Phase III (data recovery) archaeological survey

Introduction

If an alternatives analysis determines a project will adversely affect an eligible or listed archaeological site, mitigation is required. This is a Phase III, or archaeological data recovery, survey.

Some archaeological historic properties contain human remains and/or burials. These require thoughtful and appropriate treatment involving

  • Additional consultation with descendant community/family members
  • Following legal processes for the handling and treatment of human remains

Phase III methodology

Purpose

Phase III survey aims to recover important information (data) tied to the site’s significance. It must recover this data before any project activities disturb the site. Finally, it makes this data accessible to the public to mitigate the loss of the site.

It generally involves

  • Large-scale archaeological excavations
  • Detailed laboratory analyses
  • Producing in-depth mitigation reports that detail the findings
  • Public outreach

Components

An archaeological data recovery work plan contains the details of data recovery work. It is typically developed in cooperation with consulting parties and approved by

  • The lead federal and/or permit agency
  • The Historic Preservation Office
  • If applicable, any signatories stipulated in the agreement document governing the project

An archaeological data recovery work plan is specific to the site. At minimum, this plan will include the following components:

Schedules

Calculate timeframes for the survey, including …

  • A detailed schedule for the anticipated field effort
  • Analyses
  • Production schedule for draft reports and curation of the site collection

Important research questions

Use these site-specific questions, identified during Phase II work, to develop a strategy for field excavation.

An archaeological field level of effort

Identify the level of effort, or point of diminishing returns for data recovery, before beginning field work.

Excavation strategy

How field work will recover important site information. This specifies the …

  • Number, type, and placement of excavation units/tests.
  • Strategies for feature excavation.
  • Collection and processing of samples for analysis.

Artifact analysis

Detail the type, level and method of analysis based on the

  • Site type
  • Date
  • Anticipated artifact collection

Artifact and feature dating

Detail the type, level and method of dating based on the anticipated

  • Artifact
  • Feature
  • Sample

Technical reporting

This part of the plan is for the resulting survey report. Include:

  • An outline of how you will report data
  • The format
  • Appendices
  • Qualifications of the preparers/investigators

The work plan also anticipates the timeframes for creating and reviewing this report.

Curation facility or facilities

Before starting fieldwork, identify and seek approval for the site collection’s future home(s).

Planned public outreach

Use creative and interesting activities across multiple forms of media to reach varied audiences.

Protection for remaining parts of the site

This applies to sites where any portion extends beyond the proposed disturbance or project area. If needed, include one or both of the following:

  • Avoidance and protection plan
  • Archaeological preservation easement plan