Dynamic Environmental Associates, Inc. (DEA) performed an investigation of a proposed corridor in Ben Hill County, GA. This investigation, sponsored by Arrow Engineering and Construction Services, was intended to identify and evaluate cultural resources in terms of eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeological investigations were confined to the 100’ (30.5 m) wide proposed project corridor route originating at Ed Ward Road and extending 5,200’ (1,585 m) in a southern, then western direction, to end at Perry House Road. The proposed road corridor crosses two parcels of land: Parcels 799 and 7911. A portion of the proposed road corridor cross a segment of the National Register of Historic Places eligible Seaboard Air Line Railroad within Parcel 7911. However, the integrity of the segment of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad located within both the direct and visual/indirect Areas of Potential Effects have been compromised. There are no ties, rails, surface ballast, or structures associated with the railroad located within Parcel 7911 and specifically the 100’ proposed road corridor. Additionally, the location of the railroad route is not visible or extant within Parcel 7911. While there is a historical association with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad within Parcel 7911, the integrity of the railbed has been compromised and therefore is unable to convey fully as a railroad. It is recommended that the segment of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad within Parcel 7911 does not contribute to the overall eligibility of the NRHP eligible railroad. Archaeological site, 9BH36, located within the railbed of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, is defined by the presence of 12 cm of non-native gravel within the soil matrix of a single excavated shovel test. The portion of the railroad crossed by the proposed road corridor does not contain a significant degree of integrity and site 9BH36 is not considered eligible under Criterion D as a contributing element of the NRHP eligible Seaboard Air Line Railroad. It is recommended that there will be no adverse effect by the proposed undertaking.
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