Background
R.S. Webb & Associates conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed RaceTrac Camp Creek Parkway Site in south Fulton County, Georgia from September 18 through 29, 2009. The project area covers approximately 3.03 hectares (7.25 acres) and is located approximately 4.0 kilometers (km) north of Ben Hill, in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The study was conducted to locate and identify archeological and historical resources within the project Area of Potential Effects (APE), and to assess resource significance based on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria [36CFR Part 60.4].
Methods
The Phase I cultural resources survey included a literature review and an intensive field survey. During the literature review, state and county records, maps, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites/historic structures are located within or in the vicinity of the project area. Using surface and subsurface techniques, the field survey was conducted to identify and record cultural resources within the study area. The project archeologist walked the transects spaced 30 meters (m) apart. As encountered, exposed surfaces along these transects were examined for artifacts. Landscapes were scanned for historic structures and other possible historic surface features. To search for subsurface archeological resources, screened shovel tests were excavated at 30 m intervals along each transect. Shovel testing involved the excavation of30 by 30 centimeter (em) pits and screening of the soils through 0.64 em hardware cloth to enhance the recovery of artifacts. Data from each shovel test was recorded in bound level books. The project APE was scanned for historic structures and properties. The project area and APE were photographed to document current conditions.
Results
Literature Review: No properties listed on the NRHP are located in or near the project area. Furthermore, no previously recorded archeological sites or historic structures are within ornear(within 1.0 km) the project area. Likewise, no structure signatures were noted in or adjacent to the project area on historic maps or aerial photographs.
Phase I Cultural Resources Field Survey: The project APE was set 100 m beyond the project area boundaries. No archeological sites, isolated artifact fmds, or historic structures were found within the project area APE during the current field survey.
Recommendations
No archeological or historical resources were recorded during the current survey, so the proposed undertaking will have no effect on properties eligible for the NRHP. For this reason, no additional cultural resources work is recommended for this project.
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