Case Decision - 196606

Interim CommentThe SAHRA APM Unit acknowledges receipt of the draft Scoping Report application and request that the following is undertaken in terms of section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) as part of the EA application process.As noted in the Scoping Report the project has the potential to impact negatively on heritage resources. Therefore, SAHRA requests that the referenced Phase 1 surveyed be uploaded to the case application on SAHRIS. If such a study has not been undertake, kindly conduct A field-based  assessment of the impact to archaeological resources  by a qualified archaeologist. The report must comply with section 38(3) of the NHRA and the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012 Minimum Standards: Archaeological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Minimum Standards provides allowance for a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption that can be submitted by a qualified archaeologist should they deem it appropriate.The project footprint  is largely located in an area of zero palaeontological sensitivity. However, there are patches of high palaeontological sensitivity across the project footprint. Therefore a desktop assessment assessment of the impact to palaeontological resources must be undertaken,a field assessment may be required depending outcome. The assessment must be conducted by a qualified palaeontologist. The report must comply with section 38(3) of the NHRA and the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Minimum Standards provides allowance for a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption that can be submitted by a qualified palaeontologist should they deem it appropriate.
Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above and the draft EIA with associated appendices.