Case Decision - 383475

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(iii) of NEMA:

• The SAHRA DAU acknowledges receipt of specialist reports.
• The PIA report determines that, the highly sensitive palaeontological layers underlying the development footprint will not be impacted on due to the material between the fossil layer and surface.
• Reliance of such material is deemed not adequate to mitigate the potential impact posed on the highly sensitive fossil layer by the proposed development and, therefore;
• the SAHRA DAU is requesting a field-based Palaeontological Impact Assessment report for the proposed developments in terms of section 38(8) of the NHRA.
• The 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. 
• Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the field-based PIA report.