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SDMS Document 115598 GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES -0- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES NISKY CENTER, SUITE 231 NO. 45A ESTATE NISKY CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS, V.I. 00502 TDD-(809)777-8413 May 20, 1994 Mr. Robert Witte US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Impacts Branch 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 Re: Request for Review of Proposed "Remedial Work" at the Island Chemical Site in St. Croix, USVI. Dear Mr. Witte: The Division for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has received and reviewed your request for guidance regarding requirements for Section 106 Compliance for the above-referenced project. In the absence of a large scale legible map which clearly indicates structures on the site and other topographic conditions, the DAHP staff has considered the archeological potential of the subject project site. The proposed project site is contained within the Fairplain Archaeological District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our 1958 topographic maps of the area indicate that, at that time, the project area was undeveloped and the potential for prehistoric archaeological resources in the project area was high. The Fairplain Archaeological District has undergone a number of adverse impacts and the present condition of the entire extent of the District is unknown. It Is apparent from the written description which you provided of the site, that sections of the project site have been subjected to a certain amount of development and the ground has been polluted with a number of contaminents. These impacts would have adversely impacted any archaeological resources that are present in these areas. Nevertheless, since the condition and full extent of the Fairplain Archaeological District are unknown, it is our recommendation that the site be inspected and selectively tested by a qualified archaeologist to (1) determine whether or not 900001 Mr. Witte p. 2 prehistoric archaeological resources are present, (2) provide an evaluation of the nature and condition of any resources that may be present and (3) make recommendations for further investigation and data recovery if necessary. We appreciate your coordination with this office and look forward to receipt of a report of the archaeological investigations at the Island Chemical Site. Sincerely. Roy E.'' Adams Commissioner/SHPO cc: Ms. Claudette Lewis, Assistant Director Ms. Elizabeth Righter, Senior Archaeologist 900002