Brazos Valley Research Associates

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/154235

BVRA is a private archaeological business that was established in 1987 by William E. Moore, a graduate of Texas A&M University in 1980 where he earned a Masters degree in Anthropology while specializing in archaeology.

BVRA provides a variety of services such as:

Archaeological survey
Monitoring of archaeological sites
Assessment of areas to determine the need for an archaeological investigation
Archival research
Editing and report writing

To view a complete list of BVRA publications and related information in the Texas A&M University Libraries catalog, click here. Some publications are not available at this site due to the location of archaeological sites.

Additional Links

List of BVRA Contract Reports with cross references

William Moore's Tiny Texas Jails: The Texas Calaboose and Other Forgotten Jails

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 178

An archaeological survey for a proposed wastewater treatment plant and discharge lin Montgomery County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant and Discharge Line was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on May 29, 2017 for Monterrey Oaks, Ltd. of Porter, Texas. When completed, these services will be used to support the planned Monterrey Oaks Subdivision in southeast Montgomery County. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) consisted of the 0.63 acre tract that will contain the proposed treatment plant and 400 feet of discharge line with a width of 15 feet (0.137741 acre). This is a privately funded project. Therefore no Antiquities Permit was required. Much of the area had been cleared of forest vegetation prior to this survey. This action created 100% surface visibility where the clearing had taken place. A thorough surface inspection was conducted in the disturbed areas. The southern part of the APE stops at Shady Run Creek and this is where the majority of shovel tests were dug. No archaeological sites were found, and no artifacts were collected. Permission to proceed with construction is recommended. Copies of the final report are on file at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, Monterrey Oaks, Ltd., and BVRA.
An archaeological survey for the Concord Robbins WSC distribution system improvements project in Leon County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) conducted an archaeological survey of eight areas proposed for new water in western Leon County, Texas in December of 2016. The size of the eight areas investigated totals 24.04 acres. This work was performed under the supervision of William E. Moore and was sponsored by the Concord Robbins Water Supply Corporation (WSC). No previously recorded sites are present in the areas examined. No cultural resources were identified that were worthy of recording as a prehistoric or historic site. It is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed as planned
An archaeological survey for the Bruceville-Eddy water system project in McLennan and Falls Counties, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey at the site of a proposed water treatment plant was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on January 13, 2016 for the city of Bruceville-Eddy in McLennan and Falls counties, Texas. The project area consisted of two miles of highway right-of-way and a tract of land 103 acres in size. The soil throughout the 103 acre tract consists of firm black and brown clay at or near the surface (see Environmental Setting for description of soil). In some areas, marl was present at depths of 30 cm or less. No evidence of a prehistoric site was found. Two historic sites were recorded. These include a farmstead (41ML309) that consists of a collapsed house, a pole barn, brick lined well, and storm cellar. Other minor outbuildings were observed in other areas at least 40 m distant. The second historic site (41ML310) is a wooden house that had been added onto at one time. It is not known if it is associated with the farmstead to the north. This project was performed under Antiquities Permit 7510 issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), Archeology Division. No artifacts were collected. Copies of the report are on file at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), BVRA, Texas State Library, various repositories and agencies, and the City of Bruceville-Eddy.
A cultural resources survey for the city of Hudson wastewater treatment plant expansion in Angelina County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for the City of Hudson, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on November 20 and 21, 2015 under Antiquities Permit 7471 issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). This survey examined the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant, approximately 6.25 acres. The field methods included a 100% pedestrian survey and shovel testing. No evidence of a prehistoric or historic site was observed. It is recommended that the City of Hudson be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. Copies of the report will be housed at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, City of Hudson, CME Testing and Engineering, Inc, regional libraries, and BVRA.
A cultural resources survey for city of Natalia wastewater improvement project in Medina County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for the City of Natalia, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on November 23, 2015. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) issued Antiquities Permit 7473 for this project. This survey examined 1.24 miles of proposed wastewater line with an easement of 1.5 feet iand the crossing at Fort Ewell Creek (0.222 acres). The field methods included a 100% pedestrian survey and shovel testing. No evidence of a prehistoric site was observed. A sparse scatter of historic trash was found within the working easement but it was not considered necessary to record it as a historic site. It is recommended that the City of Natalia be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. Copies of the report will be housed at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, City of Natalia, Kelley Environmental Consulting, regional libraries, and BVRA. After the survey was completed and the draft report submitted, the client decided against installing waterline in the 1.24 mile cross country segment. The results of that portion of the survey remain in the report in case the area is considered for ground disturbance in the future.
