oSIST prEN 17652:2021

Cultural heritage - Investigation and monitoring of archaeological deposits for preservation in situ

This document describes investigations required for in situ preservation and monitoring of archaeological sites. It sets out the main parameters used to assess the state of preservation of archaeological materials and evaluate the preservation conditions of archaeological deposits and provides a framework for monitoring sites. A “decision making” framework is included to help readers make appropriate knowledge-based choices.
The procedures described are appropriate for both terrestrial and underwater archaeological sites.
The informative annexes relate primarily to terrestrial sites; for detailed technical guidance on investigating and monitoring marine sites, see sasmap.eu [6, 7].
NOTE   Marine sites include all underwater sites and those in the intertidal zone.

Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Anforderungen an die Überwachung und Untersuchung der Umgebung von Lagerstätten des Kulturerbes

Dieses Dokument beschreibt Untersuchungen, die für die In-situ-Erhaltung und Überwachung archäologischer Stätten erforderlich sind. Es legt die Hauptparameter für die Beurteilung des Erhaltungszustands von archäologischen Materialien und für die Bewertung der Erhaltungsbedingungen von archäologischen Lagerstätten fest und bietet ein Rahmenwerk für die Überwachung von Stätten. Ein Rahmen zur Entscheidungsfindung ist enthalten, um Lesern dabei zu helfen, geeignete wissensbasierte Entscheidungen zu treffen.
Die beschriebenen Verfahren sind sowohl für archäologische Stätten an Land als auch unter Wasser geeignet.
Die informativen Anhänge beziehen sich hauptsächlich auf Stätten an Land; für einen detaillierten technischen Leitfaden zur Untersuchung und Überwachung maritimer Stätten siehe sasmap.eu [6], [7].
ANMERKUNG   Maritime Stätten umfassen sämtliche Stätten unter Wasser und Stätten in der Gezeitenzone.

Patrimoine culturel - Investigation et suivi de l'état de conservation des dépôts archéologiques pour la préservation sur site

Le présent document décrit les investigations requises pour la préservation sur site et le suivi de l'état de conservation des sites archéologiques. Il définit les principaux paramètres utilisés pour évaluer l'état de conservation des matériaux archéologiques et les conditions de préservation des dépôts archéologiques, et il fournit un cadre pour le suivi de l'état de conservation des sites. Un cadre décisionnel est inclus afin d'aider les utilisateurs à faire des choix appropriés, basés sur des connaissances.
Les procédures décrites sont appropriées pour les sites archéologiques tant terrestres que subaquatiques.
Les annexes informatives concernent principalement les sites terrestres ; pour des recommandations techniques détaillées sur l'investigation et le suivi des sites marins, voir sasmap.eu [6, 7].
NOTE   Les sites marins incluent tous les sites subaquatiques et ceux situés dans l'estran.

Kulturna dediščina - Raziskovanje in spremljanje stanja ohranjenosti arheoloških najdišč na kraju samem

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 31-May-2021
• ICS: 97.195 - Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage
• Technical Committee: I13 - Imaginarni 13
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 25-Mar-2021
• Due Date: 12-Aug-2021
• Completion Date: 02-Jun-2021
• Ref Project: prEN 17652 - Cultural heritage - Investigation and monitoring of archaeological deposits for preservation in situ

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 17652:2021
01-maj-2021
Kulturna dediščina - Raziskovanje in spremljanje stanja ohranjenosti arheoloških
najdišč na kraju samem
Cultural heritage - Investigation and monitoring of archaeological deposits for
preservation in situ

Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Anforderungen an die Überwachung und Untersuchung

der Umgebung von Lagerstätten des Kulturerbes

Patrimoine culturel - Investigation et suivi de l'état de conservation des dépôts

archéologiques pour la préservation sur site
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17652
ICS:
97.195 Umetniški in obrtniški izdelki. Items of art and handicrafts.
Kulturne dobrine in kulturna Cultural property and
dediščina heritage
oSIST prEN 17652:2021 en,fr,de

