TRC conducted a Phase I archaeological survey for this proposed West Ringgold-Center Point TVA transmission line project from July 10-21, 2000. The project area consists of an approximately 18-mile-long and 100- to 150-foot-wide corridor for a new transmission line, as well as an approximately 65-acre tract slated for the construction of the Center Point substation and its associated access road. During the survey, two previously recorded archaeological sites were reexamined, and a total of 16 new prehistoric and historic archaeological sites were identified. TRC recommends that the 11 sites recommended as potentially eligible be preserved in place. If construction plans prohibit avoidance, then Phase II archaeological testing is recommended for these locations to evaluate their NRHP eligibility. Two sites appear to be deeply buried, and deep testing methods should be applied to their locations if proposed construction plans (such as tower placement) warrant such action. Due to the fact that large sections of the project area are located in the floodplain of East Chickamauga Creek, and that shovel testing may not have identified all archaeological sites present, TRC also recommends that once project construction plans are finalized, structure locations within the floodplain areas be examined for their potential for deeply buried archaeological deposits.
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