11.4.3_Inadvertent_Discovery_SOP.pdf

Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan, Fiscal Years 2017-2021 USAG Fort Carson, Colorado

7.4 SOP No. 4: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological, Cultural, or Paleontological Materials

7.4.1 Scope

This SOP outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an inadvertent discovery of archaeological, cultural, or paleontological materials. Typical actions that trigger this SOP include field training exercises; construction and maintenance activities, such as digging, bulldozing, clearing or grubbing; off-road travel; and general observations (e.g. eroded areas, gullies, trails, et cetera).

Discovery of the following will trigger this SOP: known or possible human remains, unmarked graves, artifacts (e.g. chipped stone tools and associated flaking debris, pottery/ceramics, glass, nails, et cetera), archaeological features (e.g. hearths, ditches, structures, et cetera), and paleontological materials (i.e. fossils). This SOP is intended for all personnel.

7.4.2 Policy

The inadvertent discovery of archaeological, cultural, or paleontological materials on Fort Carson and the PCMS will be carried out in accordance with the following:

⇒ National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulation, 36 CFR Part 800;

⇒ Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and its implementing regulation, 43 CFR Part 10;

⇒ Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and its implementing regulation, 32 CFR Part 229;

⇒ Programmatic Agreement Regarding Construction, Maintenance, and Operations Activities on Fort Carson, Colorado;

⇒ Programmatic Agreement Regarding Military Training and Operational Support Activities Down Range Fort Carson, Colorado;

⇒ Programmatic Agreement Regarding Military Training and Operational Support Activities at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Fort Carson, Colorado;

⇒ Comprehensive Agreement Regarding Tribal Access, Privacy, and Information Sharing and Inadvertent Discovery and Intentional Excavation of Native American Human Remains and Cultural Items Culturally Affiliated with the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Shoshone Tribe (Eastern Band), Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe within Federal Lands Owned or Controlled by Fort Carson, Colorado; and

⇒ Comprehensive Agreement Regarding Tribal Access, Privacy, and Information Sharing and Inadvertent Discovery and Intentional Excavation of Native American Human Remains and Cultural Items Culturally Affiliated with the Jicarilla Apache Nation within Federal Lands Owned or Controlled by Fort Carson, Colorado

7.4.3 Procedure

Upon discovery, the following actions will be taken (Figure 7-4):

Unit personnel, contractor, field crews, other tenants (i.e. person(s) who have made the inadvertent discovery) shall:

1. Cease all activity within 30 meters if potential artifacts, archaeological features, paleontological remains, human remains, or burials are observed or encountered.

2. Report any observations or discoveries of artifacts, archaeological features, paleontological remains, human remains, or burials immediately to the Unit Commander, Supervisor, or Project Coordinator.

3. Secure the location.

Unit Commander, Supervisor, or Project Coordinator shall:

1. Immediately notify Range Operations or the CRM; or if the discovery occurred on the

PCMS, notify the PCMS Archaeologist.

2. Examine the location of the discovery to ensure that it has been properly secured. Take appropriate measures to further secure the area, as necessary.

3. Coordinate with the CRM on where and when activities can resume.

4. Give direction to field troops, construction crews, or other users regarding locations where training exercises or activity may continue.

5. Activity may not resume in area of discovery until cleared by the CRM. If a significant find is made, it could take up to 30 days or more before work can resume in that area.

Cultural Resources Manager or PCMS Archaeologist shall:

1. Within 24 hours of notification, inspect the materials to determine if indeed they are cultural and/or paleontological materials or human remains.

2. Examine the location of the discovery to ensure that it has been properly secured. Take appropriate measures to further secure location, as necessary, from vandalism and/or weather.

3. Give direction to the Unit Commander, Supervisor, or Project Coordinator regarding locations where training exercises or activity may continue.

4. If human remains are known or suspected to be present, promptly notify the appropriate law enforcement official.

5. Notify the Unit Commander, Supervisor, or Project Coordinator when the project may proceed.

The CRM has a number of specific procedures to follow in the event of an inadvertent discovery.

Further guidance for this topic is included in Chapter 7.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 4:

Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological, Cultural, or Paleontological Materials

Discovery of potential archaeological, cultural, or paleontological materials.

Cease all work immediately. Secure location with a 30-m buffer.

Report discovery to Unit Commander/Supervisor.

Do not resume activities at discovery location until cleared to do so by the

CRM.

Unit Commander/Supervisor immediately notifies Range Operations, CRM, or PCMS Archaeologist.

Ensure discovery location is adequately secured.

If human remains are suspected, the CRM will immediately notify the proper law enforcement authorities. The CRM will also notify the GC, SHPO, and Tribes, as appropriate.

The CRM documents discovery and consults, as appropriate, under Section

106.

Contact Information (current as of March 2017):

Jennifer Kolise Acting Cultural Resources Manager

NEPA & Cultural Management Branch Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division

719-503-6136 jennifer.r.kolise.civ@mail.mil or Wayne Thomas

Branch Chief NEPA & Cultural Management Branch

Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division 719-526-1852 george.w.thomas16.civ@mail.mil

Figure 7-4. Flowchart for the inadvertent discovery of archaeological, cultural, or paleontological remains.