Case Decision - 353854

Final Decision

The SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) has no objections to the development and is satisfied that the PIA addresses any possible impacts to palaeontological resources and supports the following recommendations.

• Mitigation will be needed if fossils are found during the development. These may be present in layers below surface.
• The Environmental Control Officer must familiarise themselves with the formations present and its fossils and follow protocol and meet with Site Manager regularly.
• For a chance fossil find, the protocol is to immediately cease all construction activities, construct a 30m no-go barrier, and contact SAHRA for further investigation.

The applicant is further advised of the following:

• If any evidence of archaeological sites or remains (e.g. remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, charcoal and ash concentrations), fossils or other categories of heritage resources are found during the proposed development, SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) (Natasha Higgitt 021 202 8660) 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 021 202 8600) 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 offenses;
• 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.