Intensive Archeological Reconnaissance Beaver Ruin Creek Interceptor Gwinnett County, Georgia

We began preliminary reconnaissance to determine accessability for archeological survey and intensive reconnaissance for Step II, Engineering Grant. We commenced survey at the Norcross oxidation pond near Mithcell Road, immediately south of Norcross. The area is the designated terminus of sewer line construction. The view from Mithcell Road shows that the creek banks, on both sides, are wooded predominately in young pine. This is generally the condition along Beaver Ruin Creek from the oxidation pond south to I-85. Most of the area between Mitchell Road and the creek was apparently previously cultivated. Indicators are terracing, ditching and the present pioneer growth.

Immediately south of I-85, a large trailer park abuts the E. side of the creek while the w. side is in heavy brush. Here the floodplain is wide and flat but visibility is extremely poor. At the Indian Trail Road crossing, the w. side of the road is wooded and brushy and filled with recent silt and alluvial sand in the low areas. Tests would be required to locate the 'original' surface. On the E. side of the road and the S. bank of the creek, is the soccer field of the Greater Atlanta Christian School. The field is surrounded by low, heavy brush. At the Hillcrest Road crossing, the N. bank is abutted by a trailer park and the area has been truncated by heavy machinery. South of the creek the bank is steeper but it is possible to walk the bank and vegetation is relatively light.

Shore areas on the S. side of Freeman Lake are modern single-family-unit residential areas. The length of the lake shore is generally accessible on foot. The crossing at Beaver Ruin Road has both creek banks covered in heavy brush; however a large open pasture area extends from the road towards the east some 100 yards north of the brushy creek 'zone'.