would be required within APN 645-400-0500 located in
the City of San Diego to the southwest. In addition, off-site remedial grading would be required to the northwest of
the project site in the City of Chula Vista on APN 624-071-0100.
In accordance with CEQA guidelines, Dudek performed a paleontological resources inventory for the project. The
inventory consisted of a San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) records search, review of geological mapping
and geological and paleontological literature, and an intensive pedestrian survey of the project site. The results of
the paleontological records search were negative for paleontological resources within the project site; however, the
SDNHM reported fossil localities nearby from the same geological units that underlie the project site. No
paleontological resources were encountered during the pedestrian survey of the project site.
The project site has been historically used for agriculture. Historical aerials show the site in agricultural use since
at least 1928 (Converse Consultants 2000), with agricultural uses ceasing in approximately 2013. A former
structure foundation related to the previous agricultural use is located within the center area of the site. In addition,
the site has been disturbed from the installation of various utilities and access paths. While the site has been
previously disturbed, there is a potential to encounter intact subsurface paleontological resources. As such, a
paleontological monitoring program, is recommended to reduce impacts to any potential paleontological resources
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
2 February 2022
onsite. Under the Annexation Scenario, this paleontological monitoring program would be completed as a standard
monitoring requirement per the City of San Diego Land Development Code (LDC) Section 142.0151, as detailed in
the City of San Diego Land Development Manual Appendix P. As the City of Chula Vista does not include
paleontological monitoring as a standard monitoring requirement, the No Annexation Scenario would require
implementation of a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) as mitigation to reduce impacts
to less than significant.
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources are the remains or traces of plants and animals that are preserved in earth’s crust, and per
the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology ([SVP] 2010) guidelines, are older than written history or older than approximately
5,500 years. They are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific and educational value, which are afforded protection
under state laws and regulations. This study satisfies requirements in accordance with state guidelines (13 PRC, 2100
et seq.) and Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 (Stats 1965, c 1136, p. 2792). This analysis also complies with
guidelines and significance criteria specified by SVP (2010). Table 1 provides definitions for high, moderate, low,
marginal, and no paleontological resource potential, or sensitivity, as set forth in and in agreement with the County of
San Diego’s (2009) Guidelines for Determining Significance: Paleontological Resources. To determine paleontological
sensitivity of the geological units present within the project site under the Annexation Scenario, this report used the City
of San Diego (2020) paleontological monitoring determination matrix, which classifies geological units present within the
City of San Diego as having high, moderate, low, or zero paleontological sensitivity. In addition, the City of San Diego LDC
Section 142.0151 and the associated Land Development Manual Appendix P that includes the standard
paleontological monitoring was considered.
Table 1. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria
Resource
Sensitivity /
Potential Definition
High High resource potential and high sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations known to
contain paleontological localities with rare, well preserved, critical fossil materials for
stratigraphic or paleoenvironmental interpretation, and fossils providing important
information about the paleoclimatic, paleobiological and/or evolutionary history (phylogeny)
of animal and plant groups. In general, formations with high resource potential are
considered to have the highest potential to produce unique invertebrate fossil assemblages
or unique vertebrate fossil remains and are, therefore, highly sensitive.
Moderate Moderate resource potential and moderate sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations
known to contain paleontological localities. These geologic formations are judged to have a
strong, but often unproven, potential for producing unique fossil remains (Deméré and
Walsh 1993).
Low Low resource potential and low sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations that, based
on their relatively young age and/or high-energy depositional history, are judged unlikely to
produce unique fossil remains. Low resource potential formations rarely produce fossil
remains of scientific significance and are considered to have low sensitivity. However, when
fossils are found in these formations, they are often very significant additions to our
geologic understanding of the area.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
3 February 2022
Table 1. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria
Resource
Sensitivity /
Potential Definition
Marginal Marginal resource potential and marginal sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations
that are composed either of volcaniclastic (derived from volcanic sources) or
metasedimentary rocks, but that nevertheless have a limited probability for producing
fossils from certain formations at localized outcrops. Volcaniclastic rock can contain
organisms that were fossilized by being covered by ash, dust, mud, or other debris from
volcanoes. Sedimentary rocks that have been metamorphosed by heat and/or pressure
caused by volcanoes or plutons are called metasedimentary. If the sedimentary rocks had
paleontological resources within them, those resources may have survived the
metamorphism and still be identifiable within the metasedimentary rock, but since the
probability of this occurring is so limited, these formations are considered marginally
sensitive.
No Potential No resource potential is assigned to geologic formations that are composed entirely of
volcanic or plutonic igneous rock, such as basalt or granite, and therefore do not have any
potential for producing fossil remains. These formations have no paleontological resource
potential, i.e., they are not sensitive.
Source: County of San Diego 2009.
Regulatory Framework
California Environmental Quality Act
The CEQA Guidelines require that all private and public activities not specifically exempted be evaluated against the
potential for environmental damage, including effects to paleontological resources. Paleontological resources, which are
limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific, cultural, and educational value, are recognized as part of the environment
under these state guidelines. This study satisfies project requirements in accordance with CEQA (13 Public Resources
Code [PRC], 21000 et seq.) and PRC Section 5097.5. This analysis also complies with guidelines and significance criteria
specified by SVP (2010).
