Archaeological Testing of 2 Cultural Properties, Gp-bur-13 and Gp-ef-o8, in Burke and Effingham Counties, Georgia

Archaeological test excavations and laboratory study of material recovered were conducted for portions of two cultural properties in Burke and Effingham Counties, Georgia. This investigation was carried out to evaluate portions of these properties to formulate management recommendations prior to potential impact by construction of the proposed Vogtle - Effingham - Thalmann Electric Transmission Line by Georgia Power Company. Study areas at each property were those portions of the properties under potential impact, referred to as Designated Work Areas (DWAs) for tower construction. Thorough sampling within each DWA indicated little potential for recovering further significant data from those portions of the properties. At cultural property GP-BUR-13r extensive natural soil disturbance has altered and mixed evidence from the several prehistoric occupations (Woodland and Archaic periods) present within the approximate one meter of vertical deposits. At cultural property GP-EF-08, the study area was at the very edge of the property, and occupation evidence was so slight that further study is not warranted. Although soil disturbance was not so evident at GP-EF-08 (over a meter of Archaic and Woodland materials present), the lack of features and the extremely limited artifact assemblage indicates little potential for additional study. This report describes the investigations undertaken and presents data and interpretations of materials recovered. It is recommended that the Designated Work Areas (study areas) at both GP-BUR-13 and GP-EF-08 be released for construction following Georgia Power Company's Tentative Resource Treatment Plan.