Cultural Resource Survey for the Proposed Garrett Tapline to Whitfield Substation Transmission Line Project in Whitfield County, Georgia

On November 15, 16, and 20, 2007, TRC conducted a cultural resource survey for 1.4 miles of transmission line rebuild in Whitfield County, Georgia, from the Dalton Utilities' former Garrett 115-kV tapline to the Whitfield 115-kV Substation. The transmission line will be constructed on a 100-foot wide right-of-way, most of which is existing, except for a small portion of new right-of-way on the north and south side of the Whitfield 115-kV Substation. Archaeological Survey: Background research was conducted prior to the archaeological survey, and identified one previously recorded archaeological site within a 1-mile radius of the project corridor. The site is not within or adjacent to the project area. No new archaeological sites were encountered in the November 15-16 field investigations. Historic Structures Survey: The historic structures survey was conducted on November 20, 2007. The project's Area of Potential Effects (APE) for historic resources was defined as the area in which the proposed project would physically or visually affect such properties. A literature and records search was performed prior to the fieldwork. Eight previously recorded resources were identified within a 0.5-mile radius of the project. Of the eight previously recorded resources, four were determined to be out of the visual APE. Three of the eight resources have been demolished. Because of previous construction that has already altered the historic landscape, the proposed project will not adversely affect the two known resources in the APE. Thirteen additional resources were identified in the project's APE during the current survey. The structures date from circa 1920 to 1945. In accordance with 36 CFR 60.4, four of the resources are recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as they do not exhibit any unique architectural features or have been significantly altered. The nine remaining resources are recommended eligible for the NRHP based on their architecture. Because of previous construction (the existing substation and transmission line), the setting of these resources has already been compromised, and the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect on the properties. No further work is recommended for the historic resources in the APE. Summary: TRC recommends no further cultural resource investigations in advance of the proposed undertaking. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) disagreed with TRC's recommendations for three historical resources, considering them to be ineligible for the NRHP. TVA agrees with the SHPO finding.