Archaeological Overview Assessment, Preliminary Field Reconnaissance & Inventory

An Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) is intended to identify and assess archaeological resource potential within a proposed development area. Recommendations concerning the appropriate methodology and scope of work for inventory and/or impact assessment studies are also included. AOAs include background library research, estimation of archaeological potential for a study area, an assessment of possible impacts to archaeological sites by a proposed development, and recommendations for project alternatives as well as further archaeological impact assessment studies.

Overview studies are particularly important with respect to large-scale development projects such as hydro-electric projects, transmission line corridors, pipeline right-of-ways, mine facilities, etc. More site-specific projects such as residential subdivisions, municipal infrastructure, port facilities, etc., may effectively combine the AOA with an inventory study.

A Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) may be required by the AOA. The PFR may involve a simple overflight of the study area or a field survey using either systematic or judgemental site sampling techniques. Reconnaissance survey should be undertaken in the event that historical, archaeological, ethnological, or other documentary sources necessary for assessing the archaeological resource potential of the study area are insufficient or unavailable. A PFR is also warranted in the case where many alternatives are under consideration for the location of project facilities.

The PFR should be designed to assess the archaeological resource potential of the study area, and to identify the need and appropriate scope of further field studies. Although this may involve some ground reconnaissance, areal coverage will usually be quite small relative to the overall size of the study area. The reconnaissance survey serves as a useful preliminary study for designing and subsequently implementing a more intensive site survey.

An Archaeological Inventory study involves a program of in-field identification and recording of archaeological resources within a proposed project area. The nature and scope of this type of study is defined primarily by the results of an Archaeological Overview Assessment. In the case of site-specific developments, direct implementation of an inventory study may preclude the need for an overview.

There are a number of different methodologies which may be utilized in conducting inventory studies. The proponent and/or the archaeological consultant must develop an appropriate study plan for the proposed inventory. The Archaeology Branch will review and comment upon the proposed methodological approach prior to implementation.