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Home My WebLink About20171067 Ver 1_Historic/Prehistoric Information_20170828 Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 1 of 11 14-11-0014 NO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED 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: Str# 790260 County: Rowan WBS No: 17BP.9.R.61 Document: Minimum Criteria Sheet or PCE F.A. No: N/A Funding: State Federal Federal Permit Required? Yes No Permit Type: NWP 3 or NWP 14 Project Description: This project is an intensive archaeological survey and evaluation for the replacement of Bridge No. 260 on SR 1535 (Weaver Road) over Little Creek in Rowan County. As defined by the NCDOT, the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for archaeology measures approximately 300 feet (91.44 m) from either end of Bridge No. 260. The corridor is approximately 150 feet (45.72 m) wide, extending 75 feet (22.86 m) on each side of SR 1535 from its present centerline. 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 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES within the project’s area of potential effects. No subsurface archaeological investigations are 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. There are no National Register Eligible or Listed ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES present or affected by this project. (Attach any notes or documents as needed) Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 2 of 11 14-11-0014 RECOMMENDATION An archaeological survey and evaluation of the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 260 on SR 1535 (Weaver Road) over Little Creek in Rowan County was conducted on February 3, 2015, by Terri Russ and Laurie Griesmer of Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI). As a result of the investigations, no archaeological sites were located within the project’s APE. No further archaeological investigations are needed for this project. I concur with this recommendation as the proposed bridge replacement project will not impact significant archaeological resources. If the project expands and impacts subsurface areas beyond the defined APE, further archaeological consultations will be necessary. SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION See attached: Map(s) Previous Survey Info Photos Correspondence Other: Signed: 2/23/15 C. Damon Jones Date NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 3 of 11 14-11-0014 Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions: ESI conducted an intensive archaeological survey for the replacement of Bridge No. 260 over Little Creek on SR 1535 (Weaver Road) in China Grove, Rowan County, North Carolina (Figures 1 and 2). As defined by the NCDOT, the survey area (Area of Potential Effects [APE]) for archaeology measures approximately 300 feet (91.44 m) from either end of Bridge No. 260. The corridor is approximately 150 feet (45.72 m) wide, extending 75 feet (22.86 m) on each side of SR 1535 from its present centerline. A map review and site file search conducted by NCDOT on 1 December 2014 revealed that no previously recorded archaeological sites have been identified within a one mile radius of the APE. A search of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office online database (HPOWEB GIS Service) revealed no previously recorded historic architectural resources within the APE that have the potential to yield intact archaeological deposits. Topographic maps, aerial photography, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil survey maps, and historic maps were examined for information on natural or cultural factors that might have affected site location or preservation. The 1893 USGS topographic map for Statesville shows a road crossing near the current bridge. Both the c. 1910 Rural Delivery Routes map and 1914 Soil Survey map for Rowan County show a road crossing Little Creek in the vicinity of the current bridge. Both of these maps show two structures to the northwest (still standing) and a road running east from Patterson Road intersecting Weaver Road near the current bridge (see Figures 3–5). Comparing these maps to a current aerial photograph of the project area shows remnants of that former road (Dorothy Drive) extending east from Patterson Road. The APE consists of wooded areas and maintained residential lawns. Bridge No. 260 and Weaver Road cross Little Creek from the northwest to southeast. Little Creek drains northeast into Grants Creek and is part of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. Map units (soil series) are named for the major soil or soils within the unit, but may have minor inclusions of other soils (NRCS 2013). The three soil units mapped within the APE are listed in Table 1. The floodplain of the APE is composed of Chewacla loam (ChA), a nearly level, somewhat poorly drained soil series. The northern side slopes and terraces are mapped as Cecil sandy clay loam (CeC2; 8–15% slopes), a moderately eroded series. The southern terraces are mapped as Cecil sandy loam (CeC; 8–15% slopes). Table 1: Project Area Soils Soil Name Code Slope Drainage Landform Chewacla loam, frequently flooded ChA 0–2% Somewhat Poorly Floodplains Cecil sandy clay loam, moderately eroded CeC2 8–15% Well Interfluves Cecil sandy loam CeC 8–15% Well Interfluves The current archaeological investigation included pedestrian (visual) inspection and shovel testing within the APE. Photographs