HomeMy WebLinkAboutArchaeological Report - BP (Part 1)34I
Author: Sylvester L. Lahren, Jr. Ph.D.
Title of Report: Interim Report for Archaeological Excavation Permit No: 2014-05:
Archaeological Survey and Testing of the House and Garage
Foundation Areas, 630 Beckett Point Road, Jefferson County,
Washington
Date of Report: April 18, 20124 - xJw,Fr�%a- hr
County(ies): Jefferson Section: 23 Township: 30 N Range: 2 W
Quad: Gardiner, WA 1984 Acres: .04
PDF of report submitted (REQUIRED): Yes
Historic Property Export Files to be Approved Online? No
Archaeological Site(s)/Isolate(s) Found or Amended? No
TCP(s) found? No
Replace a draft? No
Satisfy a DAHP Archaeological Excavation Permit requirement? # 2014-05
DAHP Archaeological Site #: 45JE305
• Submission of PDFs is required.
• Please be sure that any PDF submitted to
DAHP has its cover sheet, figures,
graphics, appendices, attachments,
correspondence, etc., compiled into one
single PDF file.
• Please check that the PDF displays
correctly when opened.
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 1 of 19
3.2
Introduction
Mr. Dana Hamar plans to construct a single-family residence and garage on his residential lots (MLA13-
00068, Lots 36 & 37) located at 620 Beckett Point Road, Port Townsend, Washington (Figures 1- 4). Mr.
Hamar retained Sylvester L. Lahren, Jr. Ph.D. to provide the archaeological services necessary to
complete the project.
In order to develop his lots for these structures the following seven ground disturbing activities (GDAs)
will be required (Figures 5 & 6):
GDA Description
1 Demolition of concreted bulkhead
2 Replacement of bulkhead
3 Removal of residence foundation
4 Excavation of residence footprint
5 Excavation of garage footprint
6 Excavation of underground utilities
7 Excavation for grinder pump
Depth of excavation
24 inches (61 cm) below ground surface
36 inches (91 cm) below ground surface
24 inches (61 cm) below ground surface
24 inches (61 cm) below ground surface
24 inches (61 cm) below ground surface
24 inches (61 cm) below ground surface
96 inches (244 cm) below ground surface
Beckett Point is the location of prehistoric archaeological site 45JE305 (Wessen and Hutchings 2007). On
October 17, 2013 Ms. Gretchen Kaehler (2013a:1), Assistant State Archaeologist, Department of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) sent a letter to Ms. Zoe Ann Lamp (Planner, Jefferson
County) stating that a professional archaeologist must be present to monitor demolition and bulkhead
replacement and that a monitoring plan needed to be submitted to DAHP and interested Tribes for review
two weeks before commencement of the project. In addition, she stated that the correspondence indicates
that there are plans to construct a single-family residence, which will require a professional
archaeological survey prior to ground disturbance for the residence.
On October 30, 2013 Ms. Kaehler (2013b:1) sent a second letter to Ms. Zoe Ann Lamp stating that the
proposed project is within 200 feet of a precontact human burial and that an "Archaeological -Permit"
from DAHP is required for Archaeological Monitoring and it will take 45 to 60 days for DAHP to review
and issue the permit. Dr. Lahren submitted an application to DAHP for a permit and February 19, 2014
and on April 9, 2014 "Permit No: 2-14-05" was approved to conduct the (1) archaeological survey, and
(2) presence/absence testing.
The survey and testing was completed on April 18, 2014. No archaeological resources were observed
during the survey or testing. Due to the sensitive nature of this location, monitoring is recommended for
all ground disturbing activities associated with this project.
Beckett Point is a small point jutting out into Discovery Bay located 10 miles from the City of Port
Townsend in Jefferson County, Washington. The Beckett Point Fisherman's Club, which land -lease lots
on a long-term basis, owns the community. Beckett Point area is located in the northeastern portion of
Discovery Bay in Jefferson County and consists of about 20 acres (Figures 1, 2 & 3). Most of it is located
in the eastern half of Section 23, Township 30 North, Range 2 West with a small portion of the
southeastern corner extending into the southwestern quarter of Section 24, Township 30 North, Range 2
West. This land area has been extensively altered by historic developments. Much of the lagoon has been
filled and two roads and numerous residences (72) have been built along the outer edges of the point.
