Case Decision - 195074

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) unit requests that an assessment of the impacts to heritage resources that complies with section 38(3) of the NHRA as required by section 38(8) of the NHRA and section 24(4)b(iii) of NEMA be conducted as part of the EA process.
The assessment must include an assessment of the impact to archaeological and palaeontological resources. The assessment of archaeological resources must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and the report comply with the SAHRA 2007 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessment Reports (see www.asapa.co.za or www.aphp.org.za for a list of qualified archaeologists).
The proposed development is located within an area of moderate to very high Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) inclusive of a site visit must be undertaken by a qualified palaeontologist. The report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments.
SAHRA advises the applicant to extend the EA process in order to address these SAHRA comments as part of the EA process in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA Regulations.