Phase I Archaeological Resource Survey of the Staffordshire Estates Tract, Effingham County, Georgia

From 17 to 21 April 2006, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted an intensive archaeological resources survey of the Staffordshire Estates tract in Effingham County, Georgia. The survey tract consisted of approximately 147 acres. This investigation was carried out for Sligh Environmental, Inc. and Slyland Development, Inc., and was conducted in compliance with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, and by criteria defined under Section 1 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, by personnel qualified under the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61). Background research was conducted on NAHRGIS (Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources Geographic Information Systems), an online database operated by the Georgia Archaeological Site Files at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. No previously recorded archaeological resources were found to be within the project tract. One historic site, consisting of an undiagnostic, artifact scatter was recorded within a 1.6 km (1 mi) radius (9EF154). This site has been recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Phase I archaeological resources survey consisted of screened shovel tests at 30-meter (100- ft) intervals in undisturbed areas of the project tract. A visual inspection of all exposed ground surfaces and slopes was also conducted. Portions of the of the project tract had been previously developed and other portions were being cleared for residential construction. Disturbances included earthmoving activities and the installation of water, sewer, and electrical utilities. No archaeological resources were discovered. Archaeological resources clearance is recommended.