Article Title

Cultural Resources Survey Of The Proposed ±15,034-Foot Shiner North Loop 12-Inch Inlet Gonzales County, Texas

Authors

Scott Justen
Reign Clark

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc. (Goshawk) conducted a cultural resources survey of the proposed ±15,034-foot (4,582-meter [m]) Shiner North Loop 12-Inch Inlet right-of-way (ROW) in Gonzales County, Texas at the request of EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG). The Area of Potential Effect (APE) consisted of a 75-foot (23-m) wide ROW. The ROW consisted of a 50-foot (15-m) wide permanent easement and a 25-foot (8-m) wide temporary construction easement.

This survey was performed in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (PL 89–665), as amended in 1974, 1976, 1980, and 1992; the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (PL 91–190, 83 Stat. 915 USC 4231, 1970); the Procedures for the Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties (36 CFR 800); the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979; as well as the guidelines set forth by the Council of Texas Archeologists (1995).

The field investigation was conducted by Goshawk archeologists Scott Justen with Bear Aspra on 6 November 2014. Scott Justen served as the primary author and Reign Clark served as quality control for the report of investigations. Zach Stark provided Geographic Information Systems (GIS) figures for the report.

Two review areas were identified within the proposed ROW, each containing a single stream (specifically, segments of Gelhorn Creek, proper) potentially subject to federal regulation. Four shovel tests were placed within each area of review near the potentially jurisdictional streams and upon the adjacent terraces. The cultural resources survey, including shovel testing and surface inspection, was conducted within the two areas of review which totaled approximately 1.9 acres (0.8 hectare [ha]) in area. Shovel testing yielded black or brownish black clay soils in a surface context. All of the shovel tests yielded negative results.

No cultural materials were found on the surface or within any of the shovel tests conducted during the cultural resources survey. Based on these results, it is Goshawk’s opinion that construction of the proposed project will have no impact to significant cultural resources within the areas surveyed. Goshawk recommends that the project be allowed to proceed, as planned.

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