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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200667 Ver 1_AR17-01-0003noeligiblesites_20200520 Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 1 of 13 17-01-0003 NO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT FORM This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group. PROJECT INFORMATION Project No: U-5887 County: Henderson WBS No: 44634.1.1 Document: Minimum Criteria F.A. No: na Funding: State Federal Federal Permit Required? Yes No Permit Type: NWP or GP Project Description: The project calls for the improvement of SR 1783 (Highland Lake Road) in Henderson County. The archaeological Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the project runs for approximately 1.2 miles (1.93 km) along Highland Lake Road starting at its intersection with NC 225 (Greenville Highway) and extending to US 176 (Spartanburg Highway). The APE also includes several extensions for intersection improvements along neighboring streets including NC 225, SR 1825 (Highland Lake Drive), SR 1823 (Highland Park Road), and SR 1820 (James Street) that range in length from 300 to 700 feet (91.44 to 213.36 m) from their intersection with Highland Lake Road. The width of the APE along Highland Lake Road varies from 300 feet (91.44 m) west of the railroad that bisects the project area to 200 feet (60.96 m) in the east. The APE extends approximately 150 feet (45.72 m) on either side of the road’s centerline in the west and 100 feet (30.48 m) on either side in the east. Along the neighboring streets, the APE is 150 feet (45.72 m) wide extending 75 feet (22.86 m) on either side of the centerlines. In all, the APE encompasses approximately 45 acres. SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Archaeology Group reviewed the subject project and determined: There are no National Register listed or eligible ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES present within the project’s area of potential effects. (Attach any notes or documents as needed) No subsurface archaeological investigations were required for this project. Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources. Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources considered eligible for the National Register. All identified archaeological sites located within the APE have been considered and all compliance for archaeological resources with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 2 of 13 17-01-0003 SUMMARY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions: NC DOT has conducted an archaeological survey and evaluation for the proposed Highland Lake Road improvement project (U-5887) in Henderson County, North Carolina. The project area is plotted in the southern half of the Hendersonville USGS 7.5' topographic quadrangles (Figure 1). Background Research A map review and site files search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) on January 17, 2017. No previously recorded archaeological sites are identified within the APE, but three known sites (31HN42, 31HN188, and 31HN264) are reported in the region. Overall, OSA has conducted very few reviews for projects in the vicinity. As a result, few archaeological surveys have been carried out and none within the current APE. Most reviews have received a recommendation of “No Survey Required” from OSA due to prior ground disturbance. Of the three known sites (31HN42, 31HN188, and 31HN264) in the region, only 31HN264 is the product of an archaeological investigation, while sites 31HN42 and 31HN188 were both reported by locals associated with the properties with minimal investigations (site forms on file at OSA). The National Register’s eligibility has yet to be assessed for any of the sites. No conclusions on site probability could be drawn from previous investigations. According to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) online data base (HPOWEB 2017), the properties to the west of the railroad track and south of Highland Lake Road are part of the Flat Rock National Register Historic District (HN 1352) (Figures 2a and b). Three National Register structures, which are associated with the district, are located just outside of the APE. These are the Vincennes or Elliott House (HN 39), the Edmund Rhett House (HN 718), and the Sinkler-Fishburne House (HN 716). The current field investigations confirmed that no contributing archaeological resources to the houses or the historic district will be affected by this project. A non-contributing commercial building (HN 952) also falls within the APE and historic district, but it provides no significant information towards the historical record. Another structure outside the historic district’s boundary is the surveyed only Flat Rock Presbyterian Church (HN 6) at the western end of the APE. No contributing archaeological resources to this structure will be affected as the land surrounding the building is paved or covered with fill. A review of historic maps suggests no significant features or events are within the project area. Most early maps prior to the 20th century provide few details. The earliest maps to depict the area with any great accuracy are the 