Intensive Cultural Resources Survey Of The Proposed Realignment Of County Road 176, Williamson County, Texas

At the request of Prime Strategies, Inc., and on behalf of Williamson County, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed realignment of existing County Road (CR) 176 in southwestern Williamson County, Texas. The realignment proposes to construct a direct route from the current intersection of CR 176 and Deer Draw Road to Ranch-to-Market (RM) 2243. The project involves lands owned by Williamson County (a subdivision of the state); therefore, the project is subject to review under the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). SWCA conducted the investigations under Texas Antiquities Permit Number 7718. Subsequent to the initial fieldwork discussed in this report, changes to the project area were made in 2017 and 2018. These changes are the subject of the attached addendum report. The proposed project involves the construction of approximately 2,000 feet (609 meters [m]) of new roadway from its intersection at Deer Draw Road, extending north-northwest through rural rangeland until connecting at RM 2243. The proposed project will be constructed within a 150-foot-wide (75.7-m) corridor, composed of a 20- to 30-foot-wide (6.1- to 9.1-m) road easement with a 60- to 65-foot-wide (18.3- to 19.8-m) temporary construction easement. To allow for possible shifting of the proposed alignment in portions of the project corridor, archaeological investigations were conducted within a survey corridor that varied from 150 to 250 feet (45.7–76.2 m) wide. The depth of impacts will be roughly less than 3 feet below ground surface during roadway construction. Therefore, the area of potential effects (APE) for the proposed project encompasses roughly 7 acres. Due to the varying width of the proposed corridor, approximately 12 acres were examined for potential impacts to cultural resources. The background literature review revealed that one previously conducted linear survey intersects the project area. No previously recorded archaeological sites or cemeteries are located within the project corridor. Only one known archaeological site (41WM1317) was identified approximately 55 feet (17 m) north-northwest of the project area across RM 2243. A total of five cultural resources investigations and 11 previously recorded archaeological sites are located within a 1-mile radius of the project. A review of the Texas Department of Transportation Historic Overlay identified three possible historic-age resources, one located within the project area and two within 300 feet of the project area. Field investigations involved the excavation of 21 shovel tests and an extensive visual examination of the ground surface within the proposed right-of-way. As a result of the investigations, SWCA recorded two previously undocumented historic-age farmstead complexes (41WM1342 and 41WM1343). Site 41WM1342 is composed of a cistern likely dating to 1939, a residential building that most likely dates to the 1940s, and four early- to mid-twentieth-century outbuildings, of which two outbuildings are located within the direct APE. Soils are very thin and no subsurface materials were identified. The main residential building in the complex is characterized as a 1940s residential structure that had been relocated to the property between 1976 and 1988. All of the outbuildings are in poor to ruinous condition and are of common vernacular style and construction methods. Based on these factors, SWCA recommends site 41WM1342 as being NOT ELIGIBLE for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No further work is recommended within the project area. Site 41BX1343 is composed of five mid-twentieth-century structures. Based on the surficial and scattered nature of deposits, the commonality of the structures, and contemporary debris and refuse scattered throughout the site, the site is unlikely to contribute new or important information to local or regional history. As such, SWCA recommends site 41WM1343 as being NOT ELIGIBLE for the NRHP and no further work is recommended. In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations 800.4, SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify cultural resources within the APE. As no archaeological historic properties or sites were identified that meet the criteria for listing on the NRHP or warranting designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL), per 13 Texas Administrative Code 26.10, SWCA recommends that a determination of No Historic Properties Affected be applied to the complete undertaking and that no further cultural resources investigations are warranted within the APE

Archaeological Investigations for the Proposed Mission County Park Tree Planting Project, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by the Bexar Heritage Program (CLIENT) to conduct archaeological investigations of two areas of Mission County Park in anticipation of the planting of 22 trees. The Mission County Park Tree Planting Project will be funded and managed by Bexar County, an entity of the State of Texas. As such, the project falls under the jurisdiction of Chapter 35 of the City of San Antonio Unified Development Code, as well as the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191), by virtue of it representing a public undertaking. The investigations included a background review and a pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing. The background review revealed that two previously recorded sites were within the Area of Potential Effect (APE): 41BX1919 and 41BX1920. Site 41BX1919 was located in the northern portion of the APE and is listed as not eligible for listing in the NHRP. As such, shovel testing was placed in the area. Site 41BX1920 had previously been listed as eligible in the NHRP and was, therefore, avoided during survey. Antonio E. Padilla served as the Principal Investigator while Staff Archaeologist Chris Matthews conducted the field investigations on November 1, 2018. All work was conducted in accordance with the Archeological Survey Standards for Texas as set forth by the Council of Texas Archeologists and the Texas Historical Commission under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8301. During the investigations it was observed that the majority of the APE had been impacted by construction and improvement activities along the existing sidewalk. Disturbances included grading of the soil on the western side of the APE, and the recent installation of five wooden poles. Thirteen shovel tests (CM1-CM13) were excavated within the APE, all of which were negative for cultural material with only one shovel test (CM8) having charcoal present in the soils. This shovel test was placed near the southern boundary of 41BX1920 and may show an extension of the previously recorded site. RKEI made a good faith effort in identifying cultural resources within the APE. No significant cultural deposits or features were encountered during the intensive pedestrian survey; however, it is recommended that the existing boundaries of previously recorded site 41BX1920 be extended to include the southern boundary of the APE. RKEI recommends no further archaeological investigations for the current. Should changes be made to the extent of the project APE, further work may be required

