Shap Wastewater Treatment Works, Cumbria. Watching Brief - Supplementary Report.

Following proposals by United Utilities for the extension of an existing Wastewater Treatment works in Shap, Cumbria (NGR NY 55806 15803), the Planning Archaeologist at Cumbria County Council recommended that a programme of archaeological evaluation be undertaken in advance of the development works. This was to comprise rapid research and a walkover survey, and to be followed by evaluation trial trenching. The first two elements were undertaken by OA North in 2008 (OA North 2008). The evaluation fieldwork has still to be programmed, and will be subject to a separate report.
In November 2009 United Utilities proposed the excavation of a series of geotechnical test pits within the footprint of the development works. This was to be undertaken in advance of the development works. Following discussions with the
Planning Archaeologist, it was agreed that an archaeological watching brief should be maintained during the excavation of the pits.
Four test pits were excavated under archaeological supervision to bedrock depth. No archaeological features were observed within any of the test pits