"Cultural Resources Investigations for the Bexar County Agricultural Ex" by Kristi M. Nichols

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Cultural Resources Investigations for the Bexar County Agricultural Extension, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

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Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by Debra Dockery Architects (CLIENT) to conduct an intensive cultural resources survey of 10.03 acres for the proposed Bexar County Agricultural Extension Station in Bexar County, Texas. All work was conducted in accordance with the Archeological Survey Standards for Texas as set forth by the Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8403.

The cultural resources field investigations for the Bexar County Agricultural Extension Station was conducted on October 2, 2018. The investigations included a background review and a pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing and backhoe trenching. The background review revealed that no previous archaeological surveys had been conducted and no archaeological sites have been recorded within the Area of Potential Effect (APE). RKEI recommended an intensive pedestrian survey.

During the pedestrian survey, evidence of modern disturbances was prevalent. Various utility installations within the lot impacted portions of the APE. Utility disturbances observed within the lot consisted of AT&T manholes, AT&T underground lines, a fiber optic line, and a sewer line. The AT&T manholes and lines were located in the eastern section of the project area, with the lines intersecting the southeastern portion of the project area. The fiber optic line was parallel with Edgar Drive on the southeastern boundary of the project area and did not impact the project area. A sewer line intersected the project area on the western side of the Salado Creek tributary. Additional disturbances included push piles, remains of homeless camps, and random trash piles.

As part of the pedestrian survey, RKEI excavated 20 shovel tests within the 10.03 acre APE. Due to the high amount of gravels and cobbles in the soils, only one shovel test was excavated to 1.97 feet (60 cm) below surface, with the rest excavated to a depth of no greater than 1.37 feet (40 cm). The soils within the shovel tests consisted of mostly dark sandy clays over gravels, likely indicating disturbance. Soils in the eastern portion of the APE exhibited a higher content of yellowish sandy clays over gravels, this also may be due to disturbance from utilities placed in the area. No subsurface prehistoric or historic cultural materials were encountered within the shovel tests.

In addition to the shovel testing, RKEI excavated three backhoe trenches within the APE. Backhoe trenches were excavated to a maximum depth of five feet (152 cm) below surface. The backhoe trenching confirmed the extent of disturbances on the lot. No significant prehistoric or historic cultural materials were observed within the spoils or trench walls.

RKEI has made a good faith effort identifying cultural resources within the APE. No significant deposits or features were identified during the intensive pedestrian survey. As a result, RKEI does not recommend further archaeological investigations within the APE. However, should changes be made to the project APE, further work may be required.