(The following is a transcription of guidlines issued by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) for archaeological contractors. A memorandum issued 12/18/96 is an important addendum.)
Survey (Phase I)
The initial archaeological reconnaissance survey involves both literature search and the actual field examination of the project area to determine if there is any evidence of prehistoric or historic occupations or activities. This survey need only cover those areas which were specified in the survey request from the SHPO but 100 percent of these areas must be examined. If possible, in the case of small areas, the survey should include any minor testing which is necessary to evaluate the site for National Register eligibility. All such work should be carried out in accordance with the Secretary of Interior's Standard Guidelines (1983) for identification. Archaeological surveys can be time-consuming and you should try to build several months of lead time into your planning schedules. Surveys are best done in the spring or fall when vegetation cover is reduced.
Survey Procedures
The purpose of such surveys is to determine if cultural remains are present. Since such remains are often buried beneath the present ground surface archaeologists have developed three main techniques to assist in their detection. These techniques involve pedestrian survey in association with plowing and discing, systematic shovel testing, and deep coring or backhoe trenching for deeply buried sites.
A. Pedestrian survey of plows and disced areas. Where feasible, the plowing, discing, and subsequent pedestrian survey of project areas is the most archaeologically thorough and cost effective technique presently available. To maximize this method's usefulness multiple controlled surface collections are necessary, therefore, this process does require sufficient lead-time to be implemented. However, this technique can only be utilized in areas which have been previously plowed. Pedestrian survey can also be employed in areas with good surface visibility that have not been recently plowed. Visibility must equal 25 percent or greater of the ground surface area to use pedestrian survey techniques. The suggested interval is 5 meters.
B. Systematic shovel testing. Systematic shovel testing on a maximum 15m grid interval is less thorough than plowing but often must be resorted to in areas which have not been previously disturbed, or where forested conditions, topographic features, or structures prohibit plowing. Such shovel testing involves the excavation of holes about 40 x 40 cm across down to archaeologically sterile soil (usually the B horizon). the fill from each shovel unit should be screened. Where cultural materials are encountered the grid interval should close up to 5 meters to more accurately delineate site boundaries.
C. Deep testing. When dealing with areas that potentially contain deeply buried cultural remains it will be necessary to utilize techniques that can investigate deep strata. Usually such techniques include hand or mechanical systematic deep coring, or deep trenches or block excavations dug either by hand or using heavy equipment (typically a backhoe). Examples of geomorphic features requiring such testing are floodplains, alluvial fans, and occasionally some uplands and terraces where post-Pleistocene loess deposition has occurred.
D. Other testing procedures. Variations of survey/testing procedures should be thoroughly explained and justified in the report. If there is a question Concerning the appropriateness of such survey/testing methods the contracting archeologist should check with the SHPO.
Survey Report
At the completion of the field survey a report of the archaeological findings and recommendations must be sent to the SHPO Archaeology Section for evaluation. This report will be in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and Guidelines (1983) for archaeological documentation. To assist in this evaluation and to avoid delays in processing, the report should contain a discussion of the following minimal topics:
A. Background Information
1. Full description of project.
2. Previous archaeological research based on site files, and contact with archaeologists working in area. Thorough examination of historical documents to ascertain presence and extent of historical occupation/land use of project area. This should include, at a minimum, copies of relevant plat maps, and atlases which document historic habitation with a discussion of length of occupation and use.
3. Delineation of important regional research questions based on cultural history and past investigations.
4. Thorough discussion and description of present and past environment and thier implications for interpreting the local archaeological record. This should include such topics as climate, vegetational patterns, fauna, geology, topography, soils, etc.
B. Survey Information
1. Complete description of project area including acreage, ground cover, topography, and any other factors which are important to interpreting the survey results.
2. Survey techniques thoroughly described and variations justified.
3. Maps are very important to aid in evaluating reports. At a minimum such maps should indicate position of project area in state/county, within township, location on topography and a detailed map of actual project.
C. Site Information (if present)
1. A full description of the site location, material recovered, and a preliminary interpretation of its place in the local culture history.
2. A completed site form and map must be submitted to the SHPO for each site. Although each contractor may use their own site forms the information included must include at a minimum that requested on the Illinois Archaeological Survey's site form. These site forms are not to be included with the general report (report should include a statement on the confidentiality of this information).
3. Testing procedures used to determine whether the site is significant should be carefully defined and the eligibility of the site for the National Register of Historic Places should be addressed.
D. Recommendations
1. This section must include the archaeologists recommendations for further testing, possible mitigation impact, or clearance as the case may be. Any suggestions concerning site disposition should be stated in terms of their relationships to relevant regional research questions and the State Archaeological Preservation Plan.
E. Archaeological Survey Short Report (ASSR)
1. If the project is fairly small and few archaeological resources are encountered the contractor may choose to use the SHPO ASSR form to submit their report.
F. Archaeological Contractor's Vita
1. All contract archaeologists working in Illinois must either have a current vita on file with the SHPO or submit one with each report.
G. Project Correspondence
1. Project Correspondence must be included as an appendix. This should included such letters as the initial SHPO survey request, project letters between the contractor and archaeologist, the SHPO review of the draft, and the final SHPO sign-off letter. Please do no include budget information.
Report Submission
At the completion of the archaeological reconnaissance survey a report of the archaeological contractor's findings and recommendations will be prepared. This report must be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer for evaluation and approval. The actual submission is the responsibility of the agencies' or firms' project managers.
Address
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Preservation Services - Archaeology Section
Old State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62701
Information Contact
Mark E. Esarey, PhD [No longer the contact person at the Springfiled office]
Chief Archaeologist
Old State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62701
217-785-4999 / fax 217-782-8161