Case Decision - 192886

Final Comment
*It must be noted that this development and the comments issued on this development as per section 38(4) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA) fall under the jurisdiction of SAHRA and not HNC.*
The SAHRA Archaeological, Palaeontological and Meteorites (APM) Unit has no objection to proposed amendment to the EA and supports the recommendations of the specialists. The comments provided in the Final Comment on SAHRIS Case ID 6537 issued on the 07/10/2014 and the Letter issued on the 02/06/2016 still apply and must be incorporated into the EMPr along with the following conditions:

Any further changes to the WEF layout should be approved by an archaeologist and by SAHRA;
The graves identified as part of the original assessment must be cordoned off to ensure their protection;
Any structures older than 60 years is protected under s. 34 of the NHRA and as such any alteration or demolition of these structures must be approved by the Northern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority;
If any evidence of archaeological sites or remains (e.g. remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, charcoal and ash concentrations), fossils or other categories of heritage resources are found during the proposed development, SAHRA APM Unit (Natasha Higgitt/Phillip Hine 021 462 5402) must be alerted. If unmarked human burials are uncovered, the SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit (Thingahangwi Tshivhase/Mimi Seetelo 012 320 8490), must be alerted immediately. A professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the findings. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required subject to permits issued by SAHRA;
As the Final EA Amendment report has been completed, this comment must be forwarded directly to the competent authority for their consideration as part of the decision making process. Proof of the submission and receipt thereof must be provided to SAHRA;
Should the project be granted an amended Environmental Authorisation, SAHRA must be notified and all relevant documents submitted to the case file.