TerraXplorations, Inc. (TerraX) of Mobile, Alabama was contracted by Trileaf Corporation (Trileaf) of Maitland, Florida to conduct a Phase I archaeological direct effects and visual effects survey for the proposed Heartland Drive cellular tower in White County, Georgia. The proposed tower will be a monopole type constructed to a height of 199 ft. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for direct effects includes a 100-x-100 ft lease area with a proposed access and utility easement extending 1228.5 ft in length by 30 ft in width from Howard Road. The total area of the direct effects APE including the lease area and joint access and utility easement amount to 1.09 acres.
Background research and the field survey followed guidelines established under the FCC Programmatic Agreement. One previously recorded archaeological site and no previous archaeological surveys are located within a 0.5-mile radius (Visual Effect APE) of the current study area. A review of recorded historic properties at the Georgia Historic Preservation Division in Stockbridge, Georgia revealed four historic resources and no historic districts within the Visual Effects APE. One of the resources was listed twice under two different numbers in GNAHRGIS.
Resource 1 is an intact example of a double pen in North Georgia, even with the rear ell addition, and is eligible under Criterion C, architecture. Due to distance, vegetation, and the fact that the house faces away from the tower, the proposed tower will have no adverse effect on this resource.
Resource 2 is not eligible for the NRHP. There have been too many changes, both to the original house and to the property as a whole, and the property is no longer used for agricultural purposes. Therefore, the proposed tower will have no effect on this resource. Resource 3, does not exhibit exceptional artistic or architectural qualities, and is a combination of plan types. Therefore, the house is not eligible for the NRHP and the proposed tower will have no effect on this resource.
During the course of the field survey portion of this archaeological assessment, no new archaeological cultural resources were encountered. Based on the findings of this investigation, TerraX recommends no further investigation for the proposed Heartland Drive cellular tower project.
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