Phase I Cultural Resource Survey of 286 Acres West of the Chattahoochee River in Forsyth County, Georgia

A cultural resource survey was conducted for Hayes, James & Associates, Inc., prior to development of a wastewater treatment plant in the southeast corner of Forsyth County, Georgia. The 285.97 acre project tract is adjacent to the Chattahoochee River. Much of the project tract has been impacted by agricultural, animal husbandry, and sand processing activities. The survey was performed in September 1995 by Garrow & Associates, Inc. A combined pedestrian survey and subsurface testing program was pursued throughout the project tract. One previously recorded archaeological site (9FO218) is located in the tract. Six previously recorded archaeological sites are located within one-half mile of the project tract. No previously identified National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) properties are located either in the project tract or within one mile of the project tract. The literature search also indicated that no historically significant individuals or events were associated with the project tract. This survey identified seven archaeological sites (9FO218, 9FO267, 9FO268, 9FO269, 9FO270, 9FO271, and 9FO272) and two isolated finds within the project tract. Site 9FO218, a previously recorded site, was relocated and initially evaluated as potentially eligible for the NRHP. Site 9FO269 is a partially maintained cemetery still in use. This cemetery could be recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP; however, it is now protected by Georgia's Abandoned Cemeteries and Burial Grounds Act (OCGA 1991). The remaining five sites (9FO267, 9FO268, 9FO270, 9FO271, 9FO272) and two isolated finds are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The six standing structures in the project tract were built within the past 50 years and are therefore ineligible for nomination to the NRHP. The cemetery, site 9FO269, is located on a separate parcel and will not be purchased as part of the development proposed for the remainder of the project tract. There will be no impact on the cemetery as a result of the proposed development, and no further action will be required for the cemetery under federal or state statutes. It would be in the County's best interest for the cemetery boundaries to be verified before construction begins. Cemetery boundary verification can be accomplished through systematic probing up to 9.0 m in all directions beyond the outermost marked graves. Site 9FO218 was initially recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP. On review, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, and the Georgia SHPO deemed 9FO218 eligible for the NRHP. The preferred management recommendation for 9FO218 is preservation in place. Proposed development plans indicate that this site is outside the proposed limits of construction. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) stating that 9FO218 is to be preserved in place in perpetuity is being prepared by the Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. The MOA will be agreed upon and signed by appropriate parties for the Savannah District, Georgia SHPO, and Forsyth County. A preservation plan specifying the methods for ensuring the preservation of 9FO218 will be developed through consultation between appropriate parties for the Savannah District, Georgia SHPO, and Forsyth County. If all the requirements of the MOA and preservation plan are met, cultural resource clearance to construct will be recommended.