T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationFAA and RIAC will continue to consult with the WHCC regarding impacts to this cemetery in accordance withChapter 12 of the City of Warwick ordinances and Rhode Island General Law 23-18-11. FAA and RIAC willalso continue consultation with the NITHPO and discuss the effects Airport improvements may have on eitherof these resources.Cole Lot (WHC 76)The area surrounding the Cole Lot was examined byground penetrating radar (GPR). Data along 26 GPR transectswere collected, covering an area approximately 1,500 square feet. A number of deep discontinuous reflections wereidentified that were not interpreted as grave shafts. Within these general areas of soil disturbance are strongreflections representing possible lenses of gravel that occur naturally in the soils. The GPR survey of the Cole Lotsuggests that there are no grave shafts outside of the currently delineated boundary represented by the iron fence.Northup Lot (WHC 77)Investigations at the Northup Lot consisted of a combination of GPR and machine stripping. The GPR surveyconsisted of 24 transects covering approximately 1,200 square feet and produced multiple reflections consistentwithin disturbed, previously excavated soils, or potential grave shafts including several between the stockadewood fence north of the Northup Lot and Main Avenue. Machine stripping between Main Avenue and thefence only exposed two subsurface anomalies that are 20th century in origin and not associated with thecemetery. No other indications of subsurface disturbance indicating potential graves were noted in the trench.Howard, Remington, Arnold, Ransbottom (WHC 78)GPR survey of this site consisted of 53 individual transects covering approximately 2,600 square feet, indicatingmultiple reflections consistent with disturbed or previously excavated soils. The survey also indicated irregularreflections characteristic of natural layering produced by soil formation processes. The GPR survey producedseveral strong reflections between the cemetery and Main Avenue within an area of general soil disturbance.The survey at WHC 78 identified several locations that potentially could be unmarked burials. The presence ofunmarked burials could be confirmed through subsurface investigations if such investigations are approved byproperty owners.4.7.2.5 Archaeological Sites Identified within the APEThree pre-contact Native American archaeological sites were identified within the APE. They are designated theDouble L site, the Top Flight site, and the Striped Feather site. Figure 4-21 shows the general location of thesesites. Based on site examinations, the Striped Feather site did not meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP. TheDouble L site has been determined conditionally eligible pending additional subsurface investigations. The TopFlight site was determined potentially significant for the information it contains relative to understanding pastNative American activities in and around the Buckeye Brook watershed.A number of areas within the APE have not been surveyed because of denied access and/or later changes in thedesign of the Improvement Program. Later changes in the design concepts include the development ofAlternative B4 to with a Realigned Main Avenue (as described below) and the identification of proposedwetland mitigation areas. Additional archaeological survey would be conducted in areas where direct impactsChapter 4 – Affected Environment 4-47 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH04_Affected_Env_JUL_2011.doc