Archeological Survey of the Proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion for the City of Alma, Bacon County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in central Bacon County, where the City of Alma wishes to construct a wastewater treatment facility on approximately 15 5 ha ( 400 ac) of land just southeast of the city. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate the significance of any archeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the facility. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The area of potential effect for the project consists of the approximate 155-ha (400-ac) tract. This tract is about three-quarters uplands and one quarter floodplain. The uplands are mostly pine plantation and clearcut former pine plantation.     Archival research indicated that two previously recorded prehistoric sites could exist within the project area. There was no documentation of a historic-era house ever existing on the property. Visual inspection and the excavation of about 340 shovel tests resulted in the discovery and recording of nine sites, all sparse scatters of prehistoric artifacts. One of these was previously recorded site 9BC25, which has been destroyed by sand mining. We also recorded six isolated artifacts, or artifact occurrences. We conclude that none of these nine sites or six artifact occurrences has the ability to yield important new information about the prehistory of the area and therefore recommend that none are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. We conclude that the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effects to significant archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.