Proposal for Underwater Archaeological Survey of Proposed Borrow Puts in the Savannah River, Chatham County, Georgia, GDOT Project MTA-LABA-00-001

In anticipation of hydraulic dredging activity in the Savannah River the Georgia I:epartment of Transportation has issued a request for proposals for a remote sensing survey designed to identify and assess the potential impacts on submerged cultural resources in compliance with United States Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit requirements. Submerged cultural resource surveys are required by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 106 and 110 (formerly E. o.  11593)

of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended following the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Regulations (36 CFR 800). The remote sensing survey is to be designed to locate and identify submerged cultural resources in the proposed borrow areas and generate sufficient data to make an initial assessment of their significance and provide insight into necessities for avoidance or additional investigation.

The investigation proposed by Tidewater Atlantic Research (TAR) of Washington, North Carolina, has been designed to provide accurate and reliable identification, assessment, and remote sensing documentation of submerged cultural resources in the borrow areas in terms of the criteria established in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 11-190), Executive Order 11593, and the .Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Procedures for the protection of historic and cultural properties (36 CFR Part 800), and the updated guidelines described in 36 CFR 64 and CFR 66. The results of the proposed investigation will provide the Georgia Department of Transportation with the magnetic and acoustic remote sensing and positioning data essential for locating submerged cultural resources, evaluating each target, and assessing the need for additional investigation and testing to determine appropriate measures for avoidance of the resource and preservation or mitigation that might be required in the event that avoidance is not an option.

The methodology proposed by Tidewater Atlantic Research will combine state of the art technology, experienced personnel, and an investigative methodology designed to generate appropriate historical and remote sensing data. Equipment for the project has been selected to provide maximum reliability and economy in target location, relocation, identification, documentation, and assessment. Personnel responsible for the remote sensing investigation have been selected to combine a variety of individual talents and extensive submerged cultural resource research and management experience. 1hat experience provides assurance of maximum operational efficiency, safety, and a professional assessment of the data. The research methodology will assure a systematic scientific approach designed to insure the generation of appropriate data, yet retain the operational flexibility and Public Transportation; University of South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology; Norfolk Virginia Port Authority; City of Alexandria, Virginia; Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission; Division of Soil and water Conservation; Confederate Naval Museum and Bermuda Maritime Museum. Tidewater Atlantic Research has the personnel, equipment, and experience to complete every aspect of the work identified in the request for proposals.