Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

Since 2010, ALTA has worked widely for PG&E under a diverse array of utility programs. These programs include:

- reconductoring of major transmission lines

- gas line distribution managed projects

- wood pole replacement program

- hydroelectric energy re-licensing efforts

- expansion of substations facilities

- Rule 20A projects

- large scale environmental remediation projects

Geysers Power Company (Calpine)

Calpine is North America’s leading geothermal power producer. At the Geysers area in Lake and Sonoma Counties, Calpine harnesses natural heated steam for the earth to create electrical power. The power provides services to consumers throughout Northern California. ALTA has performed numerous cultural resource studies for the Calpine Corporation in support of construction of geothermal pipelines. These projects have been completed to comply with the CEQA, Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA, and in support of specific federal agency directives and various state environmental policies.

ALTA has extensive experience working on Local Assistance Projects in Caltrans District 1. Over the past ten years, ALTA Staff have conducted numerous archaeological investigations in order to comply with federal and state regulatory requirements. 

The range of projects include bridge construction and replacement, road widening and improvement, pedestrian sidewalk corridors, roadway infrastructure, and airport enhancements. Tasks completed for these projects include literature reviews, archival research, field survey, archaeological test excavations, and geoarchaeological studies. The final reports were reviewed and accepted by various federal and state agencies including Caltrans, US Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, and/or the State Office of Historic Preservation.

ALTA cultural resources staff has more than 20 years of experience managing CEQA and Section 106 compliance for both large and small scale transportation projects throughout Northern California. We are intimately familiar with Volume 2 of the Caltrans Environmental Handbook, which contains the standards and procedures for identifying, documenting, evaluating, and mitigating adverse effects to cultural resources that fall under Caltrans’ jurisdiction. In addition, ALTA staff has a strong working knowledge of the new 2014 Programmatic Agreement between Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the California State Historic Preservation Officer, which can help expedite Section 106 review for local assistance projects. 

ALTA staff have extensive experience working with foresters and land managers conducting field inventories for Timber Harvest Plans and Non-industrial Timber Management Plans (NTMP). The Forest Practice Act and the Forest Practice Rules regulate commercial timber harvesting in California. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) functions as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act for review and approval of THPs. Our staff are knowledgeable of the latest version of the California Forest Practice Rules and the regulatory requirements for completing a Confidential Archaeological Addendum.  ALTA staff have completed dozens of surveys and inspections in support of THP and NTMP projects in northern California.  

ALTA is proud of the positive working relationship we've cultivated with Native American tribes. Our long term engagement with local tribes has resulted in a professional relationship based on trust and clear communication. This facilitates projects by providing tribes, agencies, and private entities a means for open dialog about project goals and stakeholder interests. 

Over the past 10 years, ALTA staff have worked directly for tribal governments conducting  cultural resources field surveys as part of the fee-to-trust application process with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  

ALTA staff were retained to train staff members and tribal council regarding historic preservation training as part of a grant by the National Park Services and the Environmental Protection Agency to help the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians build a Historic Preservation Program for cultural resources. The training program took place over three days and development of three workbooks. Each workbook presented a compilation of statues, case law guidelines, and professional experience related to Cultural Resource Management. 

ALTA routinely provides cultural resource survey and site evaluation services associated with private land development projects. We've conducted hundreds of assessments in support of new construction or improvement of existing facilities by private landowners. We provide our clients cost effective assistance for compliance with the regulatory requirements of local planning departments. We help you get the permit. 

Gathering the data necessary to make strong evaluation recommendations

Construction Monitoring

Alta staff works closely with multiple groups and agencies to implement quick response to disaster relief recovery efforts. Our staff are highly trained in emergency response and safety practices. We are available for construction monitoring, emergency veg management, post fire survey, and any recovery effort that necessitates archaeological precision. Alta staff and the Institute for Canine Forensics partner to respond quickly and effectively for cremains recovery throughout the US states and territories.