Phase I Archaeological Survey of Segments 2 and 4 and Workspaces for the Atlanta Gas Light East Beltline

New South Associates conducted a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the preferred and alternate routes for Segments 2 and 4 for the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) East Beltline Project. The total length of these corridors was approximately 14.92 miles (24 kilometers). Survey was also necessary on 34 workspace areas located adjacent to Segments 1-5 of the East Beltline corridor. The workspaces totaled approximately 6.84 acres. Five new archaeological sites, three previously-recorded sites, and two historic isolated finds were encountered. The new sites consist of four historic artifact scatters (9CN196, 9CN199, 9DA460, and 9DA461) and one historic cemetery (9CN197). The portions of sites 9CN196, 9CN199, 9DA460, and 9DA461 within the project right-of-way (ROW) do not contribute to the eligibility of the sites. No further work is recommended on the four sites. Site 9CN197 was located just north of the preferred Segment 2 project corridor along Upper Riverdale Road. By calling for no construction or ground disturbing activities within the area of 9CN197, AGL will avoid impacts to this cemetery. Previously-recorded site 9DA251 is a historic site located in a proposed workstation along Segment 3. No artifact deposits were located in the surveyed area, so no further work is recommended. Previously-recorded sites 9DA360 and 9DA458 are prehistoric soapstone quarry sites recommended eligible to the NRHP as well as contributing elements to the Soapstone Ridge Historic District listed in the DeKalb County Historic Register. Proposed workstations fall within the northwestern edges of each of these sites. However, the portion of Site 9DA360 in the workstation area does not contribute to the overall eligibility of the site, and no further work is recommended on that portion of the site. Several large, quarried steatite boulders are present at Site 9DA458, two of which are located within the proposed workstation. In order to mitigate potential impact to these remains, AGL has modified its work plans to include provisions for fencing off the boulders within the proposed workstation and to have an Environmental Inspector monitor the construction activities to ensure that these remains are not impacted. The proposed pipeline will not have an effect on the district itself, which is comprised of a number of discontiguous soapstone outcrops.