Case Decision - 355141

Interim Comment

SAHRA requests that an assessment of the impacts to heritage resources that complies with section 38(3) of the NHRA as required by section 38(8) of the NHRA and section 24(4)b(iii) of NEMA be conducted as part of the EA process.

The assessment must include an assessment of the impact to archaeological resources. The field-based assessment of archaeological resources must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and the report 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 assessment must include the track logs of the area to be surveyed.

Any other heritage resources as defined in section 3 of the NHRA that may be impacted, such as built structures over 60 years old, sites of cultural significance associated with oral histories, burial grounds and graves, graves of victims of conflict, and cultural landscapes or viewscapes must also be assessed.

The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA EIA regulations in order to address this comment. Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above requested reports.