Archaeological Assessment of Project CSMLS-0008-00(625), Fulton County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project CSMLS-0008-00(625), Fulton County has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)". The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project would construct a noise barrier along the western side of US 19/SR 400 in Fulton County. The proposed project would begin at the end of the existing noise barrier just north of Northland Drive then continue northerly to an end point at the southbound' ramp from Glenridge Perimeter onto US 19/SR 400. The proposed noise barrier would be approximately 1100 feet long, 14 feet tall, and would be constructed just outside the existing paved shoulder. All proposed construction will be restricted to the existing right-of-way on US 19/SR 400 which is approximately 300 feet; no additional right-of-way or easements are required for project implementation. Total project length is approximately 1200 feet. The area of potential effect (US 19/SR 400 existing right-of-way) has been subjected to numerous archaeological investigations in the past. More recently the proposed project's area of potential effect was surveyed in 2001 (see attachment); this survey received concurrence by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description is not warranted based on the results of the survey noted above. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.