In a situation where cultural materials have been recovered mitigation measures that reduce or preclude the effects of project development, operation and maintenance on heritage resources are needed.
Mitigation of an archaeological site depends on the significance and present condition of the site, extent of the proposed development impact, if the mitigation strategy will actually be useful and constraints of the client. Avoidance of an archaeological site is always the preferred and most often the least costly method of mitigation
In an instance where avoidance of an archaeological site is not a feasible option for the client, HNCL will carry out further evaluation (systematic data collection) of the archaeological site. The project will be discussed with the Permit Project Officer and/or the Oil and Gas Commission and the archaeological site will be assessed further. A detailed site sketch is drawn and all artifacts are secured, cleaned and cataloged.
If it is deemed impossible for safety or operational reasons to relocate or re-design a project to avoid an archaeological site, a Section 12 Alteration Permit (S12) can be granted by the Oil and Gas Commission. If the Section 12 requires further mitigation work such as evaluation or collection of artifacts, Heritage North is able to assist in this. Once the field work is completed we can prepare and help submit the required Section 12 Final Report and Site Information Forms (SIF) along with all associated mapping that is needed.