Archeological Survey of the Proposed Houston County Landfill 115/25 kV Substation, Houston County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in southeastern Houston County, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to construct the proposed Houston County Landfill 115/25 kV Substation. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the substation. 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 an approximately 2.0-ha (5.1-ac) square tract that is entirely composed of a recently clearcut pine plantation. The tract is across Georgia Highway 247 from the Kathleen-Hawkinsville 115 kV transmission line. The project area was surface searched and shovel tested to locate evidence of archeological sites. One large site that extends beyond the project boundary was discovered and investigated. This site, 9HT231, is composed of a very sparse prehistoric lithic scatter conforming to a ridge along the southern boundary of the project tract. Coastal Plain chert artifacts, including a Late Archaic projectile point, were found on the surface and within the plowzone of the site. The integrity of this site has been compromised by decades of plowing and timbering. The prehistoric cultural material is so sparse that features and meaningful artifact distributions are not likely to occur. We recommend that site 9HT231 is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Thus, we conclude that the construction of the proposed substation will have no adverse effects to significant archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.