Archaeological survey of the Boardman Dam Haul Road and Batch Plant Area was undertaken to insure that no significant archaeological resources were present that would be affected by the widening of an existing sand road and the development and operation of a batch plant area. These facilities were necessary to repair and rebuild several collapsed dams located in the eastern end of Fort Gordon Military Reservation that failed during 10-11 October 1990. Field investigations consisted of the excavation of shovel tests at 30 m/100 ft intervals within 6 m/20 ft of each side of the existing sand road that extends from Boardman Dam to the proposed Batch Plant Area (approximately 400 m/1300 ft). This road was to be widened to permit the passage of trucks carrying various aggregates to the Batch Plant Area, and their return with concrete for nearby construction sites. The Batch Plant Area consisted of a 150 m by 150 m/500 ft by 500 ft tract. This area was examined through the pedestrian transects oriented north/south, and spaced at 30 m/100 ft intervals. Shovel tests were excavated at 30 m/100 ft intervals along each transect where ground surface visibility was limited. Two archaeological sites were encountered within the project area. Site 9RI425 consisted of a scatter of Early/Middle Woodland (Yadkin/Deptford) prehistoric lithics and ceramics, and modern architectural debris. The prehistoric remains appear to represent of temporary camps or resource extraction site; the historic remains probably represent secondary deposits employed as road fill. This diffuse scatter of remains was tested through the excavation of additional shovel tests and two test units. The test units contained 1.25 m sq. Of the site surface). The remains of a large burned stump were encountered in the test units. No evidence of intact cultural deposits were encountered in any of the excavations at the site. Thus, 9RI425 was recommended as not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Site 9RI424 consisted of historic ceramics, glass, and architectural debris recovered from the existing sand road near Boardman Dam. A single pearlware sherd and a wrought iron strap hinge were collected. Brick/mortar fragments and clear bottle glass fragments were observed but not collected along the road surface. No evidence of artifacts occurring on the surface or in buried deposits were encountered in shovel tests excavated adjacent to the existing road. Thus, these remains appear to represent secondary deposits of debris placed on the existing road to reduce erosion of the road surface due to vehicular traffic or natural processes. This site also was recommended as not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
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