2021-013 Hickory Creek Interceptor Archeological FindingsDate: March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-013
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Provide details on the archeological findings at the Hickory Creek Interceptor project site.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During the March 2, 2021 Capital Projects Update work session, Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested
information on details associated with the archeological findings at the project site for the Hickory
Creek Interceptor Project.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the Hickory Creek Interceptor project design, an archeological survey was conducted
in October 2020 covering 2.46 miles of the proposed wastewater interceptor easement along
Hickory Creek.
The survey consisted of visual inspection and backhoe trenching of 24 trenches spaced
approximately 476 feet apart and approx. 6.5-8.5 feet deep. Two archeological sites were
recorded, one formerly known near Bonnie Brae but the area has expanded with this survey. The
second is a newly found site near US 377. Both sites had similar characteristics. Specifically,
they are deeply buried under
more than a meter of
alluvium (clay or silt left by
flowing water) and both sites
exhibit burned sandstone rock
concentrations and mussel
shell debris in a thick cultural
sediment zone marked by
calcium carbonate filaments.
Both sites are of unknown
eligibility as State Antiquities
Landmarks until further
testing is completed.
To-date, one artifact has been
collected, a Kent-like dart
point (arrowhead). All
remaining material at the sites
has been field recorded
instead of collected.
41DTN580
41DTN624
Site locations are depicted above
Date: March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-013
Conclusion/Next Steps:
An archeological survey found that the two sites contain indigenous pre-contact period features.
As avoidance of the sites is not feasible for completion of the Hickory Creek Interceptor Project,
formal eligibility testing for them has been recommended by the Texas Historical Commission
(THC), the state board which oversees review and compliance for Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (NRHP) and the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). Staff is currently
working with a consultant to ensure necessary site protections and archeological discovery can
occur while also proceeding with the selection of a contractor to construct the first two phases of
the Hickory Creek Interceptor project.
NORTHERN SITE SUMMARY
A) Late Archaic/Woodland Period dart point
on the surface of the exposed detention pond bank.
A
B
C
Date: March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-013
B) Mussel shell fragments and burned
sandstone from Trench 2
C) Burned sandstone feature in floor of Trench 3
at a depth of 8.75 feet below surface.
Date: March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-013
SOUTHERN SITE SUMMARY
Four (4) trenches were tested positive (Trenches 12, 13, 14, 15). The main concentration of
material at Site 41DN624 is located on the north site of the BNSF Railroad and US 377.
Although the limits of the site are drawn to extend around Trench 15 on the south side of the
roadway, investigators noted just two tabular burned sandstone rocks and just three mussel shell
fragments in trench walls.
D) Burned sandstone cluster Trench 12,
buried 4.25 feet below surface.
(14)
D (12)
E (13)
(15)
Date: March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-013
STAFF CONTACTS:
Rachel Wood
Deputy Director of Capital Projects
(940) 349-7718
Rachel.Wood@cityofdenton.com
Tracy Beck
Construction Project Manager
(940) 349-8925
Tracy.Beck@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
One hour