Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed 186-Acre Soful Landfill Site, Fulton County, Georgia

R.S. Webb & Associates conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed 75 hectare (ha; 186 acres) SoFul Landfill Site in south Fulton County, Georgia, from March 6 through March 14, 2003. The proposed landfill will occupy a 36 ha ©. 88 acres) parcel within this property. The study was conducted on behalf of Ecological Solutions of Roswell, Georgia, to locate and identify cultural resources within the project area and assess resource significance based on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria (36 CFR Part 60.40). The project area is located approximately 3.0 km northeast of Palmetto, Georgia on Roosevelt Highway. The Phase I cultural resources survey included a literature review and an intensive field survey. During the literature review, state and county records, maps, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites/historic structures are located within or near the project area. Using surface and subsurface techniques, the field survey was conducted to identify and record cultural resources within the study area. Literature Review: Review of the NRHP and historic structures files at the Georgia Historic Preservation Division revealed that no NRHP-listed or eligible properties are located within or adjacent to the project tract. Review of maps at the Georgia Archeological site files revealed that no previously recorded sites are located within or adjacent to the current project area. Cultural Resources Field Survey and Archeological Testing: A total of seven archeological sites, five isolated finds and three standing structures were recorded during the current study (Table I). The seven sites consist of two prehistoric sites, two sites with both prehistoric and historic components and three historic sites. All four prehistoric components were non-diagnostic lithic scatters that could not be assigned to specific cultural periods. Of the five isolated artifact finds, one was a 19th/20th century piece of white ware, three were nondiagnostic lithics, and one consisted of a plain sherd that can only be associated with a general Woodland/ Mississippian time frame. The three historic sites and two sites with historic components date from the late 19th century through the middle 20th century. They include three 19th / 20th century former house sites, one 20th century artifact scatter, and one 20th century liquor still site. The two standing structures were observed within the boundaries of the project area are either too recent or too dilapidated for recommendation to the NRHP. The third standing structure is adjacent to the project's APE. The structure may date to the 1940s, but due to structural modifications and lack of distinguishing design elements, is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP. National Register of Historic Places Recommendations: Based on survey data, the seven archeological sites and five isolated finds are recommended ineligible for the NRHP (Table I). These resources are so severely disturbed, or are of such limited archeological value (e.g., low artifact density, common or recent), as to be unlikely to yield additional significant prehistoric or historic information under Criterion D established for the NRHP. The three standing structures recorded during this survey are either too recent, too dilapidated or have been modified to the extent that they no longer retain architectural or historical value. These three structures are considered to be ineligible for nomination to the NRHP.