A Phase I archaeological Survey Cedarcrest 115/12 kV Substation and Transmission Line, Paulding County, Georgia

Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) proposes to construct the Cedarcrest 115/12 kV Substation and Transmission Line north of Dallas, Georgia in Paulding County. An archaeological survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended through 1992 (16 U.S.C. 470). The survey documented the presence or absence of archaeological resources potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The scope of the project included background research, archaeological field survey, artifact analysis, and preliminary evaluation of the NRHP eligibility of any resources identified within the project area. All work was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (GaSHPO 1993). Background research failed to indicate any previously recorded prehistoric archaeological resources within the project area. While much of the project area consisted of steeply sloped and eroded surfaces, the presence of relatively level land in close proximity to a water source indicated that there was a high probability for prehistoric archaeological resources within at least limited portions of the project area. No historic occupation of the project area was noted from background sources, and no significant historic archaeological resources were anticipated within the project area. The surface inspection of the project area revealed significant disturbance and erosion within the substation portion of the project area that tended to steep slopes. This inspection failed to reveal any artifacts (other than materials recently dumped). Several roughly linear, discontinuous, low piles of fieldstone were noted in the northeast comer of the substation parcel. These were interpreted as farm related fieldstone deposits. The excavation of seven shovel test units revealed a soil profile consisting mainly of a shallow silty sandy loam over subsoil. Surface inspection of the transmission corridor also revealed significant disturbance and erosion as the corridor tended to fairly steep slopes. A small structure was identified near a tributary of Picketts Mill Creek. The structure was a three-sided, unmortared stone construction measuring approximately four-feet square. The open side faced west or downstream. The walls ranged in height from one to approximately 2.5 feet. No artifacts were recovered in association with the structure and its function and date are unknown. No other evidence of archaeological resources was identified though surface inspection. The excavation of 18 shovel test units revealed a stratigraphy consisting of the previously noted silty sandy loams or silty clay loams. No artifacts were recovered from any of the shovel test units. The Phase I archaeological survey of the proposed Cedarcrest 115/12 kV Substation and Transmission Line identified a single structure of unknown function and date. No artifacts were associated with this structure, and it does not appear to be potentially eligible for listing on the NRHP. Thus, no potentially significant archaeological resources were identified during this survey, and no further archaeological investigations are recommended within the project area. It is concluded that the proposed construction of the Cedarcrest substation and transmission line will have no effect on significant archaeological resources.