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Plan View of Existing Conditions

North Truss

South Truss

Typical Portal Section

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We have completed our preliminary hydraulic study for the above referenced site, and offer the following information for your use:

The existing 'Covered bridge was built in 1865. It is 67' long with a clear span of 59'. The bridge is built on laid-up stone abutments that have been repaired with concrete over the years. There are some large voids visible in the abutments. There is a large bend in the river just downstream of the bridge and an old miil dam that controls water sUlface elevations.

Our calculations show that the existing bridge is hydraulically adequate. The Q25 water surface elevation is 381.4' providing'1.6' offreeboard. The QI00 water surface elevation is 382.4'.

A USGS Level IT Scour Analysis was done for this structure 1998. The results show 3.1' of contraction ~cour at Q500. The foundation below the abutments is unknown, ifit is found that the abutments are still stable, repair is an option. If new abutments are constructed they should , be founded at least 6' below the streambed).or on ledge to prevent undermining.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if we may be of further assistance.

NJW

cc: Hydraulics Project File via MJT
Hydraulics ehrono File

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Dear Sean,

      Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc. (HAA, Inc.) recently completed a site visit and conducted research for an Archeological Resource Assessment (ARA) for the proposed East Fairfield Covered Bridge (Fairfield BHO 1448(32)) Renovation project in the Village of East Fairfield, Franklin County, Vermont. The East Fairfield Covered Bridge is constructed over Black Creek, and is located on Bridge Street (TH 49) between Route 38 to the northeast and TH 50 to the south (Figure 1). The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the proposed bridge project is restricted to an area measuring approximately 250 feet (76 m) on either side of the bridge, north and south, and along the east and west sides ofTH 49.

      The Archeological Resource Assessment provides the information necessary to assess the potential for National Register Listed or Eligible archeological sites to be effected by the project. The ARA identifies potential areas of historic or pre contact sensitivity. The research and report conforms to the guidelines for archeological studies under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as defined by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP 2002), the Vermont Historic Preservation Act, and Act 250 (Peebles 1989). This letter report presents the results ofthe research and site visit and the ARA. Site reconnaissance was conducted by HAA, Inc. archeologist on March 17, 2006. The archeological report was written by project director, Elise Manning-Sterling and edited by principal investigator, Karen S. Hartgen. Graphics were prepared by Bruce B. Sterling.

ARA, E. Fairfield Covered Bridge Renovations, Fairfield BHO 1448 (32), Franklin Co., VT

Figure 1. East Fairfield Project Location

Background Research

      The archeological investigation entailed research into the historic and precontact use of the project vicinity and its environs and the investigation of the archeological site files. The literature review for historic and precontact sites consisted of:

• Research at the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) including:
  • archeological site files for sites within or adjacent to the project area
  • archeological surveys conducted on or near the project area
  • town and environmental project files
  • National Register listed archeological sites and standing structures located within or adjacent to the project area
  • archeological sites being considered for the National Register,
• Research at the Vermont State Library and the Vermont Historical Society including:
  • historic maps and
  • review local histories of the project vicinity.

  Precontact Sites and Sensitivity

        East Fairfield is located in the narrow Black Creek valley in an area of low hills situated approximately 11 miles (17.5 km) east of St. Albans Bay on Lake Champlain, and located 6.5 miles (10 km) south of the Missisquoi River Valley. The East Fairfield Covered Bridge is located near falls along the Black Creek which were utilized and altered (through the creation of mill ponds) during the 19th century.

        Research at the VDHP revealed that there are no recorded archeological sites located within the project area or in the near vicinity. The dearth of recorded sites suggests that the area's use during pre contact times was limited. However, there are other factors which may account for this phenomenon, including the paucity of archeological surveys conducted in this area, the presence of low density precontact sites and/or seasonal or intermittent camp sites which were not used intensively.

        The VDHP predictive model form was used to determine the pre contact sensitivity of the project area (Appendix A). An evaluation of the project area produced a rating of 20, indicating that the general area has a low archeological sensitivity. However, the presence of level terrain in areas located on the southwest and northeast comers of the bridge directly adjacent to Black Creek and near the falls have an archeological sensitivity for the presence of precontact sites. Limited archeological testing would determine whether any intact archaeological resources are present in these two areas.

  Historic Archeological Sites and Sensitivity

        The background research revealed that no recorded archeological sites or cemeteries are located within the project area limits. The historic map research revealed that the bridge is situated over a historic mill pond associated with a grist mill and a saw mill which were located on the south side of the Black Creek west of the bridge.

  National Register Sites

        The East Fairfield Covered Bridge c.1865 is located on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register nomination form notes that;

  The covered bridge at East Fairfield village is the only covered wood bridge remaining in the town of Fairfield. Built about 1865, the bridge and mill pond which it crosses are the only surviving elements of an early industrial complex beside the falls of Black Creek. .... The East Fairfield Covered Bridge consists of a single span supported by two flanking timber queenpost trusses. Each truss incorporates iron suspension rods which extend from upper apexes formed by the diagonal members to the bottom chords ..... The East Fairfield Bridge is 68 feet long overall and 16.5 feet wide. The bridge has a 13 foot roadway; its wood floor consists of planks laid flat and perpendicular to the trusses, beginning three feet inside the south portal.

        In 1995, a study was conducted for the East Fairfield Covered Bridge by McFarland-Johnson, Inc. for the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation as part of a long-range plan for the preservation of historic covered bridges of Vermont (McFarland-Johnson, Inc. 1995). To provide for the preservation of the East Fairfield Bridge, this study concluded that it should be closed to vehicular traffic, and necessary maintenance provided to avoid collapse prior to a course of extensive stabilization.

