A review of geographic, land use, and historical documents. Background studies help to determine the degree of archaeological potential on a property and whether further archaeological assessment is required.

Systematic pedestrian and test-pit survey on properties that have archaeological potential. This process serves to identify sites of archaeological significance and to determine whether further archaeological assessment is required.

A site-specific assessment that determines both the extent and nature of registered archaeological sites. This stage of archaeological assessment is used to determine the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (CHVI) of a site and to prepare for Stage 4 archaeological mitigation.

The implementation of long-term protection strategies for archaeological sites. If protection is not an option, archaeological mitigation via total or partial excavation is required.