Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Talmadge Tap 115 kV Transmission Line and Substation, Bartow, Cherokee, Gordon and Pickens Counties, Georgia

In June, 2006 Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc., conducted a Phase I archeological survey of the proposed 12.2 km (7.6 mi) Talmadge Tap 115 kV transmission line and Talmadge substation site in northeastern Bartow, northwestern Cherokee, southeastern Gordon and western Pickens County, Georgia (Gresham 2006). In early January 2007, a rerouted 1.65 km (1.03 mi) section of the proposed line, as well as 1.3 km (.87 mi) of access roads were surveyed in the southwest corner of Pickens County (Figure 1). The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate archeological sites within the area of potential effect for the proposed rerouted section of the transmission line and the new access roads, so that potential effects to those resources could be evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The rerouted section of the transmission line runs cross-country on new location through woods and rugged terrain. One access road runs on new location near the southwest corner of the reroute, while the remaining access roads follow existing farm roads across pastures. No archeological sites were discovered in or near the proposed rerouted transmission line or in the proposed access roads. Twelve shovel tests were excavated on more level ground along the proposed transmission line. All of these tests were negative for cultural material and no cultural material was observed in exposures provided by tree falls or roads. The absence of sites is likely a result of the rugged terrain and lack of landforms conducive to occupation. Access roads were walked and surveyed by surface inspection. No artifacts were observed in surface exposures present in the access roads. In conclusion, no archeological resources were detected in the proposed reroute of the Talmadge Tap transmission line or its associated access roads. Therefore, we conclude that no significant archeological resources will be adversely affected by the proposed undertaking.