Categorical Exclusion Form (NEPA) HWY-410.pdf

April 26, 2021

Mr. Jamie Christian Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration 350 Torre Chardón, Suite 210 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION REEVALUATION

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM FOR LANDSLIDE

REPAIR OF PR-722, KM. 5.70

AIBONITO, PUERTO RICO

ER-HWY-410

AC-811544/AC-841579

Dear Mr. Christian:

We are submitting for your review and concurrence, the Categorical Exclusion Reevaluation prepared for the above reference project.

If you have any comments, please contact me the telephone number (787) 721-8787, extensions 1008.

Cordially yours, Luis E. Rodríguez Rosa Deputy Executive Director

Enclosure

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuisisiiiiisiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisissssssssssssssss EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Rodddddddddrddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd íguez RoR sa Deputy Executive Direcccctototootoooooototooototototototototototootototototoototoootototooootottootoootototooototootttttttttttttttttttttttttt rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Environmental Document Reevaluation Conducted Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.129(c)

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Name Emergency Relief Program-Landslide Correction Project PR-722, Aibonito AC Code AC-811544

AC-841579

City Aibonito, Puerto Rico Federal Number ER-9999(320)

Route Number PR-722 From KM. 5.70 To KM. 5.70

Description

On September 20, 2017, Puerto Rico was hit by the winds and rains of a catastrophic category 5 called Maria. Maria, left the island of Puerto Rico devastated, causing great damages in the highways. Multiple landslides have affected roads causing roadblocks and ground instabilities. Keeping roads and bridges in good condition is critical to the safety of the nation’s transportation system including Puerto Rico.

The proposed Emergency Relief Program for Landslide project is located at the kilometer 5.7 of state road PR-722 in the Municipality of Aibonito. PR-722 is part of the Island’s secondary road network and Panoramic Route. The road traverses through mountainous terrain corresponding to the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico. The typical section of the proposed project will accommodate two (2) 3.65-meter wide lanes for bi-directional traffic. PRHTA proposes the reconstruction of 177 meters of PR-722 to repair the landslide that occurred during the passing of Hurricane María.

The following work is included as part of the proposed project:

1. Construction of a 163-meter long cantilever retaining wall.

2. Construction of curbs and drainage structures to channelize storm water runoff away from the embankment slope.

3. Partial demolition of the existing 24" diameter pre-cast concrete storm sewer pipe to discharge at the new retaining wall.

4. Installation of rip-rap at storm sewer discharge points to dissipate energy and minimize erosion.

5. Installation of a concrete barrier on top of the new retaining wall and w-beam guardrails at both approaches.

6. Cold milling and resurfacing of existing asphalt pavement to remain.

7. Installation of signs, pavement markings, raised pavement markers, and centerline rumble strip.

8. Other miscellaneous work.

Environmental Document Reevaluation (cont.) Page2

The construction will be done mostly within the existing Right-of-Way, except for an area of approximately 86 square meters of land to the north of the site will have to be acquired to accommodate the rip-rap at the discharge point of the storm sewer system. A temporary construction easement of approximately 2,143 square meters will be required to complete the proposed repairs. The proposed repairs are necessary to provide mobility, accessibility, and safety to highway users. PRHTA would provide compensation for landowners under laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the FHWA Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Act). The estimated construction cost is $595,500.

On December 6, 2019, PRHTA submit a Categorical Exclusion to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the reference project, and it was concurred on December 9, 2019. For the project, A Phase IA Archaeological Study was completed, and no archaeological remains were identified in the area. Therefore, a determination of no historic properties was concluded. However, road PR-722 is a property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. PRHTA understand that the proposed repairs will not adversely affect the characteristic that make this structure potentially historic. A consultation to SHPO was performed on April 5, 2021 and they concurred with our determination of no adverse effect on historic properties on April 23, 2021. Copy of the documents are enclosed.

The purpose of this reevaluation is to update the cultural resources coordination with

SHPO.

REEVALUATION QUESTIONS

NEPA Document Type CE NEPA Document Approval Date CE-December 9, 2019

1. Is the current project design, right of way limits and/or scope within the study area evaluated in the most recently approved environmental document?

YES NO

X

Comments:

The current project design, right of way limits and scope is within the study area evaluated in the most recently approved environmental document.

2. Has the project design complied with all environmental commitments or conditions identified during project development?

YES

X

Comments:

The environmental commitments or conditions identified during project development remains the same as the previous indicated in the Categorical Exclusion approved. The purpose of this reevaluation is to update the cultural resources coordination with SHPO.

Environmental Document Reevaluation (cont.) Page3

3. Projects limits in environmental document:

From: PR-722 KM. 5.70 To: PR-722 KM. 5.70

Project limits proposed on current plan:

From: PR-722 KM. 5.70 To: PR-722 KM. 5.70

Are the project limits consistent?

YES NO

X

Comments: The proposed project limits do not changes.

4. Have any project design or scope changes outside the original project extent or limits been added or removed from the project?

YES NO

X

Description: The current project design, scope and limits does not change.

