Mill Pond Road 115 kV Transmission Line

The week of July 4, 2011, Brockington and Associates completed a background literature review and field investigations for a Phase I cultural resources survey for the proposed approximately 8 acre Mill Pond Road Substation site in Newton County, Georgia (Figure 1). Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) plans to build a substation, and in the future, a new transmission line will extend from this substation. This letter report summarizes the archaeological resources survey study methods, results, and recommendations related to this investigation. The archaeological investigations consisted of an examination of archaeological site forms from previous surveys along with a shovel testing survey of the Area of Potential Effect (APE), an approximately 8 acre parcel (Figure 2). Background research was conducted through the University of Georgia State Site File (GASF) in Athens. Background research recovered current information on previously recorded cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites, buildings, structures, districts, objects, and sites of traditional/cultural importance) that might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and could be affected by the proposed project. The records search was made for documents pertaining to previously known, reported, and/or National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nominated resources within a one-mile (1.6-km) radius of the project tract. An onsite assessment was also made based on topography, setting, previous regional surveys, and nearby resources as to the potential for the project tract to produce as yet unidentified archaeological or historic architectural resources, or for the undertaking to have an effect on those not yet identified outside of the project tract. The project tract is located south of Mansfield in southern Newton County, Georgia (see Figure 1). The property is accessed by either Georgia State Route 11, which runs along the property’s west side, or Mill Pond Road, which borders the tract’s north side (Figure 3). The area is currently used as cow pasture, with vegetation consisting of grass, weeds, and small shrubs. The site slopes from east to west, falling from 760 feet above sea level to 740. However, immediately south of the project area, the pasture slopes southeast to a retention pond and Pittman Creek (Figure 4). According to the USDA soil survey, the soils in the project area consist of dominantly very gently sloping and gently sloping soils of the ridges and hillsides of the uplands (see Figure 2). Specifically, the majority of the tract is composed of Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes (CeB). This well-drained soil is formed from residuum weathered from granite and gneiss and/or weathered from schist. This soil has a surface layer of 8-inch (20 cm) thick brown sandy loam, underlain by a subsoil of red sandy clay that extends to 42 inches (107 cm) below the surface. The northeast corner of the survey tract is defined as Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded  (CfB2). This soil is also well drained and has the same parent material as CeB, though a typical soil profile for CfB2 has a slightly shallower surface layer of sandy clay loam that extends to only 4 inches (10 cm) below the surface, and a clay subsoil that reaches to 42 inches (107 cm). A small fraction of the south side of project area is composed of Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded (CfC2). This soil type is extremely similar to CfB2, though it is more sloping. During the field investigations, one technician and I investigated the entire approximately 8- acre area through a shovel testing survey (Figure 5). These methods were consistent with both the State of Georgia’s professional standards (Georgia Council of Professional Archaeologists 2001) and the guidelines set forth in 36 CFR part 800, and were also carried out by personnel qualified under 36 CFR part 61. Field methods consisted of the hand excavation of 30 cm wide shovel tests placed at 30-meter intervals along transects spaced 30 meters apart. All shovel tests were screened with ¼-inch mesh hardware cloth for the recovery of cultural materials. A total of 37 shovel test locations were excavated in this manner. Soil profiles were generally consistent with the expected Cecil series soils and other similar upland deposits: approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) of dark reddish brown (2.5YR 3/4) sandy loam overlying a dark red (2.5YR 3/6) sandy clay subsoil. Soils were overall very rocky, containing 5 to 15 percent angular gravels. All shovel tests were negative for cultural materials. No archaeological sites or isolated artifact finds were identified within the project tract. In addition, the search of the GASF indicates that there are also no previously recorded archaeological resources located within a one-mile (1.6-km) radius of the project tract. The nearest previously recorded sites are located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) to the south of the project area, and are not relevant to the current study. In summary, Brockington and Associates, Inc. has identified no previously known cultural resources within the Mill Pond Road substation project tract. A field investigation of the substation tract has also identified no additional archaeological resources within the APE. Thus, as there will be no effects to significant archaeological materials, we recommend that the undertaking by Georgia Transmission Corporation be allowed to proceed as planned. Given the level of effort in the subsurface testing, additional, undiscovered archaeological sites, should they exist within the project area are likely to be small (< 30 m in diameter) and unlikely to be eligible for the NRHP.

