Area of Potential Effects (APE)

Area of Potential Effects (APE) THE MSSHPO uses the federal definition of “Area of Potential Effects” (APE) to describe the maximum area that may be affected by a project. Both direct and indirect effects to archaeological sites must be considered when determining the APE. A few examples of project related impacts in an APE beyond the actual construction limits of the project include: 1. Borrow areas and other sources of fill material. 2. Disposal sites or waste areas. 3. New or upgraded access or haul roads. 4. Staging, storage, and stockpile areas. 5. Drainage diversions. 6. Viewshed. The Federal definition of the APE: “The geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist. The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking and may be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.” [36 CFR 800.16 (d)]. In defining the APE, the MSSHPO will consider potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to historic properties and all aspects of integrity, including their associated settings as applicable.