Shovel Tests Research Articles

Archaeology in space: The Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE) on the International Space Station. Report 1: Squares 03 and 05.

Between January and March 2022, crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) performed the first archaeological fieldwork in space, the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE). The experiment aimed to: (1) develop a new understanding of how humans adapt to life in an environmental context for which we are not evolutionarily adapted, using evidence from the observation of material culture; (2) identify disjunctions between planned and actual usage of facilities on a space station; (3) develop and test techniques that enable archaeological research at a distance; and (4) demonstrate the relevance of social science methods and perspectives for improving life in space. In this article, we describe our methodology, which involves a creative re-imagining of a long-standing sampling practice for the characterization of a site, the shovel test pit. The ISS crew marked out six sample locations ("squares") around the ISS and documented them through daily photography over a 60-day period. Here we present the results from two of the six squares: an equipment maintenance area, and an area near exercise equipment and the latrine. Using the photographs and an innovative webtool, we identified 5,438 instances of items, labeling them by type and function. We then performed chronological analyses to determine how the documented areas were actually used. Our results show differences between intended and actual use, with storage the most common function of the maintenance area, and personal hygiene activities most common in an undesignated area near locations for exercise and waste.

Integrated Shallow Geophysical Surveys at Two Caddo Period Archaeological Sites within the Limits of a Water Reservoir in Northeastern Texas, USA

The newly constructed Bois d’Arc Lake Reservoir in Fannin County, Texas, USA, inevitably flooded a large ground surface area (67.34 km2) when the reservoir began impounding water in April 2021. Inside this (now) flooded area, land-based archaeological data recovery investigations discovered and documented several archaeological sites, now registered in the state of Texas; though, only two neighboring sites, namely, 41FN178 and 41FN244, are examined here. The first phase of archaeological testing at these sites included shovel testing, test unit excavations, and geoarchaeological trenching that yielded archaeological artifacts suggesting that Middle Caddo Indian peoples (AD 1200–1400) might have occupied this landscape. As the sites were recognized before the reservoir’s impoundment phase, this merited a non-invasive, non-destructive, high-resolution near-surface geophysical study to map strategic areas within sites 41FN178 and 41FN244 that might yield potential shallow targets of archaeological context. The adopted geophysical survey comprised 3D direct current electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and land horizontal magnetic gradiometry (HMG), each mapping a total surface area of 2133 and 15,640 m2, respectively. The combination of 3D ERI and land HMG surveys was instrumental in rapidly mapping the horizontal and vertical extent of shallowly buried anomalies within a large area prior to the completion of the dam and the beginning of water impoundment. Based on the geophysical insights, the outline of several Caddo houses with functional internal and external features (e.g., burnt cooking surfaces, storage pits, refuse pits, fired soil, ditches, a dump site, and a compound fence) are thought to exist within the uppermost 2 m of the Quaternary stratigraphy at both sites. At site 41FN244, 3D ERI found numerous resistive anomalies surrounding a conductive anomaly, collectively interpreted as a group of post-holes surrounding the remains of a Caddo house’s inner clay floor. It also found a cluster of several resistive anomalies interpreted as midden or middens. The HMG survey carried across areas from which archaeological test units also yielded positive findings, at sites 41FN178 and 41FN244, identified numerous scattered monopolar and dipolar anomalies interpreted as post-molds of Caddo houses, compound enclosures or fences, and adjacent middens. Archaeological excavations guided by the geophysical results yielded significant cultural material and post-mold features at site 244, which validate the geophysical interpretation in a preliminary context. Additionally, several dispersed magnetic anomalies are thought to be shallowly buried hearths, burn cooking surfaces, storage pits, and ditches. The mapped magnetic anomalies agree with the location and distribution of previously found archaeological artifacts and the extent of resistive and conductive resistivity anomalies. Follow-up archaeological excavations of these geophysical anomalies have preliminarily confirmed interpretations.

