Archaeologists scan for ancient burial grounds

Published 10:20 am Tuesday, March 29, 2016

AFTON — Archeologists are scanning the earth in southeast Minnesota to determine whether a proposed $4 million wastewater treatment project might threaten ancient American Indian burial sites.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that two archeologists with Archaeo-Physics, LLC, conducted electrical resistance testing at Steamboat Park in Afton on Monday.

They used a device to test the soil’s electrical resistance in an effort to measure modern disturbances and the presence of archaeological features.

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Each reading, roughly six samples per square meter, will be used to produce a map of the site.

The archeologists plan to conduct ground-penetrating radar to clarify the location of the mound.

Another company will conduct shovel testing in the park.