Fifty-eight of the homes are located along Beckett Point Road and 14 houses arc scattered along View
Point Lane.
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 2 of 19
3:3
The project is subject to review for potential effects to historic properties under state laws and regulations
protecting cultural resources (e.g., RCW 27.44, RCW 27.53). The Archaeological Sites and Resources
Act (RCW 27.53) prohibits knowingly disturbing archaeological sites without a permit from the
Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), and the Indian Graves and
Records Act (RCW 27.44) prohibits knowingly disturbing Native American or historic graves. This
assessment was developed with the goal of ensuring that no cultural resources are disturbed during
construction of the proposed project and to determine the potential for any as -yet unrecorded cultural
resources within the project area.
Wessen and Hutchings (2007:33) have identified an area of "Disturbed Midden" they called D4 which
includes the lots located at 620 Beckett Point Road (Figure 7). The human remains were located at the
boat ramp and extend northward into what has been identified as "Potentially Intact Midden" number P14
(Figure 7).
(a) Sufficient background information and summary of previous field investigation, research
and data gaps about the site(s) proposed for excavation such that the reviewers have a
comprehensive understanding of the site(s) and current research questions to be able to review the
proposal as a complete document.
Prior to 2007, there had been no archaeological studies of Beckett Point. According to Gunther (1927),
Beckett Point is located within the traditional territory of the S'Klallam Indian cultural group (Wessen
2009a:1). In 2007, an archaeological survey and evaluation of site 45JE305 was conducted on Beckett
Point in order to allow the installation of a new sewer line system (Wessen and Hutchings 2007; Wessen
2007). Wessen (2009a:1-2) states that his literature search for this project revealed no ethnographic or
early historic documents that identified a S'Klallam settlement on Beckett Point. Referring to his work in
2007, Wessen (2009a:1-2) summarized the local archaeology as follows:
That worked (sic) identified areas of apparently intact, and clearly disturbed, shell
midden deposits at several locations on the Beckett Point landform. The graves, however,
were not directly associated with the shell midden deposits and it is therefore not possible
to draw clear inferences about where additional graves might be located. As such, the
entire landform was recorded as archaeological site 45JE305 (Wessen and Hutchings
2007) (Wessen 2009a:1-2).
The potential for encountering archaeological materials at Beckett Point varies considerably within the
area. Wessen and Hutchings (2007) have shown that the landform consists of three types of locations: (I )
locations with potentially intact cultural deposits, (2) locations with disturbed cultural materials, and (3)
locations that have no cultural deposits or cultural materials. It is also known that much of the Beckett
Point area has been covered with fill materials that have been deposited there by the residents over the last
60 years. In some areas, these fill materials may have covered intact cultural deposits. It is also possible
that cultural deposits may have been quarried and the cultural sediments were then used as a fill material
elsewhere in the area. Shell midden deposits and graves are known to be present at Beckett Point, but
these previously identified sites are not associated with each other. However, there is the potential for
middens and graves to be associated.
Wessen and Hutchings 2007 study did evaluate the 620 and 630 Beckett Point addresses and found the
following soils profiles and cultural materials, which they classified as "Disturbed Midden:"
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 3 of 19
3 . L4
Table 1. 620 & 630 Beckett Point soil profiles (Wessen and Hutchings 2007, Appendix C:12).
Subsurface
"rest
Depth
Matrix Description
Comment
#
(cm)
Gravel Driveway;
650
0-19
Very compact angular gravel
Fill
Moderately compact sand (fill); Utility
Fill of
I9-40
pipe at 35.40 cm: very few FCR and s
Disturbed
rra sent: slight bark stem
Acolianovcr
iOYR'4r'? fine sand w no shell;
40.170
Gravel pat enwrit let. 170 cm
Pavement,
Tcmt.',c"z 17Ocm'Rckk
Disturbed rine sandy gttvels %r. rolled
shell nags, FCR, and charcoal; 5'!.