  Vermont State Register Sites

        There are ten structures in the Village of East Fairfield which are listed on the Vermont State Register, two of which are located within or adjacent to the project area.

        The East Fairfield Covered Bridge - built c. 1865.

        The Marshall True House (Ritchie Hotel) c. 1830. This was one of two hotels which provided services for the thriving industrial and commercial enterprises in the town of East Fairfield during the early and mid-19th century. This structure is located approximately 300 feet (92 m) southeast of the East Fairfield Covered Bridge, located on the east side of the road.

  Historic Maps and Sensitivity The 1858 Walling (Figure 2) and 1871 Beers (Figure 3) maps depict the village of East Fairfield and shows details of the project area. In 1858, the road (Bridge Street) was well established, with a store located northwest of the bridge and a residence situated northeast of the bridge. On the south side of the bridge, a mill complex was established west of the road which included a grist mill, a saw mill, and a store. A structure, the possible residence of H. S. Read, is shown located directly southeast of the bridge. The hotel is depicted further to the south on the east side of the road. The map does not indicate what type of bridge was present then.
  
  

  Figure 2. Project Area in 1857

  Figure 3. Project Area in 1871

        The 1871 Beers map demonstrates that the village and town had grown extensively over the previous decade, with many new roads established, and the construction of new residences, businesses, and mill complexes. Within the project area, the map shows a bridge extending over a mill pond on the Black Creek. This is presumably the East Fairfield Covered Bridge which was constructed c. 1865, although it is not specifically identified as such on the Beers map. Southwest of the bridge is the J.N. Pomeroy grist and saw mill complex. No structure is shown located on the southeast comer of the bridge as was depicted on the 1858 WaIling map. It is likely that this structure was removed or razed, possibly when there was expansion of the mill complex and mill ponds. The T. Ritchie Hotel is shown located further south of the bridge, situated on the east side of the road. On the north side of Black Creek, located on the east side of the road is the J.N. Pomeroy residence which is still extant. Northwest of the bridge, the J. C. Davis & Co. Store and Post Office was situated on the corner of Main and Bridge Streets.

  Project Area Site Reconnaissance and Recommendations

  Photo 1.View of project area southeast of the bridge View is to the northeast.

        On March 17,2006, a HAA, Inc. archeologist conducted a walkover of the project area in order to identify historic features, areas of archeological sensitivity, prior disturbance, excessive wetness, or excessive slope. The APE for the proposed bridge project is restricted to an area measuring approximately 250 feet (76 m) on either side of the bridge, north and south, and along the east and west sides of TH 49. At this time, there are no detailed project designs from which specific impact areas can be defined. Therefore, general recommendations are provided which pertain to the four areas located at each comer of the covered bridge.

        The area southeast of the bridge is characterized by a moderate to steep slope which inclines from the road downward to the Black Creek to the northeast (Photo 1). The T. Ritchie Hotel is located several hundred feet south of the bridge, outside of the Area of Potential Effect. The precontact archeological sensitivity of the area southeast of the bridge is considered to be low. No further archeological investigation is recommended for this area.

  Photo 2. View of the project area southwest of the bridge. View is to the north.

  Photo 3. View of the project area northeast of the bridge. View is to the south

  Photo 4. View of the project area northwest of the bridge. View is to the north.

        The area southwest of the bridge is a relatively flat terrace overlooking the Black Creek and mill pond. The area is primarily overgrown with low brush, and contains a short modem drive/turn- around area (Photo 2). Based on historic maps, this area was part of the J.N. Pomeroy mill complex, and has archeological sensitivity for historic resources. Portions of this terrace which were undisturbed during the historic use of this area would have potential for the presence of precontact material. It is recommended that archeological testing be conducted in this area prior to construction or stabilization. Recommended archeological investigation would consist of the excavation of several shovel tests in the proposed impact area.

        The area northeast of the bridge is a residential parcel which contains a 19th -century house (J.N. Pomeroy residence)(Photo 3). The lawn is level to gently sloping downward toward the Black Creek At its northern end, the bridge is raised on a high abutment above the surrounding lawn and ground surface. The grass lawn area is considered to have a moderate archeological sensitivity for the presence of precontact resources. It is recommended that archeological testing be conducted if there will be substantial impacts to the adjacent lawn area. Recommended archeological investigation would consist of the excavation of several shovel tests in the proposed impact area.

        The area northwest of the bridge is a narrow residential parcel which contains a 19th-century residence (Photo 4). The area directly northwest of the bridge is a lawn area which slopes downward to the Black Creek. Because of the moderate slope, this area is considered to have a low archeological sensitivity for precontact resources. No further archeological investigation is recommended for this area.

  Sincerely,

  Elise H. Manning-Sterling
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Bibliography

  Beers, F. W.
        1871 Atlas of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, Vermont. F.W. Beers, New York.

  McFarland-Johnson, Inc.
        1995 Covered Bridge Study at East Fairfield Bridge, Bridge No. 50 Town Highway 49, Town of Fairfield Franklin County. Prepared for the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation. Report on file at the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Montpelier, Vermont.

  Peebles, Giovanna
  

        1989 Guidelines for Archeological Studies in Vermont Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Montpelier, Vermont.

  United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  

        1986 Bakersfield, Vermont 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.

  Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
  

        2002 The Vermont State Historic Preservation Office's Guidelines for Conducting Archeology in Vermont. Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Montpelier, Vermont.

  Walling, H.P.
  

        1857 Map of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, Vermont. Baker & Tilden: New York.

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  Joe Nelson, P.O Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465-0267
  This file posted 01/01/2008