Archaeological Survey for a Proposed Access Road Easement, Weyerhaeuser Tap 115 kV Transmission Line, Macon County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archaeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in southeastern Macon County where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to construct an access road connecting the existing 115kV Weyerhaeuser Tap Transmission Line with County Road 12. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archaeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the road. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The area of potential effect for the project consists of a 30ft (9.1 m) wide and approximately 1290 ft (393.3 m) long corridor. The tract lies in a predominately wooded area but the corridor had been cleared of tree cover at the time of the survey. The entire tract represents old farmland that has been allowed to revert to woodlands. The southern portion of the corridor lies near a bluff overlooking an unnamed tributary that flows into Sweetwater Creek.. The confluence with the Flint River lies only 1.5 km to the southeast. The eastern end of the corridor is located on an existing dirt road and the western end abuts County Road 12. The project area was surface searched and shovel tested to locate evidence of archaeological sites. A total of 22 shovel tests were dug as a part of the survey and site recording process. A single archaeological site was identified that extended the length of the project area. The archaeological site, designated 9MA88, represents a low density prehistoric lithic scatter and is not considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Thus, we conclude that the construction of the proposed access road will have no effect on significant archaeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.