Progress Report Darien Waterworks Improvement Project Darien, Georgia, Feb 18-Mar 17, 1978, Project No. ES-902

Three archaeological sites, including a human burial, were identified during this reporting period. Discovery of the human burial necessitated the first formal archaeological delay incurred during this project. The construction crew was able to move to a new area, however, with minimal disruption to the schedule. The human burial was encountered on March 2, and was completely excavated and removed on March 3. This work was achieved by the project archaeologist and a two-person crew dispatched from SSI. Dr. Lewis Larson, the State Archaeologist, visited the project on March 3, and concurred with the need to remove the burial. The Darien City Council met in emergency session that evening, and granted a permit for the removal as is required by Georgia law. The remains were removed by 10:30 P.M. on March 3, and were shipped to SSI's Marietta office for further study the following day. The remains are still undergoing study by SSI's physical anthropologist at this time, and the final results will be prepared in time for the next progress report. It is anticipated that the remains will be returned to Darien for reburial well within the 60 day limit' provided for in the city permit. Officials of McCrary Engineering, the Office of the State Archaeologist, Seaboard Construction Company, and the City of Darien provided excellent cooperation during the excavation of the burial It was largely due to the cooperation of these individuals that it was possible to effect the removal within such a short time frame. The report that follows documents the three archaeological sites encountered during the reporting period.