Cultural Resources Management & Historic Preservation Consulting

Environmental Solutions & Innovations (ESI) delivers full-spectrum cultural resources managment consulting that bridges regulatory compliance with practical project implementation. Our team of SOI-qualified archaeologists, historians, and architectural historians ensures your projects meet all federal and state requirements while avoiding costly delays and complications.

From desktop analyses to complex multi-jurisdictional energy projects, ESI’s cultural resource professionals understand the nuances of historic preservation regulations and excel at communicating complex requirements to diverse stakeholders.

Archaeological Survey & Investigation Services

Phase I Archaeological Surveys

ESI archaeologists conduct comprehensive Phase I surveys for government, utilities, energy, and development sectors. Our systematic approach includes:

• Thorough background research and archival analysis
• Strategic fieldwork using pedestrian transects and shovel test pit intervals
• Professional laboratory processing and artifact analysis
• Clear NRHP eligibility recommendations
• Detailed reporting that meets all regulatory standards

Recent Project Example: Our team completed a 2,400-acre Phase I survey for a renewable energy project, identifying three previously unknown archaeological sites while enabling the project to proceed on schedule.

Phase II Evaluations & Phase III Data Recovery

When sites require additional investigation, ESI develops targeted Phase II work plans that establish spatial boundaries and temporal associations. For unavoidable impacts to significant resources, our Phase III data recovery programs collaborate with clients and consulting parties to develop comprehensive mitigation solutions.

Historic Preservation & Documentation

NRHP Nominations & Evaluations

Our SOI-qualified historians and architectural historians expertly evaluate historic properties for National Register of Historic Places listing. Services include:

• Comprehensive architectural and historical research
• County-wide and area-specific architectural surveys
• Complex NRHP nomination documentation
• Historic district evaluations and boundary determinations

HABS/HAER/HALS Documentation

ESI specialists complete Historic American Building Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), and Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) documentation as mitigation for adverse effects, following strict National Park Service guidelines.

Section 106 Compliance & Consultation

Consultation is the cornerstone of successful Section 106 compliance. ESI’s cultural resources team navigates the complex consultation process with:

• State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) coordination
• Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) engagement
• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) coordination
• Public outreach and stakeholder facilitation
• Memorandum of Agreement development and implementation

Our proactive consultation approach prevents project delays and builds consensus among diverse stakeholders, even when adverse effects determinations require creative mitigation solutions.

Specialized Services

Cemetery Documentation & Management

ESI archaeologists and historians regularly identify and document Native American, European American, and African American graves and cemeteries. Our sensitive approach includes:

• Comprehensive burial ground documentation
• NRHP evaluations for historic cemeteries
• Coordination with descendant communities
• Relocation planning when unavoidable
• Ongoing cemetery monitoring and maintenance planning

Geophysical & Geomorphological Investigations

Advanced non-invasive survey techniques help identify archaeological resources efficiently:

• Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys
• Magnetometer and metal detector investigations
• Geomorphological testing for deeply buried resources
• Mechanical trenching and soil analysis

Construction Monitoring

When impacts to cultural resources are possible, ESI’s construction monitoring services ensure compliance while maintaining project schedules. Our monitoring plans identify, recover, and document resources discovered during construction phases.

Industry Expertise

ESI serves diverse sectors requiring cultural resources compliance:

• Energy & Utilities: Solar, wind, transmission, and pipeline projects
• Transportation: DOT highway improvements and infrastructure projects
• Land Development: Commercial, residential, and industrial developments
• Government: Federal and state agency undertakings
• Mining & Extraction: Surface and subsurface resource development

Why Choose ESI for Cultural Resource Management?

• Regulatory Expertise: Our team understands the intricate details of NHPA, Section 106, and state-specific requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Project Integration: We work seamlessly with engineering and environmental teams to integrate cultural resource considerations into overall project planning.
• Stakeholder Communication: ESI excels at translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for clients and consulting parties.
• Proven Results: Our proactive approach has helped hundreds of projects achieve compliance while maintaining schedules and budgets.

Start Your Cultural Resource Management Project

Protect your project timeline and ensure regulatory compliance with ESI’s comprehensive cultural resources services. Our experienced team is ready to develop solutions tailored to your specific needs and project requirements.

Contact our cultural resources team at 513-451-1777 or visit our Cincinnati office at 4525 Este Avenue to discuss your upcoming project needs.