Intensive Cultural Resources Evaluation of a Proposed Dublin Sewer Line Corridor, Laurens County, Georgia

Thomas and Hutton Engineering Company contracted with Brockington and Associates, Inc. to conduct a cultural resources evaluation of a proposed sewer line easement located south of Dublin, in Laurens County, Georgia. This proposed sewer line corridor extends from the Dublin Wastewater Treatment Facility east and southeast for approximately 5.1 km (3.2 miles), spanning the Oconee River. The goals of this project were to determine the potential for cultural resources within the proposed project corridor and to ascertain what impact the proposed project would have on any such resources. This investigation was conducted in order to meet standards set forth by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended). Background research indicated that the proposed sewer line corridor would pass directly through two archaeological sites (9LS41 and 9LS44B). These sites could not be relocated and are believed to have been destroyed by road clearing and the construction of sludge ponds. One previously unrecorded archaeological site (9LS218) was recorded beyond the east bank of the Oconee River. This prehistoric site consists of a moderately dense scatter of lithic tools and debitage; several non-diagnostic sherds were also noted. Artifacts were identified in both surface and subsurface contexts. Based on the results of the field examination of the project corridor, Thomas and Hutton engineers modified the sewer line route to avoid any potential impact to 9LS218. Based on the results of this investigation, the construction of the proposed sewer line will have no effect on significant cultural resources.