Paleontological resources are explicitly afforded protection by CEQA, specifically in Section VII(f) of CEQA Guidelines
Appendix G, the “Environmental Checklist Form,” which addresses the potential for adverse impacts to “unique
paleontological resource[s] or site[s] or … unique geological feature[s].” This provision covers fossils of signal
importance – remains of species or genera new to science, for example, or fossils exhibiting features not previously
recognized for a given animal group – as well as localities that yield fossils significant in their abundance, diversity,
preservation, and so forth. Further, CEQA provides that generally, a resource shall be considered “historically
significant” if it has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory (PRC 15064.5 [a][3][D]).
Paleontological resources would fall within this category.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
4 February 2022
Other State Laws
In addition, the PRC section 5097.5 also regulates removal of paleontological resources from public lands, defines
unauthorized removal of fossil resources as a misdemeanor, and requires mitigation of disturbed sites.
City of Chula Vista Regulations
City of Chula Vista’s General Plan
The environmental chapter of the City of Chula Vista General Plan (Chapter 9, Section 3.1.10) specifically addresses
potential impacts to non-renewable paleontological resources and outlines policies to mitigate negative impacts
(City of Chula Vista 2005). The objective and policies protecting paleontological resources are outlined below:
Objective E-10: Protect important paleontological resources and support and encourage public education and
awareness of such resources.
Policy E-10.1: Continue to assess and mitigate the potential impacts of private development and public facilities
and infrastructure to paleontological resources in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Policy E-10.2: Support and encourage public education and awareness of local paleontological resources, including
the establishment of museums and educational opportunities accessible to the public.
City of San Diego Regulations
California Environmental Quality Act: Significance Determination Thresholds
The California Environmental Quality Act: Significance Determination Thresholds for paleontology (City of San Diego
2020) identifies the grading thresholds for required monitoring within areas underlain by high paleontological
sensitivity geological units are earthwork greater than 1,000 cubic yards in quantity and 10 feet or more in depth.
Grading thresholds for required monitoring within areas underlain by geological units with moderate paleontological
sensitivity are greater than 2,000 cubic yards in quantity and 10 feet or more in depth. Areas underlain by geological
units with low or no paleontological sensitivity do not require monitoring, according to the City (City of San Diego
2020).
City of San Diego Land Development Code
The City of San Diego Land Development Code section 142.0151 states the following:
Paleontological Resources Requirements for Grading Activities
(a) Paleontological resources monitoring shall be required in accordance with the General Grading
Guidelines for Paleontological Resources in the Land Development Manual for any of the following:
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
5 February 2022
(1) Grading that involves 1,000 cubic yards or greater, and 10 feet or greater in depth, in a High
Resource Potential Geologic Deposit/Formation/Rock Unit; or
(2) Grading that involves 2,000 cubic yards or greater, and 10 feet or greater in depth, in Moderate
Resource Potential Geologic Deposit/Formation/Rock Unit; or
(3) Grading on a fossil recovery site or within 100 feet of the mapped location of a fossil recovery
site.
(b) If paleontological resources, as defined in the General Grading Guidelines for Paleontological
Resources, are discovered during grading, notwithstanding Section 142.0151(a), all grading in the area of
discovery shall cease until a qualified paleontological monitor has observed the discovery, and the
discovery has been recovered in accordance with the General Grading Guidelines for Paleontological
Resources.
The City of San Diego Land Development Manual Appendix P identifies general grading guidelines for
paleontological resources, including standard monitoring requirements. Per this regulation, the City of San Diego
requires the placement of standard monitoring requirements on grading plans when needed pursuant to Land
Development Code section 142.0151. Refer to The City of San Diego Land Development Manual Appendix P for the
complete standard measure.
Methods
Geological Map and Literature Review
Published geological maps (Kennedy 1975; Kennedy and Tan 1977; 2008) and published and unpublished reports
were reviewed to identify geological units on the site and determine their paleontological sensitivity.
Paleontological Records Search
A records search request was sent to the SDNHM on June 01, 2020. The purpose of the museum records search
is to determine whether there are any known fossil localities in or near the project site, identify the sensitivity of
geological units present within the project site, and aide in determining whether a paleontological mitigation
program is warranted to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects of construction on paleontological resources.
