SERVICES:
Preliminary Cultural Resource Assessment
Phase I Archaeological Assessment

LOCATION:
Palmer, PA

CLIENT:
Langan Engineering and the Charles Chrin Companies

The Charles Chrin Companies are proposing a full diamond interchange at the existing crossing of State Road 33 and 1002 in Palmer Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Langan prepared a Level 1b Categorical Exclusion to attain an environmental clearance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with PennDOT and Federal Highway Administration requirements for a Point of Access (POA) Study. Wetlands, threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, and prime farmland issues were addressed during the study.

After requesting additional information on the project the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) determined that portions of the project site were undisturbed and required archaeological survey. AHRS conducted a Phase I Archaeological Survey for the project site to evaluate absence or presence of cultural materials. A total of 137 shovel test pits were hand excavated up to 86 centimeters in depth. The field testing resulted in recovery of 43 historic artifacts and no prehistoric artifacts (Native American). As a result AHRS completed and submitted a Negative Survey form to PHMC. PHMC reviewed the survey and concurred with the results of the survey.