Case Decision - 355169

Interim Comment:

The SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) is making the following comments in terms of section 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act as contemplated by the EIA process in terms of section 24(4)b(ii) of NEMA:

• The SAHRA DAU notes the HIA report submitted and its recommendations.
• The proposed development is located within an area of a 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.
• Further comments will be issued upon submission of the PIA report;
• The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 23(1)(b) of the NEMA EIA Regulations in order to address this comment.