Archaeological Survey for the Columbia Gas Transmission Line L-723 Replacement in Ashland County, Ohio
- Project Name: Archaeological Survey for the Columbia Gas Transmission Line L-723 Replacement
- Location: Ashland County, Ohio
- Rural and/or Urban: Rural
- Client: Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation
- Lead Agency: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Dates: May 2008
- CRA Project Manager: Flora Church
Project Description: Under contract with Columbia Gas Transmission Company, CRA conducted a phase I archaeological survey for the proposed Line L-723 gas line replacement in Orange and Montgomery townships, Ashland County, Ohio. Pre-field background research discovered no evidence of previously recorded archaeological sites or historic-era buildings/structures within the project area.
The project area crossed varied terrain including rolling ground moraine, terrace, and floodplain situated between the minor drainage of Katotawa Creek and the major drainage of Jerome Fork of Mohican River. Mixed vegetation was present ranging from second growth forest, open pasture, and fields in various stages of agricultural production. The entire project area was examined systematically by pedestrian survey and the excavation of shovel test pits. Additionally, three areas located in the floodplain of Jerome Fork were sampled by the excavation of bucket auger tests to tests for buried cultural deposits.
Five previously undocumented archaeological sites were recorded. Sites 33AS494, 33AS495, 33AS496, and 33AS497 represent prehistoric occupations and 33AS498 represents a small historic refuse dump. Each of the sites was recommended not eligible to the National Register of Historic Places.