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 17652:2021
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oSIST prEN 17652:2021
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17652
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2021
ICS 97.195
English Version
Cultural heritage - Investigation and monitoring of
archaeological deposits for preservation in situ

Patrimoine culturel - Investigation et suivi de l'état de Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Anforderungen an

conservation des dépôts archéologiques pour la die Überwachung und Untersuchung der Umgebung

préservation sur site von Lagerstätten des Kulturerbes

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee

CEN/TC 346.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations

which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other

language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC

Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and

United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are

aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without

notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17652:2021 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Contents Page

European foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Objective and procedure .............................................................................................................................. 8

4.1 Overview of procedure .................................................................................................................................. 8

4.2 Project team/management structure ...................................................................................................... 8

5 Investigation ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

5.2 Desktop study ................................................................................................................................................ 10

5.3 Preliminary investigation ......................................................................................................................... 10

5.4 Detailed investigation ................................................................................................................................ 11

5.5 Conclusion and "decision-making" ........................................................................................................ 12

6 Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

6.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

6.2 Design of a monitoring programme (“Plan”) ..................................................................................... 14

6.3 Monitoring (“Do”) ........................................................................................................................................ 15

6.4 Review of data (“Check”) ........................................................................................................................... 15

6.5 Completion of monitoring (“Adjust”) .................................................................................................... 16

6.6 Continued monitoring (“Adjust”) ........................................................................................................... 16

6.7 Mitigation (“Adjust”) ................................................................................................................................... 16

7 Reporting ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

7.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

7.2 Reporting of the desktop study ............................................................................................................... 16

7.3 Reporting of preliminary investigation ............................................................................................... 17

7.4 Report of the detailed investigation ...................................................................................................... 17

7.5 Report of the programme of monitoring ............................................................................................. 18

8 Quality assurance requirements ............................................................................................................ 18

Annex A (informative) Characterisation of the state of the preservation ............................................ 19

A.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19

A.2 Desktop study ................................................................................................................................................ 19

A.3 Preliminary investigation ......................................................................................................................... 19

A.4 Detailed investigation of the state of preservation of specific materials ................................ 20

A.4.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 20

A.4.2 Bone (human and animal) ........................................................................................................................ 20

A.4.3 Wood ................................................................................................................................................................. 21

A.4.4 Plant remains, organic deposits and invertebrates......................................................................... 21

A.4.5 Other organic materials ............................................................................................................................. 21

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A.4.6 Metal .................................................................................................................................................................. 22

A.4.7 Other inorganic archaeological materials ........................................................................................... 22

Annex B (informative) Characterisation of the preservation conditions – Archaeological

deposits ............................................................................................................................................................ 23

B.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 23

B.2 Characterisation of the environment .................................................................................................... 24

B.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 24

B.2.2 Oxygen .............................................................................................................................................................. 25

B.2.3 Water ................................................................................................................................................................. 25

B.2.4 Temperature .................................................................................................................................................. 26

B.2.5 pH ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26

B.2.6 Other parameters ......................................................................................................................................... 26

B.2.7 Vulnerability and degradation rate of archaeological materials ................................................ 27

B.2.8 Rate of degradation in situ ........................................................................................................................ 27

Annex C (informative) Example of classifying site......................................................................................... 28

C.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 28

C.2 State of preservation of assets ................................................................................................................. 28

C.3 Preservation conditions at site ................................................................................................................ 28

C.4 Risk classification ......................................................................................................................................... 29

C.5 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................ 30

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 31

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European foreword

This document (prEN 17652:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 346 “Cultural

heritage”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
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Introduction

The principle that in situ preservation should be considered as the first option for the conservation of

terrestrial or underwater archaeological sites, before permitting or engaging in any activity directed at

these sites, is laid down in European Council [3] and UNESCO conventions and ICOMOS charter [4, 5].

