ML19282B537

Forwards Info Re Archaeological & Historical Site Surveys Resulting from Proposed Changes to Transmission Routes. Related Ltrs & Four Oversized Maps Encl

ML19282B537
Person / Time
Site:	River Bend
Issue date:	03/06/1979
From:	Humphreys L GULF STATES UTILITIES CO.
To:	Regan W Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
RBG-6196, NUDOCS 7903150305
Download: ML19282B537 (28)

Text

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W GULF STATES UTILITIES COMPANY *e POST OP F 1 C E B OX 2 9 41

• S E = uM ON T TE X A 5 7 7 7O 4 A R EA COO E 7 1 3 638 66 3 1 March 6, 1979 PSG - 6196 File G9.5 Mr. W. H. Regan, Chief Environmental Projects Branch Division of Site Safety and Environmental Analysis U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20535 River Bend Station Units 1 and 2 Docket Nos. 50-458, 50-459 Transmission Lines - Archaeological and Historical Sites

Dear Mr. Regan:

In our letter dated March 16, 1978, Culf States Utilities stated that it would provide the NRC with copies of the archaeological and historical site surveys resulting from proposed changes to the transmission routes associated with the River Bend Station. In this regard, attached for your information are the archaeological and historical site surveys resulting from the proposed changes to the River Bend transmission routes (see Enclosure 1). Also attached are the comments Gulf States re-ceived on these surveys from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in letters dated September 21 and 22, 1978 (see Enclosure 2), and Gulf States' response to the Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation by letter dated February 5, 1979 (see Enclosure 3).

Sincerely,

/ J/

ff ,L* , L / ?: w -n L. L. Humphreys Senior Vice President Engineering and Construction WJR/mb Enclosures b N\\ /4 #e

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Enclosure 1

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AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITE SURVEY OF THE RIVER BEriD STATION TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE B, LOUISIANA. 1978.

During the first three weeks of May,1978, research was con-ducted to detemine if any cultural resources would be endangered by the proposed construction relative to the above-titled project.

The right-of-way of Route B, Lines 745 and 746 extends frcm the River Bend installation, southwest boundary, in West Feliciana Parish westward across the Mississippi River to Pointe Coupee Parish and then southward to Rosedale in Iberville Parish, Louisiana.

The first phase of the investigation involved archival research to discern whether any prehistoric, archaeological deposits or r

significant historical structures had been recorded or purported in the study area. In addition to consulting the National Register of Historic Places, and the archaeological files and map library at Louisiana State University, the records and maps of the-State N.

Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation were also examined.

It was found that no sites within the study area have been nominated to or are presently on the National Register. Furthermore, no sites have been recorded within the immediate impact area.

The second phase of the investigation consisted of a field survey on foot and via a vehicle with subsurface, shovel-testing at stream crossings and other priority locations within the right-of-way. Field assistance and transport were also provided by Mr. Sal Pepitone, foreman for Bob Brothers Construction Company

a

• 2 and Mr. Mark Walton, of Gulf States Utilities. Ccnstruction had already commenced in several localities. These areas were checked and found to be void of any cultural rescurces. Mc sites were located during the field survey.

The results of these investigations reveal that the construc-tion of the transmission lines along the right-of-way of the off-site portion of Route B will not adversely impact any cultural resources known previously or otherwise identified by this survey.

There are, however, a number of sites outside of the impact area but within the region which attest to the presence of peoples during the prehistoric era. These include earthen mounds, villages and campsi tes .

Such sites represent almost the entire continuum of aboriginal occupation, in the state, from the end of the Pleistocene Period to Historic times. Belcw, in outline form is a summary of the regional culture periods:

1. Paleo-Indian. 10,000 B.C.--6000 B.C.

Diagnostic traits: Lanceolate, stone, projectile points with 'N -

or without flutes extending up the icng axis of the points.

The fluting may be unifacial or bifacial.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Assignments based upon point typologies, geologic and paleontologic correlations and radiocarbon dates frcm the Avery Island site, Iberia Parish.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. Excavated sites reveal artifacts tentatively assigned to strata containing bone of extinct Pleistocene fauna.

Settlement Pattern: Archaeological deposits are indicative of small, temporal campsites.

