Case Decision - 198561

Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that an assessment of the impact to heritage resources be undertaken as part of the EA process 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). As the location of the prospecting is not yet known, a desktop HIA may be conducted. Based on the results of the desktop HIA, SAHRA may request a field assessment to be undertaken, which must be undertaken as part of the EA process.
The proposed development is located within an area of medium and high Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As the location of the boreholes is not yet known, 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.
Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above requested reports and draft EIA inclusive of all appendices.