Geomorphological Study of the Little Pigeon Creek Floodplain for the Proposed Replacement of the Bridge over Little Pigeon Creek on S.R. 245, INDOT Project: STP 5674 0, Des. No 9620010, Spencer County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of the Indiana Department of Transportation., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology Office of Cultural Resource Management, Indiana University (GBLOCRM) has been requested to conduct Phase Ic subsurface archaeological investigations for the replacement of the bridge over Little Pigeon Creek on Indiana Highway 245 in Spencer County. The proposed project will also straighten out the path of the existing highway and a new right-of-way will be required. The area to be tested is limited to the portion of the new right-of-way that contains the Philo silt loam, an area covering approximately 8,750 m2. In the spring of 2001, GBL-OCRM archaeologist, Melody Pope, conducted a brief reconnaissance of the project area. After this initial reconnaissance, Ms. Pope discussed the project area with Mr. Jim Mohow, DHPA and it was agreed that a geomorphologic study using systematic angering should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of conducting further subsurface testing. Because of other project priorities, the Spencer geomorphologic study was put on hold. On July 11, 2002, GBL archaeologists Melody Pope and George Mankowski conducted a second reconnaissance to the project area in order to plan a testing strategy. Fieldwork was conducted July 24 and 25th 2002 by GBL archaeologists George Mankowski and Tamara Hull for the geomorphologic survey of the above described project area. It is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that a phase Ic subsurface reconnaissance is not necessary due to the extremely limited vertical extent of the Ap and A soil horizons. Furthermore, the fact that the auger probe survey and original Ph Ia reconnaissance was negative for cultural material, it is also the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that it is unlikely that significant cultural resources will be impacted by construction, therefore clearance is recommended for the proposed bridge replacement over Little Pigeon Creek, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.