Section 234 Of Article 2. Surveys, Investigations, And Distribution Of Water From California Water Code >> Division 1. >> Chapter 2.5. >> Article 2.

. The department, either independently or in co-operation with or through any person or any county, state, federal or other agency, is authorized to investigate, excavate, and preserve any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object of antiquity, situated in areas to be used for state water development purposes.