SRARP Archaeological Compliance-Fiscal Year 2005

The United States Department of Energy-Savannah River Operations Office (DOE) Policy 141.1, DOE Management of Cultural Resources, identifies 24 major laws, regulations, Executive orders, and guidance that apply to cultural resources management (CRM). Cultural resources include archaeological sites/artifacts, historical structures/artifacts, and natural resources and sacred objects of importance to American Indians. DOE management responsibilities include identification, evaluation, and protection of archaeological/historic sites, including artifact curation and other mitigation measures.

The Savannah River Archaeological Research Program (SRARP) continued through Fiscal Year 2005 (FY05) with DOE to fulfill a threefold mission of CRM, research, and public education at the Savannah River Site (SRS). This report covers the CRM compliance, research, and outreach activities conducted by the SRARP from August 2004 through August 2005.

In FY05, 1,130 acres of land were investigated with 1,982 Shovel Test Pits on the SRS for CRM. This activity entailed 10 field surveys along with the recording of 35 new sites. Nine previously recorded sites were revisited during FY05 and the corresponding site file records updated accordingly. Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was incorporated into all compliance projects to aid in maintaining and processing survey and site location information. In addition, SRARP staff continued support to DOE Cold War Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) efforts through participation on DOE'S Artifact Selection Team and at Heritage Tourism Board meetings.

Research conducted by SRARP personnel was reported in 11 professional and popular articles published during FY05. The SRARP staff presented research results in eight papers and posters at professional meetings and lectures. SRARP archaeological research included eight field survey/testing and excavation programs. Four grants were acquired to support both on-and off-site research, and employees served as consultants on eight projects in off-site CRM and research activities. The SRARP staff held 29 offices and appointments to committees in various educational, avocational, and professional organizations.

In the area of heritage education, the SRARP continued its activities in FY05 with a full schedule of classroom education, public outreach, and on-site tours. Sixty-eight presentations, displays, and tours were provided for schools, civic groups, and environmental and historical awareness day celebrations. Additionally, the SRARP staff taught four anthropology courses at Augusta State University and the University of South Carolina, Columbia.