Southern Polytechnic State University Proposed Engineering Technology Center

Southern Research has completed the Historical and Archaeological Resources Survey for the proposed Engineering Technology Center at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia. The work was conducted in accordance with the Georgia Environmental Protection Act (GEPA) following the Campus Historic Preservation Plan Guidelines issued by the University System of Georgia. This project involves construction of a 3 story concrete frame building to the north of the parking structure that's in the early stages of construction at this time. The foot print of the proposed new building is considered the Area of Potential Effect (APE). Figure 1 shows the location of the APE. Methods. Our survey included a review of the Georgia Archaeological Site Files (GASF) and the existing literature on archaeological sites for the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The online files of the Department of Natural Resource's Natural Archaeological Historical Resources Geographical Information System (NAHRGIS) were also consulted for recorded historic structures. Southern Research employed experienced and qualified field technicians under my direct supervision to visit the APE and ascertain if unrecorded historical or archaeological resources may be present. The technicians photographed the proposed APE and noted current conditions. If the area was judged to have any potential for unrecorded archaeological sites the surface exposures were carefully searched for artifacts and shovel tests were excavated. The APE was geo-referenced using a handheld Global Positioning System receiver capable of two meter accuracy. Current APE Conditions. The proposed footprint of the new Engineering Technology Center was not marked on the ground at the time of our survey; however, it was described to us as being just north of a proposed parking structure that we conducted an archaeological survey for in March of 2008. The APE is currently occupied by a tennis court that has been converted into a parking lot with a gravel drive leading to it, and to the east an eroded area with surface exposure that was inspected closely, although no artifacts were found. The western portion of the APE appears to have been heavily affected by mechanical disturbance and possibly filled with imported soil. Within this soil several shards of glass along with plastic and metal debris were observed, but not collected because of the lack of context and their recent looking appearance. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the conditions of the APE at the time of our survey. Recommendations. No previously recorded sites are recorded within the project's APE. No historic structures are present on or near the APE. The prior disturbances to the APE suggest that no significant archaeological sites are present. It is my opinion that no significant historic or archaeological resources will be affected by the construction of the proposed new Engineering Technology Center at Southern Polytechnic State University.