Describes general problems and the status of rescue archaeology in South America, with an abstract of current activities in each country. Provides details on sites in Argentina: construction of dams and lakes, archaeological site organization, and legislation. Discusses activities in other countries: regional projects in Brazil; urbanization and dam construction; legislation; emergency situations and possible action. Explains variations in the level of development of salvage archaeological programs and the need for international cooperation; protective laws, their failure, and financing problems. Includes a reference bibliography.