Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Bridge Replacement on SR 158 over Satilla River

New South Associates completed the archaeological survey portion of the Cultural Resource Survey for the bridge replacement on SR 158 over the Satilla River in response to a request by CDM Smith. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is in the planning stages of a proposed bridge replacement project to upgrade the existing SR 158 bridge over the Satilla River in Coffee County. The work for this survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800), and was intended to determine the presence of significant archaeological resources in the project's area of potential effect (APE) and expanded survey corridor (ESC). As per the Scope of Work, background research was conducted at the Georgia State Archaeological Site Files. At the time of the survey, the estimated APE for the current archaeological survey was defined as the proposed 50-100-foot variable right-of-way (ROW) for a length of approximately 2,150 feet, and an additional 100 feet of ROW on the north side of the APE for a length of approximately 1,300 feet centered on the bridge. Referred to as the ESC, an additional 100 feet (30 m) on each side of the APE was also surveyed as required by GDOT in the Environmental Procedures Manual. This 2,150x450-foot area totals 22.21 acres. However, after the field survey was conducted, New South received revised and official design plans on September 25, 2012, which reduced the length of the APE to 2,000 linear feet. The variable ROW, the additional ROW on the north side an the ESC stayed the same. The revised plans totaled a maximum of 20.66 acres. Over the course of the survey, no new archaeological sites were identified. However, three isolated finds were discovered. The isolated finds include one chert flake (Find 1), one precontact sherd (Find 2), and one chert flake (Find 3). None of these isolated finds meet the requirements to be defined as an archaeological site and, therefore, are not considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Replacement of the bridge over Satilla River is not likely to disturb any archaeological sites. Upon concurrence with these findings by the State Historic Preservation Office, no further work is necessary to satisfy Section 106 requirements and the planned undertaking may proceed.