Case Decision - 370027

Interim Comment

The proposed power line lies within an area of very high, high and moderate palaeontological sensitivity as well as in an area that shows only minor disturbance, therefore the likelihood of uncovering in-situ heritage resources needs to be assessed. 

As per section 38(2)a of the NHRA, SAHRA requests that a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) including a Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) be conducted for the proposed development that complies with section 38(3) of the NHRA. The following must be included in the HIA and PIA:

• The assessment must include an assessment of the impact to archaeological resources. The assessment of archaeological resources must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and the report 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 proposed development is located within an area of very high, high and moderate Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a field 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.
• The required HIA must include a R2000 payment as per the SAHRA Fee Schedule.

Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the requested HIA and PIA.