An Archaeological review is required for all common in-water projects (such as, streambank stabilization, bridges and culverts, and wetland fills among others). This is required by State laws which state: "In the state of Oregon a person may not excavate or alter an archaeological site on public lands, make an exploratory excavation on public lands to determine the presence of an archaeological site, or remove from public lands any material of an archaeological, historic, prehistoric, or anthropological nature without first obtaining an archaeological permit issued by State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). In addition, a person may not knowingly and intentionally excavate, injure, destroy or alter an archaeological site or object on private lands without first obtaining an archaeological permit." The review itself utilizes the state-wide archaeological database to determine if there is a known archaeological site where your project is situated. Also, it looks at the degree and type of proposed ground disturbance for the project.
Definitions: "Archaeological object" means an object that:
(A) Is at least 75 years old; (B) Is part of the physical record of an indigenous or other culture found in the state or waters of the state; and (C) Is material remains of past human life or activity that are of archaeological significance including, but not limited to, monuments, symbols, tools, facilities, technological by-products and dietary by-products.
"Site of archaeological significance" means:
(A) Any archaeological site on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places as determined in writing by the State Historic Preservation Officer; or (B) Any archaeological site that has been determined significant in writing by an Indian tribe.
"Archaeological site" means a geographic locality in Oregon, including but not limited to submerged and submersible lands and the bed of the sea within the state's jurisdiction, that contains archaeological objects and the contextual associations of the archaeological objects with:
(i) Each other; or (ii) Biotic or geological remains or deposits.
Examples of archaeological sites include but are not limited to shipwrecks, lithic quarries, house pit villages, camps, burials, lithic scatters, homesteads and townsites.
Water related projects often require multiple permits. Please see Common Water Related Projects for information on other permits that may be required to accomplish your project.
1. Complete legal location description given in township, range, and section of the proposed project. 2. A USGS map of the project area showing the section that the proposed project is in with the project clearly shown. 3. A brief description of the proposed project that indicates the degree and type of proposed ground disturbance.
Additional Information:
The review normally takes 10 working days or less. Please see the Archaeological Services Website for additional information and contact information. Specific e-mail contact is dennis.griffin@state.or.us
Time Frame: SHPO has 30 days to conduct its review of state water-related permits. Period can be extended if application does not contain the necessary data and information required to complete the review.
