The subject project consists of the proposed interchange reconstruction and ramp construction in the northern quadrant of the Athens Bypass/SR 316 and Epps Bridge Road Interchange in Oconee County. All required right- of- way limits labeled on preliminary map dated 12/8/95 were surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify, and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the described/labeled project area in compliance with Section 1 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto . An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.
No existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described/labeled on the preliminary map provided the archaeologist.
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