A cultural resources survey for the Men Water Supply Corporation proposed water system improvements project in Central Navarro County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
The MEN Water Supply Corporation (WSC) – aka Client - proposes new construction that will improve its central water system in Navarro County, Texas. These improvements are a new elevated storage plant that includes a 200,000 gallon elevated storage tank, plant site improvements at two existing plants, and 22.77 miles of distribution line ranging in size from 3” to 10” in diameter. After a project review by the Archeology Division of the Texas Historical Commission, Ms. Rebecca Shelton requested that a Phase I archaeological survey be conducted. Jesse Todd, Project Archaeologist, performed the field survey on November 4-5, 2015. This investigation consisted of a 100% visual and pedestrian survey of the entire route and shovel testing at creek crossings, other high probability areas as determined in the field, and the site of the proposed storage tank. No cultural resource sites were found. Based on the results of this survey, it is recommended that no further cultural resource investigations are warranted and that the Client be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. If significant cultural resources not mentioned in this report are discovered during construction, work should cease in the area of the find and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified immediately. Copies of the final report will be submitted to the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, various libraries and research facilities, Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA), the Client, and J. F. Fontaine & Associates, Inc. The Antiquities Permit for this project is 7453. The total area examined was 4.73 acres.
An archaeological survey for the proposed Lakeway Drive extension project in Central Brazos County, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for the proposed Lakeway road was conducted by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on August 27 and 28, 2015. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) traverses cross-country and crosses Lick Creek and Spring Creek. The survey consisted of a surface inspection and shovel testing and probing. Parts of the APE are wooded with a dense understory that made digging shovel tests in areas free of roots virtually impossible. The pre-survey research found that there are no previously recorded sites in the APE and that the area had not been examined at any time by a professional archaeologist. No prehistoric or historic sites were identified and recorded and no artifacts were collected. It is recommended that the City of College Station be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. Copies of the final report are on file at the Texas Historical Commission (THC); Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, CME Testing and Engineering, Inc., BVRA, the City of College Station, and various libraries and repositories as required by the antiquities permit. The APE is 25.3 acres in size. The Antiquities Permit issued for this project is 7396
An archaeological survey for the city of Winters water improvements project in Runnels Count, Texas
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey of the site of the proposed water supply improvement project in north-central Runnels County, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on August 14 and 15, 2015 under Antiquities Permit 7381 issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). This survey examined five areas where water wells are proposed, one proposed ground storage tank site, and segments of proposed transmission lines that connect with the above mentioned improvements. These lines cross Antelope Creek in two places. The total number of acres is 17.71. The field methods included a 100% pedestrian survey and shovel testing. No evidence of a prehistoric or historic site was observed. Antelope Creek is the only major water source in the area surveyed and it is an intermittent stream that probably only contained water following rains and would not have been a likely setting for a prehistoric camp. Most of the soils are heavy clay at the surface and that negates the possibilty of buried deposits. It is recommended that the City of Winters be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. Copies of the report will be housed at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, City of Winters, Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, regional libraries, and BVRA.
An archaeological survey for the Zapata County wastewater treatment plant expansion project in West-Central Zapata County, Texa
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey of the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant expansion in west-central Zapata County, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on July 10, 2015 (Antiquities Permit 7336). The size of the area examined is 4.58 ac. The field methods included a 100% pedestrian survey and backhoe trenching. Virtulaly the entire area was littered with historic trash and there were sparse scatters of prehistoric lithic debris as well. This area was recorded as multi-component site 41ZP965. Due to the extent of disturbance over the entire APE, it was not possible to identify the source area of the cultural materials. The prehistoric scatter probably represents a limited use area that included limited activities and a possible camp. A probable metate fragment and unifacial scraper suggests plant procurement and preparation. An exausted core, and flakes representing all reduction stages are indicators of tool and blade manufacture. The scraper may have been used to process Agave and other similar plants. The historic trash scatter covers most of the entire tract. Types observed are bottles and bottle fragments, ceramics, colored glass, window glass, and a coffee tin lid. The historic component could represent a dump that was pushed when the area was cleared of vegetation. The area could also be the site of a former house, line shack, or store. The research potential of this site is limited to an analysis of the artifacts described in this report, on the site, and archival research that may identify what was present at the time. It is recommended that the county be allowed to proceed with construction of the new plant as planned. Copies of the report will be housed at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), the Texas State Library, the County of Zapata, Premier Civil Engineering, LLC, regional libraries, and BVRA.
An archaeological survey for the proposed city of Granbury water treatment plant (Hood County, Texas)
