Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Shoal Creek Development Dawson County, Georgia

From 4 to 5 October 2004, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted Phase I cultural resources survey within the proposed Shoal Creek development tract, Dawson County, Georgia. The survey was conducted under a subcontract with Acer Environmental, Inc., to determine the project's effect on significant cultural resources and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1996, as amended, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1948 [33 USC 1344], as amended. Background research documented one previously recorded archaeological site in the project area (9DW132) and no architectural resources. Architectural survey consisted of pedestrian inspection of potential historic resources within the project area and within a 1.6 km (one mile) radius of the project area. No architectural resources were identified. Archaeological survey consisted of the excavation of screened shovel tests at 30 meter ( 100 ft) intervals across the 36.5 hectare (90 acre) tract. Additionally, disturbed or sloped areas were visually inspected. Soils ranged from brown loam overlying red clay, to brown sandy loam overlying yellowish sandy loam, with red clay at the base. Depth of the shovel tests varied from 30 em to approximately 70 em below surface. One additional archaeological site was recorded. Site 9DW132 was identified by Southeastern Archaeological Services in 2001. The site was described as consisting of seven rock piles overlooking the floodplain of Flat Creek. Brockington and Associates, Inc., identified site 9DW132 during our survey. The rock piles that were originally identified are actually remnants of two rock terracing walls. The walls are made out of local quartz and quartzite stone and are probably related to agriculture. No artifacts were found in association with the walls and the potential for subsurface features is low. The site was recommended ineligible for the NRHP in 2001, and we concur with that recommendation. Site 9DW141 is a small prehistoric lithic scatter consisting of approximately 20 chert flakes and no diagnostic projectile points. The site extends to the eastern property boundary and may extend east of the property line. We did not have permission to survey outside of the property boundary, therefore shovel tests were terminated at the property line. Based on the shovel tests we excavated, the potential for intact subsurface cultural features at 9DW141 is low, and the site is unlikely to contribute significant information to existing archaeological knowledge. Because the site extends to the property line, and we did not have permission to test outside of the boundary, the NRHP eligibility of the site is unknown. However, the portion of the site in the project tract lacks research potential, and no significant archaeological resources will be affected by the proposed development. Cultural resources clearance is recommended for the project tract.