Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. offers the following professional archaeological services for Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act, compliance:

Results from Phase IA research are compiled into a concise report that includes full project recommendations on whether or not additional fieldwork will be necessary for each portion of a project area.
 

Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey to Identify Archaeological Sites:
A Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey includes surface reconnaissance/pedestrian survey and excavation of subsurface tests (shovel or large auger tests) within the project area to determine whether any cultural resources, including both historic and prehistoric archaeological sites, are present.  In many cases, no archaeological sites are found, no further archaeological research is necessary prior to construction.

In the event that an archaeological site is found within the project area, a preliminary evaluation is completed to determine if the site is potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Phase II Testing:
When a site is initially recorded during a Phase I survey, there may be reason to believe that the site could be important.  Phase II testing may then be necessary to further evaluate the archaeological site's significance and eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.

Phase II testing usually includes a research program that involves the excavation of small test unit excavations (often 1 meter by 1 meter in size) across the site area.  These test unit excavations help archaeologists determine stratigraphy, check for the presence of subsurface features and artifacts, and recover a larger sample of artifacts from the site. After completing the test excavations, artifacts are returned to the lab where they are cleaned and analyzed.  Artifacts are returned to the landowner if desired at the completion of the project.
 
A report is prepared detailing the Phase II investigation, and describing the methods used, results, and conclusions of the investigation.  In addition, our reports always contain clear recommendations outlining whether or not further action will be needed.

Phase III Data Recovery/Excavation:
In some cases, large-scale archaeological excavations (a full-blown archaeological “dig”) may be required to recover information about a site before it is destroyed by construction activities.  In this case, a site has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under a set of specific criteria developed by the National Park Service.  Prior to beginning the field program, a research design outlining a data recovery plan will have been prepared by the consulting archaeologist and accepted by the State Historic Preservation Office and the involved federal agencies.  This research design would be included in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and signed by all of the involved organizations.

Over the past hundred years across the United States, severe erosion of upland areas led to the deposit of vast layers of sediments in river valleys.  In many cases, archaeological sites in the uplands have been exposed and eroded away, while sites in river valleys have been buried.  In some cases, ancient buried soils, or “paleosols” are present.  These layers represent former ground surfaces, some of which were last exposed thousands of years ago.

Through geomorphologic investigations, it is possible to identify landforms that may contain buried archaeological sites. We often use systematic deep auguring and backhoe trenching to expose buried sediments and look for the geologic contexts that contain buried archaeological sites.  Sediments and soils are examined in detail to determine potential for finding sites in an area, or, given the presence of a site, the processes that contributed to its formation.

Historic Documentation and Publication: Wapsi Valley Archaeology completes historic documentation and research publications for mitigation of adverse effects to cultural resources. Documentation projects are undertaken prior to disturbance or removal of significant properties. Publications may be developed to inform about historic and prehistoric resources and to tell the story of the history of a region. Each publication is tied together with a distinct theme and is illustrated with historic and modern photographs, maps, and other graphics. The books help fulfill mitigation requirements and can also be used as marketing and economic development tools.

Public Outreach:  Public outreach is now being required more frequently than ever by state reviewing agencies. Forms of public outreach include book publication, museum exhibits, and multimedia projects.  These programs not only educate the public about archaeology and history, but also help organizations become good neighbors and stewards while promoting and marketing themselves.

Preservation Planning:  We assist with development of formal Preservation Plans, Memoranda of Agreement, Programmatic Agreements, Data Recovery Plans, and related documents for city, county, state, and federal requirements.

Grant Proposals:  We know how to prepare strong proposals for historic preservation and archaeological research projects. If your organization is interested in pursuing grant opportunities for archaeological research or preservation, we can help in this process.

Architectural Survey and Evaluation:  Architectural survey and evaluation is also sometimes required for compliance purposes.  This work involves examination, documentation, and evaluation of standing structures and other properties to determine their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.  We work with professional architectural historians to provide these services if they are necessary for your project.