Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-M000-00(091), McDuffie, Newton, Screven, Treutlen, and Washington Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of l 966 and amendments thereto, project STP-M000-00(091) in McDuffie, Newton, Screven, Truetlen, and Washington counties, has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify, and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect.

The proposed project consists of pile rehabilitation on 12 bridges. In each case, the existing pre-cast concrete superstructures will be removed and the timber pile bents and concrete caps will be replaced. The superstructure will then be reassembled and the bridge railing will be upgraded if necessary. All work will be conducted within the existing right-of-way.

An archaeological survey (Level IT) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

Archaeological sites were detected near all three of these bridges. Site 9SN 193 was discovered on Beaverdam Creek where Beaverdam Road crosses it (251-00 l 94X-000.59E). Artifacts recovered on the surface and through shovel testing were lithic debris and a large, plain sand tempered sherd. While the area south of the bridge has been impacted by the construction of a driveway and a previous roadway, the northern side may be relatively intact. Site 9SN 194 is farther upstream where Roberts Bridge Road crosses the creek (251-00166X-002.76S). Shovel testing recovered lithic debris and a rusted wire or wire nail fragment. While there has been some prior impact in the immediate area, the possibility of intact deposits inside of the right-of-way could not be discounted. Site 9SN l 95 was discerned along Ogeechee Creek at the Union Church Road crossing (25 l-0008 lX-000.63S). Shovel testing and surface collection yielded lithic debris and a bifacial tool. While these materials may be redeposited, a stratum was encountered which may be an intact cultural horizon. In each of these cases, eligibility for listing in the National Register was not assessed. However, bridge rehabilitation will avoid impacting any of these areas. ln order to ensure that unforeseen project impacts do not occur at these sites, special stipulations restricting construction activities will be implemented.

No existing or eligible National Register 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 above.