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September 2015 3-8 14-14979 3.2.6 Archaeological and Historical Sites Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc. conducted both a Phase I cultural resource assessment of the OCEC Unit 1 and linear facilities corridor and a desktop cultural resource assessment of the remainder of the Site in March 2015 (Appendix 10.7.2). The assessments were conducted in accordance with Chapter 267, F.S., and conform to guidelines and specifications set forth in Chapter 1A46,F.A.C. The assessments consisted of a review of relevant archives and literature that contained archaeological reports for northeast Okeechobee County and western Indian River County, a review of information from the Florida Master Site File in Tallahassee, examination of U.S. Geological Survey(USGS)maps, the collection and review of aerial photographs (color and black/white), and a reconnaissance visit(e.g.,pedestrian survey and shovel testing). Based on the assessments conducted of the Site and linear facilities corridor, it was determined that the Site and corridor contain no significant archaeological or historic resources that would be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. A total of 78 shovel tests were performed across the OCEC Unit 1 area, and all were negative for archaeological material. Aerial photos revealed that farming has occurred within OCEC Unit 1 and the access road, increasing the likelihood that any archaeological sites that may have been in the area would have been affected by ground disturbance activities, in particular, citrus farming. Outside of OCEC Unit 1, a total of 16 hammocks were considered to have a high probability for archaeological sites. Part of one of the identified hammocks is located adjacent to the existing access road, while the other hammocks are located within the areas designated for mitigation and future solar generation. Four medium probability areas, specifically uplands adjacent to sloughs and larger ponds, were also identified, three of which are located within the proposed mitigation area. 3.2.7 Social and Economic Characteristics and Public Services 3.2.7.1 Social and Economic Characteristics The Site is located within Okeechobee County, with the linear facilities corridor situated within Indian River County. There are no municipalities within I chile of the Site. 3.2.7.2 Labor Force The labor force in Okeechobee County and Indian River County was reported as 17,887 and 62,289, respectively, as of December 2014, with approximately 16,754 and 58,577 residents listed as employed(Florida Department of Economic Opportunity,Labor Market Statistics Center,2015). Attachment 1 b RW 191