“Please understand that some of us involved in this consultation do not have a professional background in the field of history or archaeology.” — James Boyer, US Army Corps of Engineers (Jan. 22, 2008)

For eighteen months, the Regulatory Branch, Philadelphia District, Corps of Engineers never thought it important to assign someone with “a professional background in the field of history or archaeology” despite the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, which states:

“Professional standards. Section 112(a)(1)(A) of the act requires each Federal agency responsible for the protection of historic resources, including archaeological resources, to ensure that all actions taken by employees or contractors of the agency shall meet professional standards under regulations developed by the Secretary.” [36 CFR § 800.2.(a)(1)]

James Boyer is a biologist.

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