IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (HRIA & AIA)

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Historical Resources Impact Assessments (HRIA), Heritage Resources Impact Assessments (HRIA), or Archaeological Impact Assessments (AIA) are written evaluations of the effect that a proposed development project may have upon any heritage/historic/archaeological resources.  The name differs depending on the jurisdiction, but they are very similar otherwise.  Heritage/historic/archaeological resources include, but are not limited to, precontact and historic archaeological sites, historic sites such as buildings, cultural, natural, scientific or aesthetic value sites, or sites that contain human remains in some jurisdictions. Impact Assessments can be required under relevant Provincial or Territorial legislation and regulations.  When an activity may result in damage or destruction of a heritage/historical/archaeological resource, the individual or company involved may be required to conduct an Impact Assessment.  Consultation, permitting, and field work involving field reconnaissance and mitigation (excavation) may be part of the HRIA/AIA process.  Minimally Impact Assessments usually include a field visit and search for historical resources present.  Proponents most frequently satisfy a requirement to conduct an Impact Assessment by contracting to an approved archaeological consultant such as Big Muddy Heritage Consulting Ltd.  When engaged, BMHC will meet with project proponents to provide project-specific clarification and interpretation of the process. Flexibility can be expected in the staging of Impact Assessments, in the level of detail at which these studies are undertaken, and in the reporting requirements, depending on the project.  Big Muddy Heritage Consulting will conduct the assessment on behalf of the proponent, then submit a report to the appropriate Provincial or Territorial regulatory body.  HRIA reports include a description of the development project, a description of the study area (including available information on geology, geomorphology, topography, vegetation, fauna, climate, ethnography, and ethnohistory), a summary of previous research in the region, methodology, a description of field work, a description and results of artifact analyses, maps, illustrations, photographs, tables, figures, and summaries and conclusions with detailed recommendations for all heritage resources found.  Once submitted, recommendations provided within a report will be reviewed by the regulator. After the review has been completed the regulator will notify the developer that either clearance has been granted, or, due to the presence of significant archaeological or palaeontological sites, that additional studies or other work is needed prior to development. The additional work can include planned avoidance of important resources in project design, or additional mitigative archaeological work such as excavation.  Once all HRIA requirements have been completed, heritage clearance is given for the development to proceed.