REVIEWERS

CONTACT NAME SIGN DATE

Authorized Representative Luis E. Rodríguez Rosa April 26, 2021

FHWA Contact

A

ANDRES

ALVAREZ

-IBANEZ

Digitally signed by ANDRES

ALVAREZ-

IBANEZ

Date: 2021.04.27 21:01:56 -04'00'

Appendix C – Detailed Damage Inspection Report (DDIR)

GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Executive Director I Carlos A. Rubio-Cancela I carubio@prshpo.pr.gov

Cuartel de Ballajá (Tercer Piso), Calle Norzagaray, Esq. Beneficiencia, Viejo San Juan, PR 00901 | PO Box 9023935, San Juan, PR 00902-3935

787.721.3737 oech.pr.gov

April 23, 2021

Luis E. Rodríguez Rosa Deputy Executive Director Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority PO Box 42007 San Juan, PR 00940-2007

SHPO: 06-20-19-03 EMERGENCY WORKS ON VARIOUS ROADWAYS DUE TO HURRICANES IRMA

AND MARÍA, LANDSLIDE REPAIR PR-179, KM 13.25, CARITE WARD, GUAYAMA & PR-722, KM

5.7, ROBLES WARD, AIBONITO, PUERTO RICO

Dear Mr. Rodríguez Rosa, Our Office has received and reviewed the above referenced project in accordance with 54 USC 306108 (commonly known as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended) and 36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Highway PR-722 and PR-179 are properties potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. However, we believe the proposed repairs will not adversely affect the characteristics that make this structures potentially historic. We, therefore, believe a finding of no adverse effect would be appropriate for this undertaking.

Please note that should the Agency discover other historic properties at any point during project implementation, you should notify the SHPO immediately. If you have any questions concerning our comments, do not hesitate to contact our Office.

Sincerely, Carlos A. Rubio-Cancela State Historic Preservation Officer

CARC/GMO/LGC

C u a r t e l d e B a l l a j á , S a n J u a n , P R P O B o x 9 0 2 3 9 3 5 , S a n J u a n , P R 0 0 9 0 2 - 3 9 3 5 w w w . o e c h . p r . g o v 7 8 7 - 7 2 1 - 3 7 3 7

Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Eng. Luis Rodríguez Rosa Deputy Executive Director PR Highway and Transportation Authority PO Box 42007 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00940-1269

SHPO: 06-20-19-03 EMERGENCY WORKS ON VARIOUS ROADWAYS DUE TO HURRICANES IRMA

AND MARÍA: PR-179, KM 13.25, CARITE WARD, GUAYAMA & PR-722, KM 5.7, ROBLES WARD,

AIBONITO, ISLANDWIDE, PUERTO RICO

Dear engineer Rodríguez Rosa, We acknowledge the receipt of additional information related to the above referenced projects in two documents titled: “Reconstruction of Landslide ER-HWY-308 PR 179 Km. 13.25 Carite Ward, Guayama, PR Archaeological Survey Stage IA-IB AC-811544” and “Reconstruction of Landslide ER- HWY-410 PR 722 Km. 5.7 Robles Ward, Aibonito PR Archaeological Survey Stage IA AC-811544” both dated August 8, 2019/Rev January 28, 2020 and prepared by AM Group. After a review of said documentation we believe efforts to identify historic properties are insufficient.

According to available primary sources, certain sections of road PR-179 run parallel (East) of PR- 15 [listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)] and since the 19th century, caminos carreteros and caminos de herraduras followed the alignment of PR-179 from Guayama to Caguas.

On the other hand, road PR-722 connects at the beginning with PR-14 (listed in the NRHP), in the traditional urban center of Aibonito, and when it runs through rural areas becomes part of the Panoramic Route. The Panoramic Route, even though it is from the 1970’s decade, is a potential historic property. Therefore we believe roads PR-179 and PR-722, in Guayama and Aibonito respectively, are potential historic properties.

While the information included in the submitted document reveals that PR-179 has "... large number of water courses that have to pass ...", it lacks an analysis on the possible existence of associated historic structures to manage water (e.g., culverts, bridges, etc.), nor how the proposed reconstruction project could affect them. Moreover, in the document prepared for PR-722 it is mentioned that a "... culvert of the pluvial drainage that runs towards the northwest was visible…", and even photographs are included, without adding an analysis of how the reconstruction project as proposed could affect it.

Eng. Luis Rodríguez Rosa Wednesday, February 10, 2021

SHPO: 06-20-19-03 EMERGENCY WORKS ON VARIOUS ROADWAYS DUE TO HURRICANES IRMA AND MARÍA: PR-179, KM 13.25, CARITE WARD, GUAYAMA & PR-722, KM 5.7, ROBLES WARD, AIBONITO, ISLANDWIDE, PUERTO RICO

In light of the above comments, we believe both documents should be revised. As soon as we receive the revised documentation, we will continue with our review of this undertaking. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Office.

Sincerely, Carlos A. Rubio-Cancela State Historic Preservation Officer

CARC/GMO/MC

c Eng. Luis D. López, Senior Environmental Project Manager, PR and USVI Division, Federal Highway

Administration, US Department of Transportation

Reconstruction of Landslide

ER-HWY-308

PR 179 Km. 13.25 Carite Ward, Guayama PR Archaeological Survey Stage IA-IB

AC-811544

Federal #: ER-9999 (320)

Submitted to:

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Realized by:

AAM Group

SERVICIOS DE CONSULTORIA ARQUEOLOGICA

Arql. Fernando Alvarado Muñoz HC 3 Box 10608

Juana Díaz, PR 00795-9501 Celular: 787-637-9807 arqueologoalvarado@hotmail.com amgrouppr@gmail.com

February 18, 2021

Reconstruction of Landslide

ER-HWY-308

PR 179 Km. 13.25 Carite Ward, Guayama PR Archaeological Survey Stage IA-IB

AC-811544

Federal #: ER-9999 (320)

Submitted to:

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Realized by:

AAM Group

SERVICIOS DE CONSULTORIA ARQUEOLOGICA

Arql. Fernando Alvarado Muñoz

Principal Archaeologist

Arqla. Marisol Rodríguez Miranda Co-Principal Researcher and autor

February 18, 2021

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………….i

Executive Summary

1 Introduction

2. Project Description and Scope of Work

2.1 Legal Framework

2.2 Description and Actual Conditions of the Area

2.3 Proposed Action

3. Environmental Framework

3.1 Location

3.2 Topography:

3.3 Geology and Soils

LOS GUINEOS SERIES

3.4 Climate

3.5 Hydrography

4. Synthesis of Cultural Development

4.1 Classificatory Scheme

Period I (3,000 - 2,000 B.C.)

