THE OPPORTUNITY

A key energy provider to the South Jersey market needed to expand an electrical substation and upgrade associated distribution lines. The work was phased over the course of a few years, starting with the expansion of the substation itself. The distribution line upgrade also involved the replacement of poles in a roughly 4-mile long utility corridor and would be undertaken in stages so as to avoid service interruptions.

THE CHALLENGE

The vicinity of the substation and utility corridor is crisscrossed by several tributaries of the Delaware River used by Native American populations prior to the period of European settlement. One known Native American archaeological site lay directly in the path of the distribution line upgrade. In addition, historic maps suggested that the sites of 19th-century farmhouses might also coincide with the distribution line.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S conducted archaeological surveys to determine whether potentially significant sites lay within the utility corridor or expansion area. Systematically placed test excavations identified the previously recorded Native American site. A more careful examination of the site established that the site was a low-density scatter of artifacts and could not provide valuable scientific information. The extra effort, which went several steps beyond the usual scope, made a difference. Without the expense of a second phase of the investigation, PS&S was able to demonstrate to the State review agency that this site and a small historic site found elsewhere in the corridor were not archaeologically significant. The project moved ahead without the need for additional cultural resource investigation.