Case Decision - 194396

Final comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit reviewed and accepts the HIA and recommendations therein. The area is situated in an area of moderate to high palaeontological sensitivity; however, as the area has been extensively disturbed previously and the area appears to be underlain by mainly Quaternary sediments of low palaeontological sensitivity the SAHRA APM Unit exempts the develop from undertaking a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment. A Fossil Finds Procedure must be included in the EMP for implementation.
The following conditions must be adhered to and must be incorporated into the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for implementation:
1. Should any objects of archaeological or palaeontological 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 resources is considered significant a Phase 2 assessment may be required. A permit from the responsible heritage authority will be needed.4. Should any human remains be uncovered during development, the activities must be immediately following SAHRA's 'What to do when graves are uncovered', section 3, must be followed as far as possible. 
5. A Chance Finds Procedures must be developed for the project to ensure that standard protocols and steps are followed should any heritage and/or fossil 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.
6. 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.The SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit also reviewed the HIA and comments that both the formal and informal cemetery must be fenced-in with a designated buffer zone, including a gate for access.