Each state has established procedures for conducting archeological investigations and reporting the findings. Typically, Phase I cultural resource management identification surveys are required to locate, document, and record archaeological sites, historic standing structures, and other cultural resources. The scope of work to conduct a Phase I survey typically includes a site walk-over and the excavation of subsurface tests to document the presence or absence of artifacts and to identify whether or not archeological sites are present on a development tract.

Phase II evaluation studies are conducted to assess the integrity, research potential, and relative importance of cultural resources in order to present options for project planning and to provide conservation recommendations, if warranted. Phase II evaluations may develop from archeological sites identified through the Phase I investigation, or as a result of known archeological sites within a project area. Typically, a Phase II involves additional subsurface testing to identify the boundaries of the site and the excavation of one or more larger excavation units to gather sufficient data to evaluate the significance of the archeological site.

If an archeological site is considered to be significant, consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer and the project planners may be required to determine if the archeological site can be avoided or otherwise preserved in place. For significant cultural resources, The Ottery Group has provided research and prepared nominations for the National Register of Historic Places. In some cases, avoidance of the archeological site may be possible. The Ottery Group can prepare an assessment of the potential benefits of preserving cultural resources as part of development projects. When avoidance is not possible, the mitigation of impacts may be conducted through the documentation of the archeological site. The Ottery Group effectively implements theoretical and academic approaches at a practical level. The Ottery Group takes an active role in the consultation process and can prepare recommendations for the treatment of cultural resources based on scientific, cultural, fiscal, and public relations issues.

Here is a flow chart depicting the typical process involved with compliance-related archeological projects.

Archeology Brochure