Protecting Long Island’s Hidden History: Understanding Suffolk County’s Archaeological Awareness Protocol for Your Next Excavation Project
When planning residential excavation or construction projects in Suffolk County, New York, homeowners and contractors must navigate more than just building codes and permits. Suffolk County, New York has a vibrant history, illustrated in our important Native American and Revolutionary-era historical sites, making archaeological awareness a critical component of any ground-disturbing project. Understanding these protocols not only ensures legal compliance but also helps preserve invaluable pieces of our shared heritage.
The Foundation of Archaeological Protection in New York
The fundamental value of archaeology lies in the information that sites and artifacts offer about the way humans have lived in the past. Through its programs and services, the SHPO promotes the responsible stewardship of archaeological resources to help preserve these valuable but fragile pieces of human history. It is important to remember that once archaeological material has been removed from the ground, whether through archaeological excavation or due to looting, development, erosion, or other processes, the site is destroyed forever.
The New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides archaeological assistance to numerous state and federal agencies and offers archaeological guidance and recommendations to local municipalities upon request. This guidance becomes particularly important for Suffolk County residents, where NYS also has a long prehistory of over 10,000 years of Native American occupation.
When Archaeological Review Becomes Necessary
For residential excavation projects, archaeological review may be required when your project involves significant ground disturbance. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory? Sensitivity for archaeological sites usually covers large areas. Therefore, if the EAF Mapper returns a ‘yes’ for the project site, then applicants should consider having further evaluation or a site specific study of the project area conducted.
The process typically follows a phased approach. Sometimes referred to as a “Phase One Survey” or simply “Survey”, a Reconnaissance Survey is intended to do just that – to explore an area that may be affected by a state project, and to see what (if anything) is in the area that has the potential to be of historical or archaeological importance. The most common way of doing so is to dig a grid of shovel test pits (STPs) across the area.
Professional Standards and Compliance
NYAC developed professional standards to ensure uniformity in the approach taken by archaeologists in New York State to Cultural Resource investigations. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP/SHPO) adopted these standards and uses them as their guidelines for submission. To be considered a qualified professional archaeologist in New York State, an individual must meet the criteria identified in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards and published in 36CFR61.
Working with Experienced Excavation Professionals
When archaeological considerations come into play during your residential project, partnering with knowledgeable excavation contractors becomes essential. Companies like Rolling Hills Property Management understand the complexities of Suffolk County excavation work. We offer expert excavation, lawn care, and stump removal in Suffolk County, NY. Call now for a free quote! Their commitment to providing phenomenal service and building lasting relationships extends to understanding local regulations and archaeological sensitivities.
Rolling Hills Property Management demonstrates their professionalism through clear, detailed quotes guarantee you understand the investment involved. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption. One company for all your property needs, simplifying communication and management. Our skilled professionals pride themselves on providing exceptional workmanship. This comprehensive approach is particularly valuable when navigating projects that may require archaeological oversight.
The Multi-Phase Archaeological Process
If your Excavation Suffolk County project requires archaeological investigation, understanding the process helps set proper expectations. A Site Examination or “Phase Two” Survey is meant to gather enough archaeological data to decide if a site is “significant” and to clarify the horizontal and vertical limits of the site’s area. The significance of an archaeological site is basically determined by whether the site has archaeological integrity (i.e. it remains largely intact) and whether it can provide historical information about the place, region, or people associated with the site.
In cases where significant archaeological resources are discovered, this usually involves data recovery through extensive excavation of the site and comprehensive analysis of the data. A data recovery plan is developed to provide a detailed description of the site, the research questions to be addressed, methodology for field and lab work, protocols for analysis, report preparation, long term curation of the collection, and the dissemination of the information to the public.
Protecting Suffolk County’s Archaeological Heritage
The Suffolk County Archaeological Association plays a vital role in local preservation efforts. The Suffolk County Archaeological Association has been teaching about the rich cultural history of our region for more than 40 years. We are dedicated to educating the local community by providing accurate information about our region’s archaeology and ethnohistory. Our organization serves as an advocate for the protection and preservation of endangered archaeological sites and local artifacts.
Best Practices for Property Owners
For property owners planning excavation projects, the SHPO provides clear guidance: If you have a known archaeological site on your property, the SHPO recommends: Keeping a record of artifacts found lying on the surface of your property, Leaving the area in its natural, undisturbed condition, Avoiding ground disturbance or other earth moving activities or construction in the vicinity of the site.
NYAC encourages individuals with knowledge of archaeological sites to contact the SHPO and report the location of those sites. Reporting or registering sites you have identified can: add important information to the history of our state, help to protect the sites that are in danger of destruction from development increase the awareness of archaeology in local communities.
Moving Forward with Your Project
Archaeological awareness doesn’t have to complicate your residential excavation project. By working with experienced professionals who understand Suffolk County’s unique historical significance and regulatory requirements, you can ensure your project proceeds smoothly while respecting our shared cultural heritage. When investigations are conducted properly, the information from the site is preserved through collections, records, and reports that are used to analyze and interpret the past.
Whether you’re planning a simple residential excavation or a more complex grading project, understanding Suffolk County’s archaeological protocols helps protect both your investment and Long Island’s irreplaceable historical resources. Professional excavation contractors familiar with these requirements can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance while maintaining project timelines and budgets.