Section 106 Review TCNS ID 180239 Proposed 320-Foot (Overall Height with Appurtenances) Guyed-Type Telecommunications Structure

Environmental Corporation of America (ECA) has completed an Archaeological Assessment for the federal undertaking at the subject site. The proposed undertaking would include a proposed 100-foot by 100-foot (30-meter by 30-meter) lease area that would include a 320-foot overall height guyed type telecommunications tower and an approximately 690-foot long by 40-footwide (210-meter by 12-meter) access/utility easement. The proposed undertaking would also include three 230-foot long by 50-foot wide (70-meter by 15-meter) guy-wire easements. The subject site is located at 22691 Hwy 16, Sparta, Hancock County, Georgia.

This archaeological assessment was conducted in order to ascertain whether the proposed undertaking, on the project site, might directly or indirectly affect cultural resources, if any such resources exist. Through our review of available cultural records and databases, we identified no previously identified archaeological sites and no archaeological surveys.

The Phase I Archaeological Survey, for the proposed telecommunications structure, conducted by James Thomas, Field Archaeologist of ECA, identified prehistoric artifacts within the APE for direct effects. During the initial survey on November 30, 2018, a total of fifteen shovel test pits (STP) were excavated within the proposed project area. A total of fourteen prehistoric artifacts were recovered from the initial survey. Due to the presence of artifacts, a second survey was warranted. The site delineation was conducted by Shannon Lowman, MA, RPA, Senior Archaeologist of ECA on January 10, 2019. During the second survey, a total of six additional shovel tests were conducted to delineate the identified archaeological site. Of those six additional shovel test pits, three were positive for prehistoric cultural materials. A total of eight prehistoric artifacts were recovered from the site delineation. Due to the number of artifacts recovered from shovel test pits excavated during both the initial survey and site delineation, an archaeological site form was submitted to Georgia Site File and an official site number of 9HK298 has been assigned. No cultural features were identified within the APE for direct effects. All artifacts were identified on the surface or recovered from shovel test pits. As a result, ECA believes 9HK298 lacks significance or research potential and would not be eligible for inclusion to the NRHP. Therefore, it is our opinion that the proposed telecommunications tower would have no effect on any archaeological sites listed or eligible for listed in the NRHP.

ECA believes that the proposed undertaking would have no effect on any historic or prehistoric archaeological resources that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Based on our findings related to archaeological resources, we recommend no further consultation under Section 106 Review of the National Historic Preservation Act for this proposed undertaking. Therefore, for archaeological cultural resources, we recommend a finding of No Effect for the proposed undertaking at the project site.