1889 and 1907 USGS Saluda topographic maps (Figures 3 and 4). The 1889 map identifies a road similar to Highland Lake Road, NC 225, and US 176 along with the railroad; however, structures are not plotted on this map. The subsequent 1907 map illustrates the same road alignments along with structures and the mill pond. Most structures are well away from the project area, but three are placed just west of the Rett Mill Dam within the APE. The nearest structure to the dam could be Rett Mill, but the other two structures are no longer standing according to aerial images and field investigations. Other early 20th century maps such as the 1907 soil map for the county display no new features. Although these maps depict early 20th century structure along the road, no significant remains for former structures were encountered during the current investigation. The mill dam is intact along with the mill, but the mill has been converted into a rental property. Soil data from the USDA soil survey shows six soil types within the project limits (Figures 2a and b). The floodplain along Meninger Creek and King Creek at the dam is made up of Codorus loam (Co). This is a moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained soil that has the potential for significant resources if dry and disturbance is low. The floodplain within The Park at Flat Rock consists of Toxaway silt loam (To), while Harboro loam (Ha) is present along Dye Branch. These series are very poorly drained to poorly drained and unlikely to yield significant archaeological resources due to persistent wetness. The foot slopes within the APE are composed of Hayesville loam (HyC) and Tate fine sandy loam (TeC). Both are Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 3 of 13 17-01-0003 well drained with a slope of 7 to 15 percent. If ground disturbance is low, then intact and significant resources could be present. Lastly, Edneyville fine sandy loam (EdE) is located on hillsides south of Highland Lake Road in the APE’s western half. Although it too is well drained, slope is steep at 15 to 25 percent. Slope of 15 percent or more is not usually tested since significant sites are unlikely to be found. Not recorded on the soil survey is urban disturbance and altered soils. The field reconnaissance and subsurface testing found disturbance throughout the APE, especially east of the railroad and in the park. Fieldwork Results The archaeological field reconnaissance and survey were carried out on August 30, 2017. This investigation included the excavation of 15 shovel test placements (STPs) in areas that were fairly level with no obvious disturbances (see Figures 2a and b). Also, no shovel tests were placed on landforms with a slope of 15 percent or more. STPs were halted if poorly drained and wet soils were encountered. STPs were spaced at 30-meter intervals when possible on potential landforms. Shorter intervals were ruled out due to soil erosion. This testing occurred on the foot slope south of Highland Lake Road between King Creek and Dye Branch. In areas of low potential or uncertainty, judgmental STP was excavated at irregular intervals. This was in the floodplain north of the road and on the slopes east of Dye Branch. Surface visibility was poor throughout the APE making surface inspection impossible. Highland Lake Road runs primarily east to west over a floodplain, foot slopes, and hillsides (see Figures 2a and b). Three waterways are crossed within the APE, which includes Meninger Creek on NC 225 at the eastern end, King Creek at Bridge No. 323 on Highland Lake Road, and Dye Branch on Highland Lake Road near the project’s mid-section. These waterways drain to the north and are part of the French Broad basin. Ground disturbance is mixed with urban development heaviest east of the railroad. The Park at Flat Rock covers a good portion of the floodplain north of Highland Lake Road in the western half of the APE (Figures 5 and 6). This area had some disturbance with fill deposited near the parking entrance and near King Creek. The park appears to have been a golf course at one time. Forested lots for residential properties are generally to the south (Figures 7 and 8). The forested areas are mostly on slope, some of which are steep. Rhett Mill and Dam on King Creek is also located within the project limits just south of Highland Lake Road (Figures 9 and 10). Overall, ground disturbance from fill, grading, ditches, buried utilities, retention pond, and impervious material is high. Very few undisturbed properties are present with most being either wet or moderately eroded. Two STPs were excavated near Rhett Mill on the north side of Highland Lake Road (Figure 11). Both STPs contained hydric soils and were not dug past 30 cm. Soils closer to the dam are thought to be the same. Hillsides on either side of the dam are very steep and did not require testing; however, they were inspected for structural remains. A stone pile was found northwest of the dam, but it is unclear if this has any cultural affiliation with the dam (Figure 12). It could be the result of land clearing, and should not be considered significant. Structural elements other than the dam to the Rhett Mill are