Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of Sweetwater Creek State Park, George H. Sparks Reservoir Spillway, Douglas County, Georgia

This document contains records related to archaeological research conducted in response to the declared incident period of December 22nd, 2015 through January 13th, 2016. Disaster Declaration, FEMA-4259-GA comprised severe storms with lighting and prolonged periods of rainfall resulting in high velocity water flow and extensive flooding at the George H Sparks Reservoir Dam.

SCOPE OF WORK

The City of East Point is proposing to repair the damage incurred at the George H Sparks Reservoir Dam, including the replacement of lost soil at the end of the spillway, removing and disposal of vegetative debris from approximately nine fallen trees in the bed of the spillway below the flume. Repairing and constructing footing for sheet metal flume and the construction of two wing walls downstream side of flume (1 00' x 50' x l2" each). Removing trees along the northern and southern slopes downstream from the flume, cutting the slopes of the northern and southern banks in order to lessen the steep grades and stabilizing the banks and the downstream area of flume with rip rap.

In order for heavy equipment to gain access to the spillway to carry out the debris removal and repairs, the applicant is proposing to rebuild the access roads to the south of the flume/dam; including widening the southern access trail on the existing earthen dam 10 to 12 feet and restabilizing the road as needed. The dam will be restored after the work is complete with grass upon completion. A new road 1,500 linear feet long and 30 feet wide will be constructed on the north side of the flume. It will approach the flume and spillway from the existing picnic area to the west and construction will involve heavy grading, tree removal and establishing two stream crossings.

The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the proposed scope of work (SOW), comprises 7.76 ha (19.2 ac) covering the proposed road to the north, the banks adjacent to the spillway and flume (33.759783,-84.631126). A phase I archaeological survey was performed to identify the presence or absence of archaeological sites within the APE, to define site boundaries, to assess the eligibility of these sites for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and to assess any affects the proposed project would have on these resources. The phase I investigation consisted of a surface collection informed by constant pedestrian survey, randomized investigations of high-probability areas and as an alternative to STs located in untestable areas. In total, four isolated finds (IF) including one (1) flint-knapped Quartz core and one (1) Quartz flake fragment. Isolated Finds by definition are not a site, therefore IF 1, 2, 3, and 4 are not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Subsurface testing (ST) and subsequent delineation was conducted resulting in 123 shovel tests, nine (9) of which were positive yielding a total of ten artifacts. In the course of this study, site 9D04 was revisited and a new multi-component site (9D0213) was identified. FEMA recommends that site 9D0213, which lacks data potential is not eligible for listing in the NRHP. FEMA further recommends that the eligibility of previously recorded site 9D04 remains unknown for listing in the NRHP, while the portion of site 9D04 located within the APE lacks integrity and data potential.

Based on the results of the Phase I Survey, FEMA has determined that the project actions as proposed, are not likely to affect historic resources. Because the characteristics of any historic property that qualify it for inclusion in or eligibility for the NRHP would not be altered, there is a finding of No Adverse Effect to Historic Properties for this project in accordance with 36 CFR 800.5(b). In order to ensure that FEMA-funded activities will not adversely affect archaeological site 9D04, FEMA recommends establishing the edge of the APE near site 9D04 an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). It is FEMA- EHP's recommendation, upon concurrence with these findings by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office that no further work is necessary to satisfy Section 106 requirements and the planned undertaking may proceed.