Results of Archaeological Testing at Site AZ T:8:157 (ASM), Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

The project area is located within the Phoenix Basin, part of the Basin and Range physiographic province (Chronic 2002). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) intend to construct a new traffic interchange (TI) in the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. The new TI is part of a larger ADOT project that ultimately will increase the traffic capacity and allow access to the freeway as urban development continues to expand in the area. Archaeological site AZ T:8:157 (ASM) was identified as a scatter of aboriginal artifacts dating to between AD 200-1500 during a survey that included the current area of potential effects (APE). Those researchers (DeMaagd and others 2002:62) recommended that the site would require testing to determine its eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). EcoPlan Associates, Inc. (EcoPlan), as a subconsultant to ADOT’s pre-design consultant, PB, was tasked with preparation and implementation of a work plan for archaeological testing and, if warranted, subsequent data recovery, at site AZ T:8:157 (ASM) (Phillips 2006). Archaeological testing at site AZ T:8:157 (ASM) occurred on 22 May and 26 May 2006. This report presents the results of our investigations.