(ars%cl Xk alkwayr'
640
0.58
discoid gravels; Nails present and
Disturbed Middcn
Utility pipe at 55 cm
an
Acohover
58-86
IOYR'412 fine sand. no shill
Gravel Pavement/
Gravel Pavcancm fu! 86 cm
Tcmt.,•d, 86cm,'Rock
630
0-25
Very compact grascll ° tine sand
Disturbed fit "z
IOYRr`3f2 mtddcn lens w-' no gravel,
25-45
sparse shell. 2 fish bone, and brown bottle
Disturbed Glidden
Blass at 45 cm
IOYR'4r2 sand w; 5% rounded g mcl;
Aeolian over
45-110
Pavement/
Gravel Pavement ry 110 cm
Tctm.(& I IOcmiRock
620
0'30
IOS RA 3 One ..and
hill
30-70
IOYRF12'2 dark floc sand ,% ms roi:k and
Disturbed Midden
rew shelf frao
IOYRt412 sand:
ovcr
70-110
Gravel Pavement 4% 110 cm
PavcmeAeolian
TermAntz
Tertrt.fdl 11 Oem'Rock
Specifically, at the 620 address they identify three stratums of which stratum two is classified as
Disturbed Midden and occurs between 12 to 28 inches (30 - 70 cmbs).
Since Wessen and Hutchings work at Beckett Point in 2007, Wessen (2009a, 2009b), has reported on two
archaeological survey projects located at 840 and 970 Beckett Point Road and one monitoring project
(Wessen 2011). No archaeological resources were observed during these studies. Bard and Lahren (2009,
20 10) and Lahren (2011 a, 2011 b, 2011 a -g) have conducted 11 archaeological survey, testing, and
monitoring projects at Beckett Point and no archaeological resources were observed during these studies.
All of these reports are on filed with DAHP.
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 4 of 19
3.s
(b) The nature and extent of the work proposed, including how and why it is proposed to be
conducted and the methods proposed for excavation and recovery, number and placement of
excavation units, proposed excavation volumes, proposed time of performance, locational maps,
and a completed site inventory form.
The goal of this effort is to identify any archaeological resources that might be present in the project area
and to document them. The objective of the survey and presencelabsence testing was to ascertain if intact
archaeological deposits are present within the project footprint (Figures 4 & 5). Archaeological resources
could include additional shell midden deposits and/or graves as both are already known to be present at
Beckett Point. The following three phases and associated tasks needed to be completed to accomplish this
goal:
Phase 1:
Task 1 • Prepare an (1) Archaeological Excavation Permit and (2) Inadvertent Discovery Plan to
Conduct and an archaeological survey and presence/absence testing of the project area.
Task 2: The application was submitted on February 19, 2014 and "Permit No: 2014-05 issued on April 9,
2014.
Phase 2: Task 1: The permitted survey and testing was completed on April 18, 2014.
The excavation footprint of the proposed residence and garage had been outlined on the ground with pin
flags. A pedestrian survey was conducted which covered 100% of the surface area of the lot. Most of the
garage surface area was covered with lawn and there was less vegetation on the residence lot (Figure 4).
The surface survey did not reveal any archaeological resources.
The surface survey was augmented by presence/absence shovel testing. Nine Test Units (TUs) were hand
excavated using a shovel and barrel auger. Excavated materials were set aside and visually examined as
each partial shovel/auger probe was extracted. Due to the sensitive nature of this area, the amount of
material excavated during each partial probe was approximately 4 inches (10 cm) or less. Four TUs were
placed at the four comers of the proposed residence and four were placed at the corners of the garage and
all eight were excavated to a depth of 76 centimeters (30") below the surface (cmbs). One TU was placed
at the location of the grinder pump and it was excavated to a depth of 86 cmbs (34") and was terminated
at this point due to rock. Due to the small amount of sediment excavated for each probe, it was not
necessary to use a screen. Each TU was back-filled after examination. A utility locate was conducted
prior to testing (# 14089335). The depositional structure exposed in each TU is recorded in Table 2. The
presencelabsence testing did not reveal any archaeological resources.
Table 2. 620 Beckett Point soil profiles 2014.
TU #
Depth
Description
Comments
1
0-76 cmbs (0-30")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 2" rounded
NW comer of residence, appears to be fill
gravel
from the beach
0-30 cmbs (0-12")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 2" rounded
NE comer of residence, beach fill?
2
gravel
30-76 cmbs (12-30")
Beach sand
0-30 cmbs (0-12")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 2" rounded
SE corner of residence, beach fill?