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2. Archaic. 6000 B.C.--500 B.C.

Diagnostic Traits: Medium to large, triangular projectile point; having variously-shaped bases with or without notched side edges, chipped stone scrapers, knives, drills, gravers, micro-blades, ground stone beads, celts, plummets, gorgets, effigies and steatite vessels. Antler atlatl hooks, bone awls, shell ornaments and Poverty Point baked clay objects.

Artifacts of exotic raw material are most commonly associated with Poverty Point components.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Projectile point typologies and radiocarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: . Hunters and gatherers. tio physical evidence of hurticulture.

Settlement Pattern: The enormous carthworks at the Poverty Point site, West Carroll Parish, comprised of a mound and concentric, semicircular ridges. A 1cw, domed, earthen tumulus was tested on Avery Island; also several campsite deposits in the Lake Pontchartrain area. At the Monte Sano site, East Baton Rouge Parish, excavations revealed remains of a structure having a square floor pattern.

3. Tchefuncte. 500 B.C.--A.D. 250 Diagnostic Traits: The first major introduction of pottery.

Vessels are conical with multiform, tetrapodal bases. Incised, brushed, punctated and stamped decorative motifs appear on the vessel body and rio exterior. Also introduced are deco-rated, tubular, clay pipes. Stone, bone and shell .implemen" and baked elay objects are common and similar to those of .N -

the Archaic Period, but not nearly as plentiful, variable or as ornate.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Stratigraphic excavations and radiocarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. Indications of horticulture from the Tchefuncte deposit at the Morton Shell Mound, Iberia Parish.

Settlement Pattern: Sites predominate in the marsh areas of southern Louisiana and are characterized by shell middens.

Inland sites consist of middens and perhaps low, domed, earthen mounds containing primary flexed and secondary human interments associated with sparse amounts of artifacts. Some evidence of light-poled structures having an oval floor pattern.

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4. Marksville. A.D. 250--A.D. 700 Diagnostic Traits: New pottery types ccmprised of bowls, globular and jar-shaped vessels elaborately decorated on the exterior with punctated, incised and stamped motifs.

Vessels also decorated with red picment and stylized zoomor-phic motifs. Stone and ceramic platform pipes and effigies.

Artifacts of exotic raw materials including copper, quartz crystals, asphaltum and galena.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests, extensive excavations and radiocarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. A single instance of corn and squash -purported from the Marksville site, Avoyelles Parish.

Settlement Pattern: One extensive occupation, the Marksville site, consists of a group of earthen mounds within a semi-circular, ridged, earthen wall. Domed mounds contain a central platform for the disposal of the dead. Human inter-ments, both primary and secondary, are ceposited along with a selected quantity of pottery, stone, bone, shell and copper funerary offerings. Other sites consist of middens and/or mounds lacking enclosures. Evidence of a possible house structure, rectangular in plan with a semisubterranean floor,-

was exposed at the Marksville site.

5. Troyville-Coles Creek. A.D. 700--A.D. 1100 Diagnostic Traits: New ceramic typologies, clay tempered pottery and new decorative designs. Elbow-shaped clay- -s s~

pipes, ear spools and mealing stones. Near the end of this period the preponderance of small, finely chipped projectile points is indicative of the introduction of the bow and arrow, whereas previcusly the atlatl predcminated.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests, extensive excavations and radiocarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Theoretically, an agricultural base with native and tropical cultigens, supplemented by hunting and ga thering.

Settlement Pattern: Characteristically, three large, pyramidal, compound mounds oriented around an open plaza. Hcuses with rectangular or oval ficor patterns. Mounds of the Troyville 6

5' site, Catahoula Parish, were surro'inded by a rectangular ditch and earthen wall enclosure. Multiple primary and secondary human interments, generally without artifactual association, are common in the counds.

6. Mississippian. A.D. Il00--Historic Period Diagnostic Traits: flew ceramic typologies, shell tempered pottery, effigy vessels, new decorative motifs, strap handles, effigy pipes and ear spools. Late in the period native artifacts are found in association with European trade material . " Southern Cult" items are also present.

Basis for Temporal Placement. Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests and ethno-historic documentation. Included are sites of the Plaquemine Period.

