Mitigation

Mitigation generally refers to the excavation of archaeological sites.

However, mitigation studies may also include detailed site mapping, site photography, historical research, project monitoring, and the collection of surface artifacts.

Mitigation is undertaken to rescue, record and investigate archaeological deposits that are threatened by development.

The required amount of site mitigation is based on the results of the HRIA. Mitigation field studies are issued by the provincial regulator and are undertaken prior to development commencement.

Multiple stages of mitigation may be needed. This depends on artifact recovery and the complexity of the site. Excavation is undertaken by a crew of archaeologists using shovels and other hand tools, and the sediment is screened to recover artifacts. These artifacts generally include faunal remains, stone tools, pottery sherds, heated rocks, and historic artifacts.

Artifacts are collected and labelled. Eventually, these artifacts will be analyzed, described, photographed and catalogued in the laboratory.

Mitigations are more time consuming than HRIA's. Often, additional studies such as Radiocarbon Dating will need to be undertaken.

Finally, all the data will be combined and synthesized into a final report. This report will be reviewed by provincial regulators. Often, an Interim report will be submitted to the regulators first, so final clearance may be granted to the developer prior to the completion of the final report.