New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 4 - CULTURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 10 - CULTURAL PROPERTIES AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Part 15 - STANDARDS FOR SURVEY AND INVENTORY
Section 4.10.15.9 - PRE-FIELD REQUIREMENTS

Universal Citation: 4 NM Admin Code 4.10.15.9

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

A. Obtain a general permit or project-specific permit authorizing survey pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC prior to commencement of work.

B. Conduct a literature and files search to identify the type, location and distribution of previously recorded cultural properties; to gather information on past surveys and other investigations; to identify current research issues pertinent to the project; and to identify factors such as geomorphological conditions that may affect site integrity or visibility. The scale of the literature review and records check shall be appropriate to the complexity and scale of the survey project.

(1) Identify and review literature pertinent to the project including but not limited to statewide and regional cultural-historical overviews and historic contexts, research designs, published archaeological, ethnographic and historical monographs and articles, cultural resource management technical reports, field reports (both positive and negative survey reports) and historic maps and records. Most archaeological reports are available from ARMS. Other federal and state agencies maintain pertinent archives and records.

(2) Review records and files including but not limited to:
(a) query the NMCRIS database and map server to identify previously recorded sites and previous archaeological investigations located in the APE or project area and in the buffer area extending 500 meters in every direction from the edge of the APE or project area; extend the buffer to 1000 meters in every direction from the edge of the APE or project area if the 500-meter search fails to identify the presence of previously recorded sites; query the NMCRIS database to identify additional surveys that may be in the APE or project area and buffer area that could be missing from the map server coverage (contact ARMS for assistance); append a copy of the NMCRIS map server map to the final report and mark the map search as confidential and not subject to general distribution;

(b) obtain appropriate copies of paper laboratory of anthropology (LA) archaeological site records for all sites in the APE or project area or likely to be in the APE or project area; for sites recorded after January 1994, information in the NMCRIS database supplemented by copies of the site narrative section of the LA archaeological site record and the site map may be used in lieu of obtaining a complete copy of the LA archaeological site record(s); do not obtain copies for sites in the 500-meter or 1000-meter buffer area unless there is a likelihood that the site boundaries may extend into the APE or project area;

(c) review national and state register property files maintained by HPD to determine whether properties listed in the national or state registers are present in the APE or project area; obtain copies of nominations for all state or national register properties that may be directly or indirectly affected by the project; HPD provides assistance in locating these records;

(d) examine historic cultural properties inventory (HCPI) forms, formerly known as historic building inventory (HBI) forms, to determine if any buildings, structures or other cultural properties are located within the APE or project area. HPD provides assistance in locating these records; and

(e) review additional documents and records, such as engineering records or historic documents, the historic architectural building survey/historic architect and engineering records (HABS/HAER) documents, when appropriate; contact the state agency and the archaeologist at the agency, if it has one, to see if additional records are required.

C. Review archival sources to identify historic structures, buildings and other cultural features and to determine historic land use practices and types of resources likely to be identified during the project, as appropriate to the scale and complexity of the project and the types of resources expected. Sources include but are not limited to general land office surveys or land grant survey plats; state land office lease records, county deeds and abstracts; Sanborn fire insurance maps; probate, tax and judicial records; and Spanish and Mexican archives at the state records center and archives.

D. If the file search reveals that the APE or project area or portion of the APE or project area has been previously surveyed and the survey or surveys were conducted more than 10 years ago, request a determination on whether a new survey will be required. Submit requests by letter, electronic mail or facsimile to the state agency or agencies if the state agency has an archaeologist or to HPD if the state agency does not have an archaeologist. The state agency or HPD will base its determination on a review of the field methods used, the results of the survey, the completeness of documentation, the stability of the geomorphological surface and any other pertinent factors that inform on whether the prior survey is consistent with the identification and documentation standards in this rule. HPD will provide a written determination within 10 working days of the request.

E. The permittee shall contact the state agency to incorporate results of tribal consultation as it may affect the survey pursuant to current state policy on consultation and repatriation.

[The NMCRIS map server may not be complete and up-to-date for all surveys, archaeological sites or state and national register properties. Check all appropriate files and databases to ensure a complete pre-field records search. Contact ARMS or HPD for assistance or more information. Not all information on the LA archaeological site record is included in the database. Obtain copies of the LA archaeological site record for the most complete information for the site.]

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