Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Seed Lake Substation Expansion

Between August 22 and 26, 2022, Brockington and Associates, Inc. (Brockington) conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of the Seed Lake Substation tract in Rabun County, Georgia (Figures 1.1 and 1.2). The due diligence survey investigations were carried out on behalf of Georgia Power Company (GPC) by personnel qualified under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61. Survey tasks were completed in accordance with criteria defined under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (as amended) (Public Law 93-291) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's revised 36 CFR Part 800. Background research and field survey were used to identify potentially significant resources within the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE). We defined the archaeological APE as the entire 10-acre project tract. We defined the architectural APE as the project tract and a 0.25-mile radius around the project tract.

Proposed construction of the substation expansion will directly impact soils that will be mechanically graded, cut, and filled. Secondary impacts that may occur include heavy machinery traveling within the project tract. Types of impacts may include the removal and relocation of soils, clearing of vegetation, filling activities, temporary increases in erosional outwash or redeposition, and visual changes to the viewshed.

1.1 Archival Research

Archival research was initiated with a review of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed properties and National Historic Landmarks. Background research also included a search of Georgia's Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources Geographical Information System (GNAHRGIS) database maintained by the Georgia State Archaeological Site File (GASF) and the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for previously recorded archaeological and historic resources within 1.0 kilometer (km) (0.6 mile) of the APE. At the GASF, county files and topographic maps were reviewed to determine if any previously recorded archaeological sites or investigations are located within the vicinity of the project tract. All known cultural resources within the vicinity were identified and documented to the extent that they may have bearing on potential resources within the project tract.

1. 1. 1 Previously Recorded Cultural Resources

Background research identified one previously recorded archaeological site within the APE of the current project tract. Site 9RA113 was originally documented by Brockington in 1990 (Gardner and Brockington 1990). The site is described as a subsurface historic artifact scatter of ceramic and glass fragments originating from the Nacoochee Dam Project's construction worker's camp dating to 1925-1926. The portion of the site evaluated in 1990 was recommended not eligible for the NRHP. The site extends outside of the current project tract to the northeast. The portion of the site located within the current project tract was revisited during the current investigation, and the results and recommendations are detailed below. One previously recorded archaeological site is located outside the project tract but within 1.0 km (0.6 mile) of the project APE. Site 9RA118 was originally documented by Brockington during the same 1990 survey that identified 9RA113 (Gardner and Brockington 1990). The site is a precontact lithic and ceramic scatter located on the floodplain and first terrace of the Tallulah River southeast of Seed Lake. The artifacts were in a plowed cornfield and were not collected. They could only be identified as a possible general Woodland or Mississippian Period occupation. The site was recommended not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. Figure 1.3 presents the locations of previously recorded surveys and archaeological sites.