Subsistence Economy: Corn, squash and bean agriculture supple-mented by hunting and gathering. .

In summation, the present investigations did not reveal any evidence of prehistoric or historic cultural resources that wculd be endangered by the proposed construction. Should ary subsurface, archaeological deposits be exposed during construction activities it is expected that the State Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation will be notified immediately.

Respectfully submittel -

f. "w'M Robert W. tieuman Curator of Anthropology

CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEY OF THE GULF STATE UTILITIES TRANSMISSION LINE RIGHT-0F-WAYS, LCUISIANA During the months of May, June and July,1978, research was conducted to determine whether any cultural resources would be en -

dangered by the proposed construction relative to the above-titled project. The right-of-ways covered in this report include: Line 752, routes A and D and Line 352, routes C and E. These lines will origi-nate at the River Bend installation in West Feliciana Parish ad will terminate at the McKnight Switching Station and Jaguar Substation, respectively. The proposed routes are shown in detail on Map I which is included with this report. .

Survey Methodoloay The investigations were conducted in two phases. The initial phase involved archival research to determine whether any prehistoric or historic archaeological deposits or significant, architectural structures had been recorded or reported in the study area. In addition to consulting the National Register of Historic Places, the archaeological files and map library at Louisiana State University, the records and maps of the State Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the State Archives and Records Commission were examined also. In the course of research, one area pertinent to this survey was found to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area, listed in the Register as " Port Hudson Battlefield" is also a National Historic Landmark and it will be

2 discussed later in this report. One known prehistoric site, the Riddle Mounds, is located in the general area around Thompson Creek, but it is not within the impact area.

The second phase of investigation involved intensive survey on foot and via field vehicle. Subsurface testing was done in those areas of high probability for site location, i.e., ridges, tream terraces and river crossings. As a check for sampling bias, subsurface tests were also placed in low probability areas. As a result, testing was done in all types of terrain covered by the proposed transmiss#,on line right-of-ways.

Survey Resuits The field survey recorded eight locations of archaeological significance within the proposed right-of-way expansions. These areas were revisited by the survey crew and their locations, within the right-of-way, were verified in the ccmpany of personnel from Gulf States Utilities and the right-of-way flagging crew. Of these locations, two are prehistoric manifestations and the remaining six are historic sites. Their location and description are outlined below and are shown on U.S.G.S. topographical quadranges ir.cluded with this report (Maps 2 and 3).

Site #1 Location: T35, R2W, west-central portion of Section 75.

Description:

Site is situated on a ridge overlooking Louisiana Highway #61, approximately 3/4 of a mile south of Thompson Creek and 10 meters north of an existing

3 gas pipeline right-of-way. Subsurface tests yielded in, situ lithic debitage of local river gravels. The area of occupation is approximately 17 meters.

Artifacts: Eight worked, small, stone flakes of local gravels.

Site #2 Location: T3S, RlW, north-central portion of Section 78.

Description:

Site is situated on the right bank of Little Sandy Creek and approximately 1/2 mile north of Louisiana Highway #964. Subsurface tests yielded seven plain, potsherds. The area of occupation is approxi-mately three-four meters.

Artifacts : Seven plain, clay-tempered pot: herds.

Site #3 Locctior.: T4S, R2W, north-central portion of irregular Section 62.

Dc. ription: Civil War breastwork approximately two meters in height and 15 meters long. It is situated south of an unnamed stream which flows into Port Hickey L:nding and west of Gulf States Utilities existing transmission line right-of-way.

Artifacts : none.

Site #4 Location: T45, R2W, SW 1/4 of irregular Section 60.

Description:

Civil War breastwork approximately three meters in height and 150 meters long. The breastwork is

4 situated south of Gulf States Utilities existing transmission line right-of-way and runs northeast to southwest.

Arti facts : none.

Site #5 Location: T45, R2W, SW 1/4 of irregular Section 60.

Description:

Civil War breastwork approximately three meters in height and 25 meters long. The breastwork is situated southeast of the turn in Gulf States Utilities existing transmission line right-of-way, south of Sandy Creek.

Artifacts: none.

Site #6 Location: T4S, R2W, SW 1/4 of irregular Section 60.