Bluff Field (9CH160) ceramics and radiocarbon dating and their implications for chronology building on Ossabaw Island and the Georgia coast

ABSTRACT We present the results of the 2022 excavations at the Bluff Field site (9CH160), wherein we consider the juxtaposition of Bayesian radiocarbon modeling against the current ceramic chronologies derived for the Georgia coast. New evidence from AMS radiocarbon dating and statistical modeling pushes both the timing and span of Wilmington series ceramics beyond the ranges afforded by current models. Short-lived carbonized hickory nuts from within excavation units and shovel tests returned dates that are hundreds of years later in time than the currently accepted timing for Wilmington ceramics. These ceramics contribute the largest proportion of the ceramic assemblage recovered from the site and within the levels from which we dated for chronological modeling. Our modeling of these dates that are in stratigraphic sequence calls into question not only the use history of the Wilmington ceramic series, but also the demographic history of the island that is currently predicated upon the timing of this and other ceramic styles. We recommend reinterrogating existing chronologies in order to bring the settlement chronologies for the Georgia coastal region up to present-day methodological and statistical standards.

Evaluating Systematic Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Auger Surveys to Determine Activity Areas at Three Open Air Sites in Central Alaska

ABSTRACT This study explores various testing techniques’ ability to identify activity areas across deeply stratified, open air archaeological sites. To determine the efficacy of different site testing techniques, a systematic ground penetrating radar and auger survey was completed at three sites in central Alaska: Swan Point, Bachner, and Niidhaayh Na’. The results show that both ground penetrating radar and auger survey can indicate subsurface geology, important for sites without exposed vertical deposits. Additionally, systematic auger surveys can be used to identify activity areas at large sites and in components up to 4 m below surface prior to full-scale excavation. This can help archaeologists identify earlier archaeological components and target specific areas that are directly related to their research questions while preserving the rest of the site for future investigations. Compared to traditional shovel testing, auger surveys provide a consistent, efficient, and rigorous method for assessing buried cultural remains.

Forensic Analysis of Residual Oil along Abu Ali Island, Saudi Arabia

Extensive asphalt pavements have persisted along >25 km (km) of shoreline on Abu Ali Island, on the Arabian (Persian) Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia, reportedly stranding as a result of the 1983–1985 Nowruz oil spills. A study was conducted in October 2020 to support development of a remediation plan. Cross-shore transects were surveyed at 100 m intervals and 1434 shovel test pits were dug to determine oil type, thickness, and depth of burial. Oiling of any description was observed at 76% of the pits. Using 15 diagnostic biomarker ratios, only 5 of the 94 oiled samples from Abu Ali Island in 2020 likely contain other oils. Data on historical spills were identified from the literature. Based on chemical biomarker data for potential source oils in the northern Arabian (Persian) Gulf, the diagnostic ratio for the biomarkers 18a-22,29,30-Trisnorneohopane (Ts) and 17a(H)-22,29,30-Trisnorhopane (Tm) for the 94 samples only matched one Iraq crude oil. No large individual spills of Iraq crude oil were identified in the literature or spill databases, although releases of both Kuwait and Iraq crudes were reported for the 1991 Gulf War oil spills. However, oil residues from Abu Ali did not match most prior samples of Saudi shoreline oiling from the Gulf War oil spills, which largely consisted of spilled Kuwait crude. Though we cannot definitely conclude that the majority of the residual oil on Abu Ali Island delineated during the 2020 survey is oil from the Nowruz oil spills, because there is no source oil from these spills, we use a weight of evidence approach to say that it is highly likely that the majority of the residual oiling is from the Nowruz spills.

Типология поливной керамики Билярского городища

Introduction. The paper discusses glazed pottery of the pre-Mongol era discovered within excavation section 44 of Bilär hillfort between 2015 and 2018. Earliest explorations of the archaeological site date back to the beginning of the 18th century but the first archaeological survey proper — that included a few shovel test pits — was conducted by A. Bashkirov in 1929. However, it was only in 1967 that A. Khalikov as head of the Bilär Archaeological Expedition arranged systematic investigation of the site. Studies of glazed ceramics from the pre-Mongol era became a priority area but its classification was never developed. Goals. So, the work attempts a description and systematization of the unique archaeological materials. Materials and methods. The work analyzes glazed pottery items discovered within excavation section 44 at the site of Bilär. The research methods employed for systematization are as follows: visual/descriptive, statistical, technological ones, those of comparative analysis and analogies. Results. The extensive glazed pottery collection examined attests to Volga Bulgaria had developed widest trade relations in the pre-Mongol period. The key directions included the Near and Middle East, Asia Minor, Rus, Byzantium, and the historical region of Shirvan (group of imports). Conclusions. The article yields a classification of glazed pottery items (both locally produced and imported ones), determines main trade directions and chronological frames for the latter to have arrived in the site. Insights into proportions between groups of imported ceramics and quantitative analysis make it possible to outline three chronological stages that essentially correspond to the heyday, apogee and decline of trade relations.

