Assessment of Effects FAQs

If a National Register eligible or listed site, building, or structure is identified within the impact area of the project, in consultation with any applicable state or federal agency, will apply the criteria of effect to determine whether the effect will be adverse. Not all projects have adverse effects on historic properties. If the project is found to have no adverse effect, DHR review is complete. 36 CFR § 800.5; RSA 227-C:1-a,I.

If a project is found to have an adverse effect to a significant historic property or archaeological site, DHR enters into consultation with the project proponents and the federal agency and, as warranted, other government agencies and other interested parties. The goal of the consultation is to arrive at prudent and feasible measures that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effect. The proponent may be asked to submit an analysis of alternatives in order to determine if there are feasible alternatives that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effect.

The end result of the consultation process is the developing and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the proponent, SHPO, the state or federal funding, permitting, or licensing agency, and other participating parties as warranted. An MOA is a written agreement that stipulates the measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate the adverse effects and states that the signatories agree to these measures. Once the stipulations of the MOA are fulfilled, DHR review is complete. 36 CFR § 800.6.