Description:

Civil War breastwork approximately four meters in height and 40 meters long. The breastwork is situated southeast of the turn in Gulf States Utilities existing transmission line right-of-way and 3/4 of a mile south of Sandy Creek.

Artifacts: none.

Site #7 Location: T45, R2W, NW portion of irregular Section 60.

Description:

Civil War breastwork situated on top of a ridge approximately 300 meters south of Sandy Creek and west of Gulf States Utilities existing transmission

5 line right-of-way. During the Civil War this area was known as Commissary Hill.

Arti facts: none.

Site #8 Location: T4S, R2W, east-central portion of irregular Section 43.

Description:

Riddle family cometery is located within Gulf States Utilities existic, transmission line right-of-way, approximately 1/2 mile northeast of Salvation Church and one mile north of Louisiana Highway #964.

Artifacts: none.

The prehistoric and historic sites located during this survey are but a few of the large number of known archaeological sites within this region. These sites attest to the presence of peoples during the prehistoric and historic eras and include earthen mounds, campsites, forts, villages and housesites. All of these varying archaeological mani.festations span the entire continuum of human occupation, in the State, from the end of the Pleistocene to Historic times. Outlined below is a summary of the regional, prehistoric, cultural periods.

1. Paleo-Indian. 10,000 B.C.--6000 B.C.

Diagnostic traits: Lanceolate, stone, projectile points with or without flutes extending up the long axis of the points. The fluting may be unifacial or bifacial.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Assignments based upon point typologies, geologic and paleontologic correlations and radio-carbon dates from the Avery Island site, Iberia Parish.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. Excavated sites reveal artifacts tentatively assigned to strata containing bone of extinct Pleistocene fauna.

6 Settlement Pattern: Archaeological deposits are indicative of small, temporary campsites.

2. Archaic. 6000 B.C.--500 B.C.

Diagnostic Traits: Medium to large, triangular projectile points having variously-shaped bases with or without notched side edges, chipped stone scrapers, knives, drills, gravers, micro-blades, ground stone beads, celts, plummets, gorgets, effigies and steatite vessels. Antler atlatl hooks, bone awls, shell ornaments and Poverty Point baked clay objects. Artifacts of exotic raw material are most commonly associated with Poverty Point components.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Projectile point typologies and radio-carbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. No physical evidence of horticulture.

Settlement Pattern: The enormous earthworks at the Poverty Point site, West Carroll Parish, comprised of a mound and concentric, -

semicircular ridges. A low, domed, earthen tumulus was tested on Avery Island; also several campsite deposits in the Lake Pontchartrain area. At the Monte Sano site, East Baton Rouge Parish, excavations revealed remains of a structure having a square floor pattern.

3. Tche functe. 300 B.C.--A.D. 250 Diagnostic Traits: The first major introduction of pottery.

Vessels are conical with multiform, tetrapodal bases. Incised, brushed, punctated and stamped decorative motifs appear on the vessel body and rim exterior. Also introduced are decorated, tubular, clay pipes. Stone, bone and shell implements and baked clay objects are common and similar to those of the Archaic Period, but not nearly as plentiful, variable or as ornate.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Stratigraphic excavations and radio-carbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. Indications of horti-culture from the Tchefuncte deposit at the Morton Shell Mound, Iberia Parish.

Settlement Pattern: Sites predominate in the marsh areas of southern Louisiana and are characterized by shell middens.

Inland sites consist of middens and perhaps low, domed, earthen mounds containing primary flexed and secondary human interments associated with sparse amounts of artifacts. Some evidence of light-poled structures having an oval floor pattern.

7

4. Marksville. 'A.D. 250--A.D. 700 Diagnostic Traits: New pottery types comprised of bowls, globular and jar-shaped vessels elaborately decorated on the exterior with punctated, incised and stamped motifs. Vessels also decorated with red pigment and stylized zoomorphic motifs.

Stone and ceramic platform pipes and effigies. Artifacts of exotic raw materials including copper, quartz crystals, asphaltum and galena.

Basis for Tsmporal Placement: Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests, extensive excavations and radiocarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Hunters and gatherers. A single instance of corn and squash purported from the Marksville site, Avoyelles Parish.

