Paleontology Surveys

Ground disturbance on industrial projects, well pads, pipeline trenches, mine excavation, doesn’t just carry biological risk. In many parts of the West, it also carries the potential to encounter fossil resources, and federal and state agencies increasingly require paleontological review as part of the permitting process before disturbance begins.

What Paleontology Surveys Involve

A paleontology survey evaluates a project area for fossil resource potential and, where warranted, documents or monitors ground disturbance to protect significant finds. This work often runs alongside our habitat assessments, since both rely on an early, on-the-ground look at site conditions before disturbance begins. Depending on the agency and the project, this typically includes:

• A records review of known fossil localities and geologic formations in the project area
• Field surveys to assess fossil resource potential based on exposed geology
• Paleontological monitoring during ground-disturbing activity in high-potential areas
• Fossil recovery and documentation if significant resources are encountered
• Reporting formatted to satisfy agency permitting requirements

Why It Matters for Industrial Projects

Permit requirements. Many BLM and state permits require a paleontological resource assessment before ground disturbance, particularly in areas with geologic formations known to contain significant fossils.

Avoiding work stoppages. An unexpected fossil discovery during construction, without a plan already in place for how to handle it, can halt work on the spot. A survey conducted ahead of time identifies risk areas so monitoring, not a stoppage, is the response if something is found.

Regulatory compliance. Federal fossil resource protections carry real enforcement consequences for unauthorized collection or destruction of significant paleontological material. A documented survey and monitoring plan keeps a project on the right side of those requirements.

Efficient use of monitoring resources. Not every project area carries the same fossil potential. A well-scoped survey identifies where monitoring is actually warranted, avoiding the cost of blanket monitoring across an entire project footprint.

What We Provide

• Records reviews and fossil resource potential assessments
• Field surveys ahead of ground disturbance
• Paleontological monitoring during construction in high-potential areas
• Fossil documentation and recovery support when warranted
• Reporting to satisfy BLM and state permitting requirements

Who This Serves

Oil and gas operators developing well pads and pipeline routes in areas with known fossil-bearing formations, mining companies excavating in geologically significant areas, and industrial developers whose permits require paleontological review.

Get Started

If your project needs a paleontology survey or monitoring plan to satisfy permit requirements, we can help you assess the risk and keep your project moving. Contact us to discuss your project.