Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Westpoint at Riverside Development, Douglas County, Georgia

From 26 to 30 September 2005, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed Westpoint at Riverside development under a contract with IDI. The project tract is located in Douglas County, Georgia, and is approximately 375 acres. Survey tasks were completed in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and with regulations implementing this legislation (36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties). Prior to the survey, background research was conducted to determine if any previously recorded archaeological sites or architectural resources are located within the project tract. We also examined a 1-mile buffer zone around the project tract. No previously recorded architectural resources are located within the project tract or within the 1-mile buffer zone. No previously recorded archaeological sites are located within project tract. However, 11 archaeological sites are located within the 1-mile buffer zone. Seven sites are prehistoric Native American sites (9D01, 9D03, 9D07, 9D011, 9D0107, 9FU14, and 9FU125), two sites have historic and prehistoric components (9D012 and 9D024), one site is a historic fish dam (9D0105), and the nature of one sites is unknown (9FU1). Three of the sites (9D011, 9D024, and 9D0107) were recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and 9FU125 was recommended ineligible. No recommendations were made for the remaining sites. Nine of the sites are located along the Chattahoochee River at least Y2 mile or more from the project tract. Two sites are located at least 1,000 feet west of the project tract along Sweetwater Creek. Because of their distance from the project tract, it is unlikely that any of the sites within the 1-mile radius will be impacted by the proposed project. Architectural resources survey consisted of vehicular and pedestrian reconnaissance of the project area and its surrounding view shed (together defined as the project area of potential effect or APE) to identify any properties exceeding 50 years in age, and which might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). We identified no significant architectural resources. Archaeological survey consisted of the excavation of screened shovel tests at 30-meter ( 1 00- ft) intervals within the project tract. Additionally, disturbed or sloped areas were visually inspected. Approximately 40 percent of the project tract consists of steep slope and drainage. In the sloped areas, red clay was visible on the surface. On ridge and hill tops, very little topsoil was present. Soils ranged from brown to orange-brown sandy loam overlying culturally-sterile, orange-red to red clay. Depth of the shovel tests varied from 20 centimeters below surface (cmbs) (8 in) to approximately 35 cmbs (14 in). Five historic sites and one cemetery were identified. Cultural resources survey of the proposed Westpoint at Riverside tract identified no architectural resources and six archaeological sites. Two sites (9D0142 and 143) are the remnants of historic structures, one site is a cemetery (9D0144), two sites are the remnants of possible moonshine stills (9D0145 and 146), and one site (9D0147) is the remnant of a possible charcoal kiln. It is unlikely that any of the identified sites could add new, significant information to the archaeological record. Therefore, sites 900142, 143, 145, 146, and 14 7 are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. No further archaeological work is recommended for these sites. Although site 9DO 144 is not eligible for the NRHP, it is covered by the Georgia state law [OCGA 36-72] that provides provisions for the protection or relocation of abandoned cemeteries. The property owner, IDI, intends to seek a permit under this law to relocate the four graves present at 9DO 144.