Final Environmental Impact Statement - New Federal Courthouse

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Historic and Cultural Resources project in Eugene. Background research, auger testing, and analyses were performed to define and evaluate eight locations of historical archaeological materials associated with the historic millrace and its industrial district, which could be affected by courthouse Alternative 2. In 1997, Heritage Research Associates, Inc. conducted archaeological monitoring in association with the construction of the Ferry Street bridge project. This work identified historical azchaeological deposits extending to 27 feet below the surface. Excavations indicate that this area was historically bisected by portions of the Eugene millrace. Most of the diagnostic artifacts from this site date to the twentieth century (Minor 1997). In Springfield, prehistoric archaeological sites have been located neaz the Riverfront site. In 1980, a lithic scatter was reported neaz the intersection of E and Water streets, north of the Riverfront site, and a resident found prehistoric artifacts near the Riverfront site (Connolly and Baxter 1980). Significant Adverse Impacts Prehistoric and late nineteenth century or eazly twentieth century archaeological deposits could potentially be uncovered on either of the alternative sites. Construction practices during the early twentieth century might have removed only the largest pieces of debris and earthfill to level new construction areas, which would have protected possible remnant, foundation footprints, yazd middens, or other residential features. Intact archaeological deposits that may underlie the alternative sites could be significant and possibly eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Such deposits would most likely qualify under National Register criterion D, which relates to their capacity to contain information that is significant to the azea's history or prehistory, although archaeological remains could also be associated with important events or persons in Eugene's past (National Register criteria A and B). The existence of such deposits cannot be determined without examination of the subsurface below existing structures and paved areas. If significant archaeological deposits underlie the selected site, excavation for the proposed courthouse could adversely affect the deposits. Alternative 1, Option A Historic properties within the azea of potential effect for Alternative 1 aze listed in Appendix A, Table 2 of the final EIS. Alternative 1, option A (the Riverfront site) includes three buildings that appear eligible for National Register listing as part of a historic commercial district in Springfield. These buildings include Ruthie B's Antiques (100 Maui Street), Stephen's planing mill (124 Mill Street), and Bright Oak Meats (130 Mill Street). The survey for this project identified a potential historic district stretching from Main and Mill streets east along Main Street, which would include these buildings. Ruthie B's Antiques also appeazs individually eligible for the National Register for its associative significance under National Register criterion A. Construction under Alternative 1, option A at the Riverfront site would result in the removal of these three potentially eligible historic properties. Final EIS 70 New Federal Courthouse _ __