On December 15, 2011 and the week of January 9, 2012, Brockington and Associates completed a background literature review and field investigations for a Phase I cultural resources survey for the proposed approximately 3.1-mile Mill Pond Road 115kV Transmission Line in Newton County, Georgia for Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) (Figure 1). At the time of the initial investigation, survey access to several properties along the easement had not been granted; these are discussed below. However, a survey of a possible realignment of the centerline within the John Michael Roquemore property was carried out on January 13, 2012. A report concerning a survey of the associated Mill Pond Road electrical substation was previously submitted by Brockington to GTC (Futch 7/7/2011). This letter report summarizes the archaeological resources survey study methods, results, and recommendations related to the investigation of the corridor itself. The archaeological investigations consisted of an examination of archaeological site forms from previous surveys along with a shovel testing survey of the Area of Potential Effect (APE), defined as the 3.1 mile by 9-30 m survey easement. Background research was conducted through the University of Georgia State Site File (GASF) in Athens. Background research recovered current information on previously recorded cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites, buildings, structures, districts, objects, and sites of traditional/cultural importance) that might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and could be affected by the proposed project. The records search was made for documents pertaining to previously known, reported, and/or National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nominated resources within a one-mile (1.6-km) radius of the project tract. An on-site assessment was also made based on topography, setting, previous regional surveys, and nearby resources as to the potential for the project tract to produce as yet unidentified archaeological or historic architectural resources, or for the undertaking to have an effect on those not yet identified outside of the project tract. The proposed corridor extends north from the future site of the new substation located at the southeastern corner of GA-11 and Mill Pond Road, located south of Mansfield in southern Newton County, Georgia (see Figure 1). It passes towards the town of Mansfield, following Pine Circle/Pine Street and Sewell Avenue, to Railroad Avenue, turning northwest. From Railroad Avenue, the line crosses cross country circumventing downtown Mansfield to reconnect to the Alcovy Road- Mansfield 46kV line along GA-11, north of Mansfield. In total, the new lines consist of 2.3 miles of nine m (30 ft) roadside easement and 0.8 miles of cross country 30 m (100 ft) easement (Figures 2 and 3). Segment 1 (see Figure 4a) extends from the substation site on Mill Pond Road to James Benton Road. This segment is within the edge of a pasture. Thirty STs were excavated in one transect along the inside of the surrounding fence on the transmission center line. Tests largely exhibited a 10-30 cm yellowish red (5YR 5/6) silty loam plow zone (Ap) horizon overlying reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) sandy clay subsoil. However approaching James Benton Road, the upper stratum was replaced by a resdeposited (mixed and  unconsolidated) plow zone and subsoil stratum with modern trash (discarded). This fill is likely the result of the construction of the drainage ditch along the outside of the fence along GA-11. Segment 2 (see Figures 4a and 4b) extends from James Benton Road to Dukes Road. Dukes Road reaches a T-intersection with GA-11 from the west and does actually cross the transmission line corridor. A total of 17 STs in one transect were excavated along this segment, which is largely composed of open fields (Figure 5). Results were similar to that of Segment 1 with a mix of plow zone or redeposited soils overlying sandy clay subsoil. Segment 3 (see Figure 4b) extends from Dukes Road to Loyd Road. This portion, which switches from the eastern to western side of GA-11 and back, is disturbed, comprised of drainage ditched and/or graded front lawns and thus was not tested. In addition, there is a small family cemetery, the Curtis Cemetery (UTM Zone 17S E245934; N3710665 [NAD 83]) located on the Kitty and Dale King property (Figure 6). This cemetery (NAHRGIS ID # 101649) has not been registered as an archaeological site; it is protected by Georgia Burial codes and should be avoided by construction. This cemetery was registered by the University of Georgia as part of the Find It program for Newton County. The earliest grave marker dates to 1887. There are 15 graves listed, with the most recent interment in 2007. It is understood that GTC is aware of this resource and has taken measures not to disturb it by this undertaking; it is spanned by pole locations several hundred meters to the north and south.

Segment 4 (see Figure 4b) extends across a small field from Loyd Road to Pine Circle (Figure 7). Six STs were excavated in two transects here. These tests a very thin brown (10YR 5/3) plow zone or organic layer (O horizon) over reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) loamy sand. Segment 5 (see Figure 4c) extends from Pine Circle, along Sewell Road and Railroad Avenue until the transmission line crosses the Central of Georgia Railroad corridor. The southern portion of this segment lies very close to Sewell Road and is paved and/or within the cut road bank. Due to this disturbance, this segment was not shovel tested, although the exposed road cut was inspected for cultural material. The northern half of this segment includes the John Michael Roquemore property for which survey permission was not initially granted.

