SWCA was retained by Salt River Project (SRP) to recover archaeological remains at a site planned for an expanded electrical generating station. The Kyrene facility will help meet the increased power needs in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area.

More than 35,000 artifacts were collected during this project. Excavations revealed remains of a 1000 year-old village occupied by the prehistoric Hohokam culture. Among the remains were numerous ceramic figurines of llama-related animals called guanacos. Archaeologists believe that the guanacos represent domesticated dogs who may have played an important role in prehistoric Hohokam culture. In addition to completing the project weeks ahead of schedule, SWCA staff organized public tours of the artifact displays, providing a wealth of information about the prehistoric inhabitants of the area. The archeological site was of keen interest to the public. SWCA’s efforts maintained a good relationship with the public and the regulators allowing Salt River Project to focus on project development.