Case Decision - 352481

Final Comment

The following comments are made to confirm compliance with the NHRA regarding the impact on and management of palaeontological resources within the Hantam PV Solar Energy Facility and associated infrastructure, near Loeriesfontein, Northern Cape Province (Ref: No 12/12/20/2049/1-7).

• The recommendations of the specialists are supported and must be adhered to. Further additional specific conditions are provided for the development as follows:
• A palaeontological monitoring programme must be developed for any future development within the project site;
• If any evidence of fossils or other categories of heritage resources are found during the proposed development, SAHRA Development Applications Unit (Natasha Higgitt 012 202 8660/ [email protected]) must be alerted as per section 35(3) of the NHRA. Non-compliance with section of the NHRA is an offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule;
• If unmarked human burials are uncovered, the SAHRA DAU (Natasha Higgitt 012 202 8660/ [email protected]) must be alerted immediately as per section 36(6) of the NHRA. Non-compliance with section of the NHRA is an offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule;
• See section 51(1) of the NHRA regarding offences;
• The following conditions apply with regards to the appointment of specialists:
• i) If heritage resources are uncovered during the course of the development, a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the heritage resource. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required subject to permits issued by SAHRA;
• This comment must be forwarded to the competent authority has part of the closure of the non-compliance of the condition of the granted EA.