Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Pendergrass 230kV Transmission Line

On behalf of the Georgia Transmission Corporation, New South Associates conducted a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the proposed route of the Pendergrass 230kV Transmission Line located in Jackson County, Georgia. The project featured two alternative alignments for a proposed transmission corridor, removal or update of an existing transmission corridor, construction of access roads, and installation of two culverts. The proposed utility project, including both alternatives and the existing corridor, consists of 3.3 miles (5.3 km) of transmission line corridor connecting the Center Primary-South Hall 230kV transmission line and the existing Pendergrass 46kV transmission line with the existing Pendergrass substation near U.S. 129; the spatial footprint of this proposed utility project was defined as the archaeological area of potential effect (APE) totaling approximately 73 .5 acres. The work for this survey was conducted in compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800), and was intended to determine the presence of significant archaeological resources in the project's APE.

This investigation consisted of background research and a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the APE. Background research was performed to determine if any previously recorded archaeological sites were present within the APE and to develop an understanding of the potential for archaeological sites to occur within the APE, while the archaeological survey was designed to identify archaeological resources within the APE. There are eight prehistoric sites and four historic sites within one kilometer of the APE. Seven previous surveys have been conducted within one kilometer of the APE, including two surveys that intersect the APE at U.S. 129 and along Allen Creek. Two of the prehistoric sites (9JK2 l 9 and 9JK220) are nearly adjacent to the APE and a historic site (9JK89), although recently destroyed, was within the APE at the intersection with U.S. 129.

As a result of the survey, four new archaeological sites (9JK296, 9JK297, 9JK298, and 9JK299), one previously recorded archaeological site (9JK220), and four isolated finds were identified. The identified portions of sites 9JK220, 9JK296, 9JK297, and 9JK298, as well as all of the isolated finds, are recommended as not eligible for listing in the NRHP. Site 9JK299 has the potential for archaeological features with additional research value, but its eligibility for NRHP listing is unknown at this time. However, under the conditions of the programmatic agreement between GTC and SHPO, the site will be protected from ground disturbing activities, and no adverse impact will occur. Also, GTC will move the proposed pole locations within sites 9JK220 and 9JK296 to avoid the sites. No further work for Section I 06 compliance is recommended for the proposed Pendergrass 230kV project.