An Underwater Archaeological Remote Sensing Survey for the Proposed Powell Tract Dock Camden County, Georgia

Waterfront Group of Jacksonville, Florida, is proposing to build a dock on the northeast side of the St. Marys River opposite Cabbage Bend in Camden County, Georgia. The proposed dock is planned in association with a residential development within the Powell Tract, a parcel adjacent to the current study area. Construction activities associated with the proposed project include piling installation and vessel anchorage that may impact submerged cultural resources within and adjacent to the proposed dock location. Due to the potential for submerged cultural resources to exist in the vicinity, as well as in compliance with State and Federal legislation, the Waterfront Group contracted Environmental Services, Inc., of Jacksonville, Florida, to conduct a remote sensing survey of the areas of proposed impact and potential effect (APE). Field investigations were conducted on 9 January 2007. High-resolution side scan sonar and magnetometer data revealed four magnetic anomalies and one acoustic anomaly in proximity to, but not within the areas of proposed primary or secondary impacts. All four of the magnetic contacts were identifiable in the field as modern ferrous metal objects, such as dock components (Magnetic Contacts 1, 3, and 4) and a tire rim (Magnetic Contact 2). Based on the acoustic record, Anomaly 5 is represented by multiple linear features could be cultural; however, the anomaly is not located within the area of proposed impact or APE. Diver investigation is not warranted at this time. As a result of the survey, it is recommended that proposed and future construction maintain a minimum buffer of 60 radial meters around Anomaly 5. Furthermore, it is recommended that Anomaly 5 be diver investigated prior to any navigational dredging or other impacts that infringe upon the buffer within this segment of the St. Marys River. However, due to the discovery of prehistoric artifacts that resulted in the recordation of one site, it is recommended that archaeological monitoring occur if any future dredging is proposed within the study area Based on the survey results, the proposed dock will not impact any potentially significant or National Register eligible cultural resources.