Phase I Archaeological and Cultural Resource Surveys are the most common form of Section 106 compliance currently employed throughout the United States. There are two types of Phase I surveys currently offered by P2P Environmental: a Phase I cultural resources survey and a Phase I archaeological resources survey. The difference between these two surveys is minor, but important in terms of what they provide for compliance.
For all types of regulatory fulfillment (e.g. NEPA compliance), a Phase I cultural resources survey must be performed. This level of effort involves the identification and assessment of both archaeological resources within the tract and historic structures within and nearby the tract.
A Phase I archaeological resources survey, however, focuses solely on identifying and assessing archaeological resources within the footprint of the tract. For an Environmental Assessment (EA) typically a Phase I archaeological survey will at some point accompany a historic structure survey report in an overall cultural assessment. Because of this, an inclusive Phase I cultural resources survey is the preferred method of investigation as both archaeological and historic resources are identified and assessed within one report.
Phase II Archaeological Testing and Evaluations revisit an existing or recently identified archaeological site (usually identified during the Phase I survey) and includes performing further subsurface investigations. Further testing of archaeological sites is sometimes necessary beyond the Phase I level of effort in order to completely understand the potential of the site to produce significant archaeological data.
When an identified archaeological site is recommended eligible as a result of the Phase I survey, and the findings concurred with by the review agency, further testing is sometimes required to firmly establish whether the archaeological site is significant enough to warrant avoidance or mitigation. There are circumstances where an archaeological site that’s been identified during a Phase I can transition directly to a Phase III mitigation, but these cases are uncommon.
Phase III Archaeological Data Recovery and Site Mitigation efforts represents the most intensive level of archaeological investigation offered by P2P Environmental.
When an archaeological site is considered significant and avoidance of the site is not possible, a data recovery or adverse effects mitigation may be undertaken. Through this process, the archaeological site undergoes intensive controlled sampling typically through the excavation of large uniform pits, surface collection, and sometimes mechanical stripping. Ideally, enough data will be recovered from excavations at this phase to answer research questions. Mitigation, in lieu of data recovery, can also be performed. This is done through consultation and agreement with federal, state, local, and tribal authorities to safeguard the site from any adverse impacts. Mitigation plans vary widely as no one mitigation plan is correct for each site.