CRM: Vogtle - Effingham - Thalman 500kv Transmission Line, Gp-Sn-13, Gp-Sn-15, and Gp-Sn-22, Resource Testing and Data Recovery Planning

Archaeological testing and data recovery planning studies were conducted within the Designated Work Areas (DWAS) at three cultural properties, GP-SN-131 GP-SN-15, and GP-SN-22, in Screven County, Georgia. The testing was performed as part of the resource management plan for Georgia Power's proposed Vogtle-Effingham-Thalmann 500 KV electric transmission line. Excavation of 14, two by two meter units within the DWA at GP-SN-13 identified significant elements dating to the middle and Late Archaic periods. Three caches of bifaces, in association with a stemmed Savannah River projectile point/knife, were uncovered. The presence of charred hickory nuts offers the potential for securing radiocarbon dates for the Late Archaic occupation. A Morrow Mountain II projectile point was recovered from unit 112N 112E level 6, and a lithic cluster around this unit and at approximately this depth offers the potential for a stratigraphically separate Middle Archaic component. Data Recovery is recommended. Excavation of 14 two by two meter units within a DWA at GP-SN-15 revealed a heavy artifact density with a temporal range from the Early Archaic through the Middle to Late Woodland periods. Interpretation of the natural formation processes in the vicinity of this property indicate that the portion of the property contained within the DWA has been badly disturbed by erosional activities. The potential for recovering in situ cultural remains at GP-SN-15 appears low, and no-data recovery is recommended. Excavation of 11 two by two meter units within a DWA at GP-SN-22 revealed a sparse artifact density, possibly dating to the Middle Archaic through Middle Woodland periods. Analysis of the spatial distribution of these remains suggest the study area is peripheral to a Woodland occupation on the north, and an Archaic occupation on the south. Artifact density within the study area is comparatively light, and no cultural features were uncovered. No data recovery is recommended.