Archaeological Survey of 375 Acres with Revisit of Nine Sites and Phase II Testing of Sites 9MO485 and 9MO511 on Plant Scherer Property for a Proposed Gypsum Disposal Area in Monroe County, Georgia

Between February 4 and 15, 2008, TRC conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of 375 acres of land comprised of four separate tracts that are proposed for a gypsum disposal area. This included revisiting 15 previously recorded sites within or near the project tracts. On March 10-19 and April 1, 2008, TRC carried out Phase II testing at two of the revisited sites. These tasks were carried out to inventory sites in the designated areas and evaluate them in terms of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility. As a result of the survey, four new sites were found. TRC recommends these four newly identified sites ineligible for the NRHP. Of the 15 previously recorded sites both within and adjacent to the project area, eight were not relocated. Of the 7 remaining sites, TRC recommends three ineligible for the NRHP. Following Phase I field work TRC submitted a management summary to Georgia Power recommending the remaining four sites potentially eligible for the NRHP. One site is a historic house site with a prehistoric component as well, one site is a rock pile site, one site is a multi-component site with Woodland and historic components (the latter of which may be a historic Native American occupation), and one site is a historic house site with a standing log structure, recommended eligible for its architecture. In discussions with Georgia Power following the archaeological survey, it was determined that two sites could be avoided, and it was agreed that archaeological tests excavations would be carried out at two sites. Based on the results of that testing program TRC recommends two sites not eligible for the NRHP.