N.M. Code R. § 4.10.15.11

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 11, June 11, 2024

Section 4.10.15.11 - RECORDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES DURING SURVEY

A. Record all archaeological sites located within the project area and include the portions of sites that extend outside of the APE or project area if the entirety of the site lies on state land. If a portion of the site lies on land not owned, controlled or operated by a state agency, the portion on state land shall be recorded. If permission for access can be obtained from the owner of the remaining portion of the site, record the entire site. If permission cannot be obtained from the owner of the remaining portion of the site, document observations about features outside of, but visible from the APE or project area.

B. If large sites extend outside the APE or project area, record all features and artifacts within and immediately adjacent to the APE or project area and make observations about features outside of but visible from the project area. Incorporate observations made by previous recorders regarding the sites and how those observations relate to the part of the site recorded during the current project.

C. Document all archaeological sites on an LA archaeological site record form consistent with this section and the NMCRIS guidelines for submitting archaeological records, July 1993, available from the ARMS website http://potsuii.arms.state.nm.us/. Additional forms may be used at the discretion of the permittee. The LA archaeological site record shall be typed or word-processed. Complete the following fields except for SHPO consultation.

(1) Identification and ownership. Include LA number, site name(s), other site numbers(s), agency assigning number, current site owner(s) and site update.

(2) Recording information. Include the NMCRIS number, field site number, site marker, recorder(s), agency, recording date, site accessibility, surface visibility, remarks, recording activities, description of analysis or excavation activities, photographic documentation, surface collections, records inventory, repository for original records and repository for collected artifacts.

(3) Condition. Include archaeological status (surface collection, test excavation, partial excavation, complete excavation), source of disturbance, vandalism, percentage of site intact and observations on site condition.

(4) Recorder recommendations. Include national register eligibility and criteria, basis for the recommendation, assessment of project impacts and treatment recommendations.

(5) SHPO consultation for use by SHPO and agency or sponsor. Leave section blank.

(6) Location. Identify source graphics; map-based or global position system-based (GPS) coordinates to 10-meter accuracy; directions to site; town, county and state; USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle name, date and code; public land survey system (PLSS) unplatted or township, range, section, quarter-section to nearest 40-acre unit and protraction. Indicate if PLSS is protracted.

(7) Physical description. Include site dimensions, basis for dimensions, site area, basis for area, site boundaries, depositional and erosional environment, stratigraphy and depth of archaeological deposits, estimated depth of deposits, basis for depth determinations, observations on subsurface archaeological deposits, local vegetation, vegetative community, topographic location and observations on site setting.

(8) Assemblage data. Include assemblage content for lithics, prehistoric ceramics, historic artifacts and other artifacts and materials, assemblage size by artifact class, dating potential and assemblage remarks including description of assemblage.

(9) Cultural and temporal affiliation(s). Include total number of components defined and the following information for each component: cultural affiliation, basis for temporal affiliation, period of occupation, beginning and ending dates, dating status, basis for affiliation, component type and remarks.

(10) Feature data. Include feature type, reliability of identification, number observed, associated component number, feature identification number(s), notes and remarks.

(11) References. Include written sources of information and additional sources of information.

(12) Narrative site description. Provide a complete description of the site, features and assemblages and interpretation of the site, features and intrasite proveniences. This information provides the basis for site evaluation and future nomination of the site to the state or national registers.

(13) Site record attachments. Append a copy of 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle scale with the location of the site, the site sketch map or site plan,continuation forms and any other materials.

D. Newly recorded sites.

(1) Complete all data items within every section of the LA archaeological site record.

(2) Prepare a detailed site plan map for each newly recorded site located during the survey. The map may be a scaled sketch map or an instrument-generated map. Each map shall display:

(a) LA number;

(b) north arrow (indicate if true north and/or magnetic north);

(c) map scale and scale bar;

(d) key that identifies all symbols used on the map;

(e) site boundary (indicate whether the boundary is complete or incomplete);

(f) features, feature numbers, the distribution of artifacts and artifact concentrations;

(g) site datum (indicate whether the datum is temporary or permanent);

(h) collection and limited test units, if any;

(i) photographic points;

(j) natural features such as drainages, rock outcrops, vegetation patterns and other noncultural manifestations within or adjacent to the site and topography as represented by estimated contour lines;

(k) boundary of the APE or project area relative to the site or distance and direction to the project if the site is away from areas of ground disturbance;

(l) cultural or natural landmarks within or adjacent to the site (such as roads, fences, buildings, benchmarks);

(m) location and extent of any vandalized or disturbed areas of the site; and

(n) the name of the map artist(s), institutional affiliation and date the map was drawn.

