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 420-foot overall height guyed-type telecommunications structure and associated ground-level support equipment.
The facility would be accessible by a proposed approximate 684-foot long by 40-foot wide (208-meter by 12-meter) access/utility easement. There are also be three proposed 50-foot wide (15-meter) guy-wire easements that measure approximately 300 feet (91 meters) and extend to the north, southeast, and southwest. The proposed facility would be located off Florette Road, Culloden, Upson 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. During our database research, we identified one previously recorded archaeological site (9UP15) and no archaeological survey reports within our standard 1-mile background research radius. No previously recorded archaeological sites or surveys are located within our APE for direct effects. During our initial site visit on January 15, 2019, Katherine, MA, Project Archaeologist of ECA identified historic artifacts related to a 20th century homestead within the APE for direct effects. The majority of the artifacts were recovered from the surface along the existing driveway. During our site visit, ECA observed five separate standing structures that adjoined the proposed access/utility easement. The five separate standing structures that were observed during the site visit consists of an apparently vacant residence (of early 20th-century construction), two storage sheds, a hunting shelter (modern), and a covered boat storage area (modern). The recovered artifacts most likely belong to some of the standing structures that were observed. Due to the presence of artifacts related to the standing structures, a second site visit was warranted. A second site visit was conducted by Joe Anderson, MA, Principal Archaeologist of ECA on February 27, 2019 to delineate positive shovel test pits identified during the first site visit. During the second site visit, a total of six shovel additional shovel test pits were excavated. Due to the number of artifacts recovered from shovel test pits excavated during both the initial site visit and site delineation, an archaeological site form was submitted to the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) and an official site number of 9UP116. Other than the standing structures observed during both site visits, no other cultural features were identified within the APE for direct effects. All artifacts were identified on the surface or recovered from a disturbed context from shovel test pits along the existing drive. As a result, ECA believes the site lacks significance and research potential and would not be eligible for inclusion to the NRHP. The proposed telecommunications tower will have no effect on any archaeological sites listed or eligible for listing 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. Therefore, for archaeological cultural resources, we recommend no further consultation under Section 106 Review of the National Historic Preservation Act for this proposed undertaking.
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