Case Decision - 198318

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit notes that an assessment of the impact to heritage resources will be conducted as part of the EA process. The HIA must comply with section 38(3) of the NHRA as required by section 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA) and section 24(4)b(iii) of NEMA.
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 Minimum Standards refers to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for Further Studies that may be submitted, should the appointed archaeological deem it appropriate.
The proposed development is located within an area of low Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, no further assessment of the impact to palaeontological resources is required, however a Fossil Finds Procedure must be included in the EMPr.
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.
Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the HIA and draft EIA inclusive of appendices.