Effects of pH on Growth of Salvinia molesta Mitchell

Growth of giant salvinia ( Salvinia molesta Mitchell) under different pH regimes was examined at the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility (LAERF) in Lewisville, Texas.(PDF has 5 pages.

WILL FARMERS USE SAFER PESTICIDES?

Virtually all technology adoption studies are conducted ex post, yet policy makers often need to assess the likely level of adoption before the technology is introduced. This study uses data from a contingent valuation survey of Michigan corn growers to assess what factors would influence the adoption of two safer corn herbicides, one that is not carcinogenic and one that does not leach. Results indicate that price, risk perception, and sources of pest control information are all important. This suggests that public policies designed to change perceptions and improve information dissemination may encourage voluntary use of more environmentally friendly technologies.atrazine, cancer risk, contingent valuation, herbicides, nitrate leaching, public policy, technology adoption, Crop Production/Industries,

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the 18.4-acre Residences at Bastrop Tract, Wyldwood, Bastrop County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by the Mason Joseph Company, Inc. (MJC) on behalf of a private real estate developer to conduct a cultural resources inventory survey and assessment for the proposed development of the approximately 7.4-hectare (18.4-acre) Residences at Bastrop tract in western Bastrop County, Texas. The proposed tract is located off the southwestern side of State Highway (SH) 71 (a.k.a. Farm-to-Market Road [FM] 384 and Union Chapel Road approximately 0.5 kilometer (0.3 mile) northwest of its intersection with FM 339 (a.k.a. Still Forest Drive) within the rural community of Wyldwood. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for direct effects consists of the entire 7.4-hectare (18.4-acre) tract within which construction would occur, and the APE for indirect effects would include an assessment of possible viewshed impacts to any historic-age buildings (i.e., 50 years of age or older) on parcels adjacent to the project site. While detailed construction schematics are not currently available, anticipated impacts to the project site would include devegetation and ground disturbances extending to depths of approximately 0.6 to 0.9 meter (2.0 to 3.0 feet) below surface based on typical construction practices associated with construction of residential subdivisions and apartment complexes, though limited areas of deeper impacts may be associated with installation of subsurface utilities. The proposed undertaking is being sponsored by a private real estate developer on privately owned land utilizing funding provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); as such, the project falls under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. As the project represents a publicly sponsored undertaking with the potential to impact potentially significant cultural resources, the project sponsor is required to provide for a cultural resources inventory of the project area. On October 9, 2020, Horizon archeologists Mckinzie Froese and Jacob Lyons, under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator, performed an intensive cultural resources survey of the project area to locate any cultural resources that potentially would be impacted by the proposed undertaking. Horizon’s archeologists traversed the project area and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The project area is moderately densely wooded with cedar and live oak trees with a moderately dense understory of various grasses, weeds, and brambles. Decomposing limestone bedrock gravels were observed on the modern ground surface in portions of the project area. Three modern residential complexes constructed between 1975 and 1995 are present in the northeastern half of the project area. Overstory vegetation surrounding the complexes has been largely cleared, an artificial stock pond has been created behind the westernmost of the residences, and a network of gravel driveways and two-track roads winds through the project area. Visibility of the modern ground surface was generally poor due to dense vegetative ground cover (\u3c30% In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) require a minimum of two shovel tests per 0.4 hectare (1.0 acre) for project areas between 1.2 and 4.0 hectares (3.0 and 10.0 acres) in size; as such, a total of 37 shovel tests would be required within the 7.4-hectare (18.4-acre) project area. Horizon excavated 38 shovel tests during the survey, thereby meeting the TSMASS for a project area of this size. The pedestrian survey and shovel testing revealed that sediments in the project area typically consist of shallow, gravelly silty loam sediments overlying dense, very gravelly, generally mottled clay sediments at depths ranging from 5.0 to 45.0 centimeters (2.0 to 17.7 inches) below surface, though this transition typically occurred at depths of 20.0 to 30.0 centimeters (7.9 to 11.8 inches) below surface. Dense deposits of rolled stream gravels or bedrock were encountered in some shovel tests. It is Horizon’s opinion that shovel testing was capable of fully penetrating sediments with the potential to contain archeological deposits. No cultural resources of prehistoric or historic age were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated during the survey. Three modern residential complexes are present within the project area. These complexes were built between 1975 and 1995, and historical imagery indicates the project area was entirely undeveloped prior to 1970. No standing structures of historic age are present within the project area or on adjacent parcels. Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good-faith effort to identify historic properties within the project area. No cultural resources were identified that meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) according to 36 CFR 60.4, and Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected” for the proposed undertaking. No further archeological or historical investigations are recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, it should be noted that human burials are protected under the Texas Health and Safety Code. In the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately at the location of the inadvertent discovery until a qualified archeologist can assess the find, and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified of the discovery

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed City of Conroe Stewarts Creek Wastewater System Improvements Project, Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by LJA Engineering, Inc. (LJA), on behalf of the City of Conroe, to conduct a cultural resources inventory and assessment for the proposed Stewarts Creek Wastewater System Improvements Project in Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas. The proposed undertaking would consist of rehabilitating and replacing approximately 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) of existing gravity sewer pipeline that runs along the western terraces of Stewarts Creek in the southeastern portion of Conroe. The segment of the existing sewer line proposed for rehabilitation and replacement runs along the western terraces of Stewarts Creek extending from Avenue M southward to an existing transmission line right-of-way (ROW) located southeast of the intersection of Foster Drive and Ed Kharbat Drive. For purposes of the cultural resources survey, the project area was considered to consist of a linear project corridor measuring 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) in length by 39.6 meters (130.0 feet) in width, covering a total area of 8.3 hectares (20.4 acres). The proposed undertaking would be sponsored by the City of Conroe, which represents a political subdivision of the state of Texas. As such, the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas. In addition, the project may require the use of Nationwide Permits (NWP) issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District, for construction within or adjacent to any water features that meet the criteria for designation as “waters of the US” under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. As NWPs are federal permits, those portions of the overall project area located within the federal permit area would fall under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. As the proposed project represents a publicly sponsored undertaking, the project sponsor is required to provide the applicable federal agencies and the Texas Historical Commission (THC), which serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the state of Texas, with an opportunity to review and comment on the project’s potential to adversely affect historic properties listed on or considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or for designation as State Antiquities Landmarks (SAL). On April 1 to 2, 2020, Horizon archeologists Colene Knaub and Elizabeth Sefton, under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator, performed an intensive cultural resources survey of the project area to locate any cultural resources that potentially would be impacted by the proposed undertaking. The survey was performed under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 9336. Horizon’s archeologists traversed the archeological survey area on foot and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The survey area consisted of an existing gravity sewer ROW running along the western terraces of Stewarts Creek. Most of the sewer line ROW consisted of broad, cleared areas characterized by short, manicured grasses, though some segments of the ROW appear not to have been regularly maintained and had become heavily overgrown with tall grasses, weeds, and wildflowers. Large concrete manholes providing access to the existing sewer line are spaced at regular intervals along this utility corridor. The ROW crosses Silverdale Drive, Foster Drive, and an electrical transmission line, and four large stock ponds are present adjacent to the ROW that involved extensive earth-moving activities within the project corridor. Prior disturbances within the existing sewer line corridor associated with construction and maintenance of the existing sewer line, stock ponds, intersecting roadways, and the transmission line have been extensive. Overall, ground surface visibility was generally poor ( In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) require a minimum of 10 shovel tests per 1.0 kilometer (16 shovel tests per 1.0 mile) for linear projects per 30.5-meter (100.0-foot) width of ROW, or fraction thereof. As such, a minimum of 42 shovel tests would be required within the 2.1-kilometer- (1.3-mile-) long by 39.6-meter- (130.0-foot-) wide project area. Horizon excavated 44 shovel tests during the survey, thereby exceeding the TSMASS requirements for a project area of this size. Shovel tests were staggered along either side of the existing sewer line as evidenced by the locations of manholes in an effort to test sediments that potentially had been less disturbed by the original