Archaeological Resources Survey for the Proposed North Americus to Buckeye 115kv Transmission Line, Macon and Sumter Counties Georgia

An intensive cultural resources survey was carried out for the Oglethorpe Power Corporation's proposed North Americus to Buckeye 115 kV transmission line in Macon and Sumter Counties, Georgia. The total area surveyed included a 22.7 m (75 fit) wide right-of-way corridor, for a length of approximately 24 km (15 miles). No previously identified historic or prehistoric archaeological resources were located within the project area boundaries through background research with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Department, nor with the State Site File Database (9/96 update) provided by the Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia. The project was carried out in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act by personnel qualified under 36 CFR part 61. Nine (9) archaeological resources were identified during the course of fieldwork. These included five (5) archaeological sites (9SU1047 9SU105, 9SU106, 9SU107, and 9SU108) and four (4) isolated occurrences. Eight (8) of the archaeological resources are considered not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places based on their small artifactual components and heavily disturbed contexts. One (1) prehistoric site (9SU108)-is recommended as being potentially eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places based on the nature of the artifactual assemblage and the suspected integrity of the site outside the right-of-way. Testing was not carried out beyond the confines of the right-of-way. Apparently, the portion of the site within the right-of-way does not appear to contribute to the eligibility determination (lack of stratigraphic context). The principle site area is located outside of the right-of-way and was not considered part of the survey area, thus could not be tested. The project area will affect only a small corner of the site which is located in a heavily plowed field which no longer retains stratigraphic integrity. Since, the proposed transmission line would not affect the intact portions of the site (outside of the right-of-way), and the disturbed portions of the site (within of the right-of-way) do not contribute to its NRHP eligibility, a recommendation of no adverse effect for the undertaking is forwarded.