Archaeological Resources Survey of the South Park Tract, Fulton County, Georgia

Under contract with M.D. Hodges, Inc., Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive archaeological resources survey (Phase I) of the Southpark Tract in Fulton County, Georgia. This survey was required to comply with cultural resources management provisions of the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations. These regulations are Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, as amended (13 U.S.C. 1344); the US Army Corps of Engineers authority to issue permits (33 CFR 320-330, specifically 33 CFR 320.4, 33 CFR 325.4 and 325, Appendix C, 33 CFR 330.4 and General Condition #12 of 330); Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended; and 36 CFR 800. This project, carried out between 14 and 19 November 2001, included background research and archaeological field investigations. Historic resources located in or near the project corridor are addressed in a separate report (Beaty and Butler 2001). Background research was conducted through the Georgia Archaeological Site File database (University of Georgia, Athens) to determine if any previously recorded archaeological sites are present in the area surrounding the project tract. No sites have been recorded within a'/Z mile radius of the tract boundaries. Phase I archaeological resources field survey consisted of the excavation of shovel tests at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals and pedestrian reconnaissance within the project tract. During our investigation, we recorded one archaeological site, 9FU412, and two isolated finds. Site 9FU412 was defined by a low density surface scatter of lithic debitage. Based on the results of our shovel testing and surface observations, we recommended that 9FU412 should be considered not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Isolated Finds # 1 and #2 are not eligible by definition. Numerous trash dumps and abandoned machinery (tractors, washing machines) were observed throughout the tract. One demolished house site was also noted in the southeastern-most corner of the tract. Neither the trash nor the house site appears to be over 50 years old, therefore, not historically relevant. Furthermore, almost the entire tract has been previously disturbed by logging. Virtually no topsoil remains. It has been depleted by cultivation, grading and erosion. Based on results of these investigations, the proposed development of the Southpark Tract will not affect any significant archaeological sites. Proposed construction should be granted archaeological clearance to proceed.