Archaeological Site Testing and Evaluation of Sites 9EB176, 9EB692, and 9MD181 Within the Proposed Bowman Loop-Momentum Expansion Project, Elbert and Madison Counties, Georgia

From June 19 to July 28, 2001, Panamerican Consultants, Inc. (PC!) of Tampa, Florida, under contract with Williams Gas Pipeline- Transco of Houston, Texas, conducted Phase II archaeological testing at one site (9MD 181) in Madison County and two sites (9EB176 and 9EB692) in Elbert County, Georgia. These sites are threatened by proposed construction of the Bowman Loop-Momentum Expansion Project. The intent of this investigation was to determine if any of these sites meet the eligibility requirements for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and to make recommendations as to treatment of the site in light of the proposed construction. The cultural resources investigation conducted for this project is required to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act prior to FERC authorization of an undertaking and the issuance of a FERC certificate for the pipeline project. The cultural resources investigation complies with these federal laws and regulations as well as the guidelines set forth by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. Phase II testing at 9EB176 has demonstrated that the site represents a lithic procurement and initial biface production site that was occupied sporadically between the Middle Archaic and as late as the Mississippian, with periods of most intensive use during the Middle Archaic and between the Middle and Late Woodland. Shovel testing and test unit excavation has shown that the soil is very thin within the southwestern portion of the site. This portion of the tested site is very deflated and retains scant subsurface deposits. The highest concentration of artifacts noted within this portion of the site are found as surface scatters within disturbed areas south and outside of the proposed pipeline expansion right-of-way and temporary workstations. Although the northeastern portion of the site yielded deeper soil and much higher quantities of cultural material, preserved floral and faunal remains were distinctly lacking. Excavation of test units within this portion of the site showed that the highest quantity of material came from the two units placed along the edge of the area to be disturbed by construction of the pipeline extension. The area within the pipeline extension right-of-way to the north of this contained much less dense deposits. The results of our analyses suggest that the site does not possess significant research potential and that further work likely would provide only redundant information concerning prehistory within the Georgia Piedmont. Phase II testing has led us to recommend 9EB 176 as ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP. No further archaeological work is recommended at the site, and the area should be considered clear of cultural resource concerns. Phase II testing at 9EB692 has demonstrated that the site represents a short-term encampment that was periodically visited during at least the Middle Archaic, the Early Woodland, and the Early Mississippian. The site may have served as a way station between lithic procurement areas and other settlements. The site occupants may have taken advantage of the site's commanding vantage of the valley to the north and the nearby resources of the streams to the west and east. Shovel testing and test unit excavation has shown that the soil is extremely thin throughout the site. The site consists predominantly of a wide surface scatter of lithic material. Concentrations of surface artifacts over the site appear to be the result of erosion. It has become apparent that little to no intact deposits exist at this site. Consequently, the site does not possess significant research potential, and further work likely would provide only redundant information concerning prehistory within the Georgia Piedmont. Phase II testing has led us to recommend 9EB692 as ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP. No further archaeological work is recommended at the site, and the area should be considered clear of cultural resource concerns. Phase II testing at 9MD 181 has demonstrated that the site represents a rockshelter that was occupied during the Late Archaic and Middle Woodland periods. The site may have served as a campsite or staging area from which the occupants could exploit the wide variety of faunal resources within the area of the Broad River. A variety of activities may have been undertaken at this site, including lithic reduction and food preparation of various types of animals hunted and otherwise collected within the area. The preservation of cultural features at the site holds promise for further work, especially concerning important research questions surrounding Middle Woodland and/or Late Archaic subsistence practices. Due to the research potential of this site, we recommend that 9MD18l be considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion D. The rockshelter likely will not be disturbed by the proposed project, as the site lies about 250 m north of the proposed pipeline expansion route. However, because a minor possibility of disturbance to the rockshelter remains, pipeline construction should be monitored by a trained archaeologist. If deterioration of the rockshelter is noted, a plan to deal with this resource should then be devised in consultation with the Georgia SHPO.