Intensive Archeological Survey on Farm-toMarket 767 at Punta de Agua and Rita Blanca Creeks, Hartley County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey on August 7, 2017, of 9.2 acres of existing right-of-way (ROW) along Farm-to-Market (FM) 767, west of Channing in Hartley County, Texas. As the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y); therefore, the archeological survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8090. The project area is defined as the existing 150-foot-wide FM 767 ROW beginning 835 feet west of the Punta de Agua Creek waterline and extending 2,655 feet east. According to project design, the depth of impacts will be up to 50 feet below the current ground surface for the bridge supports and up to 10 feet for the remainder of the project. The APE is approximately 9.2 acres. Background research identified one archeological site (41HT21) within 0.6 mile (1 kilometer [km]) of the proposed project APE. Site 41HT21 is located 0.37 mile (0.6 km) south of the proposed APE. One archeological survey is mapped within the APE, a 2011 fiber optic line survey that crosses the northern side of the roadway. No sites were recorded during the survey. No potentially historic structures, cemeteries, or historic markers are located within 0.6 mile (1 km) of the project area. The existing ROW has been modified by the construction of FM 767, existing buried utilities, the current concrete span bridge, and disturbances from high-energy flooding of the Rita Blanca and Punta de Agua Creeks. Portions of the ROW consist of short grasses, but the APE is largely devoid of vegetation, affording abundant ground surface visibility. The field investigation consisted of a pedestrian survey of the entire APE and excavation of five backhoe trenches on terraces adjacent to the active floodplain. The trenches and pedestrian survey identified no cultural materials or features in the project APE. The pedestrian survey, however, identified one isolated find, a metal mixer or separator of undetermined age, although it does not appear historic. The cumulative impacts from the roadway and existing utilities indicate a negligible potential for intact archeological resources within the APE. SWCA made a reasonable and good faith effort as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1) to identify and locate prehistoric and historic archeological properties within the proposed project APE. The field investigation discovered no cultural resources; therefore, SWCA recommends that a finding of “no historic properties affected” be made for the current undertaking

Acoustic Emission from Plastic Deformation

I would like to discuss some recent work at the University of Denver concerning acoustic emission generated during plastic deformation. I must emphasize that this is a preliminary progress report and that the investigation is still in its early stages. I would like to acknowledge two people who have been working with me on this investigation, Robert Wittman of the Denver Research Institute and Frank Higgins, a graduate student of mine at the University of Denver

Intensive Archeological Survey of the State Highway 334 Roadway Widening Project in Henderson County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey with systematic shovel testing on December 4, 2017, of new and existing right-of-way (ROW) along State Highway (SH) 334 in Henderson County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8216. The total area of potential effects (APE) is defined as the existing 140- to 200-foot-wide SH 334 ROW beginning at Southland Drive and extending 3,000 feet southwest to County Road 2403. In addition, the APE includes approximately 0.7 acre of proposed new ROW measuring 1,000 by 30 feet (0.7 acre), and an area of a proposed new easement measuring 360 by 20 feet (0.165 acre). According to the typical design, the depth of impacts would be between 10 and 40 feet below the current ground surface. The amount of existing ROW required for the project is approximately 13.8 acres. The total project area is estimated to be approximately 14.7 acres. Background research determined that two cultural resources surveys have been previously conducted within the APE. Six previously recorded archeological sites are located within a 0.6- mile (1-kilometer) radius of the current APE, but none extend into the project area. The field investigations assessed the entire APE, but focused on three areas with slightly higher potential for intact deposits, including the new ROW and temporary easement. Consequently, the pedestrian survey focused on the three areas designated for shovel testing (a total of 1.52 acres). The investigations consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey supplemented with the excavation of 17 shovel tests. The proposed ROW has been modified to varying degrees by modern road and bridge infrastructure (e.g., paved pull-offs, riprap, grading and leveling) leaving little to no natural landform intact. SWCA documented no cultural resources within the three survey areas. SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected” and no further archeological investigations within the 14.7-acre APE

Intensive Mechanical Scraping near the Mitchell Cemetery, Tarrant County, Texas, Fort Worth District

