2013-405 Planning - Archaeological Consultants of the Carolinas Inc for Cultural and Archaeological Survey $2,931.25

Browse Search

area. The Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed on-line and any available research files compiled by Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation staff will be examined. Field Survey ACC uses a variety of environmental factors to determine the cultural resource potential of a project area. Topographic setting(e.g., degree of slope) and soil survey data(e.g., soil drainage characteristics) are the two most significant factors considered. Other factors considered when defining the archaeological potential of an area include roads and known resources. All roadways regardless of size are considered to have high potential for the presence of historic sites,including woods roads which sometimes lead to isolated residences. In addition, the vicinities of all previously recorded sites are considered to have high probability for additional sites. The majority of the project corridor runs along ridge side slopes and would not generally be considered to have high potential for the presence of intact archaeological deposits. However, there are two segments in the eastern half of the corridor that contain well-drained soils and may traverse more level ground. These segments account for approximately 450 feet (137 m) or 21 percent of the project corridor. It should be noted,however,that while these initial assessments of potential zones serve as a guide for survey strategy,all final determinations for survey intensity are made based on field conditions. The field survey will be comprised of a single pedestrian transect conducted along the centerline of the project corridor. Areas determined to have high or moderate potential for the presence of archaeological sites will be shovel tested at 30 meter(-98 ft)intervals. Intensive reconnaissance will be used to investigate the low potential areas, which include steep slopes and areas with standing water. These areas will be examined by pedestrian walkover with shovel tests being excavated at judgementally determined locations based on soil and topographic conditions. All shovel tests will be at least 30 cm (-12 in) in diameter. All test fill will be screened through 0.25 inch mesh, and each test will be excavated either to sterile subsoil, to bedrock or the water table. Each shovel test will be backfilled upon completion. In all areas, shovel testing will be supplemented by comprehensive examination of all exposed ground surface. Archaeological Site Definition and Evaluation. Archaeological site definition will generally follow the criteria set out by the OSA that a site is defined by the presence of three or more artifacts within a 30 meter radius or where aboveground features are present. Isolated finds, defined as no more than two temporally related artifacts within a 30 meter radius,will not be defined as sites. Once a site is discovered, close interval shovel testing will be used to define site boundaries and to assess intrasite artifact variability. The ACC field crew will utilize 10 meter interval shovel tests for site boundary delineations. Supplemental shovel tests may be excavated to explore particular portions of a site (e.g., around a structural foundation) or the site as a whole to more fully evaluate a site's cultural deposits. A slightly modified method will be used to define and evaluate sites larger than 60 meters in diameter. If an archaeological site extends onto adjacent private property, the field archaeologists will make observations of surface remains and conditions, and estimate the site dimensions based on surface indications and topography. Formal site delineation will not be conducted outside of the project corridor unless prior authorization is provided. Visible surface remains and artifacts,topographic features,and systematic shovel testing will be utilized in determining the stratigraphy, integrity, content, and extent of each site. Site descriptions will include maps showing the location of all shovel tests, cultural and natural surface features, topographic features,and site boundaries. A representative description of soil characteristics and stratigraphy also will be provided for each site. 3