Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Solar Panel Facility at the Baxley WWTP, Appling County,Georgia

In December, 2015 Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of a proposed expansion of the Baxley wastewater treatment plant south of Baxley in central Appling County, Georgia. The expansion will contain a solar array that will help power the existing wastewater treatment facility. The 5.6-ha (13.8-ac) wooded tract is mostly level and abuts the existing facility and an unnamed branch of Sweetwater Creek. Archival research indicated that no archeological sites and no former houses have been recorded for the tract. One structure that may be 50 years old lies about 180m (590 ft) to the west and was evaluated for its historical significance. The archeological survey, which relied on systematic shovel testing, located one archeological site, 9AP54, a sparse prehistoric lithic scatter next to the creek and partly within a former grassed airport runway. The site has been disturbed by grading for the runway and channelization of the creek and has a low artifact density. Due to poor integrity and the lack of research potential, we recommend that site 9AP54 is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The standing structure to the west of the property was built between 1956 and 1968, probably as some sort of commercial structure. It may or may not be 50 years old. It was made with concrete blocks and is listed in tax records as an abbatoir. It has numerous subsequent additions that completely surround the original structure. It conforms to no standard style and is not associated with persons or events important in history. We recommend that this structure is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. We recommend that no significant (eligible) cultural resources exist within the area of potential effect for the proposed undertaking, the installation of solar panels, and therefore the project will have no adverse effects to cultural resources. No further work is recommended.