present as well (see Figure 9). The mill itself is now a rental property consisting of at least three units. Nearly all intact elements have been incorporated into the property and modernized. Due to conversion and a lack of integrity, the mill was not recorded as an archaeological site. No STPs were excavated west of the mill. The properties in the floodplain are covered in fill or pavement, while those on hillsides are too steep. This includes the Flat Rock Presbyterian Church (Figure 13). Six STPs were excavated in The Park at Flat Rock (see Figures 5 and 6). These were all judgmental tests. Soils were typically wet as expected except for those on slope at the eastern end. These contained 25 to 40 cm of fill over a strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) sandy clay loam subsoil. Fill was also found over hydric soil near King Creek. It was likely deposited in this area to alleviate flooding. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 4 of 13 17-01-0003 Seven STPs were excavated south of Highland Lake Road along the foot slopes (see Figures 7 and 8). Although dry, soils were moderately eroded. As a result, STPs were plotted at 30-m interval instead of 15- m when possible. Those to the east of Dye Branch were more or less judgmental tests placed in front lawns (Figure 14). Soil erosion was more severe in cleared residential properties. In general, the surface layer is a 20 to 30 cm thick dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) loam followed by subsoil. Subsoil is a strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) or a yellowish red (5YR 5/8) clay. Finally, no STPs were dug at the eastern end of the APE. Commercial development dominates this area, and properties are characterized by paved parking lots, areas of grading and fill, ditches, and a large retention pond. All STPs were negative for cultural materials. Summary and Recommendations The archeological survey and evaluation for the proposed improvements (U-5887) along Highland Lake Road in Henderson County confirmed that most of the APE is disturbed or consist of wet soils. Those unaffected areas, however, are moderately eroded. All shovel tests were negative, and the reconnaissance did not identify any sites within the APE or in the Flat Rock Historic District. It is unlikely that this project will encounter any significant archaeological resources. As a result, no further archaeological work is recommended for U-5887, unless design plans change to affect areas outside of the current APE. SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION See attached: Map(s) Previous Survey Info Photos Correspondence Signed: 9/20/17 C. Damon Jones Date NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 5 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 1. Topographic Setting of the Project Area, Hendersonville (1965; photorevised 1990), NC, USGS 7.5′ Topographic Quadrangle. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 6 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 2a. Aerial View of the APE’s western half showing soils, contours, development, historic properties, and STPs along Highland Lake Road. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 7 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 2b. Aerial View of the APE’s eastern half showing soils, contours, development, historic properties, and STPs along Highland Lake Road. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 8 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 3. The 1889 USGS Saluda USGS topographic map showing the location of the project area. Figure 4. The 1907 USGS Saluda USGS topographic map showing the location of the project area. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 9 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 5. General view of The Park at Flat Rock showing the floodplain, looking west along Highland Lake Road. Figure 6. General view of The Park at Flat Rock showing the floodplain and slope east of Dye Branch, looking north. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 10 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 7. General view of forested residential property south of Highland Lake Road, looking southeast. Figure 8. General view of forested residential property south of Highland Lake Road, looking east. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 11 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 9. View of the converted Rhett Mill, looking southwest. Figure 10. View of Rhett Mill Dam, looking south. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 12 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 11. General view of the floodplain north of Highland Lake Road and Rhett Mill, looking south. Figure 12. General view of the stone pile northwest of the mill dam, looking east. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT” form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 13 of 13 17-01-0003 Figure 11. General View of the layer of fill in the floodplain at the Flat Rock Presbyterian Church property, looking southwest. Figure 12. General view of residential property east of the Dye Branch that was tested, looking north.