Archaeological Investigations Of The Proposed Brooks City Brooks City Base Connection Trail In Southeast San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

In October 2017, on behalf of Brooks Development Authority the San Antonio River Authority [SARA] (CLIENT) contracted Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI) to perform an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Brooks City Base Connection Trail southeast San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. The CLIENT proposes to construct a 1,120 feet of a hike and bike trail that will connect Brooks City Base to an existing network of trails adjacent to Mission Reach. The majority of the project area is located on land owned by SARA and includes portions that extends into lands controlled by the City of San Antonio and a portion of right-of-way controlled by the Texas Department of Transportation; however all land will eventually be acquired by SARA. As such the project is subject to review under Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT), as administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Accordingly, investigations were designed to satisfy the requirements of the ACT. All work was conducted in accordance with the Archeological Survey Standards for Texas as set forth by the Council of Texas Archeologists and the Texas Historical Commission under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8200. The purpose of the investigations were to identify any surface-exposed or buried cultural deposits within the Area of Potential Effect and, if feasible, access their significance and eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP) and for formal designation as State Antiquities Landmarks (SAL). Investigations included an intensive pedestrian survey coupled with shovel testing along the proposed haul road and the excavation of backhoe trenching within the proposed borrow pit location. The pedestrian survey and shovel testing was conducted on October 16, 2017, while the backhoe trenching activities were conducted on October 18, 2017. Antonio E. Padilla served as the Principal Investigator and Project Archaeologist for the project and was assisted by archaeologists Chris Murray. A background review revealed that the project area is located within the Mission Parkway National Register District, where several archaeological investigations have been conducted and numerous prehistoric and historic archaeological sites have been recorded. Of the many archaeological sites recorded, only one site (41BX268) falls within the proposed project area. Site 41BX268, also known as the San Juan Acequia, intersects the eastern portion of the project area. During the initial recording of the acequia, the portion within the project area was an earth lined ditch. However, sometime between 1985 and 1995, the project area had been dramatically altered with the creation of a 65-foot-wide drainage easement. During the construction of the drainage easement, an unnamed drainage had been channelized and the acequia had been cement lined. Investigations of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) consisted of a pedestrian survey coupled with the excavation of eight shovel tests (AP01, AP02, AP04–AP06, and CRM01, CRM04 and CRM05) along two transects and the excavation of four backhoe trenches within the APE. During the pedestrian survey it was observed that a majority of the APE had been impacted by the construction of the drainage easement and construction of the South Presa Street and Southern Pacific Railroad Bridges. Subsurface testing of the APE corroborated what was observed during the survey. Although much of the area had been disturbed an undecorated white earthenware sherd was encountered within CRM01 at a depth of 40 to 50 centimeters (cm) below surface (bs). Three additional shovel tests (AP03, CRM02, and CRM03) were excavated after the recovery of the ceramic sherd; all were negative of cultural material. Due to the disturbed nature of the area where it was encountered and the lack of additional cultural materials, RKEI judge the sherd as an isolated find (IF1). Excavation of the backhoe trenches occurred on the north and south side of the San Juan Acequia, in areas where impacts were expected to exceed the depth of shovel tests, and in an area where intact soils were encountered. Two backhoe trenches excavated on the north side of the acequia channel revealed that the area had been severely impacted as disturbances were observed to a depth of 6 feet. The backhoe trenches south of the acequia channel revealed intact soils; however no cultural materials were encountered within these two backhoe trenches. The area in which the acequia channel intersects the APE was examined during the course of the project. Investigations at this location consisted of the excavation of a backhoe trench and shovel test along the artificial berms on the north and south side of the channel. Both excavations revealed that the area had been heavily disturbed. The locations along the acequia channel investigated are where a proposed pedestrian bridge is to be constructed. The footing of the bridge will be located 20 feet from the center of the channel and will reach a depth of 4-feet. These footings will be connected by a 40 foot platform that will cross the channel, avoiding any impacts to the San Juan Acequia. RKEI has made a good faith effort in identifying cultural resources within the APE. Based on the results of the investigations and the proposed avoidance measures concerning the San Juan Acequia, it is RKEI’s opinion that the proposed undertaking would have NO ADVERSE EFFECT on any properties listed or otherwise eligible for the NRHP. However, should changes be made to the project APE and avoidance measures, further work may be required

