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Regulatory Alerts

New Archaeology Permitting Policy for Survey Projects in Arizona

Starting January 1, 2022, the Arizona State Museum will require a project-specific permit for non-collection archaeology surveys on State or municipal lands if they cover 640+ acres, 10+ linear miles, or last 90+ calendar days.

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December 20, 2021

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Effective January 1, 2022, a new policy regarding Arizona State Museum (ASM) permitting policies will be in effect for archaeology survey fieldwork conducted after the start of the new year. If the non-collection survey will encompass 640 or more acres, or 10 or more linear miles, of Arizona State or municipal lands, a “project-specific permit” will be required. In addition, a “project-specific permit” will be also required for any non-collection survey of State lands that will involve fieldwork lasting 90 or more calendar days.

To obtain a project-specific permit, the application and treatment plan (i.e., research design) will need to be submitted to the ASM, and survey may not begin until a project-specific permit has been issued by the ASM. Once all application documents are submitted, it will take at least 20 business days for ASM to complete its review, and any comments from the ASM will need to be addressed before the permit is issued. In addition, a separate ASM Repository Agreement must be requested for non-collection surveys that meet the previous criteria, and all project materials resulting from these surveys must be curated at the ASM.

What Does This Mean For You?

This new permitting requirement for projects of this size or projects on State lands will require more advance planning and additional permitting and project closure coordination. Projects could be impacted by the following requirements:

  • More time needed for advance planning before fieldwork can begin (minimum 30 days for preparation of research design, application and agreement, and ASM review).
  • Additional permitting costs, both for preparation of the survey treatment plan and for project closure costs.

SWCA Can Help

Our project managers and archaeologists can help you understand how this new permitting requirement will affect your project and project timeline.

For questions, contact you project manager.

See How We Can Address Your Needs

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