Article Title

Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail Phase IIIc, Harris County, Texas

Authors

C. Wesley Mattox
Todd Butler

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

On behalf of Harris County Public Infrastructure Department-Architecture and Engineering Division, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archaeological survey for the proposed Spring Creek Greenway Hike and Bike Trail Phase IIIc (project area). The project area covers a 100-footwide survey corridor approximately 2.29 miles in length (for a total surveyed area of 27.7 acres). The project area is located on either side of U.S. Interstate Highway 45 (I-45) along the south side of Spring Creek in Harris County, Texas. All work was conducted under Texas Antiquities Code permit number 7409 in compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas, and in anticipation of Harris County Public Infrastructure Department-Architecture and Engineering Division’s application for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 permit (USACE File No. SWG-2016-00013) in accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 325, Appendix C (Processing Department of Army Permits: Procedures for the Protection of Historic Properties; Final Rule 1990; with current Interim Guidance Document dated April 25, 2005) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (16 United States Code [USC] 470) and its implementing regulations.

The background literature and records review revealed that at least 16 cultural resources investigations have been conducted within 1 mile of the proposed project area. Approximately 24 percent of the current project area has been previously surveyed. Three archaeological sites and one historic cemetery have been previously identified within 1 mile of the proposed trail alignment.

The current investigation identified one new archaeological site (41HR1172) and one isolated find (IF-1). Site 41HR1172 is a multi-component (prehistoric and historic) site. The isolated find consisted of a single piece of prehistoric debitage within a disturbed context. Sites 41HR1172 and IF-1 are recommended NOT ELIGIBLE for the NRHP and no further work or avoidance is recommended. SWCA conducted a no collection survey, so artifact curation will not be necessary. Original survey documentation will be curated with the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory.

In accordance with 33 CFR Part 325, Appendix C, and Section 106 of the NHPA 36 CFR 800.4 (b)(1), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the anticipated project area. Based on the results of these investigations, SWCA recommends a finding of NO HISTORIC PROPERTIES AFFECTED (per 36 CFR 800.4[d] and 36 CFR 800.16[l]) on any properties listed or otherwise eligible for the NRHP.

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