Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Tract, Banks County, Georgia

This document presents the results of an intensive (Phase 1) archaeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) in May and June, 2009 in the area of planned construction for a wastewater treatment plant for Banks County, Georgia. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archaeological 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 consisted of approximately 7 acres surrounding the location of proposed plant construction and another 4 acres of gravity line corridor. The surveyed property lies between Duncan Road (formerly Sims Bridge Road) and the Grove and Hudson Rivers in the southeastern comer of the county. The plant is to be built on an agriculturally terraced hill top and the gravity line will extend down slope to the Hudson River. Much of the floodplain area was inundated by beaver ponds at the time of the survey. During the survey, the project area was surface searched and shovel tested to locate evidence of archaeological sites. The SAS survey recorded 2 archaeological sites within the area of potential effect. A prehistoric lithic scatter designated 9BA119 was recorded on the hill top and within the area of proposed plant construction. That site retains little research potential and is recommend ineligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. The second site, 9BA120, represents a more intensively occupied prehistoric site with evidence of multiple components with the most significant component dating to the late Mississippian period. Site 9BA120 appears to represent a Lamar farmstead or habitation site and as such may retain subsoil intruding features of significance. The National Register status of9BA120 is assessed as unknown. If the route of the corridor can be altered, the site may be avoided. If redesign is not an option, the area of proposed construction on the site should be tested to determine if intact cultural deposits exist. The remainder of the project area contains no significant cultural resources and clearance to proceed should be granted for those areas.