Heritage Cases

Phase 3 is the subject of this application as there have been some minor pipeline deviations. A significant portion of the preliminary pipeline route for Phase 3 of the NAA was proposed within Provincial, District or Local road servitudes or reserves. However, more recent discussions with the Department of Transport (DoT) indicate that future road expansion plans may be impacted by the proposed horizontal pipeline alignment, and the pipeline needs to be realigned to run outside of the road reserve in order to avoid the future road plans proposed by DoT. In terms of the pipeline, the position of the pipeline has moved approximately 4m outside of the approved road reserve area. In some instances, the deviation is slightly greater to avoid homesteads and informal dwellings. The road reserve generally encompasses a 15m buffer from the centre of the road on either side (i.e. a 30m corridor). All specialist studies assessed a 20m buffer on either side of the road (i.e. a 40m working corridor). This larger area was assessed to avoid any later applications for an amended route. The specialist assessments, in most instances, encompass the 4m proposed deviation in which the impacts were assessed in the previous application. Refer to “NAA Layout and Sensitivities_full route” for a layout of the full pipeline showing the previously approved route and the amendments. A full Heritage Assessment was undertaken in June 2011 (refer to the Heritage Report added as part of this application). The Heritage Survey concluded that three archaeological sites on Phase 3 will be partially affected however no mitigation was required with regards to any of the sites. No red flag heritage sites were identified. eThekwini Water and Sanitation were advised to apply to Amafa KZN for a permit to damage the heritage sites. These sites are: • Archaeological sites: NAA01, NAA02, NAA03 will be partially affected (refer “Phase 3 heritage sites” map) In response to the heritage specialist findings, partial destruction permits were applied for from AMAFA on the 11/10/2011 during the EIA phase. The amended route will affect the same sites as previously authorised the route follows a similar path and has been shifted approximately 4m from where it was originally proposed.