Case Decision - 190833

Interim comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit accepts the submitted HIA and accepts the recommendations therein. A 30 m buffer zone must be established around the graves. Conditions as outlined below apply and must be incorporated into the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for implementation.
However, a palaeontological component is missing in the HIA and the PalaeoSensitivity Map on SAHRIS indicates moderate to high sensitivity for the proposed area. SAHRA APM Unit requests a field based Palaeontological Impact Assessment to be conducted by a qualified palaeontologist and submitted to the application before drilling commences.
1. Should any objects of archaeological remains be found during construction activities, work must immediately stop in that area and the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be informed.
2. The ECO must inform the South African Heritage Recourse Agency (SAHRA) and contact an archaeologist and/or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the find, to assess the importance and rescue them if necessary (with the relevant SAHRA permit). No work may be resumed in this area without the permission from the ECO and SAHRA.
3. If the newly discovered heritage resource is considered significant a Phase 2 assessment may be required. A permit from the responsible heritage authority will be needed.
4. A Chance Finds Procedures must be developed for the project to ensure that standard protocols and steps are followed should any heritage resources be uncovered during all phases of the project. These procedures should outline the steps and reporting structure to be followed in the instance that heritage resources are found. This must be included in the Environmental Awareness Plan.
5. The final EIA and appendices must be submitted to SAHRA upon submission to DEA. Should the project be granted Environmental Authorisation, SAHRA must be notified and all relevant documents submitted to the case file.