construction of the sewer line. Shovel testing typically revealed mixed brown to yellowish-brown sandy loam and sandy sediments with rare hematitic sandstone and oyster shell fragment inclusions. Mottling and mixing was observed in virtually every shovel test, suggesting that sediments within the survey corridor had been disturbed during the original construction of the sewer line. Given the extent of disturbance observed within the shovel tests excavated during the survey, it is Horizon’s opinion that sediments within the proposed disturbance zone associated with rehabilitation and replacement of the existing sewer line have been disturbed to the depth of the existing pipeline and have minimal potential to contain any intact archeological deposits. Furthermore, a prior survey was conducted for the City of Conroe in 2001 that included mechanical deep testing, though this survey did not result in the documentation of any cultural resources along this segment of Stewarts Creek. As such, it is Horizon’s opinion that the shovel testing was capable of evaluating the potential of the project area to contain prehistoric and historic-age cultural resources with the potential to meet the criteria of significance for inclusion in the NRHP and for designation as SALs. No cultural resources, prehistoric or historic-age, were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the project area. As no cultural resources were observed during the survey, no cultural resources were collected. Following completion of the project, all project records will be prepared for permanent curation at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL). Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no potentially significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good-faith effort to identify historic properties within the project area. No cultural resources were identified within the project area that meet the criteria for designation as SALs according to 13 TAC 26 or for inclusion in the NRHP under 36 CFR 60.4. Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological work is recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, human burials, both prehistoric and historic, are protected under the Texas Health and Safety Code. In the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately in the vicinity of the inadvertent discovery, and the THC should be notified immediately

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed West Fork of the San Jacinto River South Drainage Channel Phase 3 Project, Montgomery County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by LJA Engineering, Inc. (LJA), on behalf of Montgomery County Municipal Utility District (MUD) No. 157, to conduct a cultural resources inventory and assessment for the proposed West Fork of the San Jacinto River South Drainage Channel Phase 3 Project. The proposed undertaking would consist of constructing a new outfall structure within an approximately 1.5-hectare (3.6-acre) area on the eastern bank of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River near Moorhead Road. The project area is located on a broad coastal flat that has been historically mined for borrow materials, and numerous artificial lakes that represent infilled borrow pits characterize the surrounding area. The project area is bounded on the southeast by the channel of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and on the northeast by a large pond that represents an infilled borrow pit. A prominent earthen levee parallels the river channel, and a massive erosional gully runs through the southern portion of the project area. The Liberty Materials, Inc. Moorehead Wet Plant is located approximately 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) east of the project area. For purposes of the cultural resources survey, the project area is considered to consist of the entire 1.5-hectare (3.6-acre) outfall construction area. The proposed undertaking would be sponsored by Montgomery County Municipal Utility District (MUD) No. 157, which represents a political subdivision of the state of Texas. As such, the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas. In addition, the project may require the use of Nationwide Permits (NWP) issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District, for construction within or adjacent to any water features that meet the criteria for designation as “waters of the US” under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. As NWPs are federal permits, those portions of the overall project area located within the federal permit area would fall under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. As the proposed project represents a publicly sponsored undertaking, the project sponsor is required to provide the applicable federal agencies and the Texas Historical Commission (THC), which serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the state of Texas, with an opportunity to review and comment on the project’s potential to adversely affect historic properties listed on or considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or for designation as State Antiquities Landmarks (SAL). On March 28, 2020, Horizon archeologists Jesse Dalton and Jared Wiersema under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator, performed an intensive cultural resources survey of the project area to locate any cultural resources that potentially would be impacted by the proposed undertaking. The survey was performed under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 9315. Horizon’s archeologists traversed the archeological survey area on foot