Case Decision - 353900

Interim Comment

The SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) is making the following comments in terms of section 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act as contemplated by the EIA process in terms of section 24(4)b(ii) of NEMA:

• The SAHRA DAU is requesting specialist Heritage Impact Assessment and Palaeontological Impact Assessment reports for the proposed developments in terms of section 38(8) of the NHRA.
• The field-based archaeological component of the HIA must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and must comply with the SAHRA 2007 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessment Reports (see www.asapa.co.za or www.aphp.org.za for a list of qualified archaeologists). The Minimum Standards refer to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for further studies should the specialist deem it appropriate. SAHRA reserves the right to insist on a field-based assessment should the Letter of Recommendation not provide ample information to make an informed comment.
• The proposed development is located within an area of negligible and close to area of very high Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) must be undertaken by a qualified palaeontologist. (See https://www.palaeosa.org/heritage-practitioners.html for a list of qualified palaeontologists). The report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Minimum Standards refer to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for further studies should the specialist deem it appropriate. SAHRA reserves the right to insist on a field-based assessment should the Letter of Recommendation not provide ample information to make an informed comment.
• Further comments will be issued upon submission of further requirements and revised DBAR that incorporates the results and recommendations of the heritage reports.