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Environmental Review:
Overview
Each year DAHP reviews more than 7,000 federal, state and local government projects for effects on cultural resources. As a result, significant archaeological, historic and cultural properties are protected for Washington's citizens and future generations.
This environmental review requires
that consideration be given to protecting significant historic, archaeological,
and traditional cultural sites from damage or loss during development.
The Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) reviews projects
under three regulations:
- Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The
Act requires all federal agencies consider cultural resources as
part of all licensing, permitting, and funding decisions. As part of
that process, each agency must consult with DAHP to assure that cultural
resources are identified, and to obtain the formal opinion of the Office
on each site's significance and the impact of its action upon the site.
- State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) require that impacts to cultural resources be considered during the public environmental review process. Under SEPA, DAHP is the sole agency with technical expertise in regard to cultural resources and provides formal opinions to local governments and other state agencies on a site's significance and the impact of proposed projects upon such sites.
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was established to encourage harmony between people and the environment, to reduce or eliminate damage to the environment, and to enrich the understanding of ecological systems and natural resources important to the country. The act has been described as the most important and far-reaching environmental and conservation measure ever enacted by Congress. It applies to all federal agencies and to every major federal action these agencies take that significantly affects the quality of the human environment. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their proposed actions before proceeding with the actions.
- Section 4(f) regulations of the Department of Transportation Act stipulated that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other DOT agencies cannot approve the use of land from a significant publicly owned public park, recreation area, wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or any significant historic site unless the following conditions apply:
- There is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of land.
- The action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property resulting from use.
- Washington State Forest Practices Act has provisions which allow for the protection of archaeological sites while harvesting timber on public and private lands.
- Shoreline Management Act requires that development permits issued by local governments in areas with archaeological sites require a site inspection or evaluation by a professional archaeologist in coordination with affected Indian Tribes prior to issuing development permits.
Under these laws, the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) works with a variety of agencies, tribes, private citizens, and developers to identify and develop protection strategies to assure that Washington's cultural heritage is not lost.
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
1063 South Capitol Way, Suite 106
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: 360-586-3065
Fax: 360-586-3067