This document has been prepared for use in completion of applicable Section 106 procedures in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and subsequent amendments. This documentation has been developed in accordance with 36 CFR Part 800 and with guidance from the GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines, which have been developed in consultation with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (GASHPO) for similar projects. As such, this document assesses the effects to historic properties identified within the area of potential effects of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Project State Route (SR) 247 bridge replacement over Big Indian Creek and its overflow in Houston County, Georgia.
The design of the proposed project was developed by GDOT engineering personnel who, as a standard procedure, include environmental parameters as a part of the initial investigations prior to laying out a proposed design. Basic data of the project area that was gathered and studied included aerial photography, topographic maps, traffic (existing and projected), previous studies, wetland inventory maps, soil survey maps, floodplain maps and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) historic resource survey maps.
That data was used to delineate wetland or hydric soil boundaries, flood plains, parks and recreational facilities, known or suspected historic properties and archaeological sites, existing rights-of-way, possible UST/landfill/hazardous waste sites and areas of possible endangered species habitat on the aerial photography prior to laying out an alignment. In addition, other "controls" such as churches, cemeteries, schools, hospitals and any other noise sensitive areas were also identified.
Only at this point was the proposed alignment developed with every attempt being made to avoid sensitive ecological, historic and archaeological areas. In the event that avoidance was not possible, every attempt was made to minimize harm to such resources. The proposed alignment, once laid out, was then field checked and additional refinements were made to further minimize harm to both the natural and built environment.
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