Corrib Gas Onshore Pipeline

Archaeological Chance Finds Procedure

1. Introduction
The purpose of this document is to address the possibility of archaeological deposits, finds and features becoming exposed during earthmoving and ground altering activities associated with the Corrib Pipeline construction and to provide procedures to follow in the event of a chance archaeological find. The objectives of these procedures, agreed with the statutory authorities, are to identify and promote the preservation and recording of any archaeological material that maybe discovered and notify Mayo County Council, the National Monuments Service (NMS) of Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHGA) (formerly the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG)) and National Museum of Ireland (NMI) to resolve any archaeological issue that may arise.

2.

Archaeological Method Statement and Archaeological Monitoring

An archaeological method statement has been submitted and approved by the statutory authorities, as part of a licence application for archaeological monitoring associated with the construction of the Corrib Onshore Pipeline. This method statement describes in detail the proposed scope of works, construction schedule, archaeological strategy and details how the archaeological team will function onsite. Archaeological monitoring will be undertaken as set out in conditions for approval by: An Bord Pleanala (Ref No. 16.GA004, condition 43), Strategic Infrastructure Act, The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR), Section 40 Gas Act, (conditions 6 & 7) and provisional approval by The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG), Foreshore Act, (provisional conditions 3, 4, 5 and 6). As determined by the statutory authorities, SEPIL shall provide interim archaeological monitoring reports and will provide a detailed final report to the DCENR, DAHGA (formerly DEHLG), Mayo County Council and the National Museum of Ireland upon the projects completion.

3.

Archaeological Chance Finds Procedure

During the project induction meeting, all contractors will be made aware of the presence of an on site archaeologist who will monitor earthmoving and excavation activities.

General
The following procedure is to be executed in the event that archaeological material is discovered: All construction activity in the vicinity of the find/feature/site will cease immediately. Delineate the discovered find/ feature/ site will be delineated. Record the find location, and all remains are to be left in place. Secure the area to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. The on-site archaeologist will assess, record and photograph the find/feature/ site. The on-site archaeologist will undertake the inspection process in accordance with all project health and safety protocols under direction of the Health and Safety Officer. The Project Archaeologist, the National Monument Service and the National Museum of Ireland will be informed and contacted. In consultation with the statutory authorities the on-site and Project Archaeologist will determine the appropriate course of action to take. Finds retrieval strategy: All investigation of archaeological soils will be undertaken by hand, all finds, osteological remains and samples will be kept and submitted to the National Museum as required. In the event that any artefacts need to be conserved, the relevant licence (Licence to Alter) will be sought from the NMI.

17/06/2011

Archaeological Chance Finds Procedure

Corrib Gas Onshore Pipeline An on-site office and finds storage area will be provided, allowing storage of any artefacts or other archaeological material recovered during the monitoring process. In the case of human remains, in addition to the above, the Garda Sochna will be contacted and the guidelines for the treatment of human remains will be adhered to. If skeletal remains are identified, an osteoarchaeologist will be available to examine the remains. Conservation: A conservator is available to the project, if required. The on-site archaeologist will complete a report on the findings as part of the licensing agreement in place with the NMI and the NMS of the DAHGA (formerly the DEHLG). Once authorisation has been given by the responsible statutory authorities, the client will be informed when works can resume.

Tunnel Arisings
The following chance finds procedure will be undertaken in order to facilitate the tunnel arisings monitoring process: A wheel loader will be available to recover/ spread excavated material from the tunnel arisings storage area. This will allow the archaeologist to inspect/recover/sample/metal detect any material or deposits that he/she deems necessary. The monitoring archaeologist will liaise with the Separation Plant Supervisor regarding the recovery or detailed inspection of the arising material. The monitoring archaeologist will undertake the inspection process in accordance with all health and safety protocols associated with the separation plant and will be under direction from the Separation Plant Supervisor. An on-site office and finds storage area will be provided, allowing storage of any artefacts or other archaeological material recovered during the monitoring process. A position fix in Lat/Long and/or Irish National Grid for the tunnel boring machine head will be provided when requested.

Structure or Larger Deposit

Should the archaeological material be deemed to be part of a structure or larger deposit the following will take place: The archaeologist will notify the Project Archaeologist, the DAHGA (formerly DoEHLG) and the NMI of the discovery. An authorised member of the tunnelling crew will inspect the tunnel face located in front of TBM. Inspection will include both digital stills photography and video of the tunnel face. This information will then be presented to the monitoring archaeologist for assessment. If deemed necessary, sample material will be recovered from the tunnel face (where possible). This will be undertaken under the remote direction of the monitoring archaeologist. The necessity for the above will be determined by the DAHGA and will be a matter for discussion between the DAHGA, NMI and the site archaeologist. The on-site archaeologist shall complete a report on the findings as part of the licensing agreement in place with the NMI and the NMS of the DAHGA.

17/06/2011

Archaeological Chance Finds Procedure