of the project area are shown as Figures 6–9. Surface visibility was generally poor due to ground cover and existing vegetation; however, a systematic visual inspection of the APE was undertaken to search for surface artifacts, above-ground structural remnants, or other signs of cultural activity. No cultural materials or above ground remains were observed. A large portion of the southwestern quadrant of the APE appears to have been disturbed by clearcutting; likely part of the powerline maintenance. Pushpiles of soil, vegetation, and rotting timber were noted along the western edge of the APE. Three shovel tests (STs 11–13) were excavated in the less obviously disturbed portions of this area (generally along the western border of the APE). Soils in the shovel tests Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 4 of 11 14-11-0014 consisted of 35 centimeters of brown or reddish brown sandy loam and rock over yellowish brown or strong brown clay. Only one shovel test was excavated in the northwestern quadrant of the APE (ST 14). The remainder of this quadrant of the APE was located within a sloped and maintained grass lawn. ST 14 encountered 15 centimeters of fill (reddish brown and brown mottled sandy loam and gravel) over 45 centimeters of brown sandy loam. Subsoil was a light reddish brown clay. STs 15 and 16, excavated in the northeastern quadrant of the APE, encountered poorly drained soils (20 to 35 centimeters of reddish brown sandy clay over water). Two shovel tests (STs 17 and 18) were excavated in the southeastern quadrant of the APE, a maintained residential lawn. ST 17 consisted of 35 centimeters of brown sandy loam over 10 centimeters of reddish brown silty sand. Shovel testing encountered a wet light brown silty loam from 45–55 centimeters below surface; the shovel test was discontinued at this point. ST 18 was located 30 meters southeast of ST 17 and consisted of 45 centimeters of dark brown loamy sand over red sandy clay. Shovel tests measured 30 centimeters in diameter and were excavated to sterile subsoil or the water table. All soils were excavated by natural levels (soil strata) and screened through a 0.25-inch hardware mesh. No artifacts were recovered from any of the shovel tests. Based on the results of the background research and field investigations, no NRHP eligible archaeological resources are located within the APE for Bridge No. 260 in Rowan County. It is recommended that this project be allowed to proceed without concern for impacts to significant cultural resources. Should the boundary of the proposed APE be expanded or moved, additional archaeological investigations may be necessary, as determined in consultation with the NCDOT and/or SHPO per the Programmatic Agreement. Terri Russ Senior Archaeology Manager Environmental Services, Inc. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 5 of 11 14-11-0014 REFERENCES CITED National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2013 Rowan County Soil Survey. Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture Web Soil Survey. Tabular Data (2014); Spatial Data (2013). http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/ accessed January 26, 2015. North Carolina State Highway Commission 1938 North Carolina County Road Survey of Rowan County. On file, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/1699/rec/21 accessed 29 January 2015. 1953 North Carolina County Road Survey of Rowan County. On file, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/8023/rec/24 accessed 29 January 2015. U.S. Bureau of Soils: North Carolina Department of Agriculture 1914 Soil Map, North Carolina, Rowan County Sheet. On file, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/284/rec/16 accessed 29 January 2015. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 1970 China Grove, N.C., 7.5-minute topographic map, photorevised 1987 (1:24,000). U.S. Post Office Department 1910 Rural Delivery Routes, Rowan County, North Carolina (c.1910). On file, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/938/rec/13 accessed 29 January 2015. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 6 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 1. Project Location (China Grove, NC USGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle). Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 7 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 2. Bridge No. 260 showing APE and Shovel Test Locations. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 8 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 3. c. 1910 Rural Delivery Route Map of Rowan County Showing Approximate Project Location. Figure 4. 1914 Soil Survey Map of Rowan County Showing Approximate Project Location. Project Area Project Area Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 9 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 5. 2013 Aerial Photograph Showing Approximate Project Location. Project Area Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 10 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 6. View of Southwestern Quadrant of APE, facing Northwest. Figure 7. View of Northwestern Quadrant of APE, facing North. Project Tracking No.: “NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED” form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement. 11 of 11 14-11-0014 Figure 8. View of Southeastern Quadrant of APE, facing Southeast. Figure 9. View of Bridge 260, facing Northwest.