Specifications include, but are not limited to: 7. Phase I – Conduct Archaeological Surveys & Historic Cemetery Delineation Studies The Consultant shall identify archaeological resources within project impact areas determined by the RIDOT to warrant survey. This Phase is divided into two (2) steps. Step 1 The Consultant shall collect information from documentary and informant sources to establish context and archaeological potential of the project area. The Consultant shall begin the Step 1 background research following RIDOT approval of the work plan and cost estimate. Step 1 shall be accomplished as follows: a. Compile data by reviewing the inventories of the RIHPHC and local historical commissions, societies and museums, local collectors and historians; and researching historic maps, atlases, town histories and other published documents to establish historic and environmental contexts of the project area. b. Stratify the project area into zones of low, moderate and high archaeological potential based on the collected historic and environmental data. c. Review results with RIDOT to determine if further treatment will be necessary. If further treatment is deemed necessary, the Consultant shall prepare a work plan, cost estimate and permit application for the Step 2 survey. Deliverables – Step 1 a. Scope of Work, cost estimate, and RIHPHC archaeological permit application for the Step 2 Field Investigation shall be prepared for approval by RIDOT. The Scope of Work shall include a discussion of the project area's importance in regional and local history and prehistory, and its relevance to archaeological research and the Rhode Island State Preservation Plan. The Scope of Work shall also provide a description of expected site types, and a discussion of the field and analytical methods needed to locate these sites. The Scope of Work shall be appended to the RIHPHC archaeological permit application for the PHASE I permit to be submitted by RIDOT to the RIHPHC for review and approval. Step 2 The Consultant shall conduct field reconnaissance and subsurface testing to identify sites in the project area. The Consultant shall begin the Step 2 field investigation following RIDOT’S approval of the work plan and cost estimate, and the RIHPHC’S approval of the permit application. RIDOT shall be responsible for notifying FHWA for their coordination of all communications with the Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office for this Phase as well as all subsequent phases/investigations. Step 2 shall be accomplished as follows: a. Conduct a field reconnaissance or walkover of the project area to verify or refine the data collected during the Step 1 phase. The sampling configurations and intervals employed to detect archaeological remains may vary depending on environmental conditions, cultural context, and the types and sizes of sites expected in the project area. Shovel test pits may be spaced at regular intervals or in clusters as defined by the potential of specific zones. In areas of high archaeological sensitivity, judgmentally placed test units may be the preferred sampling approach. Each assignment under this contract shall require a specific scope of work subject to RIDOT review and approval. In the event cultural remains or features are found, additional shovel test pits may be placed around the artifact or featurebearing unit to verify the integrity or authenticity of the find. All excavated soils shall be screened through 1/4-inch mesh to recover cultural materials. Stratigraphic information and soil anomalies/features shall be recorded, and a photographic record of the area shall be made. b. Perform laboratory analyses during Step 2 that include, but are not limited to, soil phosphate tests, pH tests, particle size analysis, artifact identification, floral and faunal identification, qualitative and quantitative manipulation of data, and the cleaning, cataloguing and photo-documentation of artifacts. c. Store and curate all cultural materials and records collected during the project survey, in accordance with the permit regulations of the RIHPHC and 36 CFR §79. d. Review results with RIDOT to determine if further treatment will be necessary. If further treatment is deemed necessary, the Consultant shall prepare a Scope of Work, cost estimate and RIHPHC archaeological permit application for a site examination (Phase II).