(2018-02-02) Moore, William
An archaeological survey of a one-acre tract in Hood County, Texas was conducted by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on June 5, 2015. Prehistoric site 41HD11 had been recorded in the Area of Potential Effect (APE), and the purpose of this project was to confirm its presence and identify site boundaries and site significance if possible. William E. Moore was the Principal Investigator and Jesse Todd was the Project Archaeologist who performed the survey. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) issued Antiquities Permit number 7273 to this project. The area was extensively shovel tested and no cultural materials were found. Previous reports by other archaeologists indicated that the site had been disturbed so much that further work was not recommended. All records will be permanently housed at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. Copies of the final report will be submitted to the THC, TARL, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the city of Granbury (aka City), Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, and selected libraries across the state.
A Cultural Resources Survey for the City of Hudson Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion in Angelina County, Texas
(2016-01-29) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for the City of Hudson, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on November 20 and 21, 2015 under Antiquities Permit 7471 issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). This survey examined the site of the proposed wastewater treatment plant, approximately 6.25 acres. The field methods included a 100% pedestrian survey and shovel testing. No evidence of a prehistoric or historic site was observed. It is recommended that the City of Hudson be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. Copies of the report will be housed at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, City of Hudson, CME Testing and Engineering, Inc, regional libraries, and BVRA.
An Archaeological Survey for the Proposed City of Granbury Water Treatment Plant (Hood County, Texas)
(2016-01-29) Moore, William
An archaeological survey of a one-acre tract in Hood County, Texas was conducted by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on June 5, 2015. Prehistoric site 41HD11 had been recorded in the Area of Potential Effect (APE), and the purpose of this project was to confirm its presence and identify site boundaries and site significance if possible. William E. Moore was the Principal Investigator and Jesse Todd was the Project Archaeologist who performed the survey. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) issued Antiquities Permit number 7273 to this project. The area was extensively shovel tested and no cultural materials were found. Previous reports by other archaeologists indicated that the site had been disturbed so much that further work was not recommended. All records will be permanently housed at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. Copies of the final report will be submitted to the THC, TARL, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the city of Granbury (aka City), Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, and selected libraries across the state.
A Cultural Resources Survey for the Men Water Supply Corporation Proposed Water System Improvement Project in Central Navarro County, Texas
(2016-01-29) Moore, William
The MEN Water Supply Corporation (WSC) – aka Client - proposes new construction that will improve its central water system in Navarro County, Texas. These improvements are a new elevated storage plant that includes a 200,000 gallon elevated storage tank, plant site improvements at two existing plants, and 22.77 miles of distribution line ranging in size from 3” to 10” in diameter. After a project review by the Archeology Division of the Texas Historical Commission, Ms. Rebecca Shelton requested that a Phase I archaeological survey be conducted. Jesse Todd, Project Archaeologist, performed the field survey on November 4-5, 2015. This investigation consisted of a 100% visual and pedestrian survey of the entire route and shovel testing at creek crossings, other high probability areas as determined in the field, and the site of the proposed storage tank. No cultural resource sites were found. Based on the results of this survey, it is recommended that no further cultural resource investigations are warranted and that the Client be allowed to proceed with construction as planned. If significant cultural resources not mentioned in this report are discovered during construction, work should cease in the area of the find and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified immediately. Copies of the final report will be submitted to the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas StateLibrary, various libraries and research facilities, Brazos Valley Research Associates. (BVRA), the Client, and J. F. Fontaine & Associates, Inc. The Antiquities Permit for this project is 7453. The total area examined was 4.37 acres.
A Cultural Resources Survey for the Riverside WSC Huntwood Plant Project in Walker County Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey for the Riverside Water Supply Corporation (WSC) Huntwood Plant Project under Antiquities Permit 6357. The project area is 0.5 acre in size. William E. Moore was the Principal Investigator, and he supervised the survey No new sites were found, and it is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed as planned. The site is viewed as a low probability area because of its distance to the nearest major stream (1070 meters) and a shallow sandy mantle. Copies of the final report are on file at the Texas Water Development Board, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, BVRA, Everett Griffith, Jr. and Associates, Inc., and Riverside WSC. The records are curated at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.
An Archaeological Survey for the Fort Griffin Special Utility District Water Improvement Project in Callahan and Eastland Counties, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for a water distribution line in Callahan and Eastland counties was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) under Antiquities Permit 6236 on April 25, 2012. The area investigated consisted of nine acres. No evidence of previously recorded site 41CA7 was found, and no new sites were recorded. Much of the area consisted of shallow soils over limestone bedrock, and the ground surface visibility was excellent. Copies of the report are on file at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), Texas State Library, Fort Griffin Special Utility District (SUD), Jacob & Martin, Ltd., and BVRA.
