AN INTENSIVE CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT SURVEY OF THE BLITCH SURFACE MINE TRACT, CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

In May 2017, Environmental Services, Inc., (ESI) conducted a cultural resource assessment survey of the proposed Blitch Surface Mine parcel in Chatham County, Georgia (Figure 1.1).

The tract is located on the north side of Osteen Road, just north of the railroad. The project was conducted for the Morgan Family in anticipation of complying with state and federal regulations during the permitting process. Fieldwork was conducted by Joshua Newman and Greg Gonzalez under the direction of Brent Handley, who served as Principal Investigator for the survey.

The goals of the investigation were to locate all historic properties, including archaeological sites, within the project area, and to assess their significance and potential eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as mandated by federal laws and guidelines (Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Title 36, Chapter VIII, Part 800 [36 CFR 800]). The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, requires cultural resource assessments on all projects that involve federal assistance, licensing, and/or permitting. The effect of a project on cultural resources must be taken into consideration, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation must be afforded an opportunity to comment on such effects. In order to meet these objectives, an intensive cultural resource assessment survey was conducted by ESI, the results of which are reported herein. The field investigation consisted of an intensive pedestrian inspection of the tract coupled with subsurface testing at 15, 30, and 60-meter intervals across the project tract. Shovel tests measured 30 cm in diameter and were excavated to a depth of at least 80-cm below surface whenever possible. All soil was screened using ¼ inch mesh. The current study resulted in the discovery of one newly recorded archaeological site (9CH1401). This site is not eligible for listing in the NRHP, and no further work is warranted for this site. In addition, the Hardin Canal (9CH1454) was also recorded and assessed during the current study. The short section of canal within the current study area is deemed ineligible due to previous impacts that included the construction of a one-lane access road and culvert. The proposed area of impact includes widening the one lane road to two lanes that already crosses the canal. In addition to the archaeological survey, a pedestrian inspection and research was conducted to identified possible historic resources outside the project boundaries, but within visual distance. The Seaboard Coastline Rail is located to the south of the project area, this significant resource will not be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed mining project. The oldest structure nearby, according to the Chatham County property appraiser website, was built in 1973. It is the opinion of ESI that the proposed development be allowed to proceed without further concern of significant impacts to cultural resources.