Settlement Pattern: One extensive occupation, the Marksville site, consists of a group of earthen mounds within a semicircular ridged, earthen wall. Domed mounds contain a central platform for the disposal of the dead. Human interments, both primary and secondary, are deposited along with a selected quantity of pottery, stone, bone, shell and cepper funerary offerings.

Other sites consist of middens and/or mounds lacking enclosures.

Evidence of a possible house structure, rectangular in plan with a semisubterranean floor, was exposed at the Marksville site.

5. Troyville-Coles Creek. A.D. 700-A.D. 1100 Diagnostic Traits: New ceramic typologies, clay tempered pottery and new decorative designs. Elbow-shaped clay pipes, ear spcols and mealing stones. Near the end of this period the prepon-derance of small, finely chipped projectile points is indicative of the introduction of the bow and arrow, whereas previously the atlatl predominated.

Basis for Temporal Placement: Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests, extensive excavations and radincarbon dates.

Subsistence Economy: Theoretically, an agricultural base with native and tropical cultigens, supplemented by hunting and gathering.

Settlement Pattern: Characteristically, three large, pyramidal, compound mounds oriented around an open plaza. Houses with rectangular or oval floor patterns. Mounds of the Troyville site, Catahoula Parish, were surrounded by a rectangular ditch and earthen wall enclosure. Multiple primary and secondary human interments, generally without artifactual association, are common in the mounds.

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6. Mississippian. A.D.1100--Historic Period Diagnostic Traits: New ceramic typologies, shell tempered pottery, effigy vessels, new decorative motifs, strap handles, effigy pipes and ear spools. Late in the period native artifacts are found in association with Eurcpean trade material. "Southe rn Cult" items are also present.

Basis for Temporal Place' ment: Ceramic typology, stratigraphic tests and ethno-historic documentation. Included are sites of the Plaquemine Period.

Subsistence Economy: Corn, squash and bean agriculture supplement by hunting and g'athering.

Settlement Pattern: Large, compound, pyramidal mounds oriented around an open plaza. Mounds may have stepped ramps. Round, rectangular and square house floor patterns with and without wall trenches. Some villages surrounded by a wooden palisade.

Secondary, single and multiple human bundle burials occur in the mounds, primary extended and flexed human interments are also present. -

Historic Era The most significant locale to be traversed by the proposed transmission lines is that surrounding Port Hudson. The original town of Port Hudson (1832-1852), located along the banks of t!ie Mississippi River, served as a station for the Louisiana Railway and Nav.igation Company Rail Line. A railroad, running 21.5 miles from Clinton to Port Hudson was completed in 1840; one of the first to reach the Mississippi River in the United States. The town prospered with increases in railroad and steamboat activity due to expanded agricultural productivity in the hinterlands. Cotton was tha most important agricultural product. In 1852 the town was incorporated and enjoyed continued prosperity until the advent of the Civil War (Brown, 1936).

9 This area was also the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The first serious clash occurred around May 24, 1863, thereby beginning a seige which lasted 48 days with 6000 Confederate troops defending the area against more than 30,000 Union troops.

The Confederate army inflicted heavy casualties on the Union invaders, but with the fall of Vicksburg, the last hope for Confederate control of the Mississippi River was lost and Port Hudson surrendered July 9, 1863(Bonham,1917).

Today a large area of land surrounding the battlefield proper has

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been acquired by the State with plans for a State Commemorative Area underway. In addition, a memorial cemetery with markers to unknown Confederate soldiers has been erected in the area to the west of the proposed right-of-way and a National Cemetery, south of the battlefield area is also in existence. The area represents great historical significance and should be protected and preserved. During the survey through the Port Hudson environs rampant vandalism was noted, particu-larly around the Civil War breastworks and the old Port Hudson cemetery.

Recommendations The construction of transmission lines, in general, is not as destructive to archaeological resources as other types of construction projects, such as highways and reservoirs. Nonetheless , Smith (1977) has outlined several impacts of transmission lines that are applicable to this survey.

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1. The mechanica1 clearing of right-of-ways generally results in a great deal of soil movement, i.e., brush moving and stump removal and promotes erosion in susceptible areas, i.e., slopes.

2. Secondly, the construction of access roads and the movement of vehicles and heavy treaded equipment for transport and erection of p.ower pole structures can cause disturbance of up to two feet or more in depth.

