Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the East Point-Union City 23KV Reroute, Fulton County, Georgia

Georgia Power Company (GPC) commissioned a due diligence Phase I Cultural Resources Survey in association with the proposed construction of a new tap line of the East Point–Union City (White) 230kV transmission line in Fulton County. The centerline for the proposed tap line is approximately two miles long, but this reporting also documents survey for a previous route, making the total 3.2 miles. The archaeological survey area for this project, referred to in the report as the project area, was derived from the proposed centerline route. Where the centerline runs along existing roadways, the project area extends 50 feet from the existing road pavement. Where the centerline runs along existing transmission-line right-of-way (ROW), the project area extends across the width of the cleared ROW. Where the centerline is cross-country (i.e., not associated with road or transmission-line ROW), the project area extends for 75 feet to either side of the centerline. The historic architectural survey included a 0.25-mile radius around the project area centerline, which is considered the project’s area of potential effects (APE). This report covers both the original tap line and the proposed reroute. 

The archaeological survey included the visual examination and excavation of 227 shovel tests, one of which was positive for cultural materials. The archaeological examination concluded that about half of the project area was undisturbed. Disturbances include an industrial park in the northeast and residential development in the south. This survey also documented a new archaeological site (9FU852), which is a surface scatter associated with a historic barn (Historic Resource 14). The overall site is recommended as having unknown eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and lacks significant data potential within the project area. No further archaeological work is recommended. 

Eighteen historic architectural resources were identified within the APE. Two of the 18 resources – 4631 Ben Hill Road and 4500 Ben Hill Road – were not visible from the ROW and therefore were not surveyed. The remaining 16 resources were documented. Of the 16 identified historic resources, two resources are recommended as eligible to the NRHP: the Vermont Estates subdivision off Ben Hill Road and a Colonial Revival–style ranch house located at 3650 Will Lee Road. The proposed project does not have the potential to adversely affect either property.