Типология поливной керамики Билярского городища

Introduction. The paper discusses glazed pottery of the pre-Mongol era discovered within excavation section 44 of Bilär hillfort between 2015 and 2018. Earliest explorations of the archaeological site date back to the beginning of the 18th century but the first archaeological survey proper — that included a few shovel test pits — was conducted by A. Bashkirov in 1929. However, it was only in 1967 that A. Khalikov as head of the Bilär Archaeological Expedition arranged systematic investigation of the site. Studies of glazed ceramics from the pre-Mongol era became a priority area but its classification was never developed. Goals. So, the work attempts a description and systematization of the unique archaeological materials. Materials and methods. The work analyzes glazed pottery items discovered within excavation section 44 at the site of Bilär. The research methods employed for systematization are as follows: visual/descriptive, statistical, technological ones, those of comparative analysis and analogies. Results. The extensive glazed pottery collection examined attests to Volga Bulgaria had developed widest trade relations in the pre-Mongol period. The key directions included the Near and Middle East, Asia Minor, Rus, Byzantium, and the historical region of Shirvan (group of imports). Conclusions. The article yields a classification of glazed pottery items (both locally produced and imported ones), determines main trade directions and chronological frames for the latter to have arrived in the site. Insights into proportions between groups of imported ceramics and quantitative analysis make it possible to outline three chronological stages that essentially correspond to the heyday, apogee and decline of trade relations.

Effects of soil erosion and soil amendment on soil aggregate stability in the cultivated-layer of sloping farmland in the Three Gorges Reservoir area

Soil aggregate stability is an important parameter that indicates soil resistance to erosion and the potential productivity of sloping farmland. The cultivated-layer (0–20 cm) of typical sloping purple soil (entisol) farmland around the Three Gorges Reservoir was studied. In-situ controls test and shovel test were used to determine the response of water stable aggregates to two factors, degree of erosion and soil amendment (CK, no fertilizer; F, chemical fertilizer; and BF, biochar with chemical fertilizer) and to analyze regulating pathways of the rational cultivation layer for sloping farmland. Water stable aggregate content for each soil particle size fraction in the cultivated-layer was significantly different for all degrees of erosion. The fraction of particle size > 5 mm in subsurface soil (10–20 cm) was greater than in topsoil (0–10 cm). Erosion significantly affected soil aggregate stability (WR0.25, >0.25 mm particle size water-stable aggregates content; MWD, mean weight diameter of aggregates; GMD, geometric mean diameter of aggregates) in the cultivated-layer. Both MWD and GMD reached maximums for S-0 (erosion of 0 cm). Comparing all treatments, it is BF that showed greater weight increase for MWD and GMD in topsoil (0–10 cm). Percentage of aggregate disruption consistently increased along downward direction of erosion degrees. Shear strength and penetration resistance, which are soil macrostructure parameters, were used to quantify soil stability in a short time. Treatment BF resulted in the greatest increase in shear strength in topsoil for S-10 (erosion of 10 cm) and significantly decreased penetration resistance. This treatment could significantly improve soil tillage performance and facilitate the formation of a loose upper and compact lower cultivated-layer. Shear strength responded very significantly to the interactive effects of erosion and soil treatment and was more sensitive to soil treatment. These results demonstrated that erosion makes soil less sustainable by disintegrating macroaggregates, and BF is the better soil management practice to effectively improve aggregate stability of erodible cultivated purple soil.

