Archaeological and Botanical Survey Proposed Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Valdosta, Georgia. Our Project Number Es-794

The objective of this report is to evaluate the archaeological and botanical resources of selected portions of the Valdosta Georgia 201 Wastewater Facilities Plan for Hensley Schmidt, Inc. Engineers. Authorization was received on May 9, 1977. Field work began on May 16 1977, and was completed on May 19, 1977. The survey area is located in Lowndes County, Georgia, near the City of Valdosta (Figure 1). The survey tracts consisted of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) of sewer outfall line and a 14 hectare (35 acre) plant site. The sewer line construction easements surveyed were 12 meters (40 feet) wide. The archaeological survey was designed to locate and delineate any historic and/or prehistoric site(s) which might exist in the path of the proposed construction. Methods used in testing involved auger tests, shovel cuts and visual reconnaissance. The findings of this archaeological survey and the methodology employed will be described in detail in Chapter II. The botanical survey was designed to inventory and evaluate the flora located within the proposed construction easements. Emphasis was placed on the identification of endangered, threatened or unusual plant species. Chapter III presents the survey in detail and assesses the primary impacts of the proposed project on the botanical resources. Partial species lists are also included as Appendices A and B of this report. They present plants which are known to inhabit the study area as well as those which were identified during the site survey. We would like to thank Dr. Wayne Faircloth, of Valdosta State College who contributed valuable information about the general flora of the Valdosta area as well as detailed information about specific sites. Dr. Faircloth also provided general information about the history of the Valdosta area. Dr. Mary Couthit, Professor of Anthropology of Valdosta State College, contributed her knowledge of the archaeology in the area, as did Mr. Chris Trowell, President of the Society of Georgia Archaeology.