Field Survey
Dudek paleontologist, Jason Collins conducted a pedestrian survey of the project site on June 24, 2020. The survey
was conducted to determine if any surficial paleontological resources are present within the project site. The survey
utilized standard paleontological survey procedures and consisted of systematic surface inspection of the project
site on 15 m interval transects, with closer inspection of exposed geological units with moderate to high
paleontological sensitivity. The ground surface was examined for the presence of exposed surficial fossils. Ground
disturbances such as burrows and eroded hillsides were also visually inspected for exposed fossils and sediments.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
6 February 2022
Results
Geological Map Review, Literature Review, and Paleontological Records Search
The project site lies within the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province (California Geological Survey 2002). This
province extends from the tip of the Baja California Peninsula to the Transverse Ranges (the San Gabriel and San
Bernardino Mountains) and includes the Los Angeles Basin, offshore islands (Santa Catalina, Santa Barbara, San
Nicholas, and San Clemente), and continental shelf. The eastern boundary is the Colorado Desert Geomorphic
Province (California Geological Survey 2002; Morton and Miller 2006). The ancestral Peninsular Ranges were
formed by uplift of plutonic igneous rock resulting from the subduction of the Farallon Plate underneath the North
American Plate during the latter portion of the Mesozoic era (approximately 125 to 90 million years ago [mya])
(Abbott 1999).
According to surficial geological mapping at a scale of 1:100,000, the project site is underlain by the middle Eocene
(~42 mya) Mission Valley Formation (map unit Tmv), middle to late Pleistocene (~781,000 to 11,700 years ago)
Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits (map unit Qoa), and Holocene (< 11,700 years ago) to late Pleistocene (129,000
to 11,700 years ago) Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits (map unit Qya) (Cohen et al. 2021; Kennedy and Tan 2008)
(Figure 2, Geological Map – Attached). In their paleontological records search letter, the SDNHM indicated the
project site is likely underlain by the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene (~ 3.6 to 1.8 mya) San Diego Formation in
areas mapped as the Mission Valley Formation since a neighboring construction project revealed a diverse fauna
of San Diego Formation invertebrate and vertebrate fossils in sediments mapped as the Mission Valley Formation.
Boring logs and test pit analyses indicate the majority of the project site is underlain by two to five feet of artificial
fill (up to 18 feet in the northeast corner of the project site); 0.5 to 3 feet of topsoil; Holocene alluvium in the
southeast corner of the project site; colluvium on slopes; Quaternary terrace deposits underlying artificial fill, topsoil,
and Holocene alluvium in flat areas of the project site; and the Mission Valley Formation in the southern portion of
the project site (Geocon Incorporated 2020). This report will analyze the San Diego Formation and the Mission
Valley Formation, both of which have high paleontological sensitivity.
The records search results letter from the SDNHM was received on June 05, 2021. No records of fossil localities
were found within the boundaries of the project site; however, nine San Diego Formation fossil localities are located
within a 1-mile radius buffer zone of the project site. (Table 2) (Confidential Appendix A). The following paragraphs
summarize the records search results and geological units present within the project site from oldest to youngest.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
7 February 2022
Table 2. Geological Units, Paleontological Sensitivities, and SDNHM Localities within a
1-Mile Radius Buffer Zone of the Project Site
Geological Unit
Epoch, Period,
or Era
Geological Age
(Millions of
Years)
Paleontological
Sensitivity
No. of SDNHM
Localities within One
Mile of Project Site
Mission Valley Formation Middle
Eocene
~ 42 High *
San Diego Formation (Tsdss) Late Pliocene
to Early
Pleistocene
~ 3.6 – 1.8 High 9
Old Alluvial Floodplain
Deposits (Qoa)
Middle to Late
Pleistocene
~ .781 – 0.117 Moderate 0
Young Alluvial Floodplain
Deposits (Qya)
Late
Pleistocene to
Holocene
.129 - Recent Low 0
*Not analyzed in records search
Mission Valley Formation (Tmv)
The middle Eocene Mission Valley Formation is a marine sedimentary unit found along coastal San Diego (Brown
2017; Kennedy and Peterson 1975; Kennedy and Tan 1977; Tan and Kennedy 1996). Part of the Poway Group, it
is named for strata located within Mission Valley where it is characterized by light gray, fine- to very fine-grained
marine sandstones (Deméré and Walsh 1993; Kennedy and Moore 1971). These strata grade to the east and south
into fluvially-derived sandstones and mudstones.
The Mission Valley Formation has produced numerous terrestrial vertebrates and marine invertebrates and
vertebrates and has high potential to produce scientifically significant paleontological resources (City of San Diego
2016; County of San Diego 2009; Deméré and Walsh 1993; Walsh 1996).
San Diego Formation (Tsdss)
The late Pliocene to early Pleistocene, marine San Diego Formation is mapped in the southern portion of the project
site and consists of fossiliferous yellowish-gray to yellowish-brown, weakly consolidated, fine-grained sandstones,
poorly sorted gravels, pebble conglomerates, and bedded claystones (Deméré and Walsh 1993; Kennedy 1975). It
overlies Eocene age bedrock (e.g., Mission Valley Formation and Stadium Conglomerate) in the San Diego region
and represents a marine transgressive sequence (Abbott 1999; Deméré 1982; Kennedy 1975; Kennedy and Tan
1977). The San Diego Formation is abundantly fossiliferous and has produced significant marine and terrestrial
fossils throughout its extent in San Diego County. Jefferson (2003) reported a variety of birds and small and large
terrestrial mammals in his compilation of early late Pliocene to early Pleistocene fossil localities. During a utility
project located approximately nine miles north of the Nakano project site in the city of San Diego, Dudek
paleontologists collected scientifically significant invertebrate (bivalves and gastropods) and vertebrate (a bat ray
tooth) fossils from the San Diego Formation that were accessioned by the SDNHM (Dudek 2015). The SDNHM
reported 9 fossil San Diego Formation localities within the 1-mile radius buffer zone for the project site in the
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
8 February 2022
paleontological records search results. These localities yielded fossil burrows, leaf and seed pod impressions and
remains, brachiopods, gastropods, bivalves, tusk shells, sea birds, and baleen whales (Table 2). Based on the
productivity of the San Diego Formation, it is assigned high paleontological sensitivity (Confidential Appendix A).
Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits (Qoa)
Pleistocene Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits are mapped at the surface within the southern portion of the project
site. These deposits consist of variable amounts of clays, sands, silts, and gravels that are usually moderately
indurated and oxidized. Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits have produced significant paleontological resources in San
Diego County. In his compilation of Quaternary (~2.58 mya – recent) vertebrates from California, Jefferson (1991a,
1991b) reported numerous fossil localities from Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits in San Diego County that produced
fossil amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal specimens. The SDNHM reported no fossil localities from Old Alluvial
Floodplain Deposits within the 1-mile radius buffer zone of the project site; however, they do have fossil localities
from other areas of San Diego County that have yielded fossil reptiles, birds, small mammals, and Ice-Age
megafauna (e.g., mammoth, bison, horse, and camel). This geological unit is assigned moderate paleontological
sensitivity in the area of the project (Table 2) (Confidential Appendix A).
Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits (Qya)
Late Pleistocene to Holocene Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits contain varying amounts of clays, silts, sands, and
gravels that are usually unconsolidated to moderately indurated. Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits are generally
Holocene in age on the surface, and therefore, have low paleontological sensitivity on the surface and at shallow
depths below the surface. However, with depth they become older and oftentimes overlie geological units with
moderate to high sensitivity (Table 2) (Confidential Appendix A).
Paleontological Survey
The project site terrain consists of modestly sloping hillsides with a dense cover of mixed-grass and scrub brush
communities (Figure 2). The dense vegetation made it difficult to adequately survey the ground surface for exposed
fossils; however, there were limited exposures of eroded San Diego Formation and Young and Old Alluvial Deposits
that were inspected for potential fossils weathering on the surface (Figure 3). Exposed San Diego Formation strata
consisted of fine- grained, dark orange to yellow brown silty sandstone.
Summary
Dudek’s review of records search results, geological mapping, geological and paleontological literature did not
identify any existing paleontological resources within the project site. The project site is underlain by the middle
Eocene Mission Valley Formation and/or the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene San Diego Formation, middle to late
Pleistocene Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits, and Holocene to late Pleistocene Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits.
The Mission Valley Formation and San Diego Formation have high paleontological sensitivity, Old Alluvial Floodplain
Deposits have moderate paleontological sensitivity, and Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits have low paleontological
sensitivity on the surface that increases with depth. The paleontological records search conducted by the SDNHM
revealed nine localities within a 1-mile radius buffer zone of the project site boundary from the same geological
units that underlie the project site. Based on the records search results, survey results, and map and literature
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
9 February 2022
review, areas within the project site has moderate to high potential to produce paleontological resources during
planned construction activities.
Management Recommendations
As the project proposes up to 108,000 cubic yards of cut to a depth of 22 feet, which would impact the Pleistocene
Alluvial Floodplain Deposits and the San Diego and/or Mission Valley Formation, a qualified paleontologist should
be retained for the project who meets or exceeds the qualifications set forth in the SVP (2010) guidelines. For the
City of Chula Vista the qualified paleontologist shall prepare and implement a PRIMP prior to the commencement
of project-related earthmoving activities. Implementation of a paleontological mitigation program would reduce any
potential impacts to below a level of significance for paleontological resources. For the City of San Diego, the
standard paleontological monitoring measure shall be implemented in accordance with Land Development Manual
Appendix P General Grading Guidelines for Paleontological Resources and impacts would be less than significant.
As mentioned in the introduction, the project includes two scenarios: the Annexation Scenario and the No
Annexation Scenario. In consideration of the differing local processes and standards for each of these local
jurisdictions, monitoring and reporting standards for each jurisdiction are identified below.
Annexation Scenario
Under the proposed Annexation Scenario, the project would be annexed into the City of San Diego and would
be required to provide standard paleontological monitoring and reporting in accordance with the City of San
Diego LDC and Land Development Manual. The following is the standard monitoring requirement that shall be
placed on grading plans and implemented when required pursuant to LDC section 142.0151:
I. Prior to Permit Issuance
Entitlements Plan Check
Prior to issuance of any construction permits, including but not limited to, the first Grading
Permit, Demolition Plans/Permits and Building Plans/Permits or a Notice to Proceed for
Subdivisions, but prior to the first preconstruction meeting, whichever is applicable, the City
Engineer (CE) and/or Building Inspector (BI) shall verify that the requirements for
Paleontological Monitoring have been noted on the appropriate construction documents.