and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The survey area consisted of a flat, heavily modified landform situated between the West Fork of the San Jacinto River channel to the southwest and an artificial lake that represents an infilled borrow pit to the northeast. Historical aerial photographs suggest that past borrow material mining activities have extensively impacted the landform. An earthen levee runs along the edge of the landform parallel to the river channel, and a massive erosional gully passes through the southern portion of the project area. Vegetation within the project area consists primarily of short grasses, and artificial pea gravel deposits cover large portions of the modern ground surface. Overall, ground surface visibility was poor to fair (20 to 40%), though the landform that characterizes the project area appears to have been heavily disturbed and may be almost entirely man-made. In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) require a minimum of two shovel tests per 0.4 hectare (1.0 acres) for tracts between 1.2 and 4.0 hectares (3.0 and 10.0 acres) in size. As such, a minimum of seven shovel tests would be required within the 1.5-hectare (3.6-acre) project area. However, given the physiographic setting of the project area on the floodplain of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the extent of prior disturbances associated with historical borrow material mining, and the geomorphological potential for deeply buried Holocene-age sediments, Horizon determined that shovel testing would not likely be a productive survey technique. As such, mechanical trenching was utilized instead. Horizon excavated seven trackhoe trenches within the floodplain of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River in the northern portion of the project area. Trenches ranged from 5.0 to 7.0 meters (16.4 to 23.0 feet) in length and from to 1.5 to 5.5 meters (4.9 to 18.0 feet) in depth. Most trenches were terminated at depths of approximately 2.0 meters (6.6 feet) below surface, though two trenches were excavated to depths of 3.0 to 5.5 meters (9.8 to 18.0 feet) below surface where possible to investigate the potential for more deeply buried natural soil horizons and/or archeological deposits. Sediments observed in all trenches consisted of lenses of artificial fill materials resulting from borrow material mining activities over the years. These sediments tended to be poorly structured and unconsolidated, resulting in frequent collapses of trench walls. The water table was encountered in one trench at a depth of 1.8 meters below surface. While it is possible that some of the more deeply buried clay layers are of natural origin, the vast majority of the sediments observed were clearly artificial fill deposits. No cultural resources, prehistoric or historic-age, were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the project area. As no cultural resources were observed during the survey, no cultural resources were collected. Following completion of the project, all project records will be prepared for permanent curation at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL). Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no potentially significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good-faith effort to identify historic properties within the project area. No cultural resources were identified within the project area that meet the criteria for designation as SALs according to 13 TAC 26 or for inclusion in the NRHP under 36 CFR 60.4. Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological work is recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, human burials, both prehistoric and historic, are protected under the Texas Health and Safety Code. In the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately in the vicinity of the inadvertent discovery, and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified immediately

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the 11.4-acre Northwest Drive at Green Hill Road Tract, San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by Mason Joseph Company, Inc. (Mason Joseph) to conduct a cultural resources survey and assessment for a proposed apartment complex development located on an approximately 4.6-hectare (11.4-acre) tract in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas. The proposed apartment complex would be located on undeveloped land in western San Angelo just northwest of the intersection of Northwest Drive and Green Hill Road. For the purposes of the cultural resources survey, the project area was assumed to consist of the entire 4.6-hectare (11.4-acre) tract. The proposed undertaking would be sponsored by Mason Joseph, a private real estate developer, on privately owned land. However, the project would utilize funding provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As HUD is a federal agency, the project would fall under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. As the project represents a publicly sponsored undertaking with the potential to impact potentially significant cultural resources, the project sponsor was required to perform a cultural resources inventory and assessment of the project area. The purpose of the survey was to determine if any archeological sites are located within the boundaries of the project area and, if any exist, to determine if the project has the potential to have any adverse impacts on sites listed on or considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). On July 14, 2020, Horizon archeologist Jesse O. Dalton, under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator, performed