Archaeology
Archaeologist Phil Quirk analyzes GPS
data collected in the field.
Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) archaeology staff has decades of experience in the survey (Phase I),
assessment (Phase II) and mitigation (Phase III) of prehistoric, historic, and urban archaeological sites in
the Southeastern United States as well as other regions of North America. Our staff’s understanding of
regulatory requirements and compliance procedures enables us to provide knowledgeable consultation
during each phase of project development. We can offer assistance and guidance with the
archaeological aspects of projects from their earliest stages of planning through the
mitigation of archaeological sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
A systematic survey is the initial step in assessing a project tract or corridor for archaeological resources. The first step in a survey is to ensure that all work is conducted according to the most recent State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Department of Transportation (DOT), or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Undertaking a survey is the quickest and most efficient way to determine if a project area will have archaeological issues that could delay construction activities.
A collection of Civil War Era
artifacts recovered in
Chatham County, Georgia.
Early consultation with these agencies will ensure the timely and smooth completion of a project. Background research, fieldwork, and reporting are then undertaken. Throughout the process EPEI’s knowledgeable staff utilizes current techniques in data acquisition and analysis such as remote sensing, GPS, and GIS. If archaeological sites are identified, NRHP eligibility recommendations will be made by EPEI’s Principal Investigators. If further archaeological investigations are necessary, our clients will be assisted by our knowledgeable and helpful staff during each subsequent phase of work to recommend the best course of action for their project based on our identification and analysis of the resource.
- Conducted Phase III data recovery on a large Late Mississipi Period village site (9CK1) including field work, detailed GIS mapping, and lab analysis.
- Archaeological inventory identified one site (9CH1209) containing earthworks likely associated with the Federal advance during the December 1864 Savannah Campaign. EPEI performed detailed mapping of the site with a total station in order to monitor their sustainability.
- Identified 22 archaeological sites and performed Phase II testing on 10 Potentially Eligible sites for the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Phase III Data Recovery at Long Swamp, Cherokee County, Georgia.
Phase I and II Archaeological Investigations of the Proposed Jimmy Deloach Parkway Extension, Chatham County, Georgia.
Phase I and II Archaeological Investigations of the Proposed US 78 Bypass, Clarke and Oglethorpe Counties, Georgia