Archeological Survey of the Proposed Dawson Crossing to Hammond Crossing 15kV Transmission Line, Dawson County, Georgia

In January, 2001 Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc., conducted a Phase I archeological survey of a proposed 9.6 km (6.0 mi) transmission line in southern Dawson County, Georgia. The Georgia Transmission Corporation is proposing to construct the 15 kV line within a 23 m (75 ft) wide corridor that immediately adjoins State Route 318 and U.S. Highway 19. Most of the project area is wooded, but there is also a moderate density of housing and public buildings in certain portions. The goal of the survey was to locate, describe and evaluate archeological resources within the area of potential effect for the proposed project so that potential effects to those resources could be evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The area of potential effect is defined as the 23 m wide corridor. Archival research had indicated that no archeological sites had been recorded in the project area and that few historic period structures would be expected. The present courses of S.R. 318 and U. S. 19 are less than 50 years old. Our field survey involved surface inspection and the excavation of shovel tests in wooded areas. Four sites and four artifact occurrences were detected. One of the sites is a twentieth century house site and the other three are lithic scatters. We recommend all four sites and all four artifact occurrences as not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places since all fail to meet Register criteria. Therefore, we conclude that the proposed construction of the transmission line will not adversely affect any significant archeological resources.