Case Decision - 367772

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 submission of the HIA report.
• The applicant is required to confirm the extent of the burial grounds as stated on page 7 of the HIA report through a Ground Penetrating Radar technology through a section 36 of the NHRA permit for the disturbance of the burial grounds.
• Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the PIA and amended HIA which incorporates confirmed extent of the burial rounds.
• The proposed development footprint lies on high palaeosensitivity in terms of the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity Map. Therefore, a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA in terms of section 38(8) of the NHRA is requested.
• The  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 reciept of the requested documentation.