ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
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METHODS FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS
Archeological Resources
Definitions of Intensity Levels
In order for an archeological resource to be eligible for the NRHP, it must meet
one or more of the following criteria of significance: (1) associated with
events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history; (2) associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; (3)
embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or represent the work of a master, or possess high artistic value,
or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; and/or (4) have yielded, or may be likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history. In addition, the archeological
resource must possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association (National Register Bulletin, Guidelines
for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties). For purposes of
analyzing impacts to archeological resources, either listed in or eligible to be
listed in the NRHP, the thresholds of change for intensity of an impact are
defined below:
-
Negligible – impact is at the lowest levels of detection—barely measurable
with no perceptible consequences, either adverse or beneficial, to archeological
resources. For purposes of section 106, the determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
-
Minor (adverse impact) – disturbance of a site
(s) results in little, if any,
loss of significance or integrity and the NRHP eligibility of the site (s) is
unaffected. For purposes of section 106, the determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
-
Minor (beneficial impact) – maintenance and preservation of a
site (s). For
purposes of section 106, the determination of effect would be no adverse effect.
-
Moderate (adverse impact) – disturbance of a
site (s) does not diminish the
significance or integrity of the site (s) to the extent that its NRHP eligibility
is jeopardized. For purposes of section 106, the determination of effect would
be adverse effect.
-
Moderate (beneficial impact) – stabilization of a
site (s). For purposes of
section 106, the determination of effect would be no adverse effect.
-
Major (adverse impact) – disturbance of a site
(s) diminishes the significance
and integrity of the site (s) to the extent that it is no longer eligible to be
listed in the NRHP. For purposes of section 106, the determination of effect
would be adverse effect.
-
Major (beneficial impact) – active intervention to preserve a
site (s). For
purposes of section 106, the determination of effect would be no adverse effect.