Period II

Period III

Period IV

4.2 Municipality Prehistory

4.3 Historical Sites of Guayama

4.3.1 Places Registered in the National Inventory of Historic Places Historical Zone of Guayama JPH-4

4.4 Guayama Archaeological Reports

4.5 Archaeological Investigations Near the Project Area

5. Brief Historical Context

5.1 The Town

i

5.2 The Road

6. Fieldwork

6.1 Methodology…………………………………………………..…………………………..72

7. Conclusions and Recommendations

7.1 Conclusions

7.2 Proposed Actions

8. Bibliography

9. Annexes………………………………………………………………………………..……89

Figure 1 USGS Quadrangle Showing Location of the Undertaking

Figure 2 Aerial View of the Community. The Lines Marks the Approximate Area of theLandslides

Figure 3 View of the Landslide at PR 179 Km 13.0 Approx

Figure 4 Top View of the Landslide Located at PR 179 Km 12.5 (photo Supplied)

Figure 5 Location of Guayama Municipality Within the Puerto Rico Archipelago

Figure 6 Guayama Municipality Ward. The Undertaking is Located at the Northern, Carite

Figure 7 Project Location in MIPR System of the PRPB With the Road Layer. To the Left is the Carite Lake. (source; JP, mipr.gov Consulted November 2018)

Figure 8 Fragment of the Soil Map of Cayey Sierra Area Where the Project is Located

Figure 9 Fragment of the Map Showing the Hydrology of Guayama Area (source:recursosdeaguadepuertorico. Online. Consulted, November 2018)

Figure 10 Archaeological Sites in the Carite Ward on OECH Archives

Figure 11 Vives Sugar Mill

Figure 12 Image of the OECH System Showing the Location of the Investigation of Jesús Figueroa on 1993

Figure 13 Fragment of a 1600s Map Showing at the South the “Pto de Guayama”.(Description Distrito Isla Espanola (Source : bibliotecadigitalhispanica. Consulted 2018)

Figure 14 Map of Guayama I 1940 on the US National Archives (Consulted Online 2018)

Figure 15 Route from Cayey to Guayama Through Carite. (Source :AGPR) ii

Figure 16 Fragment of the Croquis from 1884 Showing the Area of the Undertaking. It is Named Cerros del Chivo. The Characteristic Curve Can Be Seen Below

Figure 17 Other of the Maps in the Itinerario from Guamana to Cayey to Carite 1884 File

Figure 18 Map of Roads Built by the Spanish Government 1898. Only the Main Roads Area Marked in this Map. The Road Shown Between Cayey and Guayama is the PR 4

Figure 19 1898 Blueprint Named Isla de Puerto Rico. The Two Roads from Guayama to Cayey Can Be Observed

Figure 20 Fragment of the Railroad and Rodas Blueprint from 1898

Figure 21 Photo of the Construction of the Road from Guayama to Carite, Source (ROP VI:20 October 1929 :280

Figure 22 Road from Guayama through Carite (Source ROP VII:3 (1930) 82

Figure 23 1937 Aerial Photo

Figure 24 Aerial Photo of 1951

Figure 25 Plan for the Road 1957

Figure 26 Aerial Photo from 1977

Figure 27 Image of PR 179 to the South at the km 13.3 Aprox

Figure 28 Area at the Side of the Road at Km. 13. 35 Aprox. This Elevation is a Fill

Figure 29 View of the Landslide from the 13.3 Mark

Figure 30 View of the Landslide at 13.25 from the South

Figure 31 View to the Area Across the Road in the Landslide at Km. 13.25

Figure 32 Aerial View of the Landslide at Km. 13.25 from the East (Image Supplied)

Figure 33 Shovel Testing at Km 13.2

Figure 34 Shovel Test Showing the Stratigraphy

Figure 35 Other Shovel Test Showing the First Layer of Brownish Clay Followed by a Reddish Rocky clay

Figure 36 View of the Gap at Km 13.0 Below the Asphalt it’s the Brownish Layer Followed by the Reddish Clay

Figure 37 View of the Side of the Road with the Characteristic Stratigraphy

Figure 38 View of the Stratigrapy at the West side of the Road iii

Figure 39 View of the Topography

Figure 40 View of One of the Areas Cleaned to Observe the Stratigraphy

Figure 41 View of Another Area Cleaned to Observed the Stratigraphy Near km.13.25….……80

Tables

Table 1 Archaeological Sites in the Municipality of Guayama (OECH Archives)

Table 2 Archaeological Sites in the Municipality of Guayama 31-60. (OECH Archives)

Table 3 Archaeological Sites in the Municipality of Guayama 61-87 (OECH Archives)

Table 4 Archaeological Sites in the Municipality of Guayama 88-103 OECH Archives)

