Article Title

Intensive Archaeological Survey for the Proposed TM-1 Relief Interceptor Project

Authors

Megan A. Koszarek
Ann Keen

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

The Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) contracted HDR to conduct an intensive cultural resources survey of the approximately 3.24 miles of 36-inch wastewater interceptor pipeline installation in the City of Lancaster, Dallas County, Texas. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) is approximately 3.24 miles in length within a 50-foot Right-ofWay (ROW). Approximately 1.35 miles of the project area falls within previouslydisturbed road ROW or area encompassed by commercial development. The remainder of the project area parallels Beltline Road, West Main Street, and Bluegrove Road and primarily falls just outside of the existing road ROWs. However, the project area intersects the existing road ROW of Beltline Road at one location and intersects the existing West Main Street ROW at two locations. The archaeological investigation conducted by HDR consisted of intensive survey of the APE to determine the presence/absence of archaeological resources by employing pedestrian survey, systematic shovel testing, and photo-documentation. Fieldwork took place on December 16 and 17, 2014. HDR project personnel consisted of Crew Chief Megan Koszarek and Field Technician Ben Morton. A total of 32 person-hours were invested in the field portion of the project.

The survey resulted in a pedestrian walkover and photo-documentation of the entire project area as well as the excavation of 32 negative shovel tests. No archaeological materials were identified during the investigation. A site revisit was conducted at the location of the previously-recorded site 41DL144, the northern boundary of which overlaps with the current project area. This portion of the boundary lies within existing road ROW and was likely destroyed as a result of road construction activities. Lastly, the Rawlins Cemetery is located near the current project area. No new impacts in association with the proposed pipeline will occur within the Rawlins Cemetery as all construction near the cemetery’s location will occur within the existing road ROW. As a result, the cemetery will not be adversely affected by the current project.

In accordance with 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 800 and 13 Texas Administrative Code [TAC] 26, no further archaeological investigations are recommended. As a result of the present survey, it is recommended that the proposed installation of approximately 3.24 miles of 36-inch pipeline will not have any effect on cultural resources in the project APE, and construction may proceed. In the event that any archaeological deposits are encountered during construction, work should cease, and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified.

All records and materials generated by this project will be permanently curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

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