Why are archaeological resources a consideration in oil and gas exploration and development?

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, is Federal legislation developed to ensure that our Nation’s historical and archaeological properties are not lost through neglect or inadvertently damaged by activities permitted or funded by Federal agencies.  Specifically, MMS, as a Federal bureau, is required to ensure that activities it funds (e.g., environmental studies) and activities it permits, such as lease sales, the drilling of oil and gas wells, and the construction of pipelines, do not adversely affect significant archaeological sites on the Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).  To determine if there is a potential to affect archaeological resources on the OCS by proposed oil and gas activities, the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) has funded archaeology studies to ascertain where on the OCS these sites are likely to occur.

Archaeological sites on the OCS are most likely to be either prehistoric Native American sites dating from the time at the end of the last Ice Age, when sea levels were about 200 feet lower then they are today, or historic shipwrecks.  In areas where archaeological sites are likely to be found the oil and gas industry is required to conduct surveys of the seafloor using remote-sensing instruments.  These instruments usually include a magnetometer, which detects ferrous metals, a sidescan sonar, which creates a picture of the seafloor using reflected sound waves, and a subbottom profiler, which detects variations in the sediment underlying the seafloor.  The data collected by these instruments are reviewed by archaeologists, who write reports on their findings for submittal to MMS.  MMS archaeologists, in turn, use these reports to review applications from industry to drill wells or construct pipelines.

The MMS has specific guidelines contained in NTL 2005-G07 for conducting remote-sensing surveys and writing reports for archaeological sites on the OCS.  These guidelines only apply to specific high-probability areas, and the requirements differ depending upon whether the block has been determined to have a probability for historic shipwrecks or for submerged prehistoric sites.  To find out what the archaeology survey requirements are for a specific block, go to Archaeology Survey Blocks.  This list is updated as new discoveries are made (last updated March 16, 2006).

On occasion, the Gulf of Mexico Region needs more information about a particular remote-sensing target to determine if it is a significant archaeological site and will require the oil and gas industry to conduct an investigation by underwater archaeologists.  These investigations involve the use of divers or remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and require that specific methodological guidelines are followed (see links below).

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Archaeology Regulatory Links:

Archaeological Resources Regulation

Archaeology Survey Blocks (Updated March 16, 2006)

NTL 2006-G07, Revisions to the List of OCS Lease Blocks Requiring Archaeological Resource Surveys and Reports

NTL 2005-G07, Archaeological Resource Surveys and Reports

Diver Evaluation of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Sidescan Sonar Targets

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Investigations of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Sidescan Sonar Targets: Methodological Guidelines

Archaeology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Archaeology Publications:

Archaeology Studies - Completed Studies

Archaeology Studies - Ongoing Studies

Archaeology Papers

Archaeology Outreach:

Secrets of Historic Shipwreck Intrigue MMS Archaeologists

Historic Shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico  (Updated December 14, 2001)

Historic Shipwrecks of the Gulf of Mexico, A Teacher's Resource