1. The applicant shall submit a letter of verification to Resident Engineer (RE) and/or Building
Inspector (BI) identifying the qualified Principal Investigator (PI) for the project and the names
of all persons involved in the paleontological monitoring program. A qualified PI is defined as a
person with a Ph.D. or M.S. or equivalent in paleontology or closely related field (e.g.,
sedimentary or stratigraphic geology, evolutionary biology, etc.) with demonstrated knowledge
of southern California paleontology and geology, and documented experience in professional
paleontological procedures and techniques.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
10 February 2022
II. Prior to Start of Construction
A. Verification of Records Search
1. The PI shall provide verification to RE and/or BI that a site specific records search has been
completed. Verification includes, but is not limited to a copy of a confirmation letter from the
San Diego Natural History Museum, or another relevant institution that maintains
paleontological collections recovered from sites within the City of San Diego.
2. The letter shall introduce any pertinent information concerning expectations and probabilities of
discovery during trenching and/or grading activities.
B. PI Shall Attend Preconstruction Meetings
1. Prior to beginning any work that requires monitoring, the Applicant shall arrange a
Preconstruction Meeting that shall include the PI, Construction Manager (CM) and/or Grading
Contractor, RE, and BI, as appropriate. The qualified paleontologist (PI) shall attend any
grading/excavation related Preconstruction Meetings to make comments and/or suggestions
concerning the Paleontological Monitoring program with the Construction Manager and/or
Grading Contractor.
a. If the PI is unable to attend the Preconstruction Meeting, the Applicant shall schedule a
focused Preconstruction Meeting with the PI, RE, CM or BI, if appropriate, prior to the start
of any work that requires monitoring.
2. Identify Areas to be Monitored
Prior to the start of any work that requires monitoring, the PI shall submit a Paleontological
Monitoring Exhibit (PME) based on the appropriate construction documents (reduced to 11x17)
to RE and/or BI identifying the areas to be monitored including the delineation of
grading/excavation limits. The PME shall be based on the results of a site specific records
search as well as information regarding existing known geologic conditions (e.g., geologic
deposits as listed in the Paleontological Monitoring Determination Matrix below).
3. When Monitoring Will Occur
a. Prior to the start of any work, the PI shall also submit a construction schedule to the RE
and/or BI indicating when and where monitoring will occur.
b. The PI may submit a detailed letter to RE and/or BI prior to the start of work or during
construction requesting a modification to the monitoring program. This request shall be
based on relevant information such as review of final construction documents and
geotechnical reports which indicate conditions such as depth of excavation and/or
thickness of artificial fill overlying bedrock, presence or absence of fossils , etc., which may
reduce or increase the potential for resources to be present.
III. During Construction
A. Monitor Shall be Present During Grading/Excavation/Trenching
1. The paleontological monitor shall be present full-time during grading/excavation/trenching
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
11 February 2022
activities as identified on the PME that could result in impacts to formations with high and
moderate resource sensitivity. The Construction Manager is responsible for notifying the PI, RE
and/or BI of changes to any construction activities such as in the case of a potential safety
concern within the area being monitored. In certain circumstances OSHA safety requirements
may necessitate modification of the PME.
2. The PI may submit a detailed letter to RE and/or BI during construction requesting a modification
to the monitoring program when a field condition such as trenching activities that do not
encounter previously undisturbed and paleontologically sensitive geologic deposits as previously
assumed, and/or when unique/unusual fossils are encountered, which may reduce or increase
the potential for paleontological resources to be present.
3. The paleontological monitor shall document field activity via the Consultant Site Visit Record
(CSVR). The CSVR’s shall be emailed by the CM to the RE and/or BI the first day of monitoring,
the last day of monitoring, monthly (Notification of Monitoring Completion), and in the case of
ANY discoveries.
B. Discovery Notification Process
1. In the event of a discovery, the paleontological monitor shall direct the contractor to temporarily
divert trenching activities in the area of discovery and notify the RE and/or BI. The contractor
shall also process a construction change for administrative purposes to formalize the
documentation and recovery program, including modification to Mitigation Monitoring and
Compliance (MMC).
2. The paleontological monitor shall notify the PI (unless paleontological monitor is the PI) of the
discovery.
3. The PI shall notify MMC of the discovery, and shall submit documentation to MMC within
24 hours by email with photos of the resource in context.
C. Recovery of Fossils
If a paleontological resource is encountered:
1. The paleontological monitor shall salvage unearthed fossil remains, including simple
excavation of exposed specimens or, if necessary as determined by the PI, plaster-jacketing of
large and/or fragile specimens or more elaborate quarry excavations of richly fossiliferous
deposits.
2. The paleontological monitor shall record stratigraphic and geologic data to provide a
context for the recovered fossil remains, including a detailed description of all paleontological
localities within the project site, as well as the lithology of fossil-bearing strata within the
measured stratigraphic section, and photographic documentation of the geologic setting.
