B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 68 The works will avoid the Mataura Wetland containing the swamp maire, and a minimum 10 m planted buffer (with fencing) is proposed around this wetland. During mining, inflows into the wetland could potentially decrease, however this is not likely to be discernible from natural variability which occurs during the summer period. Fencing and substantial habitat enhancement of this wetland are also proposed which will enhance its value. A range of additional ecological enhancement measures are also proposed at Area 2 which will result in an improved and enhanced catchment compared to that at present. They are shown in Figure 20 below, and include riparian planting, fencing and pest management of the full extent of the Mataura Stream and Tributary 3 within Area 2. The loss of Tributary 2 is also temporary and following removal of the WRS it will be rehabilitated such that in the long term Tributary 2 will contain an improved and enhanced catchment compared to that at present. These additional actions are positive effects of the project and are beyond the extent of riparian planting required to offset for the reclamation of Tributary 2. When combined with the offset measures, Boffa Miskell (2022a) considers that the proposed activities will result in a long term net gain in freshwater ecological benefit for this location.
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