Between October 15 and November 9, 2018, Brockington and Associates, Inc. (Brockington) completed Phase I cultural resources survey for the 473.0-acre Tailwagger project tract. This tract is located approximately 1.9 kilometers (km) east of the intersection of Interstate-95 (I-95) and Belfast Kellar Road in southeastern Bryan County. The cultural resources investigations were carried out for Resource and Land Consultants on behalf of Raydient Places in partial fulfilment of guidelines established for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permit. These investigations follow standards and guidelines that are in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (as amended). The cultural resources survey includes both an archaeological and a historic architectural survey component. Archival research revealed no previously recorded cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites or historic resources) within the project tract’s Area of Potential Effects (APE). Archaeological field investigations consisted of 30-meter-interval shovel testing and pedestrian survey within the project tract. The architectural survey entailed a viewshed analysis of all potentially historic buildings, structures, and landscape features in the vicinity of the proposed project. Our field investigations identified that the majority of the project tract has been severely disturbed by past silviculture activities. In addition, much of the project tract is situated in low-lying sandy flats, depressions, and drainages, with predominantly hydric soils. Combined, these conditions are not optimal for past settlements and intact archaeological site locations. Our field investigation identified three isolated finds, all of which are recommended not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No historic architectural resources were identified within the project tract or its viewshed. Therefore, no additional cultural resources management considerations are warranted for this project, and we recommend cultural resources clearance for the proposed Tailwagger project tract.
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