An Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Improvements to the Rocky Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, Bibb County, Georgia

On July 16, 2001, Southeastern Archeological Services conducted an intensive archeological survey of the proposed improvements at the Macon Water Authority's Rocky Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. The primary improvements consist of constructing three aerobic digesters, a digester building, and the addition of asphalt parking lots adjacent to the digesters immediately to the east of the existing facilities. The survey examined approximately 1.1 ha (2.75 ac). No archeological sites were found. The only cultural resource with any material remains is a recently abandoned railroad bed that formerly connected the Central of Georgia Railroad with the Southern Railroad. Documentary research indicates this 1.3 km (. 8 mi) stretch was constructed between 1938 and 1950. It traverses the length of the survey area and the cut will be filled prior to construction of the aerobic digesters and digester building. Based on precedent, the railroad bed is potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It was photographed and a profile was recorded. This level of recording has essentially mitigated construction-related damage; thus, we recommend a finding of no adverse effect to this resource. Although no prehistoric or early historic period Native American archeological sites are present within the survey boundaries, most of the Rocky Creek Water Pollution Control Plant is included within the Ocmulgee Old Fields Traditional Cultural Property (TCP). Consisting of 13,000 acres, the TCP is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The TCP boundary was arbitrarily set at the 300 ft contour interval, thus it includes the majority of the Rocky Creek facility. We believe that it was an oversight to include this heavily developed area within the TCP. Nevertheless, we recommend that the State Historic Preservation Officer should review this report to determine what measures need to be followed to insure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.