This report assesses the cultural resource sensitivity of three alternate locations for a pumped storage hydroelectric facility by comparing projections of numbers of archeological sites within project impact areas, and the amount of further work needed at those sites. The proposed locations are cedar Grove, Johnson Crook, and Rich Mountain. The comparison of the relative suitability for development of each location is based primarily on the results of three reconnaissance level surveys of the proposed reservoir areas conducted by southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) for Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC) (Smith et al. 1986a, 1986b, 1986el.
At present, there are three major components of the pumped storage facility: the two reservoirs and their associated facilities, the transmission line corridor, and the water pipeline route. only the first component has received enough fieldwork to allow reliable comparisons of potential impacts to cultural resources. The transmission line and water pipeline corridors have received no fieldwork, therefore reliable comparisons are not possible at this time. However, the two types of corridors are discussed in general terms with regard to potential impacts to cultural resources. The projected impacts at each proposed facility are discussed by component. Then, an overall comparison summarizes potential impacts to cultural resources.
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