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