Phase lc Archaeological Subsurface Investigation of the Rockport Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewer Lines, Spencer County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of the City of Rockport, Indiana, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) performed a Phase le archaeological subsurface reconnaissance of the proposed Rockport Wastewater Treatment Plant and its associated sewer line. Based on the results of a previous Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey, the Divis10n of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, Indiana Department ofNatural Resources (DHPA) required additional archaeological investigations in order to determine the nature and extent of any previously undisturbed subsurface cultural deposits within the project area. The goals of Phase le archaeological investigations were: 1) to determine the presence, nature, and extent ofsubsurface cultural materials within the proposed impact areas; 2) to evaluate any cultural materials or deposits with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register ofHistoric Sites and Structures (IRHSS); and 3) to make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant cultural resources. Fieldwork for the present survey was conducted by GBL archaeologists Patrick O'Brien, Robert G. McCullough, and Brian W. Troyer between June 8 and 15, 2000. During an initial on-site visit by Patrick O'Brien on June 8th, the City of Rockport redesigned the sewer lines to avoid the previously undisturbed portion of the Ohio River floodplain, rendering the majority of the project situated on Pleistocene terrace. Investigations conducted by the GBL failed to detect any buried archaeological resources. Site 12 Sp 77 will be impacted by the proposed sewer line. Based on the paucity of artifacts and age of the Tazewell Terrace, it is the opinion of the GBL that the portion of site 12 Sp 77 which lies within the proposed sewer line is not potentially eligible for the NRHP. Thus, it is the recommendation of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology that the project be allowed to proceed without further archaeological investigations. However, if previously unknown archaeological deposits or human remains are discovered during construction, all work in the vicinity must cease and the DHPA must be contacted within two working days pursuant to regulations put forth in IC 14-21-1.