Article Title

Intensive Archaeological Survey of the Nacogdoches to Nacogdoches SE 138 kV Transmission Line Improvements Project on Stephen F. Austin State University Land

Authors

Melanie Johnson
Kristin Morgan

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) has contracted with HDR, Inc. (HDR) to conduct an intensive archaeological survey in advance of proposed improvements to the existing Nacogdoches to Nacogdoches SE 138 kV transmission line that runs through property owned by Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) (Figure 1). The proposed improvements would involve replacing 13 existing electric transmission structures with new structures. The replacement structures will be located within the existing Oncor right-of-way (ROW) that is approximately 100 feet (ft; 30.5 meters [m]) wide. Because SFASU is a state university, 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 portion of the transmission line on SFASU property is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) long and 100 ft (30.5 m) wide. The dimensions of the replacement tower foundations are anticipated to range from approximately 4 to 9 ft (1–2.7 m) in diameter and 20 to 30 ft (6– 9 m) in depth, but foundations could ultimately be deeper or shallower depending on the soil conditions in the area. The total Area of Potential Effects (APE) is 12.12 acres (4.9 hectares).

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 a designated State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) under the Antiquities Code of Texas (13 TAC 26.12). The survey was conducted under permit number 8267. The survey was conducted by principal investigator Melanie Johnson and crew chief Amy Leuchtmann on February 12–13, 2018, resulting in a total of 16 person-hours.

During the cultural resources survey of the APE, a total of 21 shovel tests were excavated, and the previously recorded site 41NA78 was revisited. No archaeological materials were found 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 improvements project on SFASU property 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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