IV. Post Construction
A. Preparation and Submittal of Draft Paleontological Monitoring Report
1. The PI shall submit two copies of the Draft Paleontological Monitoring Report (even if negative),
prepared to the satisfaction of the Development Services Department. The Draft Paleontological
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
12 February 2022
Monitoring Report shall describe the methods, results, and conclusions of all phases of the
Paleontological Monitoring Program (with appropriate graphics) to MMC for review and approval
within 90 days following the completion of monitoring,
a. For significant or potentially significant paleontological resources encountered during
monitoring, as identified by the PI, the Paleontological Recovery Program shall be included
in the Draft Monitoring Report.
b. The PI shall be responsible for recording (on the appropriate forms) any significant or
potentially significant fossil resources encountered during the Paleontological Monitoring
Program in accordance with the City’s Paleontological Guidelines (revised November
2017), and submittal of such forms to the San Diego Natural History Museum and MMC
with the Draft Paleontological Monitoring Report.
2. MMC shall return the Draft Paleontological Monitoring Report to the PI for revision or, for
preparation of the Final Report.
3. The PI shall submit revised Draft Paleontological Monitoring Report to MMC for approval.
4. MMC shall provide written verification to the PI of the approved Draft Paleontological
Monitoring Report.
5. MMC shall notify the RE and/or BI, of receipt of all Draft Paleontological Monitoring
Report submittals and approvals.
B. Handling of Recovered Fossils
1. The PI shall ensure that all fossils collected are cleaned to the point of curation (e.g., removal
of extraneous sediment, repair of broken specimens, and consolidation of fragile/brittle
specimens) and catalogued as part of the Paleontological Monitoring Program.
2. The PI shall ensure that all fossils are analyzed to identify stratigraphic provenance,
geochronology, and taphonomic context of the source geologic deposit; that faunal material
is taxonomically identified; and that curation has been completed, as appropriate.
C. Curation of Fossil Remains: Deed of Gift and Acceptance Verification
1. The PI shall be responsible for ensuring that all fossils associated with the paleontological
monitoring program for this project are permanently curated with an accredited institution that
maintains paleontological collections (such as the San Diego Natural History Museum).
2. The PI shall include an acceptance verification from the curation institution in the Final
Paleontological Monitoring Report submitted to the RE and/or BI, and MMC.
D. Final Paleontological Monitoring Report(s)
1. The PI shall submit two copies of the Final Paleontological Monitoring Report to MMC (even if
negative), within 90 days after notification from MMC that the Final Paleontological Monitoring
Report has been approved.
2. The RE and/or BI shall, in no case, issue the Notice of Completion until receiving a copy of the
approved Final Paleontological Monitoring Report from MMC, which includes the Acceptance
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
13 February 2022
Verification from the curation institution.
No Annexation Scenario
Under the proposed No Annexation Scenario, the project would remain in the City of Chula Vista and would be
required to provide monitoring and reporting in accordance with the City of Chula Vista standards. Accordingly, prior
to the issuance of grading permits, the applicant shall provide written confirmation to the City that a qualified
paleontologist has prepared a PRIMP and has been retained to carry out the PRIMP. A qualified paleontologist is
defined as an individual with an MS or PhD in paleontology or geology who is familiar with paleontological
procedures and techniques and has expertise in local geology, stratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. The PRIMP shall
be consistent with the SVP (2010) guidelines and contain the following components:
Introduction to the project, including project location, description grading activities with the potential to impact
paleontological resources, and underlying geologic units.
Description of the relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards pertinent to the project and potential
paleontological resources.
Requirements for the qualified paleontologist to attend the pre-construction meeting and provide worker
environmental awareness training at the pre-construction meeting as well as at the jobsite the day grading
is to be initiated. In addition, the qualified paleontologist shall inform the grading contractor and City
Resident Engineer of the paleontological monitoring program methodologies.
Identification of where paleontological monitoring of excavations impacting the San Diego Formation, Old
Alluvial Floodplain Deposits, and deep excavations (greater than five feet below the ground surface) in
areas underlain by Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits is required within the project site based on
construction plans and/or geotechnical reports.
Procedures for adequate paleontological monitoring (including necessary monitoring equipment), methods
for treating fossil discoveries, fossil recovery procedures, and sediment sampling for microvertebrate
fossils, including the following requirements:
o A paleontological monitor shall be on site at all times during the original cutting of previously
undisturbed sediments of moderately to highly sensitive geologic units (e.g., San Diego Formation, Old
Alluvial Floodplain Deposits, and excavations below a depth of five feet below the ground surface in
areas underlain by Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits) to inspect cuts for contained fossils. (A
paleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of
fossil materials.) The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified
paleontologist. Monitoring is not required during shallow excavations within Young Alluvial Floodplain
Deposits.
o Paleontological monitoring is not required in areas underlain by Artificial Fill unless grading activities
are anticipated to extend beneath the veneer of fill and impact underlying geological units with
moderate to high paleontological sensitivity (e.g., San Diego Formation, Old Alluvial Floodplain Deposits,
or deeper excavations into Young Alluvial Floodplain Deposits).
o If fossils are discovered, the qualified paleontologist and/or paleontological monitor shall recover them.
The paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt
grading within 50 feet of the resource to allow recovery of fossil remains. Because of the potential for
the recovery of small fossil remains, it may be necessary in certain instances, and at the discretion of
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
14 February 2022
the qualified paleontologist, to set up a screen-washing operation on the project site. Alternatively,
sediment samples can be collected and processed off-site.
Paleontological reporting, and collections management:
o Prepared fossils along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, maps, and the final
paleontological monitoring report discussed below shall be deposited in a scientific institution with
paleontological collections such as the San Diego Natural History Museum within 90 days of completion
of monitoring unless the City and the qualified paleontologist determine the extent of fossils recovered
will require more preparation, stabilization, and/or curatorial time. Any curation costs shall be paid for
by the applicant.
o A final paleontological monitoring report shall be completed. This report shall include discussions of
the methods used, stratigraphy exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils, and
shall be submitted to the designated scientific institution within 90 days of the completion of monitoring
unless the City and the qualified paleontologist determine the extent of fossils recovered will require
more preparation, stabilization, and/or curatorial time.
Should you have any questions relating to this report and its findings please contact Michael Williams
(mwilliams@dudek.com).
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________
Michael Williams, Ph.D.
Paleontologist
Mobile: 225.892.7622
Email: mwilliams@dudek.com
Att.: Figure 1, Regional Location Map
Figure 2, Geological Map
Figures 3 – 4, Survey Photos
Appendix A, Confidential SDNHM Paleontological Records Search Results
cc: Sarah Siren, Dudek
Dawna Marshall, Dudek
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
15 February 2022
References
Abbott, P.L., 1999. The Rise and Fall of San Diego: 150 Million Years of History Recorded in Sedimentary Rocks.
San Diego, California: Sunbelt Publications.
Brown, J.D. (GEI Consultants Inc.). 2017. Geologic Formations of Western San Diego County. Unpublished
Technical Manuscript. 7 pp.
California Geological Survey. 2002. California Geomorphic Provinces: Note 36. 4 pp.
City of Chula Vista. 2005. City of Chula Vista General Plan, Environmental Element, Electronic resource,
https://www.chulavistaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=9341. Accessed on March 15, 2019.
City of San Diego. 2020. California Environmental Quality Act Significance Determination Thresholds .
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sdtceqa.pdf.
City of San Diego. 2018a. San Diego Municipal Code Section 142.0151, Paleontological Resources
Requirements for Grading Activities.
https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter14/Ch14Art02Division01.pdf
City of San Diego. 2018b. Land Development Manual Appendix P. General Grading Guidelines for Paleontological
Resources.
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/grading_guidelines_for_paleontological_resources.pdf
City of San Diego. 2002. City of San Diego Paleontology Guidelines. Approved December, 1996, revised July,
2002.
Cohen, K.M., S.C. Finney, P.L. Gibbard, and J.-X. Fan., 2021. “The ICS International Chronostratigraphic Chart.”
Episodes 36: 199–-204. 2013; updated. Available at:
https://stratigraphy.org/ICSchart/ChronostratChart2021-05.jpg.
Converse Consultants. 2000. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and Limited Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment Report. Unpublished Report Prepared for Pardee Construction Company: August 21, 2000.
County of San Diego. 2009. Guidelines for Determining Significance: Paleontological Resources. San Diego,
California: County of San Diego Land Use and Environment Group, Department of Planning and Land Use,
Department of Public Works. Approved March 19, 2007, Modified January 15, 2009.
Deméré, T.A., 1982. Review of the Lithostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy and Age of the San Diego Formation. In, Abbott,
P.L., ed. Geologic studies in San Diego. San Diego Association of Geologists, Field Trip Guidebook, pp. 127-
134.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
16 February 2022
Deméré, T.A. and S.L. Walsh. 1993. Paleontological Resources, County of San Diego. Prepared for the San Diego
Planning Commission, pp. 1–68. Revised 07 April 2003.
Dudek. 2015. Paleontological Mitigation Monitoring Report for the Block 4N (North Encanto) Underground Utility
District Project, in the City of San Diego, San Diego County, California. Unpublished final monitoring report
submitted to the City of San Diego Public Works Department: December 2015.
Geocon Incorporated. 2022. Update Geotechnical Investigation, Nakano Property, City of Chula Vista, California.
Jefferson, G.T. 1991a. 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. 5.
Jefferson, G.T. 1991b. A Catalogue of Late Quaternary Vertebrates from California: Part Two, Mammals. Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles County, Technical Reports, No. 7.
Jefferson, G.T. 2003. A Catalogue of Blancan and Irvingtonian Vertebrates and Floras from Arizona, Southern
California, Nevada, Utah, and North Western Mexico. Incomplete draft of unpublished technical report
dated February 25, 2010. 102 pp.
Kennedy, M.P. and G.W. Moore. 1971. Stratigraphic relations of Upper Cretaceous and Eocene Formations, San
Diego Coastal Area, California.” American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Bulletin 55: 709–722.
Kennedy, M.P. 1975. “Geology of the San Diego Metropolitan Area, California. Section A Western San Diego
Metropolitan area.” California Division of Mines and Geology, Bull. 200: 9–39.