Table 5 Guayama Archaeological Sites (Source: CAT Archives)

Table 6 Archaeoloical Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1981-1988 (CAT and OECH Archives)

Table 7 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1988 (CAT and OECH Archives)

Table 8 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1991-1994 (CAT and OECH Archives)

Table 9 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1994-1996 (CAT and OECH Archives)

Table 10 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1996-1998 (CAT and OECH Archives)

Table 11 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 1998-2000

Table 12 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 2000-2004 (Source CAT-OECH Archives)

Table 13 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 2004-2007(Source CAT-OECH Archives

Table 14 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 2007-2011(Source CAT-OECH Archives

Table 15 Archaeological Investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 2011-2015(Source CAT-OECH Archives )

Table 16 Archaeological investigation in the Guayama Municipality from 2011-2015(Source CAT-OECH Archives ) iv

Table 17 Shovel Pits Results……………………………………………………………………. 76

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACHP Advisory Council for Historic Preservation ACT Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación ADA American Deshabilites Act AGP Archivo General de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico General Archive) APE Area of Potential Effect CAT Consejo de Arqueología Terrestre (Terrestrial Archaeology Council) CBC Construction Building Codes DTPW Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) EA Environmental Assessment ELA Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) ERP Emergency Relief Program FHWA Federal Highway Administration FWAD Federal Highway Aid System FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency ICP Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (Puerto Rican Culture Institute) JP Junta de Planificación (Puerto Rico Planning Board) LOC Library of Congress MARAD Maritime Administration NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OECH Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica (Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office acting as SHPO) PRPA Puerto Rico Port Authority (Autoridad de Puertos) PREPA Puerto Rico Energy and Power Authority (Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica) PRHTA Puerto Rico Highway and Transportaion Authority (Autoridad de Carreteras y

Transportación) PRPB Puerto Rico Planning Board (Junta de Planificación) TR Technical Report USGS United States Geological Survey v

AM Group Page 1 Reconstruction of Landslide ER-HWY-308 Project, Guayama PR

Executive Summary

The following report presents the results of the archaeological assessment for the ER-HWY-308

Landslide project of the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority. It intends the repair of landslides in the PR 179 road from Guayama to Carite in the kilometer 13.25 at Guayama with the construction of Sheets Piles with Cap Beam.

To comply with local, state and federal regulations, the federal agencies must initiate a consulting process for Section 106. This archaeological assessment reviews the archaeological and historical information available for the locations within the undertaking to provide the regulatory agencies toward tools to make the appropriate decisions under the applicable laws. It is also necessary to comply with the Puerto Rican Commonwealth (ELA) Law 112 of June 28, 1992 as amended, that creates the Council for the Protection of the Terrestrial Archaeological Patrimony of Puerto Rico, known as the Terrestrial Archaeology Council (CAT). The content of this report is guided by what is stipulated in the Regulation 8932 of February 8, 2017: “Regulation for the Filing and

Archaeological Evaluation of Project of Construction and Development”.

Using the graphic documentation available in the government, regional, and private archives is viable the presentation of an archaeological description and brief historical development of the municipality. It serves as a frame for the history of the road as mentioned in historical and government archives. In this case it was able to present the historic depictions, plans and photos of the road.

The project is limited only to the area where the landslide occurred, and we are improving the existing storm system to prevent the slope from failing again in a future event. The project is an improvement for an existing road, where the landslide will be repaired to provide safe conditions for traffic. The hydraulic structure that crosses the PR-179 and that will be replaced is a reinforced concrete pipe. PR-15 (listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)) and since the

19th century, roadways and bridle paths, is located more than 5 km in a straight line to the west of the project, and the landslide occurred on the slope east of PR-179. Finally, a Phase IA-IB survey was conducted, and no evidence of historic and cultural resources was found in the work area.

AM Group Page 2

The proposed project will not limit the possibility of data collection, its integrity, location, design, environment, materials, workmanship, feeling or association of any adjacent resources and cultural vestiges, including the PR #15.

The field assessment was conducted along the road where the landslide occurs. No archaeological remains were detected. No further action is recommended.

AM Group Page 3

1. Introduction

The State Historic Conservation Office (OECH) acting as SHPO for Puerto Rico, in accordance with the Federal Highway Authority (FHWA) and the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation

Authority (PRHTA) acting as soliciting agencies requires an archaeological Assessment for the

PR 179 Km. 13.25 (ER-HWY-308) Landslide project. This is required under Section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulation 36 CFR part 800.

Section 106 of the NHPA and its implementing regulation 36 CFR that requires that the agency responsible for the undertaking must establish an Area of Potential Effects (APE). OECH participates in the process of identifying, assessing and resolving adverse effects.

As required by the mentioned federal regulations, the undertaking must comply with the state and local regulations. This report complies with the regulations contained in the Regulation 8932 of

February of 2017 known as Regulation for Filing and Archeological Evaluation of Development and Construction Projects of the Terrestrial Archaeology Council (CAT) under Law 112 of July 20 of 1988 as amended. It also complies with the “Guía Oficial para la Investigación de Recursos

Culturales (OECH)”.

The research was conducted in November 2018 by the archaeologist Fernando Alvarado as

Principal Investigator, the archeologist Marisol Rodríguez Miranda as co-investigator and author.

In addition, Gerardo Rodríguez and Gerardo Torres served as technicians.

2. Project Description and Scope of Work

2.1 Legal Framework

To comply with regulations, this report does an analysis of documentation to include an archaeological assessment and conform to local, state, and federal requirements.

