Article Title

Cultural Resources Survey Of The Proposed ±28,000-Foot Naylor Jones Unit 13 Block A Gathering Pipeline Mcmullen County, Texas

Authors

Scott Justen
Reign Clark

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

On 17 November 2014, Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc. (Goshawk) conducted a cultural resources survey of the proposed ±28,000-foot (±8,534-meter [m]) Naylor Jones Unit 13 Block A Gathering Pipeline right-of-way (ROW) in McMullen County, Texas, at the request of EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG). The Area of Potential Effect (APE) consisted of a proposed ROW measuring 75 feet (23 m) in width which crossed a first-order tributary of Muerto Creek, the Frio River, and the Mossy Slough. A cultural resources survey, including shovel testing and surface inspection, was conducted within the three review areas which totaled approximately 4.6 acres (1.9 hectares [ha]). The archeological field investigation was conducted by Goshawk archeologist Scott Justen with Mitch Juenke. Scott Justen served as the primary author and Reign Clark performed quality control for the report of investigations. Zach Stark produced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) figures for the report.

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.

One newly recorded archeological site (41MC807) was documented within the proposed ROW. The site was documented as undated prehistoric campsite comprised of a moderate lithic scatter consisting of lithic debitage and burned rocks. All artifacts were confined to a surface context within the proposed ROW. The site was determined not to be eligible for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark or for listing in the National Register of Historic Places within the proposed ROW, but further research was recommended in order to determine the eligibility of the remainder of the site as it exists to the east of the APE.

The proposed Naylor Jones Unit 13 Block A Gathering Pipeline APE had experienced heavy disturbances attributed to past land clearing and erosion with depositional soils depleted to preHolocene levels within the gently undulating uplands and along the fluvial-terraces of the major streams. As such, the probability for intact cultural sites was considered low. Based on survey results of the survey and the data gathered from site 41MC807, it is the opinion of Goshawk that no significant cultural resources will be impacted by construction of the Naylor Jones Unit 13 Block A Gathering Pipeline as proposed. Goshawk recommends that the project be allowed to proceed as planned.

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