How to Use the SOUs Related to
Archeological Sites and Cemeteries
Scott Pletka, Supervisor
Archeological Studies Branch,
Environmental Affairs Division
Texas Department of Transportation
A Quick Reminder about SOUs
• Criteria derive from statutory requirements,
regulations, rules, and policy established by
regulatory agencies (THC/TSHPO; ACHP)
• Provide criteria to be followed, when
applicable, to facilitate review and
coordination
• Some criteria may not apply, or be as
important, on a particular project
• Other approaches may be acceptable
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
Starting from the TxDOT
internet main page, click here
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
Scroll down this
page
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
Click this link
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
Click this link
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
Click here,
for example
Or, scroll down this
page
Where Can I Find the SOUs?
.pdf and, sometimes,
Word docs available
Direct URL
On internet at:
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/txdot_library/
consultants_contractors/publications/
environmental_resources.htm
On Crossroads (TxDOT only) at:
http://crossroads/org/env/Guidance/CRM/
arch.htm
What SOUs Exist Regarding
Archeological Sites and Cemeteries?
Review Standards for
Archeological Risk Assessment
•
•
Identifies the factors that affect
the scope of work needed for
compliance
Applicable to:
•
•
TxDOT staff
Qualified archeological
consultants working on behalf
of TxDOT-ENV, districts, or
local project sponsors
•
•
•
Local governments not required to
use this form when they are
responsible for coordination with
THC
Can be used at their option
Used at project scoping
Certification Standards for
Projects that Do Not Require
Project-Specific Review:
Archeological Resources
•
•
Used to establish that a
project does not require
review or consultation
regarding impacts to
archeological sites
Applicable to:
•
•
Districts
Other project sponsors,
who have arranged for
TxDOT to be responsible for
Antiquities Code and/or
National Historic
Preservation Act
compliance
•
•
•
Completed by someone
knowledgeable about the
project
Local government determines
the appropriate signature
authority
Use during scoping and check
projects against the criteria
prior to initiating review
Project Coordination Request
for Archeological Studies
•
•
Identifies the information
needed for TxDOT-ENV staff to
begin review and coordination
of a project
Applicable to:
•
•
•
District staff
Other project sponsors who
have arranged for TxDOT to
be responsible for Antiquities
Code and/or National Historic
Preservation Act compliance
Used during project scoping
•
•
District staff or local
government follows the form,
supplying specified
information
TxDOT-ENV staff use supplied
information to determine
appropriate level of effort for
subsequent investigations, to
initiate work, and to begin
coordination
Review Standards for
Background Studies
•
•
Identifies the information
needed to establish project
effects through a desktop-based
review
Applicable to:
•
•
ENV staff
Qualified archeological
consultants working on behalf
of ENV, districts, or local
project sponsors
•
•
•
Local governments not required to
use this form when they are
responsible for coordination with
THC
Can be used at their option
Used when project scoping
shows:
•
•
Project is a type that requires
review and coordination
Project does not warrant field
investigation
Review Standards for
Permit Applications
•
•
Identifies the information
needed to submit an Antiquities
Permit application to THC
through TxDOT-ENV
Applicable to:
•
•
TxDOT-ENV staff
Qualified archeological
consultants working on behalf
of TxDOT-ENV, districts, or
local project sponsors
•
•
•
Local governments not required to
use this form when they are
responsible for coordination with
THC
Can be used at their option
Used when project scoping
shows:
•
•
Project is a type that requires
review and coordination
Project warrants field
investigation
Review Standards for
Archeological Survey
Reports
•
•
Identifies the information for an
archeological survey report
Applicable to:
•
•
TxDOT-ENV staff
Qualified archeological
consultants working on behalf
of TxDOT-ENV, districts, or
local project sponsors
•
•
•
Local governments not required to
use this form when they are
responsible for coordination with
THC
Can be used at their option
Used when project scoping
shows:
•
•
Project is a type that requires
review and coordination
Project warrants field
investigation
Review Standards for
Interim Testing Reports
•
•
Identifies the information for an
archeological interim testing
report
Applicable to:
•
•
TxDOT-ENV staff
Qualified archeological
consultants working on behalf
of TxDOT-ENV, districts, or
local project sponsors
•
•
•
Local governments not required to
use this form when they are
responsible for coordination with
THC
Can be used at their option
Used when initial investigation
shows that the project contains a
site requiring further evaluation
through excavation
Regional Studies: The HOU
and FTW PALMs
• Integrity-based
geoarcheological models
of the Houston District and
Fort Worth District
• Developed by TxDOT for
use by TxDOT and its
contractors.
• Can be used during
scoping to aid in
determination of
appropriate level of effort
• Will be developing
statewide models in the
future