Article date: May 26, 2001

Cindy Auman, manager of cultural resources for Parsons Engineering Science Inc.

By: Mary Jordan

Some 2,500 artifacts— dating back several thousands of years — have been discovered at the Avtex Superfund Site in Front Royal.

Cindy Auman, manager of cultural resources for Parsons Engineering Science Inc. in Fairfax, which is performing the study, said the objects were discovered during the second phase of a study at the site, which is now complete.

The first phase took place last August, in which Parsons performed the first dig for artifacts. The archaeologists continued their search during the second phase, Auman said, and will now take the items back to be analyzed.

Parsons conducted the work under the direction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Historic Preservation.

The survey was performed at a 24-acre open field next to the former Avtex administration building and at an adjacent eight - acre parcel.

Richard Goss of Decision Quest has said there is evidence that early American Indians temporarily occupied the 10 to 12 acre portion of the area. Decision Quest provides public outreach and communication services for former site owner FMC Corp. FMC is responsible for the site’s cleanup.

Auman said they are now trying to determine how significant the findings are and whether they will provide any new information about the American Indian way of life.

Auman said archaeologists are sifting through materials they found and should know the significance of the material within the next month.

"We really need to bring it back, spread it all out, and take a good look," Auman said.

Auman added that the proximity of the site to the Shenandoah River means that the site was a prime location to find artifacts.

"Any find like that is interesting because it adds to the habitat of any region," Auman said.

Archaeologists from Parsons believe the artifacts may come from two distinct time periods, according to a news release.

Parsons, in cooperation with FMC, held an open house earlier in the week to answer questions from the public about the archaeological dig.

Auman said those who attended were very inquisitive and insightful.

"It’s nice that the town of Front Royal has been interested in what we’re doing," she said.

Auman said most people were surprised and intrigued to hear about the dig and the potential finding.