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
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