Apalachee Research Archaeological Consultants Inc. completed a Phase I cultural resource survey of the proposed 655-acre Blackbriar Solar Farm in Jefferson County, Georgia on behalf of Pilot Environmental Inc. The draft report was submitted to the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review on June 26, 2018. Following submittal of the draft report the proposed development was expanded to include an additional 79-acre tract. This report provides the results of the current investigation of the additional 79-acre tract.
This investigation was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations 36CFR800. The goal was to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed development on historic properties that are listed or may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This investigation proceeded with a literature review that found no previously recorded cultural resources within the area of potential effects. The ensuing fieldwork consisted of an intensive archaeological survey of the proposed development and a historic resources survey that extended to include areas that could have visual effects as a result of the proposed construction.
The archaeological survey documented one archaeological site (9JF380) and three isolated artifact finds in the area of direct effects. 9JF380 is a low density lithic scatter that extends outside APE, which precludes an NRHP evaluation of the entire site. The artifact assemblage lacks diversity and the portion of the site within the survey tract lacks integrity as a result of repeated mechanical plowing and erosion. It is highly unlikely that continued fieldwork would produce significant information. Therefore we do not recommend additional fieldwork or preservation for the site. The isolated finds by definition are not archaeological sites and also do not warrant further work or preservation.
The historic resources survey identified four single family residences, all fronting Highway 24 (SR-24), which is roughly 150 meters (495 feet) north of the survey tract and within the potential viewshed of the proposed solar farm. These are documented as Historic Resources D-G (HR D-G). These include a circa 1950s ranch house (HR-D), a circa 1945-1955 Colonial Revival (HR-E), and two circa 1935-1945 bungalows (HR-F and HR-G). Three of the historic resources (HR-D, HR-F, and HR-G) are recommended not eligible for the NRHP because they lack historical associations and architectural distinction.
One historic resource (HR-E) may be eligible for the NRHP as a good example of a mid-century Colonial Revival ranch house. Plans for a vegetative buffer to screen the view of the proposed solar farm are submitted with this report as part of the mitigation plan.
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