Cultural Resources Survey of the Augusta Canal Hydropower Project (FERC No. 11810-000) Richmond and Columbia Counties, Georgia

In November 2001 and April 2002, R.S. Webb & Associates (RSWA) conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of the 14 acre (5.7 hectare [ha]) Augusta Canal Hydropower project environs in Richmond County, Georgia. The project area is located between River Watch Parkway and the Savannah River, adjacent to the Raw Water Pumping Station (RWPS) in Augusta, Georgia (Augusta). The project area is bounded on the east by the Savannah River, on the south by the CSX Railroad tracks, and on the west by the River Watch Parkway right-of-way. A borrow pit is on the northeastern project boundary. The project area is within the Augusta Canal and Industrial District National Historic Landmark (NHL). Based on the 1998 boundary revisions, the NHL covers 9.0 miles (14.5 km) of canal and associated facilities, and encompasses 450 acres. The circa 1899 RWPS and a segment of the circa 1845-1846 (enlarged 1874-77) Augusta Canal are within the present project tract. The circa 1927 Charleston & Western Carolina C & WC, present CSX) Railroad bridge (DNR 1975) is adjacent to the southern project tract boundary. No other components of the Augusta Canal and Industrial NHL are within the view shed or the area of direct effects of the proposed project. Two previously recorded archeological sites, 9RI158 and 9RI 172, are located within the current project area. Sites 9RI158 and 9RI172 were determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1984 (Bowen 1984; Bowen and Robertson 1984). RS WA revisited sites 9RI158 and 9RI172 during the field survey. Site 9RI158 is a large site which contains evidence of occupation from the Paleo Indian Period through the late 20th century (Bowen 1984; Ledbetter 1988). Site 9RI 172 was initially identified in 1984 by Bowen and Robertson (1984), who stated that it could be the same as Site 8 recorded by Claflin (1931). Testing conducted by Bowen and Robertson (1984) indicates that this Late Archaic to Early Woodland (Stallings Island/Thom's Creek) site contains "abundant" subsurface features and well-preserved ethnobotanical and faunal remains from these periods. A previously unrecorded site, 9RI1090, was identified during field survey. We encountered early to middle 20' century structural features, a subsurface scatter of domestic refuse from the same period, and prehistoric lithics. Site 9RI1090 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Sites 9RI172 and 9RI1090 will be preserved in-place. The proposed project will result in no effects to these sites. No additional cultural resources work is recommended in these areas. Project implementation would result in visual effects to the C & WC Railroad Bridge. However, these effects are not considered adverse. No additional cultural resources work is recommended for the C & WC Railroad bridge. Excavation for the construction of new water pipes and new intakes near the RWPS will require excavation in the Augusta Canal. These activities will result in adverse physical effects to the Augusta Canal. During installation of the pipes, the Augusta Canal will be dewatered for a period of approximately 6 weeks. Augusta will install security fencing around the active construction site. Signage will be provided to reduce or eliminate trespassing in the canal during this period An Augusta Canal Authority employee will provide security for the canal by periodically patrolling the construction site while the canal is dewatered. A professional archeologist will be on site to monitor excavations in the canal. Installation of new pipes would also result in adverse physical effects to Site 9RI158. Phase III data recovery excavations in the area of proposed disturbance at 9RI158 are recommended to mitigate the adverse effects to this site. The undisturbed areas of the site should be preserved in-place.