This document is designed to assist authorities, archaeological and other consultants, owners,

developers, applicants and others responsible for sites of archaeological and historical significance to

ensure the best outcome for the preservation of discovered material and may also be helpful in ensuring

that relevant legislation and conditions are abided by. It sets out a “decision-making” framework for the

in situ preservation of archaeological deposits and identifies mechanisms for investigating and, where

appropriate, monitoring of these sites.

Archaeological deposits and the finds they contain have accumulated through human activity over

hundreds or thousands of years. They are found in urban and rural areas, in the intertidal zone and

underwater, and include evidence of past occupation as well as natural deposits representing past

environments. These archaeological deposits and sediments display large variations in their state of

preservation, preservation conditions, and vulnerability. If the deposits or the environment around them

are altered, their information potential may be reduced or destroyed. Accelerated degradation of

archaeological deposits, shrinkage and subsidence of the sediments can also have serious consequences

for existing buildings, roads and infrastructure built above them.

Where changes are proposed at an archaeological site, an investigation of the significance (i.e. of the

cultural and other values assigned to the archaeological asset and its surroundings), and an evaluation of

the state of preservation and preservation conditions should be conducted to inform “decision-making”.

The changes can for example be developments in the terrestrial or underwater environments, land-use

change or improved conservation management. The objective of these investigations is to balance the

long-term preservation and protection of these non-renewable heritage assets with sustainable

development.

Preservation assessment is an iterative process, with more detail required for the most complex sites, for

example those with waterlogged deposits or a broad range of archaeological materials present. Details of

the proposed development or land- and seabed-use change are also required before decisions can be

made as to whether such changes can be made in a way that also protects and preserves the

archaeological site. In some instances, a monitoring programme may be required to verify that the

conditions required for long-term preservation are maintained. A key part of designing a monitoring

programme is defining the monitoring objectives, as well as monitoring parameters and trigger levels.

These will differ from site to site.

This monitoring is an important element of knowledge-based management of these sites. This document

focuses on monitoring the burial environment but monitoring of the condition of the buried archaeology

can also be part of a monitoring programme. Systematic, regular monitoring of selected parameters using

recognized methods ensures the possibility to compare data and results over time and between different

sites. The use of traceable, reproducible methods and actions will increase the quality and reliability of

the data collected. This will ensure that any changes in the archaeological deposits and sediments can be

detected and reported to the relevant stakeholders so that decisions about further action can be taken.

Increased knowledge gained from these monitoring projects will, over time, provide a better basis for

future preservation strategies and “decision-making”.
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1 Scope

This document describes investigations required for in situ preservation and monitoring of

archaeological sites. It sets out the main parameters used to assess the state of preservation of

archaeological materials and evaluate the preservation conditions of archaeological deposits and

provides a framework for monitoring sites. A “decision making” framework is included to help readers

make appropriate knowledge-based choices.

The procedures described are appropriate for both terrestrial and underwater archaeological sites.

The informative annexes relate primarily to terrestrial sites; for detailed technical guidance on

investigating and monitoring marine sites, see sasmap.eu [6, 7].
NOTE Marine sites include all underwater sites and those in the intertidal zone.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
archaeological asset

archaeological item that has significance because of its contribution to society, knowledge and/or culture

Note 1 to entry: They are usually physical assets, but some countries also use the term in relation to intangible

social and spiritual heritage.
3.2
archaeological deposits
deposits accumulated through human activities

Note 1 to entry: They are found in urban and rural areas, in the intertidal zone and underwater, and include

evidence of past occupation as well as natural deposits representing past environments. The archaeological deposits

and their content of ecofacts and artefacts reveal past activities at a site.
3.3
in situ preservation

conservation of an archaeological asset (3.1) in its original location whilst monitoring and controlling

factors that could influence degradation in the burial environment
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3.4
monitoring

collecting and assessing data pertaining to an archaeological asset (3.1) or site