3. The excavation of structure placement affects only a small amount of the right-of-way due to their fairly small size and long distance between towers.

4. Clearing operations to maintain the right-of-way cause minimal, direct disturbance.

As noted above, transmission line, right-of-way construction does cause a significant impact upon the landscape and can disturb or destroy archaeological resources, particularly shallow, stratified sites.

Of the areas of archaeological significance outlined earlier in this report, six sites (#3-8) were found to be within the proposed right-of-way when visited by the survey team, Gulf States Utilities personnel and the right-of-way flagging crew. The two remaining sites (#1 & #2),

though not visited, due to a lack of certainty of the exact path to be selected for the right-of-way of line 752, were discussed with the Gulf States Utilities survey crew chief who is now aware of their exact locations. Should these sites, #1 and #2, occur within the limits of the selected right-of-way, further testing and protective measures are recommended.

3 -

11 In conclusion, the sites designated #3-8 are found within the proposed right-of-way expansions. The attached historic maps

(#4, 5, 6) clearly indicate the historical significance of this area which, at one time, was the site of the old town of Port Hudson and subsequent Civil War activities. Based on the information gleaned from the historical maps and the area's designation as both a Historic Site and National Historic Landmark, it is recom-mended that no significant soil movement, bulldozing or other mechanical land clearing techniques be undertaken between Sandy Creek and the Port Hudson-Plains Highway. ,

In addition, no earth moving should be undertaken around Site #3 and the Riddle family cemete ry. By all indications, this area is extremely rich in historic remains, requires minimal disturbance and should not be subjected to further alteration by conventional, transmission line, right-of-way construction methods. The archaeological information to be found in this area represents invaluable, non-renewable cultural resources whose preservation is protected by law. Should any earth moving activities (i.e., bulldozing, tree and stump removal or other mechanical land clearing methods) be necessary for the plact 'ent of transmission line structures within the area designated as the Port Hudson Battlefield, extensive archaeological testing will be required.

Should any further subsurface archaeological materials be uncovered during proposed construction activities, the State Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation shoudl be notified immediately.

Following the recommendations outlined above, this survey complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations regarding cultural resource surveys.

, s. .

12

. References Cited Bonham, Milledge L. , Jr.

1917 Man and Nature at Port Hudson 1863 The Military Historian

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and Economist, Vol . II, #4 October, TUT 7 and vo1. III,11, January,1918. Cambridge.

B rown , H . B .

1936 Port Hudson: A Study in Historical Geography. Unpublished Master's thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

Smith, Marion 1977 An Archeological Survey of South Carolina Electric and Gas Company's proposed Edenwood 230 KV tie lines right-of-way, Lexington County, South Carolina Institute of Archeology and Anthropology, University of South CarolinaI, Research Manuscript Series #115, ColumETa. -

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Respectfully submitted, d 5 . M#

Robert W. Neuman Curator of Museum of Anthropology

Enclosure 2

.(If STATE OF LOUISIANA k

(Y,h (

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, RECREATION AND TOURISM OFFICE OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT EDWIN W. EoWARDS E. BERNARD CARRIER. PhD J. LARRY CR AIN, PhD Governor Assistant Secretary Secretary September 21, 1978 Mr. William J. Reed, Jr.

Gulf States Utilities Company Post Office Box 2951 Beaumont, Texas 77704 Re: An Archaeological and Historical Site Survey of the River Bend Station Transmission Line, Route B, Louisiana 1978

Dear Mr. Reed:

The Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has reviewed the above referenced cultural resources survey report prepared by R. W. Neuman of Louisiana State University.

In order to meet the criteria set forth in the draft " Standards for Cultural Resources Surveys" in the Antiquities Code of Louisiana, the following additional infomation should be included in the report:

(1) Description of the environmental setting of the project area including elevations, landfoms, floral and faunal comuni ti es ;

(2) Discussion of the location and cultural associations of known hi.storic and prehistoric sites closest to the project area; (3) Brief discussion of why no sites were located during the survey; (4) Two copies of each report should be submitted to this office.

I request that this additional infomation be submitted as an addendum to the final report.

