Case Decision - 197149

Interim CommentThe SAHRA APM Unit acknowledges receipt of the BAR application and request that the following is undertaken in terms of section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) as part of the EA application process.The proposed development has the potential to impact negatively on heritage and/or cultural resources, therefore a heritage impact assessment must be conducted. A field-based  assessment of the impact to archaeological resources must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist. The report must comply with section 38(3) of the NHRA and the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012 Minimum Standards: Archaeological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Minimum Standards provides allowance for a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption that can be submitted by a qualified archaeologist should they deem it appropriate.The proposed development area cuts through a section of moderate palaeontological sensitivity to the east. The potential of the proposed construction of a cattle feedlot on palaeo-heritage is considered low. It recommened that a Chance Find Protocol (CFP) be developed for the project.  The CFP  must be developed by a qualified palaeontologist. The CPF  must comply with section 38(3) of the NHRA and the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Minimum Standards provides allowance for a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption that can be submitted by a qualified palaeontologist should they deem it appropriate.
Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above. The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA EIA regulations in order to comply with this comment.