ESBD_396277_1739554109501_ATTACHMENT G.I - Ellington Field (EF) Houston Texas Standard Operating Procedure (Sop) For Inadvertent Discovery Of Cultural Materials.pdf

ATTACHMENT G.I - ELLINGTON FIELD, HOUSTON, TEXAS

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR INADVERTENT

DISCOVERY OF CULTURAL MATERIALS

20 Apr 22

Contact: Mr. Mark Garcia, Ellington Field Environmental Manager (CEV) 281-929-2013, mark.garcia.16@us.af.mil

Statutory References:

1. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

2. Archaeological Resources Protection Act

3. National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations

Regulations:

1. 42 CFR 10

2. 32 CFR 229 - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-

3. 36 CFR Part 800 - https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/fed/code-federal-regulations/36-cfr-part-800

Applies to:

1. Installation leadership

2. Training Site Manager

3. Base Civil Engineer

4. Real Property Office

5. Security Police

6. Public Affairs Office

7. Judge Advocates Office

8. Maintenance, utilities, and grounds crews and foremen

9. Unit commanders and unit/activity personnel

10. Tenants and contractors

Typical Situations: Ground disturbance from construction involving digging, bulldozing, clearing, or grubbing, maintenance or repair activities, off-road traffic, field units on exercise, outdoor recreation, observation of eroded areas.

Typical Triggering Events: Discovery of known or likely human remains, unmarked graves, Native American or historical artifacts, archeological features, and/or paleontological remains

Policy: In the event that an unanticipated discovery of cultural artifacts occurs, activity in the immediate vicinity should cease until an assessment of the materials can be made. The unit commander/supervisor should be notified immediately so the Environmental Manager (CEV) can be contacted.

Procedures: This section describes specific actions to be taken for inadvertent discovery. The flow chart is intended to be used by unit/activity level personnel, unit commanders, and similar personnel as a decision-making guide when inadvertent discoveries are made as described under the applicability section of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

mailto:mark.garcia.16@us.af.mil https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-229 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-229 https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/fed/code-federal-regulations/36-cfr-part-800

ELLINGTON FIELD, HOUSTON, TX 21 May 2024

Scenario I: inadvertent discovery of cultural materials.

A. Unit commander, environmental liaison, Public Affairs Office (PAO), Unit/activity personnel

a. Goals: understand the procedure when cultural materials are inadvertently discovered so that the materials can be adequately protected.

b. Tasks:

i. Cease ground-disturbing activity when possible historical artifacts and features, human remains, or burials are observed or encountered.

ii. Unit personnel will report any observations or discoveries of historical artifacts and features, human remains, burials, or features immediately to the unit commander or facility manager and they will in turn notify

CEV immediately. They will await instructions from the CEV.

iii. Secure the discovery location(s). Examine the location of the discovery to ensure that it has been properly secured. Take appropriate measures to further secure location if needed.

iv. Coordinate with CEV on where activities can resume and give direction to the construction superintendent.

v. If human remains are known or suspected to be present, also promptly notify the CEV. The CEV through coordination with the Wing

Commander shall advise Public Affairs.

c. Environmental Manager

i. Goals: ensure that when each discovery occurs procedures are followed that will protect and properly treat any materials that are discovered.

d. Tasks:

i. Ensure the site location and materials are properly protected.

ii. Provide unit commander with necessary information so they can be protected/avoided, etc.

iii. Ensure that all remains, and artifacts are accounted for and properly labeled and packaged if removed from the ground.

iv. Notify the installation commander.

v. notify the medical examiner if necessary and appropriate.

vi. determine if the objects are NAGPRA related and initiate appropriate consultation if necessary.

ELLINGTON FIELD, HOUSTON, TX 21 May 2024

Security Officer secures discovery location with adequate buffer area, protection from vandalism and weather, and immediately notifies

CEV

If suspect human remains, the CEV. PA and ATKW/CC will immediately notify state police. The CEV will also notify the Arch Assistance Division of NPS, SHPO, and

FLOW CHART FOR THE INADVERTENT DISCOVERY OF POTENTIAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

Unit Commander or Supervisor:

secures discovery location with adequate buffer area and notifies CEV or Security

Report observations to the Unit Commander or Supervisor

Cease ground-disturbing activity

Discovery of possible cultural resource or material

Do not resume activities at the discovery location until directed by the CEV

Do not resume activities at the discovery location until directed by the Unit Commander, Supervisor, Security, or CEV