AE01844V
A REPORT ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR TWO PROPOSED 22 KV POWER LINES CLOSE TO CHRISTIANA, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Archaetnos cc was requested by Landscape Dynamics to conduct an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) for ESKOM, related to the proposed construction of two 22KV power lines close to Christiana. This is in the North West Province.
Both power lines are needed to provide electricity for farming purposes. The first is a 3 km line, directly south of the Vaal River and towards the south-west of Christiana. This is on the farm Van Aswegenshoek. The second is a 4 km line south of Christiana and runs over the farms Bloubosput, Marydale and Boesmansput.
The Terms of Reference for the survey were to:
- Identify objects, sites, occurrences and structures of an archaeological or historical nature (cultural heritage sites) located in the surveyed area.
- Study background information on the area to be developed.
- Assess the significance of the cultural resources in terms of their archaeological, historical, scientific, social, religious, and aesthetic and tourism value.
- Describe the possible impact of the proposed development on these cultural remains, according to a standard set of conventions.
- Recommend suitable mitigation measures to minimize possible negative impacts on the cultural resources by the proposed development.
- Review applicable legislative requirements.
A survey of the available literature was undertaken in order to obtain background information regarding the area. This was followed by the field survey which was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices, aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of the proposed development.
During the survey no sites of cultural heritage significance were identified.
The following is recommended:
- This report is seen as sufficient mitigation and the proposed development may therefore continue.
- It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artefacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, work on site immediate cease and a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.
In this regard the following ‘Chance find Procedure’ should be followed:
- Upon finding any archaeological or historical material all work at the affected area must cease.
· The area should be demarcated in order to prevent any further work there until an investigation has been completed.
· An archaeologist should be contacted immediately to provide advice on the matter.
- Should it be a minor issue, the archaeologist will decide on future action. Depending on the nature of the find, it may include a site visit.
- SAHRA’s APM Unit may also be notified.
· If needed the necessary permit will be applied for with SAHRA. This will be done in conjunction with the appointed archaeologist.
· The removal of such archaeological material will be done by the archaeologist in lieu of the approval given by SAHRA, including any conditions stipulated by the latter.
· Work on site will only continue after the archaeologist/ SAHRA has agreed to such a matter.
It is also important to take cognizance that it is the client’s responsibility to do the submission of this report via the SAHRIS System on the SAHRA website. No work on site may commence before receiving the necessary comments from SAHRA.