Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Keys Ferry 115/25kV Substation, Butts County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archaeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in northern Butts County where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to construct a 115/25kV substation near Keys Ferry Road. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archaeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the substation. 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 consists of approximately 9.7 ac (3.9 ha). The tract is predominately wooded but the western part of the access area has been cleared of trees as the result of construction of the Ola to Ingram transmission line. The entire tract represents old farmland and remnants of agricultural terraces are conspicuous. The southern portion of the project area lies a short distance from a minor tributary called Baker Branch. Keys Ferry Road abuts the access road on the north. The project area was surface searched and shovel tested to locate evidence of archaeological sites. A total of 41 shovel tests were dug as a part of the survey process (additional shovel tests were excavated during the investigation of the archaeological sites). Two previously recorded archaeological sites were found with the access area portion of the survey area. Both had been recorded during the previous transmission line corridor survey (Gresham 2005). One (9BS65) was a late nineteenth to early 20 century farm th complex. The second (9BS98) was a very low density prehistoric lithic scatter previously recorded as an artifact occurrence. The two sites are not considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Thus, we conclude that the construction of the proposed substation will have no effect on significant archaeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.