Cultural Resources Survey Proposed Peavey Transmission Line and Substation Site

On May 16, 1990, John Doolin and Brian Gumbert conducted an intensive coverage cultural resources survey of approximately 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) of a proposed transmission line corridor (Peavey 46 kV line) and a 3.0 hectare (7.5 acres) substation site in Houston and Dooly Counties, Georgia. The survey was conducted for Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC) under NEPA, in compliance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665; 80 STAT.915; 16 U.S.C. 470) as amended. A review of the state site files and the National Register of Historic Places revealed no previously recorded sites within the survey area. A review of historic maps and aerial photographs revealed no pre-1941 house site within the proposed corridor, although several tenant structures are located in the vicinity. A late 19th/20th cemetery (OPC-10-4, a.k.a. Middlebrooks Cemetery) is adjacent to the proposed line. An overgrown tract of land adjacent to the curated cemetery plot it currently within the proposed survey corridor. This area was examined for graves during the survey and none were found; however, it is recommended that this tract be avoided by rerouting the line. If this is done, potential impact will be avoided. All other project properties were subjected to systematic surface survey and shovel testing. Portions of three prehistoric sites (OPC-10-1, 2 and 3) were discovered within the proposed corridor. These resources have been heavily disturbed by agricultural activities and are considered "clearly ineligible" for the National Register of Historic Places. Clearance is therefore recommended for the Peavey transmission line and substation site.