Note 1 to entry- Within this document, monitoring applies to systematic data collection after “decision-

making”

[SOURCE: EN 15898:2019, 3.4.4, modified – “object, ensemble or collection and/or their environment

over time” has been changed to “archaeological asset or site” [1]]
3.5
significance
combination of all the values assigned to an archaeological asset (3.1) or site

[SOURCE: EN 15898:2019, 3.1.7 modified – “object, ensemble or collection” has been changed to

“archaeological asset or site” [1]]
3.6
mitigation

action taken to minimize or eliminate the risk of damage occurring to an archaeological asset (3.1) as a

result of planned or unplanned events

EXAMPLE 1 Planned events; development; land use change; improved conservation management

EXAMPLE 2 Unplanned events; climate change; flooding; drought, Cultural Property Theft and damage resulting

from Heritage Crime; offshore industry i.e. bottom trawl fishing
3.7
environment

surroundings of an archaeological asset (3.1), some aspects of which may affect its condition

Note 1 to entry: Such aspects could be of human, physical, chemical, biological, geological or climatic origin.

[SOURCE: EN 15898:2019, 3.3.2 modified – included “wider” and “object” is replaced by “archaeological

asset” [1]]
3.8
state of preservation

current state of the archaeological deposits (3.2), which will depend on both current and historical rates

of degradation (3.12)
3.9
saturated deposits
deposits where all pore spaces are filled with water
3.10
unsaturated deposits
deposits where the pores contain both water and air
3.11
preservation condition

physical, chemical and microbiological conditions in the ground or water, which determine the current

rate of degradation (3.12) of the archaeological deposits (3.2)
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3.12
rate of degradation
speed at which an archaeological asset (3.1) degrades
3.13
vulnerability

characteristic of how an archaeological asset (3.1) or material tolerates exposure and its sensitivity to

environmental changes

EXAMPLE For instance waterlogged organic materials are more vulnerable to degradation under oxic

conditions than e.g. stone artefacts.
4 Objective and procedure
4.1 Overview of procedure

The objective of the activities governed by this document is to provide cultural heritage managers and

other stakeholders with procedures to investigate whether it is possible to preserve an archaeological

asset (on land or underwater) in situ (Clause 5). It also provides procedure for designing a monitoring

programme (Clause 6) and reporting (Clause 7) on the different steps of both the investigation and the

monitoring programme. Information is given about understanding the assets’ current state of

preservation (Annex A), and preservation conditions (Annex B) and example of classification of state of

preservation, preservation conditions and risks (Annex C). The state of preservation of archaeological

materials and preservation conditions of deposits should be considered as a common element of any of

archaeological investigation. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of the process.

Figure 1 — Flowchart of the procedure of investigation and monitoring of archaeological sites

4.2 Project team/management structure

As early as possible it is advisable for a project team to be established comprising a range of experts, for

example:
a) project Leader (project planning, management and communication);

b) main Project Group (project planning, preliminary investigation, detailed investigation, monitoring

implementation, checking and reporting);
c) relevant public/private stakeholders;

d) expert Groups (research, advice, support in preliminary/detailed investigations, checking and

reporting);
e) local heritage professionals (support in survey).

A clear project design and timetable shall provide clarity on roles, timescales and outputs.

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5 Investigation
5.1 General

To enable decisions to be taken about preservation in situ of archaeological sites, for example in response

to development plans, information shall be gathered about the significance of the site, the state of

preservation and preservation conditions, the expected lifetime and the feasibility of alternative

approaches.

The process of documenting the values assigned to archaeological assets on an investigation site, their

state of preservation and preservation conditions is separated into the following phases: desktop study

(5.2), preliminary investigation (5.3), detailed investigation (5.4) and conclusions and “decision-making”

(5.5). This process can be iterative.

