Archaeological Survey of the Klondike-Jackson Creek 230 kV Transmission Line, DeKalb and Rockdale Counties, Georgia

In August of 2007 Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. conducted a Phase I archeological survey of approximately 5.3 km (3.3 mi) of a proposed 230 kV transmission line corridor between two electrical substations in southwestern Rockdale County and southeastern DeKalb County. Most of the proposed line borders an existing transmission line, but a small portion at the north end traverses cross country and another segment follows a road. The line crosses the South River, which is the boundary between Rockdale and DeKalb County. Since the project area was almost entirely wooded, archeological survey primarily relied on shovel testing to detect sites. For the most part, shovel tests were placed in one transect along the proposed centerline. Once a site was detected, it was investigated with more shovel tests along the corridor length at 10 or 20 m intervals (depending on the anticipated size of the site) and with one or more perpendicular transects of shovel tests to explore site width. Some of the sites extended beyond the width of the transmission line corridor. Because it was beyond the scope of the survey, we did not investigate those portions of the sites. We discovered and recorded six archeological sites. The eligibility of three sites for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places remains unknown. We recommend that the other three sites are not eligible for inclusion in the National Register. In accordance with established policies and procedures, Georgia Transmission Corporation intends to avoid adverse effects to the three potentially eligible sites. Most importantly, no transmission line poles or towers will be built on them, no access roads will be constructed through them and the site areas will be hand cleared and not disturbed with mechanized equipment. The future condition of the sites will be monitored by Georgia Transmission Corporation. With these conditions met, we recommend that no sites eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the proposed undertaking.