Archaeological Monitoring Of AT&T Buried Cable Installation Along Hickman Street, North Flores Street, and Krempkau, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

In June 2017, AT&T (CLIENT) contracted Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI) to conduct archaeological monitoring of construction activities associated with the installation of new fiber optic lines along Hickman Street, Flores Street, and Kempkau. Archaeological monitoring of the proposed project was requested by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation (COSA-OHP) due to the projected alignment of the Azalán Acequia and proximity to San Pedro Springs Park. The project is located in central San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas and occured on lands owned or controlled by the City of San Antonio, a political subdivision of the State of Texas. As such, the proposed undertaking is subject to review under the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). All work was performed in compliance with the ACT under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8051. The project is located within a residential development and consisted of the monitoring of 11 locations: five located along Hickman Street, five located along the east side of North Flores Street, and one located along Kempkau. The undertaking involved the excavation of 10 bore pits and one trench. Size of the excavations varied from 1.5 to 10 feet in length and 1.5 feet in width. Depths of the excavations ranged from 2 to 4.25 feet. For archaeological purposes, the direct Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the project were the locations where the components were excavated. During the investigations, a majority of the APE showed evidence of disturbance. Disturbances included the installation of existing utilities, sidewalk and driveway construction, road construction and maintenance, and tree planting. No prehistoric or historic cultural materials were observed, nor were any remnants of the Azalán Acequia identified. Based on archaeological monitoring, RKEI does not recommend any further archaeological investigations within the areas monitored. However, should additional work occur near the alignment of Azalán Acequia or within the vicinity of San Pedro Springs Park, further archaeological work may be required. All field records and photographs produced during field investigations were curated at the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio

Archaeological Monitoring Of Fiber Optic Line Installation within San Pedro Springs Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

In July 2017, NX Utilities (CLIENT), on behalf of AT&T, contracted Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI) to conduct archaeological monitoring of activities associated with the installation of new fiber optic lines within San Pedro Springs Park. Archaeological monitoring of the proposed project was requested by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation (COSA-OHP) due to the location of the project within a previously recorded archaeological site (41BX19) which is listed as a State Antiquities Landmark and is designated as the San Pedro Springs Park National Register of Historic Places District. The project is located in central San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas and occurred on lands owned or controlled by the City of San Antonio, a political subdivision of the State of Texas. As such, the proposed undertaking is subject to review under the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) and the Historic Preservation and Design Section of the City of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code (Article VI 35- 360 to 35-364). All work was performed in compliance with the ACT under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8123. The project is located within a public park and consisted of the monitoring of five locations. The undertaking involved the excavation of a handhole and four bore pits. Size of the excavations varied from 1 to 5 feet in length and 1 to 4 feet in width. Depths of the excavations ranged from 2 to 3 feet below surface. For archaeological purposes, the direct Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the project were the locations where the components were excavated. During the investigations, a majority of the APE showed evidence of disturbance. Disturbances included park development, existing utilities, walkways, and landscaping. Monitoring of the excavations revealed that the upper 1 to 1.5 feet of the excavations were disturbed, in some cases disturbances reached the terminating depths of the excavations. One fragment of aqua glass and a chert flake were encountered at a depth of 2 feet below surface within BP 1. The cultural materials were encountered within a disturbed context and deemed non-significant. Based on the archaeological services provided, investigations, RKEI does not recommend any further archaeological investigations within the areas monitored. However, should additional ground disturbing activities occur within San Pedro Springs Park, further work may be required. All field records and photographs produced during investigations are curated at the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio

Archeological Data Recovery On Three Sites Along The San Antonio River Bexar County, Texas- Volume II: Further Excavations At 41BX256

