Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Big Indian Creek 115/25/12 kV Substation, Houston County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in central Houston County, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to construct the proposed Big Indian Creek 115/25/12 kV Substation. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate any archeological 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. The area of potential effect for the project consists of an approximately 2.8 ha (7.0 ac) tract that is almost entirely composed of cultivated fields. The tract adjoins an existing substation, straddles an existing transmission line, and is located on a broad ridge top. The project area was surface searched and shovel tested to locate evidence of archeological sites. One very large site that extends beyond the project boundary was discovered and investigated. This site, 9HT191, is composed of a very sparse prehistoric lithic scatter and two loci of late nineteenth to mid-twentieth century historic period material, all confined to the surface and plowzone of the site. The concentrations of historic material correspond to two small houses shown on 1930s and 1940s aerial photographs and represent tenant houses that have been razed and plowed over. No diagnostic prehistoric artifacts were recovered. The integrity of this site has been heavily compromised by razing, decades of plowing and erosion and the construction of agricultural terraces. There is nothing left of the historic component except a plowzone scatter of artifacts. The prehistoric component is so sparse that features and meaningful artifact distributions are not likely to occur. We recommend that site 9HT191 is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Thus, we conclude that the construction of the proposed substation will have no adverse effects to significant archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.