New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 4 - CULTURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 10 - CULTURAL PROPERTIES AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Part 16 - STANDARDS FOR EXCAVATION AND TEST EXCAVATION
Section 4.10.16.8 - TEST EXCAVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
Test excavation is the planned examination of a portion of an archaeological site to obtain more detailed and accurate information about the characteristics and integrity of surface and subsurface cultural deposits, the distribution and density of material remains and the types of data present. Conduct test excavations to assess the research potential of the site to contribute to the knowledge of the heritage of the state, to make a determination whether the site should be listed on the state register or should be determined eligible for national register listing, or to serve as the basis for developing an excavation plan for the site without additional test excavations. Test excavation shall be designed to meet these objectives with the least possible impact to the archaeological site and without substantially damaging or diminishing the integrity of the cultural deposits and the values and attributes of the site that contribute to its significance.
A. General permits. Test excavation may be conducted under a general permit when a test excavation plan is prepared in conformance with 4.10.16.10 NMAC and authorized pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC. The work shall be performed in accordance with the approved test excavation plan.
B. Project-specific permits. Test excavation may be conducted under a project-specific permit when a research design is prepared consistent with the standards in 4.10.16.13 NMAC and authorized pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC. The work shall be performed in accordance with the approved research design.
