Archeological Survey of the Proposed Gough City Pyramax Ceramics 46 kV Transmission Line, Burke and Jefferson Counties, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archaeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) in western Burke and eastern Jefferson Counties, where Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) wishes to construct a 18.5-km- (11.5-mi-) long 46 kV transmission line. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, because the project falls under the auspices of the Rural Utilities Service. The goal of the survey was to identify and delineate significant (eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places) archaeological sites that could be affected by the construction of the proposed line. The proposed transmission line corridor, the area of potential effect, follows rural roads and a railroad corridor. Along highways, the project corridor was 7.5 m (25 ft) wide, and along the railroad line, the corridor was 30 m (100 ft) wide. Archival research showed that one previously recorded archeological site occurred within the project corridor. Archival research also showed that about 15 houses or structures older than 50 years once stood on or near the project corridor. The project corridor was archeologically surveyed in April and May, 2018, and nine archeological sites were encountered, eight of which are early-middle twentieth century house or farmstead sites. One site is an unidentified, prehistoric lithic site (Table 1). We recommend that none of the sites are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) because none are known to be associated with persons or events important in history, and none are likely to yield important archeological information. In regard to archeological resources, we recommend that the project be granted clearance to proceed.