Archeological Survey of Structure 6S on the South Macon-Bonaire 230 kV Transmission Line, Twiggs County, Georgia

This report presents the results of an intensive archeological survey performed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in northern Twiggs County, where the Georgia Transmission Corporation wishes to move one H-type tower that supports the South Macon-Bonaire 230 kV transmission line. One leg of this tower, structure 6S, is subsiding and the entire structure needs to be moved. 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 1.1 km (3,600 ft) long, 60 m (200 ft)e wide section of the existing South MaconBonaire 230 kV transmission line that straddles tower structure 6S. The anticipated impact area will be smaller, but the larger area described above was surveyed to allow project planners ample space within which to work. Structure 6S is located near the crest of a clay ridge, but one leg of the tower is within a trough. The tower will be moved about 23 m (75 ft) to the east and with guy wires will occupy an area about 45 m (150 ft) on a side. No archeological sites had been previously recorded in or near the project area. Archival sources indicated that no historic period structures existed in the project area. Our field survey discovered and documented one new archeological site, 9TW 182, which is a small, sparse, eroded, prehistoric lithic scatter located on a narrow ridge 150 m (500 ft) east of Structure 6S. While the site is well beyond the immediate construction zone for the relocation of Structure 6S, access to the construction zone could be gained from an existing maintenance road that passes through site 9TW 182. We recommend that site 9TW 182 is not eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places as it has no further research potential (criterion d) and lacks integrity. We conclude that the relocation/construction of the new structure 6S will have no adverse effects to significant (eligible) archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.