Phase I Archaeological Survey of Flat Shoals Road/I-285 Interchange Improvements DeKalb County, Georgia

From 18 to 20 January 2003, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted Phase I archaeological survey along Flat Shoals Road and 1-285 in advance of proposed reconstruction and rehabilitation of the interchange. The archaeological survey was conducted for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) under a subcontract with the LPA Group Incorporated to determine the project's effect on significant cultural resources in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. The project corridor extends from the Clifton Springs Road intersection to just north of the Panthersville Road/Fairlake Drive intersection. On 1-285, the corridor extends from west of the Panthersville Road bridge over 1-285 to east of the 1-285 bridge over Shoal Creek. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for archaeological resources was defined as 100 feet (30 meters) from the edge of the pavement except at the 1-285/Flat Shoals interchange where it was defined as 200 feet (60 meters) from the edge of the pavement along the deceleration lanes and ramps. Background research identified one archaeological site (9DA81) within the project corridor. Site 9DA8I was recorded in 1975 and described as a Late Archaic campsite. According to the 1975 site form, the site was the location of planned ballparks on which construction had already started. Archaeological survey identified one isolated find (Isolate 1) consisting of one historic ceramic. Isolated finds are generally considered not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Site 9DA81 could not be located. According to the 1975 site form, the site was in imminent danger of being destroyed by construction of ball fields; the ball fields are still in existence. Shovel testing in the wooded area south and west of the area found no evidence of archaeological sites. It is likely that 9DA81 was destroyed by construction. Based on our archaeological survey, the proposed improvements in the project corridor will not impact any significant archaeological resources. No further archaeological resources considerations are recommended at this time.