Phase I Archaeological Survey for Communications Hub Project, Hanscom AFB

Summary

AECOM conducted a Phase I archaeological survey at Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB) in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. This project was undertaken on behalf of the United States Air Force in advance of the proposed construction of the Hanscom SC communications hub, just to the northwest of where Building 1103 formerly stood, at the southern end of the base. AECOM conducted Phase I shovel testing and a documentary cultural resource survey of the area of potential effects (APE) and the surrounding vicinity, utilizing resources from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) as well as historical maps from the digital archives of the Massachusetts Archives and United States Geological Survey. A metal detection survey was also attempted but discontinued due to the abundance of underground utilities that disrupted the signal of the detector.

Phase I shovel testing survey of the project APE documented a high degree of disturbance caused by the construction and demolition of Building 1103. No intact soils were identified during testing, and there is low potential for buried cultural resources due to a high degree of construction, demolition, and various utilities. AECOM concludes that proposed construction will have no adverse effects on cultural resources, though an inadvertent discovery plan should be in place in the event that buried cultural resources are encountered during construction.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Department of the Air Force Cultural Resources Archive   •
• Hanscom Air Force Base Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management Archive

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Julie Esdale

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