Eye for archaeology and cultural history

Under the Heritage Act, if a contractor intends to carry out soil interventions, they are obliged to have archaeological research carried out. This therefore also applies to combination Mekante Diek on the dike reinforcement project between Tiel and Waardenburg. The planning area turns out to be rich in history. It is up to RAAP's archaeologists to deal with this appropriately within the framework of the dyke reinforcement project.

RAAP is a regular partner of the combiners in Mekante Diek. The largest research and consulting firm for archaeology and cultural history in the Netherlands is familiar with such large-scale projects. "There are so many factors at play within such a project. Our task, besides caring for heritage, is mainly to prevent the combination from getting stuck on archaeology. In other words that the whole process takes no more time than strictly necessary," says Adam Haarhuis, branch manager at RAAP. "That's what we are organized for as a company. We employ not only archaeologists, but also historical geographers, soil scientists, architectural historians and OOO experts. That broad expertise strengthens the archaeologists' results."

High archaeological expectations

The archaeological process begins with desk research. "If that first process step clearly shows that there is nothing there, then it stops there," indicates Erik Verhelst, senior project manager at RAAP. "In places where archaeological remains may be present, follow-up research can take place in consultation with the competent authority and client. Then we continue, until it is clear where the highest archaeological expectations are located." Adam adds: "We funnel, as it were, the entire planning area based on landscape data and history, zooming in on zones with high archaeological expectations through drilling research. There we then make test trenches to zoom in even further. As the investigation progresses, the "target area" becomes smaller and smaller, but the investigations more intensive. The final step is to carry out excavations at important sites." And there are quite a few of those on the route between Tiel and Waardenburg.

Making work with work

From RAAP's desk and drill survey, about 20 sites were identified for trial trenching. "Usually this is done well before implementation, but sometimes the contractor has already started," Erik knows. "Because of the complexity of a dike reinforcement operation, this is also the case here, such as in Tiel on a fairly narrow strip at the foot of the dike. Then it is nice that you have known each other for many years, because in terms of logistics it is quite complicated. We could get in each other's way quite a bit, but thanks to good coordination and planning, it goes smoothly here. For example, we make work with work, with the contractor 'already' removing the top layer. They are aware of the archaeological aspect within the project and take it seriously, as does the Rivierenland Water Board, which takes its responsibility in terms of heritage. That makes the process run smoothly."

Hidden treasures

RAAP's research shows that quite a few archaeological "treasures" are hidden in the planning area. "Meanwhile, remains are actually being found, particularly from the Roman period and the Middle Ages," says Erik. "Very special finds that we are currently investigating and trying to understand. An archaeological adventure, but also a challenge within the project." 

Mekante Diek keeps room in the schedule for unexpected things, Adam knows. "It's a matter of starting on time and being mindful of archaeology at an early stage. Then it doesn't have to lead to any planning problems at all during implementation and Mekante Diek can soon deliver the reinforced dike right on time. A renewed dike with an old history."