NEPA Compliance

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance functions are carried out by the Cultural Resources Management Program (CRMP), which was formed in 1993 to help interpret, protect and perpetuate the culture and traditions of the Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh and ensure National Environmental Policy Act compliance. CRMP documents prehistoric, historic and sacred sites that are vital to the rich cultural heritage of the Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh. CRMP conducts archaeological surveys in order to identify cultural resources that may be impacted by the construction of the project. CRMP summarizes the results of its cultural resource inventories for appropriate comment and review by Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs’ archaeologists and with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Staff archaeologists also are preparing Historic Context statements and site-specific research designs for anticipated mitigation studies. CRMP provides oversight for environmental assessments. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Accomplishments include surveying over 140,000 acres of the Community and identifying and documenting over 1,000 prehistoric and historic sites. The P-MIP survey covers nearly 228 square miles, making it the largest and most intense survey ever carried out in the state of Arizona. In 2003, the Huhugam Heritage Center opened to the public and now serves as the repository for all artifacts collected during the P-MIP project as well as housing those uncovered during construction of the Central Arizona Project. FISCAL YEAR 2007 OBJECTIVES: Complete descriptive report for excavations conducted in ST-IC Complete data recovery of cultural resources located in ST-IB Revise treatment plan for ST-Flood Protection area Continue all environmental compliance work as needed Complete phase I investigation of BW-IB sites Complete irrigation thematic study Provide oversight of environmental assessments