an intensive cultural resources survey of the 4.6-hectare (11.4-acre) project area. Horizon’s archeologist traversed the survey area on foot and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The project area is situated in an open field on a gently sloping upland landform just northeast of Red Arroyo, a tributary of the South Concho River. Vegetation at the time of the survey consisted of short tobosa, buffalo, and mesquite grasses as well as sparse patches of dry forbs. The modern ground surface was covered in medium-sized gravels and rocks. Visibility of the modern ground surface was generally excellent (80 to 100%). Examination of historical imagery dating from 1928 to the present indicates that the project area has remained undeveloped throughout its history. Around 2004, the project area as well as a large tract of land extending to the north and west was devegetated and possibly graded. In 2014, Green Hill Road, the road that bounds the project area on the southern side, and a multifamily apartment complex, the Vistas at Red Creek, were constructed south of the project area. Portions of the project area adjacent to Green Hill Road appear to have been used as equipment stating areas during construction of the adjacent subdivision. Large portions of the southern half of the project area are extensively disturbed, including a large drainage channel and an associated artificial berm that follows the alignment of Green Hill Road for approximately 0.2 kilometer (0.1 mile) and a slightly raised rectangular pad that measures approximately 60.0 meters (196.9feet) long by 25.0 meters (82.0 feet) wide. This rectangular pad was likely a leveled temporary staging area for the equipment and associated materials used in the construction of the road and/or residential subdivision to the south. These disturbed areas are present on historical aerial photographs from 2014 through the present and were observed during the current cultural resources survey. Near the eastern border of the rectangular pad is a 2.0-by2.0-meter (6.6-feet-by-6.6-foot) asphalt surface. Several push piles containing modern trash and large limestone rocks are also present within the disturbed rectangular pad area. In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) require a minimum of two shovel tests per 0.4-hectare (1.0-acre) for projects areas less than 10.1-hectares (25.0-acres) in size. As such, a minimum of 23 shovel tests would be required within the 4.6-hectare (11.4-acre) project area. Horizon excavated a total of 23 shovel tests within the project area, thereby meeting the TSMASS for a project area of this size. Shovel testing revealed that sediments in the project area consist of a typical A-B sequence of dry reddish-brown loam or clay loam overlying weak, blocky dark reddish-brown or pinkishbrown clay with common calcium carbonate (CaCO3) inclusions. The B-horizon subsoil (Bss1, Bw, Btk1) or limestone bedrock were observed underlying the A horizon at average depths of 15.0 to 40.0 centimeters (5.9 to 15.7 inches) below surface. Horizon is confident that shovel testing were capable of penetrating Holocene-era sediments with the potential to contain subsurface archeological deposits. No cultural resources of historic or prehistoric age were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated during the survey, and no standing structures of historic age are present within the project area or on adjacent parcels. Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the project area. No cultural resources were identified that meet the criteria for listing on the NRHP according to 36 CFR 60.4. Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further work is recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, in the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified of the discovery

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey for the Vail Divide Southern Extension Storm Water Detention Pond Project, Bee Cave, Travis County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by Malone/Wheeler, Inc. on behalf of the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) to conduct an intensive cultural resources inventory and assessment for the proposed construction of an approximately 0.4-hectare (1.0-acre) storm water detention pond. The proposed storm water detention pond would be located off the northwestern side of Hamilton Pool Road (a.k.a. Farm-to-Market Road [FM] 3238) near its intersection with the future right-of-way (ROW) of Vail Divide in western Bee Cave, Travis County, Texas. For purposes of the cultural resources survey, the project area is considered to consist of the entire 0.4-hectare (1.0-acre) storm water detention pond footprint. The proposed undertaking is being sponsored by LTISD, a political subdivision of the state of Texas; as such, the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas. At this time, no federal permits, funding, or licenses have been identified for the project. As the project represents a publicly sponsored undertaking with the potential to impact potentially significant cultural resources, the project sponsor was required to perform a cultural resources inventory and assessment of the project area. On June 24, 2020, Horizon archeological technician Jacob Lyons, under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator, performed an intensive cultural resources survey of the project area to locate any cultural resources that potentially would be impacted by the proposed undertaking. The survey was conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 9492. Horizon’s