Kennedy, M.P., and G.L. Peterson. 1975. Geology of the San Diego metropolitan area, California. Section B -
Eastern San Diego metropolitan area. California Division of Mines and Geology, Bull. 200: 42–56.
Kennedy, M.P. and Tan. S. S. 1977. Geology of National City, Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa Quadrangles,
Southern San Diego Metropolitan Area, California. California Division of Mines and Geology, Map Sheet
29.
Kennedy, M.P., and Tan, S.S. 2008. “Geologic Map of the San Diego 30' x 60' Quadrangle, California.” California
Geological Survey, Regional Geologic Map Series 1:100,000 scale, map no. 3.
Morton, D.M., and F.K. Miller. 2006. Geologic Map of the San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30-minute x 60-minute
quadrangles, California, Geology and Description of Map Units, Version 1.0: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-
File Report OF-2006-1217. 194 pp.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
17 February 2022
SVP (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology). 2010. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of
Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources. https://vertpaleo.org/Membership/Member-
Resources/SVP_Impact_Mitigation_Guidelines.aspx.
Tan, S.S. and M.P., Kennedy. 1996. Geologic Maps of the Northwestern Part of San Diego, California: California
Division of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 96-02, 2 sheets (scale 1:24,000).
USGS (United States Geological Survey). 1996 (HTMC, 2002 ed.). Imperial Beach Quadrangle. California – Baja
California 7.5 – Minute Series Topographic Map.
Walsh, S.L., 1996. Middle Eocene Mammal Faunas of San Diego County, California.” In D.R. Prothero and R.J.
Emry (eds.). The Terrestrial Eocene-Oligocene Transition in North America. Cambridge England:
Cambridge University Press, pp. 75–119.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego
County, California
12476
18 February 2022
Intentionally Left Blank
Da
t
e
:
2
/
1
7
/
2
0
2
2
-
L
a
s
t
s
a
v
e
d
b
y
:
c
k
u
b
a
c
k
i
-
P
a
t
h
:
Z
:
\
P
r
o
j
e
c
t
s
\
j
1
2
4
7
6
0
1
\
M
A
P
D
O
C
\
D
O
C
U
M
E
N
T
\
0
2
N
a
k
a
n
o
\
C
u
l
t
u
r
a
l
\
R
e
p
o
r
t
\
F
i
g
u
r
e
1
_
P
r
oj
e
c
t
L
o
c
a
t
i
o
n
.
m
x
d
905
805
Project Location
Nakano
SOURCE: USGS 1996 (HTMC, 2002 ed.) 7.5-Minute Series Imperial Beach Quadrangle
02,0001,000 Feet
Area of Potential Effect
FIGURE 1
Chula Vista
Solana Beach
Encinitas
San
Diego
Carlsbad
Oceanside
La
Mesa
El Cajon
Santee
Poway
San
Marcos Escondido
Vista
Imperial
Beach
National City
Del Mar
Coronado
Riverside
County
San Diego
County
905
52
94
241
54
274
195
56
1118674
78
74
67
76 79
8
15
8
215
805
5
Project Site
0 600300Meters
To
Qoa
Tsdcg
Tsdcg
Tmv
Qoa Qoa
Qyc
Qoa
Qyc
Qoa
Qoa
Qya
Ja
c
o
b
D
e
k
e
m
a
F
r
e
e
w
a
y
S
a
n
d
S
t
a
r
W
a
y
Wind S u rf W ay
B
l
u
e
Coral
Cove
Blu
e
Cap
e
L
a
n
e
Regatta Lane
Oc
e
a
n
M
i
s
t
P
l
a
c
e
G olden S ky W a y
D e n n ery R o a d
Geological Map
Nakano
SOURCE: SanGIS 2019; Kennedy and Tan 2008
Da
t
e
:
2
/
1
7
/
2
0
2
2
-
L
a
s
t
s
a
v
e
d
b
y
:
c
k
u
b
a
c
k
i
-
P
a
t
h
:
Z
:
\
P
r
o
j
e
c
t
s
\
j
1
2
4
7
6
0
1
\
M
A
P
D
O
C
\
D
O
C
U
M
E
N
T
\
0
2
N
a
k
a
n
o
\
C
u
l
t
u
r
a
l
\
F
i
g
u
r
e
2
_
G
e
o
l
o
g
i
c
a
lM
a
p
.
m
x
d
0 300150Feet
APE
contact, certain
fault, approx. located
fault, certain
Stratigraphic Unit
Qya - Young alluvial flood
plain deposits
Qyc - Young colluvial
deposits
Qoa - Old alluvial flood plain
deposits undivided
Tsdcg - San Diego
Formation, pebble and
cobble conglomerate
To - Otay Formation
Tmv - Mission Valley
Formation
FIGURE 2
1:3,600
09045Meters
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California
12476
21 February 2022
Figure 3. Photograph showing vegetation minimizing surface visibility.
Mr. Stearn
Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the Nakano Project, City of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California
12476
22 February 2022
Figure 4. Eroded San Diego Formation outcrop and overlying colluvial deposits.
Appendix A
SDNHM Records Search Results (Confidential)
Intentionally Left Blank