A Geophysical Survey of the Proposed Fountain Park Apartments Additions

Abstract

In accordance with the request by David Eades of Regency Associates a series of geophysical tests were conducted on a small ridge between the proposed sites of buildings 5 and 6 of the proposed Fountain Park Apartments Additions. A headstone had been found in the area and to avoid possible disturbance of associated graves by the proposed construction, a series of geophysical surveys were initiated. Initially a magnetic survey was selected as the most economical means by which to test for the presence of unmarked graves in the survey area. An initial test over the known grave had indicated that a reading of 3 to 4 nanoteslas above the background soil magnetism would indicate a burial. The survey was initiated on 25 June 1994. Despite some difficulties, the magnetic survey did indicate the presence of other unmarked graves. However, the failure of the magnetic survey to isolate the possible graves led to the use of a resistivity survey, which was initiated on 7 July 1994. The resistivity survey indicated that the graves can successfully be avoided during construction.