Case Decision - 194493

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that a Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) inclusive a field visit be conducted during the EIA phase of the EA process as the proposed footprint for the prospecting activities is located within an area of very high palaeontological sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. The PIA must be conducted by a qualified palaeontologist and the report must comply with the SAHRA 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments.
As the Draft EIA has been submitted without comments from SAHRA, SAHRA advises the applicant to extend the EA process in terms of section 23(1)b of the NEMA regulations in order to comply with this comment.
SAHRA awaits the requested PIA before further comments are issued.