This report documents the archaeological excavation of a prehistoric, burned wattle and daub domestic structure dating between 4830–5060 BP at site 41BX256, located along the San Antonio River in Bexar County, Texas. The feature is described as a large, U-shaped mass of fired clay measuring about 2 meters (m) in diameter at a depth of 70 centimeters below the modern ground surface (cmbs). It was discovered through remote sensing and was archaeologically tested in 2006 and it was later fully excavated in 2008. Following both of these investigations, the feature was provisionally interpreted as a baked clay cooking feature. Later examination of hundreds of chunks of the baked clay revealed numerous mold impressions of sticks and twigs, leading to the speculation that the feature, since backfilled, might actually be a domestic structure constructed of wattle and daub. To investigate this possibility, archaeologists revisited the site in 2011 and re-excavated the feature and a similar, smaller clay mass located nearby. Additional surrounding units were explored, the features were excavated deeper to 90–110 cmbs, and a trench through the main feature was carefully examined and profiled. The profile exhibits distinct reddening below 70 cmbs in a pattern consistent with the interpretation of the feature as a structure. No post molds were found, but additional features were documented including three burned rock hearths. Additional samples of the baked clay were recovered and were subjected to analyses for possible lipids, starches, phytoliths, and for reconstruction of estimated firing temperatures. Multiple radiocarbon samples confirmed the Middle Archaic date. The newly recovered data support the interpretation that the feature is a burned domestic structure

Cultural Resources Investigations of the Brooks City Base Proposed Improvements Street And Drainage Project, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by the Brooks Development Authority (CLIENT) to conduct an intensive cultural resources survey of 34.95 acres at the southern boundary of Brooks City Base between the southern terminus of South New Braunfels Avenue and the western terminus of Lyster Road. This survey was in advance of the connection of South New Braunfels Avenue with Lyster Road, the improvement of 3,500 linear feet of the existing Lyster Road right-of-way, the installation of utility lines (telecommunications, underground electric, potable and recycled water), as well as surface grading, installation of culverts, and the construction of a larger detention basin for storm water management. Working cooperatively with the CLIENT, this project was funded by the City of San Antonio (COSA) through the 2017 Bond Program. As such, the project fell under the jurisdiction of Chapter 35 of the COSA Unified Development Code (UDC), as well as the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191), by virtue of it representing a public undertaking. Furthermore, the undertaking will required a Preconstruction Notification under Nationwide Permit 43, Stormwater Management Facilities. As such, the project also fell under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (16 United States Code 470) and it’s implementing regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulation 800). On September 19 and 20, 2018, RKEI archaeologists conducted an intensive pedestrian survey augmented with both shovel testing and backhoe trenching for the 34.95 acres of Brooks City Base associated with this project. Antonio E. Padilla, M.A. served as Principal Investigator and all field work was conducted by Archaeologists Jason M. Whitaker and Kirsten M. Atwood. A total of 19 shovel tests were excavated, as well as two backhoe trenches within the project area: five shovel tests (ST-13-18) and two backhoe trenches (BHT 1-2) in the southwest section of the APE, one in the southeastern section (ST-12) a planned shovel test (ST-18) was not excavated due to standing water, five in the northeast section (ST-6-9 and 10) a planned shovel test (ST-10) was not excavated due to standing water, and eight in the northwest section (ST-1-5 and ST-19-21). Asphalt fragments were observed in several of these shovel tests (ST-4, 16, 19, and 21), which were most likely fragments from utility roads associated with the former Brooks Air Force Base and were not considered culturally significant. As such, none of the shovel tests or backhoe trenches were positive for subsurface cultural materials. The pedestrian survey did, however, document numerous above ground structures associated with the former Brooks Air Force Base FamCamp and other associated camping facilities. Overall, no significant prehistoric or historic materials or features were encountered within the Area of Potential Effects (APE). Given this conclusion, no significant cultural deposits will be impacted by the proposed project, and RKEI recommends no further archaeological investigations for the current APE. However, should additions be made to the project area, it is recommended that additional testing be conducted to determine the extent and significance of cultural deposits beyond the currently defined boundaries. All field records generated by this project will be permanently curated at the University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Archaeological Research (UTSA-CAR)

