Historic Resources Survey Phase II, Brinson 115V/25kv Substation Decatur County, Georgia

The proposed Brinson 115/25kV substation project would construct a new substation in central Decatur County, Georgia (see Figure 1: Area of Interest Map and Figure 2: Area of Potential Effects). The proposed substation would be located on the north side of John Rich Road, immediately north of the intersection with Bennett Rentz Road. The proposed substation would be located along the existing East Bainbridge-Spring Creek 115 kV transmission line.

The area of interest (AOI) is located in central Decatur County, Georgia (see Figure 1: Area of Interest Map). The review of existing information on previously identified historic properties revealed that no National Register of Historic Places (National Register) listed properties, proposed National Register nominations, National Historic Landmarks, or bridges determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register in the updated Georgia Historic Bridge Survey (GHBS) were identified within the proposed project's AOI. No properties 50 years old or older were identified within the proposed project’s AOI in the 1997 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Decatur County Survey on Georgia Natural Archaeological, and Historic Resource Geographic Information System (GNAHRGIS).

The study area was field surveyed for historic properties in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto. The study area was field surveyed using aerial photography, USGS topographic quadrangle maps, and an architectural historian’s visual identification of historic resources viewable from the public right-of-way in July 2019. As a result of these efforts, a total of nine (9) resources were identified and one (1) of these resources was recommended to be eligible for listing in the National Register in the Historic Resources Survey.

As the location of the proposed substation has been identified, an area of potential effects (APE) has emerged for the proposed project. As defined in 36 CFR 800.16(d), the (APE) of an undertaking is defined as “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist.” Based on this definition, the nature and scope of the undertaking, the guidance in the GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resources Survey Guidelines, and past experience with similar projects, the APE was defined, in consultation with the Georgia SHPO, as the area within the proposed substation and the area within the project viewshed. The project viewshed is considered to include the area within 500 feet of the proposed substation. As a result of the preliminary field survey, one (1) resource was identified within the project’s APE. This resource is Property 5, an early-to-mid 20th century Transverse Crib barn with No Academic Style located on the north side of John Rich Road, 0.30 mile east of Bennett Rentz. The resource is situated on a 1,200-acre parcel that is located within the proposed project’s APE.

For the one property 50 years old or older identified within the APE, a description and a recommendation regarding National Register eligibility has been made. This resource has been recommended not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Thus, a finding of No Historic Properties Affected is anticipated for the project.