Case Decision - 379916

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:

• According to the desktop PIA report, a field assessment is only required if fossils are found during field studies. This may put significant palaeontological heritage resources at an even higher risk if a field assessment and mitigation measures, based on field findings, are not put in place prior to earth moving activities. 
• Therefore, the SAHRA DAU is requesting a field-based Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) for the proposed development in terms of section 38(3) of the NHRA.
• The field-based 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 receipt of the desktop PIA report.