Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Deptford-Southern LNG #2 115kV (White and Black) Transmission Lines Chatham County, Georgia

New South Associates, Inc. conducted a cultural resource survey of the approximately three-mile Deptford-Southern LNG #2 115kV (White and Black) Transmission Lines in Chatham County on behalf of Georgia Power. The western end of the proposed transmission line terminates at the Deptford Substation located adjacent to the Pine Hills Historic District, while the eastern end terminates at Elba Island. The survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) to identify National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed or eligible cultural resources that could potentially be impacted by the proposed undertaking. The cultural resource survey included background research, a Phase I Archaeological Survey, and a historic resource windshield survey for historic properties located within the 0.25-mile study area of the proposed transmission line and substation between March 31 and April 3, 2015.

The cultural resource survey resulted in the identification of a single archaeological site, the Deptford Landfill Site (9CH1375). Though the site has the potential to provide significant information, its eligibility for the NRHP remains unknown since further testing is not feasible due to hazardous conditions. Historic resource survey did not identify any buildings 50 years in age or older outside the boundaries of the Pine Gardens Historic District. Construction of the proposed transmission line will not impact the integrity of the district, as the current view from the district already possesses power lines. Two historic landscape features were identified during the survey. Sections of remnant grade associated with the Central of Georgia/Tybee and Savannah Railway were noted near the proposed transmission line corridor. The Central of Georgia/Tybee and Savannah Railway is considered eligible for listing in the NRHP. However, the portions found along the proposed corridor do not contribute to the eligibility of the overall resource.

In addition to the railroad grade, several ditches were noted north of the road causeway and proposed transmission line corridor. These canals are associated with Chatham County efforts to control the mosquito population beginning in 1958. The canals were part of the first undertakings of the Mosquito Control Commission, predecessor to the current Chatham County Mosquito Control Department. The ditches are no longer maintained by the county, and the practice of dragline ditches to control standing water were discontinued after the 1960s. The ditches’ are considered to have no potential significance for the NRHP. The proposed project will have no effect on the ditches, and no additional cultural resource survey of the study area is recommended.