Изучение цоколя северной стены городища Башанта-I эпохи Хазарского каганата

Introduction. The investigation of Bashanta-I hillfort is at its initial stage nowadays. The site has witnessed only three exploration seasons (2010, 2015 and 2018). The utmost drought of 2018 made it possible to perform excavations in the estuary (liman) bed. Dig 4 and twelve shovel test pits revealed a 189 meter long wall base consisting of three to four layers of shelly limestone. The traceable part is approximately two thirds of the supposed length of the northern wall base. Goals. The article introduces results of investigation works done along the baseline of the northern wall on the site of Bashanta-I dated to the Khazar era. Materials and methods. Since 2015 the joint archaeological expedition of Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS) and Khalikov Institute of Archaeology (Tatarstan Academy of Sciences) has been comprehensively exploring Bashanta-I and Bashanta-II hillforts with the aid of GIS methods. The five obtained radiocarbon dates of animal bones suggest that Bashanta-I and Bashanta-II are earliest available archaeological sites of the Khazar Khaganate. Analysis of large scale materials — Black Sea type amphorae — confirm the results of radiocarbon dating. The hillfort of Bashanta-I was investigated for geophysical parameters, special attention was paid to technological and typological properties of amphora ceramics. Dig 2 in the central part of the shore (and specifically the cape proper) proved to contain traces of a stone building sized 14х16 m. In its northeastern corner there was discovered a stone with a tamga. The multiple finds from the dig comprise hewn stones, amphora fragments, roof tiles, plaster and animal bones. Results. The identified part of the northern wall base in Bashanta-I attests to that the latter is actually another strong hillfort (Type 2) of the Khazar Khaganate in the steppe zone, while its gauffre-shaped wall on the stone base is unique and distinguishes it from all geometrically shaped settlements across the Don agglomeration of the Khazar era.

Archaeological survey in the Machili Valley, Zambia: a report on the 2019 preliminary field season

ABSTRACT After c. AD 700 the Machili Valley in Western Province, Zambia, is exemplary of the type of ‘in-between’ places that made up large portions of the African continent where states did not develop, but that were anything but isolated and undifferentiated. Limited archaeological surveys in the 1950s to 1970s situate the Machili Valley into a larger context of Iron Age life in Zambia in particular and in south-central Africa more broadly. This paper details early results from survey work in Machili conducted in 2019 that employed a combination of geophysical and shovel test survey methods to re-survey previously documented sites, identify new ones and study localised variations in iron production practices in the valley. Results suggest geographic and temporal changes in settlement patterns and iron production practices, as well as in the spatial relationships between domestic areas and iron smelting and smithing locations among Early Farming Communities in Zambia.

(DIGSS) Determination of Intervals using Georeferenced Survey Simulation: An R package for subsurface survey.

Systematic survey is a crucial component of the archaeological field endeavor. In low visibility areas, systematic subsurface testing is required, most often in the form of shovel test pits or "STPs". Decisions about the interval between STPs, and the size of such units, impact significantly both the effectiveness of survey for site location and the efficiency of such prospection efforts, and yet "cookie-cutter" survey strategies are often employed without a thorough examination of their costs and benefits. In this work, we present a simulation-based method (DIGSS, Determination of Intervals using Georeferenced Survey Simulation) by which archaeologists can simulate the effectiveness and efficiency of different survey strategies for both prospective and retrospective applications. Beyond permitting the design and implementation of survey strategies that both maximize the possibility of site detection in a given region and that husband precious resources (money and time), this method permits the generation of post hoc correction factors that make direct comparison of previous surveys possible. While DIGSS was designed with archaeological applications (artifacts and sites) in mind, it has potential ramifications in other fields of study where discrete spatial sampling is used as a means of determining the presence, absence, or abundance of discontinuous assemblages materials of interest in a survey region. As such, we can envision potential application in the fields of geology, ecology, and environmental/pollution monitoring.

Pottery Production Sites in Roman Gaulanitis: Identification and Investigation Using Evidence from Surface Surveys and Shovel Tests

Five pottery production sites, for vessel types ranging in date from the late first century BCE to the early fifth century CE, were identified in Gaulanitis, employing data from surface surveys and shovel tests. The evidence for identification of production included disproportionate concentrations of particular vessel types, as well as pieces showing obvious production defects (wasters). Vessels produced include cooking bowls, cooking pots and storage jars: cooking ware and storage jars were made at two locations, storage jars alone were produced at two other sites, and only cooking vessels were made at the last location. The finds were analyzed along with comparative data from surveys and shovel tests conducted at other sites in Gaulanitis. The discussion deals with the large number of cooking vessel fragments, compared to those of storage jars, found at the production sites, and possible reasons for the development of pottery-making – in several instances, of the same vessel types – at relatively close settlements in Roman Gaulanitis.