Since no historic or prehistoric sites were located during the field survey, I hereby give my final clearance for this phase of transmission line con-struction.

Sincerely yours, kh ESC:DHG:mo E. Bernard Carrier DIVislON OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION P. O. Box 44247 Baton Rouge, La. 70804 504 342-6682 cc: R. W. Neuman

.. Enclosure 2 STATE OF LOUISTANA fk.h ; DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, RECREATION AND TOURISM

_ OFFICE OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT EDW;N W. EOWARDS E. BERNARD CARRIER, PhD J. LARRY CRAIN, PhD Governor Assistant Secretary Secretary September 22, 1978 Mr. William J. Reed, Jr.

Gulf States Utilities Company Post Office Box 2951 Beaumont, Texas 77704 Re: Cultural Resources Survey of the Gulf States Utilities Transmission Line Rights of Way, Louisiana:

Line 752 - routes A and D Line 352 - routes C and E

Dear Mr. Reed:

The Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has reviewed the above referenced survey report prepared by R. W. Neuman of Louisiana State University. I would like to submit the following comments and recommendations at this time:

(1) The report should include a brief description of the environmental setting including elevation, drainage, major floral and faunal comunities.

(2) Spot find forms should be submitted for sites 1 and 2 with accompanying sketch map showing the locations of subsurface testing.

(3) Site forms should be completed and submitted for sites 3-7 (Civil War breastworks). Separate forms should be completed for sites 3 and 7. Sites 4-6 can be con-sidered one site due to their close proximity.

(4) A site form should be completed for site 8 (Riddle Family Cemetery). Site numbers and spot find numbers will be assigned by the Division when the forms are submitted to this office. The additional environmental data can be submitted as an addendum to the report.

(5) Sites 1 and 2 do not appear to meet the criteria for state registry or National Register consideration. No further work is recommended at this time. If additional artifacts (pottery, arrowheads, other stone tools) are DIVislON OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION P. O. Box 44247 Baton Rouge, La. 70804 504 342-6682

Mr. William J. Reed, Jr.

September 22, 1978 Page Two encountered during construction, this office should be notified immediately and construction temporarily halted.

(6) Every effort should be made to avoid any physical impact (terrain alteration) in the vicinities of sites 3-7. Access roads required for construction of the transmission lines should be routed wel' away from these features. Any sub-surface disturbance in close proximity to sites 3-7 (e.g.

core holes for placement of transmission poles) should be monitoredu'y a professional archaeologist. No cores should be placed within 25 feet of any of the breastworks.

(7) Site 8 (Riddle Cemetery) should be avoided by all construc-tion activities.

(8) Any subsurface terrain alteration occurring within the limits of the Port Hudson Battlefield National Historic Landmark should be monitored by a professional archaeologist.

If these recommendations are followed, the adverse impacts on the Port Hudson Battlefield and other cultural resources within the project area should be minimized. This letter can be considered as my final clearance of this project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely yours,

('p<%uW '

n.A" '

E. Bernard Carrier State Historic Preservation Officer EBC:DHG:mp cc: R. W. Neuman

' Enclosure 3 T;J 6

GULF STATE'S UTILITIES COMPANY aoST CP F ICE SOX 29 51

• SEAUM ONT. T 5XA 5 77704 A R EA CQOE 7 1 3 838 66 3 1 February 5, 1979 RBG - 6097 Mr. E. Bernard Carrier, Assistant Secretary Office of Progra Development - State of Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Touris:

Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation P. O. Box 44257 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Dear Sir:

File G10.5: Environ = ental - History, Land Use, Transport, Trans=ission, and Seis= ology Attached are two copies of the following infor=ation you r2 quested in your letters dated Septe=ber 21, 1978 and Septe=ber 22, 1978:

1) Archaeological and historical site surveys

2) Description of the inviron= ental settings for the transmission routes

3) Known historical and prehistorical sites closest to the project area.

, 4) Spot find for=s for sites 1 and 2

5) Site forms for sites 3-7

6) Site for= for site 8

7) GSU co==it=ents We recognize, as you stated in both of these letters, that your final clearance for the transmission line routes has been given.

Sincerely, Wf J. E. 3coker Manager - River Send Project WJR/=b Attach =ents