Case Decision - 355500

Interim Comment

The SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) notes the submitted draft Scoping Report for the case.

Since the development is located in an area of moderate palaeontological sensitivity a desktop Study PIA is required. The assessment must be undertaken by a qualified palaeontologist and the report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments. Further comments will be issued upon the submission of the revised HIA and the desktop-based PIA. 

The SAHRA DAU requests that an assessment of the impact to heritage resources that complies with section 38(3) of the NHRA as required by section 38(8) of the NHRA must be conducted as part of the EA process. The Heritage Impact Assessment must include an archaeological component. 

The field-based archaeological component of the HIA must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and must comply with the SAHRA 2007 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessment Reports (see www.asapa.co.za or www.aphp.org.za for a list of qualified archaeologists). 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 DEIA, Heritage Impact Assessment, and Palaeontological Impact Assessment.