This project consisted of an approximately 28 mile long 230kV Transmission Line through Wayne, Duplin, and Sampson counties, North Carolina. ESI was responsible for all cultural aspects of this multi-phase project, ensuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). All work was performed in consultation with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (NCSHPO) and followed the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

ESI conducted an intensive archaeological survey of those portions of the corridor identified by the NCSHPO as having a high potential to contain archaeological sites. Field crews excavated a total of 682 shovel tests, resulting in the identification of 21 archaeological sites; five previously recorded sites were also revisited. All 26 sites were evaluated according to National Register criteria. Three were found to be eligible for listing to the National Register and recommended for avoidance or mitigation.

ESI performed limited mitigation at all three National Register-eligible sites, placing excavation units at the proposed locations of power transmission structures. Excavations at 31WY466/466** documented an intact Middle Archaic component, while a Middle Woodland domestic site was revealed at site 31WY470.470**. Site 31SP373 yielded deposits apparently dating to the Early Archaic. Work at these three sites was sufficient to achieve project clearance.

Also conducted was an architectural survey within a 0.5-mile radius of all new location right-of-way. Black and white photographs were taken of all structures 50 years of age or older, which were then assessed according to the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). A total of 97 historic architectural properties were photographed and assessed, none of which possessed qualities sufficient to make them eligible for listing in the National Register.