Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Grandview Road Distribution Line Modification for Amicalola EMC in Northeastern Pickens County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archaeological survey conducted by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) in northeastern Pickens County, Georgia, where Amicalola EMC wishes to reconstruct approximately 5.3 km (3.26 mi) of distribution line that closely follows Grandview Road. The new distribution line will require some new poles in new location, the replacement of some existing poles and the reuse of some poles. In all there are 67 pole locations that will have new (n=54) or replaced (n=13) poles, and these were the subject of an archaeological survey. Since the placement of the distribution line poles is the only grounddisturbing activity that will occur for this project, pole placement is the area of potential effect (APE). The archaeological survey examined all 67 proposed new or replacement pole locations on March 7, 2020 with the goal of locating and evaluating any archaeological resources at these pole locations. The survey was coordinated by Georgia Transmission Corporation on behalf of Amicalola EMC to ensure that this project is in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

Archival research revealed no historic structures in or close to the proposed distribution line corridor, and no previously recorded archaeological sites were recorded within 1 km (0.6 mi) of the project area. The survey was conducted by the principal investigator and an assistant archaeologist. No artifacts or archaeological resources were recorded within the project area. Therefore, since the proposed undertaking will not adversely affect significant archaeological resources, we recommend that the project be granted clearance to proceed as planned.