preserving the cultural ways of the past
the snyder & associates team is committed to balancing modern development with the preservation of our shared cultural heritage. recognizing the importance of protecting historical and cultural resources embedded in the landscapes where we work, we’ve integrated archaeological expertise directly into our operations. by doing so, we respect and preserve cultural legacies while advancing essential engineering solutions.
in-house archaeologist guides project efforts
to support our cultural preservation efforts, lina ramirez, our in-house archaeologist, plays a pivotal role in guiding projects through complex archaeological requirements. her expertise ensures that our work meets regulatory frameworks and helps safeguard important cultural resources, such as artifacts or historically significant sites that may otherwise go unnoticed in construction projects.
“lina brings cultural resources in-house so that we can provide improved services and expedited schedules to our clients,” explains jeff walters, environmental science group leader. “the urgency of funding and permitting requirements puts pressure on our project timelines, making lina’s involvement crucial to ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance.”
key actions requiring cultural resource expertise
glass pieces found on site during a phase i archaeological assessment.
cultural preservation requirements often come into play when certain key actions are taken. these actions trigger the need for archaeological assessments:
- permitting: many engineering projects require permits that include cultural resource reviews to ensure construction does not disrupt historically significant areas. lina’s early involvement helps us integrate these reviews seamlessly into our project schedules, minimizing delays.
- funding: federal and state funding often requires cultural assessments as part of compliance with regulations like section 106 of the national historic preservation act (nhpa). section 106 mandates that any federally funded or permitted project evaluate potential impacts on historic properties, ensuring that development doesn’t erase traces of history.
- national environmental policy act (nepa): projects subject to nepa require environmental reviews, which often include archaeological assessments to evaluate their potential impact on cultural resources. lina’s experience helps us meet these requirements efficiently, whether the project involves state or federal land.
- 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 land use: projects on 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 lands must adhere to regulations that protect cultural resources. whether it’s a federal park or a state-owned parcel, thorough archaeological surveys are required to preserve the site’s historical significance.
streamlining section 106 compliance
at snyder & associates, lina collaborates closely with our project managers to ensure compliance with section 106 regulations. these regulations require thorough consideration of any potential impacts on historically significant properties before projects can move forward. by having an archaeologist like lina on staff, we ensure this process is integrated into the overall project timeline.
this proactive approach allows us to communicate efficiently with state historical preservation office (shpos), tribal historic preservation offices (thpos), and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate any adverse effects on cultural resources. as a result, projects proceed smoothly without unnecessary delays, and clients receive clear guidance on meeting regulatory requirements.
archaeology’s role in ensuring project success
archaeology plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects do not inadvertently erase traces of our collective history. whether it’s an artifact or a structure of historical significance, archaeological assessments help preserve cultural landmarks for future generations. lina’s role ensures that these discoveries are handled appropriately, helping clients maintain compliance with laws and regulations while promoting cultural preservation.
preparing for a phase i archaeological assessment.
as lina explains, “the archaeological surveys required for our projects vary depending on the project’s specific regulatory triggers. we’ve seen this play out in projects ranging from mitigation banking to the complex permitting needs of the des moines water works transmission main project.”
for privately funded projects, archaeological requirements may arise if federal actions, such as obtaining a permit from the u.s. army corps of engineers, are involved. these actions often trigger the need for cultural resources reviews under section 106. our team’s deep understanding of these requirements helps keep projects on track, regardless of the complexity of the regulatory landscape.
a collaborative, cost-effective approach
the integration of archaeology into engineering at snyder & associates sets our firm apart. not only do we protect cultural resources, but we also streamline project management, providing a more efficient and cost-effective service to clients. having lina on staff eliminates the need for outside contractors and ensures that all cultural considerations are addressed in real time.
this collaboration transforms our firm into a multi-disciplinary entity that excels in both technical expertise and cultural stewardship. the result is a more responsive and compliant approach that minimizes potential delays and keeps projects on schedule.
if your project requires cultural resource work, let lina and our environmental team lead the way toward project success. contact us today to discover how our integrated approach ensures efficient project management, cultural preservation, and regulatory compliance.
