Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-M000-00(092), Dodge, Laurens, and Johnson Counties

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-M000-00(092) in Dodge, Laurens, and Johnson counties. This has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify, and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project consists of pile rehabilitation on 14 bridges. In each case, the existing precast concrete superstructures will be removed and the timber pile bents and concrete caps will be replaced. The superstructure will then be reassembled and the bridge railing will be upgraded if necessary. All work will be conducted within the existing right-of-way. An .archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOTIFHW A Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GOOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches lo archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

Archaeological sites were discovered adjacent to two of these bridges. Site 9DG120 is the remains of a prehistoric occupation in Dodge County, located next to a bridge over Gum Swamp Creek (091-00043X-004.10N). It consisted of lithic debris, a retouched flake, and fire-cracked rock recovered from surface exposures. The site was observed inside of the right-of-way along the road for 500ft. Material density is greater closer to Gum Swamp Creek. Although the National Register eligibility for 9DG 120 was not assessed, rehabilitation of the bridge will avoid impacting the defined site area. In order to ensure that unforeseen project impacts do not occur at this site, special stipulations restricting construction activities will be implemented. Site 9JH15 straddles the bridge over the Ohoopee River in Johnson County (167-00033X-000.57S). Lithic debris was recovered from shovel tests adjacent to the river. The material context appears to have been severely impacted by past construction activities. Site 9JH15 is recommended as ineligible for National Register listing. No existing or eligible National Register resources were lasted within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded. Therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above."