Phase I Archaeological Survey Metro-Atlanta Watersheds, Peachtree and Nancy Creeks, Fulton/Dekalb Counties, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive Phase I archaeological resources survey in January and February 2002 for the proposed Metro-Atlanta Watersheds, Peachtree and Nancy Creeks project in Fulton and DeKalb counties, Georgia under contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The project tract is divided into 23 separate areas, totaling 71.1 acres. Background research and field survey were conducted to provide accurate and reliable location of archaeological sites in the project area, provide an evaluation of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility for all identified archaeological resources in the project corridor, and provide recommendations for mitigation if avoidance of NRHP eligible sites is not possible. This survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (1992, as amended). The archaeological:field survey consisted of pedestrian inspection of each project tract. Visual surface inspection and shovel testing were conducted within the project boundaries. Shovel tests were dug at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals in transects spaced at 30 meters (100 ft).Visual ground surface inspection, in conjunction with judgmental shovel testing, was conducted when the area was determined to be highly disturbed or eroded due to the extensive commercial and residential development within several of the project boundaries. The archaeological field survey identified one archaeological resource, Site 9FU416, located within project tract NC-40. Site 9FU416 is a Middle Woodland prehistoric artifact scatter. Due to the artifact density, presence below the plowzone, and coverage in conjunction-with the presence of multiple diagnostic sherds, we recommend a Phase II investigation of 9FU416 in order to better delimit vertical site boundaries, determine the presence of intact subsurface features or middens, and to determine National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility. Brockington and Associates, Inc., found no significant archaeological resources within the area of potential effect (APE) of the following tracts: NC-5, NC-lOA, NG40A, SFP-10, SFP-30, SFP-70, NFP-5, NFP-20, BF-20, NCSB-1, NCSB-2, NCSB-3A, NCSB-3B, NCSB-4, NFSB-1, SFSB-1, SFSB-2, SFSB-3, SFSB-4, SFSB-5, SFSB-6, SFSB-7, and SFSB-8. Archaeological clearance for the proposed Metro-Atlanta Watersheds, Peachtree and Nancy Creeks project within these tracts is recommended.