This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey conducted by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in northern Paulding County, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) wishes to construct a 8.5 km (5.3 mi) 230 kV transmission line. The line will extend from the proposed Dabbs Bridge Road 230/25/12 kV Substation to the existing Huntsville 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 and substation tract. 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 consisted of a 100‑ft (30‑m) wide transmission line corridor and a substation tract of approximately 2 ha (5 ac). Archival research showed two historic structures in the project area.
The transmission line corridor was surveyed in late April/early May of 2010 and 14 sites and two isolated artifact occurrence were recorded. The substation tract was surveyed on June 15, 2010 and no archeological sites were recorded. The substation tract represents one of four possible locations surveyed by SAS. The results of the three previously surveyed tracts, which lie along Dabbs Bridge Road, appear in earlier reports (Ledbetter 2009a, 2009b, 2010). As a result of this survey, three of sites are recommended potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The remaining 11 sites and 2 isolated artifact occurrences are recommended not eligible. The sites recommended potentially eligible are:
9PA7. Also known as the Holland site. A Middle Woodland habitation site with evidence of earlier Archaic period occupation. 9PA492. A relatively small prehistoric camp site or limited period habitation site dating to the Archaic period. 9PA499. A prehistoric camp site or limited period habitation site dating to the Middle Woodland and Late Archaic periods.
The sites and isolated artifact occurrences recommended ineligible are:
9PA490. A 20th century moonshine still. 9PA491. A 20th century moonshine still. 9PA493. A 20th century moonshine still. 9PA494. A 20th century farm house site. 9PA495. A sparse prehistoric lithic scatter. 9PA496. A 20th century moonshine still. 9PA497. A prehistoric lithic scatter and 20th century moonshine still. 9PA498. A sparse prehistoric lithic scatter.
9PA500. Late 19th /early 20th century artifact scatter. 9PA501. Sparse lithic scatter and agricultural rock pile cluster. 9PA502. Sparse prehistoric pottery scatter. Occurrence 1. Isolated prehistoric flake tool made from Ridge and Valley chert. Occurrence 2. Isolated prehistoric Archaic period projectile point made from quartz.
Of the three sites recommended potentially eligible, one (9PA7) is a previously recorded site that is currently being investigated by Dr. Terry Powis of Kennesaw State University. Limited excavation of site 9PA7, also known as the Holland site, has been conducted by Dr. Powis over the past few summers as an archeological field school project. Dr. Powis has extensively tested the site and procured a substantial amount of information but a final report of the work has yet to be prepared. A final assessment of eligibility must await the completion of that report. The other two sites recommended potentially eligible, 9PA492 and 9PA499, are relatively small prehistoric sites with moderate artifact densities that have the potential to provide meaningful information on the prehistory of the area. A Phase II archeological testing program would be required to determine eligibility status.
The three potentially eligible sites have all been affected by plowing and all are presently wooded. The test units that were open on site 9PA7 at the time of our field survey have now been backfilled by personnel from Kennesaw State University. The proposed transmission line will traverse each of the sites which should mean that pole installation should not impact any of the sites. The tree cover will have to be removed prior to construction of the transmission line but if the three sites are carefully cleared, there should be no impact to preserved (sub‑plowzone) archeological deposits on the sites. It is also recommended that the location of each of the three sites should be noted on project maps and standard GTC site protection procedures should be followed.
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, the remaining sites and 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, provided that standard GTC site protection measures are taken at sites 9PA7, 9PA492, and 9PA499.
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