Case Decision - 196835

Final Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) accepts the HIA report submitted to this case and SAHRA endorses the recommendations provided therein. Furthermore, as the palaeotological sensitivity of the area is insignificant/grey on the SAHRIS palaeomap, there is no requirements for an assessment of impacts to palaeontological resources. The SAHRA has no objection to the development going ahead on the following conditions:The chance finds procedures in the HIA report are adhered to.The walkdown survey report of the power line route must be submitted to the case once it is available.
In the unlikely event that fossils are uncovered during construction then construction must cease within the immediate vicinity, a buffer of 30 m must be established, and a palaeontologist called in to inspect the finds. The palaeontologist must obtain a section 35(4) permit in terms of NHRA and Chapter IV NHRA Regulations, before any fossils are collected.
If there are any new heritages resources are discovered during construction and operation phases of the proposed development, then a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the findings at the expense of the developer.
If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required at the expense of the developer. Mitigation will only be carried out after the archaeologist or palaeontologist obtains a permit in terms of section 35 of the NHRA (Act 25 of 1999). You may contact SAHRA APM Unit for further details: (Nokukhanya Khumalo/Phillip Hine 021 202 8654).
If any unmarked human burials are uncovered and the archaeologist called in to inspect the finds and/or the police find them to be heritage graves, then mitigation may be necessary and the SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit must be contacted for processes to follow (Thingahangwi Tshivase/Mimi Seetelo 072 802 1251).
The Final BAR and its appendices must be submitted to the case and once a Record of Decision from the competent authority is issued, it must also be submitted to the case. This Final Comment must forwarded to the competent authority.