This investigation was conducted to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation

Act of 1966 (NHPA) (PL 89-665) as amended and it’s implementing regulation 36 CFR Part 800

(Protection of Historic Properties), the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (PL

93-291) as amended and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

AM Group Page 4

Section 106 of the NHPA requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) a reasonable opportunity to comment. (http://www.achp.gov/106summary.html)

First, the responsible Federal agency determines whether it has an undertaking that is a type of activity that could affect historic properties. Historic properties are the properties that are included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or that meet the criteria for it. If so, it must identify the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) to consult with during the process. It should also plan to involve the public and identify other potential consulting parties. If it determines that it has no undertaking, or that its undertaking is a type of activity that has no potential to affect historic properties, the agency has no further Section 106 obligations.

This report also complies with the Puerto Rican Commonwealth (ELA) Law 112 of June 28, 1992 as amended that creates de Council for the Protection of the Terrestrial Archaeological Patrimony of Puerto Rico, known as the Terrestrial Archaeology Council (CAT). The content of this report is guided by what is stipulated in the Regulation 8932 of February 8, 2017: “Regulation for the

Filing and Archaeological Evaluation of Project of Construction and Development”.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Identification (National Park Service, 1983) defined two categories of archaeological survey aimed at gathering field information: Reconnaissance and

Intensive Surveys. These categories are defined based on the objectives of the survey, the results of the survey, and the historic preservation management needs.

Phase IA reconnaissance surveys results in the characterization of a region's archaeological sites.

These surveys generally involve extensive background research with limited field investigations, often focused on soil and preservation conditions rather than systematic archaeological site discovery.

Reconnaissance surveys may serve a variety of functions. They may be applied for administrative, planning, or management purposes. However, it should be noted that reconnaissance surveys are very general in scope and do not normally make determinations of significance or NRHP eligibility.

AM Group Page 5

Phase IA reconnaissance surveys can indicate if a portion or all of a project area lacks the potential to contain intact archaeological deposits, and therefore no further archaeological work is warranted in these areas. However, in most instances, reconnaissance surveys may not contain enough information with which to support an agency’s determination of effect in fulfillment of mandated compliance.

The primary goal of a Phase I Cultural Resource Investigation is to identify archaeologically sensitive and cultural/sacred areas; to identify standing structures that are at least 50 years old, that may be affected by a proposed project and to locate all prehistoric and historic cultural/archaeological resources that may exist within the proposed project area are intended to gather information concerning the environmental/physical setting of a specific project area as well as its cultural setting. It is the interrelationship of the physical environment and the cultural, historical setting that provide the basis for the sensitivity assessment. This research should include a consideration of relevant geomorphology and soils information, culture history, and previous archaeological research to provide for the development of explicit expectations or predictions regarding the nature and locations of sites. Regardless of the project size, archaeologists should consider all relevant data in developing these expectations.

To complete the section 106 process, investigations should be conducted in an Area of Potential

Effect. (APE) According to the ACHP, the APE is the geographic area(s) within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist.

The APE is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be different for other kinds of effects caused by the undertaking [36 CFR § 800.16(d)]. Because the APE defines the geographic limits of federal agency responsibility for purposes of Section 106 review the archaeological survey necessary to identify and evaluate historic properties is carried out within its boundaries.

AM Group Page 6

However, within the APE, the level of effort may vary considerably depending on such factors as anticipated effects and prior ground disturbance. (ACHP Archaeology Guidance.pdf). Because the

APE involves the federal agencies responsibility it must be defined by them in consultation with

SHPO prior to initiating identification efforts.

2.2 Description and Actual Conditions of the Area

The site investigated consisted of two landslides located on PR 179, in the Chivos sector of Carite

Ward of the Guayama municipality. (Fig .1) The sites were identified after an inspection performed by a multidisciplinary team. Some of the graphic material supplied by the consulting firm for description purposes are going to be used. At the time of the visit, the vegetation had grown, and some areas were not visible.

Although the project is located at the KM 13. 25. (Fig 2) The landslide where almost all the road slide. (Fig.3) One neighbor explained that it’s more recent and that it was closed at midnight because the road continued to slid. Almost all the road slid. (Fig 4). The road is closed at km.

13.25 and a detour is signaled at approx.

Figure 1: USGS Quadrangle Showing Location of the Undertaking

AM Group Page 7

Figure 2: Aerial View of the Community. The Lines Marks the Approximate Area of the Landslides

Figure 3: View of the Landslide at PR 179 Km 13.25 Approx.

AM Group Page 8

Figure 4: Top View of the Landslide Located at PR 179 Km 13.25 (Photo Supplied)

2.3 Proposed Action

The project consists of the evaluation and reconstruction of landslides; i.e., slope instability, washouts and rock fall on several highway segments due to the impacts associated with Hurricanes

Irma and María. Those highway segments are located within the Puerto Rico’s Federal Aid

Highway System, and other highways and roads under the Department of Transportation and

Public Works (DTPW) jurisdiction. The Consultant will execute the site reconnaissance, investigations, monitoring and studies necessary to provide appropriate recommendations to reconstruct the highway to its previous condition. Highway improvements shall comply with existing codes, regulations, standards and directives (Except as specified herein). Consultant shall also prepare Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E).; 1 The scope of the evaluation includes the area of the landslide and its surroundings.

