Archaeological Survey of the Bethabara-Georgia Square 115 kV Transmission Line, Oconee and Clarke Counties, Georgia

In November 2007, Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) conducted a Phase I archeological survey of the approximate 11.4-km (7.1-mi) long proposed Bethabara-Georgia Square 115 kV transmission line corridor located in northwestern Oconee and western Clarke Counties, Georgia. The proposed transmission line follows US Highway 78 (a four-lane, divided highway) for its entire length, usually adjacent to the right-of-way, but offset about 230 m (755 ft) in one short length. The southern most 1,310 m (4,300 ft) of the line co-locates with or closely parallels an existing transmission line that was archeologically surveyed in 2005. The corridor is of varying widths, but for the most part extends about 9 m (30 ft) beyond the edge of the highway right-of-way. The majority of the corridor traverses mostly rural highway frontage with spotty residential and commercial development that increases to the north and east, into Clarke County. The northeastern 20 percent of the corridor, on the Atlanta Highway portion of US 78, is heavily developed with large commercial ventures. Surface exposure was generally poor and patchy in the project corridor. Consequently survey relied on systematic shovel testing, usually in one transect along the proposed centerline just outside of the highway right-of-way. Once a site was detected, it was investigated with more shovel tests along the corridor length at 10 or 20-m intervals (depending on the anticipated size of the site) and with one or several perpendicular transects of shovel tests to explore site width. Based on surface inspection and the excavation of shovel tests, we discovered and recorded one new archeological site that we recommend as not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, one previously recorded site lies within the portion of the line that is already built. This site was recommended as not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and nothing about it has changed. We conclude that the construction of the Bethabara to Georgia Square 115 kV transmission line will not affect significant archeological sites and should be granted clearance to proceed.