Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey for Proposed Sewer Line Fannin County, Georgia

Apalachee Research Archaeological Consultants, Inc. contracted with Carter and Sloope, Inc. to complete a Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey in compliance with the provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The goal of this investigation was to identify all archaeological sites within the project area and to evaluate those archaeological sites against the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), in accordance with 36 CFR Part 60. The proposed development entails installation of approximately 5,200 linear feet of gravity sewer main along Weaver Creek and Mineral Springs Creek in the town of Blue Ridge in central Fannin County, Georgia (Figures 1 and 2).

The project area is a 100-foot-wide corridor extending roughly 870 meters east from Aska Road along the north side of Mineral Springs Creek to its confluence with Weaver Creek and continuing roughly 700 meters north-northeast along the west side of Weaver Creek to Appalachian Highway (SR-515). Aska Road and SR-115 provide access to the start and end points of the project corridor with additional access provided by bridge crossings at Beaver Lodge Road and Old Highway 76 (Figure 2).

The project was initiated on October 22, 2021 with a background literature review, which revealed there were no previously recorded archaeological sites within or near the project corridor. The ensuing fieldwork consisted of an Intensive Archaeological Survey, which resulted in the discovery of one archaeological site, which is recorded as State Site Number 9FN573. It is a low-density prehistoric site and is recommended not eligible for the NRHP due to lack of research potential. The archaeological site form is attached as an appendix to this report.

We conclude the proposed development will have no effect on historic properties and recommend no further work.