Before the decision was made to not to build the dam, archaeological survey and testing was conducted as part of the overall hydroelectric feasibility studies, which were conducted between 1979 and 1985. In addition to developing and implementing adequate methods to locate and evaluate cultural resources associated with dam construction, it is important to understand the impact potential of all phases of the project on cultural resources. Equally as important is the need to evaluate these resources and develop a sound, justifiable, and quantifiable plan for assessing significance and determining the level of impact. Accurate and demonstrable assessment, at this time, is critical to developing a mitigation plan and defining and defending the associated cost, a plan that will be subject to rigorous review and evaluation. It is no longer appropriate for archeologists to simply look where they want and excavate only those sites they are interested in.
Hydroelectric projects are big business.
Archeology must be conducted with the same vigor as engineering and environmental studies because they will be subject to the same review process. Archeologists must be able to prepare scopes of work and budgets that meet strict regulatory and professional requirements. In conclusion, archaeologists must be prepared to write adequate and justifiable research designs and procedure manuals, undertake strict quality control and assurance, justify methods, evaluate results, manage funding and personnel, work with a variety of other project personnel, understand and comply with appropriate regulations and guidelines, prepare acceptable reports, develop plans for curating collections and supporting documentation, work with descendant communities and the public, and be able to document such through accurate recording keeping. In doing so dams serving public needs will be built while cultural resources are given full consideration, while at the same time the understanding of our collective heritage will be enhanced.