Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Old Louisville Road Substation and Transmission Line

From 14 May to 18 May 2007, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted a Phase I archaeological resources survey of the approximately 7 .3-km ( 4.5-mile) corridor and 4-acre substation for the proposed Old Louisville Road Substation and transmission line in Bulloch and Effingham counties, Georgia (Figure 1 ). The survey was conducted for Georgia Transmission Corporation to determine the effects of the project on archaeological resources. Survey tasks were completed in compliance with criteria defined under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended), by personnel qualified under the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61 ). Background research was conducted at the Georgia Archaeological Site File (University of Georgia, Athens), and with the use of the NAHRGIS online system to determine if previously recorded archaeological sites exist within the project's area of potential effect (APE), defined as an approximately 7.3-km (4.5-mile)-by-30-meter (100- ft) corridor. No previously recorded archaeological sites were identified. Phase I archaeological survey consisted of excavation of screened shovel tests at 30-meter (100-ft) intervals along the project corridor. Additionally, all exposed ground surfaces were visually inspected. Shovel tests averaged from 15 to 1 00 em (approximately 6 to 40 inches) below surface. Soils primarily consisted of gray loamy sands over yellow sandy clay, or pale gray sand with concretions. There were no archaeological sites identified during the survey. Two isolated finds were identified, both consisting of flaked stone. Transmission line construction will have no impact on the isolated finds. No National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligible archaeological sites were identified during the survey. The Old River Road that bisects the transmission line corridor will not be affected by the transmission line construction. Archaeological resource clearance is recommended.