Phase I Archaeological Survey and Architectural Survey for the Douglas Waste Service Center, Douglas County, Georgia

A Phase I archaeological survey and an architectural survey were conducted for Douglas Waste Service Center, Inc., prior to development of a landfill in Douglas County, Georgia. The surveys were undertaken in support of a Corps of Engineers permit for the project and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974. The 145-acre project tract is approximately 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) west of the Douglasville city limits on the north side of Highway 78 (Bankhead Highway) and the main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The project tract was clear-cut some three years ago; as a result, much of it has been adversely impacted from the land-clearing activities and associated erosional processes. The surveys were performed in December 1996 by Garrow & Associates, Inc. A combined pedestrian survey and subsurface testing program was pursued throughout the project tract to identify archaeological resources. A pedestrian survey of the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE) was undertaken to locate architectural resources. The APE for the architectural survey was defined as an area encompassing the project tract and those properties adjacent to or outside the tract that would have a visual connection to the proposed landfill. No previously recorded archaeological sites or National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) properties are located in the project tract or within one mile of the project tract. The literature search also indicated that no historically significant individuals or events were associated with the project tract. The archaeological survey identified four sites (9D073, 9D074, 90075, 9D076) and two isolated finds within the project tract. None are recommended eligible for the NRHP. The architectural survey located no resources in the project tract; however, seven resources that appeared to be 50 years old or older were identified in the APE. Three are located south of the project tract along Highway 78 and three are located east of the tract along North Baggett Road. The seventh resource is the Norfolk Southern main line (formerly Southern Railway), which lies adjacent to the southern edge of the project tract. Of the seven resources, two appear NRHP-eligible: a 1923 dwelling on North Baggett Road (HS-7) and the former Southern Railway line (HS-4). In Garrow & Associates' opinion, the dwelling will not be affected by the project. It appears, however, that the rail line will be affected, but not adversely.