What options are available for managing impacts to archaeological sites?
An impact assessment study will determine if the archaeological site has significant heritage value. If there is no significant value, there will be no objection to developing within the site (but you will still require a site alteration permit). Most often, however, there is significant heritage value, and the preferred option is not to alter the archaeological site. This can be accomplished by resiting development or building redesign. If the site cannot be avoided, impacts may be reduced by adopting less intrusive building techniques. Finally, if major damage to a significant archaeological site cannot be avoided, the site can be scientifically excavated to recover the information that will be lost as a result of development.