archeologist traversed the 0.4-hectare (1.0-acre) project area and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The project area is situated on a limestone upland overlooking an unnamed tributary of Hickson Hollow. The project area has been heavily disturbed from prior construction, use, and maintenance of a gravel parking lot, a circular animal pen, several cinder block walls, and a well associated with a business (Bee Cave Acupuncture) that was formerly housed in a residential-style structure just northwest of the project area. Vegetation consisted of live oak, Ashe juniper, acacia, Roosevelt weed, prickly pear cactus, planted ornamental bamboo, and medium-high grasses. Visibility of the modern ground surface ranged from poor to good (30 to 60%) depending on the density of vegetative ground cover. Limestone gravels associated with a former parking lot that occupied most of the project area from the early 2000s until 2010, when the nearby structure that housed the Bee Cave Acupuncture business was abandoned, cover much of the project area. Exposures of limestone bedrock and gravels are present on the modern ground surface in the eastern corner of the project area, which was less disturbed by construction associated with the acupuncture business. In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) call for excavation of a minimum of two shovel tests per 0.4 hectare (1.0 acre) for projects measuring 10.1 hectares (25.0 acres) or less in size plus one additional shovel test per 2.0 hectares (5.0 acres) above 10.1 hectares (25.0 acres). As such, a minimum of two shovel tests would be required within the current 0.4-hectare (1.0-acre) project area. Horizon excavated a total of seven shovel tests during the survey, thereby exceeding the TSMASS requirements for a project area of this size. The pedestrian survey and shovel testing revealed heavily disturbed sediments containing abundant gravels from the former parking lot. Native sediments underlying the parking lot gravels and in less disturbed portions of the project area consist of shallow deposits of gravelly dark brown to pale yellowish-brown marly clay loam overlying either pale gray marly sandy clay or limestone bedrock at depths ranging from 5.0 to 35.0 centimeters (1.9 to 13.8 inches) below surface. It is Horizon’s opinion that shovel testing was capable of fully penetrating sediments with the potential to contain archeological deposits. No cultural resources of prehistoric or historic age were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the project area. Prior to the mid-1990s, the project area was characterized by an undeveloped, lightly wooded scrubland setting. Between 1995 and 2002, a large house was constructed just outside the northwestern corner of the project area. It is unknown if this this house initially served as a residence, but by the early 2000s the structure was utilized as a commercial storefront for Bee Cave Acupuncture. At that time, the project area itself was devegetated and graded, and a circular cattle pen, various linear cinder block wall features, a water pump and network of polyvinyl chloride water pipes, and gravel driveways were added. In addition, a stock pond was created to the east of the project area in the eastern corner of the overall parcel. Between 2003 and 2005, the gravel driveways were expanded into a large gravel parking lot that covered most of the project area. The Bee Cave Acupuncture business moved to its current location on Bee Cave Parkway just north of the intersection of State Highway (SH) 71 in 2010, and the original structure has remained unoccupied ever since. All of the cultural features observed within the project area are modern. Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no potentially significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good-faith effort to identify historic properties within the project area. No cultural resources were identified that meet the criteria for listing on the NRHP according to 36 CFR 60.4 or for designation as SALs according to 13 TAC 26. Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological work is recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, human burials, both prehistoric and historic, are protected under the Texas Health and Safety Code. In the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately in the vicinity of the inadvertent discovery, and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified immediately. Following completion of the project, project records will be prepared for permanent curation at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL)

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Legacy Austin Tract, Austin, Travis County, Texas

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by ECS Southwest, LP (ECS) on behalf of a private real estate developer to conduct a cultural resources inventory and assessment of potential US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional areas within a 14.7-hectare (36.4-acre) proposed development tract in Austin, Travis County, Texas. The tract is located at the southeastern corner of Parmer Lane (a.k.a. Farm-to-Market Road [FM] 734) and East Yager Lane, and an unnamed tributary of Harris Branch flows southeastward across the tract. The proposed undertaking is located on private property and would be privately funded. However, the developer has proposed impacts to the unnamed tributary of Harris Branch that flows across the tract. This water feature potentially meets the criteria for designation as “waters of the US” (WOTUS). As such, construction activities that would impact this