Case Decision - 197558

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that an assessment of the impact to heritage resources be completed as required by section 24(4)b(iii) of NEMA that complies with section 38(3) of the NHRA as required by section 38(8) of the NHRA. The HIA must include an archaeological and palaeontological component.
The archaeological component of the HIA must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and must 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 prospecting footprint is located in an area of moderate sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity Map. Therefore, a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment 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 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. Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the requested studies and updated draft BAR documents inclusive of appendices.