Public Information and Education

SC Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations

All State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) vary in the execution of their review responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and state cultural resource management laws.  This guidance is intended to assist government agencies, consultants, and applicants in providing the South Carolina SHPO with sufficient information to carry out their primary review responsibilities.  The following information is not meant to replace or detract from the guidance found in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigation.  Adherence to the Standards and Guidelines is still the most effective approach for ensuring timely review and avoiding frustrating requests for additional information.

Focus of SHPO Review
In order to fulfill the responsibilities defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the focus of South Carolina’s technical review is on an agency’s determinations of National Register eligibility and an agency’s assessment of project effect.  Requests for additional information usually come when an agency or consultant fails to provide sufficient historic context or justification for determinations of eligibility.  While the guidance below was written to assist agencies and applicants in their identification efforts, it is imperative that all reports submitted to the SHPO include sufficient justification for determinations of eligibility and assessments of effect.

Archaeological Survey: Identifying Historic Properties
The links below describe the three most common forms of investigation used to identify historic properties in the state of South Carolina.  Additional information regarding federal guidelines for identification activities can be found at:  http://www.cr.nps.gov/local-law/arch_stnds_7.htm. 

1.  Cultural Resource Assessments

2.  Reconnaissance Surveys

3.  Intensive Surveys