Bataafsekade 16 | hockey field (2014)

Batavian Sekade 16

Commissioned by SAB from Arnhem has ArcheoSupport bv a desk study was conducted for the hockey field at Bataafsekade 16 in Gorinchem. The reason for this study is a study by the municipality into the possibilities for the construction of a third hockey field. Disturbances as a result of the construction could threaten any archaeological remains that may be present. 

According to the archaeological policy advice map, the research location is located in a zone with a low archaeological expectation, for which a research obligation applies to research locations larger than 1 hectare and a disturbance deeper than 30 cm. The current plan area meets both criteria.

Conclusions and recommendations

The research location is located in the basin area north of the Waal and therefore has a low archaeological expectation for all periods. However, next to the plan area there is a crevasse of the Gorkum-Arkel current belt, which may also be present within the plan area. The deposits of this crevasse are expected below 2 m –mv and have a medium high expectation for remains from the Neolithic.

It is recommended that, if soil disturbances occur deeper than 1,7 m –mv during the construction of the new fields, an exploratory drilling investigation be carried out to determine whether crevasse deposits are actually present within the plan area. No follow-up investigation is required for work shallower than 1,7 m –mv.

It is up to the competent authority, the municipality of Gorinchem, to make a selection decision based on this report. The archaeological reporting obligation in accordance with art. 53 of the WAMZ will continue to exist in any case. If archaeological remains are found during excavation work, this must be reported to the competent authority without delay.