As a small business, CAC provides consultations and services relating to all aspects of Cultural Resource Management. CAC has an on-call forensics person (physical anthropologist) and can arrange for conservation services. We are listed on the approved list for Cultural Resources and Historic Research in the States of New York and New Jersey.
Cultural Resources
Within the field of Cultural Resources (archaeology), we conduct Phase IA, IB, and II projects. For Phase III Mitigation projects, we partner with large-scale Cultural Resource firms. We serve as the management end and oversee field and report preparation.
For Phase I and II projects, we conform to the standards set forth by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (through the National Park Service), the City of New York’s Environmental Quality Review Act (administrated through the City of New York Landmarks Preservation Commission and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NY SHPO) guidelines (incorporating the guidelines set forth by the New York Archaeological Council).
The Cultural Resource Process
This is a general outline of all the Phases of the Cultural Resource Process. Not every project requires that all the phases listed below be undertaken. It is only meant as a guide to understand the basic processes. Further detailed information can be obtained from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Initial Environmental Review
Undertaken by an agency such as the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (commonly referred to as the either the NYSOPRHP or NY SHPO) and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
Phase IA Documentary Study
If either the SHPO or the LPC determine that there may be some evidence of buried historic structures or properties or other historically significant cultural resources, or if the project area is listed on the City, State or National Register of Historic Places, or if the property falls within the City, State or National Historic District areas, a Phase IA Documentary Study is undertaken. This limited study incorporates basic historical and site specific information along with the analysis of historic maps into a single report. The report then makes recommendations as to whether or not the chance of any significant buried historic remain(s) may be uncovered during the project.
If the report determines that there are no significant issues then the Cultural Resource Process ends at this stage.
If the report determines that there may be some significant issues within the project area the next phase begins.
On average, this phase can take anywhere from three (3) to six (6) weeks depending on the complexity of the project area.
Phase IB Field Testing
A limited number of Standardized Test Pits (STPs) and/or Units are excavated by hand, although the assistance of mechanical equipment may be required depending on the ground surface, to determine if buried archaeological stratigraphic remains are present and/or their content. This is done to determine if the materials remaining below ground are significant beyond what the written text(s) states.
The materials are determined not to be significant then the Cultural Resource Process ends at this stage.
If the materials are determined to be significant then the next phase begins.
On average, this phase can take anywhere from one (1) to two (2) weeks depending on the complexity of the project area.
Once fieldwork is completed, time is required for laboratory analysis of the materials recovered. A general rule is that for every one (1) week spent in the field at least two (2) weeks are required of laboratory work. During this process artifacts are washed, recorded and analyzed. This information is then synthesized into the final Phase IB Report, which must meet the approval of the LPC and/or the NY SHPO.
Depending upon the site history, monitoring by a professional archaeologist can, at times, occur in lieu of field testing. Monitoring requires that the archaeologist be on site during excavation portions of the construction project to ensure there is no disturbance to significant cultural resources. If the archaeologist determines there to be significant resources being impacted during the excavation then the archaeologist may temporarily halt the excavation until a further determination of the uncovered resources can be made.
Phase II Field Testing
During the Phase II Field Testing a greater number of both Units (generally 2 meters square) and STPs are excavated. This is to determine if buried archaeological features are present. It is through the recovery of features that possible National Register significance arises.
If the materials are determined not to be significant then the Cultural Resource Process ends at this stage.
If the materials are determined to be significant then the next phase begins.
On average, this phase can take anywhere from two (2) to four (4) weeks depending on the complexity of the project area.
Once fieldwork is completed, time is required for laboratory analysis of the materials recovered. A general rule is that for every one (1) week spent in the field at least two (2) weeks are required of laboratory work. During this process artifacts are washed, recorded and analyzed. This information is then synthesized into the final Phase II Report, which must meet the approval of the LPC and/or the NY SHPO.
Phase III Mitigation
A Phase III Mitigation is a full archaeological excavation of the project area. It is rare that projects progress to this phase, but it not unheard of. Phase III work occurs when all the other steps indicate that a major archaeological significant site remains underneath the project area. Sites that go to a Phase III are most likely considered National Register eligible. If a project goes to this degree, generally a Memorandum of Understanding and/or Agreement (MOU/MOA) between the site owners, the contractors, the City of New York and the State of New York are enacted. This document outlines what type of work will be done, why, how and the projected outcome.
No timeframe can be given for this phase since fieldwork can range from one (1) month and beyond depending on the complexity of the site.
As with the fieldwork, no timeframe can be given for the laboratory work required. It will depend on the amount of materials recovered from the site. However, the final Phase III Mitigation Report cannot be approved by either the LPC or the NY SHPO without first having completed the laboratory analysis.
Once the Phase III Mitigation Phase is completed, the project may proceed as having satisfied the Cultural Resource requirements.
