Proposed Texas Pipeline LTD Star 12,000-Foot-Long Power Transmission Line on University of Texas Lands, Ward County, Texas

Abstract

Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) was contracted by PNM Resources to conduct a Phase I archeological survey on lands owned by The University of Texas System in Ward County, Texas, the location of a proposed 12,000-foot-long power transmission line. Since the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned by a public institution of higher education, this project required compliance under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas (Natural Resources Code, Chapter 191) and its implementing rules (Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 26). The proposed project area comprises an easement approximately 12,000 feet (2.27 miles) long and approximately 30 feet wide. The total area covered is approximately 8.26 acres. Terracon archeologists excavated a total of forty (40) shovel tests to a depth of 80 centimeters (cm) below surface (bs), or to sediments predating human occupation in the area. The removed sediment was passed through ¼” hardware mesh to recover artifacts. One prehistoric archeological site, 41WR139, was recorded during the survey. The portion of the site that is within the project area is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). Jenni Hatchett Kimbell served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8996. Fieldwork was conducted between July 16 and July 17, 2019 by Michael Hogan (Staff Archeologist) and Edgar Vazquez (Staff Archeologist). The report was authored by Michael Hogan and Jenni Hatchett Kimbell. Project records will be curated at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) at the University of Texas at Austin. Given the absence of NRHP-eligible archeological sites within the proposed project area, Terracon recommends that the installation of the power transmission line proceed as planned. In the event that human remains, historic properties, or buried cultural materials are encountered during construction or disturbance activities, work should cease in the immediate area but can continue where no cultural materials are present. TNMP Environmental Services Department should be contacted.