| Abstract |
Legislation affecting cultural resources must be considered during the permitting phase of transmission line and pipeline development. The two major pieces of relevant legislation are the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and 36 CFR 800, which describes the procedures for implementing NHPA. Prior to the issuance of a permit to construct on Federal land, archaeological sites affected by the development must be identified, their significance evaluated, the effects of the project on such site assessed and an y adverse impacts mitigated. This process can take from two to three years. The schedule can be accelerated by the implementation of phased compliance, as was done by Oxbow Geothermal 210 mile 230 kV transmission line form Dixie Valley, NV to Bishop, CA. |