Cultural Resources Investigations for the Schertz Colonies Drainage Improvement Project, Schertz, Guadalupe County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam, Inc. (CLIENT), on behalf of the City of Schertz, to perform cultural resources investigations for the Schertz Colonies Drainage Improvement Project in southeastern Schertz, Guadalupe County, Texas. The proposed undertaking involves the improvement of 330 feet of an existing drainage ditch located in north-central Schertz in western Guadalupe County, Texas. All work was conducted in accordance with the Archeological Survey Standards for Texas as set forth by the Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit Number 8403. The cultural resources field investigations for the Schertz Colonias Drainage Project was conducted on May 2, 2018. The investigations included a background review, a pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing, and backhoe trenching. The background review revealed that no previous archaeological surveys had been conducted and no archaeological sites have been recorded within the Area of Potential Effect (APE). A review of online historical aerial photographs depicted that sometime between 1966 and 1973 the drainage channel had been constructed and the area had been scraped. During the pedestrian survey, disturbances associated with utility installation were observed. These underground utilities within the lot eventually impacted portions of the APE. Utility disturbances observed within the lot consisted of an AT&T vault, two gas lines, and a sewer line. The AT&T vault and a gas line were located near the sidewalk. These utilities were parallel to Schertz Parkway, intersecting the northeastern portion of the APE. The sewer line and a 2-foot diameter gas line were perpendicular to Schertz Parkway, intersecting the southwestern end of the APE. As part of the pedestrian survey, RKEI excavated three shovel tests within the 0.25 acre APE. Two of the three shovel tests were excavated to a depth of 1.97 feet (60 cm), while one was terminated at a depth of 1.57 feet (48 cm) due to the presence of a large root. The soils within the shovel tests exhibited a mottled appearance, indicating disturbance. Soils were compact in the upper 0.98 feet (30 cm) and became less compact at deeper elevations. No prehistoric or historic cultural materials were encountered within the shovel tests. In addition to the shovel testing, RKEI excavated two backhoe trenches within the APE. Backhoe trenches were excavated to a maximum depth of 6 feet (183 cm). Within the upper 2.5 feet (75 cm), soils exhibited a mottled appearance, indicating disturbance, while the lower 3.5 feet appeared to be intact. The disturbance observed in the upper 2.5 feet (75 cm) is likely associated with the construction of the channel and scraping activities that had occurred on the property between 1966 and 1973. Within BHT01, modern trash consisting of an unidentified piece of metal, a blue plastic cap for a 5 gallon water jug, and a piece of patinated clear glass were encountered. No prehistoric or historic cultural materials were observed within the spoils or trench walls. Based on the investigations, RKEI has made a good faith effort in identifying cultural resources within the APE. As a result, RKEI does not recommend any further archaeological investigations within the APE. However, should changes be made to the project APE, further work may be required

Cultural Resources Investigations for the Multiple Sewershed Package 6 Project, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by K FRIESE + ASSOCIATES (CLIENT), on behalf of San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to perform cultural resources investigations for the SAWS Package 6 Project. The project consists of the replacement and rehabilitation of four distinct locations (Location 1- 3 and Location 10) of existing sewer alignment throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. SAWS will replace and rehabilitate the existing sewer alignment through a combination of non-ground disturbing robotic machinery and open-cut trenching excavations. Temporary work spaces for the construction include the existing SAWS easement, portions of other existing easements (i.e., overhead utility easements and City of San Antonio [COSA] easements), existing city streets, or new temporary easements partially within private land. The project is located on both private lands and lands owned by the COSA and maintained by SAWS, both political subdivisions of the state. As such, the project is subject to review under the jurisdiction of the COSA Unified Development Code (Article VI 35-630 to 35-634), as well as the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). On April 4, 2018, RKEI archaeologists conducted an archival search for the Hunt Lane Cemetery. The search determined that the cemetery was likely dedicated as a private family cemetery in the 1930-1940s for the use of the Hernandez family and their descendants. The review also determined that the cemetery does not likely cross the unnamed tributary of Medio Creek, and therefore does not extend within the boundaries of Location 10. On April 12, 2018, RKEI Archaeologists conducted a pedestrian survey augmented with shovel testing for Locations 1-3 and 10. A total of 12 shovel tests was excavated for all four locations, none of which tested positive for cultural deposits. As a result, no new cultural resources were documented during the SAWS Package 6 Project. Antonio E. Padilla, M.A., RPA, served as Principal Investigator for the Project, and Rhiana D. Ward served as Project Archaeologist. Field work was conducted by Chris Matthews and Jason Whitaker. All work complied with Texas Historical Commission and Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines and standards. In accordance with federal regulation 36 CFR Part 79 and THC requirements for State Held-in-Trust collections, all project related documentation produced during the investigations will be curated at The Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio

A short review of "DGP Specteroscopy"

In this paper we provide a short review of the main results developed in hep-th/0604086. We focus on linearised vacuum perturbations about the self-accelerating branch of solutions in the DGP model. These are shown to contain a ghost in the spectrum for any value of the brane tension. We also comment on hep-th/0607099, where some counter arguments have been presented.Comment: Minor typos correcte