Figure 2 shows the usual stages of investigation that would be undertaken in relation to preservation in

situ as a result of a proposed development change. Similar steps would be followed in relation to the

management of archaeological sites subject to changes as a result of natural processes.

Figure 2 — Flowchart of investigation
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5.2 Desktop study

Desktop study is a non-intrusive investigation carried out to collect relevant information about the scale

and significance of the site, with reference to how it will respond to proposed changes. It is often the first

stage in the “decision-making” process, see Figure 2.

To give a general overview of the conditions at the site the desktop study should, where feasible, include

at least the following:
— the legal status of the site;

— a review of archives and archaeological sources of information from the area, as well as other

relevant data for example records held by State Hydrographic Survey agencies;

— a review of any relevant monitoring data for the site or others in the surrounding area;

— an assessment of the overall cultural heritage value of the site;

— a review of other relevant investigations, such as hydrogeological, physical ground properties,

geochemical conditions, hydrodynamics, etc;

Information about the direct and possible indirect impacts of any proposed development or other

current threats in relation to human factors, such as proximity to shipping channels, nearby dredging

activities, salvage, accessibility to divers and frequency of visiting divers, fishing, invasive species,

etc.;

— an initial assessment of the potential state of preservation, preservation conditions, rate of

degradation and expected lifetime if any information exists and assessment of any risks to long-term

preservation;
— a site visit / site walkover/ROV/diver survey.

The desktop study shall be summarized in a short report in accordance with 7.2 that includes

recommendations for next steps. In most cases the desktop study is part of a staged process. In some

instances, for example where the desktop study has identified assets which can be avoid by development,

or where it is clear that development would have too great an impact on the significance of the site that

it should not progress, or the expected lifetime is to short, further investigation may not be needed. This

would be a decision agreed by relevant stakeholders and heritage managers.
5.3 Preliminary investigation

If the desktop study concludes that there is a need for more information to inform “decision-making”, a

preliminary investigation shall be carried out. The preliminary investigation shall provide a simple rapid

assessment and give basic information for designing a more detailed investigation or monitoring

programme. All invasive works should be undertaken within the legislative system for the country in

which the site is located and designed to minimize their impact on archaeological materials and deposits.

The types of information to be collected in the preliminary investigations may include:

— the cultural and historical context, including topographic, chronological and historical

interpretations for the specific site in question;
— a preliminary risk assessment – main risks to long-term preservation;
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— a more detailed assessment of the current state of the archaeological assets and materials and their

preservation conditions, likely rate of degradation of key materials and expected lifetime than

possible in desktop study, see Annex A and B. This will form the baseline (zero point) for future

assessment;

— an assessment of other feasible approaches such as excavation or no actions taken;

— a comparison with previous investigations and results, if possible, or with surveys and results from

other local sites;

— identification of any necessary measures to protect assets of archaeological or historical significance

prior to, during and after the investigation and monitoring;

— a general description of likely hydrogeological situation of the terrestrial archaeological deposits

based on previous investigations and literature sources, including groundwater levels or moisture

content of any unsaturated deposits, where known;

— details of site from non-intrusive survey, i.e. magnetometry, radar, lidar, bathymetry, seismic, side

scan sonar, ROV/diver surveys;

— at underwater and tidal sites survey/prospection of the underwater environment/seabed, a general

description of likely seabed environment proximity to contemporary seabed infrastructure and

erosional activities;

— geochemical conditions, inter alia pH, temperature, oxygen concentration and redox conditions in

both soils and groundwater, if available;

— physical ground/seabed properties, such as descriptions of geology, soil and/or sediment type,

texture, organic content, porosity, moisture content and depth to bedrock for the specific monitoring

location in question (supplement to the detailed investigation);

— evidence for biodeterioration inter alia bacteria, micro fungi, wood decaying fungi, shipworms and

insects;

— the need for further investigation, including recommendations for the format of that inves

...