1 Description provided by PRHTA

AM Group Page 9

3. Environmental Framework

As part of the process to document the general sensitivity of the area for the presence or absence of archaeological resources, is necessary to conceptualize the property inside the widest frame that represents the geographical and environmental characteristics in general. The zone of Guayama has been widely studied, thus an exhaustive revision on this matter will not be repeated in this document.

3.1 Location

The Municipality of Guayama is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It limits with the municipalities of Salinas to the West, Cayey to the North, Arroyo to the East, Patillas to the

Northeast and the Caribbean Sea to the South. (Fig.5). Guayama is part of the Southern Region, as defined by the Puerto Rico Planning Board (PRPB). The Southern Region is in the south-central part of the Island, and consists of 10 municipalities that includes: Arroyo, Coamo, Guayama, Juana

Diaz, Peñuelas, Ponce, Salinas, Santa Isabel and Yauco.

Figure 5: Location of Guayama Municipality Within the Puerto Rico Archipelago

Guayama has a surface of 169.7 square kilometers or 65 square miles. It’s divided into Guayama

Pueblo, Algarrobo, Pozo Hondo, Caimital, Carite, Carmen, Guamaní, Jobos, Machete and Palma wards. (Fig. 6)

AM Group Page 10

Figure 6: Guayama Municipality Ward. The Undertaking is Located at the Northern One, Carite.

The site of this undertaking is at the PR 179 Km 13.25, in the Carite Ward, with coordinates of

18° 04'24.94"N Lat, - 66° 05'15.12"W Lon. (Fig. 7)

Figure 7: Project Location in MIPR System of the PRPB with the Road Layer. Also, to the Left is the Carite Lake. (source; JP, mipr.gov consulted November 2018)

AM Group Page 11

3.2 Topography:

Topographically, Puerto Rico is a steep island, with a surface covered in most cases by hills and mountains. It has been anticipated that not more of the third part of Puerto Rico can qualify as flat or undulating. In terms of slopes, almost the fourth part of Puerto Rico consists of very steep slopes, of 45 or more degrees of inclination. Almost the half of the entire area is more than 500 meters, on the sea level. It can be estimated that 40 % of the island is covered by mountains, with

35% of hills and 25% of flats. (Rafael Picó, Nueva geografía de Puerto Rico, física, económica y social. (Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Editorial Universitaria, 1969)

The geomorphologist Watson Monroe, in his work, indicated that "There are three major geomorphic provinces in Puerto Rico: The Central Interior Mountainous Province, the Northern

Karst Province, and the Coastal Plains Province. Each of these provinces has its own characteristics both in terms of contour and in terms of form. The Province of the Central Interior

Mountainous shows, predominantly, the effects of the erosion of a structurally complex succession of many kinds of igneous and sedimentary rocks. Additionally, the Province of Karst illustrates the effects of the solution processes on the limestones. On the other hand, the Province of the

Coastal Plains presents areas of deposition. 2

Guayama is in the southeast region of Puerto Rico. Its territory lies within the Geological

Provinces of the Central Mountainous Interior and the South Coastal Plains. The topography of the municipality is steep in the north and flat in the south, close to the coast. The mountainous area to the north is formed mainly by volcanic rocks. The hills towards the center are formed of limestone of marine origin, of tufa and of breccia. The coastal valley to the south, consists of deposits of alluvium on Cretaceous rock. The semiarid hills of the south, in the center, constitutes twenty-nine percent (29%) of its surface and the mountains of the east, in the north, occupy twenty-seven percent (27%) of the total area of the Municipality. The remaining percent (44%) are the flat and semi-flat lands in the coastal valley3

2 Watson Monroe 1971 3 DIAE Municipality of Guayama. PRPB consulted 2018

AM Group Page 12

The site under study represents the mountain region to the north of the municipality. This part of the Sierra de Cayey is a very steep zone.

3.3 Geology and soils

In addition to the geographic factors, regarding the possibility of the presence of archaeological resources and the sensitivity of the area it must be considered the composition of the soils, which present characteristics of fertility, compaction, and water access, among other factors that favor its use by human groups. The area has been intensely documented. Correspondingly, the analysis was limited.

The soils are described in the soil survey of the USDA as Los Guineos Series (From Soil Survey of Humacao Area of Eastern Puerto Rico. USDA) (Fig. 8)

Figure 8: Fragment of the Soil Map of Cayey Sierra Area Where the Project is Located

AM Group Page 13

LOS GUINEOS SERIES4

The Los Guineos series consists of very deep, well drained soils on side slopes of mountains. They are formed as a residuum from sandstone material. The mean annual precipitation is about 120 inches and the average annual temperature is 68 degrees F. Slopes range from 5 to 60 percent.

TAXONOMIC CLASS: Very-fine, kaolinitic, isothermic Humic Hapludox

TYPICAL PEDON: Los Guineos clay - forest. (Colors are for moist conditions.)

A--0 to 1 inch; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) clay; moderate medium granular structure parting to moderate fine granular; firm; sticky, plastic; common very fine roots, many fine roots; few fine discontinuous tubular pores; many faint organic coats on vertical and horizontal faces of peds;

extremely acid; clear smooth boundary. (1 to 5 inches thick).

Bt1--1 to 3 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) clay; moderate fine subangular blocky structure;

firm; very sticky, very plastic; very few coarse, common fine and medium roots throughout;

common very fine discontinuous tubular pores; few faint clay films on vertical and horizontal faces of peds; few worm casts; extremely acid; clear smooth boundary.

