Archaeological Impact Assessment and Mitigation: The Archaeologist’s Work in the Context of Institutional and Corporate Relations

Abstract

This article examines the archaeological impact assessment and mitigation work conducted during the construction of the Norandino Gas Pipeline in Jujuy Province between 1998 and 1999. The main objective was to prevent or reduce damage to archaeological heritage along an approximately 260 km route through intensive surveys, corrective measures, rescue operations, and continuous monitoring of ground-disturbing activities. The methodology combined field and laboratory work, including pedestrian survey of the pipeline corridor and associated facilities, recording of environmental and archaeological variables, classification of areas according to archaeological sensitivity, design of route alternatives, collection of surface materials, documentation of structures, and preparation of technical reports. Results included five archaeological route alternatives, fifteen minor route corrections, 35.10 km of modified alignment, the recovery of 20,869 lithic items and 1,026 ceramic fragments, and the documentation of archaeological sites, lithic workshops, agricultural structures, and sections of the Inca road network. The study emphasizes that the effectiveness of mitigation depended not only on professional archaeological judgment but also on coordination among companies, regulatory agencies, provincial authorities, auditors, and construction personnel. It concludes by recommending the involvement of archaeologists from the pre-project stage, stronger action by heritage authorities, and broader recognition of cultural resource management as a legitimate field of professional archaeological practice.