The Electronic Project Information Exchange (ePIX) system has been developed (and updated, July 2019) by the Department of Historic Resources as a tool to aid our customers in the submission of projects that require our review pursuant to specific provisions of state and Federal law. It also aims to streamline consultation with our office.
As an integrated digital consultation tool, ePIX allows individuals to submit through their account on the ePIX website new projects to DHR. ePIX also allows users to monitor the review status of existing projects they have previously submitted. Those clients registered in the system are also able to view the project review application and review status of projects for which they are identified by the submitter as contacts —for example, as a lead agency representative, consulting party, or consultant. To further expedite consultation, all comments by DHR will be issued electronically and provided via email to project contacts.
ePIX can be used for the following project types:
Federal Projects: There are several provisions of Federal regulation that require consultation with our office. Most commonly, agencies and individuals seek our comment under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, which requires all Federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of any project for which they are providing funding, a license or a permit. DHR, which serves as Virginia’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), assists Federal agencies in meeting this responsibility. ePIX should not be used for FCC projects, such as cell towers. FCC applicants should request DHR’s comment through the FCC’s E-106 system. For more information on DHR’s review of cell towers, go here.
State Projects: There are also several state requirements that may trigger review by this office. DHR’s comments must be sought as part of the Virginia Environmental Impact Review Act and on all demolition of state properties. It is important to note that there are many state-managed programs that use Federal funds and are therefore subject to Section 106 review under Federal law.
Technical Assistance: DHR is sometimes asked to provide our technical assistance in the review of projects when those projects are not subject to the other provisions of Federal and state preservation law.
Technical assistance also is provided when Federal or state involvement is anticipated but not known, during initial project scoping, and as requested by a local government in their administration of a local proffer or ordinance.
Once registered, you will, at a minimum, need the following information in order to submit a project to DHR through ePIX:
- Project name and location;
- Responsible agency for which our review is requested, the nature of their involvement, and agency contact;
- Project description, including total acreage, past and current land use, proposed work to buildings or structures over 50 years of age, and nature and extent of proposed ground disturbance;
- Clearly defined Area of Potential Effects for both direct and indirect effects;
- Past and future efforts to gain public and consulting party comments;
- Information on previous studies and recorded historic resources within the APE;
- Digital versions of all maps, figures, photographs, plans, etc., that can be uploaded and attached to the application
Related Links:
Start using ePIX
Obtaining a DHR Archives search.
Use pre-ePIX Project Review Form: PDF / Word Document