Bt2--3 to 9 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) clay; moderate medium subangular blocky structure parting to moderate coarse subangular blocky; firm; very sticky, very plastic; common fine and medium roots; common fine and medium discontinuous tubular pores; many distinct clay films on vertical and horizontal faces of peds; few worm casts; extremely acid; clear smooth boundary.

Bt3--9 to 18 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) clay; moderate coarse subangular blocky structure; firm; very sticky, very plastic; common fine and medium roots; few fine discontinuous tubular pores; many distinct clay films on vertical and horizontal faces of peds; few worm casts;

common fine distinct red (2.5YR 4/6) masses of iron accumulation; extremely acid; clear wavy boundary.

4 Official Series Descriptions, USDA, https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/L/LOS_GUINEOS.html

AM Group Page 14

Bt4--18 to 31 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; moderate coarse subangular blocky structure parting to moderate medium subangular blocky; firm; very sticky, very plastic; few fine roots; few medium discontinuous tubular pores; many distinct clay films on vertical and horizontal faces of peds; few worm casts; many coarse distinct yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) masses of iron accumulation; very strongly acid; gradual smooth boundary. (Combined thickness of the Bt horizons range from 25 to

50 inches)

Bw1--31 to 43 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; weak coarse subangular blocky structure; firm; very sticky; very plastic; few fine roots; few medium discontinuous tubular pores; common distinct films on vertical faces of peds; common medium distinct yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) masses of iron accumulation; very strongly acid; gradual smooth boundary.

Bw2--43 to 61 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay; weak very coarse subangular blocky structure; firm; sticky, plastic; few fine roots; few medium discontinuous tubular pores; common faint films on vertical faces of peds; many medium distinct yellowish red (5YR 4/6) and few medium distinct yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) masses of iron accumulation; very strongly acid;

clear smooth boundary.

Bw3--61 to 74 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay; weak very coarse subangular blocky structure; firm; sticky, plastic; few medium discontinuous tubular pores; common distinct coatings in root channels and/or pores; about 10 percent, by volume, saprolite; many medium distinct yellowish red (5YR 4/6) masses of iron accumulation; very strongly acid; gradual smooth boundary.

Bw4--74 to 93 inches; yellowish red (5YR 4/6) clay; weak very coarse subangular blocky structure; firm; sticky, plastic; few medium discontinuous tubular pores; about 10 percent, by volume, saprolite; very strongly acid. (Thickness of the Bw horizon is 50 to 80 inches).

AM Group Page 15

3.4 Climate

Climate is the generalized state of the atmosphere in a given area. The elements of climate are temperature, wind, precipitation and the seasons of the year. In Puerto Rico, there are two zones of temperature differentiated by height: the "hot earth" (tropical), in the low plains and hills, and the "temperate earth" (subtropical), towards the high part of the mountains. The area under evaluation is located on the boundary between the tropical zone and the temperate zone. This limit is represented by an isotherm of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately coincides with the level curve of 1,000 feet of altitude (300 meters) (Rafael Picó, op. cit., page. 159). The prevailing winds that pass through the island are the so-called trade winds, which blow fifty percent of the time in the East-West direction. The other wind regimes identified for the island are sea and land breezes, mountain and valley breezes and hurricanes. (Ibid., pag. 162)

Climate can be adjoined as a factor to identify the archaeological sensitivity of areas on the island of Puerto Rico resulting with a somewhat lesser relative importance, due to the few climatic fluctuations that the island has in general. Perhaps, it is the pluvial precipitation one of the factors that can modify the presence or absence and the type of anthropogenic activities in specific areas.

The climate of this area includes the six natural life zones existing in Puerto Rico. Most of the area is classified in two climatic zones: humid subtropical and very humid subtropical. However, to the west are areas classified as rainy subtropical, rainy montane and very humid low montane predominate. In the eastern part of the basin, a smaller area was identified within the dry subtropical climate classification.

In general, the climate is dominated by abundant rainfall in the Sierra de Luquillo. In this area of the basin, wet eastern winds that ascend the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo induce almost daily downpours in the peaks. This positive effect on rainfall on the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo causes a shadow of rain on the coast, which is evidenced by a significantly lower average rainfall on the coast than in the upper reaches of the basin.

AM Group Page 16

The average annual rainfall is 97 inches, ranging from 145 inches in El Yunque to 61 inches in the coast. Rainfall patterns are similar to the rest of the island, with alternating periods of drought and rainfall throughout the year. However, the fluctuations in the year are less pronounced than in other regions due to the orographic effect described. (Recursos de agua de Puerto Rico. Consulted 2018)

3.5 Hydrography

In general terms, it can be affirmed that the topographic relief of the island forms four main slopes through which the rainwater flows towards the sea. These slopes are the north or Atlantic slope;

the southern slope or the Caribbean Sea; the eastern slope, or the Passage and the Vieques Sound;

and the western slope, or Paso de la Mona.

The municipal territory can be subdivided into several hydrologic basins. To the

North part of the territory is the highest portion of the La Plata River basin, the largest river in

Puerto Rico. Currently, it is dammed to the height of Carite. Another important river is the

Guamaní River, which covers a length of 15 kilometers and receives water from Quebrada Palmas

Reyes and Culebra. This river born in the mountains of Carite, on the site known as the Victorinos, and ends at a short distance from the Punta del Rodeo, in the Barrancas sector. It flows in a southerly direction and has the same characteristics as the rivers in the southern part of the Island:

mountains in the beginning and wide valleys near the coast. The Guamaní River, however, is not dammed, although it receives water from Lake Carite through a tunnel. On the other hand, the

Seco River is born in the Barrio Pozo Hondo and has an extension of 13.5 kilometers.5

There are many creeks in the municipality. The ones in Guamaní are: Yautías, de la Cueva, Marcelos, Aguas Limpias, Tayotales, Ausubal, Magueyes, Curet, Pablo Colón, Antonio González, Los Cedros, Farallón, and Barros. From Palmas Ward, flow down to the Guamaní: Quebrada de los Cielos, Bañaderas, Hojas anchas, Piedra Blanca and Las Palmas. In Río Seco are the streams

Honduras, The Charcas, the Naranjos, the Bebedero, Cimarrona and Quebrada Tonta.

