Merwededijk 42 (2011)

Merwededijk 42

Commissioned by VM-Montage, Archaeological Research & Consultancy (ARC bv) an archaeological desk study and inventory field study (IVO) by means of drilling carried out for Merwededijk 42 in Dalem.

The reason for this investigation is the planned demolition and new construction at the location. These activities may threaten archaeological values. In accordance with the Archaeological Monument Care Act, the plan area must first be investigated for the presence of archaeological values.

Expectations

Based on the information obtained during the desk research, an archaeological expectation model can be drawn up for the research location. Bank deposits of the Merwede/Waal are expected at the research location. Archaeological remains from the period from the Early Middle Ages are expected on these bank deposits. Furthermore, the research location is located on the edge of the old built-up area of ​​Dalem. As a result, the research location has a high chance of finding archaeological remains from the Late Middle Ages and Modern Times. Deposits from the Gorkum-Arkel Stroomgordel are probably still present under the bank deposits of the Merwede from a depth of approx. 4 mv. Archaeological remains from the Neolithic period may be found at the top of these bank deposits
occurrence. The possible archaeological remains will consist of organic remains as well as inorganic remains such as pottery or bricks due to the relatively high groundwater level. Phosphate stains may also be found.

No traces

The research location is lower than the surrounding area. There has been a house at the research location since the 30s. Before that, the site was undeveloped and used as an orchard/forest.

The exploratory drilling investigation shows that there are no bank deposits of the Merwede/Waal (more) at the research location. It is possible that these bank deposits have been excavated. Around the current buildings, the soil has recently been disturbed to approximately 1 m below ground level, probably at the time of construction. Deeper in the subsurface, bank deposits of the Gorkum-Arkel stream belt are present. No bedding sand from this stream belt is present within the research location. No traces of soil formation were found at the top of the bank deposits of the Gorkum-Arkel stream belt, which shows that these deposits within the location were probably not attractive for habitation.

Based on the results of the exploratory drilling investigation, it is concluded that there are probably no archaeological remains and/or traces present within the research location.