Rescue archaeology (“rescue survey” or “rescue excavations”) is a professional activity in the field of archaeology necessitated by the potential destruction or disruption of areas with archaeological finds. The outcome of this activity includes a set of finds (artefacts) and a site report (report on the results of the survey pursuant to the provisions of Section 21(3) of act number 20/1987 Sb., as amended) which documents in detail and analyses archaeological facts irreversibly destroyed by construction work, mining or other processes. For this reason, the research process includes all stages of archaeological activities on areas with archaeological finds, until to the stage where the site report is drawn up, i.e. the actual field work (excavation), documentation of the excavated features, recording and treatment of finds and other field documentation according to the established practice (e.g. plan drawing, digitization), documentation of finds and their preservation, if necessary, placement of finds into appropriate depositories, sample analyses (artefacts, animal bones, human bones, plant remains, mineral materials etc.) and comprehensive evaluation of the results. The research also includes its preparatory stage, i.e. the necessary on-site inspection where archaeological finds are expected (e.g. surface collection, geophysical measurements, aerial photography), as well as collection of information on previous finds from archives and the evaluation of this data.
Prior to the rescue survey itself the stage of preparation takes place which comprises research (based on a request by the investor, in order to determine the archaeological potential of the site; the rescue survey does not need to take place where the developer has given up their plan based on the outcome of the research) and monitoring of the removal of the top soil level prior to the construction work; it is carried out for the purpose of the planned rescue survey, so that the experts may determine the necessary scope of the works).
(cf. Institute of Archaeology, Czech Academy of Sciences)
Conditions of archaeological survey (Institute for Archaeological Heritage Brno, as the “authorised institution”):
Data:
ÚSTAV ARCHEOLOGICKÉ PAMÁTKOVÉ PÉČE BRNO, v.v.i. (Institute for Archaeological Heritage)
Address: Ústav archeologické památkové péče Brno, v.v.i.
Kaloudova 1321/30
614 00 Brno
Phone: +420 545 242 342-43
E-mail: sekretariat@uapp.cz
Mobile: 602 564 755
Bank: KB Brno-město, account number: 114134621/0100
Company no.: 48511005
VAT no.: CZ48511005
ID: 5npzgmx
Costs of archaeological research:
Typically, archaeological research consists of three parts (stages): first, professional supervision over groundwork in order to ensure qualified opinion as to whether the site represents an archaeological site, or not. Where it has been determined, based on the aforementioned supervision, that archaeological finds will be found, the second stage of the process follows which entails the documentation of the site, collection of finds etc. The third stage consists in the processing of the finds in laboratories, preparation of documentation and the interpretation of the information obtained throughout the process.
Costs of professional supervision: fixed amount based on the scope of works and other factors
Costs of field work (collection of finds, documentation etc.) and data/material processing:
University-educated worker – archaeologist |
: |
CZK 490 per hour |
HS-educated worker – assistant |
: |
CZK 390 per hour |
worker - specialist |
: |
CZK 300 per hour |
worker |
: |
CZK 270 per hour |
The costs of professional supervision are calculated upon the basis of the scope of groundwork. The amount can also be based on the type of construction works, i.e. whether it is e.g. a utility line or a building built on one plot of land. The schedule of groundwork may also play a certain role. The fundamental factor determining the price of the professional supervision is whether the site is a known archaeological site or not, or the likelihood of disruption of finds. These facts are usually determined through background research as an inherent aspect of the professional supervision. Groundwork is carried out over a certain period of time when the archaeologist assigned to the project must commute to the site or be present at the site during the removal of the top layer of soil. Pursuant to the applicable act, the costs of the archaeological survey shall be borne by the investor, i.e. all actual costs incurred with the process. These include the costs of commuting to the site, the procurement of material and tools, salaries of workers, all overheads related to the work on the site (including administration costs, insurance etc.), all of which are included in the hourly rates of the workers. In the case of works and processes in laboratories, the hourly rates are deemed to include the costs of materials used in preservation, analyses etc.
For more detailed information on the aforementioned costs, see the methodology of the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences that deals with usual costs of archaeological research, at arup.cas.cz