SRARP Archaeological Compliance-Fiscal Year 2006

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 and artifacts, historical structures, and natural resources and sacred objects of importance to American Indians. DOE management responsibilities include identification, evaluation, and protection of archaeological/historical sites, artifact curation, and other mitigation measures.

The Savannah River Archaeological Research Program (SRARP) continued through Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06) 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 2005 through August 2006. However, due to DOE security concerns, parts of this report do not contain material (project area size, map scales, etc) typically contained in standard archaeological documents.

In FY06, 883 acres of land on the SRS were investigated with 1,640 Shovel Test Pits (STPs) for CRM. This activity entailed 17 field surveys along with the recording of 38 new sites. Eight previously recorded sites were revisited during FY06, and the site file records were updated. 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 seven professional articles and reports published during FY06. The SRARP staff presented research results in 18 papers and posters at professional conferences. SRARP archaeological research included nine field survey and excavation programs. Four grants were acquired to support both on- and off-site research, and employees served as consultants on 20 projects in off- site CRM and research activities. The SRARP staff held 31 offices and appointments to committees in various educational, avocational, and professional organizations.

In the area of heritage education, the SRARP continued its activities in FY06 with a full schedule of classroom education, public outreach, and on-site tours. Eighty-seven 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.