Large linear projects in Alberta are facing evolving Historical Resources Act requirements. These changes can significantly affect field hours, construction flexibility, and regulatory certainty. In April 2024, the Historic Resources Management Branch (HRMB) released updated procedures for Large-Scale Pipelines. Projects that meet the index threshold (diameter in mm × length in km ≥ 2690) or … Read More Circle Does: Pipelines
As archaeologists, we spend a lot of time talking about shovel testing—it’s second nature to us. In fact, it’s such a routine part of our work that we sometimes forget it sounds a little strange to anyone outside the field. (No, we’re not just randomly digging holes for fun. Well, not only for fun.) For … Read More Circle Does: Shovel Testing
So, you’ve completed fieldwork for the Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA). Whether it meant trekking through a snow-covered forest, monitoring construction, or conducting a full-scale excavation, you’ve gathered notes, artifacts, and valuable data. But now comes the real challenge: what to do with all of it? Here’s the thing—archaeology has no do-overs. Once we dig, … Read More Circle Does: Fieldwork to Final Report
Written by: Alexandra Burchill Archaeological monitoring consists of usually one to two archaeologists watching for archaeological material and searching backdirt piles on active construction sites. Monitoring is typically conducted during the winter months for a number of different projects, most common of which include a variety of oil and gas developments, buried utilities, and city … Read More A Closer Look at Monitoring for Archaeology at New Developments in Alberta
Written by: Erika Sutherland So, you need an archaeologist? If you are reading this, then you’ve likely encountered the term HRIA or AIA and been referred to a professional archaeologist, aka someone who works in Cultural Resource Management (like Circle CRM Group – it’s right in our name!). This would have likely come out of … Read More Circle Does: Regulatory Timelines