TerraXplorations, Inc. (TerraX) of Mobile, Alabama was contracted by The Lo tis Group of East Amherst, New York to conduct a Phase I archaeological direct effects survey and a visual effects survey for the proposed Sugar cellular tower in Gordon County, Georgia. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for direct effects includes a proposed 10,000 sq ft lease area with a proposed access road. The access road measures 878 ft (267.6 m) in length by 30 ft (9.1 m) in width to connect with Sugar Valley Road NW. The proposed tower will be a guyed structure and constructed to a height of 310 ft (94.5 m). The total area of the direct effects APE including the lease area and joint access/utility/guy easement amounts to 1.1 acres (0.44 hectares).
Background research and the field survey followed guidelines established under the FCC Programmatic Agreement. Seven previously recorded archaeological sites are situated within a 0.75-mile radius of the project area. During the course of the field survey portion of this archaeological assessment, no archaeological sites or cultural material were encountered. Research through GNAHRG 1 S yielded 15 resources previously documented within the visual APE. The current survey found that of the 15 previously recorded resources, 12 resources remain in Sugar Valley. It is the opinion of TerraX that 36461, 36463-36466, 36469, 36566, 36586, 36587, and 36596 are ineligible for listing in the NRHP as they do not appear to meet Criteria A-C.
Additionally, it is the opinion of TerraX that 36467 and 36622 are eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion C for Architecture. The focus of this criterion is on the design, materiality, workmanship, and feeling of the structures rather than the setting. Furthermore, the proposed tower will be located in such a way that it will be within the peripheral view and diminished by dense tree growth. As such, the proposed tower project will have no adverse effect on the eligible resources.
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