During November 2006, a survey preceding development was conducted (Permit No. A-4940; map ref. 234459–6535/571623–80172), prior to laying a water pipe to the Masada national park. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Meqorot Company, was directed by O. Shmueli, with the assistance of Y. Haimi and S. Gendler.
A strip of land (length c. 9 km, width 50 m) was surveyed west of and parallel to Highway 90, between the Masada Junction and the mouth of Nahal Ye‘elim. No antiquities were discovered in the surveyed area.