Archaeological Survey and Testing for Proposed Sewer and Natural Gas Lines South of Sandy Run Creek, Houston County, Georgia

Garrow & Associates, Inc., conducted archaeological survey and testing for 5.9 miles of proposed sewer and/or natural gas pipeline in Houston County, Georgia.. The 50 ft wide corridor runs from Sandy Run Creek in the north to just south of the town of Kathleen at its southern terminus. An additional short section runs west from Robins Air Force Base and Highway 247 to the existing sewage treatment facility. The survey included background research and field survey. Screened shovel tests were excavated at 30 m intervals except i n areas of good surface visibility, standing water, or severe slope. Two sites required testing to determine their status relative to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Testing at 9HT130 consisted of the excavation of four 1 x 1 m units within the proposed right-of-way. Testing at 9HT133 included the machine-assisted scraping of 390 m2 within the proposed right-of-way, and the mapping and excavation of suspected features. Background research showed that the proposed lines would not pass through any previously recorded archaeological site or NRHP property. The survey resulted in the discovery of six sites. Based on the survey data, lithic scatters 9HT129, 9HT131, 9HT132, and 9HT134 are recommened as ineligible for the NRHP. Testing was recommended for 9HT130 (a dense lithic deposit) and 9HT133 (an antebellum domestic site). Testing at 9HT130 failed to discover any intact deposits. Artifact density was low and no diagnostic artifacts were recovered. Contexts were extremely disturbed. The site is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP. The machine-assisted scraping at 9HT133 discovered 28 stains, one of which proved cultural in origin. The large feature was possibly a shallow root cellar or storage pit dating to 18151825. The lone feature was discovered on the southernmost edge of the proposed right-ofway and no additional features were discovered in the area. Based on the presence of the feature and the nature of the site, site 9HT133 is recommended eligible for the NRHP. However, the stripping has demonstrated that it is unlikely that additional features are present within the right-of-way, so there will be no adverse effect. Construction crews should be careful to restrict their activities to the 50 ft wide right-of-way in this location. The proposed construction will have no adverse effect to any eligible or potentially eligible archaeological resource. Archaeological clearance to construct is recommended.