During June 2010, a survey preceding development was conducted southwest of Qibbuz Ruhama (License No. S-200/2010; map ref. 170600–2682/598390–9757), prior to planting trees. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Jewish National Fund, was directed by E. Aladjem.
The survey was performed in four of the Nahal Bita tributaries, three of which flow from the south and one from the north. The area is characterized by low vegetation and no ancient remains were discovered.