Phase I Archaeological Survey for SR 16 at SR 54 Intersection Improvements, Coweta County, Georgia

In February 2014 and April 2015, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of State Route (SR) 16 at SR 54 in Coweta County, Georgia (Georgia Department of Transportation [GDOT] Project No. NH000-0022-01[023], P.I. No. 332180, HP No. 140113-003). This GDOT project’s area of potential effect (APE) and expanded survey corridor (ESC) includes .86 miles of roadway and intersection improvements along SR 16 and SR 54. The APE includes the maximum amount of proposed right-of-way (ROW) and easements in the project description, and the ESC includes a 100-foot buffer of the APE. The combined APE and ESC will hereafter be referred to as the survey area. Consulting engineering firm Gresham, Smith, & Partners (GSP) retained EPEI to locate and evaluate archaeological resources within the project area.

Prior to the commencement of fieldwork, a review of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) and Georgia’s Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources Geographic Information Systems (GNAHRGIS) was completed. This search indicated that two previously recorded archaeological sites are located within 1 kilometer of the project area. Neither site is located in the project area itself. Site 9CW106 was recorded by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) in 1992 during survey for a proposed transmission line. Site 9CW182 was recorded by New South Associates, Inc., during survey of six intersections in Coweta County. Both sites are located roughly 1 kilometer north of the northernmost limit of the project area and were not revisited during the current study.

The Phase I archaeological survey resulted in the identification of two sites and one isolated find (IF). The sites include a twentieth century historic structural remnant and a historic dump dating to the mid-twentieth century. The IF consists of two historic artifacts dating to the late nineteenth to early twentieth century. Both sites are considered of unknown eligibility as the limits of the project area prevented full delineation. There are no adverse effects anticipated because both sites are located beyond the current limits of the project.