An Archaeological Survey for the Johnson's Backyard Garden in Southeast Travis County, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
A cultural resources survey was conducted at an organic vegetable farm in Travis County (185 acres) by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) in February of 2012. The client proposes to construct a farm irrigation system that includes the drilling of water supply test wells, permanent wells, an underground pipeline, a re- regulation reservoir and associated drainway, a pump station, and an area in the center of the farm that will contain a cold storage facility, offices, and other facilities. Four high probability areas were identified, and sites were found at three of these areas. Site 41TV2402 is historic and was probably first occupied in 1906 when an unknown structure believed to be a house was constructed. Later, the land was used for dairy farming, row crop production, and most recently for hay production. This site has been totally destroyed, and a bridge that is believed to be associated with the 1906 structure is in poor condition. Site 41TV2402 and the bridge are in areas not associated with the proposed irrigation project and are not considered worthy of additional work or protection. Sites 41TV2403 and 41TV2404 are prehistoric, and they are located on the north and south banks of Dry Creek. These sites are described in this report as camps of unknown age and function. The presence of fragments of mussel shell at both sites, however, suggests that the procurement and consumption of this species of mussel was one of the activities conducted at these sites. The primary source of raw material for lithic artifacts in this area is believed to be gravels in the Colorado River. Copies of the report are on file at the THC, the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), the Texas State Library, Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA), and Johnson’s Backyard Garden.
A Cultural Resources Survey for the Type V GG Liquid Waste Processing Facility in Washington County, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
A Phase I cultural resources survey for a proposed type V GG liquid waste processing facility on a 7.73 acre site in south-central Washington County, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates on December 28, 2011. The project area is in the floodplain of Little Sandy Creek. It was investigated by backhoe trenches (n=7), and no evidence of prehistoric or historic sites was found. The processing facility will be constructed on a portion of the tract (1.55 acres) that has been covered with approximately five feet of fill dirt. Therefore, this area was not subjected to backhoe trenching. The seven trenches were excavated within the footprint of the proposed sewer line and randomly across the project area. It is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed as planned. Copies of the report are on file at the Texas Historical Commission, the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, the Texas State Library, Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA), and L&G Environmental.
An Archaeological Survey for the Richards, Texas Farm-to-Market Road 149 Fiber Optic Cable Project in Montgomery County, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for the proposed Richards, Texas Farm-to-Market Road 149 fiber optic cable project in northwest Montgomery County, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on December 2 and 3, 2011 for United Telephone of Texas of Overland Park, Kansas who is doing business as Centurylink. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) issued permit 6097 for this project, and BVRA is the holder of an Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) permit from the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas for work on their land. The area investigated consists of 2.4 miles of proposed cable with an easement of 10 feet (2.9 acres). The project area is in Forest Service Compartment C-5. No archaeological sites were found, and no artifacts were collected. The area was investigated through a surface survey and shovel testing. Two streams cross the highway, and these are minor tributaries that are low probability areas for significant cultural resources. Copies of the report are on file at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), the Texas State Library, Centurylink, and BVRA.
An Archaeological Survey for the Parker County Special Utility District Water System Improvements in Parker County, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
The Parker County Special Utility District (SUD) in central Parker County, Texas plans to install a six-inch water line that will serve its customers. The length of the water line will be 7300 feet with an easement of 15 feet (2.51 acres). In response to a request by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), an archaeological survey was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) on November 22 and 23, 2011 under Antiquities Permit 6095. This investigation consisted of a Pedestrian Survey and shovel testing on both banks of Grindstone Creek, the only stream in the Area of Potential Effect (APE). No prehistoric or historic sites were identified, and it was recommended that construction be allowed to proceed as planned. Fairview Cemetery (PR C079) is a historic cemetery owned by the Church of Christ that is located at least 200 feet from the route of the proposed water line. Therefore, it will not be affected. Copies of the report are on file at the THC, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), BVRA, the Texas State Library, Parker County SUD, and Jacob & Martin, Ltd.
DCP Midstream Three Rivers Plant to CGP 51 Project in Live Oak County, Texas
(2015-07-31) Moore, William
An archaeological survey for an oil and gas pipeline in Live Oak County, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates on April 28-30, and May 4, 2011. This study investigated both banks of the Nueces River and Olds Slough. The Area of Potential Effect was restricted to the entry and exit points on each bank of the two streams (0.42 acre). No archaeological sites were found, and no artifacts were collected. The presence of clay at the surface at each of the areas investigated is believed to be the reason that no sites were found. Copies of the report are on file at the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, Texas State Library, Brazos Valley Research Associates, CSC Engineering, and DCP Midstream.