Project Highlights

S&ME has completed a Phase I archaeological survey and Phase II testing of five sites for Appalachian Power Company’s Claytor Hydroelectric Relicensing Project (FERC No. 739). These investigations included the examination 101 miles of shoreline and eight islands in Claytor Lake, Pulaski County, Virginia. During Phase I investigations at Claytor Lake, S&ME recorded 15 new archaeological sites and re-located two previously recorded archaeological sites.

S&ME also completed Phase II evaluative testing of five archaeological sites that were determined potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Based on this testing, one site, the 18th/19th century house site of William Christian and Thomas Cloyd (44PU164), was determined eligible for the NRHP.

The Claytor Hydroelectric Project involved consultation with the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, the Virginia Council on Indians, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In addition, there has been ongoing consultation with the public in the form of public meetings and presentations.

The work conducted for the Claytor Hydroelectric Project demonstrates S&ME’s experience in performing a range of cultural resource services, including archaeological surveys and testing, and consultation with Federal and State agencies and Indian Tribes.