Case Decision - 199779

Interim Comment
As the proposed development is located in an area of very high sensitivity for palaeontological resources as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity Map, a field-based PIA is required to be conducted as part of the EA application and 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. The standards also refer to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for further assessment should the specialist deem it appropriate. SAHRA reserves the right to insist on a field-based assessment should the Letter of Recommendation not provide ample information to make an informed comment.
SAHRA advises the applicant to extend the EA application process in terms of section 23(1)b of the NEMA EIA regulations in order to address this comment.