Our Service Area
Our expertise is the archaeology, prehistory, and history of East-Central and Central Florida.
Our service area includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, St. Johns, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.
We will work in other counties on a case by case basis.
Our Services
Desk Top Reviews
If you have an upcoming project that requires permitting and you are unsure of whether or not you need a cultural resources assessment survey we can make that determination for you. Thomas Penders and Associates conducts background research using a variety of resources and latest technology (such as LiDAR) to determine if there is the potential for archaeological sites and historic properties. Done early in the project planning phase offers time and cost savings.
Archaeological Reconnaissance Surveys
This includes both a desk top review and a noninvasive survey that allows the archaeologist to examine an area prior to disturbing it. The goal of the archaeological reconnaissance survey is to locate and identify any potentially significant prehistoric and historic cultural resources and to identify areas that possess prehistoric and/or historic archaeological sensitivity.
Phase I Archaeological Surveys
A Phase I archaeological survey is the basic survey required by federal, state, county, and/or local regulations. Most of these projects are required for permitting. These involve research on the history of the property, prehistory of the property and region; determination of potential for archaeological sites; and a surface reconnaissance along with systematic subsurface testing. A report is generated that complies with all federal, state, county, and/or local requirements. All archaeological or historic sites are identified and locations recorded.
Phase II Archaeological Surveys
In some cases a Phase I archaeological survey will find an archaeological site that may have significance requiring additional testing. In that case a Phase II study is required. This level of testing requires one or more test units to be excavated to obtain more information. Thomas Penders and Associates is well aware of budgetary and time constraints of our clients. We attempt to conduct these projects a quickly as possible and with the least impact to our clients.
Phase III Data Recovery
If the site is going to be destroyed and the Phase II study requires it, a Phase III study is required. This is a full-scale testing of the site and requires the excavation of several units to obtain as much data as possible. We work with our clients and the Florida Division of Historical Resources to negotiate an agreement to avoid a Phase III. It is the opinion of Thomas Penders and Associates that a Phase III should only be conducted when there are no other alternatives. Again, we attempt to conduct these projects a quickly as possible and with the least impact to our clients.
Construction Compliance Monitoring
On some properties are known archaeological sites (such as burials) that must be protected. Thomas Penders & Associates provides personnel to be on-site during land clearing and construction to assist our clients with protecting these resources without delays in construction and meeting any pertinent regulations.
Cellular Communication Surveys
We are aware of the ever changing regulations (NEPA, Section 106, etc.) involving cellular communication towers. Thomas Penders & Associates will work closely with our clients to ensure compliance in a timely manner. We have worked on numerous cell tower surveys in Central Florida and has extensive knowledge of the requirements for these surveys.
Archaeological Surveys and Excavations within Contamination Sites
We have staff who have the credentials for conducting archaeological investigations within Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites. All of these projects include site specific health and safety plans, daily safety briefings, and the wearing of proper personal protection equipment.
Cultural Resource Inventories and Management Plans
We work with our clients to develop zones of archaeological potential maps and management plans to protect these valuable resources and minimize impacts to upcoming projects. We also work with governments to develop historical and archaeological preservation plans
Historic Cemetery Studies
The staff of Thomas Penders and Associates has experience in recording and documenting historic cemeteries. In the event that a cemetery must be moved, physical anthropologists are consulted for identification of the human remains and ensure the remains are properly handled. A report is produced for our clients on the results of the study.
Historic Properties and NRHP Nominations
Thomas Penders & Associates has the ability to conduct historic buildings surveys and nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places. We work with our clients to provide the best and most expedient documentation of their historic properties. This includes single buildings, commercial districts, residential districts, cemeteries, battlefields, etc.
Before you Hire a CRM Firm Consider This
By hiring Thomas Penders and Associates, LLC for your cultural resources needs you are also supporting Archaeologists for Autism, a 510c3 nonprofit organization.
We donate 25% of each contract award to AFA to support the mission of bringing the archaeology experience to children and young adults on the autism spectrum.
For more information about Archaeologists for Autism, visit the website at: http://archaeologistsforautism.com