S&ME, Inc., (S&ME) is conducting a Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA) evaluation for a proposed women's field house located on the Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) campus in Savannah, Georgia. AASU was established in 1963. The site is located in the AASU sports complex between a softball field and a parking lot and currently consists of a grassy cleared area. The site location is shown on the attached Figure l U.S. Geologic Survey, 7.5 Minute Series, 1979, Photo revised 1988, Burroughs Quadrangle, Topographic Map. The proposed women's field house will consist of approximately 3,400 square feet total covered space (2,600 square feet heated). The proposed field house will accommodate AASU's women's soccer and softball teams. It will include locker rooms, showers, restroom facilities (public and private), laundry, concessions, and other support areas. Drawings of the proposed structure are included as Figures 2 and 3. A campus map is included as Figure 4. Photographs of the site and surrounding area are attached and are keyed to an aerial photograph (Figure 5).
A search of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) records was completed for S&ME by Ms. Ellen Burlingame of the GASF on February 22, 2006. According to the information provided by Ms. Burlingame, four sites (9CH780, 9CH869, 9CH872, and 9CH873) and five projects exist within a one-mile radius of the subject site. The GASF records are attached for your review. The GASF records include a map indicating site and project locations.
The only site near the project area is 9CH780, a small Deptford and St. Catherine's phase ceramic scatter that was recorded by Southeastern Archaeological Services as part of their survey of the adjacent Hoover Creek Plantation (Smith 1987). This site is located more than 0.25 mile west of the project area and was recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Based on the fact that the proposed project will take place on property that has already been graded and developed as part of the AASU sports complex, the small size of the project area, and the lack of significant archaeological sites in the vicinity, S&ME does not feel the proposed women's field house will have an effect on any archaeological sites.
We wish to know what effect, if any, the proposed project will have on any National Register listed or eligible structures or sites. We are requesting these comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the implementing regulations codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.