B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 101 Policies 8.2, 8.3 and 8.6 of the RPS are the primary policies (insofar as Area 2 is concerned) that give effect to Objectives 3.14 and 3.15. Policy 8.2 is of particular relevance to Area 2 as the Mataura Wetland meets the significance criteria of the WRP. This policy requires the protection, and where appropriate, enhancement of the significant values of wetlands. For the reasons set out with respect to the NPSFM, the evaluation provided for Policy 6 applies in relation to the protection of the values associated with Mataura Wetland. Policy 8.3 is also of particular relevance to the activities undertaken within Area 2. This policy directs the effects of activities be managed to maintain or enhance the identified values of freshwater bodies by: reducing sediment in freshwater bodies, microbial and nutrient contamination;27 where appropriate, protecting and enhancing riparian and wetland habitat, instream habitat diversity and indigenous biodiversity, including provision for migratory patterns for indigenous freshwater species;28 avoiding physical modification of freshwater bodies where practicable and inappropriate development in floodplains;29 and managing groundwater and surface water flow/level regimes, the linkages between groundwater and surface water and pest and weed species where they contribute to freshwater body degradation.30 In accordance with these directions: Best practice management techniques are being employed to minimise the effects of the discharge of contaminants and sediment during construction and operation of activities within Area 2 (refer to Section 6 of the AEE). With these measures in place, the construction and operation of activities within Area 2 will not adversely affect the Council’s ability to achieve an overall reduction of sediment and contaminants within the Mataura Stream River catchment; 31 For the reasons set out above with respect to the NPSFM, Policy 7 applies in relation to the avoidance of physical modification of freshwater bodies where practicable;32 Enhancing instream and riparian habitat and biological diversity is central to enhancement work and offsetting proposed within Area 2. The reclamation of 27 Policy 8.3(a)(i) and (a)(iii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 28 Policy 8.3(b)(i)-(iii) and (c) Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 29 Policy 8.3(d)(i))-(ii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 30 Policy 8.3(e)(i))-(iii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement 31 Policy 8.3(a)(i)-(iv), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 32 Policy 8.3(d)(i), Waikato Regional Policy Statement.
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