A Stage IA Archaeological Survey Of
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APPENDIX J Archeological Resources June 1, 2016 Ms. Katherine Marcopul, Administrator Mail Code 501-04B State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office P.O. Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625-0420 Re: Trenton-Mercer Airport Environmental Assessment for Mitigation of Incompatible Land Uses and Obstructions File: 280.008.002 Dear. Ms. Marcopul: On behalf of Mercer County, C&S Engineers, Inc., is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to address Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) incompatible land uses and mitigate obstructions at Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in the Township of Ewing, New Jersey. The EA will evaluate the environmental impacts associated addressing incompatible land uses in the RPZs and mitigating obstructions to the navigable airspace surrounding TTN. Since the proposed project will involve funding and approvals from federal, state, and local agencies, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review is necessary to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements to assess impacts associated with airport development projects. The FAA is the NEPA lead agency for the proposed project. The purpose for this project is to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations conducted at the Airport by addressing obstructions to navigable airspace and to enhance the protection of people and property on the ground by addressing incompatible land uses within the runway protection zones. The need for the project is to protect the airspace surrounding Trenton-Mercer Airport in accordance with federal regulations, design standards, and grant assurances (obligations). The proposed project is shown on the attached drawings (see Figures 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5) and includes the following: Critical on and off airport obstruction mitigation: • Removal of tree canopy area (67.88 acres on and 1.89 acres off) • Removal of individual trees (43 trees on and 2 off) • Grading of 3.3 acres of terrain • Lighting of three areas of fence and two antennas • Avigation easement or one time right of entry for three parcels • Removal of four utility poles Off airport obstruction mitigation: • Removal of up to 48.75 acres of tree canopy area • Removal of up to 193 individual trees • Right of first refusal for the purchase of nine residences to remove residential structures (nine houses and four shed) • Avigation easement or one time right of entry for 113 parcels • Lighting of nine utility poles and one transmission tower • Installing three solar LED lights on fencing to mark a railroad (Runway 34 end) • Removal and relocation of two communication towers RPZ Mitigation • Right of first refusal for the purchase of six residences to remove buildings At this time we are requesting the Historic Preservation Office’s review of the enclosed Stage IA and IB surveys prepared by R. Alan Mounier, dated August 2015 and February 2016 respectively, for the proposed project. Please let us know if anything further is required by your office to receive a finding of no effect. If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact me at 716-955-3017, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, C&S ENGINEERS, INC. Gayle M. McKee, C.M. Senior Project Planner enc. A Stage IA Survey of Trenton-Mercer Airport Obstruction Removal Project Ewing Township, Mercer County, N.J. prepared for C & S Engineers 90 Broadway Buffalo, N.Y. 14223 by R. Alan Mounier, Archaeologist P.O. Box 245, Newfield, N.J. 08344 August 18, 2015 Abstract The Trenton-Mercer Airport proposes to remove obstructions that exist upon and surrounding its holdings in Ewing Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. The obstructions primarily consist of trees that pose potential hazards to aviation, but certain buildings and other structures are also involved. During June of 2015, the firm of R. Alan Mounier, Archaeologist undertook a preliminary archaeological investigation to identify and tentatively evaluate archaeological and historical sites at or near the affected locations, which cover slightly more than 100 acres. Background research indicates the existence of historic archaeological remains in the northwestern portion of the airport property. Prehistoric archaeological finds have been reported near the airport but not within its boundaries. One location to the south of the airport occupies a setting that suggests the possible presence of prehistoric remains. The proposed obstruction removal does not affect any presently recognized cultural resources. The proposed undertaking does not conflict with known prehistoric sites. A Stage IB Survey is recommended to determine whether any previously unrecorded prehistoric sites reside in the work areas to the south of the airfield. With this exception no further archaeological or historical services are recommended. Table of Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................................ iv List of Figures .............................................................................................................................................................................. iv List of Plates ................................................................................................................................................................................. iv Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Disposition of Records and Finds .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Project Description .................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Key Personnel ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Area of Potential Effects .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Settlement Model ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Probability Zones ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Theoretical Orientation ............................................................................................................................................................. 19 Research Methods ...................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Geography ................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Project Location and Size ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Setting ................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Prehistoric Background ............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Historical Background ............................................................................................................................................................... 24 Ewing Township History .................................................................................................................................................. 25 Trenton-Mercer Airport .................................................................................................................................................... 28 Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................................................. 31 Soil Profiles .......................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Previous Cultural Resource Surveys ............................................................................................................................... 31 Previously Recognized Archaeological Sites, Historical Properties, and Historic Districts ................................ 32 Evaluation .................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Potential Effects ................................................................................................................................................................