2002-06-05_PERMIT FILE - M2002004 (2)

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u Abstract GCC Rio Grande, Inc. contracted Greystone Environmental Consultants (Greystone) to intensively survey the proposed Red Rock Plant and Quarry site, a rail spur, and a borrow area. The survey area is located in Pueblo County in T22S, R64W, Sections 18 and 19 and in T22S, R65W, Sections 12, 13, and 24 and can ' be found on the Southwest Pueblo, Southeast Pueblo, Goat Butte, and Verde School USGS quadrangle topographic maps (Figure 1). The survey area is on gently sloping plains cut by occasional drainages and includes a small portion of the escarpment overlooking the St. Charles River and floodplain. A Class III ' pedestrian survey was conducted on the land in the area of potential effect and encompasses 564 acres. The survey resulted in the recording of two new historic sites and recording two new prehistoric isolated finds. In addition, a pair of historic beehive-shaped, limestone kilns (5PE4236) west of the permit area ' were brought to Greystone's attention. Investigations were completed on these kilns to establish their potential historical significance and assess whether they might be subject to indirect impact from quarrying activities. The two newly recorded sites and isolated finds within the survey area are considered ' not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The pair of historic kilns is considered potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.. The kilns are on colluvial slopes west of the escarpment, outside the area of direct effect of the project, and will not be directly or indirectly impacted. ' Previously recorded historic sites in the project area include shared railroad segments, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (now operated by the Union Pacific Railroad) and the Colorado and Southern Railroad (now operated by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad). These coincident segments of historic ' transportation corridors are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places due to the important role they played in Colorado history. However, the railroads themselves have been maintained and upgraded over the years and retain little historic fabric. Routine maintenance and operation of the railroads, if it is consistent with the function and theme of the properties and does not significantly alter the setting and feeling of the transportation corridors, does not introduce additional impact to the integrity of the historic properties. Because these railroads are potentially eligible properties, it is recommended that the Colorado Historical Society be given the opportunity to comment on the proposed actions. With this stipulation, cultural resource clearance is recommended.