Placerville, CA . . . Collaboration among local public agencies, a private-sector construction contractor, and the most likely descendant of people who lived in the area at least 2000 years ago led to a successful excavation of burial remains along the route for a new El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) wastewater pipeline.
“We commend our staff and all others involved for this example of cooperation at its best,” said EID Board President Bill George at the conclusion of a presentation about the excavation during the Board’s May 30 meeting. “This is obviously a sensitive situation, and I’m pleased with the careful planning and respect for the burial remains that characterized the work.”
The archaeological investigation began over a year ago as part of the environmental review for the project. During this planning stage, EID realized that the pipeline would run through a Native American village that is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
EID staff contacted the Native American Heritage Commission for help in determining the most likely descendant should any Native American burials be found during the pipeline’s construction. The most likely descendant is Jeff Murray of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. He joined with EID, the County Coroner, and the County Cemetery Director in a pre-burial agreement that outlined steps to ensure proper treatment and disposition of the remains and associated artifacts. “We commend EID for taking this initiative,”
said Bryan Golmitz, El Dorado County Coroner. “We intend to follow their lead in the future.”
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For immediate release May 30, 2007
Upper photo: Hour-by-hour daily consultations among the partners led to a successful outcome.
Lower photo: A steatite pipe bowl recovered during the excavation. El Dorado Irrigation District — serving people, agriculture, businesses, and the environment in El Dorado County since 1925
EID News
