Santa Fe committee tightens monitoring and reporting after emergency remains discovery during gas work

Members of the Santa Fe Archaeological Review Committee on May 22 pressed utilities and staff to strengthen in‑field monitoring and record sharing after an emergency gas excavation encountered what staff characterized as human remains.

Paul (city staff) told the committee that New Mexico Gas had begun working with a newly retained archaeologist, Shelby Majison, and that during emergency potholing on Kearny crews exposed remains. Paul said contractors followed protocol: "Return the remains right where you encountered them," and staff worked with the company to ensure Shelby and an experienced city monitor responded.

The committee emphasized two immediate actions: (1) ensure monitors who work on emergency excavations document all hours so they can be added to the city's approved downtown list, and (2) make critical discovery information (precise coordinates and prior discovery locations) available to field monitors. "At the earliest possible opportunity, she can apply for listing in the downtown" so monitoring duties and credentialing are clear, a member said.

Committee members also discussed who should make tribal notifications and whether the city or state should take the lead when discoveries occur on city‑jurisdiction land. Staff agreed to draft policy language clarifying which types of changes can be handled administratively, and to prepare notification protocols for unexpected discoveries.

The exchange follows multiple approvals at the meeting that included stipulations for on‑site qualified archaeologists and clarified personnel listing requirements.