The problem of undersampling for models of archaeological occupations derived from shovel testing and its consequences for significance determinations

Archaeologists working in the Eastern United States routinely employ shovel testing as a method for site discovery and delineation in areas of dense ground cover, and as a means of collecting information on the kinds and numbers of artifacts and features present at a site. This sampling strategy is employed in the context of Section 106 compliance, as well as in academic research. This paper presents findings on the relationship between shovel-testing strategies and the accuracy and usefulness of the models of archaeological occupations that result from the information collected during shovel testing. These results demonstrate that some common approaches to shovel testing lead to faulty models that fail to accurately represent important occupational variables, thus compromising our ability to make valid significance determinations.

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Dripping Springs Wastewater System Improvements Project (EID 1), Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Dripping Springs Wastewater System Improvements Project (EID 1), Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed City of Conroe Stewarts Creek Wastewater System Improvements Project, Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed City of Conroe Stewarts Creek Wastewater System Improvements Project, Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas

Cultural Resources Survey and Evaluation of Archeological Sites 41WS105, 41WS159, 41WS160, and 41WS161 for the Proposed Fence Line Project in Grasslands Units 48, 62 and 63, Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, Wise County, Texas

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is proposing to reconstruct perimeter fencing surrounding three Grasslands units located within the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland (LBJ National Grassland) in Wise County, Texas. As part of the proposed perimeter fence reconstruction within the three proposed Grasslands units, the USFS is seeking a general inventory of cultural resources which includes background and historic research, archeological field survey, site delineation, a determination of the condition of recorded cultural resources, and recommendation of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) of any sites encountered. The overall project tracts are subject to federal jurisdiction and falls under the regulations of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended (U.S. Code 16, §470, et seq.). To ensure compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, the USFS contracted with TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) to conduct any necessary field investigations required as determined during the coordination process. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) consists of three Grasslands units where proposed perimeter fence reconstruction will occur. The three Grasslands units include Unit 48, Unit 62, and Unit 63. Together, the three Grasslands units measure 399 acres. A cultural resources survey of these three Grasslands units was performed under Section 106 of the NHPA. For these investigations, Josh Haefner served as the Principal Investigator and Steve Sarich was the Project Archeologist. Field work was conducted by Josh Haefner, Steve Sarich, Benjamin Johnson, Gregg Cestaro, and Haley Wilkerson, the latter two individuals employed by Hicks & Company, the small-business subconsultant for this project. Results of the background review, completed prior to the field investigation determined that one previously recorded site, 41WS105, is located within the APE; no cemeteries or historic structures were noted within the APE; while one previous cultural resources survey has been performed within or within the vicinity of the APE. This previous survey was a limited seismic survey of Unit 48 and resulted in the discovery of 41WS105. Prior to survey, TRC coordinated with the USFS on the proposed survey methodology and research design. TRC archeologists performed survey supplemented with shovel testing at the three Grasslands units on October 31– November 08 and December 04 – 06, 2019. During the investigations, a total of 412 shovel tests were excavated. Of these tests, 405 were negative for cultural materials. In addition to these tests 65 points were recorded as “No Dig” locations due to ground disturbance, slope, or other impediment. Seven shovel tests were positive for cultural materials. Three new sites were recorded within the APE and an extension to previously recorded 41WS105 (forest service number: 08130800055) was delineated as a result of the survey. As shovel testing at two of the new sites, 41WS160 (08130800526) and 41WS161 (08130800527), noted no buried cultural deposits and historic cultural materials were observable on the ground surface, these boundaries were established by the mapping of the horizontal distribution of artifacts along the ground surface. Boundaries for the 41WS105 and 41WS159 (08130800525) were based on both the distribution of positive shovel tests and the presence of cultural materials on the ground surface. Based on the results of the cultural resources survey, TRC recommends that no further investigations are necessary and the project may proceed as planned with no historic properties affected.

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Brushy Creek Sewer Line Phase 3 Project in the City of Ingram, Kerr County, Texas

