Article Title

Intensive Archaeological Survey of the Muenster to St. Jo 69 kV Transmission Line Project in Muenster City Park

Authors

Melanie Johnson

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

Oncor Electric Delivery LLC (Oncor) has contracted HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR) to conduct an intensive archaeological survey in advance of proposed improvements to the 0.06 mile (mi; 0.09 kilometer [km]) segment of the existing Muenster to St. Jo 69 kV transmission line that runs through Muenster City Park (Figure 1). Because the City of Muenster is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, the proposed developments are required to be in compliance with Chapter 191 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, also known as the Antiquities Code of Texas (13 TAC 26.12).

The proposed improvements will include replacing two single circuit wood structures within Muenster City Park with light duty steel structures with braced line post insulators. The replacement structures will be located within the existing Oncor right-of-way (ROW) that is approximately 75 feet (ft; 23 meters [m]) wide. The current Area of Potential Effects (APE) consists of approximately 300 ft (91 m) along the existing transmission line ROW. The resulting APE is 0.52 acre (0.21 hectare) in area.

The purpose of the cultural resources investigation is to determine the presence/absence of cultural resources within the APE, and to evaluate identified resources for their eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or as State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) under the Antiquities Code of Texas (13 TAC 26.12). The survey was conducted under permit number 8381. The survey was conducted by principal investigator Melanie Johnson on March 26, 2018, and resulted in a total of 2 person-hours.

During the archaeological survey of the APE, a total of five shovel tests were excavated. One isolated lithic flake, eleven glass shards, and three metal bottle caps were discovered within the top disturbed 30 centimeters (cm) during shovel testing. However, no archaeological sites were identified during the course of the survey.

In accordance with 13 TAC 26.12, no further cultural resources investigations are recommended for the presently-defined APE, and the proposed project may proceed. However, in the event that any archaeological deposits are encountered during construction, work should cease, and the THC should be notified.

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