Article Title

Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Copano NGL Services (Markham), LLC, 2.8-mile Pipeline, Matagorda County, Texas

Authors

James W. Karbula
Deidra A. Black

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

Report Title: Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Copano NGL Services (Markham), LLC, 2.8- mile Pipeline, Matagorda County, Texas

Report Date: January 2015

Report Number: WSA Technical Report No. 2015-02

Agency: Texas Historical Commission (THC).

Permit Number: Texas Antiquities Permit 7079.

Project Description: William Self Associates, Inc. (WSA), conducted cultural resources agency coordination and an archaeology survey for a proposed new 2.8-mile (4.5 kilometer [km]) segment of the 12-inch Copano NGL Services (Markham), LLC (Copano NGL), pipeline in Matagorda County, Texas. Coordination with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the archaeology survey were conducted consistent with the requirements of the Texas Natural Resources Code Title 9, Chapter 191 (Antiquities Code of Texas) and accompanying Rules of Practice and Procedure for the code (Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 26). The proposed project crosses Texas A&M University property. Texas A&M University is a state entity, and therefore the investigations were subject to regulation by the THC through the Texas Antiquities Code (TAC) and the TAC permitting process. Proposed survey methods were approved by the THC in an initial project coordination letter dated September 25, 2014 (Karbula 2014). The project was conducted under TAC Permit 7079.

Pedestrian and reconnaissance survey supplemented with shovel testing was conducted in undisturbed portions of the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) linear survey corridor, which was 30 meters (m) in width (200 feet) and covered a total of 6.8 acres. As per the minimum survey standards of the THC, transects were spaced 30 m apart, and shovel tests were placed at a rate of 16 per mile along the transects, though no transects or shovel tests were conducted in highly disturbed or developed areas, which represented a large portion of the project area. In total, 22 negative shovel tests and three negative backhoe trenches were excavated in support of the investigation. No archaeological sites or any prehistoric or historic-age cultural materials were recorded, recovered, or observed. No features or evidence of prehistoric- or historic-age occupation were identified.

Acres Surveyed: 6.8

Project Number: WSA 2014-60

Project Location: Matagorda County, Texas

Unevaluated Properties: 0

NRHP Eligible Properties: 0

NRHP Ineligible Properties: 0

NRHP Listed Properties: 0

Isolated Occurrences: 0

Total Project Resources: 0

Recommendations: WSA concludes that there exists a low probability that cultural resources eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) exist on the surveyed property due to the broad extent of existing disturbances and a preponderance of negative shovel tests and backhoe trenches. WSA respectfully requests THC concurrence with the conclusion that there exists a low probability that significant NRHP- or SAL-eligible cultural resources will be impacted by the proposed project. WSA recommends and respectfully requests THC concurrence that with regards to SALs, project construction within the areas of ground disturbance and physically impacted areas of approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) be allowed to proceed under the TAC, and that all TAC permit consultation for the proposed project be considered concluded and complete.

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