jurisdictional feature would be subject to federal permitting by the USACE, Fort Worth District, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). As this is a federal permit, the proposed construction activities within the USACE jurisdictional areas fall under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. The purpose of the cultural resources survey was to determine if any cultural resources are located within the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The Area of Potential Effect (APE) associated with USACE jurisdictional features typically consists of the water feature(s) and the associated uplands on opposing banks. This jurisdiction does not extend for a standardized distance in any direction; however, for purposes of the current cultural resources survey and in an attempt to assess the full extent of areas the USACE could determine to fall within their jurisdiction, Horizon utilized an APE extending approximately 182.9 meters (600.0 feet) from the defined edges of proposed impact areas along the jurisdictional stream and associated wetlands. This archeological survey buffer would incorporate approximately 11.8 hectares (29.2 acres) (roughly 80%) of the 14.7-hectare (36.4-acre) tract. While typical profiles of the depth of ground disturbance are not available, subsurface impacts associated with foundation slab and utility construction likely will extend a maximum of 0.8 meter (2.5 feet) below surface based on typical construction practices. Deeper impacts extending to a depth of 3.0 meters (10.0 feet) or more below surface may be expected within the footprints of four proposed storm water detention ponds that would be constructed adjacent to the creek in the northern portion of the project area. On May 26 to 27, 2020, Horizon archeologist Colene Knaub conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the Legacy Austin Tract. The survey was conducted under the overall direction of Jeffrey D. Owens, Principal Investigator. The purpose of the survey was to locate any cultural resources that potentially would be impacted by the proposed undertaking. Horizon’s archeologist traversed the archeological survey area on foot and thoroughly inspected the modern ground surface for aboriginal and historic-age cultural resources. The survey area consisted of a mix of open pastures covered in dense, ankle- to shin-high grasses, forbs, weeds, and wildflowers with occasional cedar and hackberry saplings and small shrubs and moderately densely forested areas covered in cedar and hackberry trees. Areas adjacent to the tributary of Harris Branch that flows across the tract were typically covered in large pools of standing water. Several small, overgrown piles of gravel are present within the northwestern portion of the project area. These gravels may have been intended for use in some fencing construction projects that appear to have been underway in the relatively recent past but which appear to have been abandoned. Ground surface visibility was generally poor due to dense grass cover (\u3c30%). In addition to pedestrian walkover, the Texas State Minimum Archeological Survey Standards (TSMASS) require a minimum of two shovel tests per 0.4 hectare (1.0 acre) for projects measuring 10.1 hectares (25.0 acres) or less in size plus one additional shovel test per 2.0 hectares (5.0 acres) beyond the first 10.1 hectares (25.0 acres). As such, a minimum of 51 shovel tests would be required within the current 11.8-hectare (29.2-acre) archeological survey area. Horizon excavated a total of 54 shovel tests, thereby exceeding the TSMASS for a survey area of this size. Shovel testing revealed dense black, olive, and pale olive clay loam sediments often overlying dark gray to pale olive sandy clay at depths of 20.0 to 35.0 centimeters (7.9 to 13.8 inches) below surface. Calcium carbonate concretions were observed within the clayey subsoil in several shovel tests. It is Horizon’s opinion that shovel testing was capable of fully penetrating sediments with the potential to contain prehistoric and historic-age cultural resources. No cultural resources of historic or prehistoric age were observed on the modern ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated during the survey. A wooden animal chute, a pile of demolished wood-plank fencing, and a pile of wooden fenceposts were observed scattered throughout the northwestern portion of the project area. The dimensional lumber observed in these piles was untreated and relatively new, and galvanized wire nails and other hardware were observed on the lumber piles and on the animal chute that had not yet rusted, suggesting that these features had been erected relatively recently and are not of historic age. Based on the results of the survey-level investigations documented in this report, no potentially significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed undertaking. In accordance with 36 CFR 800.4, Horizon has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the APE. No cultural resources were identified that meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) according to 36 CFR 60.4. Horizon recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further work is recommended in connection with the proposed undertaking. However, in the event that any human remains or burial objects are inadvertently discovered at any point during construction, use, or ongoing maintenance in the project area, even in previously surveyed areas, all work should cease immediately and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified of the discovery

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