Case Decision - 191888

Interim comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit reviewed the submitted HIA and does not accept the recommendations. Instead, the following recommendations must be followed for the identified heritage sites:
1) 1 cemetery: 180m away from the N8, to be avoided.
2) Old sleeper fence posts: to be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, a heritage practitioner must record them and apply for a mitigation permit from SAHRA.
3) 2 memorials from accidents: Social consultant to liaise with concerned families regarding the relocation/removal of these.
4) 1 tree lane: to be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, a heritage practitioner must record them and apply for a mitigation permit from SAHRA.
5) Stone posts in the fence of the Eden Borrow Pit: to be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, a heritage practitioner must record them and apply for a mitigation permit from SAHRA.
According to the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity Map, the area falls within an area of very high palaeontological sensitivity. Therefore the SAHRA APM Unit requires a field-based Palaeontological Impact Assessment to be conducted by a qualified palaeontologist  and submitted to the application.
Additionally, the Basic Assessment Report/ Scoping and EIA incl. all appendices and EMPr must be submitted to the application.