Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Reroute of a Portion of the Winder-Hartwell Primary 230 kV Transmission Line, Jackson County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in southern Jackson County, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation is considering rerouting a short section of the existing Winder-Hartwell Primary 230 kV transmission line so that it leads to a proposed new substation. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the new section of line. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Since the precise location of the new line had not been determined, the area of potential effect for the project consisted of a corridor 122 m (400 ft) wide and about 1,250 m (4,100 ft) long. The corridor is L-shaped, leading south from the existing transmission line and crossing Redstone Creek, then turning to head due west to terminate at a proposed new substation. The transmission line when built will have a cleared corridor only about 30 m (100 ft) wide. The survey corridor is entirely wooded with hilly, rocky terrain. The project area was surface inspected and shovel tested to locate evidence of archeological sites. Seven sites were recorded. We recommend that one site is potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and that none of the other six sites are. It should be easy for the project planners to route the transmission line to the east and avoid this site, which is our recommendation. If the site cannot be avoided, it should be archeologically tested to firmly establish its eligibility status. If it is avoided as recommended, we conclude that the construction of the proposed rerouting of the Winder-Hartwell Primary 230 kV transmission line will have no effect to significant archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.