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey in April 2018 of 0.22 acres of existing TxDOT right of way (ROW) adjoining the western side of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad located within the City of Fort Worth in Tarrant County. This survey was conducted in support of the proposed State Highway (SH) 183 improvements. Investigations included pedestrian survey and intensive mechanical scraping to assess the presence of or potential for unmarked extramural graves associated with the historic Mitchell Cemetery. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8013. The background review identified five previous archeological investigations and one previously recorded archeological site near the 0.22-acre project area, but no sites or surveys within the area. Other than the Mitchell Cemetery, no other cemeteries are located within 0.6 mile (1 km) of the project area. A review of historic maps indicated that numerous historic buildings are present within 0.6 mile (1 km) of the project area associated with the establishment and growth of the historic city of Fort Worth, though no structures were depicted within the proposed project area. Field investigations consisted of systematic mechanical scraping across the project area. The excavations identified numerous buried utilities, including abandoned sewer pipes, and three abandoned modern septic tanks. In addition, modern and historic refuse was observed. The investigations identified no interments or other features associated with mortuary contexts. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the surveyed portions of the project area. In addition to reporting the findings of the cemetery investigations, this report also contains a brief memorandum on the reburial of three human bone fragments recovered from Mitchell Cemetery in 2013 by a Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff, who found the remains in a disturbed context. The recovery and reburial are unrelated to the Section 106 and Antiquities Code investigations reported herein but is included as part of TxDOT’s ongoing Mitchell Cemetery investigations

Intensive Archeological Survey of Old Gertrudes Road at Stewart Creek, Jack County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.74 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) and temporary easement along Old Gertrudes Road in Jack County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, the work was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8247. The total area of potential effects (APE) extends approximately 375 feet along the east-west roadway, covering 0.58 acre of existing ROW and a 0.16-acre temporary construction easement, representing a total of 0.74 acre. Typical depth of impacts is expected to be approximately 12 to 24 inches for the approaches, while maximum depth of impacts may reach over 10 feet for bridge supports. Background research identified no archeological sites, historic markers, State Antiquities Landmarks, or properties eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the APE or within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius review area. However, the review of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps identified a historic grave 275 feet northeast of the APE. One previous survey, a 2012 linear survey, was conducted within the review area approximately 0.5 mile northeast of the APE. In addition, the historic map review identified several potential historic structures or other resources within 0.6 mile of the APE, but none within or immediately adjacent to the APE. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with shovel testing and examination of extensive natural exposures. The existing ROW is heavily disturbed by existing roadway, but the temporary easement is relatively undisturbed. The investigations identified no archeological resources. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the APE

Intensive Archeological Survey: State Highway 31, Navarro County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey with systematic shovel testing and mechanical trenching from July 13-14 and 18-20, 2017 of 266 acres of new right-of-way (ROW) along State Highway (SH) 31 in Navarro County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8081. The area of potential effects (APE) is defined as the typical 400 to 1200-foot-wide new ROW for a length of approximately 14 miles. The depth of impacts is estimated to be up to 50 feet below the current ground surface for bridge and overpass supports and up to 12 feet for the remainder of the project. The total project covers approximately 800 acres, but most of this has been previously surveyed. The survey area comprises 266 acres (the previously unsurveyed areas) within the total 800-acre project area. A background literature review determined that portions of the APE have been previously surveyed for cultural resources, and nine archeological sites are within the APE (Table 1) (Texas Historical Commission [THC] 2017a). However, only two of the nine sites within the total APE (41NV48 and 41NV681) are located within the current survey areas reported herein. In addition, numerous previously conducted cultural resources surveys, four archeological sites, and a single cemetery are mapped within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer [km]) radius of the APE (THC 2017). The survey identified substantial disturbances within the APE, including ongoing construction, prior infrastructure development such as utilities and roads, and a variety of other land use practices. SWCA conducted a pedestrian inspection, augmented with the excavations of 71 shovel tests and 23 mechanical trenches, across the entire 266-acre survey area within the proposed ROW. The survey identified a total of six, factory-made bricks and brick fragments in the heavily disturbed existing Interstate Highway 45 ROW. No indications of 41NV48 or 41NV 681 were identified within the APE. SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected” and no further archeological investigations

Intensive Archeological Survey of Boyce Lane at Harris Branch, Travis County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on February 23, 2018, of a potential bridge replacement consisting of approximately 1.5 acres of existing right-of-way (ROW) along Boyce Lane over Harris Branch in Travis County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, the work was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8298. The total area of potential effects (APE) is defined as the existing 100-foot-wide Boyce Lane ROW extending 175 feet north and 200 feet south of the Harris Branch channel centerline, encompassing approximately 1.5 acres. Depth of impact is estimated to be up to 40 feet below the current ground surface for the bridge supports and up to 10 feet for the remainder of the project. Background research identified that one previous archeological survey covered a portion of the project area, but no archeological sites, cemeteries, or known historic resources were within or immediately adjacent to the review area. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with shovel testing. Mechanical trenching was originally proposed, but existing utilities on both sides of the ROW and large fill sections precluded trenching. The existing ROW is heavily disturbed by existing roadway and associated bridge construction activities; in addition, the APE is almost entirely within existing fill sections. The investigations identified no archeological resources within the APE. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code throughout the proposed project APE. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the APE

