Delays in Digging: Best Practices in Handling Unexpected Finds on the Job Site

Stop digging, we’ve found something, now what?When preparing for an archeological dig, New Hampshire state archeologist Richard Boisvert once succinctly stated: 'If we knew what was there, we wouldn’t have to dig.

' Because we don’t know what is there, contractors often stumble upon artifacts, ancient burial grounds, cemeteries and human remains while in the midst of a construction project. Because federal regulations protect culturally significant items that are uncovered, and often state regulations regarding any remains uncovered also apply, contractors need to understand what they should be doing – often immediately – when something is uncovered. In this informative and revealing material, attorney Richard S. Reizen, the co-chair of Gould & Ratner’s Construction Practice, digs deep into a topic that often has contractors in denial. You will learn the best practices for contractors and even landowners to avoid unexpected finds and to mitigate their risks in the event of uncovering something unexpected on a job site. Reizen also explores what the law requires regarding reporting discoveries and what to do afterwards to help minimize any unnecessary delay and inconvenience.

Faculty

Richard Reizen

Gould & Ratner LLP