In January, 2011, Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc., (SAS) conducted a Phase I archeological survey of a proposed 230 kV transmission line that runs from the Cumming substation on the southeastern edge of Cumming (north) to the Sharon Springs substation (south), approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in length. Most of the proposed line runs parallel with US 141 (Old Atlanta Highway), Ronald Reagan Boulevard, US 20 (Buford Highway) and Buford Road and existing transmission lines. Only a short section of proposed line is cross country, between Haw Creek Road and US 20. The centerline of the proposed transmission line lies within existing cut‑andfill right‑of‑way for these roads. The area of potential effect (APE) for the proposed transmission line includes an area of 12m (40ft) from the centerline, extending away from the parallel‑running roads. The APE for the cross‑country section includes an area 61 m (200ft) wide, 46 m (150ft) north and 15 m (50 ft) south of the centerline. Except for occasional patches of woodland, most of the transmission line traversed residential and commercial property that has been extensively modified. Surface exposure was sparse and patchy within the project corridor. Consequently, survey relied on systematic shovel testing within the APE. On high probability landforms, shovel tests were excavated at 30‑m or less intervals.
We recorded one new archeological site and two archeological occurrences (Table 1 ), all of which are prehistoric lithic. On the single archeological site, Late Woodland and Mississippian period components were identified. Evidence at the site location clearly indicates that fill dirt was deposited on top of a graded surface. All artifacts were recovered from the artificial soil layer on top of the buried surface. FS‑1 was recommended ineligible for listing on the National Register because of poor preservation integrity, essentially lacking any original context. Since no eligible or potentially eligible sites were recorded on the Cumming to Sharon Springs transmission line archeological survey, no significant cultural resources will be adversely affected by the proposed project. Therefore, we recommend that the project be allowed to proceed.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.