On behalf of the City of Ingram, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Brushy Creek Sewer Line Project (Project) in Kerr County, Texas. The approximately 1-mile-long sewer main extension line is being developed by the City of Ingram, a political subdivision of the State of Texas; therefore, the Project requires compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, the Project will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); therefore, the work was conducted to comply with requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This cultural resources investigation was conducted under ACT Permit No. 9243. The Project begins just south of Winona Street West and terminates just south of Highway 27. The Project Area includes the proposed linear alignment situated within a 25-foot-wide corridor and lies on undeveloped land. Proposed impacts are expected to include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in location of sewer lines. The cultural resources investigation consisted of a background and historical map review, followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing conducted by SWCA archaeologists. SWCA’s background review determined that there are no known cultural resources within the Project area. SWCA also reviewed a 0.5-mile study area surrounding the proposed Project. This review determined there are a total of five previously conducted surveys and six previously recorded archaeological sites within 0.5 mile of the Project area. None of the six previously recorded sites have been recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Additionally, no NRHP districts or properties, sites designated as State Antiquities Landmarks, historical markers, cemeteries, or local neighborhood surveys were identified within the Project area or the larger study area. During field investigations conducted on February 4, 2019, SWCA conducted an intensive archaeological pedestrian survey augmented with shovel testing of the Project area. For linear projects, the Texas Historical Commission (THC)/Council of Texas Archaeologists (CTA) survey standards require a minimum of 16 shovel tests per mile with thorough documentation of all exceptions noted (e.g., disturbance, slope, and impervious surfaces). Based on these standards, SWCA exceeded the requirements by excavating a total of 34 shovel tests within the 1-mile Project area. No cultural materials were identified on the ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the Project area. In accordance with the ACT and with Section 106 of the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800.4 (b)(1)), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the area of potential effects. SWCA recommends a finding of No Historic Properties Affected per 36 CFR 800. 5(b) and no further archaeological investigation of the current Project area is recommended. No artifacts or samples were collected during this survey. All survey-related documentation will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research, University of Texas at San Antonio.

Cultural Resources Survey for the City of Florence Municipal Facilities Complex Project, Williamson County, Texas

On behalf of the City of Florence, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed City of Florence Municipal Facilities Complex (Project) in Williamson County, Texas. The 1.2-acre parcel scheduled for redevelopment is located on land owned and managed by the City of Florence, a political subdivision of the state of Texas; therefore, the Project requires compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, the project will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); therefore, the work was conducted to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This cultural resources investigation was conducted under ACT Permit No. 9142. On behalf of the USDA, SWCA has also issued engagement letters to the six Tribes identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as having overlapping interest with the Project area. To date, SWCA has yet to receive comments from the identified Tribes. The parcel on which the Project is proposed contains four extant buildings/structures: the Florence City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, a large Veteran’s Memorial, and a thrift store. As part of the Project, all but the Veteran’s Memorial are scheduled for demolition and a larger municipal complex is expected to be constructed in their stead. Impacts are expected to include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in locations of foundations and utilities. The cultural resources investigation consisted of a background and historical map review followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing conducted by an archaeologist, and an assessment of the extant buildings conducted by an architectural historian. SWCA’s background review determined that there are no known cultural resources within the Project area. Additionally, the historical map review identified only two potential historical structures within the Project area. During field investigations on September 25 and November 5, 2019, SWCA confirmed that the four extant buildings/structures on the subject property are of modern construction, and therefore, are not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and are not considered eligible for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). In addition, the two potential historical structures identified during the historical map review within the Project area are not extant. SWCA excavated a total of 12 shovel tests within the Project area, three of which were positive for cultural materials. The cultural material includes an axe head, an unidentifiable metal fragment, a round nail, and a white-bodied earthenware sherd. The artifacts found within the shovel tests cannot be securely identified as being from a historic origin and were found with, or near the same depth as, modern plastic fragments. Furthermore, the soils within the Project area exhibited a high degree of disturbance due to decades of construction, landscaping, and tree planting, as well as buried utilities. Due to the lack of soil integrity and the lack of artifacts that can securely be attributed to a historic origin, SWCA finds the three positive shovel tests as constituting an isolated find and does not rise to the level of an archaeological site. As such, the isolated finds do not meet the criteria for NRHP listing nor SAL designation. No other cultural resources were identified within the Project area. In accordance with the ACT and with Section 106 of the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800.4 (b)(1)), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the area of potential effects. SWCA recommends a finding of No Historic Properties Affected per 36 CFR 800. 5(b) and no further archaeological investigation of the current Project area is recommended. No artifacts or samples were collected during this survey. All survey-related documentation will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Orbit Pipeline Project Jefferson, Liberty, and Chambers Counties, Texas

A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Orbit Pipeline Project Jefferson, Liberty, and Chambers Counties, Texas

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed West Fork of the San Jacinto River South Drainage Channel Phase 3 Project, Montgomery County, Texas

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed West Fork of the San Jacinto River South Drainage Channel Phase 3 Project, Montgomery County, Texas