Archaeological Resources Survey For the Proposed Ogeechee Wetland Mitigation Sites, Jefferson County, Georgia

From 5 February through 7 February 2001, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted intensive archaeological resources survey of the proposed Ogeechee Wetland Mitigation Sites in Jefferson County, Georgia. These investigations were carried out under Task Order 145 with Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc., for the Georgia Department of Transportation. The project was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 36 CFR Part 800, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A. The Ogeechee Wetland Mitigation Sites consist of two tracts with a total area of potential effect (APE) of approximately 22.47 hectares (55.52 ac). The project tracts are southwest of Louisville, Georgia, along the west side of Ogeechee River, north (Tract # 1) and south (Tract #2) of State Route 24 (Figure 1). The project tracts encompass mature hardwoods, with palmettos and privet as undergrowth. Background research identified no previously recorded archaeological resources within the project tract boundaries or within a radius of 1.61 km (1 mi) of the project tracts. The project goals were to identify all significant archaeological resources in the APE and to assess the effects of proposed wetland mitigation on these resources. During survey, Brockington and Associates archaeologists excavated shovel tests at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals and at judgmental locations in the project tracts. Intensive surface examination was conducted of all exposed surfaces. No archaeological materials were encountered in surface or subsurface contexts. No significant archaeological sites will be affected by development of the proposed wetland mitigation sites. We recommend archaeological clearance of these tracts.