The purpose of an archaeological analysis of a development site is to search for archaeological remains and preserve them properly. The entire process takes around 3 to 4 years and can cost around $150,000. (Wowee!) This process only intersects the Environmental Impact Statement process during the writing of the inventory survey. But first things first.

A reconnaissance survey can be requested before anything else. During this stage, archaeologists do a walk through of the site and publish a short report on the density and type or artifacts they expect to find. All of this analysis is done above the ground--subsurface investigations don't come 'till later.

Next, archaeologists complete an inventory survey. This is a deluxe version of the reconnaissance survey--complete with wonderful diagrams, detailed maps, colorful pictures, and ummm.. subsurface testing. (Order now!!) Thus, the inventory survey takes around 8 to 12 months. Findings are published in a report which, after the 45 day state reviewing period, is revised and sometimes put into an environmental impact statement. If burials are discovered during this phase, a burial treatment plan is written up and submitted to the Burial Council.

Archaeologists then draw up a Data recovery and Preservation plan. This plan is basically a recommendation of how to treat areas that will be preserved. This included deciding where the buffer zones (space around a preservation site) are and detailing the data recovery process.

Finally, the data recovery and preservation plan is implemented. This involves setting up temporary fences around buffer zones, putting up signs, recovering data, submitting a Data Recovery Report, and monitoring construction.

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