However, a proposed realignment around the southwestern and northwestern edges of the property was later granted and surveyed (Figure 8). A total of 28 STs was excavated on this realigned corridor. Soils were similar to found elsewhere on the corridor with a typical 20 cm plow zone (Ap) overlying sandy clay subsoil. In addition, local informants suggested that the Bethel Grove Baptist Church cemetery may extend to the western side of Sewell Road, across the street from the church (see Figure 2). This area was carefully inspected but no surface depressions, which might indicate unmarked graves, were noted. Segment 6 (see Figure 4c) extends from the railroad tracks to CR-213. This segment crossed through a wooded area. Eight STs in two transects were excavated. Soils were generally comprised of eroded/exposed reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) sandy clay just beneath the leaf litter. The realignment of the Roquemore property necessitated changes to this segment as well; ten additional tests were excavated on the new centerline in January 2012, with similar eroded soils noted. Segment 7 (see Figure 4c) extends from CR-213 to 6th Avenue. This area is wooded mostly with planted pines and crosses several creeks. Two transects of 11 STs each were excavated in this segment. Most exhibited similar exposed clayey subsoil at or near the ground surface. Although the creek banks were also generally eroded and exposed as well, alluvial deposits nearest the creek beds were noted (Figure 9). Tests in these areas exhibited approximately 20 cm strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) loamy sand overlying yellow (2.5Y 7/6) sand; however testing was not done within standing water, saturated soils, or steep slopes within the creek floodplains. The end of this segment crosses between two small properties for which there was no survey access (Figure 10). While approximately two STs could be excavated, this area is likely disturbed by the existing landscaping and utilities. Further STs to the north and south of these properties were eroded and disturbed by pine bedding rows. It is believed this untested segment is of low probability for intact archaeological sites. No pole locations are within this property. Segment 8 (see Figure 4c) extends from 6th Avenue to Carmel Church Road (see Figure 3). The centerline here parallels a path and a gravel driveway. Fourteen STs in two transects were excavated. The typical soil profile exhibited <10 cm of dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) sandy clay loam topsoil overlying brownish yellow (10YR 6/8 sandy clay subsoil. Segment 9 (see Figure 4c) extends from Carmel Church Road around the Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, to tie in with the existing transmission line within afield on GA-11. Twenty-two STs were excavated in this segment in two transects. Wooded portions of this segment exhibited an approximately 10 cm light brownish gray (10YR 6/20 sandy clay loam topsoil over yellow (10YR 7/6) sandy clay topsoil. Portions within the field along GA-11 exhibited <5cm of dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) sandy loam over brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) sandy clay. All shovel tests were negative for cultural material with the exception of modern trash and debris from redeposited fill strata along GA-11. No archaeological sites or isolated artifact finds were identified within the project tract. In addition, the search of the GASF indicates that there are also no previously recorded archaeological resources located within a one-mile (1.6-km) radius of the project tract. The nearest previously recorded sites are located approximately 2.5 miles (four km) to the south of the project area, and are not relevant to the current study. In summary, Brockington and Associates, Inc. has identified no previously known archaeological resources within the Mill Pond Road transmission corridor. A field investigation of the corridor has also identified no additional archaeological resources within the APE. Overall, the project corridor has a low potential for containing intact archaeological deposits; soils within most of the corridor have been demonstrated to have been previously disturbed by the construction of roads and utilities, or are shallow and eroded within cross-country sections of the line. Thus, as there will be no effects to significant archaeological materials, we recommend that the undertaking by Georgia Transmission Corporation be allowed to proceed as planned. However, care should be undertaken to not disturb the Curtis Cemetery, which is protected by burial codes. Given the level of effort in the subsurface testing, additional, undiscovered archaeological sites, should they exist within the project area, are likely to be small (< 30 m in diameter) and unlikely to be eligible for the NRHP. This includes several properties south of 6th Avenue that were not assessed by subsurface testing. However, this small (approximately 50 m) segment is of low potential for undisturbed archaeological deposits due to its proximity to the existing road corridors with associated landscaping and utilities. Brockington recommends that the proposed undertaking may proceed without further archaeological investigations. Should significant realignment of the corridor be proposed additional archaeological survey may be required.