Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed 839-Acre Lancaster Solar Facility near Arlington in Calhoun County Georgia

Apalachee Research Archaeological Consultants Inc. completed a Phase I cultural resource survey on behalf of Pilot Environmental Inc. in October 2017. 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). The proposed development will consist of a solar facility and utility easement on an approximately 839-acre tract of farmland one mile north of the Arlington community in southwestern Calhoun County, Georgia. This investigation preceded with a literature review that indicated there were no previously recorded cultural resources within the Area of Potential Effects (APE). The ensuing fieldwork consisted of an intensive archaeological survey of the 839-acre tract, an approximately 2.3-mile utility easement, and documentation of structures that are 50 years of age or older that could have visual or other indirect effects as a result of the proposed construction. As a result of the field investigation we identified 27 archaeological sites, ten isolated artifact finds, and six historic resources. Three of the archaeological sites (9CUI186, 9CU190, and 9CU197) were evaluated as possibly eligible for listing in the NRHP. These three sites exhibited evidence of spatial integrity with a diversity of artifact types. We recommended preservation or further fieldwork to clarify their NRHP eligibility. We evaluated the remaining archaeological sites, isolated finds and historic resource as insignificant requiring no further fieldwork or protection. The draft report was submitted to the client in December 2017 wo then revised construction plans in order to preserve three NRHP-eligible archaeological sites. The draft report and revised construction plans were submitted to the Georgia Historic Preservation Division (HPD) for review on April 18, 2018. Upon review HPD concurred that 9CUI186, 9CU190, and 9CU197 were NRHP eligible but would not be adversely affected due to avoidance. HPD also concurred that 21 of the remaining archaeological sites, all of the isolated finds, and five of the historic resources were not eligible for the NRHP. Three of the archaeological sites (9CU191, 9CU193, and 9CU192) were not fully delineated because they extend onto adjacent property that was not part of the project area. The NRHP status of these sites remains unknown however, HPD agreed that the portion of these sites within the APE lacked data potential therefore, no further fieldwork or documentation is warranted for these three sites. The NRHP status remains unknown for the circa 1940s Quonset Hut, which is one of the buildings defined as HR-E. We were unable to provide thorough documentation of this structure to lack of access. However, HPD determined it was outside the APE and there would be no adverse effect. Therefore, no additional fieldwork or documentation is warranted for any of the structures defined as HR-E. In summary, HPD finds that the project, as proposed, will have no adverse effect to Historic Properties within its APE. Therefore, no additional cultural resources fieldwork or documentation is warranted.