N.M. Code R. § 4.10.16.10

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

Section 4.10.16.10 - TEST EXCAVATION PLANS UNDER A GENERAL PERMIT

A. Purpose. Test excavation plans are methodological in orientation and are designed to secure specific descriptive information concerning the nature and extent of an archaeological site or area of historic and scientific interest. Test excavation plans typically do not contain statements of theoretical perspective, research questions, hypotheses for testing or other research-related issues. Those domains are part of a research design prepared in conjunction with a project-specific permit. The research implications of the work performed under a test excavation plan shall be presented and discussed as part of the conclusions in a test excavation technical report.

(1) Test excavation plans shall be specific and shall include a clear explanation of why the particular approach proposed is the best one for the project and for the site(s).

(2) The test excavation shall fulfill one or more of the following purposes:

(a) to assess the potential for additional study of the site(s) to contribute to the cultural heritage and knowledge of the state and to evaluate the significance of the archaeological site(s) pursuant to 4.10.15.16 NMAC;

(b) to assess the nature and extent of cultural deposits; and

(c) to prepare an appropriate excavation plan for sites that have the potential to contribute important historic and scientific information.

B. Components. The level of detail shall be proportionate to the scale of the project and shall conform to the test excavation standards in 4.10.16.9 NMAC. At a minimum, a test excavation plan shall include the items listed below.

(1) Title page. Do not obtain a NMCRIS number for the test excavation plan.

(2) Statement of purpose and approach. Provide a clear statement of the goals for the test excavation project and explain why the proposed strategy is appropriate to achieve the purpose. Describe the specific procedures proposed to test the site(s). If more than one site is involved, specify the activities to be performed at each site.

(3) Current knowledge of the site(s). Summarize previous work at the site, the site's eligibility, immediate environmental setting, land status, site size, the number and type of known features, the types and quantity of artifacts and activity areas, the potential depth of cultural deposits in different areas of the site, site integrity and extent of disturbed versus unexcavated areas.

(4) Field strategy. Describe the specific procedures proposed to test the site. If more than one site is involved, specify the activities to be performed at each site. Discuss the methods to:

(a) determine site limits;

(b) identify, document and assess features;

(c) define surface artifact distributions, densities and intrasite activity areas; and

(d) determine the depth of cultural deposits.

(5) Specify the proposed methods to conduct the following activities:

(a) map the site;

(b) surface collections and recordation including grid size or point provenience, the minimum number of grid units to be collected and recorded and sampling fraction (percent of site area collected and recorded);

(c) hand excavations, including the type(s) of hand excavation units and site-sampling fraction (the percent of site area tested for each unit type); explain the placement, interval, minimum number of units and size of the area tested in square meters for systematic auger holes and similar tests; for test pits and trenches, specify the size (dimensions), placement and minimum number of test pits and trenches to be excavated; and

(d) mechanical excavation including the type, placement and minimum number of units trenches and their length, width and depth; specify the percent of site area to be tested including horizontal scraping, with mechanical equipment.

(6) Specialized samples or specimens. Specify the proposed methods and conditions under which radiocarbon, pollen and other samples or specimens will be collected, processed and analyzed.

(7) Human burials. Discuss the procedures to be followed if human burials are encountered; excavation of human burials is prohibited.

(8) Contingencies. Discuss the proposed procedures and notification in the event of unanticipated discoveries.

(9) Backfill. Discuss the proposed procedures to backfill and stabilize the site(s).

(10) Laboratory analyses. Discuss the descriptive and comparative analytical methods proposed for each artifact class and each type of specimen expected to be recovered.

(a) Include the proposed classification system that will be used to describe the assemblage content and specific attributes to be observed.

(b) Include copies of all analysis forms in the appendix if they differ from the forms provided in the permit application submitted pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC.

(c) Discuss sampling strategy and sampling fraction if all artifacts and specimens collected will not be analyzed.

(11) Schedule. Explain the expected time frame to implement the field, analysis and reporting phases of the project.

(12) Personnel. Identify all supervisory personnel and analysts who will perform the fieldwork, laboratory analyses and prepare the report. Include subcontractors if any are proposed and off-site laboratories for specialized analyses. If specific personnel or subcontractors have not been identified for all activities, provide a list of personnel or subcontractors who may be retained or list the minimum qualifications of the personnel that will be retained.

(13) Curation. Identify the proposed repository; if the repository will not be the MIAC, provide justification pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC.

(14) References cited.

(15) Appendices as needed.

N.M. Code R. § 4.10.16.10

4.10.16.10 NMAC - N, 1/01/06