Cultural resources are the key to our understanding the human past and building a knowledge-base, illuminating both where we have been and where we are going. As the natural landscape is modified, these resources are increasingly threatened by new construction and development, and many have already vanished as a result. Sphere 3 works with both federal and state agencies, and the private business sector, to find cost-efficient ways to preserve our collective cultural heritage.
Agency Coordination
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; Public Law 89-665; 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) is legislation intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in the United States of America. The act created the National Register of Historic Places, the list of National Historic Landmarks, and the State Historic Preservation Offices. Senate Bill 3035, the National Historic Preservation Act, was signed into law on October 15, 1966. It is the most extensive preservation legislation ever enacted in the United States. The act requires federal agencies to evaluate the impact of all federally funded or permitted projects on historic properties (buildings, archaeological sites, etc.) through a consultation process known as Section 106 Review. The primary purpose for the establishment of the Section 106 review process is to minimize potential harm and damage to historic properties. Sphere 3 assists clients with determining the applicability of these and other cultural resource regulations and communicating with the appropriate state and federal agencies.
Archaeological and Historical Surveys
Federal agencies work with the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in protecting and preserving these cultural resources and upholding the regulatory aspects of the Act. Sphere 3 is staffed with several archaeologists trained and experienced with the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act, the specific needs of the Section 106 Review process, and the skills necessary to identify archaeological sites and document cultural resources in the field. We specialize in evaluating the effects of construction projects on cultural resources finding innovative approaches and solutions to protecting and preserving them. Our archaeologists conduct archaeological surveys employing systematic excavation techniques, a variety of historical research, informant interviews, and GIS analysis to evaluate and assess cultural resources. We can also assist in developing avoidance measures and preservation techniques during development of the project.
BLM, Forest Service, and Private Lands Development
Over the years, Sphere 3 has fine-tuned our multi-disciplinary approach to meeting the needs of our clients in the public and private sectors. Sphere 3 archaeologists collaborate with Sphere 3 biologists, wetland scientists, and a variety of our in-house environmental consultants and engineers to easily manage both small and large-scale projects requiring cost-effective solutions to multi-staged complex projects. Sphere 3 archaeologists have successfully obtained specialized permits required to complete projects within the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Sabine River Authority, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). We can easily customize our approach to meet your specific need.
Archival Research
In conjunction with empirical research primarily conducted through fieldwork, Sphere 3 is equipped to conduct either exhaustive primary archival research or secondary library and online research specifically tailored to meet the needs of our clients and their specific project needs. Sphere 3 staff archaeologists have successfully obtained access to restricted archaeological databases, documents, historical maps, and other primary sources that may be required to permit any specific project. The repositories regularly examined are the United State Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.), United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.), General Land Office (G.L.O), Texas Archaeological Research Laboratory (T.A.R.L.), local university libraries; and courthouse records (plat maps, probate, sales, and conveyance).
Sphere 3 is Here to help YOU!
We can work with you to create a custom project that meets all of your environmental and regulatory needs. We have a diverse staff of professionals to help with minor or major permitting and compliance efforts. We pride ourselves on customizing our services to the needs of each client.