5 DIAE Municipality of Guayama, consulted 2018

AM Group Page 17

There are other streams that die in the plains: Piedra Gorda in the Caimital Ward, which at its source is called Quebrada Arriba and when it reaches the sea by Algarrobos it is called Boca de

Mangle. The one of el Corazón, Arrancaencinas that ends at Piedra Gorda; the one of Quebrada

Honda that born in the hill of La Tuna in Pozo Hondo, and the Barros Blancos or Guayabo Dulce, that divides the districts of Algarrobos and Machete, the one of Matías Hernández and the one of the el Ingles6 that maintained water in some wells near the town. The Salada, Corazón and Branderí streams flow directly into the sea.

Within this hydrographic system there’s also Lake Melania, Laguna Las Mareas and finally the

Carite Reservoir, located at a height of 1,783 feet above sea level. This Reservoir has a capacity of 17.310 acres per foot, this is about 14 million cubic meters of water, with a drain of 2 kilometers, it is used to produce electric energy, potable water and water for irrigation. This reservoir belongs to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). (Fig. 9)

Another important hydrographic resource is the Irrigation Channels of Guamaní and Patillas, both essential to maintain agricultural activity. A part of its flow is also used for industrial purposes as it is diverted for the cooling of the power generation plant of AES (private energy generation company), located in Guayama.

The Great Southern Aquifer is another important resource, especially because it serves as a source of drinking water for most of the inhabitants of several municipalities in the south. Its extension is based on the extension of the alluvial deposits.

The lands near rivers and streams are susceptible to flooding. The coast also suffers the onslaught of storm surges. The low slopes of the land near the coast sometimes produce floods, although these are not reflected in the official maps of the PRPB.

6 Sued 1983: 12-13.

AM Group Page 18

Figure 9: Fragment of the Map Showing the Hydrology of Guayama Area

(source:recursosdeaguadepuertorico. Online. Consulted, November 2018)7

7 http://www.recursosaguapuertorico.com/Cap__tulo_6__Parte_2_Hidrograf__a_de_Puerto_Rico.pdf

AM Group Page 19

4. Synthesis of Cultural Development

In the following chapter it will be resumed and discussed the chronological aspects of Puerto Rico and this municipality. Also, the chronological aspects of Puerto Rico and this municipality will also be discussed. Moreover, the archaeology near the undertaking, will be discussed more specifically.

First, when the Spaniards arrived on the island, the inhabitants of the island, called by them, Taínos, had the means to rescue and reproduce their historical memories, customs and traditions through oral tradition. However, there is minimal information about this oral tradition.

Historical written sources are classified based on the degree of knowledge of the chronicler. It is known as primary sources when is the person who collects the information, either by direct observation or by narration. Also, the other sources are classified as secondary and are almost always collections of narrations told by people who were at the sites and which the chroniclers consider to be their own.

Guayama has the distinction of having several well-known archaeological sites that have been used for the description of the development of the societies that inhabited the archipelago.

Consequently, the definition of this development is well presented.

Nevertheless, for Puerto Rico, these historical sources are limited. However, it includes Fray

Ramón Pané, the chronicler who collected the only source considered as primary. It is a short text that explains mostly mythological aspects of this society. As secondary sources, there are several chroniclers such as Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo and Fray Bartolomé de las Casas who rescued memories of ceremonies and aspects of daily life, but especially on the island of Hispaniola. Later in time, monks or envoys of the crown had the task of narrating about everything concerning the economy and development of the people they encountered. As time has progressed, and with the facilities that globalization has given us, first hand data has been made available that researchers have been collecting and analyzing in Spain and island archives. Which many of them are available on the net because of the generosity of the authors.

AM Group Page 20

4.1 Classificatory Scheme

Early in the study of Puerto Rico, inhabitant’s schemes were established for their study. During the Spanish colonization, many creole investigators known as dilettantes, for the various aspects that they studied, from flora and fauna to poetry, including archaeology, produce a lot of information about the sites that they found on the island. Some of these dilettantes are Dr.

Cayetano Coll y Toste, Dr. Salvador Brau and Dr. Adolfo de Hostos among others.

Early, during the North American invasion, the new owners of the island, sent their experts to study the different aspects of the society. In the case of archaeology, the task was put in hands of the Smithsonian Institute. The first researchers were Jesse Water Fewkes and Aldon Mason. But it’s with the visit of Dr. Irving Rouse that the schemes took their final shape. Yet, with certain changes among the decades is still used today.

The classification scheme and the temporal spatial framework that includes the archaeological periods and series for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean established by Dr. Irving Rouse (1964-1986-

1992), will be taking in to account because is what the agencies present as the official classification. However, some other investigations that have shed light on this period of historical social development of the island, including our own in some cases are considered.

Period I (3,000 - 2,000 b.C.)

(Both CAT and OECH present this scheme in their descriptions of site for more information refer to…