E. Previously recorded sites.

(1) Review and update the information obtained during the pre-field files check pursuant to 4.10.15.9 NMAC consistent with the standards set forth below. Special attention shall be paid to changes in physical description and assemblage data resulting from natural or cultural modifications to the site since the last site visit.

(a) If an archaeological site has been documented on an LA archaeological site record since January 1994 and all data items in all sections of the form are complete and accurate, check the site update box and complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition and recommendations sections.

(b) If an archaeological site has been documented on an LA archaeological site record since January 1994 but some information is incomplete or incorrect, update the incomplete or incorrect sections and clearly differentiate observations made during the current survey from observations made by previous recorders. Check the site update box and complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition, recommendations and narrative site description sections. Summarize changes and updates in the narrative site description section.

(c) If the site was recorded prior to January 1994 and has not been updated since that time, complete all fields of the current version of the LA archaeological site record. Note any changes in condition or content from the earlier field recording.

(d) If the previously recorded site cannot be relocated, check the site update box on the LA archaeological site record and complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition, recommendations and narrative site description sections. Explain in the narrative site description section specific efforts that were made to find the site and possible reason(s) the site could not be relocated.

(2) Prepare a new detailed site plan map for each previously recorded site following the standards in 4.10.15.11D NMAC. Annotated copies of existing maps are not acceptable. The site plan shall be based on the previous site map and should include important features of the previous map along with new observations. Observations made during the current survey shall be clearly distinguished from the observations made on the existing map.

F. Documentation of features. Individual features shall be illustrated if the form of a feature cannot be accurately rendered on the site plan map. Measurements shall be taken in metric units unless the feature is historic and English measurements are more appropriate. Render standing structures and other standing features in both plan and elevation.

G. In-field artifact analysis. Perform in-field analysis on all or a sample of all classes of surface-visible artifacts including but not limited to lithics, ceramics and historic artifacts. The size of the sample shall be sufficient to document the full variety of types of artifacts represented at the site and to delineate intrasite activity areas. Formal, bounded sample units are recommended. Required information may be documented in a table, on a form developed by the individual or firm performing the survey or on a form required by the state agency. Required information includes class of artifact, make, type or series and other attributes that relate to interpretation of chronology, form and function. If measurements will aid in the identification or classification, measure artifacts with a ruler, tape or calipers. Measurement shall be taken in metric units unless the artifact is historic and English measurements are more appropriate. Illustrations or photographs of diagnostic artifacts are encouraged. Attach copies of the in-field analysis forms, narrative descriptions and illustrations to the LA archaeological site record.

H. Photography.

(1) Take photographs of all newly recorded and previously recorded sites. Photograph the following subjects:

(a) general setting of the site within its boundaries; incorporate features or background landmarks in site setting photographs;

(b) individual cultural features;

(c) representative diagnostic artifacts or items representative of the major classes of artifacts within the site assemblage; and

(d) scale and photographic board.

(2) Photographs shall conform to the standards detailed below.

(a) Black-and-white negatives, prints, color transparencies, color prints or digitally captured images are all acceptable media. Black-and-white images printed on silver-emulsion resin-coated paper or black-and-white prints produced from digital images that meet or exceed a 75-year-permanence standard as defined by the national park service, national register of historic places, are preferred for archival stability. Digital images shall not be submitted on compact discs. Attach a photographic log that includes, but is not limited to, the NMCRIS number, the LA number, provenience, content, orientation, photographer and date.

(b) Submit all photographic materials in archivally stable sleeves as an attachment to the report. Do not append photographs to the LA archaeological site record. Prints, negatives and slides shall be sleeved in page preservers made to fit the format size. Label the back of prints or slide sleeves with pencil or archivally approved photographic ink. Do not label with a ballpoint pen, permanent ink or adhesive labels.

(c) Do not affix photographs to paper with glue, tape or staples.

(d) Digital images shall not be submitted on compact discs. If digital images are submitted, print on acid-free paper using a toner-based printer.

I. Other agency requirements. The state agency may require other recording activities. The state agency may also require the permanent or temporary marking of the site datum and/or boundaries. Contact the archaeologist at the agency to see if additional recording or marking procedures are required.

N.M. Code R. § 4.10.15.11

4.10.15.11 NMAC - N, 1/01/06