Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Location for the New Johnson Western Wastewater Treatment Plant, Johnson County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of Omni Engineering, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance-level survey of the proposed location for the new Johnson Western Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The proposed project area includes one parcel of land designated for the plant site (approximately 4.4 acres), and one parcel of land for its associated main lift station (approximately 0.4 acres). Omni Engineering had staked the boundaries of both parcels prior to the beginning of fieldwork. The new plant site will be located west of State Road 37, approximately 400 meters north of the intersection of SR 37 and Stones Crossing Road (CR 700 North). Its associated lift station will be located approximately 125 meters east of the plant site, on the east side of SR 37. A total of approximately 4.8 acres was surveyed. The purposes of survey were 1) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project area, 2) to evaluate any sites found with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS), and 3) to make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant cultural resources. Fieldwork was conducted November 6, 8, and 10, 2000 by GBL archaeologists Mary E. Pirkl, Daniel C. Seib, and Melody K. Pope. No cultural materials were discovered during the course of survey. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the proposed plant and lift station locations, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently delineated project area boundaries.