Archaeology in Newfoundland and Labrador 1997
Edited by K. Nelmes
Report on Geotechnical Boreholes: Archaeology at Voisey’s Bay, Labrador
Yves Labrèche
Introduction
Two geotechnical borehole areas were assessed at Voisey’s Bay, Labrador between August 18 and 20, 1997: the shoreline area east of Edward’s Cove and the area west of Camp Pond. The team was composed of one archaeologist and one Innu environmental technician. Further assistance was provided by one LIA member on August 19 for intensive subsurface testing in the area west of Camp Pond.
Geotechnical Boreholes, Shoreline Area, East of Edward’s Cove:
The overall archaeological potential of the coastal strip including the east side of Edward’s Cove is high (see JWEL/MIBC/LIA 1997:161-163). Four known archaeological sites located east of Edward’s Cove near or within the study area were visited. Proposed drilling activities will concentrate in the vicinity of archaeological sites HcCm-12 and HcCm-13. Most drill sites are located on the tidal flat or the lower beach. The area behind the beach was thoroughly inspected and tested in 1995 and 1996.
Site HcCm-12 contains a single contemporary feature, a fish trap or storage facility. It has been partly washed away by the tide or destroyed by winter ice scouring.
Site HcCm-13, discovered in 1995, includes two tent rings, one or possibly two hearths, and two poorly defined features located between the tent rings: a wood cache and a tent place (JWEL 1996:35). This site is relatively well preserved and stable. In August 1997, the site was divided into two sub-areas which were protected using rebar and orange safety fencing, and marked with a sign for avoidance. Ten test pits were excavated prior to fencing. No archaeological remains were encountered.
Site HcCm-11 is stable, well preserved, and includes three Inuit tent rings. It is located near Anakatalak Camp. ATV (all terrain vehicle) tracks were observed on the beach not far from the site. The site was fenced. Four test pits were excavated around each habitation feature prior to fencing. No archaeological remains were encountered.
HcCm-14 contains two contemporary features: a boulder cache and a fox trap anchor. The site is stable. Drilling has occurred in the vicinity of the site since the summer of 1996. No damage was done to the site. The site is located east of the geotechnical drilling area and approximately 1.5 km from the camp. No vehicle circulation or additional geotechnical activity is expected near this site.
Geotechnical Boreholes, West of Camp Pond:
The study area (approximately 1 x 0.5 km) is located west of Camp Pond, northwest of Voisey’s Camp. In 1995, the overall potential of this area (extensive bog or poorly drained sub-areas) was considered low and a surface inspection without subsurface testing was conducted. Following this, thirteen geotechnical bareholes were drilled. In 1997, a close examination of air photos revealed zones of spruce and lichen forest (moderate potential) which were selected for subsurface testing. 96 test pits were excavated in six zones, but no archaeological remains were encountered.
Conclusion
No archaeological sites were discovered during this field assessment.
The area west of Camp Pond has been thoroughly inspected and tested and does not require additional assessment. The probability of encountering archaeological resources in this area is minimal.
The shoreline area east of Edward’s Cove has been inspected. The archaeological potential of the area is high, and sites HcCm-11 and HcCm-13 have been tested and protected. No drilling or associated activities should take place within a 25 m buffer zone around those sites.
References
Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL).
1996 – “1995 Stage 1 Overview Assessment of Voisey’s Bay Mineral Exploration Area.” Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited, St. John’s, NF.
Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL), Labrèche Y., Mushau Imu Band Council (MIBC), F. Schwarz, Labrador Inuit Association (LIA), and B. Hood.
1997 – “Historic Resources Technical Data Report for the Baseline Environmental Assessment of Voisey’s Bay.” Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited, St. John’s, NF.
Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited (VBNC).
1997 – “Environmental Protection Plan for Exploration Support Works at Voisey’s Bay: Exploration Support Works Abandonment/Rehabilitation.” Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited, St. John’s, NF.