Phase I Cultural Resources Survey Proposed Compensatory Mitigation Site, Raw Water Intake Site, And Pipeline Corridor, Parks Creek Water Supply Reservoir, City of Jefferson, Jackson County, Georgia

Background: R.S. Webb & Associates (RSWA) conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of proposed project properties associated with the Parks Creek water supply reservoir undertaking in Jackson County, Georgia. This project included the survey of a 17.8-hectare (ha) (44-acre) compensatory mitigation site, a 12.6-kilometer (km) (7.9 mile) long, 12-meter (m) (40-foot) wide water pipeline corridor, and a 3 by 3-m (10 by 10-foot) water intake site. The field survey was conducted during the period October 26 through 31, 2011. The project areas are located in the northeastern part of the state, north-northeast and west of Jefferson. The study was performed on behalf of the City of Jefferson to locate and identify cultural resources within the project Area of Potential Effects (APE) that may be impacted by project-related activities, and to assess resource significance based on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria [36CFR Part 60.4 (a-d)]. Methodology: The Phase I cultural resources survey included a literature review, archeological and historical resources field surveys, data analysis, and preparation of this report. During the literature review, state and county records, maps, aerial photographs, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites or historic structures are located in or around the project areas. The archeological field surveys were conducted using surface inspection and screened shovel testing techniques to locate and identify archeological resources within the project areas. Given the nature of the project, the APE was set at the boundaries of the project tracts/corridors. The APE was photographed and scanned for historic structures and features. Results: National Register of Historic Places and Jackson County Historic Structure Surveys: No NRHP-listed historic properties located within 1.6 km of the proposed compensatory mitigation site. The 1976 architectural survey of Jackson County resulted in no structures recorded in the project vicinity. The 2002 FindIt historic resources survey of Jackson County identified the Long Farm and Cemetery as being approximately 800 m north of the mitigation site. The study states that both of these resources "appear to" meet NRHP-eligibility criteria. The files at HPD revealed that one NRHP-listed property, the Jefferson Downtown Historic District, is located approximately 480 m southwest of the proposed water pipeline corridor as it enters the existing filtration plant site in Jefferson. The Identified Sites files at HPD show further that the Highway 82 bridge over Curry Creek, located approximately 320 m southwest of the proposed pipeline corridor as it leaves Highway 82, has had at least two episodes of NRHP-nomination work, but the nomination package appears to have never been forwarded for final review. The 1976 architectural survey identified one historic structure, the Hurricane Grove Baptist Church, located near the proposed project corridor. The church was designated Resource No. 144 and it is located on the north side of Apple Valley Road, northwest of the proposed pipeline corridor; the 1976 structure form gives no indication of the structure's NRHP eligibility. The 2002 FindIt architectural survey identified 15 historic resources located along the proposed pipeline corridor; 13 resources are located along Highway 82 as it extends northward from Jefferson, and two resources are located along a minor road off of Apple Valley Road (along which the proposed pipeline corridor also passes). According to the NAHRGIS database, seven of the recorded structures located along Highway 82 require additional study in order to make a NRHP determination as they have issues of historic integrity; the remaining six recorded structures located along Highway 82 "appear to" or "may" meet NRHP-eligibility criteria. The two structures recorded near Apple Valley Road "appear to" meet NRHP criteria. Georgia Archeological Site File: Review of maps at the Georgia Archeological Site File revealed that no previously recorded archeological sites are located within the project areas. Two sites (9JK142 and 9JK144) are within 300 m of the proposed mitigation site, while one site (9JK218) is approximately 130 m from the proposed water pipeline corridor. Civil War Features: Review of The Official Military Atlas of the Civil War (Davis et al. 1983) and The Campaign for Atlanta (Scaife 1993) revealed that no significant Civil War military activity occurred in present Jackson County. At the time of the war, however, the area of Jug Tavern (Winder in Barrow County) was within Jackson County limits and a planned calvary raid of on the railroads south of Atlanta ended dismally there. Archeological Resources Field Survey: One historic isolated find, a single piece of plain hard-paste porcelain, was recovered from the compensatory mitigation tract. No other archeological resources were detected during the current survey. Historic Resources Field Survey: Though a number of potentially structures are located near road rights-of way where the proposed pipeline will be installed, no historic structures or features are located within the project areas/corridors. NRHP Eligibility Recommendations and Project Effects: Isolated Find 1 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP under Criterion (d) due to its disturbed and isolated nature. Due to distance and the temporary nature of pipeline construction, no historic resources will be affected by the proposed project. From a regulatory standpoint, the proposed undertaking will have no effect on properties eligible for or listed on the NRHP. Management Recommendations: No additional cultural resources work is recommended for the proposed compensatory mitigation site, the water pipeline corridor, and the water intake site.