Case Decision - 197382

Interim Comment The archaeological component of the HIA should follow the SAHRA 2007 Minimum Standards: Archaeological Component of Impact Assessment Report. The quickest process to follow for the archaeological component would be to contract a qualified archaeologist (see www.asapa.co.za or www.aphp.org.za). The proposed development area is located mostly within an area of high sensitivity in terms of palaeontological resources as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) must be undertaken by a qualified palaeontologist (See https://www.palaeosa.org/heritage-practitioners.html for a list of qualified palaeontologists). The report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments. Any other heritage resources as defined in section 3 of the NHRA that may be impacted, such as built structures over 60 years old, sites of cultural significance associated with oral histories, burial grounds and graves, graves of victims of conflict, and cultural landscapes or viewscapes must also be assessed.The SAHRA advises the EAP to make an application to the competent authority in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA EIA Regulations to extend the EA process to comply with the comment.