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Field Survey <br /> ACC uses a variety of environmental factors to determine the cultural resource potential of a project <br /> area. Topographic setting(e.g., degree of slope)and soil survey data (e.g.,soil drainage characteristics) are <br /> the two most significant factors considered. Other factors considered when defining the archaeological <br /> potential of an area include roads and known resources. In addition,the vicinities of all previously recorded <br /> sites are considered to have high probability for additional sites. The majority of the project tract is slopey <br /> would not generally be considered to have high potential for the presence of intact archaeological deposits. <br /> However,the eastern half of the tract contains high ground that contains well-drained soils and is considered <br /> to have high potential for archaeological deposits. It should be noted, however, that while this initial <br /> assessment of potential zones will serve as a guide for survey strategy, all final determinations for survey <br /> intensity will be based on field conditions. <br /> The field survey will be comprised of parallel pedestrian transects conducted at 30 meter (98 ft) <br /> intervals. Areas determined to have high or moderate potential for the presence of archaeological sites will <br /> be shovel tested at 30 meter (98 ft) intervals. Intensive reconnaissance will be used to investigate the low <br /> potential areas,which include steep slopes. These areas will be examined by pedestrian walkover with shovel <br /> tests being excavated at judgementally determined locations based on soil and topographic conditions. All <br /> shovel tests will be at least 30 cm(12 in) in diameter. All test rill will be screened through 0.25 inch mesh, <br /> and each test will be excavated either to sterile subsoil,to bedrock or the water table. Each shovel test will <br /> be backfilled upon completion. In all areas, shovel testing will be supplemented by comprehensive <br /> examination of all exposed ground surface. <br /> Archaeological Site Definition and Evaluation. Archaeological site definition will generally follow <br /> the criteria set out by the OSA that a site is defined by the presence of three or more artifacts within a 30 <br /> meter radius or where aboveground features are present. Isolated finds, defined as no more than two <br /> temporally related artifacts within a 30 meter radius,will not be defined as sites. <br /> Once a site is discovered, close interval shovel testing will be used to define site boundaries and to <br /> assess intrasite artifact variability. The ACC field crew will utilize 15 meter interval shovel tests for site <br /> boundary delineations. Supplemental shovel tests may be excavated to explore particular portions of a site <br /> (e.g., around a structural foundation) or the site as a whole to more fully evaluate a site's cultural deposits. <br /> A slightly modified method will be used to define and evaluate sites larger than 60 meters in diameter. If an <br /> archaeological site extends onto adjacent private property, the field archaeologists will make observations <br /> of surface remains and conditions, and estimate the site dimensions based on surface indications and <br /> topography. Formal site delineation will not be conducted outside of the project tract unless prior <br /> authorization is provided. Visible surface remains and artifacts,topographic features,and systematic shovel <br /> testing will be utilized in determining the stratigraphy, integrity, content, and extent of each site. Site <br /> descriptions will include maps showing the location of all shovel tests, cultural and natural surface features, <br /> topographic features,and site boundaries. A representative description of soil characteristics and stratigraphy <br /> also will be provided for each site. <br /> Site and isolated find locations will be recorded using a differentially corrected global positioning <br /> system (GPS) receiver capable of at least f 3-meter accuracy. ArcGIS shape files of the identified <br /> archaeological resources will be made available upon request. <br /> Each site located will be assigned a temporary field number. It will then be documented on a North <br /> Carolina Archaeological Site Form,which will then be submitted to OSA for assignment of an official state <br /> 2 <br /> I <br /> I <br /> i <br /> i <br />