Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Dresden-Heard County 500 kV Transmission Line Coweta and Heard Counties, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey conducted by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in central Heard and Coweta Counties Georgia, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) wishes to construct a 6.9 mi (11.1 km) 500 kV transmission line. The line will extend from the Heard Substation near the Heard-Coweta County line to the area of the proposed Dresden Substation. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the transmission line. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The area of potential effect for the project consistedof a corridor extending 125 ft from the edge of existing cleared corridor (either the O'Hara-Wansley 500 kV line [south of SR 34] or the Dresden-Hollingsworth Ferry 230 kV line) and a 200 ft wide corridor for the new, cross-country segment (the actual cleared corridor will be 150 ft wide). Archival research showed no historic structures with in the project area. One previously recorded site (9CW176) is located near the eastern terminus of the proposed corridor. The majority of transmission line corridor was surveyed between June 30 and July 7, 2011 with a later follow-up on August 29, 2011. A total of 11 sites (one of which was previously recorded) and two isolated artifact occurrence were recorded. As a result of this survey all of the 11 archaeological sites and the two isolated artifact occurrences are recommended not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A list of sites and occurrences follows: 9CW176. Prehistoric lithic scatter (Late Archaic) and minor 19th-20th century artifact scatter. 9CW418. Prehistoric lithic scatter (Archaic). 9CW419. Prehistoric lithic scatter (Middle Archaic). 9CW420. Historic period (19th century) artifact scatter. 9CW421. Sparse prehistoric lithic scatter (Archaic) and historic (19th century) artifact scatter. 9CW422. Prehistoric lithic scatter (Middle Archaic). 9CW423. Prehistoric artifact scatter lithics and sparse Mississippian ceramics. 9CW424. Prehistoric artifact scatter (Late Archaic lithics) and sparse Woodland ceramics. 9CW425. Prehistoric lithic scatter (Woodland). 9CW426. Prehistoric lithic scatter and sparse Woodland or Mississippian ceramics. 9CW427. Prehistoric lithic scatter (nondiagnostic). Occurrence 1. Isolated prehistoric flake tool made from Ridge and Valley chert. Occurrence 2. Two prehistoric period projectile points made from quartz (Archaic/Woodland). We recommend that because of a lack of integrity, a lack of research potential and no known associations with persons or events important in local history, these eleven sites and two occurrences are not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. We conclude that the project will not adversely affect eligible or potentially eligible archeological resources and the transmission line project should be given clearance to proceed.