Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Whitepath 46/25 kV Substation Tract, Gilmer County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archaeological survey conducted by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc., in northern Gilmer County, Georgia, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to construct the White path 46/25 kV substation on a 4.26-acre (1.7-ha) tract of land. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archaeological resources that may be adversely affected by the construction of the substation. The survey was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This act requires that federal agencies that fund or license projects, in this case the Rural Utility Services, must take into account the effects of an undertaking on significant cultural resources. A survey to locate sites is one of the first steps in complying with Section 106. The area of potential effect for the project consisted of the entire 4.6-acre parcel, even though the substation will occupy only a portion of the tract. Our archival research showed that a ca. 1930s farmstead occupied most of the nearly level portion of the tract and that most of the structures of this farmstead are still standing. Our field survey was conducted by the author on November 4, 2019. We documented one archaeological site, 9GI248, which consists of the remains of the ca. 1930s-2015 farmstead that overlaps with a sparse prehistoric lithic scatter probably dating from the Archaic to the Early Woodland periods. Shovel testing revealed only sparse and largely disturbed archaeological deposits that have little to no further research potential. Thus, we conclude that site 9GI248 fails to meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. 

We recommend that archaeological site 9GI248 is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and that no further archaeological investigation is warranted. Thus, we recommend that the proposed undertaking, the construction of the Whitepath 46/25 kV substation, will not adversely affect significant archaeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.