Preventive archaeology
When a development project is likely to destroy archaeological remains, the State asks the developer to carry out an archaeological diagnosis or a preventive archaeological excavation. The State may also ask the developer to modify its project.
Archaeological diagnoses and excavations are carried out by qualified operators. The Ministry of Culture is responsible for scientific and technical control. On average, 2,200 diagnoses and 450 preventive excavations are carried out each year in France.
The prescription of the preventive archaeology operation
The services of the Ministry of Culture examine development projects to determine whether they may endanger archaeological remains. The development project is analyzed:
- by the regional directorate for cultural affairs (Drac, Regional Archaeological Service) if the work is on land or inland waters;
- by the underwater and submarine research department (Drassm) if the work is in the maritime public domain or contiguous area.
The evaluation of the «archaeological sensitivity» of a site is based on the documentation available in the archaeological services of the State, and in particular on the national archaeological map.
To anticipate the risk of damage to the archaeological heritage related to its project, the developer can consult the regional directorate for cultural affairs (Drac, Regional Archaeological Service) or Drassm before filing an application for work authorization.
The two types of operations
May be prescribed:
- an archaeological diagnosis, to ensure the presence of remains;
- a preventive search, to study the identified archaeological remains.
Solutions can also be identified so that the development does not destroy the archaeological remains and thus avoid all or part of the excavation to preserve the remains in place. It is a change in the consistency of the project.
Excavations are subject to the prior notice of the territorial archaeological research commission competent (CTRA).
The archaeological diagnosis
What is it for?
An archaeological diagnosis is the set of documentary studies, surveys and soundings that confirm or deny the presence of remains on the area to be developed. When remains are highlighted, the diagnosis makes it possible to characterize them, date them, determine their footprint in plan and thickness and the impact of the development project on their conservation.
When and how is a diagnosis prescribed?
From the day of receipt of the application for work authorization or the advance request for a diagnosis, the State has a period of one month to prescribe or not the carrying out of a diagnosis on the right of the project. This period is extended to two months when the development, work or work project is subject to an environmental impact study.
What is the framework of the relationship between the developer and the operator?
The procedures for carrying out a diagnosis prescribed by the State are defined in an agreement between the developer and a authorized territorial collectivity archaeological service by the Ministry of Culture for diagnosis or the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap). The agreement defines in particular the start date of the operation and its execution time.
At sea, when a development impacts a large area (for example, a wind farm or the installation of electrical or telecommunication cables), developers can conclude with the underwater and submarine research department (Drassm) a convention for archaeological evaluation at sea. This preliminary archaeological intervention is diagnostic. It takes place in two phases:
- geophysical prospecting;
- in case of site index, complementary expertise in immersion, human or robotic.
How is the archaeological diagnosis financed?
The Ministry of Culture provides a grant to operators who carry out the diagnoses: the archaeological services of the authorised local authorities and INRAP.
What follow-up is given to the diagnosis?
The diagnosis is concluded by a diagnostic report. It is drafted by the operator (an authorised local authority service or Inrap) who forwards it to the Drac or Drassm, and the developer. Upon receipt of the diagnostic report, the Drac or Drassm has three months to decide on the follow-up to the operation.
- If there are no remains, or if the unearthed remains do not warrant a study, or if the development project is not likely to destroy the archaeological remains, work can begin.
- If the development project has the effect of destroying the identified archaeological remains, the State may prescribe any measure allowing their protection, either by carrying out a preventive excavation or by modifying the project.
If the destruction of the remains could be avoided by the implementation of technical solutions, the State draws up a «project consistency modification decree» stating its recommendations. It is passed on to the developer and the urban planning department.
The preventive search
What is it for?
A preventive search operation is divided into:
- an excavation phase, known as the “field phase”;
- a "post-excavation" phase, that of analysis and study work.
The objective of preventive excavation is to study a site by collecting archaeological information as finely as possible and to analyze it to ensure understanding. This is sometimes the only way to preserve the memory of the site, which will have completely disappeared once the excavation and development have been carried out.
When and how is a preventive search prescribed?
A preventive excavation is prescribed when the archaeological diagnosis reveals the presence of remains, that the project is likely to destroy them, and that their scientific interest justifies it. The search prescription is sent to the developer within three months of receiving the diagnostic report. If the remains are discovered as a result of the early diagnosis, the State transmits the excavation prescription to the developer upon receipt of the letter confirming the continuation of the project.
What is the framework of the relationship between the developer and the operator?
The developer who plans to carry out the work is the project owner. He chooses the operator who will carry out the work among the operators authorised or authorised by the Ministry of Culture and contracts with one of them. The contract must meet the requirements of the State. He must present the scientific project of the intervention of the operator to carry out the excavation of the site and the conditions of its implementation (prices, deadlines, etc.).
How is the archaeological excavation financed?
The financing of the excavations is based on the payment of the price of the archaeological service by the developer. This price is fixed by contract with the operator.
The developer can benefit from financial assistance from the National Fund for Preventive Archaeology (Fnap). Depending on the nature of the development project, the State may finance all or part of a preventive excavation operation through a support or subsidy.
Everything you need to know about taking over or subsidizing a preventive search operation by the National Fund for Preventive Archaeology (Fnap).
What happens after the search?
Once the “field phase” is complete, work can begin. A clearance certificate is sent to the developer upon receipt of the report of the end of the search. The analysis and study phase begins: the "post-excavation phase". The recorded and collected remains are studied by different specialists.
The «post-excavation phase» concludes with the writing of an operation report that reports on the discoveries made and their historical interpretation. The operator sends this report to the Drac (regional archaeological service) or the Drassm. A copy is given to the developer, the project manager.
The scientific data of the archaeology (remains and archaeological documentation constituted during the operation) are also given to the Drac (regional archaeological service) or to the Drassm.
After the end of the preventive archaeology operation
After diagnosis or excavation, archaeological remains and documentation are kept in conservation and study centres (CCE). They will be inventoried, managed and made available to researchers for further studies and publications. They will also be valued by the public.