01921V

A REPORT ON A CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A FILLING STATION (STORAGE AND HANDLING OF HYDROCARBONS) ON PORTION 348 OF THE FARM WATERKLOOF 305JQ, RUSTENBURG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Summary

Archaetnos cc was requested by Hydro Science to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for a proposed development of a filling station on portion 348 of the farm Waterkloof 305JQ. The development entails inter alia the installation of underground tanks for the handling and storage of hydrocarbons. The location of the site is close to the town of Rustenburg in the North West Province

The methodology for the study includes a survey of literature and a field survey. The latter was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices and was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development.

If required, the location/position of any site was determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS), while photographs were also taken where needed.  The survey was undertaken by doing a physical survey via off-road vehicle and on foot and covered as much as possible of the area to be studied. Certain factors, such as accessibility, density of vegetation, etc. may however influence the coverage.

All sites, objects, features and structures identified were documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.

Public consultation was handled by Hydro Science. This is a full public participation process and is dealt with as per NEMA requirements.

No sites of heritage significance were located in the surveyed area.

The following is recommended:

 

  • Since nothing of heritage significance was identified, the development may proceed. The necessary authorization can therefore be given.
  • The proposed development may continue only after approval of this report by SAHRA.
  • It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Due to the density of vegetation, it also is possible that some sites may only become known later on. Operating controls and monitoring should therefore be aimed at the possible unearthing of such features. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.

Report by:

Prof. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)

Accredited member of ASAPA (Accreditation number: 166)

Accredited member of SASCH (Accreditation number: CH001)

Report by