3
gravel
30-76 cmbs (12-30")
Beach sand
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 5 of 19
SAO
4
0-76 cmbs (0-30")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 2" rounded
gravel
SW corner of residence
0-10 cmbs (0-4")
Sod
NW comer of garage
5
10-76 cmbs (4-30")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 1" rounded
gravel
Fill
6
Same as TU5
NE comer of garage, Fill
7
Same as TUS
SE comer of garage, Fill
8
0-10 cmbs (0-4")
Sod
SW comer of garage
10-76 cmbs (4-30")
Brown loamy sand, no gravel
Fill
9
0-30 cmbs (0-12")
Brown loamy sand w/3/4 to 2" rounded
gravel
Grinder pump location
30-83 cmbs (12-34")
Beachsand
Terminate @ rock
Task 2: This is the interim report required to be submitted to DAHP and the Tribes for their review.
Interim Report Summary and Recommendation
The survey and testing was completed on April 18, 2014. No archaeological resources were observed
during the survey or testing. Due to the sensitive nature of this location, monitoring is recommended for
all ground disturbing activities associated with this project.
Phase 3: To be completed at a later date after the interim report is approved by DAHP.
Task 1: Depending on the results of that review, an addendum will be developed for any
additional archaeological work required such as monitoring and/or data recovery.
Task 2: Complete the permitted monitoring.
Task 3: Prepare final report for Phase 3.
Task 4: Preparation of an updated site form, if necessary.
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 6 of 19
3.7
Inadvertent Discovery Plan
Discovery Procedures
In the event of an archaeological discovery while surveying and testing or monitoring, the following
procedures will be implemented consistent with State laws (RCW 27.44 [Indian Graves and Records],
RCW-27.53 [Archaeological Sites and Resources], and RCW 68.60 [Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries
and Historic Graves]). At the first indication of a discovery, ground disturbance will be terminated.
Lahren will take appropriate action to clarify the nature of the discovery, secure the site, and notify
appropriate officials. He may examine the materials encountered, but no additional digging in that test
unit will occur and no cultural materials will be recovered or collected.
If the discovery appears to be an archaeological deposit with no human remains, Lahren will finish the
survey and presence/absence testing and then notify: (1) the property owner, (2) DAHP, (3) Jamestown
S'Klallam Tribe, (4) Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, (5) Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, (6) Skokomish Tribe
and (7) Jefferson County UDC Administrator (list below). Details of the discovery will be discussed with
these parties and the decisions about subsequent treatments will be developed based on these discussions.
If human remains are discovered, Lahren will immediately cease all activities and notify the following
entities: (1) the property owner, (2-3) DAHP, (4) Clallam County Sheriff, and (5) Clallam County
Coroner, (6) Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, (7) Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and (8) Lower Elwha Klallam
Tribe, (9) Skokomish Indian Tribe, and (10) Jefferson County UDC Administrator (see list below). The
Coroner will assume jurisdiction over the human remains and will determine if the remains are forensic or
non -forensic. If the remains are determined non -forensic, the Coroner will report that finding to the
DAHP, who will assume jurisdiction and report this finding to the appropriate cemeteries and Tribes. The
State Physical Anthropologist will examine the human remains and determine if the remains are Indian or
Non -Indian and report that finding to the affected parties. The DAHP will then handle all consultation
with the affected parties as to the future preservation or excavation and disposition of the remains.
DISCOVERY CONTACT LIST
1. Mr. Dana Hamar, Property Owner, 360.620.7130
2. DAHP, Local Government Archaeologist, Gretchen Kaehler, 360.586.3088
3. DAHP, State Physical Anthropologist, Dr. Guy Tasa, 360.586.3534
4. Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, Sheriff Tony Hernandez, 360.385.3831
5. Jefferson County Coroner's Office, Coroner Scott W. Rosekrans, 360.385.9180
6. Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Cultural Resources Specialist, Gideon Cauffman, 360.681.4638
7. Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, THPO, Dr. Josh Wisniewski, 360.633.1899
8. Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Cultural Resources Archaeologist, Bill White, 360.452.8471, ext.
7424
9. Skokomish Indian Tribe, THPO, Kris Miller, 360.426.4232, ext. 21
10. Jefferson County UDC Administrator, Stacy Hoskins, 360.379.4463
(c) Summary of the environmental setting and depositional context, with an emphasis on vegetation,
past and present available natural resources, geomorphology and formation processes, and their
relationship to the archaeological deposits.
See Wessen and Hutchings' (2007) analysis of Beckett Point archaeology for a detailed discussion of
archaeological, cultural, and environmental contexts.
Archaeological Report for Permit No: 2014-05
Page 7 of 19