Case Decision - 198058

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit is not satisfied with the motivation for no field-based PIA to be conducted of the stream crossings during the EIA phase of the EA application, as it does not comply with the 2012 PIA Minimum Standards. As per section 24(4)b(iii) of NEMA, it is incumbent on the EAP to assess all impacts to the environment prior to the decision-making stage and prior to the authorisation of the development to ensure that the risk and impacts to both the heritage resources and to the project are identified so that may be mitigated prior to the development commencing. Unlike the layout of the WEF, the position of the stream crossings will not change, and as such the stream crossings must be assessed to the satisfaction of SAHRA during the EIA phase so that the competent authority has all the necessary information to make a decision regarding the authorisation of the proposed development.
As such, SAHRA waits the requested field-based PIA of the stream crossings before further comments will be issued.