Phase II Archaeological Testing and Survey of Additional Right-Of-Way, Greensboro Bypass, Greene County, Georgia

During July and August 2007, Edwards-Pitman Environmental Inc. (EPEI) conducted Phase II archaeological testing at six sites, 9GE2376, 9GE2379, 9GE2380, 9GE2381, 9GE2382, and 9GE2385, for the proposed Greensboro Bypass in Greene County, Georgia. The sites were initially identified and recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D (information potential) during Southeastern Archeological Services' (SAS) Phase I survey of the Greensboro Bypass. During the original Phase I survey of the Greensboro Bypass corridor, 9GE2376 was identified as containing Woodland, Mississippian, and late nineteenth through early twentieth century components. Site 9GE2379 was described as a late nineteenth through early twentieth century farmstead and a Middle Woodland ceramic scatter. Site 9GE2380 was initially recorded as a prehistoric pottery scatter. Site 9GE2381 was described as a multicomponent site spanning the Archaic through the Late Mississippian. Phase I survey data indicated that 9GE2382 was a historic house site and a Late Mississippian Lamar farmstead. Site 9GE2385 was identified as an early through midtwentieth century farmstead and a probable Late Mississippian Lamar site. EPEI's Phase II testing indicated that within the proposed project corridor, 9GE2376, 9GE2379, 9GE2380, 9GE2381, 9GE2382, and 9GE2385 exhibit poor research potential. At five sites, 9GE2376, 9GE2379, 9GE2380, 9GE2382, and 9GE2385, very shallow, heavily eroded soils were identified. At 9GE2381, historic period artifacts were recovered below the level of prehistoric artifacts, and chronologically older prehistoric artifacts were recovered above the level of more recent ones. This disturbed stratigraphic context indicates severe bioturbation has occurred at this site. Each of the sites examined during this testing project, 9GE2376, 9GE2379, 9GE2380, 9GE2381, 9GE2382, and 9GE2385, are of unknown eligibility for the NRHP as their boundaries have not been completely defined. The portion of each site in the APE does not contribute to its NRHP eligibility due to low research potential. No additional archaeological work is recommended in these areas, and archaeological clearance for construction within the currently defined APE is recommended at these six locations. On July 6, 2007, EPEI conducted a Phase I archaeological survey for a 3,200-foot (ft) alternative alignment corridor for the Greensboro Bypass. No archeological resources were identified within this revised alignment corridor. No additional archaeological work is recommended in these areas, and archaeological clearance for construction within the currently defined APE of the alternative corridor is recommended.