Case Decision - 351061

Interim Comment

In terms of palaeontological heritage, the SA Palaeontological Sensitivity Map indicates that the study area has very high fossil sensitivity, therefore a palaeontological assessment is required. The SAHRA 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments makes reference to a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption that is to be submitted if there is no likelihood that heritage sites will be impacted. SAHRA awaits the above palaeontological desktop study/ Letter of Recommendation for Exemption completed by a qualified palaeontologist to be submitted before further comments can be issued.

The SAHRA will comment further on the application when the above-mentioned PIA report is submitted to the case. The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 19(1) of the NEMA EIA regulations in order to address this comment.