Intensive Archeological Survey of Farm-to-Market 148 in Kaufman County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 58.7 acres along and between Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 148 and U.S. Route (US) 175 in Kaufman County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8246. The total area of potential effects (APE) comprises the existing 23.5 acres of state right-ofway (ROW), the 33 acres of proposed new ROW, and the 2.2 acres of proposed drainage easement within the project limits. The project extends approximately 1.6 miles from US 175 to the existing FM 148 near its crossing with Anthony Branch. The depth of impact is anticipated to be restricted to the surface for the majority of the project; however, specific areas within the APE will require mechanical grading, installation of bridge support piers, and the placement of box culverts. The areas with the deepest anticipated subsurface disturbance include the proposed culverted crossing of Anthony Branch and the US 175 main lane bridge spanning the FM 148 Bypass. Background research did not identify any previously recorded cultural resources within the current APE, or any previously identified cultural resources within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius of the proposed APE. However, during the historic maps review, SWCA identified a historic railroad bed that intersects the northern portion of the APE. Modern aerial maps show that neither the railroad nor the railroad bed currently exist within the APE. The historic map review also identified four potential historic structures adjacent to the existing FM 148 ROW. Three of the four structures are still standing, but all are outside of the APE and should not be affected by the proposed construction and road improvements. SWCA conducted field investigations in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission Archeological Survey Standards, and this document was produced consistent with the Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines for reporting. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with limited shovel testing and backhoe trenching for deep testing of cultural materials, where access had been granted. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE in which access was possible. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the surveyed APE. However, once access is granted, intensive archeological survey is recommended on a proposed survey area on the northern end of the APE to which access is presently denied, in order to address its potential for historic resources

Intensive Archeological Survey of the Highway US 69 and Farm-to-Market 779 Interchange, Wood County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey with mechanical trenching on September 20-22, 2017, of 57.69 acres of new and existing right-of-way (ROW) along United States Highway (US) 69 and the intersection of Farm-to-Market (FM) 779 in Wood County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8162. The area of potential effects (APE) is defined as a two-mile long stretch of US 69 and a 0.17- mile long stretch along FM 779. The area includes the existing 120-foot-wide ROW and an additional 25.19 acres (from 19 parcels) of new ROW along the southwest side of the existing ROW. The total project area is therefore about 57.69 acres, of which about 32.5 acres is existing ROW and 25.19 acres is new ROW. Typical depths of impact are anticipated to be approximately two feet, with maximum depths of impacts of up to six feet at culvert locations. A background literature review determined that the APE has previously been surveyed for cultural resources by Hicks & Company in 2004, but that no deep testing was conducted to assess the potential for deeply buried deposits during that effort. One other cultural resource survey was conducted within 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of the survey area; a 2010 survey of Golden Community Cemetery by AR Consultants, Inc. on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board. One archeological site (41WD257) is located approximately 350 meters north of the APE, but minimal information is available on this site. Two historic markers are located in the town of Golden near the APE, for Reuben Leon and Fairess Simmons, and for the Reneau Building (marker numbers 15501 and 17729). Finally one cemetery, Golden Cemetery, is located within 0.6 miles of the project area. The survey identified substantial disturbances within the APE, including prior infrastructure development, such as utilities and road construction, and a variety of other land use practices. SWCA assessed the entire 57.69-acre survey area, but focused on the 25.19 acres of proposed new ROW. SWCA excavated eight backhoe trenches (BHTs) to assess the potential for deeply buried cultural deposits along the prominent drainages and 26 shovel tests in upland areas. The survey identified a negligible potential for intact cultural resources within the existing ROW, and the investigations revealed no cultural material within the new ROW. At the time of the survey access was denied for six parcels, comprising 1.85 acres of new ROW; these parcels are predominantly commercial or residential developments. No further archeological investigations are recommended within the APE and within a 50-foot buffer beyond the horizontal project limits on the southwestern side of the roadway

Intensive Archeological Survey of County Road 541 in Montague County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.31 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) along County Road (CR) 541 in Montague County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8226. The total area of potential effects (APE) comprises the existing 50-foot-wide ROW at the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek crossing. The project extends from approximately 130 feet south of the center of the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek to 270 feet to the north. Based on the bridge design, the depth of impacts is estimated to be up to 30 feet for the bridge supports and up to 3 feet for the rest of the project. Background research did not identify any recorded cultural resources surveys that cross the APE, nor any within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius. Additionally, no archeological sites, recorded landmarks, cemeteries, National Register of Historic Places districts or properties, or historical markers are within or adjacent to the project area. A historic map review of the area does not indicate any potential historic resources within or adjacent to the APE. SWCA conducted field investigations in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission Archeological Survey Standards, and this document was produced consistent with the Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines for reporting. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with limited shovel testing and backhoe trenching. Through testing, SWCA determined that the APE is heavily disturbed by existing roadway construction and utilities. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. The field investigation discovered no cultural resources; therefore, SWCA recommends that a finding of “no historic properties affected” be made for the current undertaking