Case Decision - 380823

Interim Comment

The SAHRA Development Applications Unit (DAU) acknowledges the submitted Heritage Report. However, the proposed development is located within an area of 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/for a list of qualified palaeontologists). The report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments. 

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 above requested report and a revised DBAR that incorporates the results of the specialist assessment. 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.