Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Bethabara-Clarksboro 230 kV Transmission Line, Oconee, Clarke and Jackson Counties, Georgia

From November 2007 through April 2008 Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) conducted a Phase I archeological survey of the approximate 22.7-km (14.08-mi) long proposed Bethabara-Clarksboro 230 kV transmission line corridor located in northwestern Oconee, western Clarke and southern Jackson Counties, Georgia. The proposed transmission line begins at the existing Bethabara substation in Oconee County, follows US Highway 78 and State Route 8/324 into Clarke County, and then runs north cross-country to the proposed Clarksboro Substation in Jackson County. The corridor is of varying widths, but for the most part extends about 9 m (30 ft) beyond the edge of the highway right-of-way and is 30 m (100 ft) wide in cross-country sections. About half of the corridor traverses mostly rural highway frontage with spotty residential and commercial development that increases to the north and east, into Clarke County. The northern, cross-country half traverses mostly wooded, rolling land and a few pastures. The majority of this cross-country half of the project follows an existing 48 kV transmission line. Surface exposure was generally poor and patchy in the project corridor. Consequently survey relied on systematic shovel testing, usually in one transect along the proposed centerline either just outside of the highway right-of-way or near the center of the proposed cross-country corridor. 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 several perpendicular transects of shovel tests to explore site width. Based on surface inspection and the excavation of shovel tests, we discovered and recorded 11 archeological sites. Because none of the sites are associated with persons or events important in local history and because none have further archeological research potential, we recommend that none of the sites are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The nineteenth to twentieth century Damron Family cemetery is well defined and marked. The proposed transmission line will replace an existing smaller line, and will pass over the southeast corner of the cemetery. The new pole will be placed further from the cemetery than the current existing pole and no new clearing is needed in or around the cemetery (the cemetery is within a grassy field). We conclude that the construction of the Bethabara to Clarksboro 230 kV transmission line will not affect significant archeological sites or the Damron Family cemetery and should be granted clearance to proceed.