Why should the Project Enginner report the sighting or discovery immediately upon being notified by the Contractor?
Federal and State laws require reporting certain types of discoveries within 24 hours. Depending on what you discover, and the location, the Department may be required to consult with law enforcement, tribes, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council. The quicker the dirscorvery is reported consultation can begin and the quicker work may resume on the project. The same holds true with threatened and endangered species; the Project Engineer must notify the Environmental Section immediately. The Department needs to notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 24 hours of a sighting. The quicker the sighting is reported, consultation can begin and the quicker work may resume on the project.
