Phase 1 Cultural Resources Survey of the Hugh A. Wyckoff Regulatory and Operational Improvements Project Cobb County, Georgia

In November of 2009 and February 2010, Brockington and Associates, Inc. completed a Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed Hugh A. Wyckoff Regulatory and Operational Improvements Project in Cobb County, Georgia. This work was performed under contract with Ch2M Hill, Inc. The project area is defined as being approximately 61 acres in size. The planned improvements within the tract include placement of subsurface pipes, clearwells, and a fill area. Survey work consisted of background research, intensive archaeological field survey, and pedestrian architectural survey. The investigation was conducted pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended through 1992), by personnel qualified under the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (36CFR Part 61; Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation). Background research was conducted through a review of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources NAHRGIS online information system to identify any previously recorded cultural resources which may have been located within the boundaries of the project tract, or within the area of potential effect (APE); defined as the footprint for archaeological resources and the viewshed surrounding the footprint, if historic structures were found nearby. NAHRGIS was further used to provide information concerning the location of and the eligibility status of all nearby recorded resources (within a one mile radius). Background research was also conducted at the Historic Preservation Division, Department of Natural Resources in Atlanta, as well as the State Archaeological Site Files in Athens. Background research did not reveal any NRHP listed, or eligible, properties within the project tract. Twenty-six (26) previously recorded archaeological resources (9CO18, 9CO39, 9CO40, 9CO41, 9CO42, 9CO50, 9CO51, 9CO52, 9CO53, 9CO54, 9CO55, 9CO56, 9CO197, 9CO198, 9CO200, 9CO201, 9CO202, 9CO203, 9CO224, 9CO226, 9CO236, 9CO286, 9CO287, 9CO288, 9CO321, and 9C0510), and eight previously recorded historic architectural resources (NAHRGIS Resource #s 204920, 204921, 204946, 204947, 206948, 205033, 205034, and 205036) were located within 1.6 km (1 mi) of the center of the project tract. Although some of these resources are considered NRHP-eligible, none are in, or immediately adjacent to, the project tract. Archaeological field survey methods included systematic shovel testing at 30 meter (98 ft) intervals along 12 transects within the proposed project area footprint. Shovel tests were excavated until sterile subsoil was reached. Visual inspection augmented shovel testing in areas with good ground surface visibility. Architectural survey included visual inspection of the project tract and the area within the tract's viewshed. Brockington and Associates, Inc. identified no historic architectural resources within the project tract, or within the viewshed surrounding the tract. The nearest historic structure is located more than 360 meters south of the edge of the tract and on the other side of both a ridge and Cobb Parkway. Based on on-site pedestrian reconnaissance, aerial imagery, and terrain observations, none of the historic structures within 1 mile are visible from the project tract. Likewise, the project tract is not visible from any of these historic structures. Although all shovel tests were negative, and no artifacts were recovered, one archaeological resource (9C0718) was identified within the project tract This location appears to be a Civil War period earthwork - a remnant trench fragment. It is not associated with any action related to the battles of Allatoona Pass, Pickett's Mill, Kennesaw Mountain, or any other nearby skirmishes. It likely functioned as a preliminary protective structure which was built in anticipation of the attack of Sherman's forces from the north (toward Allatoona Pass). We recommend that this site be considered ineligible for nomination to the NRHP because of extensive disturbance in the area, the absence of an intact historic landscape, lack of setting and/or integrity, and it provides no interpretive or research potential. The proposed undertaking will have no adverse effects on any listed or eligible NRHP cultural resources, and clearance is recommended.