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May 24, 2022
Dean Kruse, Toula Properties, LLC
Adam Frugé, M.S.
Chris Lockwood, Ph.D.
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
Toula Properties retained ESA to assist with the 351 Rainier Avenue South Soil Remediation Project in Renton,
Washington (Figure 1). The Project Area is located in Section 18, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, on King
County parcel 0007200126. ESA conducted archaeological monitoring during soil remediation excavations of
two hydraulic vehicle lifts associated a Firestone garage formerly located at the property (Figure 2). Excavations
removed hydraulic lifts, hydraulic fluid reservoirs, struts, and lines. Archaeological monitoring was conducted as
a mitigation measure stipulated by an Environmental (SEPA) Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated
(DNS-M) issued by the City of Renton Department of Community and Economic Development.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING METHODS
ESA provided pre-notification of archaeological monitoring to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian
Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Suquamish Tribe, and Tulalip Tribes. Archaeological monitoring was
conducted on April 26, 2022, by Robert Mitchell, and on April 27 and 28, 2022, Jesse Van De Vanter, under the
direction of Chris Lockwood, Ph.D. The purpose of archaeological monitoring was to identify, document, and
evaluate any cultural resources encountered during ground-disturbing activities. Archaeological monitors were
positioned to have a clear view of excavation activities while adhering to safety protocols. Daily documentation
included recording observations of field conditions, contacts, construction methods, sediments, and cultural
materials into a GPS+GLONASS-enabled tablet and/or field notebook. Digital photographs of the location and
various stages of construction were taken.
EXCAVATIONS
Ground-disturbing activities were performed using a Caterpillar excavator equipped with a 2-foot-wide toothed
bucket, or a 4-foot-wide flat bucket (Figure 3). The contractor excavated two trenches spaced 1.8 m (6 ft) apart
(Photo 1). Trenches measured approximately 4.6 m (15 ft) in length x 4.6 m (15 ft) x 4 m (13 ft) deep.
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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The trenches exhibited similar stratigraphic profiles (Figures 4 and 5) with fill overlying alluvium.
0 to 0.6 m (0 to 2 ft): gravelly sand (fill)
0.6 to 1.8 m (2 to 6 ft): moderately compact brown silt with few poorly sorted subrounded gravels (fill)
1.8 to 2.4/3.0 m (6 to 8/10 ft): grayish brown silt loam with reddish oxidation staining and few gravels
(alluvium)
2.4/3.0 to 4.0 m (8/10 to 13 ft): dark bluish-gray sand (alluvium); groundwater at 3.6 m (12 ft)
RESULTS
No precontact or historic-era archaeological sites or isolates were identified during archaeological monitoring of
soil remediation. No potential indicators of past cultural activity, such as fire modified rocks, dense charcoal,
burned soils, or shells were observed.
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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Figure 1. Project Area (Basemap: USGS 2021)
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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Figure 2. Project Map
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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Figure 3. West trench, view east
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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Figure 4. North and west wall of west trench showing undercutting and groundwater, view northwest
Toula Properties – 351 Rainier Avenue South
Archaeological Monitoring of Soil Remediation
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Figure 5. South wall of east trench showing stratigraphy and groundwater, view south