Services
HAZEX services permit the effective and accurate analysis and interpretation of historical and archaeological sites, artifacts, and documents. The up-to-date methods and expertise result in the effective and accurate use of funding for archaeologcal data retrieval. During investigations and upon completion, the results will be presented to the public at large, when appropriate. Public presentations will be geared toward a wide-ranging audience while placing the particular study within the broader scheme of cultural resource studies.
Our current Cultural Resource Management (CRM) services include:
» Phase I: Archaeological and Architectural Survey and Site Identification
» Phase II: Archaeological Assessment and Research Design for Cultural Resources
» Phase III: Data Recovery for Cultural Resources
» Level I-III Historic American Building Survey for CRM
» Historic Cemetery Relocation
» Public History and Archaeology
» Cemetery Identification and Restoration
Phase I: Archaeological and Architectural Survey and Site Identification
Phase I surveys are required on projects involving federal funding, assistance, and permitting as a result of the NHPA of 1966 (Public law 89-665; 16 USC 470; 80 Stat. 915) and Executive Order 11593. They are also conducted in compliance with state permitting requirements for state and local government funding (schools, water supplies, etc.). Compliance with cultural resource management laws is usually required for projects which also involve other environmental protection issues (wetlands, endangered species…).
Survey and site identification is a method of determining the probability of encountering and then identifying NRHP eligible properties and assessing the potential impact of a civil or privately funded project on NRHP eligible properties. This phase of investigations tests theories of site distribution and location for prehistoric and historic period studies of land-use. It increases the data on existing sites including artifact and site condition and establishes relationships between sites.
Genesee Valley Farm Survey (Leroy PI archaeology.pdf)
December 06
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Phase II: Archaeological Assessment and Research Design for Cultural Resources
This is the method for determining the exact location, cultural affiliation and preservation of sites eligible for nomination to the NRHP
An assessmnet or testing phase of archaeology presents hypotheses regarding the chronological age and function of a site by looking at the horizontal and vertical extent and artifact assemblage. Excavations and specialist studies (geomorphology, botany, carbon-dating) are then synthesized in order to develop a research design for future investigations.
This testing determines the eligibility of all or a portion of a site and initiates the nomination of the property to the NRHP in compliance with federal law (Public law 89-665; 16 USC 470; 80 Stat. 915).
North Country Horse Farm (Gifford-Wild Rose Phase II.pdf)
March 07
Phase III: Data Recovery for Cultural Resources
Data recovery is the most advanced phase of archaeological field investigation within a particular site. The purpose of data recovery is to document as much information as possible about the complexity, formation and function of a site.
Data recovery explores a wide variety of questions about site function, social division of a landscape, specialized activity areas, the evolution of a site, and site placement within a wider literature. All conclusions are based upon comparisons to previous investigations of similar sites.
This phase of field investigations is frequently the only option for development either across or immediately adjacent to NRHP properties with below ground resources. Complete excavation and analysis or, at a minimum, the monitoring of construction by an archaeologist is often considered by SHPO to mitigate the adverse affects of the destruction of a site.
Ontario Lakeside Indigenous Artifact Scatter (04PR2772.pdf)
September 06
Historic American Building Survey I-III
HAZEx staff have the experience and qualifications to produce the HABS report for clients and Historic Preservation Offices who need this detailed documentation of eligible structures and sites. Our HABS work starts with uncovering maps, blue-prints, photographs, and published and private documents and ends with informant interviews and the production of our superior quality large fomat and digital images required with the help of a great photo laboratory associated to the George Eastman Museum in Rochester.
Research synthesizes data from diverse sources and creates a focus for future investigations using existing media as a means of understanding the cultural and environmental resources of a particular area and incorporating up-to-date hypotheses.
Bio Archaeological Analyses
These specialized fields of archaeology are the study of mineralized elements of mammal (esp. human osteology), bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, and mollusk taxa for the purpose of interpreting past human environments and behavior.
Osteology explores and creates a database of the biological correlates of human behavior and adaptability including pathology, violence, health care, and cosmetics. This is achieved by examining metric and non-metric traits, trauma, pathology, and characteristics of sex and age and matrition on skeletal and dental remains. More refined examinations may also be warranted; including radiography, microscopy, bone chemical analysis, seriological, DNA and mtDNA analyses
Zoological archaeology recreates past environments by creating a database for investigations of diet, trade, seasonality, domestication, and exploitation of faunal resources. This is achieved through the use of typologies and quantified using standard statistical methods. In addition, the relationship between environment and society is explored using evidence for use, disposal and pathology.
Historic Cemetery Relocation
The removal and reburial of human internments is conducted within terminated cemeteries due to either abandonment or accidental disruption. This process includes respectful in-field and laboratory analysis, the production of a skeletal and artifact database, report preparation, and cemetery restoration.
This discipline documents the lives, identities and social customs of the community represented by the relocated human internments adding to our understanding of human adaptability, while tying historic and prehistoric research to biological correlates.
In compliance with state and local burial law this process identifies the locations of unmarked burials and defines cemetery boundaries in order to prevent further or future disturbance to accidentally impacted burials and to relocate abandoned burials to a more secure cemetery
Public History and Archaeology
HAZEx has worked with school districts and historical and archaeological societies across the Northeast and Southeast to present basic information about our work and the results of important regional histories to the public. We have worked along side of interested groups ranging in age from 5 to 95.
Specialist Reports
HAZEx has working relationships with several specialist within the diverse disciplines of archaeolgy. Specialist studies which may be contracted and managed by HAZEx include GIS, remote sensing, radiometric dating, botanical analysis, wetlands delineation, architectural survey and NR assessment, geomorphology, and many more.
Cemetery Identification and Restoration
HAZEx investigates historic cemeteries using nondestructive visual and electronic methods for the detection of mortuary features for clients. Cemetery restoration and research is a serious interest for HAZEx staff and has included stone repair and replacement, relocation of lost markers and graves, reintroduction of funerary plantings, and surveys of abandoned and new cemeteries.
CRM for Mines
HAZEX personnel have been conducting cultural resource evaluations for mining and industrial development projects for over six years and other archaeological investigations for over 18 years. Our evaluations have been associated to compliance with federal and state laws in anticipation of access roads, erosion control, settling ponds, above ground structures, and open shaft and strip mining projects and have involved the documentation of areas of previous disturbance and the detailed investigation of areas with potential for intact prehistoric and historic sites