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New Elk Mine Bridge Repair and Replacement Project <br />arcadis.com <br />New Elk Mine Cultural Report_TB_Rev030722 NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE 23 <br />5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS <br />This report presents the background research and results of the historical and architectural survey for the <br />Project. Arcadis conducted a literature review to identify any known cultural resources within the Records <br />Search Area on November 5, 2021. Arcadis also reviewed numerous archival resources (e.g., American <br />Iron and Steel Association 1908; CF&I 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904; DeBoer 1953; McKenzie 1982; Railway <br />World 1909; Schreck 2015) in December 2021 to identify any other historic resources associated with the <br />C&W railroad grade. The records search at Compass and the archival research revealed 17 cultural sites <br />and one isolated find in the Records Search Area (Table 1). However, only nine of these cultural <br />resources fell—at least partially—within the railroad ROW (Table 2). <br />A cultural resources specialist from Arcadis investigated the entire 31-mile railroad grade between <br />December 7 and 10, 2021, while focusing primarily on the railroad grade and its associated features. <br />Arcadis also investigated any previously recorded cultural resources that intersect the ROW while <br />conducting a survey to ensure that no undiscovered cultural resources lay in the ROW. This survey <br />resulted in the documentation and NRHP evaluation of nine sites (Table 2). Planned project activities <br />include the laying of new railroad ties and rail, the replacement and/or reinforcement of some concrete <br />culverts, and the reinforcement of the foundations and decks of the through-truss bridges. The overall <br />improvements to the railroad will not alter its alignment or height, and any new construction associated <br />with the replacement or repair of the culverts and bridges will be consistent with the Secretary of the <br />Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. In effect, the ultimate goal of the proposed Project activities is to <br />restore the railroad to its original form and originally intended use. Arcadis has prepared management <br />recommendations for each identified resource within the APE (Table 3). <br />Table 3. Management Recommendations for Each Site <br />Smithsonian <br />Site Number Site Description Management Recommendations <br />5LA..1099 <br />Coal Mine (Sopris Mine) – <br />series of seven waste rock <br />piles, no artifacts or features in <br />ROW. Not eligible. <br />Avoidance: site is not eligible for the NRHP, and no <br />artifacts or features fall within the ROW. If all Project work <br />occurs within the ROW and the railroad grade remains on <br />its current course and height, the site will not be directly <br />or indirectly affected by Project activities. <br />5LA.1211 <br />Artifact scatter with features <br />(Leone Bluffs Site), previously <br />excavated; no artifacts or <br />features in ROW. Not eligible. <br />Avoidance: site is not eligible for the NRHP, and no <br />artifacts or features fall within the ROW. If all Project work <br />occurs within the ROW and the railroad grade remains on <br />its current course and height, the site will not be directly <br />or indirectly affected by Project activities. <br />5LA.1452 <br />Buildings – three historic <br />houses near mouth of Long <br />Canyon that were destroyed <br />after 1960 when the railroad <br />was rerouted; confirmed <br />destroyed. Not eligible. <br />None; site is destroyed and will not be affected by Project <br />activities.