Industrial estate North (2007−2009)

Central part of the plan area north and east of the Hoogbloklandseweg

Commissioned by the municipality of Gorinchem, RAAP Archaeological Consultancy in the autumn of 2009 and in the winter of 2010, an additional desk and inventory field study was carried out in connection with the preparation of the Gorinchem-Noord zoning plan. 

The aim of this research was first to acquire information on known and expected archaeologically relevant geo(morpho)logical deposits and archaeological values ​​by means of desk research in order to formulate a specified expectation. The aim of the field research was then to test this expectation and, as far as possible, to give an initial impression of the nature, size, dating, quality (completeness and preservation) and depth of any archaeological sites encountered. Based on the research results and the nature and size of the proposed soil interventions in the plan area, advice was then formulated regarding archaeological follow-up research.

Drilling research

The research was carried out in phases. In broad terms, the general picture of the results of the drilling research corresponded with the results of the geological desk research from 2008. No river dunes (donken) were found in the subsurface in the plan area. The basin area is intersected by stream belts, crevasses and peat streams at various levels.

The location in horizontal terms largely corresponded with the expectation based on the geological desk study. In vertical terms, the expected crevasses (Schaik current belt) were not present within 2 m below ground level. However, a deeper system was present within 5 m below ground level. This corresponds with the Gorkum-Arkel current belt and associated channels.