2013-084 Planning - Legacy Research Associates survey of Buckhorn Mebane Phase 2 Utility corridor $25,100

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Shovel and/or auger testing will be excavated in areas of low ground-surface visibility at intervals determined bv project mnapping and field reconnaissance based on |andfornnand presumed potential for the presence of archaeological sites. The intervals will vary between SO and 15 meters with a reduction to lO to 7.5 meters on micro-|andfmrrny that merit testing. High-probability areas will be determined by project mapping and field reconnaissance. Factors that will considered for determining high probability will be soil condition, |andfornm, and distance towater. C. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE EVALUATION INVESTIGATIONS - TASK 2 Twelve locations with archaeological material were documented during the initial surveYfnrthis project' It is anticipated that no more than two additional previously undocumented archaeological sites will be located during the survey of the waterline. in all, no more than l4 archaeological sites (or locations with archaeological material)will be further investigated to determine site boundaries and to determine eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Site testing will consist mf close-interval subsurface shovel tests that are excavated ona cruciform pattern and/or intensive surface inspection, depending on site characteristics. Site boundaries will be based on (1) positive shovel test locations (two negative or sterile shovel tests in a row on the testing grid), (2) the distribution of surface artifacts, and (3) a natural barrier such aa slope/hi|iaida/creek/vwet|ands. The purpose mf site testing will betmgather preliminary data on cultural affiliation, site size and boundaries, integrity, and significance in terms of eligibility for the National Register. Shovel tests will measure et least 38 cmn (l5 inches) in diameter and will be excavated tmsterile subsoil, the mxatertab|a. mr underlying bedrock or subsoil. All excavated material will besifted through Y4-inch hardware mesh. The soil color and texture, as well as notes on the s1rat|graphic relationship of the axtifacts, if nec«vened, will be recorded for all shovel testa. A sketch map ofeach site discovered or relocated will be produced, and the site and its limits will beentered on the project map. The location mf each shovel test will be placed on the site sketch map, and notes will be maintained on the soil profiles and artifact content af each shovel test' Each site will be photographed and general notes will be taken concerning site location and condition. Standard recordation forms will be used in the field to record archaeological sites. Archaeological sites will be defined as occurrences of three or more artifacts within a discrete locale, and/or localities that exhibit evidence of intact surface or subsurface cultural features. Occurrences of fewer than three artifacts will bedesignated isolated finds, but sufficient investigations will be made to verify the isolated nature of the occurrence. All artifacts recovered will be bagged by site and imtra-site provenience. The Principal Investigator and Field Director will maintain detailed notes on the survey methodology, sites identified on the survey' and relevant environmental factors. All mites identified during the survey will be delineated in the field by GIS-GPS technology and transferred onto scale/location mapping (engineering design plans) asmhapefi|es' Any cemeteries found will be recorded, buttheyvvil| nmtbepmohedto determine boundaries or the number mfgraves pnesent' If unmarked human burials or skeletal remains are found, the North Carolina State Archaeologist will be notified immediately, following the provisions of North Carolina G'3' 70,Article 3, The Unmarked Human Burial and5kxle&a/Remains Protection Act. 3