Cultural Resource Survey for the Wolf Run Deep Mine in Meigs County, Ohio

  • Project Name: Cultural Resource Survey for the Wolf Run Deep Mine
  • Location: Meigs County, Ohio
  • Rural and/or Urban: Rural
  • Client: Gatling Ohio, LLC
  • Lead Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  • Dates: April – May 2009
  • CRA Project Manager: C. Michael Anslinger

Project Description: Under contract with Gatling Ohio, LLC, personnel from CRA conducted a phase I cultural resource survey for the proposed Wolf Run Deep Mine, Meigs County, Ohio. The project area encompassed approximately 13.5 ha (33.4 acres) of upland and Ohio River terrace near Racine.

The survey was completed by pedestrian survey, controlled surface collection, and the excavation of shovel tests and bucket auger tests. Systematic survey resulted in the identification of three previously undocumented archaeological sites assigned trinomials 33MS0590–33MS0592 by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. Identified sites include one prehistoric lithic scatter (33MS0590) and two multi-component historic/prehistoric sites (33MS0591 and 33MS0592). Sites 33MS0590– 33MS0592 were recommended not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D, and no additional archaeological investigations were recommended for the sites or the permit area in general.

Seven architectural properties were also identified during the survey. Two properties, a frame barn and a ceramic tile storage building located within the proposed permit, were associated with archaeological site 33MS0592 (MEG-00763-10 and MEG-00764-10). Both of these buildings were considered not eligible to the National Register. The remaining five buildings were located outside of, but within 305 m (1000 ft) of, the permit boundary. These included two rural domestic dwellings (MEG-00765-10, and MEG- 00766-10), which were considered not eligible to the National Register. The remaining three buildings were related components of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Ohio River Lock #24. These included the Powerhouse (MEG-00697-10), and two lockkeeper residences (MEG-00767-10 and MEG00768-10). All three of these buildings were considered eligible to the National Register under Criteria A and C; however, it was recommend that because of other modern intrusions, including a large power plant, the proposed Wolf Run Deep Mine would have no adverse effect on the historic properties associated with the Ohio River Lock #24.