The environmental due diligence process involves the consideration of potential impacts a proposed project could have on cultural resources. In New York State, this process is completed for any project where permits are necessary or state/federal funding is being used. New York’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) are tasked with reviewing the potential impacts of proposed projects on cultural resources and issuing a determination of effect. These resources come in a variety of forms, including archaeological sites, and above ground historic resources and structures.
During the consultation process, the NYSOPRHP may request a Phase IA Literature Search and Sensitivity Assessment which evaluates the overall sensitivity of the project and can include recommendations for a Phase IB Archaeological Investigation. For each submission received, NYSOPRHP is allotted a 30-day review and response period. This means for each project with a Phase IA request, followed by a Phase IB request and fieldwork, the NYSOPRHP review and response period alone can be up to 60 days. This doesn’t include the time to complete the Phase IA report, Phase IB archaeological fieldwork, or Phase IB report, which includes the results of the investigation.
Recently, there has been an increased number of requests from NYSOPRHP for a combined Phase IA/IB Archaeological Investigation. To expedite the process, the NYSOPRHP has released a new “short” report form that can be used during investigations if the project meets the following criteria:
- NYSOPRHP has requested a combined Phase IA/IB Archaeological Investigation
- Projects are 10 acres or less
- Linear projects are less than 0.5 miles in length
- No archaeological sites were identified
The form can be used to submit a project for New York State review under Section 14.09 of the NYS Historic Preservation Act, or Federal review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Please note, this new short form does not apply to projects located in New York City.
While the form has been noted as “optional,” consultants are encouraged to utilize it. This shortened form will improve the overall review and response time, potentially reducing costs and making some projects more cost-effective.
The “Phase IA/IB Archaeological Investigation Abridged Report Form” is available here.
