Phase IA Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Airport Construction Clay County, Georgia

In 2002, SITE, Inc. conducted background research to determine the locations of known archaeological sites within 1.2 km (1.0 mi) of the proposed location of a general aviation airport in Clay County, Georgia (Figure 1 ). This investigation was conducted for Kimley Horn and Associates following standard archaeological procedures. Background research was conducted at the Georgia State Archaeological Site Files in Athens to identify previously identified resources within 1.2 km ( 1.0 mi) radius of the project area. The proposed project is located within the City Limits of Fort Gaines. The project would consist of a runway-taxiway system 4,500 feet long and a terminal area. The proposed project area, situated on the east bank of the Walter F. George Reservoir and just north of the dam, is relatively flat and open. Its elevation ranges from approximately 64 to 76 m. The area has been known to flood during severe storms. Soils in the area consist of Orangeburg series upland soils. In profile, the surface layer is dark brown loamy sand approximately 15 cm thick. The subsoil is red to yellowish-red sandy clay loam. Project construction would impact soils directly due to mechanical grading, cutting and filling for the construction of a new airport. Secondary impacts would result from heavy machinery moving through the project area, possible use of the area for underground cables or pipelines and runway maintenance. These impacts could include vegetation clearing; soil removal, relocation and filling; and temporary increases in soil erosion.