Second Addendum to Intensive Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Big Horse Creek Bridge Replacement, Telfair County, Georgia

In February 2006, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted additional survey at the site of the proposed bridge replacement over Big Horse Creek, Telfair County, Georgia. The total length of the redesigned project is 0.50 miles. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate archaeological sites within the Area of Potential Effects (APE) of the proposed undertaking, so that potential effects to any resources identified could be evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The current project was conducted under a contract with Parsons Transportation Group, and is a second addendum to the original survey conducted by New South Associates, Inc. (NSA). In February 2005, EPEI conducted an initial reevaluation following the first redesign of the project area. A review of the state site files at the University of Georgia in Athens prior to the start of EPEI's first investigation showed that one previously identified archaeological site, 9TF20, had been reported in the proposed project area. NSA had located 9TF20, and another site, 9TF1, adjacent to the project area during their investigation. One archaeological site, 9TF201, was identified by EPEI staff in the redesigned APE during the February 2005 investigation. The site is located on a terrace northeast of Big Horse Creek. Site 9TF201 was recommended as of unknown eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The portion of the site within the current project's APE exhibits relatively low artifact density, however. Overall, the research potential of this portion of the site appeared low. Therefore, the portion of 9TF201 within the APE does not contribute to the site's eligibility. It was recommended the project be allowed to proceed as planned within the current APE. However, as 9TF201 appeared to continue undisturbed to the southeast on the main portion of the landform, and that part of the site had not been investigated during the course of the 2005 project, no clear eligibility recommendation for 9TF201 was possible. In addition, three isolated finds (IF 1-3) were identified and recorded within the project area south of Big Horse Creek during February 2005. Due to their low research potential, these isolated finds were recommended as ineligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (GSHPO) concurred with EPEI's recommendations regarding 9TF201 and the isolated finds in a letter dated March 17, 2005. During EPEI's February 2006 investigations, one additional site, 9TF202, was identified in the northwestern extent of the redesigned APE. Site 9TF202 is a light lithic scatter and due to its low research potential is recommended as ineligible for inclusion to the NRHP. No further work at its location is necessary and clearance for construction is recommended.