A Phase I Archaeological Survey, Highway 120 115/12 kV Substation and Transmission Line, Paulding County, Georgia

Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) proposes to construct the Highway 120 115/12 kV Substation and Transmission Line near Dallas, in Paulding County, Georgia (Figure 1). Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc. (G&O) conducted an archaeological survey during the month of October 1999 in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended through 1992 (16 U.S.C. 470). The survey documented the presence or absence of archaeological resources potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The scope of the project included background research, field survey, artifact analysis, and preliminary evaluation of the NRHP eligibility of any resources identified within the project area. All work was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (GaSHPO 1993). Background research failed to indicate any previously recorded prehistoric archaeological resources within the project area. The project area had a moderate to low sensitivity for prehistoric archeological resources, based largely on its distance from water. No historic occupation of the project area was noted from background sources, and no significant historic archaeological resources were anticipated within the project area. The substation portion of the project area was identified in the field as having been used as a borrow pit. The existing surface lay between 20 and 30 feet below the surrounding ground level. Examination of the soil profile revealed along the parcel's edge revealed uniform soils, consisting of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) silty clay loam subsoil. No artifacts (other than recent debris) were identified within this portion of the project area. Surface inspection of the transmission corridor revealed significant disturbance and erosion along the corridor. The excavation of nine shovel test units revealed a stratigraphy consisting of a silty loam plowzone over a silty clay subsoil. No artifacts were recovered from any of the shovel test units. No potentially significant archaeological resources were identified during this survey, and no further archaeological investigations are recommended within the project area. It is concluded that the proposed construction of the Highway 120 Substation and Transmission Line will have no effect on significant archaeological resources.