Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Site of the Azalea Park 115/25 Kv Substation, Lowndes County, Georgia

This report documents the results of a Phase I archaeological survey investigation conducted to locate and record any cultural resources within the proposed Azalea Park 115/25 kV substation site and access road path south of Valdosta, in Lowndes County, Georgia. The research was conducted by Garrow & Associates, Inc. under contract with Oglethorpe Power Corporation. The surveyed area consisted of a total of 7.8 acres, mostly in mature cotton. The substation site lies on a low, shallow slope of approximately 3 percent, overlooking a small wetland area. The access road will cross a flat field under power lines which presently lie in thin, mowed weeds and mature cotton. Phase I field investigations were completed on October 22, 1991. With good to excellent surface visibility, a pedestrian examination of the surface provided sufficient opportunity for the detection of artifacts, which were found in two clusters, here called isolated finds (IF). IF-1, at the west margin of the project, contained a Kirk Corner Notched projectile point/knife, a scraper, and five lithic fragments, but all had eroded into position from off the project. Their original location could not be found. IF-2 consisted of a chopper and a flake found near the northeast corner of the project. Shovel tests were dug at both locations and at the most likely location of the source for the materials found at IF-1. These tests resulted in the determination that the plow zone extends to and into the subsoil; no integrity remains for whatever cultural materials exist in the project vicinity. Therefore, the two isolated finds do not meet the criteria for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. Because of these results, the project is viewed as not likely to affect significant cultural resources, and is recommended to proceed as planned.