Case Decision - 350955

Interim Comment

The SAHRA requests that an updated, application specific HIA be conducted for the application. The HIA Minimum Standards refer to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for further studies 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.

The proposed development is located within an area of very high Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a field-based 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. The Minimum Standards refer to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption for further studies 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.

Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above requested reports and a revised DBAR that incorporates the results of the heritage specialists. The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA EIA regulations in order to address this comment.