Agenda - 08-22-2006-5y - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 1 Summary of Cultural and Archaeological Survey of the Solid Waste Operations Center Site Pi°epared by Environmental Services, Tnc. August 2000 The project area is located on a portion of a parcel located adjacent to the existing Orange County landfill. Approximately one-third of the 10-acre parcel was subjected to intensive surface and subsurface survey, while the remainder of the parcel was subjected to a limited reconnaissance- level pedestrian survey, as per the scope of work. The parcel is located along flee western boundary of the current landf Il and is bordered to the north by Eubanks Road. The eastern half of the parcel consists of a dense thic]<eC of young pines and scrub.. The density and age of the pines suggests that the area had been clear-cut less than 5 years ago. The majority of this area exhibited plow scars and ruts associated with clear cutting and the shovel tests excavated in this portion of the parcel consisted of either eroded or disturbed soils.. Shovel tests excavated in this area typically consisted of 25 to 50 centimeters of disturbed soil over a yellowish brown loamy clay subsoil. The western half of the parcel consisted of mixed mature pine and hardwoods, with very little undergrowth.. Shovel tests in this vicinity indicated less subsurface disriubance and generally consisted of I5-25 centimeters of silty loam over a rocky clay or loamy clay subsoil. A small area of hydric soils were encountered in the vicinity of Transact 4, This hydric, area is likely the result of ephemeral flooding and runoff from the upland areas during heavy rains. A total of 16 shovel tests were excavated within the area of proposed development. No artifacts were recovered, and no surface or subsurface culhnal remains were documented,. It is recommended that the proposed development be allowed to proceed without concern for impacts to cultural resources. Environmental Services. hrc. also conducted a reconnaissance of the portions of the parcel that will not be developed under the current plans. The purpose of this reconnaissance was to identify areas of archaeological potential that may reduire investigation in the firhrce. This area was subjected to a systematic pedestrian inspection along transacts spaced at .30-meter intervals. Stn face visibility was generally very poor-, with the exception of the power line easement located along the southern boundary of the parcel. Portions of this easement appeared to be recently plowed; however, no artifacts or other signs of cultural activity were observed An area near the southwest corner of the parcel bowrdary appears to have been recently used as a trash dump, and several washing machines, lawnmowers, and other broken household appliances were observed. Pedesh•iur inspection and shovel tests excavated in the eastern half of the parcel indicate a high level of disturbance by clear cutting or silvicultural activities. It is unlikely that this portion of the parcel has the potential to contain intact cultural deposits, and no additional survey of this area is recommended. The wooded area located in the western half of the parcel did not appear to exhibit the same level of subsurface disturbance, The upland por-Ciou of this area may have the potential to contain undisturbed soils or yield subsurface cultural deposits.